Google has been releasing monthly reports about its self-driving car program for quite some time now, and now December’s report has hit the interwebs. This report was delayed due to the holidays (they usually hit around the 1st of the month), and it also just so happens to be one of the most bare-bones we’ve seen so far. The company does note what they’re doing to combat the rain in California (say what?), though…
According to leaked documents spotted by GForGames, Samsung is planning a December release for its new Gear VR virtual reality headset that pairs with the recently launched Galaxy Note 4. The document, which we haven’t been able to verify as authentic, also claims that the headset will arrive for 200,000 Won in Korea. That’s under $200 in USD (approximately $187). Expand Expanding Close
Along with the Android 4.2.1 OTA update released for the LG Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 this morning, Google also released the software update for its Nexus 7 tablet. The update, labeled build “JOP40D”, fixes the December bug that wouldn’t allow users of the People app to select a date in December for a birthday, anniversary, or similar event. As always, the update can be obtained through system update, and it will roll out to users gradually. Thankfully, the folks in Mountain View aren’t leaving behind the Nexus 7.
Google’s LG Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 devices are now getting an over-the-air update to Android 4.2.1—just in time for December.
The update brings the Jelly Bean build to JOP40D and fixes the December bug that wouldn’t allow users of the People app to select a date in December for a birthday, anniversary, or similar event.
There isn’t much else different in the software release, and it is unknown at this time if this latest version of Jelly Bean will also land for the Nexus 7 or Galaxy Nexus. However, like most OTA updates, 4.2.1 is rolling out in phases. So, it could take a few days before it is available to all.
Those that updated to Android 4.2 might have noticed a bug that prevents users from selecting December for events like birthdays inside of the People app. Google has now officially addressed the issue in a post on the Android Google+ page by confirming that it plans to fix the bug before December:
We discovered a bug in the Android 4.2 update, which makes it impossible to enter December events in optional fields of the People app (this bug did not affect Calendar). Rest assured, this will be fixed soon so that those of you with December birthdays and anniversaries won’t be forgotten by your friends and family.
With tons of rumors regarding the upcoming Jelly Bean-powered LG Nexus, other LG device owners will be happy to know an update to Android 4.1 is coming to their device as well. While we do not get confirmation for all of LG’s U.S. devices, but we do get word that the company will begin rolling out Jelly Bean updates as early as next month.
LG issued a press release today giving a bit more information about when to expect Jelly Bean updates for a few different devices. The LG Optimus LTE II will be the first to receive the update in November followed by the Optimus G in December. Other devices confirmed in the release include the Optimus Vu and Vu II. They will both receive updates sometime in Q1 2013.
The Verge just posted a tipster-sent picture of LG’s widely speculated Nexus smartphone entered in the inventory system for mobile device retailer Carphone Warehouse.
The Android-equipped handset, listed as the “LG Nexus 4,” apparently comes in both black and white color options. In a separate report, The Verge also claimed, upon citing renowned French newspaper Le Figaro, the LG Nexus 4 will unveil Oct. 29 and land in France by December.
Rumors on the device previously pegged a mid-November launch for the United States, while leaked photos and specs have painted a pretty picture as to what the Optimus G-derived smartphone might feature and look like.
The United Nations is considering a new internet tax for U.S. websites and content providers including Google and Apple, according to leaked proposals from the European Telecommunications Network Operators Association:
The United Nations is considering a new Internet tax targeting the largest Web content providers, including Google, Facebook, Apple, and Netflix, that could cripple their ability to reach users in developing nations…The European proposal, offered for debate at a December meeting of a U.N. agency called the International Telecommunication Union, would amend an existing telecommunications treaty by imposing heavy costs on popular Web sites and their network providers for the privilege of serving non-U.S. users, according to newly leaked documents.
Google launched its Schemer social networking mobile app today as a free iPhone app in the App Store. It originally launched as an invite-only service in December, and then it released on Google Play in April. The service is a social network “all about the schemes” that allows you to post your plans for future activities, meet with friends, and get activities, or “schemes” recommended to you.
The app is completely separate from Google+, but it does utilize your Google+ account to “show you what people in your circles are scheming about.” There is always a possibility we will see more integration between the two services, or Schemer becoming a feature of Google+ after the service picks up steam.
We got our first peek at the potential of the upcoming Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime when it was benchmarked late last week, but today Asus has officially announced the world’s first quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3-powered Android tablet.
While the 1.3GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor with 12-core GeForce® GPU is definitely the star of the show, the rest of its insides are just as impressive. Transformer Prime will include a 10.1-inch SuperIPS+ Gorilla Glass display, 1GB RAM, 8-megapixel main cam w/ LED flash (1.2 front), microSD slot, microHDMI, and come in 32GB and 63GB variants. Asus is also promising 12 hours from the tablet and 18 hours when docked.
If you’re familiar with the Transformer Prime’s predecessor, the new model utilizes the same concept by allowing you to transform from tablet mode into a notebook form factor by docking the main tablet device into an optional keyboard dock ($149). When it comes to the new design, the backside of the Transformer Prime sports a “metallic swirl design”, a hydro-oleophobic coating on the display to prevent fingerprints, and will come in two colors– Champagne gold and amethyst grey.
Its measurements are equally as impressive coming in at 8.3mm, thinner than both the iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab 8.9, and other than the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, it’s the lightest Android tablet in the 10-inch category at 586 grams.
The device was originally supposed to debut on November 9th, but word has it we’ll have to wait until December to pick one up. While the delay was originally thought to be in anticipation of an Ice Cream Sandwich release, today’s press release confirms the device will ship with Android 3.2 (with an ICS update shortly after). You’ll be able to grab it for $499 (32GB) or $599 (64GB) when it finally lands. More images and full press release after the break. Expand Expanding Close
Toshiba has announced their 7-inch tablet this afternoon, which will be available in December for ‘under $400’. The specs for the device are pretty nice: a 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of flash storage, Android 3.2, a 5-megapixel rear-shooter, 2-megapixel front-facing shooter, and 1280 x 800 display.
The little guy is also pretty light — only .88 lb. Check out This is my next’shands-on above!
