Insights For Success

Strategy, Innovation, Leadership and Security

Nexus

Google is cheating Nexus users, should you trust the new Pixel?

GeneralEdward Kiledjian

I am an open-minded technologist that uses both Android and iPhone. The one thing I love about the iPhone is that there is no carrier bloat and system updates are released almost immediately to all iPhone owners. 

Android is fragmented with thousands of devices from hundreds of manufacturers all trying to be a little different (skins and apps), most sold through carriers also trying to make their mark with their own unremovable apps. Add to that the fact that an official Google android update may never make it to your device because of the manufacturer or carrier and you start having migraines. 

Google tried to fix all of that by selling unlocked devices with vanilla android called. These devices weren't always the fastest, slimmest, prettiest or cheapest but they came with the promise of fast updates. This became doubly important in the age of everything being hacked.

Naturally the most ardent supporters of the platform flocked to the Nexus line and things were good. Until last week when Google announced their new line of Google branded unlocked vanilla OS Android phones called the Pixel. At first glance the Pixel stole the show with its all Google design and innovative new features (Google Assistant, computational photography, etc). Think about that. Google's new line is replacing the old Nexus line. But who cares is they changed the name, Nexus devices always receive the latest updates. Right? Nexus will receive the new Pixel powering Android 7.1... Right?

 Yes it will but not right away. Google will release it on the Pixel devices this month but Nexus owners will  receive it sometime before the end of the year. So the new OS is good enough for the shiny new thing but not for your old grimey Nexus. 

Many Nexus owners I have spoken to are upset that the promise of rapid regular updates has changed due to Google's new product direction. To make things worse, when the new 7.1 OS does come to Nexus devices, it will be missing some cool new software features like Google Assistant everywhere, the new Pixel launcher, the new camera app and some other aesthetic tweaks. 

I'm sure some of the missing features (software based ones) will eventually come to the Nexus but this shows a clear change in direction at Google. The move to Pixel seems to be a first push to take back control of Android and likely isn't the last change we will see. My assumption is that Chrome OS and Android will likely disappear and Google will make a real time Operating System (non linux based like Google Fuchsia). 

If you are a Nexus owner, how do you feel?

Google deploying SPAM call protection to some Nexus devices

GeneralEdward Kiledjian

Nexus One image by closari used under Creative Commons License

Google's quest to squash SPAM isn't stopping with email. The sultan of search is now pushing an update to some Nexus and Google One devices to warn users when they receive a potentially SPAM call.

The feature allows you to block the number or report it. The Use caller ID & spam protection will be turned on by default. 

The feature was launched with a post on the Nexus Google+ forum.. Yes Google+... Yes THAT Google+.

“
Spam callers be gone! Today, we’re beginning to update your Google Phone app with spam protection on #Nexus and #AndroidOne devices to warn you about potential spam callers and give you the ability to block and report these numbers. If you already have Caller ID turned on, spam protection will be available on your phone once your app updates to the latest version.”
— Google

WayTools TextBlade may be the ultimate portable keyboard

technologyEdward Kiledjian

Truth is typing on a slab of glass just isn't efficient. Even with the larger iPhone 6 plus, iPad mini or Ipad Air 2, typing is acceptable at fast. Typing on glass is much slower than typing on a traditional keyboard (because of the tactile response which means you don't have to look at the keyboard). 

Over the last 20 years, I have tried hundreds of portable keyboard and only a small handful have actually been "good" or usable in the field. Now a company called WayTools is launching a brand new ultra compact portable bluetooth keyboard called the TextBlade. [Since it is bluetooth, it works with all modern smartphones and tablets including iPhone, iPad, Samsung, HTC, Nexus and more).

Announced at CES, it is a 3 piece keyboard that magnetically attaches to itself. It charges using any USB port and the company claims you get 1 month of autonomy with a 1 hour charge. 

The company describes the TextBlade as:

“TextBlade is brimming with advanced technology, including the World’s first physical MultiTouch Keys, ultra low energy Bluetooth Smart, and the first MultiLayer Keys, bringing symbols and editing to home row ... all engineered into the most compact touch-type machine ever produced.”
— WayTools

WayTools TextBlade uses the same QWERTY layout we all know and love but adds smart functions like copy/paste, easy letter, word or sentence selection, etc.

I can't judge it until I test one for a couple of weeks but I am very much interested and intrigued. If this works as advertised, it may turn out to be a huge win for the company and mobile productivity nuts.