Thursday, May 28, 2015

Android's Big Day in San Francisco

Today was Google's special day...especially for developers. It was the opening of Google I/O in San Francisco. I watched all 2.5 hours, often trying hard to stay awake. But, of course, I am not a developer or a code writer. Often, I thought to myself I was sitting through last year's Apple Developer Conference as much of what Google proudly displayed as new is already running in IOS.

Just a few highlights that are of interest to non-developers like you and me:

Google has dropped Google Wallet and will replace it with Google Pay. What I saw on the screen was a near exact replica of Apple Pay. It uses Near Field Communications (NFC) to link your phone to the retailer's scanner, just like Apple Pay. It doesn't require a fingerprint reader like Apple's but it can be used by several of Android's current devices. How that will work is unclear.

Google also launched a new Photos app, breaking it away from Google+, which I always thought was a stupid pairing anyway. The good news for consumers is that it allows you to store an unlimited amount of photos of all kinds in their cloud (Apple only gives you 5GB of storage). I look forward to trying this one out. I found several problems with their previous version and did not use it.

The big focus of today's event was the next version of Android...currently called "M". It will have some new features, but Google's own explanation of the system is that it will clean up and simplify some of the problems of the current version (Lollipop). That is very commendable of them but sadly, most of you will never see it until you buy a new phone. The last I heard, only 15% of Android phones have Lollipop! The fragmentation of Android is absurd, and it is mostly the fault of the carriers and the phone manufacturers. Whereas Apple and soon, Windows Phone push out updates themselves, Android does not...probably never will. I hope I never have to buy another Android device again.

There were some other interesting announcements and plans for the future, and as they come along, I will bring them to you.

Tech News and Opinions


Want to know what your next phone's operating system will look like, how Google wants to manage all your photos or how you'll pay with your Android phone? Look here.

Debuting at Google I/O 2015, the photo service lets you store, organize and share an unlimited amount of high-def content for free. 

Apple tops Google as world's most valuable brand

The iPhone maker recaptures the No. 1 spot after losing it to Google last year, according to the latest list of the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands.

When Google unveiled its smart and controversial eyewear three years ago, some early tech adopters tried to do their part by eagerly pushing for Glass acceptance. The world pushed back.

The e-commerce company announces free, same-day shipping on over 1 million items in 14 metro areas across the US.



Computer Tips and Tricks


I have family photos that go back more than 100 years. But I can’t be sure that, a hundred years from now, my descendants will have my photos.

This collection of tips is all about the vagaries of the powerful PowerPoint software itself. It's meant for those with a grasp of the basics and beyond who are looking for that extra little goose to get the most out of the program.
A to-do list can be a great way of ensuring you’re making progress — but it’ll only serve that purpose if its set up correctly.

You can use it to backup your photos, create slideshow presentations, and manage your calendar. Read on for more cool Evernote uses that you might not have thought of.

Watermarks are, perhaps, the most reliable way to label and identify documents, especially for sensitive, private, or legal documentation because you can’t miss seeing a watermark.



Mobile Computing


The future of Windows Phone can be seen very clearly in Microsoft’s decision to kill the Windows Phone brand. In the Windows 10 generation, these devices are what we might call Windows-based phones, or “Windows phones” with a small ‘p’ on phone.

You can purchase a certified preowned iPhone from a reputable seller, such as Gazelle; you can bid on a preowned iPhone on an auction site such as eBay; or you can pay cash for a used iPhone from a local seller on a site like Craigslist.

Whether you’re watching YouTube on a PC at the office or at home, you can make it even better by turning your smartphone into a remote control.

If you're going to pick out a keyboard for the iPad Air 2, you're in for a rude awakening: there are literally dozens of them, and they're all a little different. But you can assume a few things at the outset about all of them.

No release date set, launching "across Android and on devices using Cast."


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