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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