nexus | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Mon, 12 Feb 2024 10:41:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png nexus | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Ubisoft disappointed in VR market’s lack of growth https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/ubisoft-disappointed-in-vr-markets-lack-of-growth/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/ubisoft-disappointed-in-vr-markets-lack-of-growth/#respond Fri, 09 Feb 2024 16:46:03 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=647782 Ubisoft has shown a surprising level of interest in VR over the years, shipping several games dating back to the original Oculus Rift. Last year, Ubisoft released its biggest VR game yet, Assassin's Creed Nexus. However, due to disappointing sales, Ubisoft's interest in VR is beginning to diminish. During Ubisoft's earnings call this week, the …

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Ubisoft has shown a surprising level of interest in VR over the years, shipping several games dating back to the original Oculus Rift. Last year, Ubisoft released its biggest VR game yet, Assassin's Creed Nexus. However, due to disappointing sales, Ubisoft's interest in VR is beginning to diminish.

During Ubisoft's earnings call this week, the company was asked about future plans for VR software, to which CEO, Yves Guillemot replied, explaining that further investment is contingent on the wider VR market growing.

“We have been a bit disappointed by what we were able to achieve on VR with Assassin’s Creed. It did okay, and it continues to sell, but we thought it would sell more, so we are not increasing our investment on VR at the moment, because it needs to take off.”

It is worth noting that Assassin's Creed Nexus did release in November exclusively for Meta Quest headsets. If the game had also shipped for PSVR/PSVR2, as well as PC VR platforms, then it would have been accessible to a wider audience.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: I just recently picked up a Quest 3 and have been meaning to play this but £34.99 is quite expensive considering that many VR games are still on smaller and cheaper side. Have any of you tried Assassin's Creed Nexus yet? What do you think of the game? 

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CES 2024: HYTE shows off new cases, coolers and Nexus ecosystem https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-announcement/matthew-wilson/ces-2024-hyte-shows-off-new-cases-coolers-and-nexus-ecosystem/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-announcement/matthew-wilson/ces-2024-hyte-shows-off-new-cases-coolers-and-nexus-ecosystem/#respond Fri, 12 Jan 2024 11:00:39 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=643302 We've all seen the HYTE Y70 Touch case, now Leo swings by the HYTE booth at CES to take a look at what new cases and peripherals we can expect in 2024...

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We've all seen the HYTE Y70 Touch case, now Leo swings by the HYTE booth at CES to take a look at what new cases and peripherals we can expect in 2024.

Timestamps:
00:00 THICC Q60 Cooler
00:55 NP60
01:21 KEEB and CANVAS
01:59 Lavender switches
02:34 System setup showcase
03:50 Nexus software

Leo kicks things off in front of the Y70 Touch, which James reviewed not too long ago if you want to see our in-depth thoughts on it. As we forge ahead towards newer hardware, we find the new Q60 AIO cooler. It stands out thanks to its 52mm thick radiator and 32mm thick fans. The Q60 is part of HYTE's Nexus ecosystem, which also includes the NP50 controller if you want a clever fan controller as an upgrade for greater noise/performance control.

The HYTE Y40 is a case that we unfortunately didn't get to review but Leo's impressions of it are positive. Moving down the line we get to the HYTE Keeb, which is a very smart looking keyboard with Lavender mechanical switches and a transparent RGB exterior. Joining it is the Canvas mouse mat, an extra large mouse pad with ARGB lighting around the edges. Both are also part of HYTE's Nexus ecosystem for syncing up various products and daisy chaining fans.

The part about Nexus that improves over similar systems like Corsair's iCUE Link, is the fact that Nexus can support more devices at once with up to 18 devices per channel for a total of 34 devices across two channels.

KitGuru Says: We look forward to seeing more of HYTE this year. We'll be covering the new Keeb in the not too distant future so keep an eye out for that.

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Starfield’s official mod tools will arrive in 2024 https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/starfields-official-mod-tools-will-arrive-in-2024/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/starfields-official-mod-tools-will-arrive-in-2024/#respond Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:30:38 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=630024 Modders have gotten to a swift start with Starfield, with hundreds of mods already available on Nexus accruing millions of downloads. For now, mod makers are a little limited by older Creation Engine tools. However, that is set to change in 2024, Todd Howard confirms.  Starfield director, Todd Howard, touched on plans for modding tools …

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Modders have gotten to a swift start with Starfield, with hundreds of mods already available on Nexus accruing millions of downloads. For now, mod makers are a little limited by older Creation Engine tools. However, that is set to change in 2024, Todd Howard confirms. 

Starfield director, Todd Howard, touched on plans for modding tools in a recent interview with Japanese site, Famitsu. In the interview he confirmed that the official mod tool kit for Starfield will become available “next year”, which lines up with Bethesda's usual timelines for releasing its creation tools.

Previously, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim received its official mod kit release around four months after launch. For Fallout 4, that timeline extended slightly to around half a year. With that in mind, we would anticipate Starfield's mod tools to release sometime in Q1 2024.

In the meantime, modders have been swiftly working on ways to improve Starfield. A script extender is already available, which will enable modders to do more with the game. Additionally, users have been quickly working on ways to get the game running better on a range of PCs, adding support for additional upscaling technologies like DLSS and quality-of-life changes, like new UI elements and menu screens.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Modders have a big universe to work with in Starfield so there is plenty of room for not only added content but tweaks to mechanics and visuals as well. 

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Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR announced with CGI trailer https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/mustafa-mahmoud/assassins-creed-nexus-vr-announced-with-cgi-trailer/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/mustafa-mahmoud/assassins-creed-nexus-vr-announced-with-cgi-trailer/#respond Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:15:21 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=619220 Ubisoft’s most recent edition of its Forward showcase has come and gone, and brought with it a bunch of announcements. One of the biggest new games to be officially announced was Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR – though unfortunately we did not get to see any gameplay. The notion of a VR Assassin’s Creed game is …

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Ubisoft’s most recent edition of its Forward showcase has come and gone, and brought with it a bunch of announcements. One of the biggest new games to be officially announced was Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR – though unfortunately we did not get to see any gameplay.

The notion of a VR Assassin’s Creed game is an enticing one, and so the official announcement of Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR brings with it a great deal of excitement. Unfortunately, while we did get some information on this upcoming title, no gameplay was shown, instead focusing on offering a CGI trailer which tries to emulate what players will be doing in virtual reality.

The official synopsis for AC Nexus VR is as follows: “Embody legendary Assassins in an all-new story built exclusively for VR. Parkour and climb freely across open maps as you decide how to achieve the objectives. Use real world motions with a variety of weapons as you fight reactive enemies. Maneuver stealthily by hiding in the shadows or blending in amongst civilians. Experience the rush of air assassinations and the daunting leap of faith. Innovative VR functionality provides the ultimate immersive experience with best-in-class comfort features to help with vertigo or fear of heights.”

Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR is set to arrive later this year during Holiday 2023, and so hopefully we get to see some actual gameplay sooner rather than later. AC Nexus VR is coming to the Meta Quest 2 and 3 exclusively.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What did you think of Ubisoft Forward? Do you own a VR headset? What would you want from a VR Assassin’s Creed? Let us know down below.

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New leaks paint worrying picture for upcoming VR title ‘Assassin’s Creed Nexus’ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/new-leaks-paint-worrying-picture-for-upcoming-vr-title-assassins-creed-nexus/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/new-leaks-paint-worrying-picture-for-upcoming-vr-title-assassins-creed-nexus/#respond Mon, 25 Apr 2022 11:16:43 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=558178 Back in 2019, we heard rumours that Ubisoft had partnered with Oculus to develop new virtual reality titles, including an Assassin's Creed and a Splinter Cell game. Those titles were officially announced in 2020, and now, the first in-game footage for Assassin's Creed VR has leaked online. It has been almost two full years since …

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Back in 2019, we heard rumours that Ubisoft had partnered with Oculus to develop new virtual reality titles, including an Assassin's Creed and a Splinter Cell game. Those titles were officially announced in 2020, and now, the first in-game footage for Assassin's Creed VR has leaked online.

It has been almost two full years since the new Ubisoft VR games were announced during a Facebook Connect event. A beta build for Assassin's Creed VR, currently titled ‘Assassin's Creed Nexus', has been in testing this year and sure enough, one play tester broke NDA by capturing in-game footage and sharing it online.

Assassin's Creed Nexus, set to release in the coming 12 months, leaked a couple of weeks ago from GamingLeaksAndRumours

You can see the gameplay footage above. Unfortunately, the clip does not show much outside of the main menu and mission selection screens. However, more details about the game were revealed on Reddit, including information about weapons, combat, mission design, movement and other key points of interest.

According to the source, in Assassin's Creed Nexus, players will have access to a sword, the Hidden Blade, throwing knives, smoke bombs and a crossbow. Combat is timing based, so you wait for the enemy to move and break cover or lower their shield and then strike. For parkour and climbing sections, you aren't going to be physically using your hands to scale virtual walls, instead, it is claimed that parkour is as simple as running towards climbable sections and holding down the A button. Stealth mechanics will also apparently be present. The first character you'll play as will be the fan-favourite protagonist of Assassin's Creed II, Ezio.

There are said to be multiple Assassin's from previous games in the series all featured in this game. It is a linear game, with individual levels, although those levels are quite large and open, according to the leak. However, the world is said to be fairly static with limited movable props, which doesn't sound great for a high-budget VR title.

Typically, the best VR games have been ones that enable the most freedom and give players the tools to play around in the world. Half-Life: Alyx and Boneworks are two excellent examples of this, with tons of objects throughout the world that can be interacted with, all with realistic physics in place. If you can't interact much with the environment in a VR game, then the experience can end up feeling quite shallow.

Unfortunately, Ubisoft has not announced a release date for Assassin's Creed Nexus yet, nor has the publisher shared any official footage or gameplay details. The game has been in development for several years at this point though, so perhaps we'll get some official news over the summer months.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Assassin's Creed as a franchise can work well in VR, but I have some concerns based off of this leak. Of course, nothing is official yet though and no actual gameplay footage has been shown, so we'll have to reserve judgement for the time being. 

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Corsair debuts iCUE NEXUS keyboard display accessory https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/corsair-debuts-icue-nexus-keyboard-display-accessory/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/corsair-debuts-icue-nexus-keyboard-display-accessory/#respond Tue, 14 Jul 2020 13:30:48 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=476901 The days of gaming keyboards with built-in LCD displays have been over for a while now but CORSAIR might have the next best thing. This week, Corsair announced the iCUE NEXUS Companion Touch Screen, a new display accessory with a fully customisable interface. The Corsair iCUE Nexus is compatible with keyboards like the K70 RGB …

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The days of gaming keyboards with built-in LCD displays have been over for a while now but CORSAIR might have the next best thing. This week, Corsair announced the iCUE NEXUS Companion Touch Screen, a new display accessory with a fully customisable interface.

The Corsair iCUE Nexus is compatible with keyboards like the K70 RGB MK.2 and the K95 RGB Platinum XT, but it can also be used as a standalone display plugged directly into your PC. Once set up, you can use the Nexus as a handy real-time system monitor, or as a quick way to access programmed macros or other shortcuts.

You can program more than 200 custom screens for the iCUE Nexus, each of which can display six virtual buttons using a simple drag and drop system. Through this, you can create custom shortcuts for games or apps, system commands, fan profiles, or access monitoring tools to see CPU/GPU clock speeds or the temperature of your PC.

The more iCUE-compatible devices in your setup, the more the Nexus can do. For instance, if you have a Corsair AIO CPU cooler, mouse and keyboard, the nexus can be used to control custom profiles across all of those devices. Of course, you don't have to do all of this work yourself either, as pre-programmed screens with unique visuals and custom actions can be obtained on the web, just as we've seen with custom lighting profiles for Corsair's keyboards. Some games will have their own profiles too, with one of the first being Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege.

Unfortunately, we don't have UK pricing or availability information for the Corsair iCUE Nexus just yet, but we'll update as soon as new listings start popping up. In the meantime, you can learn more about the device, HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: What do you all think of the Corsair iCUE Nexus so far? Is this something you'd find useful for your own setup?

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One modder has created the expected Fallout 76 experience in Fallout 4 https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/one-modder-has-created-the-expected-fallout-76-experience-in-fallout-4/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/one-modder-has-created-the-expected-fallout-76-experience-in-fallout-4/#respond Mon, 25 Jun 2018 08:46:05 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=377691 Bethesda has divided fans of its apocalyptic survival series after it revealed Fallout 76 was to solely be online with PvP. More concerning was handing players the ability to set off nukes, provided they had the launch codes. One modder has now crafted their vision of what the upcoming title will be within Fallout 4, …

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Bethesda has divided fans of its apocalyptic survival series after it revealed Fallout 76 was to solely be online with PvP. More concerning was handing players the ability to set off nukes, provided they had the launch codes. One modder has now crafted their vision of what the upcoming title will be within Fallout 4, having NPCs chase players around like griefers and random nukes being set off intermittently.

Unsurprisingly titled Fallout 4-76, uploader SKK50 removed 95 percent of NPCs from the game’s rural areas and a further 80 percent in towns and cities to replicate the desolate feel of the new wasteland, to which Bethesda claims players will have to rebuild using the crafting mechanics. In place of these lost souls are NPCs that randomly spawn with one goal in mind – to harass the player.

Designed with catchy username-like handles such as “L33T PWNZ BOSS,” some will spawn in with the goal to kill the player, chasing them to the ends of the Earth until forcibly stopped. Others will simply hurl abuse. Given that enemy levels scale to the player, it’d be interesting to see insults become more, well, insulting, however this seems unlikely given the creator’s opinion on griefers.

“Occasional nukes are launched at you with a minimal getaway warning. Sometimes they land back on the Griefers, as they are naturally unclever,” says modder SKK50 to Dark Side of Gaming. “Nukes will not be launched directly at red workshops, so you can do some arts and crafts in peace if you stay close. Note as this is a B.E.T.A. some nuke warnings may be missed, but your player deaths are helping debug my free product.”

It’s clear that this is just a mock-up of what SKK50 expects Fallout 76 to deliver, however it is an interesting execution of the information we’ve been told about the upcoming title. The mod is available to PC users via its Nexus page, while Xbox One users can also experience the chaos via bethesda.net. Unfortunately, PlayStation 4 users are left in the wind due to Sony’s script content restrictions.

KitGuru Says: I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of Fallout 76’s concept from what we currently know, however I have to play Devil’s advocate here and remind people that the mod is not representative of a final product. It’s always best to wait before judging, however Fallout 4-76 is a fun mockery of what most people expect. What do you think of Fallout 76 so far? Does this mod sum it up for you?

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Huawei refused Google’s offer to collaborate on Pixel smartphone https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/huawei-refused-googles-offer-to-collaborate-on-pixel-smartphone/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/huawei-refused-googles-offer-to-collaborate-on-pixel-smartphone/#respond Mon, 14 Nov 2016 19:31:27 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=311584 At this point, the Nexus brand is well and truly dead and Google has already moved on with its new line of ‘Pixel' smartphones. While the Pixel is branded solely as a Google phone, it is actually HTC that manufacturers it but it turns out that HTC may have been Google's second choice of partner …

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At this point, the Nexus brand is well and truly dead and Google has already moved on with its new line of ‘Pixel' smartphones. While the Pixel is branded solely as a Google phone, it is actually HTC that manufacturers it but it turns out that HTC may have been Google's second choice of partner as a Huawei executive revealed this week that they were approached to make the Pixel first, following the success of the Nexus 6P.

Huawei has collaborated with Google on Nexus devices in the past but in those days, Google would co-brand its devices with the OEM, meaning Huawei's name would have been featured somewhere. However, with the Pixel, Google doesn't want any additional names on the box or in the marketing, which didn't seem like a tempting proposition to Huawei.

screen-shot-2016-11-14-at-19-30-30

The reveal came from Huawei's VP of the Consumer Business Group, Colin Giles (via: Forbes), who confirmed that as Huawei has grown into one of the largest smartphone makers in Asia, the company no longer wants to act merely as a manufacturer for other companies as it has done previously.

On the flip side, HTC has been struggling in recent years and no longer has the same level of market share it used to. So while many buyers may not know that the Google Pixel is actually built by HTC, at this point the company's smartphone division needs to try and turn around its financial situation.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While you would often know who was really creating Nexus devices in the past, it looks like with the Pixel, Google wants to be the only name associated, so it makes sense that perhaps Huawei didn't see enough value in partnering. After all, while Huawei might be huge in Asia, the brand still has plenty of room to grow in other parts of the world and being a silent partner on a Google phone won't help further that goal. What do you guys think of the Google Pixel? Do you wish that Nexus had stuck around for a bit longer?

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Android 7.1 update will come to Nexus devices this month https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/android-7-1-update-will-come-to-nexus-devices-this-month/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/android-7-1-update-will-come-to-nexus-devices-this-month/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2016 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=308534 Android 7.0 Nougat may have only just arrived a few months ago but the first big update is already arriving later this month. Android 7.1 will be bringing support for some new features, including Google's new Daydream VR platform. If you happen to own a Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, or the Pixel C tablet, you …

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Android 7.0 Nougat may have only just arrived a few months ago but the first big update is already arriving later this month. Android 7.1 will be bringing support for some new features, including Google's new Daydream VR platform. If you happen to own a Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, or the Pixel C tablet, you will be able to get your hands on the dev preview for the new update by the end of October.

Android 7.1 is launching with Google's new patch of smartphones, known as the Pixel and Pixel XL. These are the first smartphones on the market to run the update and support Daydream VR, though Google is working with other smartphone makers to ensure more Daydream capable smartphones are on the way.

x1020-e1475684405107-jpg-pagespeed-ic-awcebgtvmg

With this update, those of you who bought one of the final Nexus smartphones will be able to experiment with Google's new virtual reality venture, which aims to take on the likes of the GearVR. Aside from that though, Android 7.1 is also coming to ‘supported Android One devices' according to the developer blog, alongside the Nexus 9 and Nexus Player.

The final update will begin rolling out in December, so if you are running a non-Google smartphone or tablet, you may have to wait a bit longer. Third-party smartphone makers have been improving when it comes to pushing out faster Android updates, but the process can still take a while depending on which device you own.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Android 7.1's big focus seems to be Daydream VR, which is getting a lot of attention from Google this year. It will be interesting to see how Daydream compares to the GearVR, which runs a version of Oculus Home on specific Samsung smartphones.

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The Carphone Warehouse just leaked the Google Pixel Phone https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/the-carphone-warehouse-just-leaked-the-google-pixel-phone/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/the-carphone-warehouse-just-leaked-the-google-pixel-phone/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2016 14:36:27 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=307729 It looks like The Carphone Warehouse has dropped the ball as the UK store just leaked the first official images and details for Google's next smartphone, which is set to be announced tomorrow. For starters, it looks like Google is retiring the Nexus name after all, replacing it with the ‘Pixel Phone', the leak also …

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It looks like The Carphone Warehouse has dropped the ball as the UK store just leaked the first official images and details for Google's next smartphone, which is set to be announced tomorrow. For starters, it looks like Google is retiring the Nexus name after all, replacing it with the ‘Pixel Phone', the leak also reveals details on specs, features and the larger Pixel XL.

Tomorrow, Google will be announcing two phones, the Pixel and the Pixel XL. While we don't know what will differ in the larger version of the device, the standard Pixel will feature a 1080p display, a Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB of RAM a microSD card slot and Android 7.1. The larger Pixel XL may feature a 1440p display instead, or perhaps a bigger battery but that was not confirmed in this leak.

pixel-cw-1

As far as features are concerned, it looks like the ‘Google Assistant' will play a large part as the Pixel will be listening out for the words “OK Google” to start taking commands. The assistant has also been pulled into apps like ‘Google Allo', allowing you to make searches during text conversations with friends. For example, if you were trying to find a place to grab lunch, you could type “@google find restaurants nearby” and it would pull up a list in the chat for everyone in the conversation to look through.

Some changes have also been made on the video chatting side, with the introduction of ‘Google Duo', which seems to be the company's FaceTime competitor. Essentially, it lets you video call people on both Android and iOS, with a ‘knock knock' feature that let's you see the person calling before picking up. Speaking of video, the camera app has been improved a bit too, offering better low-light performance and built-in cloud storage for pictures so you can save space on internal storage.

The final leaked slide we managed to get our hands on details changes made to the battery and charging. Now with USB Type-C, the Pixel Phone can juice up on 7 hours worth of battery life in just 15 minutes. Android 7.1 also brings a new feature called ‘Doze' so that when you aren't using your phone, it puts itself into a sleep state to save on power.

That's all of the information we have for now and you can see the slides for yourselves at 9to5Google. However, do keep in mind there may be more information, which we will learn about at Google's event tomorrow- unless it leaks first.

KitGuru Says: It can be difficult for companies to keep things under wraps these days, particularly when outside sources get involved. Still, it will be interesting to see what else Google touches on at its event tomorrow and how the Pixel will differ from past Nexus smartphones.

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Rumour claims Google may ditch Nexus brand after all https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/rumour-claims-google-may-ditch-nexus-brand-after-all/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/rumour-claims-google-may-ditch-nexus-brand-after-all/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2016 17:41:52 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=304710 It seems that these days, the rumour mill can't quite make up its mind about what is happening with Google and its next batch of Nexus devices. We had previously heard that HTC was set to help out with the next few smartphones but now, new reports this week are claiming that Google may be …

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It seems that these days, the rumour mill can't quite make up its mind about what is happening with Google and its next batch of Nexus devices. We had previously heard that HTC was set to help out with the next few smartphones but now, new reports this week are claiming that Google may be ditching the Nexus brand entirely soon.

This isn't the first time that we have heard that Google may abandon the Nexus name in favour of something new. Back in 2014, reports indicated that Nexus would be replaced by the ‘Android Silver' program. This time around, Android Central is reporting that the two smartphones that HTC has built for Google this year will come branded with a ‘G' logo, rather than the Nexus name we are used to.

nexus

HTC has been working on two smartphones codenamed Marlin and Sailfish, these were previously thought to be new Nexus phones but aside from the name/logo change, these two smartphones may also come with a modified version of Android Nougat, rather than vanilla software.

Aside from that, not much else is known about the extent of these changes. Google CEO, Sundar Pichai, spoke about the Nexus brand as recently as June during a conference, so we will need to wait and see what happens.

KitGuru Says: As popular as the Nexus brand seemed a few years back, it doesn't seem to have caught the mainstream attention Google had hoped it would. With that in mind, perhaps a change in branding is in order but we won't know for sure until we hear more. 

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Google Daydream VR headset and new Nexus phones could launch soon https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/google-daydream-vr-headset-and-new-nexus-phones-could-launch-soon/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/google-daydream-vr-headset-and-new-nexus-phones-could-launch-soon/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2016 18:13:57 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=304102 Google just began rolling out Android 7.0 Nougat this week but we have yet to see new hardware from the company in the form of new Nexus smartphones or a new Virtual Reality headset with support for the Daydream platform. However, it looks like everything will be revealed in just a few weeks time, according …

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Google just began rolling out Android 7.0 Nougat this week but we have yet to see new hardware from the company in the form of new Nexus smartphones or a new Virtual Reality headset with support for the Daydream platform. However, it looks like everything will be revealed in just a few weeks time, according to reports.

The Daydream VR platform was unveiled at Google I/O this year but rumour has it that a VR headset will also be coming to support it. According to Bloomberg's sources, Google has apparently been signing content deals with game makers, YouTubers and film makers to support Daydream and get people interested.

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Aside from that, there will be several high-profile apps for services like Hulu, HBO Go, YouTube and more on Daydream, so users will be able to view traditional content in a VR setting. The Daydream reveal will apparently come alongside the launch of new Nexus smartphones, VR headsets and controllers.

Speaking of Nexus smartphones, the latest rumours still point to HTC being the sole manufacturer for both the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 this year. Either way, we will find out for sure fairly soon if this event does indeed take place in the next few weeks.

KitGuru Says: Samsung has been making some progress in the VR arena, with some help from Oculus. If Google can help standardise VR for mobile devices with Daydream, then we may end up seeing more and more people adopt the technology, even at this basic level. Are any of you guys looking forward to seeing what Google has in-store for VR? Are you more interested in the upcoming Nexus smartphones? 

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Leaked render allegedly shows off Google’s Nexus smartwatches https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/leaked-render-allegedly-shows-off-googles-nexus-smartwatches/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/leaked-render-allegedly-shows-off-googles-nexus-smartwatches/#comments Thu, 28 Jul 2016 14:12:19 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=300873 We already know that Google has another pair of Nexus smartphones planned for release later this year but one more recent rumour pointed towards an additional pair of Nexus smartwatches too. Now, a leaked render seems to confirm the wearables, giving us an early look at what is coming this year. Things have been pretty …

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We already know that Google has another pair of Nexus smartphones planned for release later this year but one more recent rumour pointed towards an additional pair of Nexus smartwatches too. Now, a leaked render seems to confirm the wearables, giving us an early look at what is coming this year.

Things have been pretty quiet on Android Wear and the wearable market as a whole recently. However, this year it looks like we can expect a revamp with the launch of Android Wear 2.0, which will supposedly debut on the Nexus smartwatches known as Angelfish and Swordfish.

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The leaked render above began circulating the web this week. However, the source of the image is hazy at the moment. All we know for sure is that AndroidPolice seems to have the biggest scoop on Google’s pair of Nexus watches, with the most details.

As far as we know right now, Angelfish will be the more expensive of the two, featuring a larger watch-face and features like LTE, GPS and a heart rate monitor for fitness tracking. The watch codenamed Swordfish will be smaller and will lack those features. It will be more of a basic watch, similarly to the Pebble.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: We still don’t know exactly when Google is planning to launch its new Nexus devices and it is harder to predict this year as Android Nougat’s development was accelerated. However, it would seem Google’s Android plans for this year also involve wearables. Do you guys think a Nexus smartwatch could be successful?

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HTC’s Nexus is codenamed ‘Marlin’, specifications leak https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/htcs-nexus-is-codenamed-marlin-specifications-leak/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/htcs-nexus-is-codenamed-marlin-specifications-leak/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2016 14:44:39 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=297908 We have been hearing for some time that HTC has taken over Google's Nexus line for 2016, with multiple smartphones in the works and this week, we got fresh news on the top-tier model thanks to a full specification leak. This year's flagship Nexus is currently codenamed ‘Marlin' while the cheaper, smaller model is codenamed …

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We have been hearing for some time that HTC has taken over Google's Nexus line for 2016, with multiple smartphones in the works and this week, we got fresh news on the top-tier model thanks to a full specification leak. This year's flagship Nexus is currently codenamed ‘Marlin' while the cheaper, smaller model is codenamed ‘Sailfish'.

According to sources speaking with Android Police, This year's replacement for the Nexus 6P will once again feature a 5.5-inch display using AMOLED technology and running at 1440p. It will feature an unconfirmed quad-core Qualcomm processor backed up by 4GB of RAM.

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There will be a 12 megapixel rear facing camera and an eight megapixel front facing one. The new Nexus will also come with a USB Type-C port, a fingerprint scanner on the back and a 3450 mAh battery to keep the device powered throughout the day.

Presumably, HTC's new Nexus will run Android Nougat, which is nearing release and was officially named just last night. There are also some rumours going around that Google might be building a smartphone of its own this year, so that could also be on the horizon.

KitGuru Says: The Nexus series has bounced back a bit since the original Nexus 6 and with HTC potentially building both the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 this year, it will be interesting to see how well they both do. Do any of you currently own a Nexus, or have you owned one previously? 

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HTC is reportedly working on two Android N Nexus devices https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/htc-is-reportedly-working-on-two-android-n-nexus-devices/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/htc-is-reportedly-working-on-two-android-n-nexus-devices/#respond Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:07:04 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=291067 While HTC is mostly making headlines with its virtual reality headset these days, the company still has a strong presence in the Android smartphone market. We have been hearing murmurs that HTC is currently signed on to build multiple Nexus devices for Google, perhaps for several years, but this week, we got a little bit …

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While HTC is mostly making headlines with its virtual reality headset these days, the company still has a strong presence in the Android smartphone market. We have been hearing murmurs that HTC is currently signed on to build multiple Nexus devices for Google, perhaps for several years, but this week, we got a little bit more information about what's in-store for 2016.

According to Evan Blass (formerly known as EVLeaks), HTC is currently building a pair of Android N devices for Google, internally known as the Nexus M1 and Nexus S1.

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Google has accelerated its plans for Android this year, with Android N launching surprisingly early, with a consumer release date set for the summer. Google is also rumoured to have plans to roll out stock Android to third-party smartphones via an ‘opt-in' feature, which would finally give the company that extra degree of control that it needs to fight fragmentation.

While we only know so much about Android N and Google's plans for the year so far, Google I/O is coming up next month, at which we will likely hear more about Android N (including its final name). We could potentially see HTC's two Nexus devices pop up too.

KitGuru Says: There are plenty of reports floating around indicating that Google is changing its approach to Android and Nexus devices this year, so it will be interesting to see how that turns out following on from I/O next month. What would you guys like to see change with Android this year? 

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Google may have a plan to send latest Android to non-Nexus devices https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/google-may-have-a-plan-to-send-latest-android-to-non-nexus-devices/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/google-may-have-a-plan-to-send-latest-android-to-non-nexus-devices/#comments Mon, 11 Apr 2016 14:40:13 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=289324 When it comes to Android, Google has lost the reigns a bit over the years with many OEMs and networks tinkering with Google's software and slowing down the update process quite a bit. As a result of this, you have typically required a Google Nexus smartphone to ensure that you will get the latest version …

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When it comes to Android, Google has lost the reigns a bit over the years with many OEMs and networks tinkering with Google's software and slowing down the update process quite a bit. As a result of this, you have typically required a Google Nexus smartphone to ensure that you will get the latest version of the OS upon release but that could be changing this year.

According to new reports, Google may be expanding its Android Beta program to include devices made by third-party OEMs, this would mean that non-Nexus devices could potentially get the latest version of Android at the same time as the latest Nexus smartphones.

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This information comes from a Reddit user that dug around in the code for the current developer beta for Android N. The evidence comes from the following note, which reads: “Accompanying Android Beta program for consumers, starting later in the preview – more supported devices, including devices from OEM partners – seamless OTAs for your devices, from initial release to final N release without flashing.”

So those who own perhaps a Samsung or a Sony smartphone could opt-in to get updates directly from Google instead, in order to get the latest Android features faster and bypassing networks and OEMs that slow down the process. This might not pan out but this at least shows that Google is exploring its options in order to get updates out to users quicker.

KitGuru Says: Google has been working to take back control of Android and lessen the amount of fragmentation that occurs in the market for a while. Delivering updates to non-Nexus smartphones itself could help that a great deal. Would you like to be able to get Android updates straight from Google even on smartphones from the likes of Samsung, HTC or Sony? 

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Google warns of Android root access security flaw https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/security-software/matthew-wilson/google-warns-of-android-root-access-security-flaw/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/security-software/matthew-wilson/google-warns-of-android-root-access-security-flaw/#comments Tue, 22 Mar 2016 21:33:57 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=287641 Google has issued a warning to Android users this week after it discovered a bug present in the software that could allow hackers to gain root access to your smartphone through a certain application. The flaw itself isn't particularly new and was originally discovered two years ago in the Linux Kernal but it wasn't flagged …

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Google has issued a warning to Android users this week after it discovered a bug present in the software that could allow hackers to gain root access to your smartphone through a certain application. The flaw itself isn't particularly new and was originally discovered two years ago in the Linux Kernal but it wasn't flagged up as an issue at the time.

This hasn't been an issue for Android users in the past as it wasn't part of the software but it now is. The vulnerability comes with the identifier CVE-2015-1805 and Google is already working on a security patch but a couple of security research teams beat Google to discovering the issue and figuring out how it all works.

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We don't know the name of the app that this exploit is achieved through but it is no longer on the Play Store. However, Google is classifying this issue with a critical severity rating for now. While Google is currently working on patches for its Nexus smartphones, these only represent a fraction of the Android smartphone market so it will be up to other manufacturers to push out a patch to their own handsets.

You can read Google's security notice, HERE. 

KitGuru Says: Honestly some of the details surrounding this issue are a bit vague. If you're running Android then make sure you only install verified apps for the time being and try to keep your device secure. 

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HTC could be set to make Nexus phones for next three years https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/htc-could-be-set-to-make-nexus-phones-for-next-three-years/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/htc-could-be-set-to-make-nexus-phones-for-next-three-years/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2016 15:03:44 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=286587 Google has often switched between different smartphone makers on an almost yearly basis for its Nexus devices. However, this year that could change, we have already been hearing rumours that HTC is set to make this year's Nexus flagship but the company could be on board for the next two years as well. This means …

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Google has often switched between different smartphone makers on an almost yearly basis for its Nexus devices. However, this year that could change, we have already been hearing rumours that HTC is set to make this year's Nexus flagship but the company could be on board for the next two years as well. This means that HTC will be in charge of the flagship Nexus for three years in a row starting in 2016.

Google and HTC have had a pretty long relationship at this point, in-fact back in 2010 HTC made the very first Nexus One smartphone. Since then, the Taiwanese phone maker has gone on to make the Nexus 9 tablet for Google as well.

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According to a report from MyDrivers, HTC has signed a deal with Google to make Nexus smartphones for the next few years. This would signify a change in approach for Google, allowing the company to deal with one manufacturer for a few years, rather than switching them out annually. This deal would likely also fit in with Google's plans to get more involved in handset creation so that it can optimize Android better in an effort to catch up to iOS.

Google has been trying to solve the Android fragmentation problem for years but if this report is accurate, then this multi-year deal with HTC could mark the first step to conquering the problem.

KitGuru Says: This report may turn out to be inaccurate but if it proves to be true, then HTC's mobile division may be able to stay afloat after all, after taking numerous financial losses. What do you guys think of HTC? Do you think they are a good choice for Nexus smartphones going forward? 

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Google just launched Android N much earlier than expected https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/google-just-launched-android-n-much-earlier-than-expected/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/google-just-launched-android-n-much-earlier-than-expected/#respond Wed, 09 Mar 2016 19:35:41 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=286541 While traditionally Google has waited until the Summer to announce its next version of Android, followed by a final public release towards the end of the year, the company seems to be shaking things up for 2016. Google has today launched the first Android N developer preview, there will be a public beta a little …

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While traditionally Google has waited until the Summer to announce its next version of Android, followed by a final public release towards the end of the year, the company seems to be shaking things up for 2016. Google has today launched the first Android N developer preview, there will be a public beta a little later this year and the final OS will be available to OEMs over the Summer.

With Google handing over Android N to OEMs much earlier, we may see a few additional Android N devices towards the end of this year on top of the Nexus smartphones though that is just speculation at this point.

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Google has said that the reason for giving Android N to developers a couple of months in advance is to give them more time to build devices. The developer preview adds in support for new features like a split-screen mode, changes to notifications and more.

The only thing Google hasn't shared yet is the final name for Android N, so that is still up for debate.

KitGuru Says: Android N has arrived a couple of months earlier than expected. It won't be long before the preview will be made available by a custom ROM group so the enthusiasts may get to try it out quite early too. 

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Google still planning to begin building its own Nexus phones https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/google-still-planning-to-begin-building-its-own-nexus-phones/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/google-still-planning-to-begin-building-its-own-nexus-phones/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2016 21:00:30 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=282668 Back in November last year, word began to spread that Google was considering building its own Nexus smartphones going forward and while some rumours point towards HTC building the 2016 Nexus devices, Google may take the reins next year in a move to challenge Apple more directly in the high-end smartphone market. Right now, Apple …

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Back in November last year, word began to spread that Google was considering building its own Nexus smartphones going forward and while some rumours point towards HTC building the 2016 Nexus devices, Google may take the reins next year in a move to challenge Apple more directly in the high-end smartphone market.

Right now, Apple dominates a large portion of the smartphone market with the iPhone, which it designs and has built itself. This also allows Apple to control every aspect of the device, meaning an iOS device will often perform as well as or better than a high-end Android smartphone despite lesser internal specifications.

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According to a report from The Information, Google would still source things like RAM, internal storage and processors from other companies and have the device built by a trusted manufacturer. Which as TechSpot points out, is similar to what Google currently does with the Chromebook Pixel and Pixel C. However, by being in direct control of the Nexus smartphone, Google could ensure a smoother software experience.

According to the reports, this isn't a move designed to make more money, it is more of a challenge from Google to deliver a better Android device that may finally prompt more Apple users to make the switch.

KitGuru Says: The idea that Google could take control and begin designing its own Nexus phones has been talked about for some time now. However, it will be interesting to see if the company finally takes the jump this year. Would you guys like to see Google design its own Nexus devices rather than seeking out other popular device makers? 

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HTC might be making both the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 this year https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/htc-might-be-making-both-the-nexus-5-and-nexus-6-this-year/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/htc-might-be-making-both-the-nexus-5-and-nexus-6-this-year/#comments Wed, 20 Jan 2016 18:17:29 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=281505 Google appeased old Nexus fans last year by bringing LG back to create the Nexus 5X while Huawei took the reigns on the Nexus 6P, a larger premium phablet. However, things might be quite different this year as it seems that Google may have HTC lined up to make both Nexus smartphones for 2016. This …

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Google appeased old Nexus fans last year by bringing LG back to create the Nexus 5X while Huawei took the reigns on the Nexus 6P, a larger premium phablet. However, things might be quite different this year as it seems that Google may have HTC lined up to make both Nexus smartphones for 2016.

This wouldn't be the first time Google and HTC have worked closely together on a Nexus product, after all, HTC did make the Nexus 9 tablet which still sells today as well as the original Nexus One. According to a Weibo post, HTC will be making a 5.0-inch and a 5.5-inch Nexus device this year, which will be a step down from the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P.

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On top of that, well-known mobile leaker, LlabTooFeR on Twitter claims that the code names for both of the new Nexus devices are the T50 and T55.

All of that said, we are still many months away from Google's official announcement of the new Nexus devices, which will likely arrive in September or October so things could change and these early rumors should be taken with a pinch of salt.

KitGuru Says: HTC wouldn't be a bad choice for a Nexus maker after all a lot of people still like the HTC One smartphones though sales have declined. Either way, it seems that Google is set to shake up the Nexus formula again this year. 

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Google may be looking to build its own smartphone from scratch https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/google-may-be-looking-to-build-its-own-smartphone-from-scratch/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/google-may-be-looking-to-build-its-own-smartphone-from-scratch/#respond Wed, 11 Nov 2015 17:30:39 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=274853 We have been hearing a lot about the future of Google and Android recently. First we heard that the company was looking to build its own processor for future devices, then we heard that it may also be looking to standardize Android hardware, similarly to how Apple has standardized the iPhones. Now, we are hearing …

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We have been hearing a lot about the future of Google and Android recently. First we heard that the company was looking to build its own processor for future devices, then we heard that it may also be looking to standardize Android hardware, similarly to how Apple has standardized the iPhones. Now, we are hearing more talk of Google looking to build its own smartphone from scratch.

The Google Nexus line has been around for years and has gone on to become quite popular. However, Google always partners up with other device makers for these smartphones, though this may change in the future.

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One year after selling Motorola's mobile division, executives inside Google are now discussing building their own Android phone from scratch, according to sources speaking with The Information. Right now, the subject is a topic of debate within the company and nothing has been decided on just yet.

If Google were to make its own handset from scratch, it would be able to use its own hardware to optimize Android and get the absolute most out of the device, much like Apple does on a yearly basis with the iPhones. However, Google did sell Motorola following issues with partners like LG and Samsung, which may creep up again should Google go through with making its own smartphones.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Android fragmentation is a problem, which is why standardizing hardware would go a long way to turning Android in to a more uniform experience across devices. However, Google has plenty of partner relationships it also needs to think about, so it will be interesting to see where this goes. 

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The LG G4 will be the first non-Nexus smartphone to get Android Marshmallow https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/the-lg-g4-will-be-the-first-non-nexus-smartphone-to-get-android-marshmallow/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/the-lg-g4-will-be-the-first-non-nexus-smartphone-to-get-android-marshmallow/#respond Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:00:58 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=271924 Google has finally released the final version of Android Marshmallow, with the first new Nexus orders set to ship out next week. However, so far, not many other device makers have announced their plans for the upgrade. LG is set to be the first company to bring Android Marshmallow to a non-Nexus device, with the …

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Google has finally released the final version of Android Marshmallow, with the first new Nexus orders set to ship out next week. However, so far, not many other device makers have announced their plans for the upgrade. LG is set to be the first company to bring Android Marshmallow to a non-Nexus device, with the LG G4 set to get the update soon.

LG made its announcement today, saying that the G4 Marshmallow update would begin rolling out next week in Poland, before spreading to the US, EU and Asia.

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It should be pointed out that LG is also making the Nexus 5, so it already has a very close working relationship with Google: “By working closely with Google, LG has been able to bring Android 6.0 to the G4 ahead of any of our competitors,” said Chris Yie, vice president and head of marketing communications for LG Mobile, in a press release.

“While speed alone isn't an indicator of great service, it does go a long way toward giving consumers the confidence that LG is committed to its existing customers first.”

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: LG is off to a good start with Android Marshmallow adoption, hopefully other device makers will be quick to follow. What version of Android are you running? 

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Android 6.0 Marshmallow will launch next week https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/android-6-0-marshmallow-will-launch-next-week/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/android-6-0-marshmallow-will-launch-next-week/#respond Wed, 30 Sep 2015 13:14:49 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=270083 Google just announced the new Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 smartphones last night so as you would expect, this also means that the latest version of Android will be available very soon. Google announced Android 6.0 Marshmallow earlier this year with a slew of new features, since then it has been in beta and now, …

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Google just announced the new Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 smartphones last night so as you would expect, this also means that the latest version of Android will be available very soon. Google announced Android 6.0 Marshmallow earlier this year with a slew of new features, since then it has been in beta and now, it will officially launch next week.

Obviously Google's own Nexus devices will be the first to get the update, while other device manufacturers will have to sort out updating their own devices over the next few months. Certain mobile carriers can also slow down device updates so you will need to look up a date for your specific device or go the custom ROM route if you just can't wait.

android-marshmallow1

Android Marshmallow doesn't offer much in terms of visual changes, but it does provide a lot of background feature improvements. One big new feature is called ‘Doze' which will help save battery life by shutting down processes when the device hasn't been in use for a certain amount of time.

App permissions have been tweaked around and finally, there is a new feature called ‘Now on Tap', which lets the Google search engine look within apps to bring you more information about what is on the screen at that moment in time.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: With Android Marshmallow becoming officially available next week, we will likely start to hear plans for other manufacturer devices to get the update. There will be more stable ROMS available as well for those that like to customize their devices a bit more. 

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Google officially announced the Nexus 5X https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/google-officially-announced-the-nexus-5x/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/google-officially-announced-the-nexus-5x/#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2015 18:16:33 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=269962 After months of leaks and rumours, Google has officially unveiled its new Nexus smartphones, the first of which is the new LG Nexus 5, featuring the classic bang for buck business model that the brand was previously known for before last year's Nexus 6. What have we learned from the official announcement? Well not much, …

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After months of leaks and rumours, Google has officially unveiled its new Nexus smartphones, the first of which is the new LG Nexus 5, featuring the classic bang for buck business model that the brand was previously known for before last year's Nexus 6. What have we learned from the official announcement? Well not much, it seems that all of the leaks were very accurate.

The Nexus 5X features a 5.2 inch 1080p display, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor powering things under the hood. There is a 12 megapixel camera on the back capable of 4K video recording, there's a finger print sensor known as ‘Nexus Imprint' and there is a USB Type-C connector.

Nexus 5XC

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLqHZLdt_jE']

The LG Nexus 5X will launch at $379.99 for the 16GB model in the US, with international availability expected to come at some point. Pre-orders have already kicked off, with the first devices set to ship out in “late October”. The same goes for Huawei's own Nexus 6P.

The device will come with Android 6.0 Marshmallow installed, so there will be plenty of new features for you to try out, the biggest of which is ‘Now on Tap' and the new power saving features for better battery life.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Have any of you been keeping up with the Nexus news? I imagine quite a few people will be happy to see the Nexus 5 make a return. Google definitely needed to do something following its Motorola Nexus 6 flop last year. 

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Android 6.0 Marshmallow to launch very soon https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/android-6-0-marshmallow-to-launch-very-soon/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/matthew-wilson/android-6-0-marshmallow-to-launch-very-soon/#respond Fri, 25 Sep 2015 10:30:56 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=269297 Google has been tinkering and wrapping things up with Android 6.0 Marshmallow for a few months now. Throughout the year, developers have had access to preview test builds but the official roll out has yet to begin. Right now, Google is expected to announce the new LG Nexus 5 and Huawei Nexus 6 on the …

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Google has been tinkering and wrapping things up with Android 6.0 Marshmallow for a few months now. Throughout the year, developers have had access to preview test builds but the official roll out has yet to begin. Right now, Google is expected to announce the new LG Nexus 5 and Huawei Nexus 6 on the 29th of September, following that, Android 6.0 Marshmallow will start rolling out on the 5th of October.

That date is according to the site, Mobilesyrup, which has come across a software release schedule form a network operator. The schedule states that the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 will get Android Marshmallow on the 5th of October.

android-marshmallow

The Nexus devices are usually the first to get the latest version of Android so presumably, the two new smartphones will launch at a similar time. It will then be up to other mobile carriers and manufacturers to roll out the latest version of Android to their own customers, which could take months.

We have already heard plenty of rumours about both new Nexus devices, with details on specifications and even a few leaked images. The biggest news here is the return of the Nexus 5, a previous fan favourite device that was replaced last year.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: All will be revealed on the 29th of September, so we don't have too long to wait to find out how much of this is true. Are any of you looking forward to the new batch of Nexus smartphones? Will you be upgrading to Android Marshmallow when you can?

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Google seems to be preparing a Chromecast 2 https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/google-seems-to-be-preparing-a-chromecast-2/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/google-seems-to-be-preparing-a-chromecast-2/#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2015 13:37:23 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=268700 It looks like Google is preparing to return to the Chromecast soon, with a newly revised dongle, featuring a new design and faster components. The new rumours come from leaked documents, which talk about different colour options, improve WiFi performance and something called ‘Fast Play', which will be a new feature. There will also be …

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It looks like Google is preparing to return to the Chromecast soon, with a newly revised dongle, featuring a new design and faster components. The new rumours come from leaked documents, which talk about different colour options, improve WiFi performance and something called ‘Fast Play', which will be a new feature.

There will also be a new homepage and more customization options for the device. The Chromecast 2, which 9to5Google's report calls ‘the new Chromecast', will feature 802.11ac wireless, which will grant it faster speeds than the current 802.11n WiFi found on the original dongle.

chromecast-600x455

Fast Play isn't explained so it could be anything, though you could speculate that it just means faster access to apps or even Google Play services. Aside from that, the new Chromecast will have a separate audio output, so users can listen to music through a separate pair of speakers without needing the TV to be on.

There will also apparently be multi-room support, so you can have sound playing through speakers in other rooms of the house, similar to the system Sonos has, though it will be able to take advantage of existing speakers, rather than needing to buy separate ones.

There is no exact release date or price just yet, though it may be revealed along with the new Nexus devices at the end of this month.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Chromecast was very popular when it first launched in the US, though it took quite a bit longer to arrive here in the UK. Do any of you own a Chromecast? What would you like to see Google improve in the second model? 

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Huawei Nexus 6 to feature Snapdragon 810, 1440p display https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/huawei-nexus-6-to-feature-snapdragon-810-1440p-display/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/huawei-nexus-6-to-feature-snapdragon-810-1440p-display/#respond Wed, 16 Sep 2015 14:13:02 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=268058 Google is gearing up to launch Android Marshmallow alongside two brand new smartphones this year. One being the Nexus 5 from LG, which we have already heard quite a bit about and the second smartphone being the new Nexus 6 from Chinese company, Huawei. We haven't heard quite as much about the Huawei Nexus 6 …

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Google is gearing up to launch Android Marshmallow alongside two brand new smartphones this year. One being the Nexus 5 from LG, which we have already heard quite a bit about and the second smartphone being the new Nexus 6 from Chinese company, Huawei.

We haven't heard quite as much about the Huawei Nexus 6 but we may finally have some details on the device's specifications. The new information comes from GFXBenchmark Results, which shows a device called the ‘Huawei Angler', which is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

huawei-nexus-prototype

The site shows that the device sports a 5.7-inch screen with a 2560×1440 resolution. There is also a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chip clocked at 1.9Ghz, paired with an Adreno 430 GPU and 3GB of RAM. The camera features an 11 megapixel sensor and should be able to shoot 4K video.

Benchmark results can be faked so take this with a grain of salt. However, all of this information does line up and coincide with previous rumours we have heard about the Nexus 6 over the last few months. Either way, Google is apparently revealing its two new phones on the 29th of September, so we will know for sure pretty soon.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Last year's Nexus 6 wasn't too popular so it will be interesting to see if Google can convince people this time around. That said, I'm not a big fan of how the phone looks with that black bar across the camera module.

Via: 9to5Google

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We may have the Nexus 5 release date https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/we-may-have-the-nexus-5-release-date/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/we-may-have-the-nexus-5-release-date/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2015 12:37:40 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=266735 The Nexus 5 is on the way, with an announcement reportedly pencilled in for the end of this month. We have already heard plenty about Google and LG's latest collaboration and now, it looks like we may have a release date as well. We are expecting the new Nexus announcement on the 29th of September …

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The Nexus 5 is on the way, with an announcement reportedly pencilled in for the end of this month. We have already heard plenty about Google and LG's latest collaboration and now, it looks like we may have a release date as well. We are expecting the new Nexus announcement on the 29th of September with one from LG and one from Huawei. While last year Google had a huge issue actually getting the Nexus 6 out to customers, this year things should go a bit smoother.

Sources speaking with Talk Android claim that pre-orders for the Nexus 5 will open up on the 13th of October, around two weeks after the currently expected announcement date.

AndroidPIT-Nexus-5-2015-final-w782-e1441632862650
Image Source: Android Pit

While pre-orders will open up, we don't actually know when the devices will begin shipping but hopefully Google will avoid the issues it had last year with the Nexus 6. We already know that the device looks like, thanks to several leaked images.

We also have a rough idea of what to expect in terms of specs, with previous reports showing a Snapdragon 808 SoC, 3GB of RAM, USB Type-C support and a super thin unibody design. Given that Google is launching two smartphones this year, we should see the Nexus 5 launch at a fairly low price point, though pricing is not confirmed yet.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The Nexus 5 is on the way. Not many people liked last year's Nexus 6, so it will be interesting to see if Google can win them back with the new Nexus 5 this year. 

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Here is another look at the Nexus 5 https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/here-is-another-look-at-the-nexus-5/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/here-is-another-look-at-the-nexus-5/#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2015 13:38:20 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=266598 Right now, all signs are pointing towards an end of September reveal date for Google's latest batch of Nexus devices, with one of them being a brand new Nexus 5 from LG, sporting Android Marshmallow. While some fairly blurry images of the device have surfaced previously, we now have a cleaner shot of the currently …

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Right now, all signs are pointing towards an end of September reveal date for Google's latest batch of Nexus devices, with one of them being a brand new Nexus 5 from LG, sporting Android Marshmallow. While some fairly blurry images of the device have surfaced previously, we now have a cleaner shot of the currently unannounced smartphone.

While the picture might not tell us much, it does give us a better look at the device. From the looks of it, the Nexus 5 will feature a unibody design, with the camera module sticking out of the back slightly, a growing trend in today's smartphone market.

AndroidPIT-Nexus-5-2015-final-w782
Image Source: Android Pit

We can also see the finger print sensor ring. Aside from that though, we can't really see anything else. You can make out the headphone jack at the bottom of the smartphone, but that's about it. We do have some rumours to go off of though, as a previous report suggested the upcoming specs of the device.

Right now, the device is expected to launch with a 5-inch 1080p display, a Snapdragon 808 6-core SoC and 3GB of RAM. If these turn out to be true, then the new Nexus 5 may turn out to be a pretty decent performer.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Last year's Nexus 6 was a bit of a flop, so maybe Google can re-capture the Nexus audience with this new Nexus 5. The unibody design looks quite nice, though I'm not a fan of these smartphones getting so thin that the cameras poke out. 

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