Google will have sole control over the interfaces of Android Auto, Wear and TV

BYJon Fingas @jonfingas21 hours ago

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You'd better get used to the interfaces you saw for Android Auto, Wear and TV at the Google I/O conference this past week -- you're going to be seeing them a lot. Google tells Ars Technica that it will maintain sole (official) control over the interface for all three new platforms, rather than give that power to manufacturers. While companies will be allowed branding and extra services, they won't get to modify the core experience. You won't see a Gear Live sequel with the Gear 2's front end, for example, or find your way around town with a Honda-exclusive take on Android Auto.

Engineering director David Burke says this requirement is meant to provide a "very consistent" experience; you won't have to grapple with different controls just because you're watching TV in your bedroom instead of the living room. The shift in policy also lets Google manage the update process, which should be as "automatic and seamless" as the company's Chrome browser. Theoretically, you won't see the haphazard upgrade process common to non-Nexus Android devices, where updates sometimes arrive months after their official launches, if they arrive at all.

The move is likely to please fans of Google's approach to interface design, or those who simply want to try new features as soon as possible. However, it's a sharp break from Google's mostly laissez-faire attitude to Android on phones and tablets -- car, TV and wearable makers will primarily have to distinguish themselves through hardware if they want to use the bulk of Google's services. If they insist on their own control layouts, they'll have to take an Amazon-like approach and build (or find) replacement technology. The strategy likely won't preclude you from loading custom software after the sale, but the Android you see in stores won't be quite as diverse as it once was.

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Source: Ars Technica

Tags: android, androidauto, androidtv, androidwear, auto, car, google, hdpostcross, mobilepostcross, smartwatch, television, transportation, tv, wearable Next: Gadget Rewind 2007: Flip Video Ultra .fyre .fyre-comment-divider > span.fyre-comment-reply-wrapper {top: 18px;}.fyre .fyre-comment-divider > a, .fyre .fyre-comment-divider > a:hover {top: 20px;} ✖AboutAbout EngadgetContact usAdvertiseAbout Our AdsCommunityForumsEngadget MetaCommunity guidelinesReviewsProduct reviewsWrite a reviewContributeSend us a tip!Add to our databaseWrite a reviewStart a discussionAsk a questionLive eventsEngadget ExpandEngadget LivePopular topicsMobileHDAltSoftwareAppleFollow EngadgetEngadget AppsMore Apps from Engadget

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Knitgadget: High-tech yarn can control devices and play tunes

BYMariella Moon @mariella_moon8 hours ago

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See the glove in this video? It's made of conductive yarn that's 80 percent polyester and 20 percent stainless steel, which gives it the power to control electronic components. In fact, its creator, Royal College of Art student Yen Chen Chang, wired it so that it functions as a wearable musical instrument that's both a keyboard and a guitar. This glove is but one of Chang's unusual creations designed to control devices without the use of buttons and touchscreens, though. He also covered a huge ball with the magical yarn to control a juicer -- the harder you squeeze the ball, the more juice you get. Then there's the mat that controls a small electric fan when you rub it, and a thin strip of knitted material that can dim and brighten a lamp when you pull on it.

How does the technology work, you ask? Well, when you rub, pull or stroke the crocheted material, the stainless steel component experiences changes in conductivity. These fluctuations are then measured by an Arduino board and conveyed to the devices, which in this case are the juicer, fan and lamp. Chang believes his yarn has a future in wearable computing and dreams of working with sportswear companies that make knitted footwear in the future. 0 Comments

Via: Wired

Source: Yen Chen Chang

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Roku's remote control app comes to Windows Phones and tablets

BYSharif Sakr @shotsheriff6 hours ago

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This is not a great day for developers of the various third-party Roku apps available at the Windows Store. It's an excellent day, however, for those who've been waiting on a free remote control app direct from the company itself. The app is compatible with Windows Phones as well touchscreen Windows 8 and RT tablets, but it's not designed for mouse n' keyboard setups. Just like the iOS and Android versions, it'll scan your network and (hopefully) find all your players and channels, at which point it'll act just like a regular remote, although it does appear to be missing the new enhanced search function found elsewhere. One other thing you might find lacking is the ability to stream your own choice of web files (.mov, .mp3 etc.) to your Roku box -- you'll still need an unofficial app for wild stuff like that.

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Via: WPCentral, WinBeta

Source: Windows Phone Store, Windows Store

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Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 Key specs Reviews • 4 Prices Discussions Type Mobile / embedded OS Source model Closed Released 2014-04-14 see all specs → 9average user rating Ease of use 10 Speed 10 Configurability 9.5 Ecosystem (apps, drivers, etc.) 7.5 Openness 8

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Flex-able and motion control Lenovo laptops with the latest versions of the banking sector

Motion control has not overcome the mouse and keyboard yet, but is finding its place in consumer products more. Take the next A540 all-in-one desktop of Lenovo, for example: is one of the few products of the company according to Lenovo, a collection of 12-gesture of hands-free motion Control (Finally, shake hand) media controls. Machine $1 279.99 is specifically built with families in mind, with a 23.8 inch touch screen 1920 x 1080, NVIDIA GeForce GT graphics 840a, Intel Core i7 CPU and an aluminum frame that tapers to 4 mm at its finest.

Lenovo updates its laptop line, including two new models to its line of portable convertible Flex. The portable Flex 2 14 and 15.6 inch has the same hinge 300 degrees, we have seen in Yoga, Yoga Yoga 2 ThinkPad - lean in a compressed Fortune (and big enough). The machines are also very adaptable and are available in two Intel Core i7 / AMD APU and GPU Radeon or NVIDIA GeForce configurations. Convertible bending 2 14 and 15.6-inch will be available this month of June for $429 and $799 respectively.

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Samsung's Smart Home service ready to control new wave of TVs and appliances

Samsung has just taken a big step in its home automation plans by launching its Smart Home service in the US and Korea. That means you can now download an Android app that, in conjunction with Samsung's cloud service, will give you control over certain (crazy expensive) Samsung smart appliances. In the US, those include Samsung's T9000 Smart French Door refrigerator, the WF457 smart front loading washing machine, all 2014 Smart TVs and, later in the year, the Smart Bulb, Gear Fit and Smart Ovens. On top of an app for any Android 4.0 or later device, a Tizen app will soon arrive to Samsung's Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch, as well. Once all that's installed and connected, you'll be able to fully control a wash cycle, check the temperature of the fridge or even say "good night" to the TV remote to shut down all connected devices. Samsung has promised that all of this is encrypted and secure, so let's hope that's the case -- all this is just the beginning of its "grand plan" to enhance your home.
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Source: Samsung
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