Google announced an updated version of Google Cardboard last week, allowing the low-cost virtual reality headset to work with larger sized smartphones. It is also easier to put together, and is now compatible with iOS devices. Android users have had a full year with the do-it-yourself VR kit. But, if you are wondering how the experience fairs on […]
google io 2015
Google Spotlight Stories expanding from Android to iOS, YouTube
Spotlight stories are immersive videos shot in 360 degrees. When you watch on a smartphone, you can move your phone around to look at a different piece of the action so you can change the angle and see what’s happening above, behind, or below the the area you’d normally focus on. Google and Motorola first […]
Highlights from Google I/O 2015 day two
Now that Google’s developer conference is over, I pause to reflect on how many wild ideas get turned into a reality thanks to the company’s policy of allowing its employees to just try new things. With Android Auto starting to hit the streets, self-driving cars in the works, and Android Pay poised to make shopping easier, […]
Closer look at Project Tango: Google’s 3D sensors and software for tablets and smartphones
Project Tango is a tablet with special sensors that creates 3-D rendering using software that “senses” its surroundings similar to the way we see the world around us. It has a fisheye camera and a depth sensor combined with traditional motion sensors like accelerometer and gyroscope for area learning to create a visually immersive augmented […]
Google’s Project Vault is a security system on a microSD card
Google’s ATAP team has unveiled a device that looks like an ordinary microSD card. But Project Vault is actually a tiny computer that can add security features to just about any phone, tablet, or computer, allowing you to protect important files and communication. Well, almost any of those devices… it’s a little funny that Google […]
Google’s Project Jacquard turns clothing and other textiles into wearable
Google has two new projects aimed at giving us new ways to interact with our devices. One is a radar-powered system for using 3D gestures to control wearables and other gadgets. The other is a wearable technology called Project Jacquard which literally weaves touch sensors into fabric. That means your next shirt, sport coat, or pair […]
Google Project Soli: Tiny radar brings gesture support to wearables
Smartwatches and other wearable devices promise to deliver info-at-a-glance on a tiny display. But that small screen can be hard to interact with. So Google is looking for new ways to control wearable devices and other products that don’t involve touching a screen. Project Soli is one an experimental project to use radar technology to […]
Google Chromecast gets its game on
Google’s Chromecast is a $35 device that you plug into the HDMI port of a TV to stream music, video, or other content from the internet. But that’s not all you can do with a Chromecast. Last year Google added support for some video games which let you use your phone or tablet as a […]
Google VR updates: Improved Cardboard, iOS support, Expeditions
A year ago Google introduced Google Cardboard: a DIY kit that lets you turn a piece of cardboard into a device that lets you strap a phone to your face and turn it into a virtual reality machine. This year Google is updating Cardboard with a new design that’s easier to assemble, easier to use, […]
Google Maps to support offline navigation
Google Maps for Android already lets you download maps to view later, even when you don’t have an internet connection. But right now offline Maps have limited functionality. Later this year Google plans to roll out an update that lets you download a map for a region and then search for places and even get […]