Phandroid
Android TV announced as Google’s next evolution of the smart television
Ever since the announcement of Google TV at I/O 2010, Google’s aim with their Android-based smart television platform was fuzzy at best. Today things become a bit clearer with the introduction of Android TV, an evolution of the concept that strips away some of the more ambitious features of Google TV and rolls the remainder into the newly-announced Android ‘L’ SDK, streamlining the platforms and making sure TV isn’t left behind.
Google TV debuted with several hardware partners in tow, Logitech and Sony in particular showing up big for the launch. Over the next several months the initiative seemed to slip further and further out of Google’s plans despite several promising hardware options reaching market as well as strides on the software front. At times, Google TV seemed destined to go the way of other short-lived products like the Nexus Q.
Android TV more or less starts from scratch, but it isn’t that unlike what was initially offered with Google TV. The platform will still be available as a software SDK that can be deployed by any manufacturer, it integrates live TV with downloadable and streamed content, and it incorporates search and viewing suggestions to reveal new content for viewers.
Games will also be a huge part of Android TV, taking advantage of the large library of titles found in the Google Play Store and syncing with Google Play leaderboards and friends. Because the SDK branches out from Android ‘L,’ it will be easier than ever for developers to get their apps and games on as many screens as possible
Android TV will also work in conjunction with Android implementations found on other devices, including smartphone and wearable apps, as well as Chromecast-like functionality to “cast” content from a tablet direct to television.
Sony, Sharp, and other manufacturers are already committed to the inclusion of Android TV in their upcoming HDTV lineups. But we’ve seen this story before. Manufacturing partners do not guarantee success, but Google’s new approach to television looks to be based on some hard lessons learned from their initial attempts with Google TV.
Samsung Gear Live smartwatch announced; available to order alongside LG G Watch later today
Google has just quickly revealed the Samsung Gear Live smartwatch during their Android Wear demo at Google IO, and while they didn’t go too in-depth regarding its features and looks (it looks like a typical square smartwatch, really), they did drop one bit of nice info: it’ll be available to order in the Google Play Store later today. Google also announced that the LG G Watch would be available to order right alongside it.
What we won’t get right away is the Moto 360, unfortunately — Google announced that it would be available later this summer (to which the crowd let out a series of disappointing laughs and grunts). We’re still digging for pricing and shipping information so stay tuned!
Developing…
Android Wear demoed on the LG G Watch, shows new features
We’re live at Google I/O, and after a lot of talk about design we are finally seeing some hardware. Google is demoing Android Wear on the L G Watch. This is the first time we’ve gotten an in-depth look at how Wear will work on a watch. The G Watch itself looks a little bulky on the presenters wrist, but the UI is great. Let’s take a look.
The main interface is the Google Now-esque card UI. The display is always on, but it lights up brighter when you lift your arm to look at it. The clock face can be changed on a fly by long-pressing the clock and simply swiping through the choices. Notifications can be swiped away, and when you do they are also dismissed on your phone. Everything you do with the watch is synced immediately to your phone. Android Wear can do all of this right out of the box with no extra work from developers.
Android Wear is also location aware. For example, if your friend has a restaurant pinned on Pinterest your watch will notify you if you’re nearby. Today Google is making the full Android Wear SDK available. This will allow developers to make apps specifically for Android Wear devices. One app they showed allows you to order pizza right from your watch. Star Trek is becoming a real thing.
Developing…
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