Tech Shares

Latest News About Tech Companies

Google Ventures Sets $100m for European start-ups

By

The Venture Capital Fund is set to Benefit Ambitious European tech entrepreneurs

Google Venture, Incubator, euJust about two months since the European Court of Justice ruled against Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) on right to be forgotten, the company has set up a $100 million venture capital fund that will be invested in best ideas from European tech entrepreneurs.

The fund will help turn the best ideas from the smartest tech entrepreneurs into new compelling companies as those that the world has already seen from Europe. According to managing partner at Google Ventures, Bill Maris, Europe start-up environment has enormous potential.

Great European Start-ups

Some of the start-ups that have taken the world by storm include Spotify, SoundCloud and Supercel.

Spotify

  • Offers online music streaming service
  • It was launched courtesy of a Swedish startup Spotify AB in October, 2008.
  • Its user base has grown from about 10 million in September 2010 to 40 million users by May 2014. In the same period, the paid subscriptions quadrupled from 2.5 million  to 10 million users.

SoundCloud

  • Offer online audio distribution platform that allow people to record, upload and promote or share their music or originally created sounds.
  • The company started in Sweden but it is based in Berlin, Germany.
  • Launched in 2008, and by 2013 it had over 40 million registered users and 200 million listeners.
  • It challenged MySpace dominance by offering a platform that allowed artists to interact well with their fans.

Supercel

  • Founded in June 2010 in Helsinki, Finland.
  • It is a mobile game development company.
  • Some of its games include Boom Beach, Hay Day and Clash of Clans. Boom Beach was released this year for both Android and iOS.

The European arm of Google venture capital fund intends to breed more such start ups.

European Office

The new venture capital fund office will be in London, close to London’s Silicon Roundabout start-up district. However, the company has remained open about possibilities of expanding its base in the future. This new office is just but an extension of the existing U.S. – based Google Ventures.

The new fund will be managed by Peter Read, Avid Larizadeh and Tom Hulme. Avid is the head of Code.org in UK, Peter is an angle investor, while Tom is just a serial entrepreneur.

The other players include Eze Vidra, synonymous with “Google Campus” in London. Google Campus is a tech start-up incubator, and Eze will be here as a partner.  American Venture capitalist MG Siegler will be the linkage between the U.S. and the EU funds. This office will report to Bill Maris.

About Google Venture Capital

It is not clear what types of investment Google are prepared to fund in Europe, however, Maris say only projects which can impact to the society will be considered. Entrepreneurs with viable start-up projects could hugely benefit by establishing relationship with the San Francisco-based search engine giant. Its U.S. fund has seen companies such as Uber taxi company and electronics maker Nest benefit.

Android TV, Google wants More in the Television Sector

By

Chromecast then Android TV, Google Got It Right This Time

Last week at its I/O Conference, Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced that it is planning to launch android TV set-top box in this financial year. The Android TV is focused on entertainment, mainly video streaming and games. The devices, as explained during the conference, will be exceptionally cool. This will not be the first time the San Francisco-based search engine conglomerate will be venturing in the television sector.  It has passed through a fair share of troubles in this sector. First it was the defunct Nexus Q and Google TV, then Chromecast, which has been a success, and now Android TV.

Google TV was the search its first investment in the television market, in collaboration with Logitech. The unprofitable project was discontinued after it reported a loss of $100 million. According to Guerrina De Luca, Logitech’s CEO, Google TV was a big mistake as it was not yet time.

What is Android TV?

android TV, ChromecastAndroid TV is a platform for TV android apps. In layman’s terms, Android TV is the PC/desktop version of Google Play.

The platform is set to be integrated by Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE: SNE), Koninklijke Philips NV (AMS: PHIA), and Sharp Corporation (TYO: 6753) in all their TVs beginning next year. There is hope that other players, such as Samsung and LG, which are the two largest TV manufacturers, will join. There will also be standalone Android TV boxes, and even cable providers will be integrating Android TV into their cable boxes.

Features of the Android TV

  • The device can be controlled by android devices such phones and tablets.
  • Focuses on entertainment rather than computing
  • Courtesy of Pan Design, the platform will allow apps to be displayed on TV in a card-like manner, with enabled horizontal browsing.
  • Easy to browse music and videos
  • Supports any game or apps that work on android phone/tablet
  • Allows user to do specific searches.
  • The system implements voice commands.

Chromecast is Hardly a Year Old

chromecast, android tv

chromecast dongle

Chromecast is just two weeks shy of its first anniversary. The 2.83-inch device was introduced in July 24, 2013, and it is used to stream videos and audios to high definition displays through Wi-Fi or Local Area Network.

Chromecast allows its users to access Netflix, Google Play Movies, and Online video and audio continents on their TV. So far Google has sold millions of units of this device,and apparently

Chromecast is doing well in closing the gap between it and other players such as Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) Apple TV, Amazon Inc.’s (NASDAQ: AMZN) Fire TV and Roku.

The device is cheaper than its competitors, available at just $35 which is much cheaper compared to Apple’s $99 for the TV set box.

Conclusion

The introduction of Android TV is likely to hamper the development of Chromecast. But Google still has huge plans for cast after its success in the first year. So in a way, chromecast cannot be replaced, but it should co-exist with Android TV. Cast offers cheaper way to turn your TV into a smart TV, but Android offers full fledged platform to allow developers to bring their apps to TV. So in way, Google products will be competing against each other.

Google I/O Conference Day 1 Overview

By

Google I/O Conference: Google Comes for Everything

overnight delivery, Google Store, GoogleThe two days Google developers conference begun yesterday in San Francisco and will continue today. As expected, the developers’ event was filled with Android news and latest Google projects.  Day one was clouded with Android news, and the clear message could be interpreted as Google saying “I want to flow from place to place with you, I want to be everywhere!”

The major developments yesterday point directly at establishing an omnipresent operating system. Google is working on expanding the use of its Android system from mobile phones to include new categories such as wearable computers and automobiles. Already the company acquired the thermostat manufacturer, Nest Labs, for $ 3.2 billion and has accessed the market of internet-linked home appliances.

Here are the major announcements:

Android 5.0

Google announced its next generation operating system, Android 5.0 L. The OS comes with a new design and loads of features. According to Google Chief of Android division, the new OS marks the most comprehensive update ever done, including:

  • Material design that mimic the real world.
  • A grid-based layout for developers
  • New animation capabilities
  • Z-component to support
  • Dynamic ‘heads up’ notifications

 Android Wear

Yesterday, Google unveiled major improvements on its smart wearable platform that is set to clash with Apple Inc. products in yet another supremacy contest after the smartphone market. The conference came three months since the initial Google announcement of the android wear.

In android wear, Google opens up to its ambition to conquer areas beyond mobile devices. The Android Wear is a special version of Android customized for smartwatches. The OS is programmed to display immediately useful information, such as weather focus, message notifications, traffic status or status of a package shipment. What’s more, the watches using the OS are controlled by swiping the screen or voice commands. As demonstrated by the LG G watch, you can order food and do Google searches on the watch.

The android wear supports both round and square screens. Google wearable is made as powerful wrist computer that links you to your phone. Developers have been invited to work on apps that will run on smartwatches.

Mobile Chrome

Here are the new features of mobile chrome announced by Avni Shah, the director of program management for Chrome:

  • Fast and fluid animations moving at 60 frames per second. This enable scrolling of Google search images as though you are flipping through a book.
  • Multitasking upgrade making movement between the web and apps easier than before.
  • A new API to populate multiple tabs
  • Revamped indexing

Android Auto SDK

Google’s Patrick Brady announced the coming android cars, courtesy of its customized android operating system for cars, Android Auto SDK. The OS connects Android apps and services in the car, enabling drivers to navigate, communicate and listen to music on voice commands.

Android Auto gives information on the duration of a journey to a specified destination, and it is voice enabled to allow you to interact with it. Android Auto cast the phone screen to the car’s screen, since the apps run on the phone, to allow you to use the car’s controls to interact.

Android TV

Google has also made another attempt on TV market with its Android TV. The company is partnering with Sony, Sharp and Asus to make this possible.

The Android TV is linked with the smartwatch, which searches programs on the online Play Store on voice commands. Users can also stream music and games from their smartphones and tablets to their Android TV courtesy of Chromecast.

It will be remembered that this is Google fourth attempt on TV market, we just hope it works.

Other major developments include expansion on Google’s computing business. There are improved changes to corporate email and online spreadsheets, as well as storage and videoconferencing. There is also a additions to Google Drive, and now people can encrypt documents.

Conclusion

The annual conference, dubbed Google I/O, is popular among apps and software developers, and the search engine giant uses it to woo them to expand its capabilities of its Android software system that currently powers over one billion gadgets.

The conference continues today and we will bring you the latest developments as they unfold. Keep it here!

Google Fit, Wearable and the Health Data Space

By

Could Google Fit be Part of the Android Wearable Operating System?

Google Fit, a new service line that combines health and fitness data from apps, and LG (OTC:LGEIY) G watch – the first wearable using Google Inc.’s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Android Wear Operating system – is expected to be released on June 24th at the Google I/O Conference. Google is set to lock horns with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung Electronics (KRX: 005935), for the supremacy of the wearable market, which though small, exhibits huge growth potential.

The Leaked LG G Specs

Google Fit, LG G Watch. Wearable

LG G Watch may have Google Fit Feature

The leaked specs of LG G Watch show no extraordinary features, though information is limited. As at now it is difficult to tell whether the new smartwatch will be able to do the functions of heart rate monitors. LG G Watch will be in line with reports indicating that Google is planning to introduce a new generation of wearable that are crucial in collecting health data.

Here are the leaked specs of the smartwatch:

  • Screen: 1.65 inch with a 280×280 resolution
  • Bluetooth technology: 4.0 LE
  • Battery: 400 mAh
  • RAM: 512 MB
  • Snapdragon 400 (mid-end system-on-chip)

 

The search engine giant is also working on a number of apps for its Android Wearable OS, some of which are rumoured to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, sleeping habits and many other health related parameters.

And since both LG G Watch and Google Fit are expected to be launched next Tuesday at Google I/O conference, perhaps the smartwatch may include the Google Fit feature.

Google Fit to Rival Apple’s HealthKit

Already Apple has launched its similar service, HealthKit  tool. According to Apple, HealthKit integrates all health and fitness apps by enabling them to work together. It collects health and fitness data in one place and provides a clear insight into the user’s health. The tool is programmed to provide similar information as heart rate monitors and thus it measures pulse rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, calories burned, cholesterol etc., and it does this in a single tap.

It is obvious that Google Fit is a direct response by Google to iOS’ HealthKit. Joining the two in competition for the health data technology tools is Sami by Samsung. Sami collects data from health apps in devices but is basically a biometric data platform.

Google Fit and Android OS

Google Fit is expected to collect data through open API’s and should be able to allow users to share information. However, it is not clear whether Google Fit will be part of the Android OS, or occur as a separate app.  Whatever the case, technology observers expect Google Fit ecosystem to include android wearable integrated with health-related apps and Google’s cloud services.

Conclusion

It should be remembered the Google Fit is not the first health service that Larry Page’s company has worked on. Early last year, for some reasons the company terminated a similar project dubbed Google Health. However, the new service line is expected to excite investors, with LG G watch largely anticipated to reveal the resourcefulness of the Android Wear operating system.

Next week at the conference, the search engine giant turned online retailer will also announce partnerships with wearable devices makers. Though Google is not directly involved in the manufacture of wearable devices as Apple and Samsung are, it is expected to play a key role through its Android Wear Operating System.

Google takes Supremacy Battle to Amazon’s Doorsteps

By

Google Introduces overnight delivery across Northern California

overnight delivery, Google Store, GoogleOn Tuesday,Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced that its internet retail business will be offering overnight delivery in Northern California. This comes in hardly a year after the internet maestro launched its Shopping Express service.  Back in September, Google begun offering same day delivery, and now these services are available in parts of Los Angeles and New York in addition to the default areas, Silicon Valley and San Francisco. This new move is likely to be interpreted as declaring war on Amazon.com Inc.’s (Nasdaq: AMZN) area of dominance.

While Amazon has its own warehouses filled with its inventories, Google work with chain stores, for instance Target, Staples, Walgreens and Whole Foods. However, as the search engine giant continues to expand its online retail business, Amazon has every reason to be cautious.

Google’s Overnight Delivery

Google’s overnight delivery is available in a number of cities on the opposite side of the bay, right from San Francisco, as well as Oakland and Berkeley. This service is expected to expand further to Crescent City – next to Oregon border – in the North, and Fresno and CA’s Central Valley in the south. Only orders placed by 7:00 p.m. will be delivered the next day. The internet giant turned online retailer also targets Yosemite and Big Sur, which the company considers as its prized wilderness destinations. However, deliveries on such destinations will be made possible through “major shipping carriers.”

There is no company that is comfortable with Google sniffing around. Just a few years ago when Google entered the Smartphone world, everybody thought that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)was several years ahead of it and it would take the company ages to reach that level. As we speak, Android Smartphones have outnumbered their iOS counterparts, and even Google Play App store has beaten iOS in number of downloads – one thing that many other players have failed to do.

Why Online Retail is Good for Google

For the past couple of months, there have been a few headlines that have taken punches at Google. Its leading Android phone maker, Samsung, is soon launching Samsung Z, which uses Tizen operating system. This could derail Google’s quest to be the dominant player in the lucrative Smartphone business. The new operating system could also see Samsung stop making Android phones, which is a big blow to Google.

In other news, Apple Spotlight search tool will be replacing Google as Spotlight’s web search provider with of Microsoft’s (NASDAQ: MSFT) Bing. Apple is probably doing this to reduce its customers’ dependency on Google as the default search engine.

With the future not looking very rosy for the internet giant, online retail could a good line of business. Given Google’s big name and the point-to-point delivery style it has taken, this new line of business could really work well. If its decentralised model, which uses shopping retail stores, can work, then Google will also have solved the toughest math problem that online retailers often face, which is logistics.

Conclusion

The race to capture American retail market is underway, and not only for American retailing companies, but also international companies. Soon, Amazon will also be taking blows from Primark, the Irish clothing retailer, and Alibaba, the Chinese internet conglomerate tipped to be second only to Google in terms of its sheer size.

Google is a strong brand with internet omnipresence, and it therefore brings Amazon a rare challenge. It is only a matter of time before its internet retail business becomes a more conventional ecommerce rival to Amazon.

‘Right to be forgotten’ Pushes Google to be More European

By

Google Launches Right to be forgotten Request Form

right to be forgottenToday, Friday May 30, the European Court of Justice’s right to be forgotten takes effect. In readiness of this Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has launched a request form to be filled by Europeans to ask for removal of their personal data from online search results. Also the California-based search engine company has revealed plans to create a committee of independent experts to deal with any rising privacy concerns.

On May 13, the EU’s highest court ruled that a person has the right to compel Google, other search engines or any other data mining firm, to erase links to web pages containing damaging information that is  “inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant” about him from appearing in search results.

Right to be Forgotten Request Form

In complying with the court order on right to be forgotten and responding to its ramifications, Google has said it would weigh up individual request based on privacy rights and the public’s right to know and distribute information.

Those who want information removed from the search engine’s index would have to fill the available request form. But filling this form does not guarantee deletion of the information in question. The company will only delete information that they have proven is outdated and there’s no public interest in the information. This is has been specified on the form.

Some of the information Google digs into when determining whether to implement the request or not includes professional malpractice, financial scams, criminal convictions, or public conduct of government officials.

Freedom of Expression versus Right to Privacy

While the right to be forgotten is well taken in Europe, there has been a loud outcry in the U.S. following the ruling. This is as a clash of cultures, where Europeans value the right to privacy but Americans consider freedom of expression as paramount.

Privacy issues have been raised severally regarding Google. In an interview aired in the CNBC documentary dubbed “Inside the Mind of Google”, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt says, “… if you do something you don’t want anyone to know about, maybe you should not be doing it in the first place.”

Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia Founder, has excoriated the ruling saying it rounds down to internet censorship. He even tweeted:

“When will a European court demand that Wikipedia censor an article with truthful information because an individual doesn’t like it?”

Google’s CEO, Larry Page, has promised to implement the right to be forgotten, but he warns that this ruling may set precedence for retrogressive governments to do bad things. He also adds that this risks hurting innovation. He however promised that his company would try to be “more European”, referring to the high privacy standards in Europe.

“As we regulate the internet, I think we’re not going to see the kind of innovation we’ve seen” – Google CEO Larry Page

Conclusion

There are many reasons why people would want Google to forget them. Some of the cases you wouldn’t want Google to let people know include embarrassing images from the past, the crimes you committed in the past, acts of domestic violence and many more. By removing this information from search engine, the right to be forgotten negates the very essence of internet as a background check search tool.

EU’s Right to Be Forgotten Reveals A dip Digital Divide

By

Right to Be Forgotten Easier Said than Done!

right to be forgotten, Google Search

Google Search Page

This is the second week since European Union’s highest court ruled that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and other data mining company to give people the right to be forgotten. The ruling has been well received in European countries, but in the U.S. it is termed as ridiculous and retrogressive!

Already the California-based internet giant has begun receiving requests from people who want some of their private information be deleted from the search engine’s database. The company is working on the best way to implement the “right to be forgotten”, and probably it will establish an online tool to help in removing personal information.

About the Ruling

When you do a normal search on Google, it normally displays any information relating to the typed word. The information often includes pictures and links to stories that capture the searched word. On 13 May, the European Union’s Court of Justice ruled that a user had the right to force Google or any other search engine or data mining company to remove links to web pages about him. So if searches on your property or your name display horrendous results that you would like to be removed, you can now compel the company to do so!

The ruling was made in a case where a Spanish man sued Google for linking searches relating to his house to an auction notice of his now repossessed home. He argued that this act infringed his privacy. The court said that due to the passage of time, the notice became “irrelevant” and it was unjust to link such searches to the complainant repossessed home. Therefore Google was commanded to delink the search results as demanded by the complainant.

This ruling applied to other users as well, as they all had the right to be forgotten. The only exception was that if the data in question was of importance to the pubic life, then the search engine would be justified to keep it online.

Different Stance

The ruling has laid bare the societal difference between Europe and the U.S. While many people in Europe, especially Germany, Ireland and the U.K. have welcome the ruling, there has been an outcry in the U.S., especially in the Silicon Valley.

Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, says the right to be forgotten could round-down to internet censorship, given that it is difficult to tell which data to keep and which one to delete.

 

In Europe people value privacy, which on the internet has been a cause of concern to many. This is why the win over omnipresent Google is good news to them. On the other hand, in the U.S., freedom of speech and expression override privacy issues. In fact, New York Times editorial was quick to opine that the ruling would jeopardize press freedom.

The Implication of the Ruling

The ruling caught Google by a surprise and the company has not hidden its disappointment with the European court’s decision. The internet giant is still working on how to implement the demand. Already there are lots of requests flowing in from people who want specific data about them to be deleted.

In ablog post, U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said that they working with other data protection authorities in Europe to set the guidelines for implementing the right to be forgotten. The meeting to discuss the matter is set for early next month. Until then, Google has still time to analyze the implication of this latest development.

The companies affected by the right to be forgotten issue include Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB), Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) and other data mining companies.

 

Google Play add PayPal and Expands Services

By

Google Play Introduces PayPal and Expand Carrier billing & Gift Card Coverage

Google Play, Apps Store, Google Android, Android Apps

Google Android

On Thursday last week Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), through its Google Play Product Manager, announced that they have added PayPal to its payment options. This is good news for Android users as PayPal is widely used globally, and this will make it easier for them to buy their desired apps. Among those who should also celebrate this move are app developers, as their customers can now utilize the frictionless payment system.

While explaining the move, the manager, IbrahimElbouchikhi, explained that the move is in line with Google’s objective of making apps accessible through easier and convenient payment system across the world. He also posted that career billing and app store gifts cards have been extended to more countries.

Smartphone Market Growth Driver

If there is one reason why the Smartphone market has experienced such a massive growth in the past few years, then it is the existence of apps.  Apps have helped mobile phone users to do virtually everything that they can do on their PCs or Laptops on their Smartphones.

App developers have ripped big from this opportunity, but this has only been possible because of the existence of a well structured payment system. Integration of PayPal in Google Play apps store comes as a big boost and will come in handy for both developers and app users.

About Paypal Integration

Google Play customers will be able to pay for apps using PayPal option. The option is available in the Google wallet. So if you want to buy an app from the apps store, all you need to do is enter your PayPal login details and proceed to initiate the purchase.

The process is painless and very convenient to work with. The only issue with the Paypal option is that Google has only availed it in 12 countries, some of which include the U.S., Canada and Germany.

Expanded Coverage of Carrier billing & Google Play gift Cards

Google Play’s Carrier Billing now covers 24 more countries, up from the previous seven. The countries that are now supported include Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. According to the internet giant, this option is now available to approximately half of the population of Google Play users.

Carrier Billing is a payment option that allows a Google Play user to charge purchases directly to his/her phone bill.

In addition to PayPal integration and expanded Carrier Billing coverage, the company has also made the apps store’s gift cards available to now 13 countries. The new countries where Google Play Gift Cards can now be used include Japan and Germany.

Expanded Support for Local Developers

Developers from 13 new countries can use the Google Play apps store to sell their apps. Some of the added countries include Turkey, Indonesia and Malaysia. Now there are a total of 45 countries where Google support local developers.  What’s more, the store now supports up to 28 currencies and it process and reconciles all the currencies such that developers can receive their money in their preferred currency.

Conclusion

Google’s Android has put up a great fight against Apple Inc.’s (Nasdaq:AAPL) iOS. As we speak, Android users outnumber their iOS counterparts and more downloads take place in Google Play than in Apple’s iTunes. Over the past one year, the number of apps in Google Play has tripled, thanks to the increasing number of developers on the Android platform.

With PayPal integration and expansion of other Google Play services, the numbers are expected to swell further as more apps developers and Android users realise how convenient and easy it is to sell or buy apps from the apps store.

Google Glass Finally Available to the U.S. Market at $1,500

By

Google sets foot in the wearable market with its eyeglasses dubbed ‘Google Glass’

Google Glass,

A person wearing Google Glass

If you are in the U.S., you can now buy Google Glass and try it for yourself. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has announced that the eyewear, which is available on “Explorer Edition”, can be purchased directly from the company at a price of $1,500.

Earlier Google Glass was only available for a selected few, especially tech experts. The move to take the device public is evidently a way to market it and also get opinions from the end-users. It is clear that Google want to grab a share of the lucrative but challenging wearable market.If successful, this device could be Google’s growth driver.

The search engine giant is also looking for a way to increase revenue growth, as it revenues from ads is under pressure from very aggressive players like Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB). These players are fighting for a share of the profitable advertising business and are trimming down Google’s dominance. The wearable market has been tipped to be the next playfield for tech companies after Smartphone market, but the latter still has the growth potential.

What is Google Glass?

Google Glass is a wearable computer based on the Android operating system. The device, which resembles a pair of eyeglasses, displays information in the wearer’s field of vision. It has an inbuilt microphone that allows its users to control it using voice commands, though it also has a touchpad on its frame. In addition, it has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity together with a camera for recording videos and taking photos.

Basically, the Glass allows users to record what’s happening around them and can do virtually everything that a computer or Smartphone can do. However, many gadget analysts believe that it would be a good companion for professionals such as doctors, fire fighters, and many others.

App Developers could Make a Fortune

While the device is now available mainstream, its $1,500 entry price will lockout many people. The device is still new and many people do not know much about it. In fact, it would be crazy to spend that amount on something you don’t yet know much about, when a high-end Smartphone go at a half that price. Nevertheless, the price is a drop in the ocean to what Google has spent to make it available. It is widely believed that the device has cost the company more than Android did. Google acquired android in 2005 at an undisclosed fee, but which is estimated to be about $50 million.

This price could also be nothing to developers who want to make apps for the new device. Apps have been the growth drivers for the Smartphone market, and as at now, there is an app for virtually anything you want to do on a Smartphone. Since the app market for Google Glass is still at large, app developers can rip big developing apps for it.

Conclusion

Though Glass has made entry at an inherently high price, Google is expected to be cut this down to stretch its adoption. As for now, it is obvious that the company is gathering information from the real users to improve the device and have a cutting edge in the wearable market. Samsung already had made a foot in this market with its Galaxy Gear wearable. We are now waiting for the iWatch from Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL. There has been much hype about Google Glass and now that it available in the market, analysts will be waiting to see how it performs. Will its arrival in the market spark a revolution in the wearable market?

Android Silver: Google’s Answer to Apple’s Quality

By

Android Silver could help Google take on Apple on battle for the Smartphone Market

There are unconfirmed reports that Google is working on a new operating system dubbed “Android Silver”, targeting the affluent, in an attempt to re-write the notion that ‘Android is for poor people’.

The move will be widely considered to be an attempt to tame Apple (AAPL), whose Smartphone brand (iPhone) has enjoyed unrivalled success. Already new data shows that Google’s Android has overtaken Apple’s iOS by market share, and according to data shared by Opera Mediaworks, Android is also expected to catch up in terms of mobile revenue by the end of the year.

The Crown Jewel of the Smartphone Market

iPhone, Android Silver, Smartphone, iOSiPhone controlled a chunk of the Smartphone market share, until Smartphones using Google’s Android operating system emerged. Currently Apple plays second fiddle to Android bestseller Samsung. Nevertheless, iPhone still leads in a variety of areas including mobile revenue, e-commerce and mobile payments.

Currently, Apple gets 75% of its revenue from the Smartphone market. Already Google Play app store has overtaken Apple’s iTunes as the app store with the highest number of downloads. But Apple is still ahead in terms of revenues from these downloads as its users often pay more.

It is widely believed that iPhone users shop for quality and opulence, and that is why they pay the high prices charged for iPhones. Indeed, it is true that iPhone is superior in terms of platform quality, but Android is slowly catching up. However, the perception that ‘Android phones are for poor people’ still weigh heavily on Android. As you read this, iPhone is still the crown jewel of the Smartphone market.

What People Are Saying About Android Silver Plan

According to reports posted by The Information last week, Android Silver is meant for high-end smartphones to compete with iPhone. Google will work with mobile phone manufacturers to produce high-end smartphones with a limited number of non-Google apps. These apps will be pre-installed, but the consumers will have the option to uninstall them.

There are also rumours that Google could be bringing in Android Silver to replace its Nexus phones. Nexus is Google’s four year old brand of pure Android operating system. The Android system used by different manufacturers have been customized by those who utilize it to fit their different needs such as own interfaces, browsers, custom apps, and services. Nexus is the basic Android. The introduction of Android Silver OS could also be an attempt by Google to dictate Android phone manufacturers to use Android with limited customizations, if any.

The Google Nexus Android phones are difficult to tell if they are really Android. This is because, unlike the normal Android phones that display Android at startup, Nexus phones display the makers’ names or just “Google”. So perhaps Google wants to do away with this feature since it wants to establish Android as its own brand.

Conclusion

Taking the fight to Apple won’t be easy, and this is why the California based internet giant is expected to spend a fortune on the Android Silver program. Rumours have it that the figure could be as much as $1 billion, only for marketing and support services for this new OS. But given what is at stake if the Android Silver system succeeds, this could be a small token.

Google might have finally found the answer to Apple’s iOS unrivalled quality. But there are more questions than answers about Android Silver that can only be answered by Google itself!