Sony Xperia Z3, Z2, Z1 already running Android 5.0 ASOP version

Google’s Android 5.0 Lollipop is freshly out and many manufacturers are preparing to update it on their handsets. Sony plans to make its Android L upgrade available to all the members of its Xperia Z series from early 2015. Sony has now announced that the Android 5.0 Lollipop’s ASOP (Android Open Source Project) version is already running on its Xperia Z3, Z2 and Z1 handsets.

The company has informed this on its Twitter account:

Open Source Project for Android 5.0; Lollipop now running for #XperiaZ1, #XperiaZ2 & #XperiaZ3: http://t.co/CW8dL8UjQx

— Sony Xperia News (@SonyMobileNews) November 7, 2014

 

The ASOP version is not intended for daily use by the users but it is for developers who can use it as a base to develop their own custom version of Android. Sony has released a video in which we can see the Android 5.0 ASOP ROMs running on Xperia Z3, Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z1 devices. Sony will soon provide the necessary Android 5.0 binary files to developers so that they can make their own Android 5.0 ROMs for their unlocked Xperia devices. AOSP device configurations are already available for Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z2 on  Sonyxperiadev GitHub, and will be provided “soon” for Xperia Z3.  

You can see the video of Android 5.0 lollipop ASOP running on all the three Xperia flagship devices:

 

 

Sony is also giving an opportunity to some users of Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact to test their Android 5.0 Lollipop Beta version. The pilot program 3Beta is currently available in Sweden with the carrier “3”. The company wants to get feedback from users before they begin to commercially roll out Android Lollipop next year.      

AOSP’ing & beta testing #Android Lollipop; 5.0… http://t.co/7aPhWTSPjF pic.twitter.com/eGB7nuXWUO — Sony Xperia News (@SonyMobileNews) November 6, 2014

 

Source: Sony Blog, Sony Developer Blog

Sony Xperia Z3, Z2, Z1 already running Android 5.0 ASOP version

Android L, Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 gets leaked in video ads

The upcoming Google mobile OS Android L is all set to arrive anytime soon with the two Nexus devices Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 that are expected to break covers tomorrow. With less than a day for the devices to go official, this new Nexus family has just been leaked in ads that spots a new motto that says ‘be together, not the same’ that explains the Google’s Android device philosophy.

The first commercial of the three, shows the Motorola Nexus 6, showing it up as a gigantic device. The ad majorly focuses on the diversity that Google device seem to embrace saying ‘all kinds of phones for all kinds of folks’. The Nexus 6 that could likely go official tomorrow is supposed to have a 5.9inch Quad HD display with 1440×2560 pixel resolution, a 13MP primary camera with OIS, a powerful Snapdragon 805 chipset on-board and of-course the latest Android L OS with Material Design from Google.

The second commercial shows up the Nexus 9 in a short cameo that says ’be together, not the same’ which could be a subtle point-out to the official release of Nexus 9 along with a new version for the Android Wear platform shedding some light on few development in Android TV as well!

The third commercial ‘Dance Party’ shows all these coming together.

Android L, Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 gets leaked in video ads

Google Play Store 5.0 rolled out with Material Design

Google Play Store 5.0 update has finally started rolling out with a Material Design and some new layouts. The update leaked out a few weeks back and marking a significant, but welcome, change in the Google Play Store. It’s also an indicator that the launch of Android L is coming closer, as more and more applications continue to get updated to support the new Material Design standard.

Google Play Store icon has become more flat and the whole Play Store 5.0 swanks a more colorful, bold and bright color palette that is the essence of Google’s Material Design. The home page of the Play Store shows main categories like Apps, Movies, Games and Books in different bright colors.

The update was spotted by Phandroid. It also features new icons and a redesigned sidebar. The back button is also a back arrow similar to the Android L back navigation key.

In case of the app pages, the ‘What’s New’ section has been bumped at the top instead of staying at the bottom after the ‘Read More’ button for description of the changelog. The entire Play Store 5.0 gets small animations that enhances the navigation experience.

The update to the Google Play Store  might take some time to reach your device as it is being rolled out in phases. If you want to grab it now, you can follow the below installation steps.

Download and Install Google Play Store 5:

1. Download Google Play Store 5
   


2. Connectyour phone to your laptop or PC


3. Copy the APK file to your phone’s SD card.


4. Disconnectyour phone.


5. Locate the Google Play Store 5file on your phone now and tap to install


6. If prompted to select installer, then select“Package Installer”.
   


7. Allow “Unknown Sources” from Settings > Security if prompted.


8. Proceed with the installation and complete it.


9. Once done, experience the change.


10. That’s all!

Google Play Store 5.0 rolled out with Material Design

Android L going to multitask mode

There is no doubt that Android is the only mobile operating system which allows the user to freely pick, choose and swap multiple open apps without slowing down the system. Android also have widget system which allows the user to put every app on the homescreens so that the user can easily open them when needed.

Recently Apple has made a similar multitasking feature in iOS and it performs quite well in the new iPhones. Windows Phone is also introducing split screen multitasking built into the core, so what is next for Google?

Apparently with rumours circulating around in the internet, Android L, might be introduced having similar feature to Samsung’s multi-window or LG’s Dual Window modes. The first one possibility is to split the screen into two. This will allow users to run two apps at the same screen. The second possibility is to hover the apps in small windows over the top of interface. This gives the feeling that the opened apps is floating on top of the homescreens. This will allows users to browse a web while using notes or calculator.

The second possibility is likely to be build into Android L and is making way to each and every phone running the latest android version. Or, it might be a bug? Well, whatever it is, we just need to be patient for Google and HTC to announce the availability of Android L next week.

Android L going to multitask mode

The best Material Design apps for Android till now

Material Design is the new buzz, and with the sooner-than-later release of Android L this Fall developers have been scrambling to get their apps updated to the new design language in occasion for the release of Google’s latest OS update.

Material design is a comprehensive guide for visual, motion, and interaction design across platforms and devices. It borrows from the good elements of Holo, the previous design language, and makes ample of new paths and design choices that set it apart from the rest of the masses  in the market.

Material Design apps makes the applications come to life, and developers are quickly realizing that this is more than just a simple visual refresh with the same old design philosophy.

Let’s take a look at the Material design apps that fully complements the visual identity of Android’s next major version.!

The best Material Design apps for Android till now:

1. Sliding Explorer (free)

Sliding Explorer is a file explorer boasting all the functionality you would expect of such apps, and its interface is a good example of Material Design in action.

2. S Converter – Unit Converter (free)

S Converter is brought to you by Sabri Apps, and lets you convert just about anything you could possibly think of.  With a super colorful interface that’s sure to turn heads, S Converter is downright gorgeous and wonderful to use.  Need to convert miles to kilometers, decimal to binary or just about anything else?  Give S Converter a try, as it’s free and features in-app purchases to unlock even more content than it comes with for free.

       

3. Wally (free)

Wally brings a immense library of wallpapers to you, and it even supports all the way up 4k resolution wallpapers and beyond.  Wally relies on the database provided by Wallbase.cc, and as such has a massive repository, all of which is presented in an ultra-slick and colorful Material Design interface full of smooth and interesting transitions and animations. It is free and so is the content, so what are you waiting for?  Snatch it!

4. Today Calendar (trial)

Today calender app contains all the features you would find in the stock calendar app, with many features getting slightly modified and rebuilt from the ground up to increase productivity and performance.

5. MindFlux Open Beta (free)

MindFlux is a new kind of material organization app that aims to get everything into one easy to use spot.  With a well-marked tabbed interface and colorful visual hints all over the place, MindFlux keeps what’s important at the forefront and easily lets you organize your information in the way that’s most important to you.

6. Between – Private Couples App (free)

Between is a secure way for couples to store and share their memories, providing an elite communication channel just between two special people. Features:

Chat: Fast, secure, and private 1-to-1 chat with specially designed stickers and stamps to help you communicate your feelings better.

Moments: Private photo album allows couples to store and share their cherished moments with each other. Enjoy and remember more of your preferred memories better in a timeline just for two.

Shared Calendar: Easy-to-use calendar to plan dates, notify partner about key appointments or travel schedules and to keep track of special days like anniversaries and birthdays.

7. Unclouded (free)

Unclouded is likely the solution for managing the crazy cloud inventory of files, photos and videos in style.  Presented in a tabbed format all your albums and other information can easily be shuffled through and managed, and Unclouded supports both Google Drive and Dropbox with OneDrive and Box support coming soon

8. Andrognito BETA – Hide Files (free)

Andrognito app can keep your confidential and important files which you don’t want others to access, hidden inside your Android device with its 3-Layer Encryption Engine. All the important files like documents, apps, pictures, videos are securely hidden inside a safe vault which nobody except you with the password can access, thereby giving you absolute control over your handset’s privacy.

 

The best Material Design apps for Android till now

Android L, Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 Are About To Make Appearance on Any Of These Two Dates

A previous rumor reported that HTC engineers have been meeting Google to discuss the design and features of Nexus 9. It would be the first slate from HTC after the HTC Flyer. According to the reports, the new HTC device would be powered by the NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor. On Tuesday, a report was published saying that the new HTC slate might be unveiled by the company on 15th or 16th October; the date has not been confirmed by the sources.

Not only this 9-inch slate, but it is also expected that Motorola Nexus 6 handset would also make an appearance on the very same day. Still Motorola is behind in putting its name stamp on the Nexus model. HTC, LG and Samsung have already put their name on numbers of Android models.

One more item is also about to reveal and it is the most awaited one, the Android L. The same report told that at the same time, the next Android operating system would also enter the race. Although, previously it was said that it would not be available before November 1. On the basis of this report, it was expected that from the given date, Android L would be shipped with Nexus model, or they might get upgraded later. What would happen is not sure yet.

Before the unveiling of Android L, Nexus 6 and Nexus 9, there are still three weeks left. We could only know what will happen when the date arrive. Till then, we can keep our finger crossed and hope for good.

Android L, Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 Are About To Make Appearance on Any Of These Two Dates

Upcoming Google Play Store 5.0 flaunting Material Design Leaks in Multiple Images

Back in June, Google announced at the Google I/O 2014 event the next version of Android much famous as the Android L that is designed with a special Material Design. It is expected that Google may roll-out this latest version of Android within next six weeks and the company is currently believed to be on a marathon for developing its own suite of apps for the Material Design of Android L. Recently, Google updated its Hangout platform and the next major change in line seems to be its Android OS update.

A recent major leak that comes our way from Android Police suggests that the Android 5.0 version is on its way that comes with better aesthetics of Material Design. The below images show the comparison between the existing design of Play Store and the upcoming design and the most apparent change in filling of color in the navigations tabs. The typography seems to be getting bolder than the existing one and a subtle changes in the colors for Apps, Movies, Music, Books and Newsstand icons can be witnessed.

On carefully observing the image at the top, you can see that there some changes that are arriving for the apps icon in different sections of the Play Store. This is really going t be very interesting and Android fans are really going to enjoy it. We would like to know what do you think about the Material Design brought by Google in its next update. Exciting? Please leave your comments below.

For the time being, check out few more image of the upcoming update below:

Upcoming Google Play Store 5.0 flaunting Material Design Leaks in Multiple Images

Nexus 9 Rumoured to be Launching this October

According to @upleaks HTC is expected to launch its Nexus 9 tablet on October 9^th. Nexus 9  is the much awaited successor to Nexus 7 tablet. According to this rumour it is also expected that this device would be running Android L.

Nexus 9 will have 8.9 inch QHD display with a full aluminium body. The tablet would run on powerful NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor and the new Android L. Apart from this the device will sport a 8 MP rear shooter. So, according to this rumour we will see Android L much before it was expected.

No more details are revealed from the leak. Stay tuned for more rumours, leaks and news on this device and more.

Nexus 9 Rumoured to be Launching this October

Mysterious Motorola handset found running Android L

We are still few months short of Android L update and happy to catch any glimpse we can of Google’s new OS. This includes the Android L appears in a video running on a mysterious device that even the person leaking the footage can’t identify.

TK Tech News says it has received images of the mystery Motorola 1080p handset, and that it is not entirely sure which smartphone it is. They have refused the possibility of this being the Moto X+1. It has a display that’s bigger than the Nexus 5’s 5-inch screen, suggesting this may be the phablet Motorola has been rumored to work on.

We can’t completely rule out the possibility of a device running Android L being an elaborate fake. After all, getting the Android L theme isn’t among the stiffest things, especially if you’re an advanced Android user, and neither is changing the boot animation to that of Motorola one.

However, Google usually lets manufacturers have the first look in order to get development going. So it’s certainly possible that this is some kind of a Motorola prototype device used for testing and debugging Android L.

In any case, the folks behind TK Tech News has promised to deliver more conclusive shots by getting in contact with the source soon. Motorola is yet to launch any flagship devices this year, as the company has only announced so far a new Moto G version, and the even more affordable Moto E.

The videos showing this newly exposed Motorola Android handset follow below.

Mysterious Motorola handset found running Android L

HTC One M7 and HTC One M8 to get the latest Android L update in just “90 days of receiving final software from Google"

Last week, Google unveiled its latest Android OS the “Android L” along with many other new features at the Google I/O 2014 event. The Taiwanese manufacturer HTC didn’t wait for a moment is the first manufacturer to announce its two major flagship HTC One M7 and HTC One M8 to receive the latest Android version within just 90 days of getting the final software from Google.

However, till now Google hasn’t provided the final Android L software to most of the manufacturers, but the search giant is likely to release it soon. The Android L release is however scheduled “this fall” and so any kind of official updates before that couldn’t be expected. Both these HTC flagship smartphones are expected to receive the update by the end of this year.

Till now, HTC hasn’t promised any kind of update for Android L to its other devices.

HTC One M7 and HTC One M8 to get the latest Android L update in just “90 days of receiving final software from Google"

Android L: "Material Design", Project Volta, Improved Battery Life, and More

This year’s Google I/O conference closed yesterday and as always, had shown us myriads of new products, innovations and announcements from the search giant as well as its partners.

One of the biggest announcements that caught many people’s attentions was that of the new Android operating system called the Android L, which was announced on the first day at the conference by Google’s Sundar Pichai.

All-encompassing updates has been made to the operating system with bunches of new features added and lots of changes made. Out of which, The Android L introduced a simplified ‘Material Design’ interface, which is flatter and more colorful.

According to an in-depth review by PhoneArea, “Put in most simple terms — no design element has been spared, and even the software navigation keys have gone through a redesign (now a triangle, circle, and square). What’s more, the new look, apart from being seamless across all Google platforms, has also been simplified down to the basics, and is now flatter, more colorful, and quite a bit more likable.”

Aside from that, the OS also introduced improved search functionality, improved battery life or ‘Project Volta’ and animated actions.

“That last bit is, in a big way, a feeling influenced by the the inclusion of rich animation feedback to actions, which, in plain speak, means that essential operations, like clicking a button, switching a tab, flipping through recents, etc, will all be animated. Thankfully, all of this has been done tastefully from what we’ve seen so far, and is not overwhelming or overly flashy.” wrote PhoneArea.

Preview is available for developers with Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 smart phones.

Android L: "Material Design", Project Volta, Improved Battery Life, and More

Android L and Samsung KNOX together will help separate work and personal data

At the Google I/O event, the Mountain View based search giant unveiled its next version of Android OS namely Android L and this new version is designed taking care of the corporate needs of several entrepreneurs and even other people. In an announcement, Google confirmed that this new Android L version will take care of every needs of people helping them to use the same device for personal and use thereby segmenting the data for both of them.

However, in order to achieve this mark, Google has joined hands with Samsung where the Korean giant’s Knox security system is said to be playing major role in running the core part of Android. This will be a standard feature of Android L that will enable user keeping the personal and work data differently. This will also allow developers and Samsung Knox Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to approach to large masses of people out of the Samsung camp. Senior Vice President of KNOX Business Group at Samsung Electronics, Injong Rhee said “We are delighted with the opportunity to work with Google to help build Android’s enterprise eco-system and establish Android device as the leading choice for businesses. This represents an amazing transformation in workforce mobility.”

In addition to segmentation of data, Google will also allow companies to purchase its apps in bulk and assign them to its employees in bulk too. This feature has been brought in Android L, however Sundar Pichai is keen to bring it to earlier Android versions as well.

Android L and Samsung KNOX together will help separate work and personal data

Project Volta aimed to improve the battery life in Android L

Yesterday some big announcements came at the Google I/O developer conference where Google unveiled its next Android OS namely the Android L. At the event, a new Android project namely the Project Volta was released that is aimed to improve the battery life in Android L. Through this project Volta, users and developers will get some unique battery saving tools.

Looking it from a developer’s perspective, Project Volta will aim to add new tools that can determine the reason and cause about how an app would affect the battery life of the device. This will also ensure that when the battery is draining out, it will prevent certain tasks from initiating. The first part of this project is called as Battery Historian meaning that it gives complete details regarding when the battery was drained and which part of the app is sucking out more battery juice which will help developers to identify and investigate the crucial parts of the app. The other part of the project  is the Job Schedular API, thereby helping developers to selectively choose the tasks to be performed depending on the battery conditions. This means certain tasks that consume more battery juice would take place only during the phone is kept for charging or if the battery is low, the phone will avoid updating apps.

Looking now from the user’s perspective, there is an inclusion of an built-in Battery Saver mode as found in premium Samsung and HTC devices. This built-in version will bring down display brightness, throttle your CPU and would even limit the updates at the background. However, Google is considered to be using a completely different kind of metric for this application so the comparison would get bit difficult. Google with its Battery Saver mode is considered to be offering an additional 90 minutes to usage for its Nexus 5.  Get more details regarding Google’s new features here.

Project Volta aimed to improve the battery life in Android L

Google officially unveils Android TV at the I/O conference

The Smart TV market is set to become stronger. Google officially unveiled Android TV at its I/O conference yesterday, June 25.  Android TV will support streaming of video, music and games. Essentially, Android TV will bring Android apps and games to your Television. This platform can be run through a set-top box or integrated directly into your TV.

Dave Burke, Google’s director of engineering who introduced Android TV at the I/O conference says that Android TV is not a new platform but will be part of Google’s Android L update for smartphones, which would come later this year.

There were reports earlier that Google might unveil Android TV at the I/O event and they have been proven true. Android TV will enable you to use your Android smartphone as a remote control for your TV, open Android TV apps and control your TV screen through your smartphone.

Watch live TV and Streaming TV

With Android TV, you can watch live TV on your Television or you can watch other internet-connected entertainment content as per your choice, be it Netflix, TED, iHeartRadio, Google Play store or something else. Android TV can be used to scroll through the channels while watching live TV and if you want to watch a streaming program, just press the Home button that will take you to the Android interface. There is a built-in Google Cast which allows you to cast shows and movies from your smartphone or tablet to the TV.

Gaming

You can play Android games from your smartphone or tablet on your TV. You can also launch and play games onto the TV from your Google Play games. You can play multi-player android games. One person can play with a game controller and another person can play by using a smartphone or tablet.

At the unveiling, Google demonstrated the NBA Jam multiplayer game with one player on Android TV and the other on an Android tablet.

Photos

You will also be able to see all your photos stored in your smartphone or other internet pictures on your TV’s big screen.

 Google Voice Search

Android TV also offers Google’s voice search functionality so that you can easily search for a live TV show, or some music video from YouTube or any good movie from Google Play just by giving a voice command. Say what you would like to see on your TV and a range of options will appear. Android TV has a great search feature that allows you to search across multiple devices. You can also ask questions to the Android TV. By using Google Search, it will provide an answer as well as recommendations depending on the question.

If you lose your remote, no worries. It would be possible to use your Android Wear wearables to control Android TV.

Android TV’s Google Play TV Store will open in the fall this year along with the public release of Android L. Sony, Sharp, Philips and TP Vision have all partnered with Google to launch a range of TV models supporting Android TV. Razer, Asus and other companies will be making Android TV streaming Set-top boxes later this year.

You can check out Google’s official Android TV page here. The Android L developer preview will also be available from today over here, where developers can get access to tools to design apps for Android TV.

Google officially unveils Android TV at the I/O conference

Android L could be announced later today at the Google I/O, launch in later 2014

Just after we spotted the leaked screenshots of “Android L” there is another big news coming our way giving some strong credence to the leak. Head of Google’s Android and Chrome division, Sundar Pichai, in his latest interview to Bloomberg Businessweek, said that the company could show off the next version of Android at the Google I/O that is scheduled today. Pichai said “I want the world to understand what we are doing sooner,” and announced that the OS can be launched ahead this fall.

This could mean a good feast for developers of the OS to work for a good amount of time on their apps before the commercial release of the OS. Looking towards the over active Android development community, it is quite possible that the ROMs leak out even before the official release.

Earlier today we saw a screenshot from what seemed like Android L, which looks more likely now with this revelation coming from the man himself. Google might also be looking to discuss a new Android TV and obviously the future of Android Wear during tomorrow’s keynote address.

We are certainly going to have some big news out there in the next 24 hrs as the Google I/O event would commence and progress. Apart from just the new Android version, an Android TV has also been earlier touted for release at the Google I/O.

Android L could be announced later today at the Google I/O, launch in later 2014

Android L update have appeared in leaked screenshots

Just days ahead of the start of Google I/O, some leaked screenshots are revealing the next major version of Android. Reddit user Doopl has come across two screenshots of what appears to be the “L” release or 4.5 version of Android. The screenshots were found in Chromium Issue Tracker, which were removed immediately after exposure.

The images show a Google login dialog box that looks entirely different than what you’ll currently see on an Android 4.4 device.There’s also an “L” in the status bar on the screenshots. You may recall that when KitKat was leaked early-on, there was a “K” in the notification bar, indicative of what was initially believed to be key Lime Pie. The placeholder letter appears when the device is plugged into a computer with USB debugging enabled.

Another small detail in the leaked images is the bell in the notification bar. This is believed to be a “silence all things” type of mode, similar to the Do Not Disturb feature available on iOS. The status bar on these images is also totally transparent and no longer has the slight gradient that KitKat has.

While we won’t know for sure if this is the “L” version of Android until Google actually announces the thing, there’s certainly some evidence to suggest that this is the real deal. We’ve heard that Google is prepping a design overhaul for Android, and it’d make sense for that design to be in testing over in Mountain View. It’s also worth pointing out that these screenshots come from a device with a screen resolution of 1280×768, which just so happens to match up with the Nexus 4.

We aren’t expecting Google to discuss Android L at Google I/O, since there hasn’t been a whole lot of information on the release yet, but it’s possible the company might surprise us. Instead, we think we’ll hear Google talk about plenty of other topics, including Android Wear, Google Glass, Android TV and much more.

Android L update have appeared in leaked screenshots