Google I / O 2016: date and place

The date is already confirmed, Google I/O 2016 will take place between 18 and 20 May at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Montan View, San Francisco.

What will we see at Google I/O 2016?

Android N

We have already written a great article about new operating system Android N. Speaking briefly, we are waiting for new notifications menu, quick settings menu and other features.

Virtual reality

There are two main rumors about virtual reality projects related to Google.

The first one talks about a new virtual reality glasses that will compete with Samsung Gear VR. Google has already launched its affordable Cardboard glasses, but this year could launch a more serious device with lenses and improved sensors.

The second rumor says that Google intends to improve Android for virtual reality applications. Whatever it means, we expect that virtual reality will soon become part of our lives.

Chrome OS

Chrome OS may become the center of attention at Google I/O 2016. The latest rumors suggest a complete unification with Android, portable and mobile merger would create an experience never seen before.

The representative of Google have denied these rumors, however it is well known that both systems have long been in talks. In addition, the lines between hardware devices are increasingly blurred, Pixel C, for example, is more netbook than previous tablets Google, so it’s not unreasonable to think that Google is working on something new.

Android Wear

Modern smartwatches work almost without the help of smartphones but what is expected of them is still a mystery. Google could announce further improvements in voice control, more gesture controls and perhaps new devices.

In addition, we know that Android Wear is compatible with iOS since 2015, so we should not be surprised if this year Android Wear will be compatibility with Windows Phone.

Internet of Things

When Google purchased Nest for $3.2 billion in 2014, they were interested in expanding the market of Internet of things.

In 2015, Google took a step in this direction when it announced its Project Brillo – an operating system designed to facilitate the development of specific applications for this sector.

Also in 2015 Google launched OnHub: a pair of router solutions for Wi-Fi that produced in collaboration with Asus TP-Link and in order to provide better and faster Internet access.

In other words, Google has three main pillars to provide solutions for future new internet technologies: Nest, new devices, routers and its own operating system.

Project Ara

We’ve been listening to Project Ara modular phone Google since 2013, but we are still waiting for its release. In 2015, the company expected to launch a trial version but the project was delayed and eventually launch was canceled.

The official Twitter page of Project Ara confirmed that device will go on sale in 2016 somewhere in the United States. We expect more details of this project in Google I/O 2016.

Nexus 7 (2016)

7-inch tablet Google, Nexus 7, was launched for the first time in 2012 with the collaboration of ASUS. The latest rumors suggest the return of tablet in 2016 with new friend of Google – Huawei.

It is expected that Nexus 7 (2016) will have a metal body and a lower price than Pixel C, while the screen remains the same size – 7 inches.

New messaging application

Some rumors suggest that Montan View giant plans to launch a new messaging application. The main difference from other messengers on the market is artificial intelligence that uses bots to answer questions.

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What does differ PuzzlePhone from Project Ara and Fairphone 2? Smartphone PuzzlePhone is made of three main parts. The first part consist of display, frames and speaker, second – processor, RAM and camera module and third – battery and secondary elements.

The user will be able to replace each of these modules without disturbing the rest of the device. It should be noted that each module is twisted by screws, and although it is not so difficult to untwist, however, such technology of replacing a bit more difficult than replacing modules Project Ara.

PuzzlePhone has 5.0-inch Full HD display, an unknown 64-bit octa-core processor, 3 GB of RAM, 16/32/64 GB of internal memory (depending on model) and 2800 mAh battery. The smartphone will come with a 12MP camera on the back and the front camera will have 5MP sensor. PuzzlePhone will run on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Currently PuzzlePhone available in two models, each of which offers its own version of the built-in memory and body material. Now you can order a 16 GB and 32GB model of PuzzlePhone for $333 and $444 respectively. There is also a Limited Edition with price $777, which is equipped with 64 GB of internal memory and a copper body.

PuzzlePhone launched a flex funding campaign on Indiegogo. The program assumes that, even if company does not collect necessary funds it still will take all the money on production. However, we do not doubt the success PuzzlePhone, as the company gained $ 42K in just one day.

It is expected that the first deliveries of modular PuzzlePhone smartphones will be in September 2016.

If you are interested in the project you can find out more information on the page PuzzlePhone.

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LG G5

Over the last couple years, LG has released some good smartphones. LG G flagship certainly is a high-class, but it has several drawbacks that may be corrected in the next generation smartphone.

As you know, LG does not consider the possibility of using glass or metal design, and many users see this as a drawback. Really, LG G4 has not the high-quality design to be considered premium class.

Estimated release date: Q2 of 2016

Sony Xperia Z6

Sony prepares the release of the sixth generation of smartphone Xperia Z.

The main feature of the device of series Xperia Z is Sony OmniBalance: water and dust resistant, aluminum and glass design. In fact, smartphones of series Xperia have changed little, but we expect that the six models will get significant improvements.

Despite the fact that the Xperia Z5 is equipped with a slot for MicroSD cards, fingerprint scanner, and a water-resistant housing, we believe that it does not deserve the high price that the manufacturer asks for it. A series of Xperia Z becomes smaller and smaller, so Sony need to work quickly to create the most attractive Xperia Z6.

Estimated release date: Q1 2016

LG G Flex 3

LG G Flex Series is known for its curved screen, meanwhile, the G Flex 2 still has some additional features. LG G Flex 2 is the first smartphone that was equipped with a processor Snapdragon Qualcomm 810.

The new device series G Flex should appear at the beginning of 2016, and, according to rumors, the smartphone will have a processor Snapdragon 820. In addition, LG G Flex 3 will have 6-inch QHD-display, 4 GB of RAM and a 20.7-megapixel camera.

If these rumors are true, then the smartphone will be one of the best mobile phones LG.

Estimated release date: February 2016

Project Ara

Project Ara is not a flagship, however, you can build your own powerful device. All the main components of a smartphone, such as display, camera, battery is interchangeable, so the user can easily and quickly replace components by more modern equipment.

We have heard about some of the capabilities of Project Ara, including the unique components such as the camera module X-Ray, as well as the unique design of mobile devices.

Estimated release date: Q1 2016

HTC One M10

Over the last couple of years, HTC has lost its former glory. HTC One A9 copied with the iPhone, and the company has been rated as unsuitable by investors. Thus, many people have a question – will be HTC One M10?

Little is known about the HTC One M10, but we hope that HTC will fix basic problems of predecessors.

HTC tried to correct its situation in the phone market with the help of One M9, however, and smartphone has become a failure. The next HTC smartphone requires radical changes.

Approximate release date: April 2016

Nextbit Robin

Nextbit Robin could shake up the market of Android smartphones. The company is made up of former employees of Google, HTC, Amazon and Apple, which decided to take a new look at mobile devices.

Nextbit Robin has an interesting design, round buttons and the color of the eggshell. The main feature of the smartphone is the cloud features. Nextbit Robin constantly backup data to save space on the device.

Many of us are faced with the problem of file transfer, but Nextbit Robin It makes this process automatically.

Nextbit Robin is already taking pre-orders on its page Kickstarter.

Estimated release date: Q1 2016

Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge

Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge got some important changes. For example, non-removable battery and was removed slot for MicroSD cards, for which many people have actually stopped loving South Korean manufacturer.

However, Samsung is still releasing two fantastically fast phone with a high-quality display and great camera. We think that Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge will have only updates of its predecessors, with the same glass and metal designs.

In addition, there are rumors that Samsung is planning to use its own technology 3D-Touch.

Approximate release date: April 2016

Asus Zenfone 3

Asus Zenfone 2 become popular for two reasons: 4 GB of RAM and low price $ 299.

Although the design is a bit boring, and the display could be used better, though 64-bit processor and fast charging function of the smartphone made Zenfone 2 one of the best representatives of the middle class.

Zenfone 2 was introduced at CES 2015, so we expect that the third generation of the smartphone will be released in January 2016.

If the Asus will improve the display, while the price remains the same, Zenfone 3 can be an excellent phone.

Estimated release date: Q1 2016

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Feature of modular phone Project Ara

As it turned out, this is not true in modular phone Project Ara someone joked (probably not this joke is very much regarded as successful). However, the truth is, in a statement, because the developers have really decided to change the method of attachment of modules, plus decided to add more space for modules.

As a method for mounting the kind of decided not to use the electro-permanent magnets, and something else. In principle, and the previous decision was entirely rational because electro-permanent magnets have several advantages:

• minimal consumption of electric energy;
• high holding force;
• if necessary, the magnet can be turned off in order to replace one module to another.

But this system somehow failed, so the team Project Ara looking for other ways to solve problems. One of the representatives of the project team said that now everyone is working hard to give users more modules in the base modular phone is more functional than previously thought.

This probably means that the modular phone will have more slots for batteries cameras, speakers, wireless chip or other components. However, this also means that the units will be more expensive because they have to develop, plus some modules will comprise a CPU,  RAM, for example.

As previously reported, at this stage, the project team has created 11 core modules for the smartphone. By the end of 2015, the number of components will increase to 30. The main unit – Nvidia Tegra K1 chip Marvell PXA1928, plus a display with a resolution of 1280 * 720 pixels (the dimensions of the display are called). Developers also offer camera module with a matrix of 5 MP, the battery module, and various communication modules (including 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth) and the module with the port micro-USB. It will be available and the module detector was atmospheric pollution (although the functionality of the module is also not disclosed). It can be assumed that this modular phone will determine the concentration of carbon monoxide (carbon dioxide), the concentration of carbon dioxide and other compounds. Now, perhaps, these modules should be altered according to the new plans.

Source: Pocket-lint

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In the second conference of developers Project Ara, Google unveiled a new prototype of a modular smartphone Spiral 2 and announced the time of appearance of the first device on the market.

Full launch of Project Ara (when you can go out and buy a phone in the store around the corner) is scheduled for the second half of 2015. By this time, the company intends to increase the number of units from 11 to 30 pieces. Features Spiral 2 can not be called flagship, but it is no wonder a modular smartphone. Screen resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (what there is diagonal, does not say), the processor Marvell PXA1928 (or NVIDIA Tegra K1), 5 megapixel camera to support 3G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. In addition, there microUSB, speakers and battery (all of this – the individual modules). The capacity of the latter no voices, but there is information that is 20-30% less than conventional smartphones. Not very good, but promise to solve the problem in the Spiral 3. Support 4G-networks should also appear in the next generation of modular smartphone.

Project Ara – a novelty for the mobile market, because of that predict the response of users is difficult. Therefore, initially Spiral (there is a high probability that the final sample will receive another name) will appear in Puerto Rico. Google to help with smartphone sales call local cellular operators Open Mobile and Claro.

In Google have taken care not only about the possibility to change the “iron” in Ara Marketplace, but also made a special service, where you can customize the device externally – Ara Configurator (his work is also shown in the video).

The idea of modular smartphone I like, and I would like to hold it in your hands, look at the work, to deal with the replacement of modules. But there are serious doubts that I would like to use this device every day.

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Will the future of the modular smartphone? It is difficult to answer for sure, but one must admit that the idea is quite interesting. For its implementation through to this point was responsible alone Google and its Project Ara, who already has a working prototype Vsenn. But now the search giant seems to have appeared first competitor in this field.

Although the “competitors” – is, of course, loudly. About the project under the name Vsenn little is known. Strictly speaking, there is only webpage that tells them that the company founded by the former Product Manager Nokia X, and its aim is to “give everyone the power to create your own excellent smartphone, using modular components and updated.”

Project Ara first competitor Vsenn

It is also reported that unit will be only three components: the camera, battery and processor. And to personalize the device appears to be used removable rear panel.

Work smartphone Vsenn must be in pure Android, and provide updates for it promise for 4 years. It would seem that good, but if you look on the other hand, the applications and services from Google, most likely, is not provided.

In addition, emphasis is placed on the safety of the device. To preserve user data Vsenn plans to use a three-level encryption, as well as free access to the VPN-network and secure cloud storage.

Of course, the information is too little to talk about direct competition. Rather, as long as everything looks like nothing but “good intentions.” Nevertheless, appeared at Project Ara real competitor – it would go only to the benefit of the development of modular smartphones. With interest watch the what would Vsenn.

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For the latest announcements of various smartphone manufacturers in the world we have lost sight of a little ambitious Google project called Project Ara. However, thanks to the project manager Paul Jaremenko we learned some details about the modular smartphone.

The main news is that, according to Jaremenko, the first fully working modular smartphone should appear at the conference, which will be held in December this year. In turn, Sales Project Ara will appear in early 2015. Now, Google is already working with companies such as Rockchip, Foxcoon, Quanta and Toshiba.

And what about the operating system on which the will operate smartphones Project Ara? According to the developer, modular smart phones will be running Android L, but it will be modified to work with this kind of gadgets.

Another interesting feature of the future trends will be hot swappable almost all components, including the battery. The smartphone will have a small built-in battery, a charge which will last for some time, battery life, according to the resource androidauthority. Without turning off the device can not be replaced only by the processor and screen. It is reported that Project Ara will have its own store components.

Of course, all is not completely clear whether the Project Ara massive device or will purchase only geeks. However, in any case, we see that Google is serious about the development of modular segment of smartphones.

Would you like to afford a smartphone Project Ara?

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Modular smartphone from Google, which originated in the bowels of Motorola, but then carefully left the search giant under its own wing, begins to take shape. Already the first conference for developers and Ara-released MDK, as you can read on our website here . According to rumors, the first samples of devices may already be relatively soon go on sale at very attractive prices, so I wanted to share with you some thoughts about the development of this project.

Prologue

Immediately say, that in the future I will not go into the technical complexity of implementation ideas, suggesting that Google engineers in conjunction with third-party developers will master what they put on their shoulders.

Project Ara

I would pogovrit that is good and bad I see the concept as such, without looking at the potential compatibility issues modules, development of a universal bus that it is equally suited for both the battery and the camera module, and other issues , which surely are in nightmares nouveau Ara-developers.

Pros

So there you go. In their palaces mind I thought the owner introduced himself newcomer modular smartphone from Google. Let’s start with the good, ie with the advantages that I appear in comparison with owning ordinary “solid” smartphone.

Set “week has”

Perhaps the coolest feature of the opportunity to replace smartofna is adaptable to the needs of each particular day. For example, if I want to go out and lyapograf summer day pofotgrafirovat, I natseplyu hefty camera module on mnogomegapikseley with optical stabilization, and all the works. And if I have to work a full day, phone calls, negotiations, instead of the camera module I’m stuck on an extra battery to just hang on to the end of an intense day. Thus, the smartphone will be able to adapt to their current role if a good actor for the new movie.

Options for configuration modules can come up with a great variety. Yes, they still have to buy if you want to have a variation, but it will be cheaper differently than have, say, Note 3 and Droid Maxx (for problems in the example above).

Update

Update – that point, which in the context of Project Ara not say just lazy. Frankly, it is quite a little hard to believe me, despite the fact that this potential updates are hardly a major asset ideas modular smartphone. The fact is that in order for me to want to spend money on new hardware, it must make a new level of usability, otherwise in this sense is not so much.

And if we are talking about the period of 5-6 years (according to the developers Project Ara), then believe that hardware manufacturers can all look back on this time backward compatibility to new modules fit the old cell, I quite difficult. However, we agreed not to talk about the technical problems of implementation.

Third-party developers

We live in a time when many bright ideas can come to life through kraudfandinga and other amenities of the modern world, the same companies like Google or Facebook, which can buy a small startup for an impressive money.

Project Ara

However, even now many of the ideas, even very steep, may face barriers to entry in osobennoti when it comes to filling hardvernye smartphone. For now, making up a steep component developer should find a ready or a smartphone manufacturer who agreed to adapt a new feature, or to collect their own, and somehow try to sell it. Project Ara can significantly reduce the data barriers, allowing developers to produce only their own modules without having to release the whole smartphone. I think this could be a good impetus to many interesting ideas for smartphones saw the light.

Cons

With all the obvious and not so pros, I believe that Project Ara has a number of drawbacks. And here are the ones that I think are essential.

Endoskeleton

As you know, Google will supply several sizes endoskeleton – molds into which to cram modules. And it is this part at the moment it seems to me the greatest Fail. The fact that the modules will be “enter” in the special section! Skeleton provided beforehand! and fasten them on magnets (mechanics of which, incidentally, is quite interesting, but now is not it).

Project Ara

Take, for example, the medium variant of the skeleton. It is available to me 2 module 2 * 2 * 2 4 module 1 and module 2 1 * 1. The problem is that I do not want to play in the sea battle, I want to play Teteris! I honestly do not understand why not get rid of the track and not allow me to assemble modules as you want me, not the way it is provided Google. In this case, I could pave the entire surface of the six rams 3 * 1 or fit battery, size 3 * 4 for a long trip with no prospect outlet. And under the current structure all this is not possible and I honestly do not understand why it is done.

I do not want to play in the sea battle, I want to play Teteris!

I’m sure the question of fixing the modules could be solved without the help of the guides. In the end, each cell 1 * 1 to make a small indentation with latches (like cubes advanced LEGO, for example need not go far). And I came up, sitting on a chair and not being in the lab on Google, as they have something on it and will maybe more resources and time to reflect on the issue. Would desire.

In general, the guides on the “skeleton” – an obvious evil, limiting both developers and users.

Carthage Guide ribs must be destroyed!

3D printing

Google says a lot about the use of 3D-printing technology in the development of modules for Project Ara. In this regard, I have an idea that the concept of a modular smartphone slightly ahead of its time. For quite a long time I’m waiting for the time when the 3D-printer if not every home, even though direct access. Then download torrents fly on the relevant sites can be anything, ranging from cases for phones, ending replicas of their creations maynkrafte and then printing them for just pennies.

3D-printing could greatly contribute to the spread of the modules will relieve capacity plants, moving them to the lucky owners of private territory sootvtetsvuyuschih printers.

Therefore, if the Project Ara will is focused on a model of the spread, then it seems to me, it is worth to wait until the dumb as a niche private acquire 3D-print form and is repelled from it. Left to wait a bit.

Design compromises

Anyway, to create modular smartphone will have to make certain concessions. In the first place, they will be in the size of the device, which is not even trying to deny the people working directly with Project Ara. I do not know about you, but I would have been much nicer for conditional 6 years 3 times to change the device, but every time I have to be a monolith and well assembled smartphone than all six years I will walk with a thick big gadget, while changing in It spares. For the convenience to pay. And while I’m not very convinced that the positive effects of “modularity” are this convenience.

Sales

To interest a lot of developers who will have to create an ecosystem around the modules Project Ara, to convince of the fact that they can get from a decent profit. And it needs to convince them that the sale of “skeletons» Ara will be high. And it needs to ordinary people, most of whom now zazombirovana to purchase an iPhone or Samsung, realized that Project Ara – that’s what it is they need. And yet experience shows that opinions of the masses is nothing better than a multi-billion dollar advertising budget.

Will Google on such financial risk investing money in a potentially (but only potentially) lucrative idea – the big question, the answer to which can only give gentlemen Page, Brin and others of that ilk.

Epilogue and conclusions

The bottom line is, I do not particularly believe in Project Ara at this stage of its development. I think that in the next year or two it will be something similar to what is now a Google Glass – gadget for geeks that the general public is not really understands. At the same time as Google Glass, Project Ara has a fairly high potential, both technical and commercial.

Let us look at what the end epic with all conferences, development of modules of interest and potential sales start in the foreseeable future at attractive prices. So far, everything is pretty inetersno to watch from the sidelines, but no more.

Write in the comments what you think about Project Ara, will be interesting to hear your opinion. Do not forget to encourage article zhmakaniem social networks on a button below it, if you were interested to read it, maybe your friends with whom you share it, share your feelings.

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