Everything you wanted to know about Indus OS, world’s first regional operating system

India's homegrown operating system, Indus OS, is a multilingual Android fork developed for the regional languages users in the country. Touted as the world's first multilingual operating system, Indus OS supports 12 major Indian languages at the moment.

Launched in 2014, initially as Firstouch, Indus OS arrived on the scene in when it raised $5 million in Series A funding round in January 2015 and in mid-2015 when domestic smartphone maker, Micromax, partnered with the company and announced few smartphones powered by Indus OS instead of stock Android like it had done always. Now, five of the top Indian OEMs – Micromax, Celkon, Swipe, Karbonn, and Intex – have launched over 30 smartphones with Indus OS.

According to Counterpoint Research, Indus OS is now India's second-most popular smartphone platform with a 6.3 percent market share, behind Android, while being ahead of Xiaomi's MIUI and Cyanogen, as well as iOS.

As the smartphone penetration in India grows, the English-based operating systems with translated UI elements or regional language keyboards aren't enough to tap into the market that is as lingually diverse as India. Indus OS pivots towards that demand from the next wave of smartphone users of a local alternative that speaks their language, literally. It is designed for vernacular users who will be using smartphones for the very first time, and have resisted the switch due to the language barrier.

Highlights of Indus OS

The focus of Indus OS is to overcome that language barrier and so far, it supports 12 regional languages – English, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Kannada, Bengali, Urdu, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Tamil, and Assamese.

Unlike stock Android and other custom Android skins with support for Indian languages, in Indus OS, menu items, icon texts, et al too appear in the chosen regional language. Also, since it is targeted at first time smartphone users, the UI is smart and intuitive.

There's also a customized launcher, messaging app, and dialer so the users are at home and not intimidated with a complex user interface or with UI elements in mixed languages. The Indus Messaging app pack in a 'swipe to translate' as well as a 'swipe to transliterate' feature. Rest of it is pretty much stock Android. Indus OS also supports a regional language keyboard that comes with prediction as well as transliteration – both very important for the audience.

There's also built-in Text-To-Speech and live translation allowing users to listen to text in a message received or on a webpage in a different language. It also aids the illiterate with limited reading ability.

One of the highlights of Indus OS is the company's own app store, the App Bazaar, that allows you to download apps without the need to sign-in using an email ID or Google Account. There are over 30,000 apps – including the primary apps like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, as well as Candy Crush – on the store. The fact that the store listings too are in the chosen regional language is a testimony of the company's exhaustive and comprehensive focus on lingual convenience. Of course, since it is Android at the core, you can also head to the Google Play store for more apps and games.

The big win of the App Bazaar is the support for carrier billing, allowing users to download paid apps and games via their mobile balance (pre-paid) or get billed for it (post-paid). It's mighty convenient for consumers and a great motivator for app developers and publishers.

What's next?

In an interview with Techcrunch, Rakesh Deshmukh, one of the founders of Indus OS shared their plans to cover all Indian languages over a period of time and be available in other geographies too. "We don't want to limit ourselves to menu text. We want to go more deeper and that is why it takes us time to add new languages," he said.

With deals with several top Indian handset makers already in their kitty, Indus OS will now focus on international brands vying for marketshare in the growing market that is India.

Our goal is to get OEMs to sign up. Now we want to go ahead and work with Chinese and international brands.
– Rakesh Deshmukh, Co-founder and CEO, Indus OS

The company is also developing a Software Development Kit (SDK) for developers to get on board Indus OS, and put their apps on the App Bazaar. They've also tied up with the Government of India's Department of Electronic and Information Technology (DeitY) to develop better text-to-speech algorithm and content platform.

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Best Cyber Week deals on headphones

The following post originally appeared on our sister site, Sound Guys.

Listen up audiophiles, now is the time to trade up those old cans for a fancier pair. With the Cyber Week headphone deals listed below, you won't have any problems saving big bucks on some new headphones, be they monitors, wireless earbuds or noise-cancelling on-ears.

If you're after general Black Friday tech deals, Black Friday audio deals or Black Friday game deals, hit the links for even more money-saving action.

BeyerDynamic

• BeyerDynamic DT 880 Premium Special Edition Chrome Version 250 ohm for $149 (Amazon best price $230)

Sennheiser

• Sennheiser HD 598 Cs Closed Back Headphones for $99.95 (half price)
• Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Headphones for $260.00 (usually $399)
• Sennheiser Urbanite On-Ear Headphones – Sand for $68 (usually $149)

AKG

• AKG N60NC for $149.95 (usually $249.95)
• AKG Y50 BT for $99.95 (usually $149.95)

Jaybird

• Jaybird X3 wireless headphones for $99.99 (usually $129.99)

Master & Dynamic

• 20% off all headphones with code MD20

Ultimate Ears

• UE Boom 2 for $129 from Verizon (usually $199)
• Plus, any purchase of a UE 5 Pro or UE 7 Pro includes a free UE Boom 2
• And any purchase of a UE 11 Pro, UE 18 Pro or UE RR includes a free UE MegaBoom

Beats

• Beats Studio Wireless over-ear headphones for $219.99 (usually $379.99)
• Beats Solo3 wireless headphones for $249.99 (usually $299.99)

Bose

• Bose SoundLink Wireless Around-Ear Headphones II for $229.99 (usually $279.99)
• Bose Quietcomfort 20i for $199 (usually $249)

JBL

• JBL Everest 700 BT for $99.95 (usually $199.95)
• JBL E50BT for $99.95 (usually $149.95)

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TWRP custom recovery is out for the OnePlus 3T

OnePlus has really stepped into the limelight as the OEM for tinkerers following the demise of the Nexus program. One of the few manufacturers to let you keep your warranty if you unlock the bootloader and flash custom ROMs, the brand spanking new OnePlus 3T now has another feather in its modding cap: TWRP support.

TWRP 3.0.2-0 is now available on XDA Developers for the OnePlus 3T, opening up a world of possibilities for the flash-prone. A custom recovery is your gateway to all manner of fun new stuff, including flashable zips, new custom ROMs, root, advanced backups and much more.

See also:

Using Tasker with root: Android customization

May 12, 2016

You'll need an unlocked bootloader before you can install TWRP though, a process that will wipe your device. So be sure to do a full backup before going ahead. As usual, be sure to read up on the documentation if you're at all unsure about the process and cast an eye through the XDA thread for any issues or bugs.

Note that the OnePlus 3T stock boot image has dm-verity, which means you won't be able to boot if you swipe to enable system modifications. That aside, anyone interested in flashing TWRP on their shiny new OnePlus 3T can head to XDA Developers to grab the recovery and instructions on how to do it if you're not already familiar.

Will you flash TWRP on your OnePlus 3T? What's the first thing you'll use it for?

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100 new creatures tipped for Pokemon Go update in December

A massive December update for Pokemon Go is reportedly on the way, delivering "more than 100 new normal and Legendary Pokémon, player-versus-player battles" as well as Pokemon trading and the ability to raise your Pokemon like Tamagotchi. Perhaps the biggest news though is that legendary Pokemon Mew and Mewto are finally expected to appear in the game.

See also:

Niantic: There's a secret in Pokemon Go that nobody knows about

2 weeks ago

The information comes via an analysis of game code performed by developers associated with the Pokemon map PokeVS, shared with Venture Beat. "PokeVS showed before-and-after comparisons of the code that indicated where the updates are expected to be implemented. This code could change, but as it is, it shows what's coming."

All of these features have been discussed publicly by Niantic Labs' CEO John Hanke already, but no official confirmation of the update has yet been made. According to Venture Beat, a Niantic spokesperson has simply confirmed that "Gen 2" is coming, but didn't explain what that update will entail. If you want to read the exhaustive list of new Pokemon expected next month, hit the source link below.

Are you still playing Pokemon Go? Will you pick it up again when this update drops?

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Is Uber a ‘digital service’ or a transport company?

This is the question a European court aims to answer on Tuesday, as Uber attempts to argue its case to avoid the strict regulatory standards applied to traditional transportation companies. The European Union Court of Justice will assemble 15 judges to hear the case, with grave consequences for Uber and other mobile startups like it if things don't go its way.

Uber is already in hot water over its official status in Asia, where the app may be banned from Taiwan entirely for failing to pay taxes as a transportation company. Tuesday's court case could cause serious headaches for not only Uber but other mobile app 'rental' services like Airbnb.

The issue is this: Uber claims it is a digital service that connects drivers with passengers, but is not a transportation company. Whether this is simply a matter of perspective or a dodge to avoid the stricter rules and higher taxes demanded by a transport company, Uber definitely benefits if it is considered a mobile service rather than a transport company.

See also:

Uber's new simpler design for its Android app

3 weeks ago

Not surprisingly, the court case was initiated in 2014 by a taxi service that felt the way Uber operates is unfair to existing taxi companies, who are beholden to expensive licensing and safety regulations. The case has divided opinion in Europe, with some countries backing Uber's claim and other's siding with the taxi drivers.

The case could have a huge trickle-down effect on other digital startups that are currently considered mobile platforms. These companies, including the likes of Airbnb, which again 'simply' connects willing hosts with guests, may well face redefinition in the wake of Uber result. It's a landmark case with far-ranging implications, so we'll be sure to bring you the verdict when it is handed down.

Do you think Uber is a digital service or a transport company?

Install Uber

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(Update: 7.1 due December 6) Android Nougat update: when will you get it?

Update, November 26: The official release date for Android 7.1.1 is set for December 6. The second and final Android 7.1 developer preview has now rolled out for supported Nexus devices, which this time includes the Nexus 9. Meanwhile, multiple Nougat betas have been announced while some lucky device owners have already received the official Nougat update.

Google gave itself a couple of months head start on getting Nougat ready by releasing the first beta release on March 9. But it also gave app developers and manufacturers an even earlier look at what to expect from Android 7.0 Nougat and additional time to get the update ball rolling.

When Android 7.0 landed in its final form on August 22, it was actually slightly ahead of schedule. But that now leaves us with the question: when will Nougat hit our devices? The answer to this varies wildly depending on the OEM in question, so head to your OEM section below for our estimated arrival date.

Latest Android Nougat news

Australian carrier Vodafone has revealed the official rollout for the Android 7.1.1 update (at least for Nexus devices) is December 6, with the December 5 security patch included.

On November 25, the HTC 10 (unlocked version) became the second major flagship to receive the Nougat update.

On November 22, the second and final Android 7.1 Nougat developer preview rolled out for the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel C and Nexus 9. There was nothing really new in the builds other than "near-final system behaviors and UI". The public release of Android 7.1 Nougat is due in early December.

As always, you can find factory images and over-the-air (OTA) images on the Android Developers blog:

• Android 7.1 Developer Preview factory images
• Android 7.1 Developer Preview OTA images

If you've never flashed a factory image, you can follow our guide here.

See also:

Android Nougat: all the features you need to know

October 21, 2016

On November 20, the Sprint LG G5 became the first major flagship to receive the official update to Android 7.0 Nougat.

On October 19, the first developer preview of Android 7.1 Nougat went out for the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Pixel C, after being teased on the Android Developer's blog in early October.

Android 7.0 Nougat formally arrived on August 22nd. The first official version of Nougat didn't bring anything notably different from the final Android 7.0 developer preview, although a ton of bugs were squashed in order to bring the most stable experience possible.

Nexus Nougat update situation

While the new Google Pixel phones ran Android 7.1 out of the box – along with several Pixel-only features – Android 7.1 will be coming to supported devices in its final version in "early December". According to Australia's Vodafone network, this date is December 6.

The phones getting the Android 7.1 update at that time include the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C and supported Android One devices. Developer preview builds of Android 7.1 began rolling out on October 19 with the final preview arriving on November 22.

As always, the beta program is the easiest method for getting the latest and greatest Android version as quickly as possible via OTA, but you can also flash the factory images if you're not in the beta program (see links above).

On August 22nd, Android 7.0 OTAs began for the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One). The Nexus 5 did not join in on the fun, though that's of little surprise considering Google's usual device update support patterns. The factory images can be found here.

Android 7.0 update: when will I get it?

Samsung Android 7.0 update

Even though Samsung isn't exactly speedy when it comes to rolling out Android updates, there's at least some good news where the Samsung Android 7.0 update is concerned.

The first Galaxy beta Nougat firmware arrived for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge on November 9 for U.S., UK and South Korean participants, with a second build coming soon. When the final release will arrive we can't yet say but Samsung has said the program will run until mid-December.

For reference, there was a five-month timeframe between the Android 6.0 launch on September 29, 2015 and the first U.S. update to Marshmallow with the Verizon Galaxy Note 5 on March 3, 2016. Using that as a benchmark, Galaxy owners could easily be waiting until some time in January 2017 for the first Samsung Android 7.0 update.

Following the Note 7 recall, however, Samsung might try to get Nougat out for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge before the end of the year with the Note 5, Galaxy Tab S2, Galaxy S6, S6 Edge and S6 Edge+ after them. The Note 5 and Tab S2 update is currently underway and an S6 running Nougat appeared on GFXBench recently.

The Galaxy S8 will arrive in early 2017 running at least Android 7.0 and maybe even Android 7.1 out of the box.

Best case scenario: 5 months after Android 7.0 launch (January 2017)

LG Android 7.0 update

With Android Nougat, LG took just 78 days to update its first device to Android 7.0 (the South Korean LG G5 on November 8) – the fastest of all OEMs. In the U.S., the Sprint LG G5 got Nougat on November 20, making the LG G5 the first major U.S. flagship to receive the official Android Nougat update as well.

LG was pretty good with its update speed for Marshmallow too, with less than two months separating the release of Android 6.0 and the first LG handset to receive it (the Sprint LG G4 on December 21, 2015).

In fact, LG was the first OEM to get a carrier-based Marshmallow update out after Google. The LG V10 eventually got the update internationally in early March 2016, after the LG G3 and LG G Stylo already had Marshmallow in the U.S..

Of course, the LG V20 had the honor of being the first phone to arrive with Android 7.0 out of the box, beating even the Nexus range to the punch (much to the irritation of Nexus owners everywhere).

Best case scenario: 2 months after Android 7.0 release (November 2016) – CONFIRMED

Sony Android 7.0 update

This year, certain Sony Xperia owners were treated to an Android N preview build just as they were last year with Android M. Sony's Nougat Concept rolled out on November 1 for the Xperia X Performance. Then, on November 21, the Xperia X assumed the top spot for future Sony Concept builds, and received the latest beta from Sony on that date.

However, for those of you not interested in installing a non-final developer version, the official Sony Android 7.0 update has already been confirmed for the Xperia X, XA, XA Ultra, X Performance, XZ, X Compact, Z5, Z5 Compact, Z5 Premium, Z3+ and Z4 Tablet.

The exact date for the first Sony Nougat update is less certain though. If we look at Sony's efforts with Marshmallow last year, our predictions aren't very optimistic.

Based on the Xperia Z5 series, Z4 Tablet and Xperia Z3+ all getting the Marshmallow update five months after Google first pushed it out, we wouldn't expect any Xperias to see Nougat until mid-January 2017. Sony has undergone some pretty serious changes internally in the last year though, so let's just hope Sony is aiming to up its game with the Nougat rollout.

Best case scenario: 5 months after Android 7.0 release (January 2017)

Motorola Android 7.0 update

For a little while it looked like Motorola had toppled LG as the first OEM to get a new Android version out, but reports of an October 21 release for the Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus in India turned out not to be the case.

Moto owners had to wait almost another whole month to see the first official Nougat update, with the Verizon Moto Z and Moto Z Force getting the update on November 18. Motorola ultimately took 88 days to get Nougat out for its first devices.

Looking at Moto's past efforts, the Moto X Style got Marshmallow first, on November 12, 2015 and the Moto X Pure Edition got the first U.S. Moto update to Marshmallow on December 7, 2015. Marshmallow arrived from Google on October 5, 2015, but most Moto devices had to wait at least two months to get Marshmallow.

Lenovo has confirmed a list of devices confirmed to get Android Nougat and we know the new near-stock Moto devices will receive both the Android N and Android O releases.

Best case scenario: 2 months after Android 7.0 arrives (October 2016) – DELAYED

HTC Android 7.0 update

Right on schedule, unlocked versions of the HTC 10 have begun receiving the Nougat update. HTC developer @LlabTooFeR had previously claimed the HTC Nougat update was scheduled for late-November and later posted screenshots of Nougat on the HTC 10, claiming it was stable and almost ready. Seems he was right.

As you may recall, HTC did pretty well with its first update to Marshmallow too. The unlocked Developer Edition HTC One M9 and all variants of the HTC One A9 got the Marshmallow update in December 2015. The HTC 10 arrived in April running Android Marshmallow out of the box and will be the first HTC device to receive Nougat.

HTC's next flagship, presumably the HTC 11, should arrive with Android 7.0 at launch (if not Android 7.1). HTC has already confirmed several devices (10, M9, A9) to be on the update train and T-Mobile has the HTC 10 and HTC One M9 on its own update list.

Best case scenario: 3 months after Android 7.0 unveiling (November 2016) – CONFIRMED

Huawei Android 7.0 update

The Huawei Mate 9 arrived recently running Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. Huawei pulled the same "latest version" rabbit out of its hat with the Mate 8 in November 2015, which ran Marshmallow out of the box just weeks after Google released it.

Meanwhile, a beta preview of Nougat for the Huawei P9 appeared as far back as July, a whole month before Google officially released it for Nexus devices. Update news for the P9 has been suspiciously quiet ever since though, even if the P9 series along with the Nova and Nova Plus are likely to be the first Huawei phones to get updated (as opposed to arriving with Nougat).

As far as honor devices are concerned, last year, the honor 7 Enhanced Edition arrived on December 14, 2015 with Android Marshmallow on board and the honor 5X and honor 7 followed with the Marshmallow update at the end of February. The honor 8 has a Nougat beta available, but we've no information on when the official update will arrive.

Best case scenario: Mate 9 running Android 7.0 at launch (November 2016), honor updates in January 2017

OnePlus Android 7.0 update

OnePlus has promised to have a Nougat "community build" for the OnePlus 3 out by the end of November. Both the OnePlus 3 and newer OnePlus 3T are due for the official OnePlus Nougat update in December. Furthermore, OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 3 will get every Android update the OnePlus 3T gets, effectively adding an extra six months to its support shelf life.

OnePlus isn't exactly renowned for its software updates, seriously dropping the ball on the OnePlus 2 and taking forever to deliver Marshmallow to the OnePlus X. With those updates coming June 5 and September 28 respectively, that equates to a full 245 days and 360 days after Google first made Marshmallow available on October 5, 2015.

Nevertheless, OnePlus has promised to get its update game in shape and has combined its software teams to streamline Android updates from here on out. Even if the Nougat update arrives on the last day of 2016, OnePlus will have shaved more than 100 days off its Marshmallow effort.

Best case scenario: 4 months after Google (December 2017)

Xiaomi Android 7.0 update

Xiaomi had a pretty bad case of the hiccups when it came to the Marshmallow update, so it may not be entirely representative to base assumptions about the Xiaomi Android 7.0 update based on its most recent update performance.

As you may remember, despite announcing Marshmallow was in the final stages of testing back in December 2015, it wasn't until early April that the Mi 4, Mi 3 and Mi Note finally got Android 6.0.

Perhaps learning from this mistake, Xiaomi hasn't made any Nougat promises this time around, but began looking for Mi 5 Nougat beta testers on November 18. With a Nougat beta starting just now, it will likely be a few months before we see the Xiaomi Nougat update rolling out.

In the worst case scenario, Xiaomi suffers similar problems with Android 7.0 and users won't see it until six months after Google releases it. In the best case scenario, Xiaomi has a successful public beta and has the update out in December 2016 or January 2017. But no matter when the update comes, we'll likely see a Xiaomi device launch with Nougat out of the box first.

Best case scenario: 4-5 months after Google (December 2016/January 2017)

Android One Android 7.0 update

Android One devices occupy a particular sweet spot when it comes to Android updates. Because they run stock Android, Google handles firmware updates, meaning the Android One Android 7.0 update will always arrive at the same time as it does for Nexus devices with both OTA and flashable factory image options.

OTAs will likely take at least a few weeks or more to reach all Android One devices getting the upgrade, and as always, the factory images will be right around the corner. Note that not all Android One devices make the initial rollout alongside Nexus devices though.

When do you expect your manufacturer and carrier to get Android 7.0 into your hands?

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“Would you like human interaction with that?”: McDonald’s goes mobile

TungCheung / Shutterstock.com

Mobile ordering and payments are coming to McDonalds in 2017, meaning your interactions with pimple-faced teens will be dramatically reduced in the new year. Some McDonald's restaurants have already begun installing self-serve kiosks and "smart" menu boards in the U.S., but table service and custom sandwiches are also on their way, Reuters reports.

Around 500 McDonald's restaurants across the country have already got self-service kiosks, with other key markets making the changes in early 2017. Mobile ordering and payments will kick off in early 2017 as a pilot project and become the status quo in the second half of the year.

See also:

Going to McDonalds right now might actually improve your fitness

August 18, 2016

The changes come as McDonald's tries to play catch-up with other fast food chains like Dominos and Starbucks who were early adopters of a mobile-first attitude. The company has already made sweeping changes to its ingredients to focus on a healthier contemporary image, including abandoning chickens raised with antibiotics and replacing margarine with butter and sugar with high-fructose corn syrup.

McDonald's counter staff will reportedly not lose their jobs to 'robots' but will instead be redeployed to assist folks who have no idea how to operate the kiosks. Counter staff will also become servers to facilitate McDonald's new focus on table service.

Ironically, McDonald's USA chief executive, Steve Easterbrook, told Reuters "there is nothing more powerful than one-on-one customer experience" when explaining the addition of mobile ordering and payments to the McDonald's app.

Are you happy to see McDonald's modernizing? Or do you prefer real human interaction?

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