Back in 2014, Google acquired the satellite imaging company Terra Bella, then known as Skybox Imaging, for around $500 million. The company is in the business of manufacturing small satellites that are used to capture high-quality images of Earth and provide data for Google Maps, among others. Skybox/Terra Bella’s stint at Google/Alphabet just came to an end, as Alphabet announced it would be sold to Planet Labs.
Planet Labs is a private satellite operator based in San Francisco and was founded by NASA scientists.
2. After a 16-month probe, the House Judiciary Committee finds Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook wield ‘monopoly power’ in different ways that demand changes (Android Authority).
3. Apple says it vehemently disagrees with the conclusions (MacRumors), Amazon too (Amazon blog) no official word from Facebook or Google yet.
4. What will come of this? Read all 449 pages of the report here (judiciary.house.gov). (Android Authority is a reference on page 95!)
5. Teracube 2e: This phone has a 4-year warranty, replaceable battery, and costs $99 right now (Android Authority).
WhatsApp‘s anticipated video calling functionality is now rolling out. The new free video calling feature appears to be available only in the latest WhatsApp beta version for now – I couldn’t access it until I updated my app – but this indicates wider rollout may be on its way soon.
Accessing WhatsApp video calls works much the same as accessing voice calls. Tap on the call button in a conversation and a dialog box will pop up asking if you wish to place a voice call or a video call; hit ‘video call’ and you’re good to go.
When you think Android, your mind probably drifts to mobile phones and tablets. We have seen a few unique applications of the Android platform before, but Google’s OS is slowly becoming a big part of another mainstream device, the television.
Lenovo first teased the K91 55″ LED TV with Android 4.0 built in, the first of its kind, back in January during CES 2012. Along those lines, Lenovo is now releasing a similar K71 LED TV, with features that read like a latest smartphone, including:
Video content is dominating the web. But it’s not as easy to create as it seems.
Most video editing programs are complex and take a long time to master. Wave.Video, however, makes producing your own marketing and social videos streamlined and simple. Plus, it’s currently 94 percent off.
Wave.Video is a content solution that helps you create 720p HD video clips up to 60-seconds long in minutes. Even if you’re a total beginner, you’ll be able to produce professional-looking videos with the basic drag and drop format.
The OnePlus 7T launched last week running on Oxygen OS based on Android 10. Now, OnePlus has rolled out the Oxygen OS 10.0.3 software update for the phone. Making the announcement on the company’s forums, a OnePlus staffer said that the update brings multiple camera improvements. Here’s what you get.
OnePlus says that Oxygen OS 10.0.3 enhances the image quality on the OnePlus 7T. It also brings more stability to the camera and improves the overall user experience of the camera app.
Samsung has officially closed the door on the Galaxy Note 7. After a short battle, including recalls and replacements, concerns over the safety and well-being of consumers became too great and the Korean manufacturer took the step to cease production of the unit for good. But is this the end of the road for the Galaxy Note 7? Providing all current owners return the device as they should and the refund process runs smoothly, the phablet will cease to cause consumers any further concern.
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Walmart is gearing up to buy Flipkart in a $14.6-$16 billion deal, according to a recent report. Walmart would gain a 73% share in the company, and most of its initial investment is expected to go towards a grocery supply chain. Alphabet Inc. may be contributing $3 billion to the investment. Walmart Inc. is seeking to acquire Flipkart with a 73% stake in the company, according to a report from FactorDaily.
Or, at least, some people can choose. While many report that this feature was available since Android 7.1.1, others claim that it’s not even available on their 7.1.2 build (it doesn’t appear to be related to Google Play Services, as has been speculated).
Previously, those who wanted a live wallpaper — one of the fancy, moving wallpapers — on just the home screen were cruelly forced to apply it to both home and lock screens simultaneously.
As expected, the big day has come! You can now get your hands on the stock Android-powered HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4 directly from Google Play.
You might notice that Google is now officially calling the handsets “Google Play Edition” devices. This is interesting, considering we previously had it on good word from Google that they were referring to these units as “Nexus Experience” devices. Whatever the reason for the name change, we are still very excited to see manufacturers embracing the idea of pure Android handsets that provide an experience similar to a Nexus device.