Nexus 7 (2013) Review

When the original iPad was released, it had its fair share of flaws and design quirks. And yet when Steve Jobs showed it off and declared it was “magic,” no one argued. But the magic that the iPad possessed had little to do with the practicality or accessibility of such a device. In the end, it was the iPad 2 that really cleaned up the hardware and had the tablet ecosystem to make it a device worth having on you at all times.

When the original Nexus 7 hit shelves last year, many users had that same “magical” experience. There was just something special about a completely stock, well-designed 7” Android tablet—the way it looked, the way it felt in your hands—it achieved something that other Android tablets had been trying to nail for years.

This year, Google released a new Nexus 7 that doesn’t have a new name, but maybe it should—because the new Nexus 7 is Google’s iPad 2. This isn’t just a flashy toy—it’s a device worth putting money down for.

HARDWARE: A sleek 7” tablet with an incredibly high-res screen

The new Nexus 7 is a beautiful and meticulously crafted device. Although it’s made of plastic and glass, the Nexus 7 has a durable and premium feel. This 7” tablet also features a new soft-touch back that replaces the hideous rubber that plagued the back of the original Nexus 7. But most importantly, Google has managed to make the new Nexus 7 far thinner and lighter, which is exactly what you need in a tablet made for content consumption. It’s gone from something that feels like a toy to a thing you’ll want to show off to your friends.

Weighing in at just 2 pounds, it feels comfortable to use with one hand—even to use leisurely in landscape mode with two hands. When you first pick up this tablet you’ll know exactly what to do with it—lounge on your couch to browse your favorite websites, catch up on Twitter on the bus, or do some late night before-bed reading. There are a few curious choices that take some getting used to—mostly that the side-mounted buttons don’t stick out at all and the strangely huge top and bottom bezels. For the most part though, you’d be shocked to learn that such a well-designed device was made in conjunction with Asus, the company responsible for devices such as the Transformer and the MemoPad.

But the real shocker here is the display. You won’t find a tablet display with better viewing angles, color reproduction and brightness. But the screen isn’t just vibrant, it’s also incredibly accurate—far better than the iPad Mini and miles ahead of any other 7” tablet. Add on to that the fact they’ve boosted the resolution up to 1900×1200 (a significant leap over the original), and you’ve got a tablet display that simply has no competitor. And while the Nexus 7 doesn’t look particularly notable just sitting on a table—a problem that the Nexus line of products has always had—it’ll turn some heads once that display is unlocked.

SOFTWARE: A no-frills Android tablet experience

The Nexus 7 runs stock Android JellyBean 4.3, the newest version of the operating system that few non-Nexus tablets will get this early. What you get with 4.3 is designated profile modes for parental controls, as well as other minor features such as an improved Google Now. Beyond that, you won’t see a ton of visible differences in 4.3—but what you do get is a significant boost in performance. That could also be due to the much-needed extra GB of ram in the Nexus 7 (two total) pushing the very capable Snapdragon 600 processor.

With no bloatware or extra features to speak of, the end is result is a device that can focus solely on pushing the OS and your favorite apps as fast as they can go. That also means that battery life is fairly dependable despite the high-res screen—as long as you don’t have the brightness turned up all day.

Although the Android ecosystem has almost caught up to iOS in some ways, one of the big problems with Android tablets has always been a lack of quality tablet apps. While that matters a bit less on a screen that’s only a couple inches bigger than most Android smartphones (or even less sometimes…), it was still a big concern of mine heading into using the Nexus 7. Fortunately, the timing of this Nexus 7’s release has really been perfect in that the state of Android tablet apps in the Google Play Store is better than it’s ever been. Apps like Evernote, Netflix, Plume, Pocket and Pinterest all look great on the Nexus 7—a testament to the depth that the Android ecosystem now has.

As a side note, there have been a few serious bugs reported since the launch of the Nexus 7—most notably reported problems with the device’s keyboard and GPS. Although I didn’t run into any of the problems with my device, Google has already acknowledged the bugs and has vowed to take care of them.

The Nexus 7 is not only the best Android tablet to be released, it’s also the best 7” tablet money can buy period. And although an updated, Retina Display-enabled iPad Mini is probably just around the corner—the 2013 Nexus 7 is sure to hold up to its competitors throughout the year. If you’re looking for a device that will let you get away from work in the evenings and let you just unwind with your favorite articles, music, books, and games—look no further. Did I mention that this thing sells at a starting price of $229.99?

Source: http://www.pastemagazine.com

Android 4.4 KitKat Update Predictions

Shortly after Apple announced its iPhone 5S launch date, Google announced something big of its own, confirming Android 4.4 KitKat for arrival sometime in the future. The update, which will replace Android 4.3 Jelly Bean as the most current version of Android, is still a bit of a mystery. However, in the build up to its release, it’s time to make some bold predictions about Google’s new Android 4.4 KitKat update.

In late July, after skipping an announcement at Google I/O, Google announced Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, its latest version of Jelly Bean that rolled out to Nexus devices and will be hitting big name devices in the coming weeks, a list that includes the HTC One, the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note 2.

The update, unlike Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, wasn't a massive update and followed in the footsteps of Android 4.2 by building upon the foundation that Android 4.1 laid when it arrived back in July of last year.

Rumours for months suggested that the next version of Android, to follow Android Jelly Bean, would be Google’s ‘K’ update, also thought to be called Key Lime Pie or Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. It’s a name that had been around for awhile and that’s why it was so surprising to see Google announce something completely different just a few short days ago.

Companies have a habit of trying to one up the other when one tries to steal the spotlight. Several weeks ago, Samsung sent out invites for a September 4th event. A day before that event, which turned out to be for the Galaxy Note 3, Apple sent out an invite for its September 10th iPhone 5S event in Cupertino. And not to be outdone, Google announced something big of its own, Android 4.4 KitKat.

Instead of Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, Google went in a totally different direction and partnered up with Nestle, the maker of KitKat, to deliver a bizarre name for its next update.

The company hasn't said much about Android 4.4 KitKat, other than confirming it for release. We also haven’t seen any major leaks emerge for the software, making it hard to predict. But not impossible.

Here, we make some early, bold Android 4.4 KitKat predictions including some guesses about its release date and its features.

Android 4.4 KitKat Release Date

This is probably the easiest piece of the Android 4.4 KitKat puzzle to predict because there is a history. In the past, we've seen Google release new Android updates with brand new pieces of Nexus hardware. We saw it with Android 4.1 and the Nexus 7, with Android 4.2 and the Nexus 4 and with Android 4.3 and the Nexus 7 2.

Google also, in the past two years, has released the Nexus smartphone in the fourth quarter. The Galaxy Nexus landed in December while the Nexus 4 arrived in November after an October launch. Unsurprisingly, Nexus 5 rumours point to a launch in October with Android 4.4 KitKat on board and at this point, this is exactly how we see this playing out.

Look for Google to take the stage, somewhere, maybe in New York City, and announce a trio of new products. Android 4.4 KitKat, the Nexus 5 or Nexus 5′s, and a new Nexus 10 tablet that could be made by Asus. Look for Google to announce specific release dates for these new products.

Google typically rolls out its Android updates for older Nexus devices either immediately after announcing the software or near the release date of its new Nexus products. With that in mind, we imagine that Android 4.4 KitKat will be released somewhere in between late October and mid November for owners of older Nexus devices.

Android 4.4 KitKat Updates

Of course, not all devices will get Android 4.4 KitKat right off the bat. Nexus devices always get the software first which means that the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 will all likely get Android 4.4 KitKat right off the bat. Here’s a bold prediction, we think that the Galaxy Nexus will get Android 4.4 though we think it will be its last update.

If it does get an update, that will be two years of support for the device, and considering that Google says that it’s its “goal with Android KitKat to make an amazing Android experience available for everybody” we suspect that the Galaxy Nexus won’t be the only older device that gets the upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat.

We suspect that it will take several months for Android 4.4 KitKat updates to start hitting devices, given how close we are to Android 4.3 for some devices. We think that Android 4.4 KitKat will likely start rolling out for devices in the second quarter of next year with flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S5 coming with it pre-loaded out of the box.

As far as the first non-Nexus smartphone to get Android 4.4 KitKat, that will likely be the Samsung Galaxy S4 as Samsung typically does a great job of updating its big name devices to major Android updates. After that, it’s impossible to say.

Android 4.4 KitKat Features

There is very little to go on in terms of Android 4.4 KitKat features as we haven’t seen much of anything leak out yet. Early rumors suggested that it could be a piece of software that is focused on getting Android onto a host of different types of technology including wearable tech and game consoles, and, Google’s tagline about Android 4.4 supports this.

We fully expect Android 4.4 to be optimized to run on devices that aren’t souped up with big time processors and specs. The thing to hone in on is the fact that Google says it wants to make Android 4.4 KitKat available to everybody. That means three things in our eyes:

• People that use devices other than phones: gaming systems, watches, refrigerators, etc.
• People that don’t want or need the top-of-the-line smartphones but want a great software experience. (Think iOS 7 on the iPhone 5C.)
• Google wants everyone, or most everyone, on the same version of Android.

By lowering the spec requirements, Google can put Android 4.4 KitKat inside a ton of different form factors including smartphones and tablets. It will also lower the costs that companies endure and it will ensure fluid experiences across all devices.

With this in mind, we have to think that Android KitKat will be focused on optimizing what’s already there. Google has shown a willingness to produce smaller updates that build upon what it has already. Updates like Android 4.2 and Android 4.3 which didn’t drastically alter the Android experience but added some beneficial features while upgrading others.

In our mind, Android KitKat will deliver new features, but we don’t think it’s going to be a massive overhaul like iOS 7 is going to be for iOS. Instead, we think Google is going to focus heavily on battery life and UI fluidity while also adding some new features and tweaking some things already on board the operating system.

The new name and software version are definitely signs that this will be more than what Android 4.3 and Android 4.2 were, but we don’t think it will be on the same level as the jump from Android 4.0 to Android 4.1.

Source: http://www.gottabemobile.com

Nexus 5 Could Get LTE, 5-Inch Display And Snapdragon 800 Processor, Per FCC Filing For New LG Device

Rumours about Google’s next Nexus device are heating up in the wake of a perceived leak via the company’s own promotional video for Android KitKat earlier this week. Today, a filing from the FCC (via Engadget) that details a new, unreleased LG device making its way to the U.S. offers up what could be some more granular information on Google’s next Android reference smartphone.

The Nexus 5 could be the “D820″ from the filing, a chance made more likely by the fact that the images shared with the U.S. wireless standards regulator line up closely with the sneak peek revealed in Google’s video, and by the knowledge that it contains wireless charging based on the Qi standard, a feature of its forerunner the LG Nexus 4. And per the filing, this supposed Nexus 5 would offer 7-band LTE, 802.11ac WiFi networking, a 5-inch display, and come with Android 4.4 preloaded (which is named “Key Lime Pie” in the filing’s firmware name string, a sign the KitKat arrangement was one made late by Google).

Measurements of the device place it at 131.9 mm tall and 68.2 mm wide per the document, which is slightly thinner and shorter than the Nexus 4 despite the 0.26-inch larger diagonal display, so expect top and bottom bezel to be shaved slightly with the Nexus 5 if these reports do indeed describe that smartphone. The new Nexus phone as seen in the commercial can be seen in the screenshot below from 9 to 5 Google, and a fan-made render by Philippine site Yugatech, pictured above, provides a better idea of what that device might look like up close.

Google started selling the Nexus 4 way back in November 2012, after announcing it at the end of October, so it’s nearly due for a refresh. At the time, the lack of LTE was a noteworthy admission, so the fact that its successor could get fairly broad LTE band support is big news, and the Snapdragon 800 is definitely no slouch in the processor department. We’ll likely have to wait a while yet to see what shape the next Nexus takes, but if this is it, and if Google can keep unlocked pricing in the same ballpark it managed for the Nexus 4, this could be a very good option for Android smartphone shoppers.

Source: http://techcrunch.com

New version of Android sweetened by KitKat

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• New version of Android mobile operating system will be named KitKat
• Surprise announcement is consistent with Google's theme of sweet treats
• Older Android versions include Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Jellybean
• Deal with Nestle reportedly was struck in 24 hours

(CNN) -- And here we were expecting a slice of key lime pie.

Google has surprised the tech world by announcing that the next version of Android, its mobile operating system, will be named KitKat -- in honor of the candy bar developers munched on while they were creating it.

"We couldn't imagine a better name for our Android K release than the tasty chocolate that's been a favorite among the team since the early days of Android," said Marc Vanlerberghe, Google's marketing director for Android.

The name keeps with a Google tradition, established in 2009, of naming versions of the industry-leading system after sweet treats. But it's the first time one of the nicknames has been a trademarked product and, as such, KitKat maker Nestle was needed to sign on.

The Swiss food and drink maker did -- and in a big way.

More than 50 million KitKat bars, specially branded with Google's green Android robot on their packaging, will be released, giving customers a chance to win prizes that include a Nexus 7 tablet and credits to the Google Play store. A small number of robot-shaped KitKats will also be shipped as surprises for customers.

The company also got in on the act with its KitKat website, which has been overhauled to look like the site of a tech company rolling out a sleek new piece of electronics. That includes an earnest promotional video that could easily be read as a swipe at Apple, Google's chief mobile rival.

"Every corner, every edge, every finger of every bar has been carefully considered and crafted to create a beautifully immersive and multisensory experience," Chris Caitlin, Kit Kat's "chief breaks officer" says earnestly over a swelling orchestral arrangement not unlike the ones Apple uses to build excitement for new products.

If there's any remaining doubt, the slogan "There's a KitKat for that" appears briefly on a tablet screen in the video.

John Lagerling, director of Android global partnerships, told the BBCthat the Nestle deal is "not a money-changing-hands kind of deal," but was dreamed up by developers who kept KitKats, along with other snacks, in their break room while coding.

He said the Android team didn't even know which company owned KitKat and that he cold-called the switchboard of Nestle's advertising agency in November to float the idea. The next day he was on a conference call, and the deal was sealed 24 hours later.

To maintain the element of surprise -- an increasingly tough ask for big tech companies whose every move is scrutinized -- the Android team continued, even internally, calling the upcoming system "Key Lime Pie," which had been the presumed name for months.

Android has been developed by the company's engineers under dessert names ever since the release of Android Cupcake in 2009.

The other iterations have been named Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich and Jellybean.

Google is not the only tech company to name its products along a consistent theme. But Apple appears to have recently abandoned a similar practice with its Mac operating system -- OS X.

In a departure, Apple's next Mac operating system will not be named after a cat. Instead, the 10th iteration of OS X will be called Mavericks, named for a popular surfing spot in Northern California. Previous version names have included Mountain Lion, Snow Leopard, Tiger, Lion and Cheetah.

A joint statement from Google and Nestle did not give a release date for Android KitKat, although some observers expect it to be launched this fall.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com

Google Announces 1B Total Android Activations, Names Next Version ‘KitKat’

Apple made waves this morning when it announced its oft-rumored September 10 event, but Google isn’t giving up the day’s limelight without a fight — according to a post on Sundar Pichai’s Google+ page, more than 1 billion Android devices have been activated to date. That’s not exactly a shock considering the sort of momentum we’ve seen in activations over the past few months. CEO Larry Page said there were 1.5 million Android activations a day back in July and Android device activations hit the 900 million mark earlier this year.

Even more puzzling than that is the name of the next version of Android, which bucks the long-standing trend of generic dessert names. As it turns out, Android 4.4 is going to be called “KitKat”and not “Key Lime Pie” as earlier thought, though at this point there’s still no official word on when we can expect to see the build go live. KitKats are of course a popular chocolate treat made by Nestle, and at this point we’re trying to determine how much this crazy little deal is worth, but the promotional blitz has already begun.

UPDATE: Google has confirmed to the BBC that the idea for the name originated with them, and that no money is changing hands as part of the deal.

Nestle has already kicked off a bizarre cross-promotion strategy that will bestow Nexus 7s and Google Play credits on those who find specially branded Kit Kat candy bars emblazoned with the Android logo, à la Willy Wonka. Yes, this is really happening. Apparently the agreement was finalized behind closed doors at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, and all parties involved amazingly managed to keep the name under wraps (I slay me) for six months despite the fact that Nestle has been churning out that Android-laden packaging for 50 million candy bars.

Though the name itself is enough to get Android fans and mobile pundits talking, Google may be looking to expand its scope with this latest update. The newly anointed Android KitKit landing page claims that it’s the company’s goal “to make an amazing Android experience available for everybody,” which may hint at an expansion into different hardware segments. Google already has some skin in the smartphone and tablet games thanks to its acquisition of Motorola Mobility and hardware partnerships with Asus and LG, but it’s possible we could see Android KitKit powering a smartwatch — a move made partially possible by Google’s quiet acquisition of WIMM Labs last year.

Source: http://techcrunch.com