A new NEXUS smartphone spotted ?

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

A new Google NEXUS smartphone spotted ?

 Google to celebrate,  put up a video of the Android KitKat statue's unveiling at Google HQ (the video has already been yanked) However thanks to phonedog we have the above images.

We can see a man and woman taking photos of the statue on two rectangular devices. The woman is clearly holding a Nexus 4, but the device in the man's hands is clearly not the N4. It appears to be larger and has horizontal Nexus branding, just like the backside of the new Nexus 7. We can also see what appears to be an LG logo at the bottom of the phone's rear.

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Google announces Android 4.4 KitKat OS for smartphones and tablets.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Google announces Android 4.4 KitKat

Prepare for a sweet new treat

Android is the operating system that powers over 1 billion smartphones and tablets. Since these devices make our lives so sweet, each Android version is named after a dessert: Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean. As everybody finds it difficult to stay away from chocolate we decided to name the next version of Android after one of our favorite chocolate treats, Kitkat®!

Google Android just announced the upcoming new version of the OS for smartphones and  tablets as 4.4 KitKat a brand of chocolate and are making a promotion:  Look for specially branded KitKat bars in a store near you that give you a chance to win a Nexus 7 or Google Play credit.

android

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Hugo Barra Google Android exec poached by China's Xiaomi.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Hugo Barra holds up a new Asus Nexus 7 tablet as he speaks during a special event at Dogpatch Studios on July 24, 2013 

Hugo Barra Google Android exec poached by China's Xiaomi.

China's Xiaomi has poached a key Google executive involved in the tech giant's Android phones, in a move seen as a coup for the rapidly growing Chinese smartphone maker.

Hugo Barra, who was Google's vice president in charge of Android product management, said in a blog post late Wednesday that he is joining Xiaomi to help them expand their business outside China, where they already have some market share, but are well behind Samsung and Apple.

"After nearly 5 1/2 years at Google and almost 3 years as a member of the Android team -- the most amazing group of people I've ever worked with in my life -- I have decided to start a new career chapter," Barra wrote.

"In a few weeks, I'll be joining the Xiaomi team in China to help them expand their incredible product portfolio and business globally - as Vice President, Xiaomi Global."

"I'm really looking forward to this new challenge, and am particularly excited about the opportunity to continue to help drive the Android ecosystem."

Android is the Google-developed smartphone operating system that is battling with systems from Apple and Microsoft for dominance in the smartphone market.

It is already offered on Samsung and other phones.

But Xiaomi staked out in just two years a 2.5 percent share in the coveted Chinese market, according to Analysys International, with a strategy of discount prices for phones with high-end features.

Xiaomi was co-founded by a former Google executive, Lin Bin.

"We wish Hugo Barra the best," Google said in an email response to an AFP inquiry.

"We'll miss him at Google and we're excited that he is staying within the Android ecosystem."

Google gives Android mobile operating system software away free to gadget makers and banks on making money from its search, email, maps and other online services tailored to work well on the resulting devices.

International Data Corporation reported early this month that smartphones powered by Android software increased their global market share as iPhones lost ground in the absence of new models being unleashed by Apple.

Android's share of the smartphone market grew to 79.3 percent in the second quarter while that of iPhone slipped to 13.2 percent from 16.6 percent in the same three-month period last year, according to IDC figures.

While analysts believe Apple is well positioned to recapture market share with the release later this year of new iPhone models, there is pressure for a low-price version of the smartphone tailored for the China market.

Barra's move is a win for Xiaomi while likely to have little to no effect on Google or the California company's Android team, according to S&P Capital IQ analyst John Kessler.

"Xiaomi is a really exciting and interesting story when it comes to smartphones in China, a very large market with very big opportunities," Kessler said.

"Getting someone from Google Android's upper-level management presumably tells something about perceived opportunities for Xiaomi."

"We don't really look at it as having an impact on Google," he noted.

AFP

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MWC2013: Google Chooses Banjo App to Unveil Google+ Integration.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

MWC2013: Google Chooses Banjo App to Unveil Google+ Integration

New features showcase app's commitment to cross network discovery

Banjo, the most versatile cross platform content discovery app introduces the latest addition to its real time roster. Google has partnered with Banjo to rollout and showcase them as one of their first mobile integrations of Google+ Sign-in.

"Integrating Google+ Sign-in with Banjo was seamless," said Damien Patton, Banjo Founder and CEO. "We worked with Google to push the envelope for what our Banjo audience can now do with the Google+ integration. We are also thrilled with Google's direct app install feature from the web. One of the hardest things for any mobile company is app discovery and this is a developer's dream."

By integrating Google+ and their ecosystem, Banjo creates a more interactive and real time social experience for millions of users around the world. Can't make the Super Bowl, World Cup, The Oscars, or Mardi Gras in person this Year? Experience it all on Banjo, the simplest, fastest, and most fun way to discover and share places & experiences around the world as they happen.

New Google+ Sign-In Features Include

• The same level of security and privacy protection users have come to expect from Google
• Interactive postings that deep link directly back into the application. Users can share real time content from an actual place or event.
• Over the Air Install function allows Android users to download Banjo directly onto their device without having to access an app store.
• Google+ Sign-in integration gives Banjo users additional login and functionality across Banjo's Android, iOS and web products.

About Banjo

Banjo provides real time content discovery by location across multiple social networks. From a mobile device, Banjo brings the experience of being anywhere in the world through the eyes of the people who are there. Banjo is available for free on Android, iOS and tablet in 14 languages. Learn more at http://ban.jo

SOURCE Banjo

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AP-Google Journalism and Technology Scholarship program accepting applications.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.       

AP-Google Journalism and Technology Scholarship program accepting applications.



Winners of 2012 AP-Google Journalism and Technology Scholarship, from left, Emily Eggleston, Reginald James, Katie Zhu, Kevin Schaul, Rebecca Rolfe and John Osborn. 

Press Release:

NEW YORK -- The Associated Press and Google are seeking candidates for a scholarship program that recognizes student creativity and innovation at the intersection of journalism and technology. 

  

Now in its second year, the AP-Google Journalism and Technology Scholarship Program is administered by the Online News Association, the world’s largest membership organization of digital journalists. 

The program will award six $20,000 scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students for the 2013-2014 academic year who are pursuing degrees in journalism, computer science and new media. The deadline to apply is Feb. 8, 2013. 

“The AP-Google scholarship program allows students to delve into projects they otherwise may not be able to pursue,” said Sue Cross, AP’s senior vice president for business development and partner relations in the Americas. “We are excited to support the next generation of digital journalists and create opportunities for them to help shape the future of the news industry.” 

Scholarship winners are selected by a distinguished team of leaders from across the digital media industry. A key goal of the program is to promote geographic, gender and ethnic diversity, with an emphasis on rural and urban areas. 

“These scholarship recipients are devising dynamic and innovative ways to tell stories and make information accessible,” said Nilka Thomas, manager of Global Diversity and Talent Inclusion at Google. “We’re proud to support these emerging digital leaders and the diversity of background and experiences that shape their perspectives.” 

Recipients use their awards to pursue individual projects. Last year’s winners are tackling projects ranging from interactive data visualizations to data-driven hyperlocal reporting to news games. The winners will be blogging about their progress, challenges and achievements on the ONA website (www.journalists.org) and participating in Google Plus hangouts in 2013. 

The 2012 winners are: John Osborn, University of California, Berkeley; Rebecca Rolfe, Georgia Institute of Technology; Katie Zhu, Northwestern University; Reginald James, University of California, Berkeley; Kevin Schaul, University of Minnesota and Emily Eggleston, University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

"AP's and Google's support means we can identify new journalist hybrids emerging from our colleges across the U.S.,” said Jane McDonnell, ONA Executive Director. “While digital media professionals continue to evolve the game, we look to these students to transform the playing field.” 

For more details: http://journalists.org/next-gen/ap-google-scholarship/. 

Apply here: http://journalists.org/next-gen/ap-google-scholarship/apply/. 

About AP

The Associated Press is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, AP today is the most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from AP. On the Web: www.ap.org. 

About ONA

The Online News Association is the world’s largest association of digital journalists. ONA’s mission is to inspire innovation and excellence among journalists to better serve the public. The membership includes news writers, producers, designers, editors, bloggers, developers, photographers, educators, students and others who produce news for and support digital delivery systems. ONA also hosts the annualOnline News Association conference and administers the Online Journalism Awards. 

Contact

Erin Madigan White 

Media Relations Manager 

The Associated Press 

212-621-7005 

emadigan@ap.org

Irving Washington 

Scholarship Manager 

Online News Association 

iwashington@journalists.org

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Video: Google Search App: Smart Dad.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.        

Video: Google Search App: Smart Dad. 

A smart dad taps into the power of the Google Knowledge Graph to answer his son's tricky questions about the solar system.

More info: http://www.google.com/insidesearch/features/

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2013: Motorola X-Phone powered by Viewdle is next.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.        

2013: Motorola X-Phone powered by Viewdle is next.

According to the Wall Street Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter, Motorola is working on two fronts: devices that will be sold by carrier partner Verizon Wireless, and on the X phone.

Motorola plans to enhance the X Phone with its recent acquisition of Viewdle, an imaging and gesture-recognition software developer. The new handset is due out sometime next year, the business daily said, citing a person familiar with the plans.

Motorola is also expected to work on an "X" tablet after the phone. Google Chief Executive Larry Page is said to have promised a significant marketing budget for the unit, the newspaper said quoting the persons.

Lets take a look on Viewdle software technology:

Smart technology for smart phones.

Viewdle's best-in class computer vision technology showcases the power of your smartphone through camera-based innovations in augmented reality, device interaction, media management, gaming, + social networking.

And a video of the different Viewdle software features:

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GMail v2.0 for iPhone and iPad is out.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

GMail v2.0 for iPhone and iPad is out.

Description

Get the official Gmail app for your iPhone or iPad. The newly redesigned app brings the best of Gmail with real-time notifications, multiple account support and search across your entire inbox. With the Gmail app, you can:

● Switch between up to 5 accounts 

● Get notified of new mail fast, with notification center, badge and lock screen options

● Search through all your mail quickly - now with predictions as you type

● See profile pictures as part of the conversation

● Read your mail with threaded conversations

● Auto-complete contact names as you type from your Google contacts or your phone

● Respond to Google Calendar invites right from the app

● Read and respond to interactive Google+ posts right from the app

● Organize your mail by archiving, labeling, starring, deleting and reporting spam

● Send and receive attachments

● Customize emails with custom scribbles

What's New in Version 2.0

- Multiple account support

- App redesigned with a new, cleaner look

- Search predictions as you type

- Infinite scrolling inbox

- Respond to Google Calendar invites inline

- Interactive Google+ posts support

- New welcome experience

This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad

• Free
• Category: Productivity
• Updated: Dec 04, 2012
• Version: 2.0
• Size: 15.0 MB
• Languages: English, Arabic, Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lingala, Lithuanian, Malay, Moldavian, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese
• Seller: Google, Inc.
• © 2012 Google Inc.

Rated 4+

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

itunes

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Belgium: Google Released Indoor Maps.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Belgium: Google Released Indoor Maps.

Google this week announced a new set of indoor maps for public locations in Belgium. 

It includes a list of retailers, shopping centers, museum, universities, art centers as well as 32 of the largest railway stations in Belgium. 

Belgium adds to growing list of countries such as Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, the U.S., Sweden, and Switzerland where selected locations have indoor maps. Google has already claimed to cover more than 10,000 locations.

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Philippines: Google launches free mobile Internet with Globe Telecom.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Philippines: Google launches free mobile Internet with Globe Telecom.

Google has launched a service in conjunction with Filipino mobile operator Globe Telecom that will allow free Internet access geared around Google products such as search, Gmail and its Google + social network.

"It's aimed at the next billion users of the Internet, many of whom will be in emerging markets and encounter the Internet first on a mobile phone , without ever owning a PC," AbdelKarim Mardini, product manager for Google, told Reuters.

Google says the service – known as ‘Free Zone’ – will be rolled out to other markets soon.

Globe Telecom is the second-largest operator in the Philippines with an estimated 33 million subscribers, though many only use their phones for voice calls and SMS.  

According to Reuters, users are able to access websites that show up in Google's search results for free, but any website outside those results would prompt an invitation to subscribe to one of the mobile operator's data plans.

Although smartphones sales are rising rapidly in the Philippines they account for less than a quarter of all devices – and Google said Free Zone would work with ‘basic phones.’

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Google to unveil new devices on October 29 at N.Y. event.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Google to unveil new devices on October 29 at N.Y. event

Google has sent out invitations for an Android event on October 29, 10 a.m ET in New York.

Despite “The playground is open,” suggest the event will have to do with Google Play, the recently rebranded Android Market, rumors around the web are saying that Google has distributed an internal video that details and confirms speculations about what might be revealed at the upcoming event.

The video reportedly discusses the launch of a 32GB version of the Nexus 7 tablet, as well as one with 3G support. It also indicates Google is working with manufacturer Samsung to release a 10-inch tablet called "Nexus 10" that will run Android 4.2 ("Key Lime Pie"), and a Nexus smartphone manufactured by LG. 

The new Android 4.2 mobile operating system will include a panoramic camera option and tablet sharing capabilities, which would allow more than one user to access the device with his own set of email and apps , similar to how a family or business can switch between user settings on a Windows computer.

Google's new Samsung tablet is reportedly being filed under the name "Codename Manta." The device is expected to have a 2560×1600 pixel resolution and 300ppi, which is greater than the iPad's 264ppi.

Meanwhile, the 4.7-inch Nexus smartphone manufactured by LG is said to tout a quad-core 1.5 GHz Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon processor, a 1280x768 display, 2GB of RAM and 16GB storage.

The event will be live streamed on Youtube/Android

thenextweb

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