Like all popular apps, Monument Valley faces a piracy problem. Photo: Ustwo

One of the biggest reasons why many app developers continue to snub Android is piracy. The platform’s “open” approach, which allows applications to be downloaded from third-party sources and installed manually, makes it incredibly easy for users to circumvent Google Play and obtain paid apps completely free.

Piracy on Android is so rampant right now that just 5 percent of installs of Monument Valley — one of the best mobile games of 2014, which is currently priced at $3.99 in the Play Store — have actually been paid for.

Sony’s new SmartWatch is a big improvement over the original. Photo: Sony

Even long-time SmartWatch fans were disappointed with the design of Sony’s latest wearable, which was made almost entirely out of silicone when it made its debut back in September. But Sony is fixing that with a new SmartWatch 3 variant made out of stainless steel — and it looks great.

By swapping the tacky plastic for a more premium bracelet and chassis, Sony has turned what was once one of the ugliest Android Wear watches on the market into one of the prettiest. The original model will continue to be available, but those who are willing to spend more can opt for the much-improved design.

Are you ready for 4K TV? Photo: Sharp

Sharp is betting big on Google’s new Android TV platform by baking it into its latest 4K Ultra HD televisions.

Unveiled today at CES in Las Vegas, the sets boast displays up to 80 inches in size and flagship Sharp features like AquoMotion and AquoDimming, but as you might expect, they don’t come cheap.

The G Flex 2 has the looks and the power. Photo: LG

Recent rumors promised a second-generation G Flex unveiling at CES 2015 this week, and LG did not disappoint.

At a press event in Las Vegas this morning, the South Korean company confirmed the G Flex 2, which is lot like last year’s flagship G3, but with slightly better specifications and, of course, that trademark G Flex curve.

Google takes on AirPlay with Cast. Photo: Google

Google today announced a new Apple AirPlay competitor called Google Cast, which lets you stream audio from a whole bunch of popular apps to Cast-compatible speakers. The search giant has teamed up with a number of popular services for its launch, including Pandora, Rdio, and NPR One.