Motorola Beats Personal Best: Sells 10 Million Smartphones in Q4 2014

In May 2012, Google’s CEO was proud to announce that the Mountain View-based giant closed the deal to acquire Motorola Mobility. Almost two years later, Google agreed to sell Motorola Mobility to Chinese company Lenovo for $2.91 billion.

Since the Google acquisition, the folks at Motorola have announced some interesting smartphones: the incredibly affordable Moto E, the popular Moto G mid-ranger, and the highly-customizable Moto X. In 2014, Moto G and Moto X reached 2nd generation and it looks that we will also get to see a 2nd gen Moto E soon.

Motorola has recently announced they managed to sell 10 million smartphones in the fourth quarter of the year. The figure is not surprising at all given the huge success their budget-friendly Moto E had, especially on the emerging markets.

With 10 million smartphones sold in Q4 2014, Motorola has registered a growth of about 118% when compared to the same quarter of 2013. The press release also revealed that the two mobile divisions of the Chinese giant combined (Lenovo – Motorola) have registered a loss of $89 million in Q4 2014. Still, the Lenovo officials remain optimistic with their predictions for the next 6 month, a time frame in which they expect the Motorola smartphones to bring a big contribution to the company’s income.

Youtube 5.18.5 Update with Support for 1440p Videos Now Available for Download

A while back, the folks at Google introduced support for changing video quality for the YouTube Android app. For some reason, YouTube didn’t have support for videos in 1440p on mobile devices, but the latest update is here to address that.

After you update your YouTube app to version 5.18.5 you will be able to enjoy 1440p videos on your Quad HD smartphone. You may know already that the QHD smartphones are a thing now, with LG G3, Galaxy Note 4, and Nexus 6 probably being the most popular such smartphones. In order to change video quality in the Youtube app, you will have to press the three-dotted-menu in the upper right corner of the app, tap Quality, then choose the resolution you want the video to be played at. Of course, this feature is only available for the videos that are recorded at 1440p or over and only for devices with Quad HD resolution or above.

The Youtube 5.18.5 is already being pushed to users. You can check whether the update is available for your device in the Play Store app, under My Apps > Installed. Hit this link to check out Youtube in Google Play Store.

Nexus 6: Pricing, Release Date, Specs Leaked

Nexus 6 has been under a lot of speculation lately, being a very important member of the Nexus family, as a result of collaboration between Google and Motorola. A new set of leaks have emerged which give us further details regarding the gadget’s price tag and release date.

Google Nexus 6: Price and Release Date Rumor

As it currently stands, Google’s Nexus 6 is set to be released by the end of the month, with a price that fluctuates between £400 and £450 according to MoDaCo founder and recognized mobile tech enthusiast, Paul O’Brien (as seen here). It’s a fantastic price for a very decent phone that comes with some of the best tech specs. What’s more important is that the Nexus 6 is almost certainly going to be released with the famous Android L operating system, which fans are dying to try out as soon as possible.

The Nexus 6 will sport a 5.9-inch display with a 1440 x 2560 pixel (Quad HD) resolution, a quad-core Snapdragon 805 system chip with a CPU running up to 2.7GHz, a 2.1MP frontal camera, and a 13MP primary shooter with optical image stabilization. Other specs include 3GB of RAM as well as a 3,200mAh battery guaranteed to last you a long time before needing to be recharged. Since the display is so sharp and high-res, it’s going to take a lot of juice to power the Nexus 6.

Nexus 6 Tech Specs Leaked in Pics

We’re very eager to see this device hit retailers and carriers soon, because it marks a big milestone in the tech industry, and we all know what an amazing price-quality ratio Nexus device have. Being a phablet, it’s going to be a huge success in the Asian markets, where large diagonals are preferred as a symbol of wealth and pride.

Android 5.0 L Update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10: Release Date Rumors

The release of the Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 is imminent and, as we get closer to the moment when Google will make the new Android update available for the public, more leaks and reports are surfacing online. Even though the Mountain View-based giant didn’t reveal when Android 5.0 L will go live, the recent reports are painting an almost complete picture of when we should expect it.

As you may know, starting this year, the folks at Google changed the strategy regarding Android launches. So far, we had two major Android releases a year: one in the summer and on in the fall. Now, Google is launching Android 5.0 L Apple-style. Their main rivals are usually announcing new iOS updates in the summer at WWDC, make them available for beta testing for a few months, then release them for the public in the fall, synchronized with the debut of a new iPhone. Android L was revealed in the summer at Google I/O and made available for testing soon after as Developer Preview (there’s an update for Android L Developer Preview for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013 here). The final version will most likely be announced in the fall, when new Nexus hardware will also arrive. Or at least that’s what the latest reports are indicating.

In April we heard that a new Google program called Android Silver might replace the already-popular Nexus program. After Google’s Dave Bruke denied the rumors that said that the Nexus family is dead, rumors of new Nexus hardware stated to surface online. First we’ve learned about a new Nexus tablet manufactured by HTC and codenamed Flounder. It seems that the unofficially dubbed Nexus 9 has an 8.9-inch display with 4:3 aspect ratio, 64-bit Nvidia Tegra K1 processor, 4 GB RAM, 8 MP primary cam, 2 MP secondary cam, and “aluminum zero-gap construction.” The rumor mill also talks about a new Nexus smartphone. Codenamed Shamu, the Nexus 6 is manufactured by Motorola and sports a 5.9-inch Quad HD screen, quad-core Snapdragon 805 CPU, 3 GB of RAM, and 13 MP rear-facing shooter. There’s even a leaked photo of the Moto Shamu roaming around the web. Of course, both devices will run Android 5.0 L out of the box.

Earlier this month, an Nvidia document said that the Nexus 9 is expected to debut in the third quarter of the year. Soon after, respected member of the Android community Paul O’Brien tweeted that Nexus 9 will be announced October 16, quoting an anonymous tipster. Then we’ve heard from two trustworthy sources that the release date of the HTC-made tablet is “very close.” Another source claims that, while Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 will be announced mid-October, Android 5.0 L will not be rolled out sooner than November 1st.

But what will be the final name of Android L? I’m glad you’ve asked. All Android iterations so far had a dessert-inspired name and a specific version number. Given the tremendous amount of changes the new update brings, we are sure that its version number will be 5.0. The name will no doubt begin with letter “L” and we have some dessert names already floating around. While early reports said that it will be either Lollipop or Licorice, lately we’re hearing about Lemon Meringue Pie more often. Therefore, you should expect the new release to be named Android 5.0 Lemon Meringue Pie (or Android 5.0 LMP).

Now that we have an idea about when the Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 will be rolled out to the public, let’s talk about some of the most important features of the new Android iteration. Android 5.0 L is generally acknowledged as the biggest update Google’s mobile operating system has received since its debut back in 2008. It’s even bigger than the jump from 2.3 Gingerbread to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

One of the most important changes brought by Android 5.0 L is Material Design. Courtesy of the new design philosophy, Android 5.0 L is more animated and more colorful. The 3D effects and shadows are making the interface more intuitive, allowing the user to see where everything came from and where everything goes. Moreover, Google has promised fluid 60 fps transitions.

The new update will also introduce performance enhancements. The obsolete Dalvik runtime has been replaced by ART and 64-bit processors are now natively supported. We are also glad to announce you that the battery life will be improved in Android 5.0 L courtesy of Project Volta. For example, a Nexus 5 running Android L Developer Preview has 30 – 40% more battery life than one running KitKat.

Google’s new update also brings enhancements to the Notifications Panel. It has received a new color scheme, while the background is transparent in order to allow you to see what’s on your screen while checking unread notifications. The Quick Settings button is gone, but not the Quick Settings menu itself. You will just get to it in a different way. You will have to swipe down once to go to notifications, and then swipe again to access Quick Settings. There are toggles for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile Data, Airplane Mode, Notifications, Auto Rotate, Location, and Cast Screen, and a slider for Brightness control.

You will also get to enjoy a new Lock Screen in Android 5.0 L. Now, it is capable of showing your notifications and it even allows you to interact with them. You can dismiss them by swiping, read them by tapping, or see more details by swiping down. Google also promised that the lock screen notifications will be prioritized based on the frequency you interact with them.

Enhancements have been applied to the Status Bar, as well. The new Dynamic Status Bar is capable of changing its color to match the action bar of the app running on the screen, while remaining transparent in home screen and lock screen. Even though the Android 5.0 L native apps will e updated to take advantage of the Dynamic Status Bar, third-party devs will have to update their apps for us to enjoy a unified visual experience.

You should also be able to notice that the Settings app looks different, too. Besides arriving with a new color scheme, the Settings app has also been reorganized and has received new animations, toggles, and check boxes. There’s also a search bar that will allow you to search for the option you are trying to access.

Another major change brought by Android 5.0 L is the new Recents screen. Recently opened apps look like cards stacked one over another. In fact, they look a lot like the recent tabs in Chrome. Google also announced a document-centric multitasking, which basically means that certain apps will be able to show more than one card in Recents.

The Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 will no doubt be the first one to hit the users. Next in line will most likely be the Google Play Edition smartphones and tablets. Motorola is known for releasing quick updates, so their supported smartphones could get Android 5.0 L pretty fast. HTC promised to roll out the new update for One M7 and One M8 within 90 days after Google releases the final version, while reports are showing that Galaxy S5 and Note 4 might get it late November or early December. Sony and LG might also release Android 5.0 L for their flagship devices by the end of the year.

Moto X (2014): Motorola and AT&T Shipping Pre-orders

Moto X (2014): Motorola and AT&T Shipping Pre-orders

Google and Motorola’s cohabitation, no matter how short-lived it may have been, produced fantastic consumer devices that were accessible to both power-users and to those who were on a budget. As a send-off, Motorola, in collaboration with Google, released second-generation models of the Moto X and its affordable iteration, the Moto G. Pre-orders for both devices began just last week, and the first batches are reported to have begun shipping. This, however, is for the unadulterated version of the Moto X (2014). Orders done through Motorola’s Moto Maker should also begin shipping in a few days as devices are still in transit from China. Unlike last generation’s Moto X, the device is no longer being made in the United States, so assembly and shipping are taking a bit longer than expected.

Moto X 2014 Pricing

The Moto X (2014) is sold at a retail price of $499 for the 16GB version and $549 for the 32GB version, unlocked and off-contract. It is also available from AT&T for $99 with a 24-month contract. Students should take advantage of Motorola’s education discount, knocking off $50 from orders of the unlocked 16GB Moto X (2014). With the Moto Maker, you can customize your Moto X (2014), giving you the option to choose what color the back and front plates will be, as well as some accent colors. You can also customize the device’s back plate material. A leather-ized version of the Moto X (2014) will cost an extra $100, and a wood-plated iteration will need a top up of $50.

As a refresher, the Moto X (2014) comes with a 5.2-inch screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, giving it a pixel density of 424 ppi. There are two storage options, 16 or 32GB (non-expandable), and it comes with 2GB of RAM. Powering the device is a 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801processor coupled with an Adreno 330 GPU. The device’s main camera is rated at 13MP and the front camera at 2MP. The Moto X (2014) runs on Android 4.4.4 KitKat, with an Android L expected soon after its release.

Nexus 5: Flyme OS Now Available

Nexus 5: Flyme OS Now Available

Being a member of the Nexus family, Google’s Nexus 5 has always been one of the most developer friendly handsets out there and while the device gets a bunch of new custom ROMs pretty much every other week, this time the Nexus 5 developer community has managed to port something much better; Flyme OS.

Flyme OS for the Google Nexus 5

Flyme OS is something new and innovating. It’s an elegant new operating system by the Meizu team, and is built on top of Android source code. It has a beautiful and user-friendly UI, allowing users to quickly find what they need and access all their favorite features as fast as possible, with minimal loading times.

The OS is also based on the CyanogenMod 11 ROM which brings a lot of improvements to the famous operating system, greatly extending its functionality. So overall, Flyme OS is something unique on the market that everyone should definitely try out.

If your intention is indeed to try the operating system out, and you own a Nexus 5, then it’s good news for you, because the good folks over at XDA Developers have made this OS available as a ROM for the Nexus 5. XDA Developers member, Vpabc, is the one responsible for this port, based on CyanogenMod 11. The ROM comes with all apps that the Meizu team included in the OS, so it’s an absolutely full experience for anyone looking forward to trying it out. The operating system can’t actually be compared with either Android, iOS or Fire OS because every operating system has its pros and cons, and this one is aimed at elegance, user-friendliness and fluidity.

The current release is stable, as mentioned on XDA Developers, but is not fully identical to the actual operating system that comes on Meizu’s phones. It’s natural that you’ll find some bugs and gaps, but then again they are scarce, so you should simply give it a try and check it out for yourself. You’ll need to flash SuperSU and a gapps package if you want to have root access and Google apps.

Nexus 9 Release Date is Close, Sources Confirm

Nexus 9 Release Date is Close, Sources Confirm

The Nexus 9 release date is yet a mystery, but its launch is “very close.” Well, at least that’s what two of the biggest tech publications in the world seem to suggest.

Both Wall Street Journal and The Verge wrote September 22 that the Nexus 6 release date is close. Unfortunately, neither of the two publications gave further details regarding the launch of the highly-anticipated tablet.

Even though previous rumors suggested that the Nexus 9 will have an 8.9-inch display, WSJ wrote that the upcoming table will sport a 9-inch screen, in the same time confirming that it is manufactured by HTC. According to “people familiar with the matter” HTC’s engineers have been visited Google’s headquarters over the past few months to complete the project.

On the other hand, sources familiar with The Verge said that the Nexus 9 release is “imminent.” Once again, no further details were given.

This is not the first time we’re hearing rumors about the Nexus 9 release date. Earlier this month, we’ve told you about an Nvidia legal document which was revealing that the Nexus 9 is expected to launch Q3. This means that we will get to see the next-gen Nexus tablet in flesh by the end of the month. On the other hand, MoDaCo founder and trusted member of the Android community Paul O’Brien said that the Nexus 9 might be announced October 16.

If the rumors are to be believed, the Nexus 9 is codenamed Flounder or Volantis and it will be a beast when it comes to hardware specifications. It seems that the 9-inch tablet will be underpinned by a 64-bit-enabled Nvidia Tegra K1 processor paired with 4 GB of RAM, while sporting an 8 MP primary camera, 2 MP secondary camera, and HTC’s “zero-gap aluminium construction.” Either way, the new Nexus 9 will definitely run Android L out of the box.

Android L Feature Spotlight

Android L Feature Spotlight

Recents

This summer brought us Android L, the latest and greatest update to Google’s mobile operating system. Even though Android L was not made available for the public, Google released Developer Preview builds for both Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013 for testing purposes.

Besides allowing developers to see how their apps look and behave in Android L, the Developer Preview builds also allow us to take an early look at the features that will be introduced by the new Android update. This post aims to show you the changes Android L brings to the Recents screen.

Besides changing the way the navigation buttons look like, Google has also changed the way the Recents screen looks and behaves. The Android L Recents has received a Material Design makeover and brings improved functionality.

The little thumbnails of the last opened apps have been replaced by a cards stacked one over another. In fact, the Recents screen looks a lot like Chromes opened tabs screen. It also brings a, how Google likes to call it, document-centric multitasking, allowing certain apps to show more than one card in the Recents screen. For example, Chrome can show a recents card for each opened tab.

Google failed to reveal when Android L will be released for the public, but, if the latest reports are to be believed, the new update will be rolled out sometime late September or early October.

Project Volta

Google took us by surprise and introduced Android L at their annual I/O conference back in June. Android L is the biggest update made to Google’s mobile operating system since its debut back in 2008, both in terms of design and functionality.

Besides drastically improving the interface with the help of Material Design, besides making notifications more accessible, and besides introducing ART runtime, the new Android L update also aims to address one of the biggest issues of modern smartphones: battery life. The autonomy improvements are centered around Project Volta, Google’s attempt to bring better battery life to Android-powered smartphones and tablets.

How big the battery life improvements will be? For example, a Nexus 5 running Android L Developer Preview can get 30 – 40% more battery life which is an insanely huge improvement. How is this even possible? Well the new job scheduler API is one of the factors. It instructs apps to do more of their unimportant tasks while your phone is charging instead of while running on battery.

Another change brought by Android L is the introduction of Power Saver mode into stock Android. You can have battery saver always on, or you can instruct your device to turn on battery saver as soon as your battery drops to a certain level.

The Battery screen in Settings has also been improved. It now brings a better insight on how your battery has been used, is capable of showing how much time you have left until your phone dies, or how much it will take to fully charge your battery.

We are glad to see that Google is making efforts to improve the battery life of the devices running on their mobile operating system.

Setting App

Google showed us Android L for the first time at I/O in June. Even though the new update wasn’t made available for the public yet we’ve already been able to take a look at the new changes it brings courtesy of the Android L Developer Preview builds that have been made available for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013.

Besides many other visual and performance changes, Android L also brings improvements to the Settings app. This post aims to bring you an insight on the changes made to the Settings app.

If you had the occasion to play with Android L Developer Preview you probably noticed that the Settings app was completely redesigned and reorganized. The Android L Settings app arrives with a new color scheme, new animations, new toggles and check boxes.

After you update your device to Android L you will be able to use the new search box to easily find that option you were looking for. You will also find a lot of new options integrated in the new Android release. For example, in the Display area, you will now have Adaptive Display and the “Cast Screen” option to mirror your display on a Chromecast device.

There are tons of new features available in Android L, some very important, others just variations of the previous functions.

Material Design

In a surprising move, Google officially introduced Android L earlier this summer at I/O tech conference. They even changed their strategy on how the new update will be released for the public.

As you may know, Google used to introduce two major Android updates a year: one in the summer and the other one mid-to-late fall, but things will be different with Android L. The new Android iteration was officially introduced in the summer, made available for download for testing purposes as Developer Preview, and it will be released for the public this fall, when new Nexus hardware will also see the light of day.

Android L is the most major update Google’s mobile platform has seen since birth and Material Design is a big part of this update. Material Design is a whole new design philosophy and Google talked a lot about it at I/O 2014.

Material Design aims to make Android more intuitive with the help of 3D effects and shadows. The interface is flatter, while the new animations allow you to see where everything came from and where everything goes. Everything slides from somewhere and Google has promised fluid transitions at 60 fps.

The new Android L interface as a while pays more attention to details and it’s more colorful, being the most important change brought to Android in terms of UI. Most native apps have been redesigned and more will follow soon.

Notifications Panel

Google I/O has brought us Android L, the latest and greatest iteration of Google’s mobile operating system. We don’t know yet when Android L will be released for the public or what its final name will be, but we already know what the search engine giant prepared for us in the new update.

As you may know, soon after the I/O announcement, Google released Android L Developer Preview for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013 for testing purposes. They even issued an update a few weeks ago.

Android L is no doubt the biggest Android update ever. It’s even bigger than the jump from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich, bringing tons of new features and new functionality. This article aims to bring you an insight over the Android L Notifications Panel.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Android L Notifications panel is the new color scheme. Moreover, the panel now has a transparent background so you can still see what’s on your screen. The Notification Panel can be accessed using the classic swipe down move, but you will definitely enjoy the new animation. You will be able to swipe left or right to dismiss notifications or tap to look at the notification.

The Quick Settings button is gone, but the Quick Settings menu is still there. In order to go to Quick Settings you need to swipe down once you bring up the Notifications Panel, then swipe down again. The Quick Settings menu has been redesign now showing toggles for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile Data, Notifications, Airplane Mode, Locations, Cast Screen, and Auto Rotate. Yes, we Google has finally made a toggle for Auto Rotate.

Android L also introduces Heads-up notifications. So, if, for example, you receive a call while doing something full screen like reading or gaming, the call won’t totally take over your screen, allowing you to decide whether to take the call or continue what you were previously doing.

Lock screen

Earlier this summer, during their annual I/O conference, the folks at Google officially introduced Android L. Even though the Mountain View-based giant didn’t reveal the release date of the new Android iteration, they demoed most of its new features at I/O and made it available for download as Developer Preview.

Android L is the biggest update Google’s mobile operating system has seen since its launch back in 2008. It arrives with tons of new features, but this app concentrates on the Lock Screen changes and improvements.

As you may know, in KitKat and previous Android version, the Lock Screen did nothing else except for showing you the time, how many notifications you have, or allow you to secure your smartphone or tablet. Well, the Android L Lock Screen has learned a couple of new tricks.

The new Lock Screen is now capable of displaying your notifications and it even allows you to interact with them. Furthermore, Google has found a clever way to prioritize the notifications based on the frequency you interact with them.

Now, instead of grabbing that small lock and moving it around, you will need to swipe up in order to unlock your screen. Furthermore, you can swipe left to get to the Camera (was previously available in KitKat) or swipe right to get to the Phone app.

The Android L Lock Screen allows you to swipe away notifications to dismiss them, or tap to open a specific notification. You can also swipe down on a notification to see all notifications from the respective app.

Google Nexus 6/Nexus X: Roundup of All Rumors So Far

Google Nexus 6/Nexus X: Roundup of All Rumors So Far

It has been quite the year for Google and the Nexus program. We’ve seen rumors about the conclusion of Nexus, to rumors about a 5.9-inch Nexus smartphone. Let’s take a look at what has been said to see if we can see what Google is going to release in the next month or two.

When we started seeing reports of the Android Silver program, some popular mobile leakers started saying that the Nexus program was coming to an end. At first it was assumed that Android Silver would replace the Nexus program, but then at Google I/O, we learned differently. We were told that the Nexus program is alive and well. This sparked up some more Nexus rumors since they had started to dry up around then. As rumors started to circulate, we saw one in particular talk about a 5.9-inch Nexus smartphone that would be manufactured by Motorola.

We had been hearing about a device with the codename, Shamu, and that specific report suggests it will be from Motorola. This actually falls in line with Google’s own naming scheme for the Nexus devices. They love to use names of aquatic-based creatures for the codename of their devices. This goes back all the way to a Samsung Nexus that used the codename Tuna, and Google seems to have stuck with it ever since.

It was around this time that a rumor leaked about the name of the upcoming Nexus smartphone. At this time it was assumed to be called the Nexus 6, at least that is what the Android community was calling it. That rumor, though, referred to it as the Nexus X and cited the trademark from the Blade Runner book/movie. While this is definitely possible, it’s also possible that it will be called the Nexus 5 again. We’ve seen Google use the same names for devices like the 2012 Nexus 7 and the 2013 Nexus 7. Motorola even used the same name for their Moto G and Moto X that was just announced this month.

Rumors specs of the upcoming Google Nexus 6

So here is where we get to the rumor specifications of the upcoming Nexus smartphone. Before, it was rumored that the next Nexus smartphone would have a 5.9-inch display, but new rumors pointed to a 5.2-inch display. These 5.2-inch display rumors started making more sense than a possible 5.9-inch Nexus. Either could be possible, but the 5.2-inch seems much more likely. It’s rumored that this Nexus device will have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 SoC and this makes sense because Google is known for using the latest SoC available.

There are a couple of benchmarks going around that suggest the Google Shamu smartphone will have a Quad HD display and that it will feature 3GB of RAM. This came from AnTuTu, but these things can be faked and there has been no real evidence to confirm or deny it yet. The source behind these benchmarks and spec leaks are sketchy at best. With dealing with leaks from TK Tech News, it’s best to not hold your breath.

As always, Google does a pretty good job of keeping things a secret until just before they are ready to be released. We didn’t see anything official about the Google Nexus 5 last year until a picture cropped up of a pallet of Nexus 5 devices in some warehouse. Even this was only weeks (or days) before the device was officially released. There have been rumors of the 2014 Nexus smartphone coming in both a 32GB and 64GB model with a cost of €419.99 to €499.99. But again, the source is sketchy and has been proven wrong again and again in the past.

Google Nexus 5 Deal: Price Drops on eBay

Google Nexus 5 Deal: Price Drops on eBay

With Google expected to be releasing the Nexus 6 (Nexus X) at some point in October, many consumers are looking to find some great deals on the Nexus 5. Just as with any smartphone, many carriers and retail stores want to get rid of stock to make room, and offer the older device at steep discounts. Last year, Google themselves began offering the Nexus 4 at a 25% lower price tag 3 months ahead of the Nexus 5 release. So what can we expect to see of the Nexus 5’s price, and how soon?

Google Nexus 5 deal on eBay

Although Google is still listing the Nexus 5 for $349 from the Google Play Store, and most carriers and retail stores are keeping their price as well, a refurbished phone seller from eBay seemed to have been trying to get rid of their stock recently. They were selling unlocked Nexus 5s for $314 and quickly sold out after reaching 2,000 orders. This is just a refurbished device seller, so it could mean absolutely nothing, but could also give a bit of insight into what Google might lower the price to.

We might not see the Nexus 5 dip down in price until the new Nexus 6 is unveiled in October, or we might see it discounted next week. There’s no for-sure date, but it will be useful to keep checking the Play store, your carrier, and retail stores to see if there’s a sale going on, or a permanent price drop.

The Nexus 6, or Nexus X, is rumored to sport a 5.2in 1440 x 2560 resolution display with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805, 3GB of RAM, a 13MP rear camera, and 2.1MP front camera. These are all hefty upgrades from the current Nexus 5 which sports a 4.95in 1080 x 1920 resolution display running at 445 pixels per inch, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, 2GB of RAM, and an 8MP rear camera. We may be seeing the new Nexus 6 running on Google’s newest addition to Android, the Android L, out of the box.

Nexus 5 Successor to Feature Android L 5.0 Update

Nexus 5 Successor to Feature Android L 5.0 Update

Nexus 6/Nexus X is a very mysterious device right now, but it’s set to be the next iteration of Google’s flagship phone which has been sold to tens of millions worldwide. A French retailer, fnac, has recently showcased this device on their website (along with some info) before Google actually unveiled the device. The news comes as a surprise, because if we look at the situation right now, it’s possible that the tech magnate is set to release not one, but two Nexus devices this year, including the Nexus 8.

New Information Leaks Regarding the Nexus X’s OS and CPU

Fnac reports that Google’s new phone will come with Android L straight out of the box, packing a 5.2 inch display, a Snapdragon 805 CPU, and a 13MP rear camera. The Android OS it runs also comes under the name “Android 5.0 Lemon Meringue Pie”

The model listed on fnac is XT1100, a codename for a phone developed by Motorola, which suggests that the two tech companies are working together on this one. It’s a common thing these days for companies to work together to produce better working phones, and better software. This collaboration is particularly interesting because Motorola is currently developing some very interesting accessories and smartwatches, so we’re curious to see if they’ll join forces with Google in that regard.

Nexus X is said to come in two variations: a 32GB version and a 64GB version. No sign of a 16GB version, though. As for the price, it’s rather steep, but worthwhile. The Nexus X 32GB version was priced at €419.99 which translates to $419.99 off-contract in the United States, while the Nexus X 64GB version is priced at €449.99.

As a final word, TK Tech News reported that the fnac website is very prone to hacker attacks occurring, so as always, take this information with a pinch of salt.

Android 5.0 L Update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10: Speculated Release

Android 5.0 L Update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10: Speculated Release

It’s no longer a mystery that the folks at Google will be releasing the Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 later this year. Even though the Mountain View-based giant didn’t reveal when the new Android update will be released for the public, we strongly believe we can make a fairly accurate estimation of its release date based on the company’s previous launches

I guess that most of you know that, so far, Google had the habit of releasing two major Android updates per year: one in the summer, about a month after their annual Google I/O tech conference, and the other one mid-to-late fall. Even though it was rumored that everybody will get to enjoy a new Android update this summer, the search engine giant decided it’s time to change their approach regarding their Android releases. As far as it looks, Google will do the Android L launch Apple-style.

Why Apple-style? Because the Cupertino-based company is usually introducing new iOS versions in the summer, during WWDC, makes them available for beta testing for a few months, then releases them in the fall, when a new iPhone is launched. As you may know, Google previewed Android L at Google I/O back in June, made it available for download as Developer Preview for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 for testing purposes and they will probably release it late-October or early-November, synchronized with the debut of new Nexus hardware.

It was reported a couple of months ago that Google is reading a new program called Android Silver that will replace the Nexus family of devices. Many believed that this will be the end of the Nexus line-up, but a Google employee recently dismissed the rumors. Soon after, rumors of new Nexus hardware started to hit the web. First, we’ve heard of a new 8.9-inch Nexus tablet. The device is reportedly manufactured by HTC and it’s known internally as Volantis. If the reports are to be believed the new Nexus 9 will sport 64-bit processor, 3 GB RAM, 8 MP primary shooter, and aluminum zero-gap construction. The rumor mill also talks about a new Nexus Smartphone, unofficially dubbed Nexus 6. The handset codenamed Shamu is made by Motorola and its technical specifications include a 5.2-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) display, quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor, 3 GB RAM, and 13 MP rear-facing shooter with OIS. There’s no doubt that both the Nexus 9 and the Nexus 6 will run Android 5.0 L out of the box.

As you may know, Google introduced the new release as Android L, but this will definitely not be the final name. Each major Android release has a unique version number and a dessert-inspired nick name. Given the high amount of changes it brings (the update is even bigger than the jump from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich), Android L will surely have version number 5.0. Regarding the dessert name, so far we’ve heard about Lollipop or Licorice. There are even some reports of Lemon Meringue Pie.

The first thing you’ll notice about Android 5.0 L is the new Material Design philosophy. The interface is more colorful and more animated, while the system as a whole is more intuitive courtesy of 3D effects and shadows. The performance will also get a boost and the introduction of ART runtime (replaces Dalvik) and support for 64-bit processors will definitely help. Furthermore, many of the users who got to install Android L Developer Preview on their smartphones and tablets are reporting battery life improvements.

The Android 5.0 L lock screen and the notification bar received noteworthy improvements, as well. The former one now displays notifications and allows you to interact with them. Furthermore, the lock screen notifications are prioritized based on the frequency you interact with them. The notifications bar looks and behaves different in Android 5.0 L. Besides receiving a new color scheme, the notifications bar has also ditched the Quick Settings button. The Quick Settings menu itself is still there, but you will access it differently. In order to get to the Quick Settings toggles you will have to swipe down once to open the notifications bar, then swipe once more. Once there, you will find toggles for Wi-Fi, Mobile Network, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, Sound, Location, Do Not Disturb, and Rotation Lock. As you can see, the Do Not Disturb and Rotation Lock toggles are completely new. The Adaptive Brightness replaces Auto Brightness and the Brightness button is now a slider. In the main Settings menu you will be able to enjoy the new search bar that allows you to easily find certain options.

The Android 5.0 L update also brings changes to the status bar. Even though you won’t be able to notice the changes in the home and lock screens, where the status bar is still transparent, you will be able to see that it changes color when you open an app. The status bar is capable of matching the color of the action bar of the app running on the screen in order to bring a unified visual experience. Of course, the devs will have to update their apps in order to take advantage of the new feature.

On the other hand, the multitasking has received a makeover. The recents are now displayed as cards, in a way similar to how Chrome’s recents tabs are displayed. Furthermore, certain apps can show multiple cards in the multitasking menu. Chrome is one of them, being capable of showing a different card for each opened tab.

The Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 will be the first one to be publicly released. The Google Play Edition devices will also be among the first to receive the new firmware update, along with Motorola’s supported devices. HTC was one of the first Android OEMs to promise they will be bringing the Android 5.0 L update on their flagships. According to them, both One M7 and One M8 will get the update within 90 days after Google releases the final code. The other big Android Smartphone makers, Samsung, Sony, and LG, will probably release Android 5.0 L for their supported devices sometimes late 2014 or early 2015.