Former Android head Andy Rubin answers questions in 2008. Photo: Karitsu/Flickr CC
Andy Rubin, co-founder and former head of Android, has left Google to start up a hardware incubator dedicated to building robots.
Rubin helped establish Android as the world’s most widely-used mobile operating system after it was bought by Google in 2005, before switching to run Google’s robotics business last year.
No one wants Android’s bloatware. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Android
One of the downsides to choosing Android over iOS — if you live in the U.S., at least — is that carriers like to pre-install their own apps and services and prevent you from removing them. Often called “bloatware,” the apps sometimes include custom messaging apps, navigation clients, payment services, and more.
Very few Android users appreciate bloatware, and Google knows that. Thankfully, the company is now doing something about it. With Lollipop, it’ll be easier than ever for users to banish bloatware for good.
Hugo Barra, former Android chief, now works at Xiaomi. Photo: Xiaomi
Hugo Barra, the man who once ran Google’s Android division, seems to have more of an interest in the smartphones its rivals are making these days. Speaking at WSJD Live, Barra called Apple’s new iPhone 6 “the most beautiful smartphone ever built” — but he doesn’t think its design language is totally unique.
Google Fit is now available to all. Screenshot: Google
Google Fit, a new app that helps users stay fit by encouraging them to reaching their fitness goals and tracking their progress, is now available to download from Google Play. It’s completely and compatible with all Android devices, and it will even work alongside your Android Wear watch as well.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android.
HTC’s Sense user interface is set to get a Material Design makeover for Android 5.0 Lollipop, leaked screenshots have confirmed. The Taiwanese company’s upcoming Sense 7 release will sport a fancy new font and new color schemes, improving its already impressive user interface design.
