Tag: Android
Android 10 roll-out begins with Pixel smartphones
Google has started rolling out the latest version of the Android operating system, starting with its own line of Pixel smartphones. The tech giant’s Android 10 software features a dark mode as well as additional controls for privacy and location. Android is used by many manufacturers, making updates notoriously slower to arrive to everyone compared…
Google ditches dessert names with Android 10 release
Google has confirmed the next version of its Android operating system will be called Android 10, ending a long-standing tradition of naming the releases after desserts or “tasty treats”. The technology firm said it had ended the naming sequence after receiving feedback that not everyone understood the names used. The next release of Android –…
Spotify removes widget feature from Android
Spotify does not appear to be singing to the tune of some music lovers with the removal of its Android widget. The mini-player sat on the home screen of Android smartphones with quick play and skip buttons, as a convenient alternative to opening the full music app. Some users are calling for the Swedish firm…
Google to offer Android users choice of search engines
Google will allow users across Europe to choose their preferred search engine when setting up a new Android smartphone from next year, following last year’s record EU fine. In July 2018 the tech firm was told to pay £3.9 billion by the European Commission competition authorities for allegedly abusing its market position through the Android…
Google confirms leak is new Pixel 4 smartphone
Google has taken the surprise step of confirming that leaked images of its next Pixel smartphone do in fact show the new device. The technology giant posted an image to Twitter alongside a message confirming that several previous leaks were genuine after similar images circulated on social media earlier this week. Concept images claiming to…
Existing Huawei phone users will be ‘significantly impacted’ by Google block
The Huawei Mate 10 smartphone (Huawei/PA) Huawei users have been warned they will be “significantly impacted” by Google's decision to restrict the Chinese firm’s access to its Android software. The block is the result of an executive order from US President Donald Trump last week which prevents “foreign adversaries” from accessing…
Google stops Huawei from using apps like Gmail, Maps on phones
Google has blocked Huawei from using its apps on phones. The Chinese company is one of a number of phone manufacturers who use Google's Android operating system on its phones and tablets. The Verge has reported that Google has cut off Huawei’s licence – meaning it will no longer be able to use apps like…
Improved Snapchat Android app helps boost user numbers
Snapchat has managed to make a small increase on the size of its user base and reported narrowed net losses as the company edges a step closer to achieving profitability. The private multimedia messaging app has increased its daily active user count to 190 million in the first three months of 2019, up four million…
Google to introduce stricter checks on Android apps – at last
Google has said it will carry out “more thorough” checks on app developers before approving items to appear in its app store. The technology giant, which runs the Android mobile operating system used by a number of smartphone makers, said developers which they had no previous record of would now be reviewed more stringently. Android…
Google to ask Android users about search engine preferences following record EC fine
Google is to begin asking Android users in Europe about their preferred search engine and web browser apps after being accused of abusing its position by the EU competition authorities. Last year, the internet giant was fined a record £3.9 billion by the European Commission for what it said were restrictions placed on mobile phone…
