Google

Google Home ariving in the UK by June

28 February 2017 8:37 PM
Google Home (Made By Google)

The cover over the base is modular, and is available in various colors with the purpose of blending it around home decor. The current colors available are mango, marine, and violet (fabric-covered), carbon, snow, and copper (metal).

Google has confirmed it will launch its smart speaker in the UK before the end of June

Google Home “is a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s your own Google, always ready to help” Home (Made By Google) was released in the US on November 4, 2016 for $129 USD, but has yet to go on sale elsewhere.

The search giant disclosed its roll-out plan to the BBC at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona.

It will compete with Amazon’s Echo range, which became available in the UK in September. Microsoft has also previewed a speaker powered by its virtual assistant Cortana.

Google Home is 5.62 inches (143 millimetres) high, and 3.79 inches (96 millimetres) in diameter. It weighs 16.8 ounces (480 grams). The design represents a modular cylindrical shape, and has 4 LEDs on the top that are in the same colors as Google’s logo that indicate power. The top surface is a capacitive touch panel, which can be used to pause music, adjust volume, trigger the Google Assistant and includes dual microphones, and for privacy concerns, has a mute button for the microphone to silence all communications to it.

Google’s device is powered by a version of its Assistant artificial intelligence software.

Unlike Amazon’s rival Alexa, it can support conversations in which the user asks follow-up questions to their initial request, and also taps into the firm’s market-leading Google Search service.

Google Home is a smart speaker developed by Google as part of its “Made By Google” product line: https://madeby.google.com/home.

Here Come the April Fools’ Jokes

1 April 2015 3:54 AM
April Fool 2015

April Fool 2015

Well, get ready for it – April Fools’ 2015 has already started. Google is in on the act as usual, with a Pac-Man version of Google Maps that went live moments ago. Samsung is playing as well today, with the introduction of the Galaxy BLADE edge.

We’ll try to keep track of some of the best as we see them.

You can play Pac-Man on Google Maps by visiting Google Maps on the web and then clicking the Pac-Man icon in the bottom left corner.

Pac-Man is also on Google Maps for Android and iOS. You should be able to play in the newest version of Google Maps, but you have to search for locations that you might think Pac-Man would be. Google offers up a whole guide to Pac-Man in Google Maps here. They also provide clues on where you can find him (just go search for “Arc de Triomphe” and you’ll be able to play). Also, more info at the Google Maps blog.

Samsung Galaxy BLADE edge

Samsung Galaxy BLADE edge

As for the Samsung Galaxy BLADE edge, you are looking at a clear, glass-like phone with a foldable handle, is ergonomic and ceramic, has a diamond edge, is waterproof (unlike the S6 and S6 Edge), and even has a thermometer stylus!

Amazon Dash Button (real or?)

Amazon Dash Button (real or?)


Amazon has introduced the “Dash Button” which are 1-click buttons to help you instantly and directly order the things you need the most…from Amazon Prime. Major news outlets think this is actual real. I still think it’s a joke. Amazon remains saying it’s a real thing!

Google unveiled the Google Panda at a fake press event in Japan.

Introducing Smartbox, by the Inbox team! A smart mailbox

Reddit’s Android subreddit just went Apple. (April Fools)

Reddit’s Android subreddit just went Apple. (April Fools)


Reddit’s Android subreddit just went Apple.

Motorola just gave us custom selfie sticks

Motorola just gave us custom selfie sticks


Motorola just gave us custom selfie sticks.

Seeing any other April Fools’ jokes yet? Let us know in the comments and we will add them!

Source: Droid-life, Seeing any other April Fools’ jokes yet?

Google releases Chrome Remote Desktop for iOS to access your computer from your iPhone/iPad

13 January 2015 9:45 PM
Google releases Chrome Remote Desktop for iOS

Google releases Chrome Remote Desktop for iOS

Google today released its Chrome Remote Desktop app for iOS after a release on Android devices last year [iTunes Link].

The app, available for both iPhone and iPad, allows users to remotely access their computer via the Chrome Remote Desktop app available in the Chrome Web Store.

To get things started, you’ll just have to download and run through a setup for the Chrome Remote Desktop app on your Mac or PC and then open the new Chrome Remote Desktop app for iOS to establish a connection:

On each of your computers, set up remote access using the Chrome Remote Desktop app from Chrome Web Store… On your iOS device, open the app and tap on any of your online computers to connect.

Google first released the app for Android devices in April of last year and before that had its Chrome Remote desktop app for remotely accessing Macs and PCs from other desktop computers.

The app is available now through the App Store for free and works for remotely accessing both PCs and Macs.

Nexus 6 UK price confirmed and it’s cheaper than the iPhone 6 Plus

7 November 2014 4:54 PM
Motorola, Nexus 6

Motorola, Nexus 6

We’ve already seen a US price (from $649) for the Nexus 6, so we weren’t exactly hopeful for a low cost smartphone here in the UK, and now that’s become a reality with Google posting a price on the Play store.

The 32GB Nexus 6 will set you back £499, while those of you fancying more internal storage will need to stump up £549 for the 64GB model.

While these prices aren’t nearly as attractive as previous Nexus models, it does mean the Nexus 6 is still considerably cheaper than possibly its closest rival, the iPhone 6 Plus.

Apple’s 5.5-inch monster device starts at £619 for just 16GB of internal storage, while the 64GB version is £699.

The Motorola-made handset gives you a 5.96-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) display, 2.7GHz Snapdragon 805 processor, 13MP rear camera, 2MP front-facing snapper and Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Hold your horses! Because you can’t actually buy the Nexus 6 from Google Play just yet – in fact, it’s not even available for pre-order – with the site simply saying “coming soon”.

Previous reports have pointed towards a November 18 pre-order date in the UK for the Nexus 6, while those in the US have been able to pre-order since October 23 – although Google’s now out of its initial inventory.

Google Glass Explorer Programme now open in the UK – £1000

23 June 2014 5:48 PM
Google Glass launches in the UK

Google Glass launches in the UK

More than two years after Google launched its Glass Explorer scheme in the U.S, it has finally made it available in the UK – but will set you back £1,000.

From today, any British resident aged over 18 can buy a Glass prototype from the official website for £1,000 – as long as they have a valid credit card. Google Glass was developed by Google X – the facility within Google devoted to technological advancements, such as driverless cars.

The wearable headset has also launched with partner apps including Zombies Run and Goal.com. It was initially designed in 2011 to resemble standard eyeglasses, but with the lens replaced by a heads-up display (HUD). Google later engineered a prototype that weighed 8lb (3.6kg), and the current version is now lighter than the average pair of sunglasses at 1.6oz (50g).

In April 2013, the Explorer Edition was made available to Google I/O developers in the U.S for $1,500.

The email from Google:

Hi there

The UK is known as a centre of innovation, where people like you are excited to explore new products and ideas. After many months of development, we’re expanding the Glass Explorer Programme to the UK, to bring together bold, creative individuals who want to help shape the future of Glass.

We wanted you to be among the first to know, as places on the Explorer Programme are limited, so join us soon.

Purchase Glass

Want to learn more about Glass, or try it with different frames and accessories? Schedule an appointment at our new London Basecamp. You’ll meet with a Glass Guide and learn how to make Glass your own.

Schedule an appointment

Until next time,
The Glass Team

We’ve had Google Glass for over a year now (shipped from the U.S) what do you think about this eyewear technology? Let us know down in the comments.