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Google I/O, Android location privacy and Netflix on Android
#13 | 6:01 |
Wednesday May 18, 2011
Android Weekly
Wednesday May 18, 2011
Every year, Google invites developers to attend Google I/O to learn where the big G sees things going. Android has never been better represented than it was this year. We take a look at some of the most interesting Android announcements coming out of Google I/O. We'll cover some some of these developments in-depth in coming episodes, most specifically, Ice Cream Sandwich, the tablet and smartphone Android OS, coming later this year.
We check back in on the location data debacle that has privacy pundits crying foul. Senator Al Franken stepped into the fray, holding a hearing that saw Google and Apple both testifying on location data stored in smartphones and how it's used.
We also look at the Android version of the Netflix app finally bringing streaming Netflix movies and TV shows to Android... at least, a select few Android handsets.
Finally, Kate Abraham brings us her review of the Air Control Lite game.
We check back in on the location data debacle that has privacy pundits crying foul. Senator Al Franken stepped into the fray, holding a hearing that saw Google and Apple both testifying on location data stored in smartphones and how it's used.
We also look at the Android version of the Netflix app finally bringing streaming Netflix movies and TV shows to Android... at least, a select few Android handsets.
Finally, Kate Abraham brings us her review of the Air Control Lite game.
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Big announcements at Google I/O
Google I/O is mecca and nerdvana for dedicated Google devs and this year's get together featured more than its fair share of Android announcements.
First off, here's yet another reason we're bummed we couldn't go. Every one of the 5,000+ developers that attended the Android sessions walked away with a new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
If nothing else, hopefully that'll help to close the wage disparity that exists between Android and iOS developers that we talked about in episode nine.
We heard some details of Ice Cream Sandwich, the next Android rev that should hit in Q4 of this year. Ice Cream Sandwich is planned as the one Android OS for smartphones and tablets both. There are plenty of interesting developments for Ice Cream Sandwich; we'll cover it in depth in a coming episode.
Google announced a new movie rental service for Android 2.2 and better (link only works in the USA - sorry rest of the world). We're not clear how this differs from YouTube (another Google property) and the YouTube rental service it announced. I can't imagine Google is looking to stock and support two distinct movie and TV rental services... but I suppose stranger things have happened.
Perhaps the biggest thing that happened at Google I/O; Android assembled the so-called Android Alliance. This hastily assembled collective felt very last minute. In fact, an industry insider we spoke to recently said it felt a bit like the bum's rush, especially given the scope of the commitment. Basically, the first rule of Android Alliance is you guarantee timely Android updates for devices for no fewer than 18 months. We've always been proponents of stock Android, free of TouchWiz, Sense, MotoBlur et. al. for the sole reason that stock is the only way to ensure you get Android updates expediently. This Android Alliance should mean that all devices get updates close to the time they're released.
Incidentally, the second rule of the Android Alliance is, always assemble awesome alliterations.
Google and Apple get Grilled
Senator Al Franken of one-time SNL fame (but now, it must be pointed out, a politician of conspicuous merit) took Google and Apple to task, asking them to first explain and then to justify the way they collect, store and use the wealth of personally identifying location data their smartphones grab.
Both companies downplayed the data collection, saying that the location information was not personally identifiable, that it's not accessible to third parties like application developers (though it's apparently not encrypted in either iOS or Android), and that the purpose the data serves justifies its collection. Specifically, the location data pinpoints cell towers and other access points such to make for a more reliable cellular connection and a faster GPS fix.
The conversation ended up touching on much more than just storing location data though to touch on third-party apps and how personal information collected can be used. Franken urged Google and Apple both to make their developers adhere to a strict personal information privacy policy. Neither party jumped at the opportunity, but at least there's a dialogue happening... that's something I guess.
Netflix on Android
Netflix is not new on Android. I've had it for at least a couple of months. Not sure why; it has proven itself completely useless given that, until recently, it couldn't stream video.
Now, Netflix is officially here and working... at least if you own a Nexus One or S or a select HTC phone. Specifically, the Evo 4G, G2 or HTC Incredible. The update is also US-only so if you meet this rather exacting criteria, hit up the Android Market and grab the app.
It's pretty standard stuff for Netflix: Play any movie or TV show from the streaming service, pause and resume or even pick up where you left off on another device.
Cutting edge... assuming you've never used Netflix on an iOS device, where Netflix with full streaming has been a mainstay in the App Store for quite some time.
Still, it's an improvement over Netflix's previous position which sounded like Netflix streaming would only ever work on Android phones with a Qualcom processor inside.
Review of the Day
Air Control Lite
Free
Google I/O is mecca and nerdvana for dedicated Google devs and this year's get together featured more than its fair share of Android announcements.
First off, here's yet another reason we're bummed we couldn't go. Every one of the 5,000+ developers that attended the Android sessions walked away with a new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
If nothing else, hopefully that'll help to close the wage disparity that exists between Android and iOS developers that we talked about in episode nine.
We heard some details of Ice Cream Sandwich, the next Android rev that should hit in Q4 of this year. Ice Cream Sandwich is planned as the one Android OS for smartphones and tablets both. There are plenty of interesting developments for Ice Cream Sandwich; we'll cover it in depth in a coming episode.
Google announced a new movie rental service for Android 2.2 and better (link only works in the USA - sorry rest of the world). We're not clear how this differs from YouTube (another Google property) and the YouTube rental service it announced. I can't imagine Google is looking to stock and support two distinct movie and TV rental services... but I suppose stranger things have happened.
Perhaps the biggest thing that happened at Google I/O; Android assembled the so-called Android Alliance. This hastily assembled collective felt very last minute. In fact, an industry insider we spoke to recently said it felt a bit like the bum's rush, especially given the scope of the commitment. Basically, the first rule of Android Alliance is you guarantee timely Android updates for devices for no fewer than 18 months. We've always been proponents of stock Android, free of TouchWiz, Sense, MotoBlur et. al. for the sole reason that stock is the only way to ensure you get Android updates expediently. This Android Alliance should mean that all devices get updates close to the time they're released.
Incidentally, the second rule of the Android Alliance is, always assemble awesome alliterations.
Google and Apple get Grilled
Senator Al Franken of one-time SNL fame (but now, it must be pointed out, a politician of conspicuous merit) took Google and Apple to task, asking them to first explain and then to justify the way they collect, store and use the wealth of personally identifying location data their smartphones grab.
Both companies downplayed the data collection, saying that the location information was not personally identifiable, that it's not accessible to third parties like application developers (though it's apparently not encrypted in either iOS or Android), and that the purpose the data serves justifies its collection. Specifically, the location data pinpoints cell towers and other access points such to make for a more reliable cellular connection and a faster GPS fix.
The conversation ended up touching on much more than just storing location data though to touch on third-party apps and how personal information collected can be used. Franken urged Google and Apple both to make their developers adhere to a strict personal information privacy policy. Neither party jumped at the opportunity, but at least there's a dialogue happening... that's something I guess.
Netflix on Android
Netflix is not new on Android. I've had it for at least a couple of months. Not sure why; it has proven itself completely useless given that, until recently, it couldn't stream video.
Now, Netflix is officially here and working... at least if you own a Nexus One or S or a select HTC phone. Specifically, the Evo 4G, G2 or HTC Incredible. The update is also US-only so if you meet this rather exacting criteria, hit up the Android Market and grab the app.
It's pretty standard stuff for Netflix: Play any movie or TV show from the streaming service, pause and resume or even pick up where you left off on another device.
Cutting edge... assuming you've never used Netflix on an iOS device, where Netflix with full streaming has been a mainstay in the App Store for quite some time.
Still, it's an improvement over Netflix's previous position which sounded like Netflix streaming would only ever work on Android phones with a Qualcom processor inside.
Review of the Day
Air Control Lite
Free
App of the day
QANUN iPhone
Ths applcaton allows you to play the Turksh and arabc classcal nstrument qanun on your...
