Google announces Android 7.1 Nougat features; lists compatible device Gadgets Now

Google announces Android 7.1 Nougat features; lists compatible device  Gadgets Now


W DELHI: Google earlier this month launched itsPixel and Pixel XL smartphones. The two smartphones are also the first to support Google's latest Android 7.1 Nougat operating system out of the box. Now, the search giant has announced that most devices in its Nexus lineup too will be receiving the latest version of the OS within this month itself.

According to Dave Burke, VP of engineering, Android, those who are in the Android beta programme will be receiving the Developer Preview of the Android 7.1 Nougat within the next 20 days. "Later this month we'll be bringing you the Android 7.1 platform as an open Developer Preview, similar to what we did for Android 7.0. You'll be able to test and build on the new platform and try the latest features," said Burke.

The list of Nexus devices that will be receiving the Android 7.1 Nougat includes Motorola Nexus 6, HTC Nexus 9, Huawei Nexus 6P, LG Nexus 5X, Pixel C and the Asus Nexus Player. Android One-based devices will also be getting the new OS version. The first ones to get the update will be the Nexus 6P, 5X and the Pixel C, all of which were launched last year. It has also been mentioned that the final version of the Android 7.1 Nougat will arrive by December.

The addition features in Android 7.1 Nougat comprise as support for the company's DayDream VR, A/B system update, app shortcuts and image keyboard support. For developers, the OS version will bring App shortcut API, Circular app icon support, enhanced live wallpaper metadata, image keyboard support and storage manager intent.



Recently, the complete changelog of the Android 7.1 Nougat was shared by Android Police, revealing which features will reach Nexus devices and which ones will remain Pixel exclusive.


As per the list, non-Pixel smartphones will include Night Light (supposed to make display easy on the user's eyes), touch/display performance improvements, better system updates, Daydream VR mode and manual storage manager that identifies apps, files and apps using storage.

Features like Pixel launcher, Google Assistant, unlimited storage for 'Original' quality photos, Smart Storage feature, 24x7 phone/chat support with screen sharing, quick switch adapter for wired setup from Android or iPhone and a Sensor Hub processor will remain Pixel-exclusive. However, these are a subject to change by the time the final version comes out in December.

Huawei Mate 9 leaks in purple colour variant with Leica camera setup

Huawei Mate 9 is likely to feature 6GB RAM, 256GB storage, powerful processor and come in six different colour options

Huawei is on the verge of announcing of its next flagship smartphone, Mate 9 on November 3. Huawei, the leading smartphone maker in China has already started sending out media invites for its event in Munich, Germany. With Mate 9, Huawei is widely reported to bring some advancements to Mate 8 and add Leica’s dual rear camera setup to the mix. Ahead of the official announcement, Huawei Mate 9 has leaked in a purple colour – which could well be the first to sport this colour. After rose gold, black and blue, smartphone industry might be planning to push purple as the new colour variant. The image tweeted by Evan Blass Huawei Mate 9 is not exactly purple but rather a darker version of rose gold colour.

Huawei Mate 9 is reportedly hitting the stores in two display variants – one with regular flat screen display and another variant with dual edge curved display. It is highly possible that Huawei is taking a page from Samsung’s book for its next flagship. Huawei Mate 9 is also reported to feature a 5.9 or 6-inch display with an option for Gold, White and Graphite colour options.

Huawei Mate 9 is likely to be powered by company’s latest HiSilicon Kirin 960 processor with an option of 4 or 6GB RAM. The smartphone will be available in options of 64/128/256GB storage. The flagship model in the series will feature 6GB RAM and 256GB storage. Huawei Mate 9 is certain to feature the Leica branded dual rear camera setup first seen on P9. The smartphone is also likely to get top notch connectivity options and maybe support for 5G modem.

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It is unclear whether Huawei Mate 9 will launch with Android 7.0 Nougat or Marshmallow but considering Huawei’s update record, it is safe to assume that the device will have latest flavour of Android. The smartphone is also tipped to feature a beefy battery for day long heavy use.

THE ULTIMATE CHROMECAST

Chromecast vs Chromecast Ultra: what Google offers with the video streaming devices

#CHROMECAST

The Chromecast is available in the US for $35 (roughly Rs 2,329), and the Chromecast Ultrais coming soon for almost twice that price, for $69 (Roughly Rs 4,592). In India, only theChromecast is available for Rs 3,399 and the Chromecast Ultra is not yet listed. The Chromecast Ultra can be expected to have a thousand rupees added to the direct conversion price considering that there is a similar price bump for the Chromecast in India.

The Chromecast

The Chromecast is described as “Stream your favorite entertainment from your phone straight to your TV” whereas the Chromecast Ultra is described as “Stream in up to 4K Ultra HD and HDR with stunning picture and lightning speed”. The Chromecast supports up to 1080p resolution, but the Chromecast Ultra cans stream in 4k. The Chromecast Ultra has a faster processor, which and is listed as being almost twice as fast as the Chromecast. The Chromecast Ultra also has a dedicated ethernet port, which should give a performance benefit as compared to wireless video streaming. Chromecast supports HDR streaming as well, but users can enjoy the benefit only if they have both HDR content and HDR TV.

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The Chromecast Ultra

Power users and early adopters will stand to benefit by using the Chromecast Ultra. To fully utilise the device, consumers need an ethernet cable close to their televisions. The television has to support both 4K video and HDR video. Bandwidth should also not be a constraint as 4K HDR video streaming is one of the most demanding applications and consumes a lot of data. Current owners of a device stand to benefit by an upgrade only if they own a 4K HDR television.

Microsoft launching its new surface A-I-O device

Microsoft’s October 26 event could see the future of Windows 10 on a Surface branded All-in-One device (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft’s next big event is happening on October 26 and in all likelihood, the Redmond-based software maker has few hardware devices to show off. For Microsoft, October has always been about Surface branded hardware. Last year, Microsoft stunned the world by announcing Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book.

Google Pixel XL First Look

However, it seems like a quite event this time around. According to ZDNet, Microsoft’s October 26 will be more about Windows 10 and less about Surface hardware. The focus is reportedly around Windows 10 Redstone 2 update and Microsoft is rn

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Microsoft is widely rumoured to announce Surface All-in-One type device at this event. There are reports indicating Microsoft’s plan to announce a new type of Surface keyboard and mouse at this event. With Intel’s seventh gen Core i processors hitting notebooks, Microsoft would use the stage to demonstrate partner products – especially at a time when PC sales are going down globally.

One thing is certainly sure – Microsoft won’t be launching a new fitness band and there are also no likelihood of Surface branded smartphone. Lately, Microsoft has taken great deal of time to unify Windows 10 across platforms and recently delivered Project Centennial – which acts as a bridge between traditional Windows program and Windows Store apps.

Microsoft is currently two major software updates under Redstone 2, likely to be available next year. The Verge reports Microsoft will also showcase some cross platform gaming strategy tying Xbox deeper into Windows 10 at this event. Microsoft also doesn’t seem to be in a mood to refresh Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book with new Intel Kaby Lake processors. According to The Verge, Microsoft won’t be refreshing existing Surface devices and will showcase OEM products instead.

Also Read: iPhone 7 India launch: Apple gets into festive momentum with new flagship

If you are invested on Microsoft’s Windows 10 ecosystem or invested on Forza Motorsport then this event might set the future of both the platform – which are technically becoming one. Microsoft’s event is scheduled for October 26 at 10 AM Eastern time and do stay tuned for more updates just ahead of the launch.

apple to unify cloud service teams

Apple to unify cloud service teams to compete with Google, Amazon

Apple cloud services teams run by executive Eddy Cue, including Siri, Maps, iCloud, Apple Pay, Apple News and parts of iTunes and Apple Music, will move together into the company’s existing Infinite Loop campus in Cupertino, California, the people said. Currently, most Apple services are developed separately from each other in office parks rented out in other parts of Cupertino and Sunnyvale, California.

Another person with knowledge of the matter said that Cue’s team will be located in at least three different locations across Silicon Valley.

The current structure contributes to software bugs and slow product development, the people said. Bringing the teams together at a single, dedicated campus is designed to improve growth of the services business and fight competition from Google and Amazon, the people added. They did not want to be identified talking about private Apple plans. Apple declined to comment. Another person said that it’s always been part of Apple’s culture to house teams together, where possible.

Also read: Apple iPhone 7 Plus camera review: Stunning low-light performance

As iPhone growth slows and Apple goes behind the scenes to develop new hardware, the services business has been a bright spot. It grew almost 20 percent in the third quarter and may soon pass the Mac and iPad as Apple’s second-largest revenue source. Still, Apple’s cloud services have been criticized by users because of technical issues and a lack of new features. The company also stumbled in 2008 with MobileMe and in 2012 with Maps.

Cloud Space

Space for the cloud teams at the current headquarters will begin to open as Apple inches toward the launch of Apple Campus 2, a futuristic, circular structure with multiple floors of open work space. Apple will begin moving employees there in 2017, Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said in March. Apple broke ground on the new campus in 2013, following a well-documented announcement by company co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011.

While many Apple executives want to relocate their teams to the new campus, Cue thinks unifying at the old campus is a suitable way to improve his organization, one of the people said.

Read more: Apple iPhone 7 in India: Airtel, Reliance Jio offers explained in detail

A committee of Apple managers is working on the plan to reorganize Apple across its current and future locations. Apple originally expected up to 13,000 employees at the new campus. Apple anticipates that the number may grow and recently discussed plans to adjust internal office space if necessary, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The new building features open floor plans and few traditional offices. While some of Apple’s senior vice presidents are expected to see their offices move over to the new campus — less than a five minute drive from the current headquarters — management must be at a vice president level or above to get a formal office, one of the people said. Previous plans included office space for senior directors, who report to vice presidents. Another person said that some employees below vice president will be eligible for offices.

The new campus will include bench seating, long work tables, and open cubicle spaces, potentially irking employees used to quiet office environments, two people briefed on the new campus’s plans said. Apple’s presentations to the city of Cupertino have indicated that the open floor plan designs are conducive to collaboration between teams.

Apple’s Pie

Apple is also reorganizing its cloud computing resources to bolster its services business. The company is moving its infrastructure — things like software to process Siri queries and Apple Music downloads — onto a single, Apple-made system, according to people familiar with the matter. Code-named Pie, the platform gives Apple more control and may speed up load times.

Apple has begun moving over parts of Siri, the iTunes Store, and Apple News to the new platform, one of the people said. Apple plans to move other services, including Maps, to its new system over the next few years. Apple has also developed an internal photo storage system dubbed McQueen to gradually end its reliance on Google and Amazon servers, the people said.

The company recently indicated it is taking the cloud more seriously by hiring former Time Warner Cable executive Peter Stern as a vice president leading cloud