Tag: Android

  • Google Confirms AOSP Will Stay Open-Source Amid Private Shift

    Google Confirms AOSP Will Stay Open-Source Amid Private Shift

    Key Takeaways

    1. AOSP has provided access to mobile operating system source code for nearly 16 years.
    2. Google is merging AOSP development into a private branch, accessible only with a GMS license.
    3. The public version of AOSP has become increasingly outdated compared to the private branch.
    4. Google aims to streamline its development process with this shift.
    5. AOSP will remain open-source, but updates will come after work on the private branch is completed.

    The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) has given people access to the source code for one of the top operating systems for mobile gadgets like smartphones and tablets for almost 16 years. But now, Google is making a big change in how this works.

    Changing Development Branches

    For most of its existence, AOSP development has been managed under two main branches of its documentation: the public one, which is released under Apache 2.0, and a private one that needs a Google Mobile Services (GMS) license to access. Over the past few years, these two branches have started to differ more and more, with the public version often being outdated compared to the private one.

    Recently, Google has chosen to officially move all parts of AOSP to the private branch. When Android Authority asked for a comment on this shift, the tech giant from Mountain View said it was done to “streamline its development process.”

    Future of AOSP

    Google has promised to keep AOSP open-source by continuing to release the source code, but only after finishing work on the private branch. This means that the impact on regular users is expected to be minimal. However, some experts might view this as a sign that custom Android development is coming to an end.

    Source:
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  • How Android Led to Nokia’s Decline: Rise and Fall Explained

    How Android Led to Nokia’s Decline: Rise and Fall Explained

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nokia once dominated the mobile phone market, holding over 40% share in the mid-2000s, known for reliable devices like the Nokia 3310 and N-series.
    2. The launch of Android in 2008 transformed the smartphone landscape, allowing various manufacturers to innovate quickly and create a vast app ecosystem.
    3. Nokia’s failure to adopt Android and its decision to focus on the struggling Windows Phone led to its rapid decline in the smartphone market.
    4. By 2013, Nokia’s smartphone market share had plummeted, resulting in the sale of its mobile division to Microsoft for $7.2 billion.
    5. The story of Nokia highlights the importance of adapting to technological changes and consumer preferences; early adoption of Android might have changed its fate.

    Nokia was once the leading name in the mobile phone sector. In the early 2000s, its products ruled global markets, and the brand was well-known for reliability and cutting-edge tech. However, within ten years, Nokia’s mobile segment diminished significantly, eventually being sold to Microsoft. A major reason for this rapid decline was the emergence of Android. Although Nokia made some errors, Google’s open-source operating system fundamentally changed the smartphone landscape, leaving Nokia finding it hard to keep up.

    The Height of Nokia’s Influence

    During its peak in the mid-2000s, Nokia held over 40% of the global mobile phone market. The Finnish company created some of the most memorable devices, such as the Nokia 3310 and the N-series, which were famous for their toughness, easy-to-use designs, and advanced features. Nokia’s own Symbian OS was prevalent, and its feature phones were popular in both advanced and growing markets. However, as technology progressed and consumer tastes shifted towards smartphones, Nokia was slow to adapt.

    The Emergence of Android and Market Evolution

    In 2008, Google launched Android, an open-source OS intended for a wide array of devices. Unlike Apple’s iOS, which was exclusive to the iPhone, Android was picked up by various manufacturers like Samsung, HTC, and Motorola. This open format led to quick innovation, a large app ecosystem, and a customizable user experience.

    Android’s versatility made it appealing for manufacturers searching for alternatives to closed operating systems like Symbian and BlackBerry OS. Companies such as Samsung swiftly took advantage of this, releasing robust Android smartphones that attracted a wide audience. Meanwhile, Nokia continued to depend on Symbian, an outdated platform that had trouble competing with the user-friendly interfaces and app ecosystems of Android and iOS.

    Nokia’s Poor Decisions

    While the rise of Android was a key factor in changing the industry, Nokia’s own choices sped up its decline. One of its major blunders was the hesitation to adopt Android. Even though Nokia saw the promise of smartphones, it opted to create its own Linux-based OS called MeeGo. However, internal struggles and management issues led to MeeGo’s failure, leaving Nokia without a competitive platform.

    In 2011, then-CEO Stephen Elop made a controversial choice to partner solely with Microsoft and adopt Windows Phone as its main OS. This decision alienated many devoted Nokia customers who were hoping for an Android option. At the same time, Windows Phone struggled to gain traction due to its limited app selection and weaker developer support compared to Android. As Samsung, Huawei, and other companies rapidly grew their Android lines, Nokia’s Windows Phone strategy lagged behind.

    The Unavoidable Downfall and Microsoft Takeover

    By the time Nokia tried to bounce back, it was too late. Android had already established its dominance, and companies like Samsung had become well-known names in the smartphone market. Nokia’s Lumia series, while praised for its hardware, failed to draw in enough users due to the shortcomings of Windows Phone. By 2013, Nokia’s smartphone market share had dropped significantly, leading the company to sell its mobile division to Microsoft for $7.2 billion.

    Sadly, Microsoft’s efforts to revive Nokia’s phone business with Windows Mobile also fell short. By 2016, Microsoft essentially abandoned the effort, signaling the end of Nokia’s role in the smartphone market.

    Nokia’s Comeback and Lessons Learned

    Even though Nokia doesn’t lead the mobile industry anymore, the brand has experienced a revival under HMD Global, which licenses the Nokia name for Android smartphones. However, HMD Global has faced challenges in effectively leveraging Nokia’s branding. Consequently, the company has ceased using the Nokia name for its smartphones, marking the end of Nokia-branded devices. Meanwhile, Nokia itself has shifted its focus entirely to network equipment technology, leaving its mobile history behind.

    The story of Nokia offers an important lesson in the tech world. Even the strongest companies can stumble if they don’t adjust to changing consumer preferences and new technologies. The rise of Android was inevitable, but if Nokia had embraced it sooner, the outcome for the company might have been quite different.

    How Android Led to Nokia's Decline: Rise and Fall Explained
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  • Pixel 9a Release Date Leaked: It’s Sooner Than You Think

    Pixel 9a Release Date Leaked: It’s Sooner Than You Think

    The Pixel A-series has typically been revealed at Google I/O each year, with the phones usually becoming available weeks or even months after their announcement. This year, however, it looks like the Pixel 9a will break that trend, as a new report indicates that consumers will be able to get their hands on it sooner than expected.

    A Shift in Launch Timing

    The early release of the Pixel 9a seems to follow a new pattern that began with the Pixel 9 series. Instead of the traditional October launch, the Pixel 9 series was introduced two months earlier, in August 2024. Now, it appears Google plans to replicate this change with the Pixel 9a, which is set to be unveiled in March rather than May, as reported by Android Headlines.

    Pre-Order and Availability Dates

    According to an anonymous source, pre-orders for the Pixel 9a will commence on March 19, 2025, with shipments starting the following week on March 26. For those who prefer to buy a phone in person, it will also be available in stores on March 26.

    Pricing and Specifications

    A prior report disclosed the pricing details for the Pixel 9a: the 128GB model will be available for $499, while the 256GB version will retail for $599. This represents a $40 hike compared to the Pixel 8a’s pricing for the same storage. Fans might be unhappy about having to shell out an extra $100 just to double the storage. Additionally, buyers of the mmWave model from Verizon will face an extra $50 charge.

    The Pixel 9a will feature a 6.2-inch OLED display (Actua Display) with a 120Hz refresh rate and protection from Gorilla Glass 3. It will be equipped with the Tensor G4 processor and 8GB of RAM. The rear camera system includes a 48MP main camera along with a 13MP ultrawide camera, and there will be another 13MP camera on the front.

    Battery Life and Colors

    Google will include a 5,100mAh battery with the Pixel 9a, supporting 23W fast wired charging, which is an upgrade from the Pixel 8a’s 4,492mAh battery and 18W charging. Unfortunately, the wireless charging speed will remain at a lackluster 7.5W. The Pixel 9a will come in various colors, including Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony.

    In March, the Pixel 9a will face competition from several other devices set to launch, such as the Nothing Phone (3a), Phone (3a) Pro, and the Samsung Galaxy A56.

    Source:
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  • Volla Phone Quintus: Privacy-Focused Smartphone with Ubuntu Touch

    Volla Phone Quintus: Privacy-Focused Smartphone with Ubuntu Touch

    We’ve shared news about the Volla Phone X23 before. Following a crowdfunding effort for the new Quintus, the latest smartphone from the brand is now up for sale at its official online shop. The device is available for shipping to all EU nations and the UK. Prices start at €719, but those who act fast can grab an extra 5% off by using the coupon “START25”. Compared to the Indiegogo deal, the price of the phone has seen an increase, which was made clear beforehand and is pretty standard for crowdfunded products.

    Focus on Privacy

    The Volla Phone Quintus doesn’t really grab attention with outstanding hardware or a low price tag; instead, it emphasizes privacy and offers the choice of using a different operating system. Specifically, this smartphone works with both Android and Ubuntu Touch. It utilizes the Android Open Source Project, which allows the Android version to operate without needing a Google account. Users can access both the Aurora and F-Droid app stores, and microG enables the use of apps that typically require Google services.

    Specifications and Features

    The phone weighs 7.2 ounces, is 0.34 inches thick, and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Additionally, the Quintus has a 6.78-inch screen that boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The AMOLED display can reach up to 980 nits of brightness. Volla Phone also mentions that Ethernet can be used with the right adapter, but it’s important to point out that the USB Type-C port only supports USB 2.0 data rates. There’s also support for dual-SIM functionality.

    Final Thoughts

    Volla’s focus on user privacy sets it apart in a crowded market. While the hardware may not be the most impressive, the flexibility in software choices and the promise of a more private experience could appeal to certain consumers.

    Source:
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  • Bill Gates Calls Missing Mobile Revolution His Biggest Mistake

    Bill Gates Calls Missing Mobile Revolution His Biggest Mistake

    Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, has recently shared insights about a major mistake in his career that resulted in a massive loss of $400 billion for the company. During an event organized by venture capital firm Village Global, Gates openly talked about Microsoft’s inability to establish itself in the mobile operating system arena, which paved the way for Google’s Android to become the leading alternative to Apple’s platform.

    A Critical Error

    “In the realm of software, especially regarding platforms, these markets are winner-take-all,” Gates remarked while speaking with Eventbrite CEO Julia Hartz. “The most significant error was the management missteps I made that led Microsoft to miss out on what Android has become. Android is now the standard for non-Apple mobile platforms. Microsoft should have naturally triumphed in this area.” Gates did some quick calculations and noted that if Microsoft had managed to secure the second position in the mobile OS market, it could have obtained a significant $400 billion share—funds that have instead strengthened Google.

    The Timing Issue

    The iPhone from Apple was launched in June 2007, and Android devices followed in September 2008. Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 only entered the market later, in October 2010, by which time Android and iOS had almost entirely captured the mobile OS market, holding 99.9% of the share. Gates recognized that arriving late to this sector sealed Microsoft’s fate in the mobile world. “If you show up with significantly fewer apps, you’re headed for total failure,” he stated.

    Microsoft’s blunder in mobile starkly contrasts with its stronghold in the PC industry. The Windows OS revolutionized personal computing during the ’90s and still plays a crucial role in its $3 trillion market valuation. However, as Gates pointed out, if Microsoft had been successful in mobile, “we would be the leading company.”

    A Response from Android’s Co-Founder

    Rich Miner, co-founder of Android, did not ignore Gates’ comments. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond: “I literally helped create Android to stop Microsoft from dominating the phone market like they did with PCs—suppressing innovation. So, it’s amusing for me to hear Gates complain about losing mobile to Android.”

    Thus, it seems Microsoft inadvertently played a role in the creation of Android. At its peak, Microsoft’s strong presence in the PC market was often criticized for hindering competition and innovation. On the other hand, Android’s open-source framework was intentionally created to offer an alternative to proprietary systems like those of Microsoft and Apple.

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  • Japan’s Antitrust Case May Find Google Guilty of Competition Violations

    Japan’s Antitrust Case May Find Google Guilty of Competition Violations

    Nikkei Asia has reported that Japan’s Fair Trade Commission plans to find Google guilty of violating the country’s antimonopoly regulations. The regulatory body has concluded that Google’s agreements with smartphone makers “unfairly limit competition” in the search industry.

    Unfair Contracts

    According to the watchdog, Google’s contracts contain conditions for the installation of its Search app and Chrome browser on Android devices, which could stifle competition in both the search and browser markets. Google is currently confronting multiple antimonopoly lawsuits globally, including in the United States.

    Legal Actions in the US

    Last month, the US government proposed that Google divest its Chrome and Android platforms in order to eliminate the company’s monopolistic influence on the search engine market. This proposal requires Google to sell Chrome and allow third-party access to its search engine at a minimal cost. The trial is set to occur in April 2025.

    Investigations in India

    In India, the Competition Commission is looking into Google following complaints from Winzo, a local real-money gaming company. Winzo claims that Google has exploited its dominant market position to disadvantage real-money gaming apps.

    Source: Link

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  • Android to Auto-Login Apps on New Phones Soon

    Android to Auto-Login Apps on New Phones Soon

    Android’s backup and restore features are getting a significant upgrade that will soon let apps keep you signed in when switching to a new Android device. The upcoming "Restore Credentials" feature aims to make transitioning to a new Android phone as easy as it is when moving to an iPhone.

    How It Functions

    So, how does this work? Google explains that with Restore Credentials, app developers can create a “restore key” that is saved locally on your device and in the cloud (if Google Backup is turned on). When you set up a new Android phone and opt to restore apps and data, these keys travel to the new device, allowing you to be automatically logged into your app accounts on the first launch. Moreover, if developers invest a bit more effort, apps can start sending notifications and operate as if they’re still on the old device—even before you actually open them on your new phone.

    The Significance

    While this might not seem earth-shattering, anyone who has upgraded their Android phone and dealt with the tedious data restoration process will understand how frustrating it can be to manually log into each application. Google has laid down the necessary groundwork, but it will be up to individual app developers to integrate this feature into their applications and ensure the success of this initiative. It might be unrealistic to expect every single app on the Play Store to adopt seamless login migration, but there’s hope that many popular apps will leverage this change to provide a smooth onboarding process for users transitioning to a new Android device.

    Easy Background Setup

    The most exciting aspect is that you won’t need to configure anything or tinker with device settings to take advantage of this upgrade—it will all occur behind the scenes. However, you will need to be patient for your favorite app developers to implement support for Restore Credentials in their applications. Additionally, ensure your device is running Android 9 or later.

    Source: Link

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  • Google Pixel Laptop Rumors: High-End Android Device Leaks

    Google Pixel Laptop Rumors: High-End Android Device Leaks

    Google’s Pixel smartphone line has grown over the years, becoming comparable to Apple and Samsung’s yearly iPhone and Galaxy launches. On the other hand, Google’s laptop sector has been left behind, becoming almost insignificant. In fact, the last Pixel laptop was released in the same year as the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.

    New Developments on the Horizon

    Recently, Android Headlines has reported that they received news suggesting Google might be making a comeback in the laptop arena with a fresh device. Sadly, the website hasn’t shared when we can expect to see this new product officially launched. Instead, they’ve dropped a few clues about what’s in the works.

    Reports say that Google’s higher-ups have given the green light for this project, and now a dedicated team of Googlers is working on it. According to Android Headlines, an internal email that was leaked mentions the project being called ‘Snowy’, which has led to comparisons with the Dell XPS 14 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (currently priced at $875 on Amazon), among other premium compact laptops.

    A Shift in Operating System?

    Interestingly, it seems that the upcoming Google Pixel laptop might operate on Android rather than ChromeOS. For more details about this potential shift towards a unified Android desktop experience, check out our previous article.

    Android Authority and Android Headlines have both been in the loop about these developments.

    Source: Link,Link

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  • Huawei HarmonyOS Hits 15% Market Share in Q3 2024, Competes with Android and iOS

    Huawei HarmonyOS Hits 15% Market Share in Q3 2024, Competes with Android and iOS

    In a surprising development, Huawei’s HarmonyOS has made significant gains in China’s smartphone market, presenting a real challenge to Android’s long-held supremacy. As per the newest findings from TechInsights, HarmonyOS’s market share grew from 13% to 15% in the third quarter of 2024, while Android’s market share fell from 72% to 70%.

    A Shift in Market Dynamics

    This isn’t the first instance of such a shift; in the first quarter of 2024, Huawei overtook iOS in market share for the very first time. However, at that moment, it was still integrated within the Android ecosystem.

    Reasons Behind HarmonyOS’s Rise

    Several factors are driving this growth. First, Huawei’s strong commitment to self-sufficiency, especially following US sanctions, has resulted in considerable investments in the development of HarmonyOS. Additionally, the recent debut of HarmonyOS Next, a completely independent operating system that no longer depends on Android applications, has further reinforced its standing. Moreover, the expanding ecosystem of native HarmonyOS apps and services, including a highly awaited Harmony-native version of WeChat, has made the operating system more appealing to consumers.

    While Apple’s iOS has kept a stable 15% market share, it’s evident that the Chinese smartphone market is experiencing a competitive struggle among iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS. This evolution carries major consequences for the global tech sector, as it highlights the ability of alternative operating systems to challenge the entrenched duopoly.

    Smartphone Shipment Trends

    Regarding smartphone shipments, China is still the largest single market globally, with a 3% increase year-over-year in Q3 2024. Vivo held the top spot with a 19% market share, closely trailed by Xiaomi and Oppo/OnePlus, each capturing 15.5%. Honor, Huawei, and Apple completed the top six, with each around 15% market share.

    As competition heats up among China’s leading six smartphone manufacturers, market concentration is increasing, posing difficulties for smaller brands. Nevertheless, the recovery of China’s smartphone market indicates robust demand and a more stable replacement cycle.

    With its swift uptake and growth, HarmonyOS is set to transform China’s smartphone ecosystem, particularly as Huawei keeps introducing Harmony-native apps and services tailored for the Chinese audience. It will be interesting to see if HarmonyOS can maintain its growth and continue to chip away at Android’s market share in the upcoming quarters.

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  • Quick Share for iPhone and Mac: Upcoming Expansion by Google

    Quick Share for iPhone and Mac: Upcoming Expansion by Google

    Sharing files between Android and iPhones may soon be simpler. Android specialist Mishaal Rahman has discovered a hint that suggests Google might be working on bringing its Quick Share file-sharing feature to iOS and macOS.

    Quick Share’s Popularity

    Quick Share is already well-liked among users of Android devices, Chromebooks, and Windows computers, as it allows for easy file transfers over a secure local network. However, the lack of this feature on Apple’s platforms has been a major issue for users who navigate between both operating systems.

    API Update Indicates Potential Expansion

    This situation could change shortly. Quick Share, which was formerly known as Nearby Share, relies on Google’s Nearby Connections API, a peer-to-peer networking system. This open-source API is accessible on GitHub, enabling users to monitor any updates Google makes to it. As per Rahman, a recent bug fix in the API suggests that an iOS version could be on the way.

    A note in Google’s Nearby repository discusses how the app identifies device names, specifically for iOS and macOS. It mentions, “For iOS and macOS, the device name is already localized and generally works well for Quick Share purposes… avoid using the non-localized account name and device type concatenation.”

    Speculation Around Integration Challenges

    While this statement doesn’t verify the existence of a Quick Share app for iOS or macOS, it does raise questions. Google might be setting the stage for future growth or could even be crafting a solid plan for merging with Apple devices. However, merging Quick Share into Apple’s tightly regulated environment could present hurdles. Google may encounter challenges with the App Store’s rules and Apple’s rigorous privacy standards. It’s still unclear if Google will aim for a standalone app or incorporate Quick Share into existing services like Google Drive or Chrome.

    Although seamless file sharing might appear straightforward, if Quick Share is implemented, it could provide a fast and easy way to transfer files across different platforms, bypassing less convenient methods like cloud storage. Historically, Google has been more open to cross-platform collaboration compared to Apple. If a connection between these two technology leaders is established, it’s likely that Google will take the forefront.

    OnePlus Takes a Step Forward

    Interestingly, OnePlus has already initiated actions in this direction. Their newest software update, OxygenOS 15, features a “Share with iPhone” option through a specific iOS app. While Rahman mentions that some users are reluctant to download yet another app, the ease of transferring files between Android and iPhone could outweigh this hesitation.

    Ultimately, only time will tell if Google officially introduces Quick Share to iOS and macOS. Even though the change in code brings some hope, it’s prudent to keep expectations in check until there’s an official statement.

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