Items tagged with Nexus
Google is rewarding "loyal Nexus" owners with a tantalizing discount on new hardware. In emails sent out to Nexus owners, Google pitches an exclusive 20 percent discount on the cost of a new Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL handset, valid through the end of February. Unfortunately the deal is not available to the general public, but for those who own a Nexus device, this is a pretty sweet discount on a high-end Android phone. Exactly how much you stand to save depends on which model you go for, along with the amount of onboard storage. The Pixel 2 line ranges in price from $649 (Pixel 2 with 64GB) to $949 (Pixel 2 XL with 128GB). Here is a rundown of each SKU and how much Nexus owners can save on each one:...
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We first brought you news about Google's Instant Tethering feature last month, and it now looks as though it's officially rolling out to Pixel and Nexus smartphones. More specifically, Instant Tethering is available on the Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Nexus 6.In order to enable the functionality, you have to be running Android 7.1.1 (or newer). So, how does Instant Tethering work? If your Pixel or Nexus smartphone has an active cellular connection, any supported device (that is logged into the same Google account) can automatically connect to the host's Wi-Fi hotspot."When you unlock a tablet such as the Pixel C, it will notice if there is no internet connection available, and will...
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If you own a Google Pixel, Pixel XL or supported Nexus device, Google has a new build of Android Nougat available for you to download — Android 7.1.1 to be exact. You can obtain the new software via an over-the-air (OTA) update, or you can download the full factory images directly from Google. Android 7.1.1 brings enhanced support for app shortcuts, GIF searches from the keyboard (similar to functionality we’ve seen with the Gboard app for iOS), new emojis, enhances virtual reality performance for Daydream VR-compatible smartphones, and improved support for live wallpapers. You will also find a fix for the Dirty Cow Linux exploit (along with 40 others) that are baked in with the included December...
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If you’ve grown a fond attachment to Google’s Nexus branding for its flagship Android smartphones and tablets, now might be the time to cut the cord. According to a new report out today, Google will axe the Nexus name starting with this year’s Marlin and Sailfish Android 7.0 Nougat smartphones. Although the Nexus name has been prominently displayed on devices since the original Nexus One debuted in 2009, Google will instead put its name front and center for all to see. And even more telling, Google reportedly won’t even give a shout out to the company that actually is designing and producing this year’s batch of smartphones: HTC. This latest report could also coalesce around previous rumors that...
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The running rumor is that Google has tapped HTC to build both of its 2016 Nexus phones, each one set to debut with Android 7.0 Nougat. Of the two, the one codenamed Sailfish is the smaller handset, presumably with a screen size of 5 inches, versus the larger Marlin phone that's said to sport a 5.5-inch display. If you're wondering what they'll look like, some low quality photos of the former give an early glimpse, assuming they're legit shots. Photos of the unreleased handset ended up in the hands of Android Police, which said it's 100 percent positive it's Sailfish that's pictured, not the larger Marlin phone. One thing you can see from the pictures is that HTC went with a premium metallic design....
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A new version of Android is on the horizon, Android 7.0 otherwise deliciously known as Nougat, along with a refresh of Google's Nexus smartphone line (assuming the new phones will still carry the Nexus name) for 2016. But wait, there's more! Well, maybe. Rumor has it Google is planning to debut a fancy new Launcher for its forthcoming Nexus smartphones known as Marlin and Sailfish.While nothing is yet official, the folks at Android Police believe they have it on good authority from "multiple reliable sources" that this is happening. Combined with "substantial visual evidence" in the form of animated GIFs and still images, the site rates its confidence level in the rumor a nine out of ten, noting...
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HTC is rumored to be taking over duties for both Nexus smartphones that will ship later this year to highlight Android 7.0 Nougat. The bigger of the two smartphones is codenamed Marlin, and Android Police has revealed the specs of the device (the well-connected purveyor of all things Android rates its confidence in the information at 9 out of 10).(Image Source: Dominic Sherony/flicker) According to its sources, Marlin will feature: Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC (but no word on if it’s Snapdragon 820, 821 or 823)4GB RAM32GB/128GB of storage5.5" QHD AMOLED display12MP main camera, 8MP selfie cameraBottom-firing speakersFingerprint reader (rear-mounted)3450 mAh batteryBluetooth 4.2USB-C port...
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Is the Nexus line of smartphones not Googley enough for you? Well, it looks as though Google is putting the finishing touches on a new Android smartphone that will bear its name instead of the familiar Nexus branding. This latest report of a Google smartphone comes from The Telegraph, citing “sources familiar with the discussions.” Although Nexus devices carry the torch for Android smartphones (new Nexus flagship launch with the latest and greatest version of Android), they’re designed and manufactured by third-party OEMs. Last year, Huawei was tasked with building the 5.7-inch Nexus 6P, while LG built the lower-end Nexus 5X. But as we’ve been hearing more and more frequently, Google wants greater...
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Google is currently building a live support app with screen-sharing capabilities for its Nexus line of smartphone. The goal is to create a feature similar to Amazon’s Mayday button found on Fire tablets and the defunct Fire Phone. In the past, Google support has been particularly challenging for those who have bought their phones online. A screen-sharing feature would make this experience less frustrating for customer and would allow Google’s tech support to presumably resolve issues more quickly. At this point, however, we know very little about what screen-sharing feature will offer. It is safe to assume that chat or live audio would be included, though it is unclear if Google’s tech support...
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One of the biggest benefits to owning a Nexus device is getting access to Android updates the moment they become available, as opposed to having to sit around twiddling your thumbs while your handset maker and wireless carrier go through the lengthy process of adding in their own custom bits and certifying that everything's running properly. Unfortunately, Nexus devices aren't supported indefinitely. If you're wondering when your handset officially reaches its end of life (in terms of guaranteed updates), Google has the answer. Google commits to supporting Nexus devices with new Android builds for at least two years after the hardware first debuts on the Google Store. Security patches are doled...
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We're inching ever closer to the formal release of the next major version Android, referred to simply as Android N, which is due out any day now. In the meantime, Google has made available fourth developer preview of Android N, noting that the APIs for Android N are now final, along with the Software Development Kit (SDK). All that's left are some "finishing touches" before rolling out to consumers later this summer. Supported preview devices include the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus 9G, Nexus PLayer, Pixel X, General Mobile 4G (Android One), and Sony's Xperia Z3 handset. If you have a supported device, you can update to the Android N preview by enrolling it to receive automatic...
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As we reported previously, Google is looking to have more control over its future Nexus smartphones. In the past, Google has farmed out the design and manufacturing of its Nexus devices to third-party OEMs, and has installed a bone stock version of Android. While that approach is nice for those that want a no frills, barebones Android experience, not many people are actually lining up to purchase a Nexus smartphone. According to CEO Sundar Pichai, Google is looking to be a little more ambitious about the design of its Nexus smartphones going forward. While Google still has no plans to go it alone with manufacturing its Nexus smartphones, it will have more input on the design direction of future...
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Google just recently announced that its Photos service—the one it introduced only a year ago and that replaced Picasa—is now used by around 200 million people, who've collectively uploaded 13.7 petabytes of pics, including 24 billion selfies. It's a well liked service, to state the obvious, and for Nexus owners, it's going to get even better with Google planning to remove the data cap on how many original size photos users can upload.As it currently stands, you can choose between two storage options, High quality and Original. If you choose the High quality option, Google will give you unlimited storage space for your photos and videos, but it caps photos at 16 megapixels and videos at 1080p....
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If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your Nexus smartphone’s exterior, Google has a new offering that might be right up your alley. The search giant has introduced what it calls Live Cases, which are essentially plastic cases that snap onto the back of your smartphone. But these are more than just your everyday, static cases — you can visit the Google Store and try out the My Live Case workshop, which will allow you to upload your favorite photos to add to the case. You can then apply filters (there are a dozen to choose from) to add an even more personal touch. However, the magic starts with the live wallpapers that are specifically tied to the Live Case that you design. As soon as you snap...
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If you’ve been looking in from the outside with regards to Google’s Project Fi wireless service, now is your chance to hop in with no strings attached. When Google launched Project Fi last year, it did so using an invitation-only system that artificially limited the number of people that could join the service. Google has stripped out the invite system and has now opened up Project Fi to anyone with a Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P (voice and data) or data-only with the Nexus 9, iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 4 or Galaxy Tab S. For those that need a refresher, Google charges you a flat $20 per month for a the Fi Basics package, which includes unlimited talk and text, Wi-Fi tethering, and international calling...
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Google might be taking a page from its rival and changing the way it operates in the mobile phone space, at least on the manufacturing side. Rather than continue to outsource production to established players like HTC and LG, Google's now interested in controlling the entire process from start to finish, much like Apple.The way it works now is Google partners up with third-party handset makers and gives them a list of features, requirements, and specifications for whatever Nexus phone it has on tap. Over the years, companies like ASUS, Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei have played major roles in bringing Google's hardware to market, but that could change.It's said that Google CEO Sundar Pichai has...
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The original Google Nexus 5 shipped right around this time two full years ago. Much has evolved in the smartphone space in the 24 months since then, but little has changed in terms of branding with this latest LG-built Nexus device. The 5.2-inch Nexus 5X we will be showing you here is positioned as the mainstream Nexus phone in the Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) lineup, with an unlocked base price of only $379, though street prices are actually lower. Nexus 5X on the left; Nexus 6P on the right Put simply, the Nexus 5X is designed for mainstream smartphone users, looking for a strong value. Google thinks this phone hits a sweet spot in the lineup, and we'd probably agree with that assessment....
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If you thought that Google’s Project Fi Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) service was good before, things just got a little bit better today -- the company has announced data-only support for some of the most popular tablets available. Customers who are already signed up for Project Fi will be able to order a data-only SIM (up to nine can be ordered from Google) and insert it into their tablet to gain wireless service. If you haven’t already signed up for Project Fi, you’ll have to request an invite and get in line like everyone else. Like the Project Fi for smartphones, you’ll be charged a simple flat rate of $10 per gigabyte for the data you use. And since you only pay for what you use,...
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Today we're going take a look at Google's latest Nexus-branded phablet, the Nexus 6P. Arriving just under a year after the Motorola-built, 5.96-inch Nexus 6, the Nexus 6P is actually a hair smaller, thinner and indeed, slightly more manageable. The 6P also marks Huawei's first foray into Google's Nexus family of products, which may allow the company to make a larger impact on the U.S. market -- a market which has been hesitant to embrace the brand on its own to this point. The Nexus 6P is the big brother to the Nexus 5X (review forthcoming), which launched alongside it, but there's a lot more to discuss here than sheer size. Sure, the 5.7-inch WQHD display dwarfs the 5.2-inch 1080p panel found...
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True to its word, Google is now rolling out Android 6.0 Marshmallow for its first-party Nexus devices. Purchasing hardware that has Google’s official stamp of approval on it means that you’re always the first in line to get updates to the latest operating system and that you’re well covered when it comes to timely security updates. Google has posted factory images of Android 6.0.0 (Build MRA58K) to its developer site, and supported devices include the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 smartphones, Nexus 7 and Nexus 9 tablets, and the Nexus Player. So you can head on over and download them now if you wish to get a head start on the rest of the pack. If you prefer to go the simple, over-the-air (OTA) route,...
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Google's brand new Nexus 5X smartphone looks to be a good contender for its given price point ($379), but there's a major stipulation you should be aware of if you have interest in picking one up. Despite the fact that the USB-C connector has barely broken through to the market yet, Google saw it fit to supply only a USB-C to USB-C connector in the box. Oy. What this means for you is that unless you happen to be rocking a computer that has a USB-C port, such as an updated Alienware notebook, or Apple's latest MacBook, you're not going to be able to connect it to your computer to transfer data or take advantage of the Android Debugging Bridge in order to root or flash it in the future....
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It looks as though Google just can’t catch it break when it comes to leaks for its upcoming Nexus flagship smartphones. The company was hoping to surprise everyone during its September 29th keynote, but eager tech enthusiasts have been treated to just about all of Google’s Marshmallow secrets ahead of time. The latest leak comes courtesy of a leaked Google slide presentation which spills all the beans on the 5.7-inch Nexus 6P. The slides go into incredible detail on the flagship Marshmallow smartphone, revealing that this will be Google’s “first all-metal Nexus flagship smartphone.” Powering the Nexus 6P is a new revision of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 process (v2.1), which was first seen in the...
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