In this series we round up the technology-based articles from around the web that have caught our eye in the last week. Have something we should know about? Send us a note!
"Google Play Games" Leaks Out In All Its Glory Ahead Of Google I/O - Hello, Cloud Game Saves [Android Police]
Android Police digs into the new Google Play Services APK to reveal a massive update to Google Play Games for mobile devices rumored to be revealed at Google I/O this week. A large part of the reveal will allow for cloud game saves with heavy integration to Google+.
Google adds push alerts to Chrome for more efficient apps [The Verge]
The Chrome team has added support for push alerts for apps in the Chrome browser and Chrome OS. Google Cloud Messaging is designed to allow apps to send notifications more efficiently and only run when they're needed instead of needing to check back to the server using up data and power.
Ahead of I/O, Google Wallet Drops Plans to Introduce a Physical Card [AllThingsD]
Google planned to reveal a physical credit card to compliment Google Wallet at Google I/O this week but has since then tabled the plan, according to sources. This may be in response to Google Wallet head Osama Bedier leaving the company last week.
Analyst: New Nexus 7 to Have Android 4.3, WUXGA Display and Snapdragon S4 Pro for $199 [Android Headlines]
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with KGI Securities, has released a research note allegedly revealing specifications for a new Nexus 7 tablet due in time for Google I/O. Specifications include a 7 inch display with 1920x1200 resolution, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 4000mAh battery, and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.
YouTube launches paid channels starting at $0.99 per month [The Verge]
On May 9th, YouTube launched a $.99 per month paid subscription option on a small number of shows including Sesame Street and UFC. More paid channels will be rolling out in the coming weeks for qualifying partners.
We’re going live from Google I/O [Official Google Blog]
Click the source link for a list of various sources to receive real-time updates of Google I/O happenings including live streams and video of all keynote sessions. The festivities begin May 15th and 9 a.m. PT.
Google going to revamp its Maps interface at I/O? [CNET]
Google is rumored to be revamping its Google Maps interface in the coming days, concentrating on interactive elements, and doing away with various navigational buttons and sidebars. A purported demo of the new interface can be seen here.
Google pushes out software update for Glass [Computer World]
An update was pushed out to Glass - Google's glasseslike wearable computer. The update was pushed out on May 7 and includes integration with Google+ and Google Hangouts.
More hints of Google Now for the desktop appear before Google I/O [9To5Google]
More evidence of Google Now for the desktop show up in recent Chromium builds. This has been rumored for months and may show itself in time for Google I/O this week.
Google offers iOS developers a way to treat Chrome almost like the default browser [iMore]
The Chrome browser has been available for iOS for quite some time now, but one annoyance has been that links opened up in the default Safari browser on mobile devices with no option to open them in Chrome. Google has made code available to developers that will allow apps to do just that.
Google+ adds instant replay, rewind to Hangouts On Air [CNET]
Google+ Hangouts keeps getting better, now with the ability to replay and rewind live broadcasts within the browser.
Google adds notification center to Chromium for Mac in preparation for porting Google Now to OS X [The Next Web]
Evidence has been uncovered that indicates Google may be bringing its Notification Center and Google Now to OS X. Google Now was recently added to the Google Search app in iOS. Is OS X next?
Everything you need to know about Google Glass (FAQ) [CNET]
CNET has put together a neat FAQ that may answer any questions you may have on Google Glass - Google's wearable glasses.
Gmail for iOS update lets users automatically open links in Chrome, YouTube, or Safari [The Verge]
A recent App Store update has added the ability for the iOS Gmail app to open links in the Chrome browser - or any browser of choice for that matter. Settings for this can be tweaked in the app settings menu.
This week we highlight recent developments from Google ahead of its I/O developer conference on 5/15/13.
News from Google
"Google Play Games" Leaks Out In All Its Glory Ahead Of Google I/O - Hello, Cloud Game Saves [Android Police]
Android Police digs into the new Google Play Services APK to reveal a massive update to Google Play Games for mobile devices rumored to be revealed at Google I/O this week. A large part of the reveal will allow for cloud game saves with heavy integration to Google+.
Google adds push alerts to Chrome for more efficient apps [The Verge]
The Chrome team has added support for push alerts for apps in the Chrome browser and Chrome OS. Google Cloud Messaging is designed to allow apps to send notifications more efficiently and only run when they're needed instead of needing to check back to the server using up data and power.
Ahead of I/O, Google Wallet Drops Plans to Introduce a Physical Card [AllThingsD]
Google planned to reveal a physical credit card to compliment Google Wallet at Google I/O this week but has since then tabled the plan, according to sources. This may be in response to Google Wallet head Osama Bedier leaving the company last week.
Analyst: New Nexus 7 to Have Android 4.3, WUXGA Display and Snapdragon S4 Pro for $199 [Android Headlines]
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with KGI Securities, has released a research note allegedly revealing specifications for a new Nexus 7 tablet due in time for Google I/O. Specifications include a 7 inch display with 1920x1200 resolution, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 4000mAh battery, and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.
YouTube launches paid channels starting at $0.99 per month [The Verge]
On May 9th, YouTube launched a $.99 per month paid subscription option on a small number of shows including Sesame Street and UFC. More paid channels will be rolling out in the coming weeks for qualifying partners.
We’re going live from Google I/O [Official Google Blog]
Click the source link for a list of various sources to receive real-time updates of Google I/O happenings including live streams and video of all keynote sessions. The festivities begin May 15th and 9 a.m. PT.
Google going to revamp its Maps interface at I/O? [CNET]
Google is rumored to be revamping its Google Maps interface in the coming days, concentrating on interactive elements, and doing away with various navigational buttons and sidebars. A purported demo of the new interface can be seen here.
Google pushes out software update for Glass [Computer World]
An update was pushed out to Glass - Google's glasseslike wearable computer. The update was pushed out on May 7 and includes integration with Google+ and Google Hangouts.
More hints of Google Now for the desktop appear before Google I/O [9To5Google]
More evidence of Google Now for the desktop show up in recent Chromium builds. This has been rumored for months and may show itself in time for Google I/O this week.
Google offers iOS developers a way to treat Chrome almost like the default browser [iMore]
The Chrome browser has been available for iOS for quite some time now, but one annoyance has been that links opened up in the default Safari browser on mobile devices with no option to open them in Chrome. Google has made code available to developers that will allow apps to do just that.
Google+ adds instant replay, rewind to Hangouts On Air [CNET]
Google+ Hangouts keeps getting better, now with the ability to replay and rewind live broadcasts within the browser.
Google adds notification center to Chromium for Mac in preparation for porting Google Now to OS X [The Next Web]
Evidence has been uncovered that indicates Google may be bringing its Notification Center and Google Now to OS X. Google Now was recently added to the Google Search app in iOS. Is OS X next?
Everything you need to know about Google Glass (FAQ) [CNET]
CNET has put together a neat FAQ that may answer any questions you may have on Google Glass - Google's wearable glasses.
Gmail for iOS update lets users automatically open links in Chrome, YouTube, or Safari [The Verge]
A recent App Store update has added the ability for the iOS Gmail app to open links in the Chrome browser - or any browser of choice for that matter. Settings for this can be tweaked in the app settings menu.
Weekly Roundup
Tech news you may have missed
- Nokia Lumia 928 for Verizon announced, available May 16th for $99.99 [The Verge]
- Microsoft reportedly trying to buy Nook ebook ecosystem for $1 billion [The Verge]
- Nokia teases global event for Thursday [CNET]
- Facebook in talks to buy Israel's Waze for up to $1 billion: report [Reuters]
- Spotify's nightmare realized: Chrome extension allows MP3 download of any song [The Verge]
- Windows Phone 8's YouTube app goes from glorified bookmark to full application in latest update [Engadget]
- Rovio: Pick up your game where you left off - across devices! [Rovio]
- Fitbit now shipping its first-ever Bluetooth 4.0 wristband for $99 [9to5Mac]
- Hulu Plus arrives on Windows Phone as Microsoft's game of app catch-up continues [The Verge]
Odds and Ends
I couldn't help but add another geeky wedding proposal video. This time, app developer Rovio gets in the game by helping place the proposal in an Angry Birds game level for the unsuspecting bride-to-be. Again, you're allowed to cry.
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