R
Robert Nazarian
Guest
The G3 just became available and LG already announced a new device, the G3 Beat. The Galaxy Note 4 is shaping up to be the most powerful phone in the universe, but will it keep Samsung’s profits from declining? NVIDIA is going to give it another go with the Shield. This time it’s going to be a tablet, but will consumers actually buy this one? Google and Samsung try to unify home automation, but is that even possible? It’s time to get caught up and get ready for what is sure to be another big week in the world of Android.
Reviews
LG G Watch and Android Wear review: The smartwatch revolution has begun
Accessories
Samsung gets into mobile audio market with new Level portfolio
Android Wear
Minuum shows off early beta of Android Wear keyboard
Google will release a custom watch face API for Android Wear soon, current watch faces may not work with it
Apps – New
120 Sports takes its online network to Android with new app
Amazon Prime Instant Video might finally come to Android devices
Apps – Updates
Popcorn Time gets a boost with Chromecast support and quicker downloads
[APK Download] Google Play update version 4.8.22 brings usual bug fixes
ESPN updates its fantasy football app with new push notifications and user interface
Chrome for Android updated with improved text rendering for non-mobile sites
[APK Download] Google Wallet updated with ability to store gift cards and more
[APK Download] Google Maps now has richer biking navigation and voice input
DirecTV opens NFL Sunday Ticket to users without satellite service, but there is a catch
Amazon announces Kindle Unlimited subscription service
Facebook testing new Buy Button for purchases within the social platform
Kik messaging service updated to include live location tracking from Glympse
Carriers
AT&T adds Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 to its lineup online today
HTC Desire 610 to hit AT&T on July 25th
LG G Pad 7.0 with LTE headed for AT&T
Sprint rolling out update to LG G3 and G Flex to activate WiFi Calling
Softbank’s Son getting ready for long merger battle
T-Mobile’s equipment installment plan for accessories starts July 20
Verizon adds 4G LTE to prepaid ALLSET PLANS
Verizon’s LG G3 has a removable battery
Verizon Edge now allows tablets to be paid over time
Android 4.4.4 changelog for Motorola DROID line (2013) gets posted
Chrome
Google working on fixing laptop battery drain bug in Chrome
Chromebooks
Microsoft planning on launching ultra-cheap laptops to compete with Chromebooks
Chromecast
Popcorn Time gets a boost with Chromecast support and quicker downloads
Gaming
NVIDIA is working on a new gaming console
Kim Kardashian: Hollywood brings star’s power to mobile gaming
NVIDIA Shield tablet press render leaks, shows front stereo speakers
NVIDIA will announce the Shield Tablet on July 22nd alongside a wireless controller
Guardians of the Galaxy: TUW blasts into Google Play
Game of Thrones Ascent now available on Google Play
Relive Google I/O in under 2 minutes
Jumping Ship: Google Glass lead creator ditching for Amazon
Pharmaceutical giant Novartis pairs with Google to make smart contact lenses a reality
Google will indicate if devices are not compatible with websites before opening
Alan Mulally, former Ford Motor Company CEO, joining Google’s Board of Directors
Google partners with Udacity to teach about Android app development
Latest Maps update allows you to take tour of London in 3D
Google, Samsung have growing tension over wearables
Google+
Google+ discontinues “real names” policy
Hardware
MediaTek’s new high-end octa-core processor allows for super slow motion playback
Google opens Project Ara hardware application to develop modules
Home Automation
New Thread wireless standard in the works for home automation
Samsung chatting with SmartThings about purchase for around $200 million
Phones – Amazon
Amazon launches inaugural Fire Phone commercial, focuses on free Prime subscription
Phones – Android One
Android One program to hit India this October
Phones – Google Play Edition
[Deal] Expansys offering close-out deals on Google Play Edition devices
Phones – HTC
HTC Desire 610 to hit AT&T on July 25th
HTC One (M7) gets a taste of Android L
Phones – LG
LG G3 S (or G3 Mini) receives certification in China, user manual leaks
LG’s G3 Beat will go on sale July 18th in South Korea
Verizon’s LG G3 has a removable battery
Sprint rolling out update to LG G3 and G Flex to activate WiFi Calling
Phones – Motorola
Battery cover image leaks for unknown Motorola device
[Deal] Motorola offering up to $125 off Moto X — deal expires next week
Moto Maker to come to Mexico this week
Android 4.4.4 changelog for Motorola DROID line (2013) gets posted
Phones – Nokia
Microsoft killing off future Nokia Android-based smartphones
Phones – Samsung
Samsung’s premium metal phone could be the Galaxy Alpha
Details brought to light about Samsung Galaxy Note 4 ultraviolet sensor
Leaked list of Samsung Galaxy Note 4 APK files suggest new features on the way
LTE-A Galaxy S 5′s 2k screen gets reviewed, shows improvement over current models
Samsung already losing market share ahead of iPhone 6 launch
Samsung’s SM-G850 appears in benchmark database
Samsung will launch an LTE-capable Galaxy S 5 in India later this year
Phones – Sony
Sony Xperia Z3 arrives in the United States courtesy of FCC testing
Project Ara
Google opens Project Ara hardware application to develop modules
Smartwatches
Best Buy now carrying Samsung Gear Live and LG G Watch
HTC to enter the smartwatch game, according to new leaked photo
Turn your Sony SmartWatch 2 or SmartBand into a game controller with “Aces of the Luftwaffe”
Minuum shows off early beta of Android Wear keyboard
Tablets
LG G Pad 7.0 with LTE headed for AT&T
NVIDIA Shield tablet press render leaks, shows front stereo speakers
NVIDIA will announce the Shield Tablet on July 22nd alongside a wireless controller
The rear covers on Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S tablets are deforming due to processors overheating
Updates
HTC One (M7) gets a taste of Android L
Android 4.4.4 changelog for Motorola DROID line (2013) gets posted
Tablets
AT&T adds Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 to its lineup online today
Miscellaneous
Samsung suspends business with factory in question in midst of child labor allegations
New Console OS wants to bring Android to the desktop
HTC losing more executives
Patent filing reveals Samsung is testing new S Pen technology
Samsung considering possible partnership with Under Armour to compete with Apple – Nike collaboration
Amazon has ebook subscription in the works
Google, Samsung have growing tension over wearables
Samsung assisting Qualcomm with mobile processor production
Come comment on this article: TalkAndroid Weekly Recap for July 14 – July 20, 2014
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