WebOS is going Open-source, again

LG WebOS, originally developed by Palm Inc, then Hewlett-Packard before making it open-source, and then licencing to LG Electronics, has come a long way from when it was first developed, and plays a far different role. When originally introduced, it way made as the modern successor to Palm OS for use on smartphones, before being purchased by Hewlett-Packard (HP) for its wide range of devices (but failed at it), but it is currently an operating system which has been used on multiple different platforms for LG since purchased in 2014. From smartwatches, smart-fridges, and projectors, LG's iteration of WebOS has lived, but kept a home in their smart televisions. The next biggest step for LG was to take it open-source.

LG stated their their reason for bringing an open-sourced version of their operating system was to bring in developers who would like to use the operating system, as well as benefit from the WebOS tools built-in. This would also help grow the iconic platform once more, and allow developers to become more familiar with it. Partnerships and platform building was key in the decision to make the source code available.

We are unsure of when exactly the source code will become available and open-source, or if it has already been done.  Going forward, LG plans to bring their software, carefully and slowly, to a wider range of their devices, similar to how Samsung is using their own Tizen operating system; which was also built off of legacy platforms. Let's hope this version of WebOS doesn't face the same fate as HP's Open WebOS did just a few years ago.

Why Android Wear had to change

Looking back at the history of mobile operating systems, we see that the first couple of them, mainly developed within the late 20th century, we not necessarily developed for smartphones or tablets, but rather personal digital assistants (PDAs). While there wasn't a noticeable different at first, the difference began to show more. As more time went on, these operating systems struggled to keep up with those based off of code made for heavier computing. Operating systems such as Palm OS, BlackBerry OS, and Windows Mobile heavily suffered from these, and led to the companies replacing them with the more modern WebOS, BlackBerry 10, and Windows Phone operating systems, respectively. Although, many of those which took longer to change, such as Symbian, went from dominance to non-existence. Android Wear almost suffered the same fate.

In the modern age, smartwatches and other wearable technologies ("wearables") are still a relatively new concept. The operating systems which adopted them included Android, which was modified in the form of Android Wear. This iteration of the system was shrunken over time, and used similar versions of the same Android features, rather than ones built specially for the new trend. Although this may have led to consistency with the smartphone platform, it led to holding the new one back.

Android Wear devices mainly only worked well with devices running the Google Android operating system, and was very limited when paired with devices running Apple's iOS; however, refused to function with other operating systems completely. Also, although some of the system's faults can be blamed on lack of optimization, the real culprit is the fact that the code was never originally made to work on wearables.

The system's biggest competitor, watchOS from Apple, was also built off the basis of its mobile platform, but in contrast is its own operating system built for the specific purpose to be on the face of your smartwatch. Even Samsung's Tizen, which also leads ahead of the Android-based platform, is optimized for a majority of different devices, due to a flexible common framework.

Google recently took action to fix the issue, by modifying parts of the operating system to be specific to the wearable operating system, a big part of why it suffered beforehand. In addition to that, it also renamed the wearable platform from Android Wear to Wear OS. Despite the name, it is still the wearable version of the traditional Android operating system, but now consists of its own true versions and individuality from being apart of a smartphone operating system. As technology advances, so does the systems, with the risk of being left behind. Although Wear OS has a lot of catching up to do, with its wide range of partners, it should be able to reach the same level of the others soon enough; as long as it doesn't become the modern Symbian.

Chrome OS coming to Tablets

Today, the ASUS Chromebook Tab 10 was announced as the newest Chrome OS device, but rather than being a traditional laptop, it is a tablet. This device would be a first of its kind, as it is a tablet-first device running the Chrome OS. Google has attempted with software for the tablet market for many years now, starting with Android Honeycomb.

Currently, the Android operating system is a universal operating system used across all types of mobile devices. Additionally, wearables are also supported with the operating system, as well as car infotainment systems. In addition to the traditional Android found on most smartphones, there is Android One and Android Go for fast-updating and budget devices respectively, as well as Android TV and Android Auto for the television and car infotainment systems. Wear OS (formally Android Wear) is the adaption of the operating system for their wearables.

However, as far as tablets go, Android has had a serious decline over the past few years. Also, the computer and convertible tablet markets have left Android not to long ago to move to Chrome OS, another Linux-based operating system from Google. However, where Android is built as a mobile operating system, Chrome OS was built as a lightweight desktop operating system.

More recently, Chrome OS added support for Android Runtime, and this allows for Android-based applications to be run on Chrome devices. Although only newer devices are capable of this enhancement, it is a change for the better of the Linux-based operating system. Hopefully tablets of the future will also run the Chrome OS operating system, as they are able to have the desktop abilities of Linux, but the same app support of Android. Only time will tell whether or not the new operating system will work well on this type of device.

Android Wear is now Wear OS

Less than a week ago, the Android Wear platform, which delivers an adaption of the Android to wearable devices, was re-branded to Wear OS. With the change, Google also plans to better integrate the Google Assistant intelligent voice assistant into the platform for more hands-free actions. Another change to the platform would be that better support for iOS devices, and possibly other mobile operating systems, will be integrated. This change is one of the more significant ones, as Android devices had a much grater advantage beforehand, as it was made to integrate directly with the Wear platform. The name change was done specifically to show that it works with other platforms. However, there is a possibility the name change was also to compete better with watchOS from Apple. Besides these few changes, Wear OS is expected to be similar to how Android Wear 2.0 was previously.

What to expect for Nokia at Mobile World Congress 2018

HMD Global Oy is having a conference and event at the Mobile World Congress for 2018 in Barcelona, Spain, the GSMA Capital. HMD is the company behind Nokia Mobile, the reincarnation of the iconic company's phone business, after Microsoft bought it from Nokia in 2014. What should we expect from Nokia in 2018?

Last year at this same conference, the Finnish company launched the global versions of the Nokia 6, Nokia 5, Nokia 3, as well as the revived iconic feature phone, the Nokia 3310 (2017). All of the smartphones of the new company will run a pure version of the Android operating system, thanks to a partnership between HMD and Google. Also, with the exception of the Nokia 3, we can expect all Nokia-branded smartphones to wield a Qualcomm Snapdragon system-on-a-chip, again, thanks to a partnership. Also, higher-end Nokia-branded devices include ZEISS-made rear cameras.

Since that time, HMD has also launched the Nokia 2, Nokia 7, and Nokia 8 smartphones. The Nokia 7 only being for the Chinese market. Also, various Nokia-branded feature phones have also been produced within the time as well, some being brand new, others being updated versions of the ones made by Microsoft Mobile.

What has been rumored? Between the many device announcements, a Nokia 9 device has often been mentioned by device reviewers and speculators. This device has been said to be a higher-end flagship above the current Nokia 8. This one may or may not include a standard headphone jack port, depending on the various rumors and leaks of this hypothetical device. Also, it is rumored to ditch the large bezels on the top and bottom of the device, and possibly gain an 18:9 aspect ratio, similar to that of the LG G6. Wireless charging is also to have said to be coming to this device, as it was a feature back with the original Nokia, back in their time with the Nokia Lumia series.

Also, more recently, a Nokia 7 Plus has been leaked within the camera apps on the current Nokia smartphones. This may or may not also be a China-only exclusive device, as the Nokia 7 was. It is said to be similar to both the Nokia 7 and the Nokia 8, but possibly run the Android Go operating system. This operating system was made specifically for less developed countries, and it uses less resources than the traditional Google Android system. This device is expected to most likely launch at the MWC event for this year.

Also, a Nokia 1 device has been leaked as well within the camera app, but we currently do not know much about this device. However, we can assume this would be an entry-level device which would be less than the Nokia 2's $99 price tag. Another rumor states that is will launch during the event, and will feature another one of Google's operating systems, this one being Android One.

Much more speculation was also put out there, like the global Nokia 6 (2018), a Nokia device with a physical keyboard, a Nokia 8 Sirocco, a new Nokia Asha phone, and even another Nokia 3310. The event starts at 10:00 AM EST of February 25th, 2018.

HMD Global celebrates One Year!

Today marks an entire year that the Nokia legacy has belonged to HMD Global Oy. On December 1st, 2016, HMD And FIH Mobile, subsidiary of Hon Hai Precision “Foxconn,” purchased a majority of Nokia’s former assets from Microsoft Mobile. HMD has been operating the brand for a year, so it is worth while to go back and see the outcome.

To start off, over the course of this year, HMD partnered with Google for smartphone software, FIH Mobile for manufacturing, Nokia for brand licensing, Qualcomm for smartphone processors, ZEISS for high-end camera optics, and others. The company has also purchased some parents from Microsoft Mobile back in summer, to acquire Nokia’s own camera app properties, which was used back in Nokia and Microsoft Lumia devices.

As far as devices go, we have seen their devices come and go in waves, in some sense. These devices are all sold through Amazon links on Nokia’s own website, managed by HMD. The first HMD-designed device was the Nokia 150 feature phone. The company will be manufacturing feature phones as well as the smartphones, mostly for the developing markets. January saw the China-release of the Nokia 6, then the Mobile World Congress global release, alongside the Nokia 3, Nokia 5, and a revamped Nokia 3310 feature phone. The releases of the redone Nokia 105 and Nokia 130 feature phones  Also, in August, the Nokia 8 was announced globally in London. In October, the Nokia 7 was announced for the Chinese market, with the Nokia 2 just days later. The Nokia 3310 3G also came out during this time period, for the United States.

Within the first year of being around, the company had made an impressive 5 feature phones and 6 smartphones in total! That’s a lot for a company that hasn’t been around that long. HMD does deliver on the Nokia legacy of having Scandinavian-build quality devices, which offer a great user experience. Each of their smartphones run complete stock-build Android out of the box, with Oreo now being delivered now, starting with the Nokia 8. With the exception of the pre-partnership made Nokia 3, each of their smartphones proudly run the Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, thanks to their partnership with Qualcomm. HMD put serious effort into these devices, as each have their own appeal to them in their own way.

As far as the lineup goes, the Nokia 105, 130, and 150 all are at the most budget end, being feature phones made for the more developing markets. The Nokia 3310 (2017), which was made to attract the attention of Nokia enthusiasts, is the next step up, and the Nokia 3310 3G is above that, as it can support the US networks, unlike it’s 2G companion. The Nokia 2 then is the next step up, being a $99 smartphone with a large 4100 mAh battery capacity, which can last up to two days, paired with a smooth and clean Android experience, with a low-powered Snapdragon processor. The Nokia 3 has a more normal sized battery, but is made as a simple typical budget smartphone, and is priced below $300. With a bump in quality, the mid-range Nokia 5 offers a sharp design, similar to the 3, but contains a fingerprint scanner as well. Plus, the Nokia 6 offers a more high-end experience while still in the mid-range. An Arte Black version of the Nokia 6 was released alongside it in limited quantity, which upgrades some of the device memory. A currently made-for-China Nokia 7 offers a premium glossy experience which has a ZEISS optics lens, for a feature HMD calls “bothies,” for a higher-midrange price tag. Finally, so far, we have the Nokia 8. The device features ZEISS lens as well, with a larger megapixel fount than the Nokia 7.

So far, HMD Global has been doing a decent job maintaining the legacy of the Nokia name, unlike Microsoft Mobile. We hope next year HMD continues to strive to do the best it can do to help make some more of its signature devices. According to some rumors, a Nokia 9 high end smartphone. Maybe next year we will see the return of the futuristic properties of Nokia devices, which we all love and miss. Possibly a Nokia 4 may fill in the cap between the budget and medium end devices for the company. Also, too bad there isn’t a company like HMD Global behind every comeback we have seen so far within the technology world.

2017 #MadeByGootle Event recap

I cannot believe that is has already been exactly one year since the 2016 #MadeByGoogle event, and now we have another. Google was expanding it's hardware at this event today, similar to last year, but this time more in Google style.

First of all, let's start small with the brand new Google Home Mini. This device is a smaller and more flat version of the original Google Home. Although it definitely looks different, it shares the same design as the base of the original Home. This is made to be used for all sorts of activities, such as replacing your TV remote oralarm clock. It will retail for a lot less than the original, at $49.99 at all major retailers. This is putting it to compete with similar devices, like the Amazon Echo Dot.

To max things up, we have the Google Home Max. These act more like high quality stereo speakers than the smart speakers you're used to seeing. It definitely resembles the original Home, and matches the smaller Home Mini. Like the others in the Home family, it has Google Assistant built right in. You can still ask it to do stuff, such as turn off the lights, but it is meant to be your one-stop device for your audio needs. Similar the Apple HomePod, it can measure out your room to better match you. Google Cast is finally built in, so you don't need to buy a separate Chromecast Audio for it.

Like to travel? The Google Pixel Buds got your back, or should I say ears. These are Google Assistant enabled wireless Bluetooth ear buds. These allow you to ask the Assistant to do tasks, just like you would normally do on your device, just by holding down. As simple as that, and they work. Of course, you can still listen to your music, as always. I nicely designed case comes with it to charge up your ear buds as well. It is very impressive, with how much complex technology is put into these simplistic devices. For Pixel owners, these even allow you to translate in real time! This means they can listen to what others have to say, and translate it for you, then you can have it respond back. Google is really investing in audio this year.

Looking back at photos in your photobooks at old memories really makes you remember old times. Although a big issue is that the person taking the picture isn't seen, and it is almost pure luck to take a picture at the right time. Well, both of those issues are resolved with the Google Clips. This is a dedicated camera, with built in artificial intelligence to take the shots for you, literally. You just clip it onto an object, and it will watch the scene for you, and take pictures or videos at the appropriate times. Then from your phone, you can see pictures or video clips from Google Photos, just like that. It is a miniature device with humongous potential. Google has outdone themselves on this one.

Remember when we first saw the Pixel branding, on the Chromebook Pixel in 2013, then in 2015 with the second generation, before discontinuing the series last year? Well, now the Google Pixelbook is the Chromebook of the future. Like its predecessors, it is very premium in design, and contains some of the highest specs you ever need to have on a Chromebook. This version is a huge revision of the the Chromebook Pixel line, and although it got rid of features we love, like the lightbar, it makes up it by having a unique device fit to current Google hardware. Google Assistant is now coming to Chromebooks, at least this one, and even has a dedicated key for it on the physical keyboard. The way Google is describing it's innovation, it is either a laptop or tablet, whichever one you feel the most comfortable with. The device definitely turns a new page on what Google can do. In a way, you can call this a a successor to both the Chromebook Pixel and the Pixel C tablet, in a marriage with the current Google design.

No tablet is set without it's pen, and the same can be said with the Pixelbook and the Pixelbook Pen. The Pen is what you would expect an interactive pen to be on a tablet or laptop. It allows you to take notes on the device while it is in tablet mode, and also gives you a nice stylus for when you want to just tap the screen. However, there's also a button, and whatever you circle, Google Assistant can help out with. It corresponds to the touchscreen smoothly, as it it pressure sensitive, and allows you to tilt the pen to make more natural markings on your screen.

The Daydream just got better. The Daydream View of last year now has been modified for this year. Not only does it work with the Pixel series, it also works with other wonderful devices like the LG V30 and Samsung Galaxy S8. Support for IMAX is now included, so you can watch videos just like you would in the theater. Now it has a more wider screen than before, and your experience can also be casted to your Chromecast as well, so others can see what you do. The colors and fabrics have also been updated to match other Google hardware better, and be more comfortable.

Now, what has been waited for since last year, the all-new phones. These include the premium smartphone, Google Pixel 2, and the ultra premium phablet, the Google Pixel 2 XL. Last year, Google's big selling feature was it had the highest rated camera, by DxOMark, at 89. This device topped it, as well as the HTC U11 which also topped the original Pixel, making the highest ever score at 96! Everyone has been moving to adding dual cameras over the last year or so, usually to add portrait mode functionality. So that's what Google did, without the dual camera part. Google used it's smarts to implement the portrait mode feature into it's device's rear camera, without a secondary telefoto lens. Both devices brought back the signature front facing speakers found on HTC and later Google Nexus devices. The Pixel 2 is similar to the original as far as design goes, while the Pixel 2 XL incorporates the almost bezeless display. The contract manufacturer of the standard Pixel 2 is HTC Corporation, once more, while the XL variant is from LG Electronics. Edge Sense may be another one of those great innovations from HTC which becomes a revolutionary standard, as Smart Edge is now a feature in both of the Pixels.

Google has been taking it's hardware to the next level lately, and it is just getting better and better. We have gone from the collaboration-born HTC Dream, to the partner-based Nexus line, and now the Made By Google Pixel series. Also, early next year Google is completing it's acquisition of a chunk of HTC for $1.1 billion, to create a dedicated hardware division of Google. Only time can tell what Google has in store for it's future in consumer hardware.