Last year, in August 2017, Microsoft and Amazon jointly announced that their respective virtual personal assistants, Cortana and Alexa, would be joining forces. This would allow for users to be able to use the other assistant where the normal assistants are normally present. For example, Cortana would now be available as a guest on Amazon Echo devices, while Alexa would do the same on Windows 10 devices. Microsoft stated that this functionality would be present by the end of 2017. However, this never actually happened, and by March, Amazon Alexa has no mention of this functionality even coming.
This year at Microsoft Build 2018, a Microsoft representative, as well as one representing Amazon's Alexa developers, demonstrated how this will benefit their users. It showed that Cortana can work the best for productivity, while Alexa is better for reminders across devices, as well as controlling your smart home.
Back in August and at Build 2018, Microsoft stated that this is hopefully just the first of many different virtual personal assistants talking to each other and working to create a more powerful ecosystem. Since the times of the original announcement, both of the Washington based companies, Microsoft from Redmond and Amazon from Seattle, has partnered on other various tasks.
Friday, May 11, 2018
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Why Wear OS still needs to improve
Wear OS by Google, formally known as Android Wear, is the version of the Android mobile operating system optimized for wearable computers, such as smartwatches and fitness bands. There are many similarities and differences between the smartphone and smartwatch versions of the operating systems, but one that stands out is its size as a platform, and its background.
Both versions of the Android platform are used by a variety of different manufacturers on their devices. However, one big difference is how the platform can be used. With the smartphone version of the operating system, any manufacturer is able to use the system for their own liking, as the platform is completely open-source. This is backed by the fact that Android is made by the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), rather than just Google. Although most iterations of Android include the Google Mobile Services, it is not required. With Wear OS, it is a different story. As the new name implies, the system is made completely by Google, rather than the OHA. While Wear OS uses the open-source Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code, like all versions of Android, there isn't a wearable-specific open-source version. Because of this, only companies who partner with Google can use Wear OS.
Why is this an issue? Well, with Android, you have a unique arrangement of devices, not just from the OHA members. Most of the other manufacturers still use the Google Mobile Services, without being members. This is what brought dominance to Android. With Wear OS, only certain partners are using the platform, including deluxe fashion brands, such as Kate Spade. While there are many brands out there which do use the platform, it is still a small fraction of that which uses the smartphone iteration of Android.
The main attraction to Android over many other operating systems is that it consists of devices for an affordable price tag, With Wear OS, a majority of the new devices still consist of a high price point, and each of them are from big names in the wearable technology industry. If any manufacturers want to make devices without Google's services, they would have to start from the AOSP source code. While Wear OS may be getting more compatible with other platforms, and improving over what was formally Android Wear, it still has a long way to go before it can match what its smartphone counterpoint has accomplished.
Both versions of the Android platform are used by a variety of different manufacturers on their devices. However, one big difference is how the platform can be used. With the smartphone version of the operating system, any manufacturer is able to use the system for their own liking, as the platform is completely open-source. This is backed by the fact that Android is made by the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), rather than just Google. Although most iterations of Android include the Google Mobile Services, it is not required. With Wear OS, it is a different story. As the new name implies, the system is made completely by Google, rather than the OHA. While Wear OS uses the open-source Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code, like all versions of Android, there isn't a wearable-specific open-source version. Because of this, only companies who partner with Google can use Wear OS.
Why is this an issue? Well, with Android, you have a unique arrangement of devices, not just from the OHA members. Most of the other manufacturers still use the Google Mobile Services, without being members. This is what brought dominance to Android. With Wear OS, only certain partners are using the platform, including deluxe fashion brands, such as Kate Spade. While there are many brands out there which do use the platform, it is still a small fraction of that which uses the smartphone iteration of Android.
The main attraction to Android over many other operating systems is that it consists of devices for an affordable price tag, With Wear OS, a majority of the new devices still consist of a high price point, and each of them are from big names in the wearable technology industry. If any manufacturers want to make devices without Google's services, they would have to start from the AOSP source code. While Wear OS may be getting more compatible with other platforms, and improving over what was formally Android Wear, it still has a long way to go before it can match what its smartphone counterpoint has accomplished.
Friday, April 13, 2018
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
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.
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.
Monday, March 26, 2018
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
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.
Sunday, February 25, 2018
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.
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.
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