Android Wear now works with iPhones

Editor's note: As of September 2, you can check out new watches from Huawei, ASUS, and Motorola that all work with iPhones. 

(Cross posted on the Official Google Blog)

When you wear something every day, you want to be sure it really works for you. That’s why Android Wear offers countless design choices, so you can find the watch that fits your style. Want a round watch with a more classic look? Feel like a new watch band? How about changing things up every day with watch faces from artists and designers? With Android Wear you can do all of that. And now, Android Wear watches work with iPhones.

Android Wear for iOS is rolling out today. Just pair your iPhone (iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus running iOS 8.2+) with an Android Wear watch to bring simple and helpful information right to your wrist:

• Get your info at a glance: Check important info like phone calls, messages, and notifications from your favorite apps. Android Wear features always-on displays, so you’ll never have to move your wrist to wake up your watch.
• Follow your fitness: Set fitness goals, and get daily and weekly views of your progress. Your watch automatically tracks walking and running, and even measures your heart rate.
• Save time with smart help: Receive timely tips like when to leave for appointments, current traffic info, and flight status. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions like “Is it going to rain in London tomorrow?” or create to-dos with “Remind me to pack an umbrella.”

Today, Android Wear for iOS works with the LG Watch Urbane. All future Android Wear watches, including those from Huawei (pictured above), ASUS, and Motorola will also support iOS, so stay tuned for more. 

Dr. Seuss once said: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” We agree. So whoever You are, and whatever You like—Android Wear lets you wear what you want.

Posted by David Singleton, Director of Engineering, Android Wear

Android Wear: Stay connected with interactive watch faces

Wearing a watch lets you tell time with just a glance. Android Wear has expanded this at-a-glance experience to other useful info like your next meeting, daily step count, or messages. Today, we’re launching interactive watch faces, making it easier (and more fun) to stay connected, right from your wrist. Now, with just a tap, your watch face can change its design, reveal more information, or even launch a specific app.

Bits: Choose the info you want at a glance—from weather, to unread mail, to upcoming meetings. Want to know this afternoon’s weather forecast? Just tap on the weather complication.

Under Armour: Stay motivated with fitness stats on your wrist. Tap the watch face to see your step count, calories burned, and distance.

Together: Android Wear’s Together Watch Face lets two people stay close throughout the day by turning the entire watch face into a space for sharing. Once you’ve paired your watch face with a partner’s, you’ll be able to share things like photos and emoji, as well as your activities (like if you’re working out, on the phone, or stuck in traffic).

Today’s updates are rolling out to all Android Wear watches in the coming weeks. So pick your favorite watch face, or pair up with your favorite person, and start wearing what you want.

Posted by Flavio Lerda, Software Engineer, Android Wear 

A step toward better mobile experiences in Africa

If you’re online in Nigeria, chances are you’re on a smartphone. Of the more than 50 million Nigerians who use the Internet, 95% do so on a mobile device — and thanks to those devices, the number of people across Nigeria and the rest of Africa with access has grown tremendously. 

However, simply having an Internet connection isn’t enough. It’s important that people getting started with the Internet have a great, reliable, and relevant experience right away. This can be a challenge in places where local content may be limited, connectivity slow or intermittent, and quality phones costly.

While there’s still much more to do, we’re excited to take a step forward in addressing some of those challenges. Today in Lagos we’re announcing new products and features made to improve people’s experience when using a mobile phone to access the Internet. 

First, the Android One program is expanding to Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco with the launch of the Infinix HOT 2. This is the first Android One device made with our hardware partner Infinix, one of the hottest, fastest growing smartphone brands in Africa. Starting today, the HOT 2 is available in Nigeria at select retail outlets and online through Jumia at a recommended retail price of N17,500* (~88 USD), and it will become available in the other countries over the next few weeks.

Like all Android One phones, the HOT 2 combines a high-quality hardware experience with pure Android software. Bringing together a quad-core MediaTek processor with 1GB memory, dual SIM support, and black, white, red, blue, and gold (with 2GB memory) models, the hardware is a great complement to Lollipop 5.1.1, which provides up to 2x better performance and extended battery features. The Android One HOT 2 will also receive an update to the next version of Android (according to Infinix’s schedule), and thus stays fast and responsive over time.

Second, for people who already own a smartphone, we’re helping them get more for their MBs through a streamlined version of Google Search rolling out to devices worldwide and offering a faster experience on low RAM phones, such as those with 512MB. This feature can reduce data usage on the results page by up to 90%, while removing up to ⅓ of the time it takes to load results.

Finally, we will make the YouTube viewing experience even better by extending YouTube offline to Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt within the next few months. This feature of the YouTube app lets you store many of the videos on YouTube for up to 48 hours, so you can watch them later when your connection may be slow — or non-existent. And if you want to quickly re-watch a video with friends without waiting for it to load, that works great too.

Nearly one year ago, Google introduced the Android One program and YouTube Offline in India. Today, 6 countries in Africa — with combined populations of 379 million people — join the list of places where Android One phones are sold. We’ve been thrilled by the progress and feel humbled by the work that’s left to do. But we look forward to continuing our work with partners to ensure that people have a great way to access the Internet, using it in ways that are relevant and useful. 

Posted by Caesar Sengupta, VP, Product Management

* The pricing may differ from seller to seller in offline retail stores

An Update to Nexus Devices

Security has always been a major focus for Android and Google Play: Android was built from day one with security in mind.

For example, the “Application Sandbox” model keeps applications running separately from other apps and the rest of the device to keep your data safe. With Verify Apps, over 1 billion devices are protected via Google Play, which conducts hundreds of millions of antivirus-like security scans of devices per day seamlessly in the background. Also, Android is open source so that anyone can comb through the code to identify and address potential security risks, which makes the platform stronger. In fact, the Android Security Rewards Program financially rewards security researchers who invest their time and effort in helping make Android more secure.

We believe the combination of these approaches has led to there being fewer than 0.15% of devices with any kind of potentially harmful app installed, as long as apps were installed from Google Play. (See more of our research.)

An additional approach to further increase the security of Android users involves updates to the device software. For the past three years, we have been notifying Android manufacturers every month through bulletins of security issues so that they can keep their users secure.

Nexus devices have always been among the first Android devices to receive platform and security updates. From this week on, Nexus devices will receive regular OTA updates each month focused on security, in addition to the usual platform updates. The first security update of this kind began rolling out today, Wednesday August 5th, to Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10, and Nexus Player. This security update contains fixes for issues in bulletins provided to partners through July 2015, including fixes for the libStageFright issues. At the same time, the fixes will be released to the public via the Android Open Source Project. Nexus devices will continue to receive major updates for at least two years and security patches for the longer of three years from initial availability or 18 months from last sale of the device via the Google Store.

Security continues to be a top priority and monthly device updates are yet another tool to make and keep Android users safe.


Posted by Adrian Ludwig, Lead Engineer for Android Security, and Venkat Rapaka, Director of Nexus Product Management

Google Maps for Android Wear: Put the world on your wrist

Whether you’re exploring a new country or reconnecting with an old neighborhood this summer, Android Wear can help you get timely and local information, directly on your wrist. With an updated Google Maps app and API for Android Wear, it’s now even easier to know where you’re going, while leaving your phone in your pocket or purse.

Google Maps for Android Wear
Just say “Ok Google, navigate to…” to bring up Google Maps’ improved turn-by-turn guidance and full-screen navigation view on your watch. And with always-on screen support, your map view remains on your wrist in battery-saving mode, even when you’re not actively looking at your screen.

Glanceable maps in lots more apps
Many travel apps integrate with Google Maps on Android Wear to bring what’s around you to your wrist. Use HotelTonight to track hotel rates and get notified right on your watch when the price is right. Forgot to pack your toothbrush? Priceline customers can use Android Wear to locate the closest convenience store.

As you stroll through a neighborhood, Foursquare will make sure you won’t walk by and miss a restaurant’s legendary burrito. And TripAdvisor will tell you about the city’s best comedy club that you should visit now (or save for tomorrow night, directly from your watch). You’ll blend right in with the locals as you expertly navigate a new city’s public transport with Citymapper’s step-by-step directions right on your wrist.

No matter how caught up you get in your adventures, be sure to take the time to check-in with your loved ones. With Glympse on Android Wear, you won’t even need to take out your phone! And should your vacation inspire bigger life changes, use Trulia or Zillow to glance at all the home sale listings in your new, beloved neighborhood.

No matter where you go, Android Wear lets you stay on track while freeing your hands for an ice-cream cone—or two. So before you hit the road this summer, be sure to pack your Android Wear watch and your favorite travel apps.

Posted by Ben Greenwood, Product Manager, Google Maps

Flash Storage And Modern Businesses: Why It Works

Flash storage is the wave of the future for computers, mobile phones, notebooks, laptops and powerful business computer systems. Many businesses are transitioning to flash storage from their basic storage systems and hard drives. However, some business owners are still confused about flash storage and how it works in terms of network storage and business efficiency. The following can explain some of the benefits of flash storage as well as a brief description of what flash storage is.

What Is Flash Storage for a Business?

All businesses have a family of computers in it at some place. Those computers have storage systems for files, pictures, documents, music, projects, applications and the like. Flash memory is different from RAM or random access memory. RAM is the computer’s main storage system. Flash memory is a separate storage system that does not need power to it to operate. Use of flash memory is inexpensive as compared to conventional memory. Units that have flash memory can go through the booting process without ever causing the hard drive to spin. RAM requires constant power to it, and it is highly expensive.

How Flash Memory Is Designed

A flash storage system is a small unit with a memory chip and a flash controller. The chip is the part of the system that stores the data while the controller works in harmony with the RAM cache. The cache is what buffers the data that is going in and out of the memory chips, and the buffering enhances the speed and performance of the memory.

Flash is becoming more prevalent than conventional storage systems is. Business and individuals are turning to products that have flash memory because of the benefits that they are experiencing with data storage and network storage.

The following are a few reasons that flash memory is quickly replacing hard drives:

Less Power Consumption

 

Flash drives have no mechanical parts that move around, so they automatically consume less power than a conventional memory unit. In fact, a unit with flash memory will use 50 percent less power than a unit that has a conventional memory system will use. Additionally, flash drives provide unlimited access to files. Flash units have no limitations on them, so they can find files milliseconds faster than units that do not have flash can.

Data Center Compactness

Many of today’s small units have completely abandoned hard drives and moved to flash memory because of the compactness that they provide.

Overall Cost Effectiveness

One of the best features of flash storage is that it can save a business money. Switching to flash storage can make a business environment more secure, as well.

An interested business representative can contact a reliable provider to discuss the available options for flash storage and network storage. The person can help connect the business owner with solutions that can increase capacity and performance. Smart technology solutions are available for businesses of every sizes. Providers are on standby to assist a business that wants to grow and mature with the ever-advancing technology.



Author Bio:
Katrina racks them in for the market leader of custom racking products at Rack Solutions - visit us today.

5 Ways Voice Recognition Is Now A Part of Our Everyday Lives

Voice recognition software used to be the realm of science fiction, with practical applications rarely extending beyond devices that could recognize a few carefully selected words. When voice recognition hit computers, it became possible to train the computer to recognize your voice. However, this rarely resulted in perfectly accurate results. Now, people are communicating with devices, typing emails and improving their lives using natural speech patterns. As we take a look at the five ways voice recognition software has changed our lives, keep in mind the history and development required to reach this amazing point in history.

Telephone Menus

Most businesses now have the option to speak your commands when you call a company. You might be presented with a list of options, or get a prompt to ask for what you're looking for in just a few words. Banks might allow you to ask for your balance, check the latest deposits or transfer money to another account all without touching any keys on the phone. This is extremely useful for people who are not able to free their hands to type, or that are working on other activities while attempting to complete errands.

Cell Phones

Most cell phones use voice recognition software to help you find what you need. Apple's Siri is a prime example of voice-activated software that helps you find information, get things done and even play around on your phone. If you're ever in the mood for a joke, ask your device to tell you a joke and see what it says. People with mild forms of autism have even used these response features to connect with the world and develop their social skills. The technology has come a long way, and is now used very comfortably in a variety of situations.

Voice Recognition Replaces Typing

Many people who work in business now use voice recognition software to dictate their emails and other communications. The technology has reached a point where a good degree of accuracy can be obtained. After typing the email, a quick glance over the text can help detect any errors. This technology can save a significant amount of time for people who don't type quickly, or that need to work on other projects while responding to communications. The technology also extends to opening up applications on your computer, typing reports and controlling various aspects of the operating system. As the technology continues to improve, voice recognition software may eventually make the keyboard less relevant.

Home Environment Controls

Many new thermostats and other controllers around your house now respond to voice recognition. You can turn your thermostat up or down by simply activating the voice recognition software. Enable or disable your home's alarm through a specially designed voice recognition app. Virtually everything in your home can be controlled using smart apps installed on your phone. The ability to use your voice to manage and control your environment poses a huge benefit for those with too much on their plate.

Driving Your Car

Navigation control, thermostat features, radio and your stereo in your car can now be controlled using just your voice. The technology allows you to adjust your route, play a selected song or artist, and drive more safely. By removing the distraction of fiddling with buttons while you drive, it makes it safer for both you and everyone else on the road. Phone calls can be answered without having to pick up your phone, and your entire car's audio system can be turned into a microphone and speaker to make and receive calls. As the technology continues to improve more safety mechanisms will be introduced to improve the experience of driving your car.



Author Bio:
Jessica Kane is a professional blogger who writes about technology and other gadgets and gizmos aplenty. She currently writes for Total Voice Tech, her go to for all professional Dragon products.