Android Community Weekly Digest: May 2, 2015

April might be over, but the month definitely went out with a bang. And although a lot of things did happen in those 30 long days, we cannot deny the commanding presence of the LG G4, which was finally officially revealed after half a dozen teasers, which actually didn’t leave much to be surprised about. What was slightly surprising, however, was Microsoft‘s revelation that it would let Android apps be built for Windows 10 phones, to some extent. These and more in your latest edition of Android Community’s Weekly Digest, covering the period from April 27 to May 2, 2015.

The LG G4 Cometh

After missing out on MWC 2015, LG has finally revealed its brand new fighter for this round. Then again, after teasers, both official and unofficial, there was very little left to reveal about the LG G4. That’s not to say, however, that the smartphone isn’t interesting. The choice of a genuine leather back cover might be contentious to some animal rights advocates, but thankfully you can actually choose your desired designs, unlike the Samsung Galaxy S6. And with that removable cover brings a feature that Samsung threw away when it went metal: a removable battery. The 3,000 mAh battery is already quite large, but you can easily switch it out on an emergency. Curiously, however, LG didn’t put any form of quick charge feature in there, unlike it’s biggest rivals, the Galaxy S6 and the HTC One M9.

Aside from the design, LG also wants people to drool over the camera, a large f/1.8 16 megapixel shooter. Indeed, the specs look promising but, as we’ve seen in the past, it will take some real world testing to really grade this smartphone’s photography prowess. LG is also hyping up the display, a large 5.5-inch QHD screen with a new LG buzzword: “Quantum Display”. Again, we’ll need to get around to some hands-on experience to see if this will trump the smaller 5.1-inch QHD screen on Sammy’s flagship.

Confused where the LG G4 stands amidst the big players? Take a peek at our comparison of the three biggest smartphones to date. Sadly, we’re still waiting for Sony to put out a real contender. And no, the Japanese Xperia Z4 doesn’t count.

Be sure to also check out our in-depth review of the HTC One M9 to find out if this incremental upgrade is worth your attention. And your money.

Windows 10 Love

This week also ended with Microsoft BUILD 2015 developers conference, and, while the focus is of course on the upcoming Windows 10, old Redmond also threw in something that is probably going to be debated to death in the coming days or even months. Although it isn’t going to let Android and even iOS apps run directly on Windows phones, it is doing the next best thing. Microsoft will be providing tools and means for app developers to tweak and recompile their Java or Objective-C apps to run on Windows 10 for phones. Android fans might gloat over this implicit victory and Windows Phone users might even feel relieved at finally getting more apps, but it remains to be seen if this will help the Windows Phone platform or help kill it.

Smartwatches with Style

With the Apple Watch already snaking its way into users’ wrists, the smartwatch game is on. LG just upped the ante by starting the roll out of its LG Watch Urbane, probably one of the most stylish Android Wear smartwatch, taking the crown from the Moto 360. Aside from the smaller round face and classy metal body, the LG Watch Urbane is pretty much the G Watch R inside, with one huge difference. Unlike the G Watch and G Watch R, the LG Watch Urbane will be getting the full features of the latest Android Wear update, including Wi-Fi connectivity. In fact, Google has practically named LG’s latest smartwatch as the poster boy of this update. The Watch Urbane is now available on the Google Store in selected countries and will be heading to Verizon and AT&T as well.

But if you’re in the market for an even more stylish but also more expensive smart timepiece, then you could probably wait for TAG Heuer smartwatch. Made in collaboration with Google and Intel, the still unnamed smartwatch is set to arrive in November, bearing a $1,400 price tag. That’s definitely a whole lot more than the Apple Watch, but still quite affordable compared to the golden Apple Watch Edition.

The Power of (Google) Search

Google has been taking its Search up a notch both on the desktop as well as on mobile. This month saw Google adding the ability to search for your smartphone right from the desktop search, as well as send directions from your desktop browser to your mobile device. Last week, Google added the ability to send yourself notes and reminders without having to pick up your smartphone or tablet, right from the convenience of your desktop or laptop.

Google Search on Android also got a few new powers. Aside from the app indexing which reveals relevant apps in your search results, even if they’re not installed yet, the mobile search now also lets you have a bit of more control over apps that are already installed. Using just your voice, or maybe even typing if you so wish, you can jump directly into a supported app’s function, without having to go through the hoops of navigating through the app’s menus. Simply say “OK, Google, Shazam this song and you’re good to go!

Bit and Bytes

Remember the strange Xperia Z4 that was announced in Japan and might be only for Japan? The latest word is that the smartphone might also make its way to other markets but rebranded as the Xperia Z3+. The name makes more sense given the very small bump from the Xperia Z3, but we’re still wondering why Sony decided to name it that way in Japan in the first place. It does give us a bit of hope that there might still be a better Xperia Z4 (or Z5) coming our way, if at all.

The ASUS ZenFone 2 is coming to the US. What makes this noteworthy? Simply because it’s one of the few smartphones bearing 4 GB of RAM that is actually landing on the country’s shores. That said, it’s not yet certain if that particular model will actually be available, as there are a few configurations bearing the ZenFone 2 name, and not all of them are as interesting. And why is it interesting? We’ll let this multi-tasking demo video speak for itself.

OUYA, once the darling of Android gaming, might be in trouble. Then again, that has been the rumor for quite some time now, but this time, things might be coming to a head. A leaked e-mail from CEO Julie Uhrman revealed that the startup is in debt and is in desperate and fast need of a buyer. This even after a $10 billion deal with Alibaba as well as a partnership with Xiaomi, both Chinese industry giants. OUYA is also facing some tough competition from Google’s own Android TV and the amount of support it is getting from the likes of Razer and NVIDIA.

Wrap-up

April was definitely an action packed week, and we expect May to be just as exciting, especially with Google I/O just over the horizon. And we will be there to keep you abreast of the latest news, rumors, and updates on our favorite green robot. Until then, keep on rocking that Android device!