Google Killing Magazine Subscriptions In Google News App

Lately, it has been very difficult to find my magazine subscription in the Google News App. I figured it was going to kill the service and sure enough, Google killed it.

I use my Google Rewards money to buy a few magazines so this is really annoying. Luckily, I will still have access to my old magazines.

Thanks Google.

No Notches For You says Google to phone manufacturers

As the battle of more screen rages on, more and more phone manufacturers are trying to use all the screen real estate that they can get from a phone. We all know any phone worth its merit will have a camera, speakers, and mics on the front. That's all great unless you want an all screen front phone! So manufacturers have decided to notch around these things that are in the way.

Google is mandating a few requirements which include:

First, devices must ensure that their cutouts do not negatively affect apps.
Second, devices may only have up to one cutout on each short edge of the device. 

I for one am in favor of such mandates. I would rather not see a notch on my phone's screen. We wouldn't stand for that on a Television, why should we have it on device we look at more and even more closely then a Television.

Free Netflix with Google Play Rewards on Android

A recent update to the Netflix app states that you will soon be able to pay for your Netflix subscription with Google Play Billing. So does that mean you can use your Google Play Rewards money to get Netflix for free? Let's hope so.

Control Your Android Phone with Google Now and Voice Access

Google has released an app into Beta that allows you to control almost every aspect of your phone with just your voice. The app is called Voice Access. Once started, either by Voice or by tapping the icon in the notification tray, your screen will display numbers next to icons or buttons that you want to Press with your Voice. See screenshot:

Surprised as I was by this great feature, I was even more surprised that even the button on Widgets are also accessible by Voice. Navigation by voice is not limited to Number. You can also say things like Go Back, Go Home,Next, Swipe Left, Swipe Right, Scroll Down, or say Show All Commands to learn how to turn your volume up or down, turn on or off WIFI or Bluetooth. 

To use you must sign up for the beta here: https://g.co/voiceaccess and you will be linked to download the app. 

OK Google, Call My Wife

Eventually, Google will automatically know who your wife is, your mom, dad, and maybe even your neighbor! Until then (or do they already), you can tell Google Now who these people are by assigning them a Google Now Voice Shortcut. You can view all your Nicknames under account Settings in your Android app.

To setup a Nickname, all you have to do is make a call using your voice. For Example, "Ok Google, Call my Wife"

Google will then ask who your wife is. Search for her and set it! Now all you have to do is tell Google To Call Your Wife. 

Android Gmail Quickoffice Integration

Along with today's announcement of Google's free Quickoffice app, Google has started to use Quickoffice to open Microsoft Documents even when Quickoffice is not installed which can be seen in this screenshot.

Google cracks down on Play store security with ban on off-market updates

Google cracks down on Play store security with ban on off-market updates (via The Inquirer)

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER Google is cracking down on its Play store security, and has banned "off-market" application updates. In a bid to crack down on the malware and privacy issues long associated with its Android mobile operating system, Google has changed its policy to stop developers from issuing app…

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Google Released Google Glass Source Code

Google releases Linux kernel source code for Glass (via The Inquirer)

WEARABLE COMPUTING FIRM Google has released the source code for its Glass augmented reality eyewear just days after the device reportedly was rooted. Google has been shipping its wearable Glass spectacles to the first batch of developers and 'buzz creators' with the firm hoping to plough feedback into…

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NASA Launches Three Android Phones Into Space

NASA launches three Android smartphones into space (via The Inquirer)

THE UNITED STATES National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched three Android smartphones into space to see what they can do. NASA calls it the Phonesat project, and it aims to demonstrate "the ability to launch the lowest cost and easiest to build satellites ever flown in space…

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