It sounds like Google is tweaking the way it updates Android

New language found in Google's Android documentation points to potential changes coming to the way updates work on Android devices.

The new language was spotted by Ars Technica's Ron Amadeo in the latest version of the Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD).

The CDD is the list of requirements and recommendations that must be followed by manufacturers who want to put Android – and Google's crucial apps – on their devices. This document covers both hardware (e.g. display resolution, audio features) and software (covering every aspect of the Android user experience). Think of the CDD as the checklist that device makers must go through before they ship a Google-approved Android device.

The Android 7.0 version of the CDD was published yesterday, and among many small changes, the document contains a brand new section dedicated to a feature called "Android Extensions."

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Section 3.1.1 of the CDD reads:

Android includes the support of extending the managed APIs while keeping the same API level version. Android device implementations MUST preload the AOSP implementation of both the shared library ExtShared and services ExtServices with versions higher than or equal to the minimum versions allowed per each API level

Based on this, Amadeo theorized that Android Extensions are the AOSP equivalent of Google's Play Services.

In other words, Google would be able to use Android Extensions to extend Android APIs, without actually pushing out a full operating system update. The main difference between Play Services and Android Extensions, Amadeo argues, is that the latter would be open source.

Android Extensions files are already present on the Google Pixel and the LG V20, though right now they are just empty shells. But their presence on all Android 7.0 Nougat devices means that Google would be able to roll out certain new features or patches simply by updating the files through the Play Store.

In theory, that could decrease fragmentation, improve security, and make the Android ecosystem more consistent. Full OS updates would still be needed, but many small changes could be rolled out without the involvement of manufacturers or carriers.

Make sure to read the Ron Amadeo's full post on Ars Technica and keep in mind that this theory is still an educated guess, at least for now. Let us know your thoughts!

from Android Authority http://www.androidauthority.com/sounds-like-google-tweaking-way-updates-android-727726/
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Samsung increasing Galaxy S8 display size to attract Galaxy Note 7 fans?

The Samsung Galaxy S8 may arrive with a large screen to attract fans of its canceled Galaxy Note 7, a report from The Investor suggests. The upcoming flagship, expected to launch at MWC 2017 in February, is said to come in two variants: one with a 5.7-inch display and one with a 6.2-inch display.

Samsung's last Galaxy S devices, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, house 5.1-inch and 5.5-inch respective displays, while its abandoned Galaxy Note 7's screen was larger at 5.7 inches.

It's speculated that Samsung's Galaxy S8 would also feature a bezel-less design with a more than 90% screen-to-body ratio. With an end-to-end display, the S8's dimensions may not have to change significantly from its predecessor to accommodate the larger screen.

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It's possible, however, that Samsung had intended to pursue a bezel-less design before canceling the Note 7, which would have inherently allowed for a larger display on a similar sized device to the S7.

The Galaxy S8 would also likely lose its characteristic physical home button/fingerprint scanner if it was to feature an edge-to-edge screen – though Samsung may have an on-screen solution for that – and could arrive in curved-display variations only.

from Android Authority http://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-s8-display-size-rumor-727717/
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Square Enix reports $1.02 billion in sales, largely thanks to mobile games

Square Enix continues making some of the most popular RPG games in the industry, and their numbers sure don't disappoint. The renown game developer has just published its FY17 earnings report, which ends on September 30th, and it seems they are making some mad sales.

According to this report, Square Enix has reached $1.02 billion in sales, a 23% over last year. Not everything is good news, though, as profits did drop by 25%. Square Enix mentions this is due to poor mobile game performance from titles released during this fiscal year, as well as their high expenses on console games.

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Regardless, things seem to be looking up for the mobile segment (Digital Entertainment). This section saw a 30.1% increase year-over-year, with sales reaching $748.5 million. This is said to be in big part thanks to mobile games such as Mobius Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Hoshi no Dragon Quest and Grimms Notes

Square Enix is placing its bets on large console games to come, as well as some mobile titles like Guardian Codex, Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia and Star Ocean: anamnesis. We will have to wait and see if those can bring profits up, though.

 

from Android Authority http://www.androidauthority.com/square-enix-reports-1-02-billion-sales-mobile-games-727701/
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Google goes after websites that are ‘repeat offenders’ with its new Safe Browsing efforts

Google wants to make the Internet a safer place to surf, and now it will be taking those efforts in a slightly different direction. The company has revealed that the Safe Browsing warnings that it puts in front of sites that it considers malicious will expand to sites that it calls "repeat offenders".

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What does "repeat offenders" mean in this context? Google says that the label is used for websites that were found to be malicious at first but then seem to "reform". They no longer seemed to pose a threat to the web surfing public, so Google removed the site warnings, only to have those same websites begin their malicious ways once again.

Google says that activity will now be flagged by Safe Browsing, and the site will be labeled as a "Repeat Offender".  It adds:

Once Safe Browsing has determined that a site is a Repeat Offender, the webmaster will be unable to request additional reviews via the Search Console for 30 days, and warnings will continue to show to users. When a site is established as a Repeat Offender, the webmaster will be notified via email to their registered Search Console email address.

Google adds that the label will not be used for websites that are hacked and then get turned into malicious pages, via a third-party hacker, before being restored. It will only be used for sites which are designed specifically to attack web users.

from Android Authority http://www.androidauthority.com/google-repeat-offenders-safe-browsing-727687/
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Google Map Maker to be retired, but its features will be added to Google Maps

Google Map Maker, the online tool that allowed anyone to add or edit in Google Maps, is closing its doors. The company stated that it will be retired sometime in March 2017. However, its map editing features will be integrated in future versions of Google Maps.

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August 10, 2016

In a forum post, Google stated:

This update will enable us to focus on providing the best editing and moderation experience within Google Maps on both desktop and on mobile. We'll continue to roll out new features to make sure you're able to do most of the things you've grown accustomed to doing in Map Maker – like edit roads – leading up to March 2017 and after.

The posted added that starting today, any edits made on Google Maps won't be available for moderation on Google Map Maker, in an effort to speed up the time for edits to be published.

Google Map Maker launched in 2008, with the idea of giving anyone a chance to edit and suggest fixes for items like roads, places and more in Google Maps. Unfortunately, the service got a bit of a black eye in 2015, when it was discovered that someone used Google Map Maker to post an image of the Android mascot urinating on an Apple logo in Google Maps, Google apologized and quickly shut down Map Makers's auto-approval and user moderation features. It brought back the service later that year, but with more curated moderation on approvals.

from Android Authority http://www.androidauthority.com/google-map-maker-retired-727681/
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Samsung Pay makes its way to the Great White North of Canada for CIBC users

Samsung Pay is expanding into yet another country, but for the moment it will be on a limited basis. The company announced today that CIBC customers in Canada that are also VISA cardholders can go ahead and start using Samsung's digital payment service.

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April 27, 2016

As with other countries, Samsung Pay with CIBC is only available on certain smartphones from the company: the Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge+, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S7 Edge. It should work at stores where NFC and MST transactions are supported. Samsung's press release says this launch with CIBC is just the first step of their strategy in Canada, which likely means more banks in the Great White North will be adding support for the service in the future.

The company has already announced plans to launch Samsung Pay in other markets by the end of 2016, including Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand. It's already available in the US, South Korea, China, Spain, Australia, Singapore, and Brazil. New features for its users are also planned for the very near future, including a way for the app to find and use nearby discounts and coupons. It is also supposed to be used inside a number of mobile retail and merchant apps sometime this month as well.

from Android Authority http://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-pay-727669/
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Skype Insiders is a beta program for those who want early access

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It's not an exaggeration to say that video chatting has changed the way we communicate – a revolution that began primarily with Skype, the market is now saturated with a slew of apps and services.

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August 1, 2016

Speaking from my personal experience, Skype has a long way to go in terms of stability and quality. Whenever I have the choice, I opt for FaceTime or even Google's very own Duo app. Well, perhaps Microsoft is finally starting to feel the heat of competition. Skype is launching the Skype Insiders Program to give select users early access to new features and to get early feedback right from the consumers.

According to the company, as a Skype Insider, you will be able to do the following:

• You will have early access to Skype software and services updates and improvements.
• You will be able to give early feedback on these improvements and as well as help us iron out any quirks before we release them broadly.
• On top of that you will be able to submit your suggestions on what you would like to see in the Skype app in the future.

How does one become a Skype Insider? Simply sign up online by using this registration form. You can read the terms and conditions by clicking here. While you do get an early taste of what the next version of Skype might bring, Skype does ask those who sign up to keep everything a secret.

With increasing competition from companies like Apple, Facebook, and Google, Microsoft's Skype might benefit from this beta program. After all, as social media and our general lifestyle become more and more video-centric, Skype's ability to survive will depend largely upon convenience, reliability, and quality.

After all, as social media and our general lifestyle become more and more video-centric, Skype's ability to survive will depend largely upon convenience, reliability, and quality.

Will you be signing up for the Skype Insiders Program? Which video chatting app do you use? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

from Android Authority http://www.androidauthority.com/skype-insiders-beta-program-727691/
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