An Update to Nexus Devices

Security has always been a major focus for Android and Google Play: Android was built from day one with security in mind. <br /><br />For example, the “Application Sandbox” model keeps applications running separately from other apps and the rest of the device to keep your data safe. With Verify Apps, over 1 billion devices are protected via Google Play, which conducts hundreds of millions of antivirus-like security scans of devices per day seamlessly in the background. Also, Android is open source so that anyone can comb through the code to identify and address potential security risks, which makes the platform stronger. In fact, the<a href="http://www.google.com/about/appsecurity/android-rewards/"> Android Security Rewards Program</a> financially rewards security researchers who invest their time and effort in helping make Android more secure. <br /><br />We believe the combination of these approaches has led to there being fewer than 0.15% of devices with any kind of potentially harmful app installed, as long as apps were installed from Google Play. (See more of <a href="https://static.googleusercontent.com/media/source.android.com/en//devices/tech/security/reports/Google_Android_Security_2014_Report_Final.pdf">our research</a>.)<br /><br />An additional approach to further increase the security of Android users involves updates to the device software. For the past three years, we have been notifying Android manufacturers every month through bulletins of security issues so that they can keep their users secure.<br /><br />Nexus devices have always been among the first Android devices to receive platform and security updates. From this week on, Nexus devices will receive regular OTA updates each month focused on security, in addition to the usual platform updates. The first security update of this kind began rolling out today, Wednesday August 5th, to Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10, and Nexus Player. This security update contains fixes for issues in bulletins provided to partners through July 2015, including fixes for the libStageFright issues. At the same time, the fixes will be released to the public via the Android Open Source Project. Nexus devices will continue to receive major updates for at least two years and security patches for the longer of three years from initial availability or 18 months from last sale of the device via the Google Store. <br /><br />Security continues to be a top priority and monthly device updates are yet another tool to make and keep Android users safe.<br /><br /><br />Posted by Adrian Ludwig, Lead Engineer for Android Security, and Venkat Rapaka, Director of Nexus Product Management

Security has always been a major focus for Android and Google Play: Android was built from day one with security in mind. For example, the “...

Google Maps for Android Wear: Put the world on your wrist

Whether you’re exploring a new country or reconnecting with an old neighborhood this summer, Android Wear can help you get timely and local information, directly on your wrist. With an updated <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps&hl=en">Google Maps</a> app and API for Android Wear, it’s now even easier to know where you’re going, while leaving your phone in your pocket or purse.<br /><br /><b>Google Maps for Android Wear</b><br />Just say “Ok Google, navigate to…” to bring up Google Maps’ improved turn-by-turn guidance and full-screen navigation view on your watch. And with <a href="http://officialandroid.blogspot.com/2015/04/android-wear-wear-what-you-want-get.html">always-on screen</a> support, your map view remains on your wrist in battery-saving mode, even when you’re not actively looking at your screen.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFwLs4srGdHPGuHVcOEqGot0kDrSDDsz5BzIutmJFT7SsEG7b3Hdd9pE6y7NmbFC9StBcMN0w5VIcS370ENid2qjBFysU49-HoPstbCpKiSiGFjLLJZZy63k5bCjCLbIMBO1TBJXbfvc/s1600/Google+Maps+on+Android+Wear.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFwLs4srGdHPGuHVcOEqGot0kDrSDDsz5BzIutmJFT7SsEG7b3Hdd9pE6y7NmbFC9StBcMN0w5VIcS370ENid2qjBFysU49-HoPstbCpKiSiGFjLLJZZy63k5bCjCLbIMBO1TBJXbfvc/s640/Google+Maps+on+Android+Wear.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Glanceable maps in lots more apps</b><br />Many travel apps integrate with Google Maps on Android Wear to bring what’s around you to your wrist. Use <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hoteltonight.android.prod&hl=en">HotelTonight</a> to track hotel rates and get notified right on your watch when the price is right. Forgot to pack your toothbrush? <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.priceline.android.negotiator&hl=en">Priceline</a> customers can use Android Wear to locate the closest convenience store. <br /><br />As you stroll through a neighborhood, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joelapenna.foursquared&hl=en">Foursquare</a> will make sure you won’t walk by and miss a restaurant’s legendary burrito. And <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tripadvisor.tripadvisor&hl=en">TripAdvisor</a> will tell you about the city’s best comedy club that you should visit now (or save for tomorrow night, directly from your watch). You’ll blend right in with the locals as you expertly navigate a new city’s public transport with <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.citymapper.app.release&hl=en">Citymapper</a>’s step-by-step directions right on your wrist. <br /><br />No matter how caught up you get in your adventures, be sure to take the time to check-in with your loved ones. With <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glympse.android.glympse&hl=en">Glympse</a> on Android Wear, you won’t even need to take out your phone! And should your vacation inspire bigger life changes, use <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trulia.android&hl=en">Trulia</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zillow.android.zillowmap&hl=en">Zillow</a> to glance at all the home sale listings in your new, beloved neighborhood. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xDS2Z-7m0w6fsLDhEHNCWbePWzuvIs0XZkOcWe2dqT-dO7exvXUTm2Vny5KV1MbjGZQoNHCESDXAJfLaX3I61rHbRVkxJqvpKfUVrVMvqlnjhnUS6lgISmAuWZntGk5ile8cqUXlUo4/s1600/Map+API+Icons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xDS2Z-7m0w6fsLDhEHNCWbePWzuvIs0XZkOcWe2dqT-dO7exvXUTm2Vny5KV1MbjGZQoNHCESDXAJfLaX3I61rHbRVkxJqvpKfUVrVMvqlnjhnUS6lgISmAuWZntGk5ile8cqUXlUo4/s400/Map+API+Icons.png" width="400" /></a></div>No matter where you go, Android Wear lets you stay on track while freeing your hands for an ice-cream cone—or two. So before you hit the road this summer, be sure to pack your <a href="https://store.google.com/category/android_wear">Android Wear watch</a> and your favorite travel apps.<br /><br /><i>Posted by Ben Greenwood, Product Manager, Google Maps</i>

Whether you’re exploring a new country or reconnecting with an old neighborhood this summer, Android Wear can help you get timely and local ...

Android Wear: Always-on apps

<span id="docs-internal-guid-cd3bf97b-2d2e-3592-1aae-ccf191fce4e3"></span><br />Watches tell the time, all the time, helping you stay on track and make quick decisions at a glance. That’s why Android Wear supports always-on screens and <a href="http://officialandroid.blogspot.com/2015/04/android-wear-wear-what-you-want-get.html">always-on apps</a>. You get the info you need as long as you need it, while saving on battery and avoiding arm twists just to wake your display.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdL0Ia7pWGjtF8aY1Dtm2WSoI_7QDcu7JYfde25ns17UkAPpTryel34qHcjQiZgGReA1VzNwDrC6mjyTK92at1R4ypTKnxdkVo0pAIj19R01BtRngp263dtVo5E4Ry4Ke1e8CX_FOhHyM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-25+at+5.16.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdL0Ia7pWGjtF8aY1Dtm2WSoI_7QDcu7JYfde25ns17UkAPpTryel34qHcjQiZgGReA1VzNwDrC6mjyTK92at1R4ypTKnxdkVo0pAIj19R01BtRngp263dtVo5E4Ry4Ke1e8CX_FOhHyM/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-06-25+at+5.16.24+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bring! Shopping List in normal and always-on modes.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Always-on fitness</b><br />Going out for a run? Now, you can keep an eye on distance and pace just by glancing at your watch with <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.endomondo.android">Endomondo</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapmyrun.android2">MapMyRun</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.runtastic.android.pro2">Runtastic</a>. If golf is more your game, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shotzoom.golfshot2">Golfshot</a> gives you accurate distances from tee to pin so you can always grab the right club from your bag.<br /><div><br /></div><b>Always-on productivity</b><br />Competing in your personal weekly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarket_Sweep">supermarket sweep</a>? No need to slow down to bring out a list or phone. Just glance at your watch to see what’s next with <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.publisheria.bring">Bring! Shopping List</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.keep">Google Keep</a>.<br /><br /><b>Always-on travel</b><br /><div>And if you’re catching a flight, apps from <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aa.android&hl=en">American Airlines</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.delta.mobile.android">Delta</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.afklm.mobile.android.gomobile.klm">KLM</a> show you flight status, gate, and seat info right on your wrist. Wearing your boarding pass keeps your phone in your bag and out of the airport lost and found.   <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnr78tq5b9XIGWc6fsfHdwJrIUn5SWG0mjfywg23rnvfWEGHnxr9XGeyAksL9OUHrue5R2eE9Igenhbmuuu2mk1Vdf7S2X6UPCQmCKsHZGMtworxFmaZEF9yyR4rmkjzdWT6Ns3SRwII/s1600/Always-On+Icons3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnr78tq5b9XIGWc6fsfHdwJrIUn5SWG0mjfywg23rnvfWEGHnxr9XGeyAksL9OUHrue5R2eE9Igenhbmuuu2mk1Vdf7S2X6UPCQmCKsHZGMtworxFmaZEF9yyR4rmkjzdWT6Ns3SRwII/s400/Always-On+Icons3.png" width="400" /></a></div><div>With a wide range of <a href="https://store.google.com/category/android_wear">Android Wear watches</a> available in the Google Store, it’s easy to find a watch that matches your personal style. No matter which watch you choose, you’ll always be able to stay on track by keeping important info on your wrist.<br /><br /><i>Posted by Joe LaPenna, Software Engineer and Watchmaker </i></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cd3bf97b-2d2f-756a-9d5b-b64a24bb1667"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></div></div>

Watches tell the time, all the time, helping you stay on track and make quick decisions at a glance. That’s why Android Wear supports always...

Google Play Music free, ad-supported radio

<b>Music for everything you do</b><br /><br />Need some music right now to make whatever you’re doing better? If you’re not already a <a href="http://play.google.com/music?pcampaignid=MKT-DR-na-us-all-OO-oth-mu-Woodstock-Jun2315-1-ogb">Google Play Music</a> subscriber, we’ve now got you covered. Google Play Music now has a free, ad-supported version in the U.S., giving you a new way to find just the right music and giving artists another way to earn revenue. In less time than it takes you to read this sentence, you could be exercising with <a href="https://play.google.com/music/r/m/Le6qmtseiajsn4ievw7ca7edyzq?t=Drop-a-Beat_Workout&pcampaignid=https://play.google.com/music/r/m/Le6qmtseiajsn4ievw7ca7edyzq?t=Drop-a-Beat_Workout&pcampaignid=MKT-DR-na-us-all-OO-oth-mu-Woodstock-Jun2315-1-ogb">Drop-a-Beat Workout</a>, cooling off with <a href="https://play.google.com/music/r/m/Ljv5blejibdzgeuz3ykxvj6lstq?t=Poolside_Chic&MKT-DR-na-us-all-OO-oth-mu-Woodstock-Jun2315-1-ogb">Poolside Chic</a>, or spending quality time with <a href="https://play.google.com/music/r/m/Lcbjmu5ttcxh2xpn3iqhyfq6lxq?t=Songs_to_Raise_Your_Kids_To&pcampaignid=MKT-DR-na-us-all-OO-oth-mu-Woodstock-Jun2315-1-ogb">Songs To Raise Your Kids To</a>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PfnxgN_hztg" width="560"></iframe></div>At any moment in your day, Google Play Music has whatever you need music for—from working, to working out, to working it on the dance floor—and gives you curated radio stations to make whatever you’re doing better. Our team of music experts, including the <a href="http://officialandroid.blogspot.com/2014/10/its-tuesday-morning-play-music-for.html">folks who created Songza</a>, crafts each station song by song so you don’t have to. If you’re looking for something specific, you can browse our curated stations by genre, mood, decade or activity, or you can search for your favorite artist, album or song to instantly create a station of similar music.<br /><br />We hope you’ll enjoy it so much that you’ll consider <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?signup=1&pcampaignid=MKT-DR-na-us-all-OO-oth-mu-Woodstock-Jun2315-1-ogb">subscribing to Google Play Music</a> to play without ads, take your music offline, create your own playlists, and listen to any of the 30 million songs in our library on any device and as much as you’d like. You’ll also get ad-free, offline and background features for music videos on YouTube. And with or without a subscription, you can store and play up to 50,000 songs from your own collection for free. <br /><br />To help you get started, check out the top 10 most popular activities on Google Play Music, with each offering several radio stations to choose from based on what you like:<br /><ol><li><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?#/situations/Nfntvi7bkdoahkelnzhkcfbssta">Brand New Music</a></li><li><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?#/situations/Noo6txgmvk4g6w2nkibtw73tava">Driving</a></li><li><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?#/situations/Nx4irkig4433fxk2lznnjy2s2rq">Working Out</a></li><li><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?#/situations/Ns5an4xuue6qx5qiracklpsov6e">Boosting Your Energy</a></li><li><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?#/situations/Nyw5krlsrrgdwrvbg43jtgdskoe">Having Friends Over</a></li><li><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?#/situations/Nwd4j2bj5rwcq5ldk2leibt3omq">Having Fun at Work</a></li><li><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?#/situations/Nrklpcyfewwrmodvtds5qlfp5ve">Entering Beast Mode</a></li><li><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?#/situations/Nvebcyehu27pe5cfvft4lzhb3fe">Waking Up Happy</a></li><li><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?#/situations/Nngxoshsi6rtt6d3prvqktcth34">Unwinding</a></li><li><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?#/situations/N6odh6iqzl267xwen3thwhr6nm4">Bedtime</a></li></ol><div>The new free, ad-supported version of Google Play Music is launching first in the U.S. It’s available on the <a href="http://play.google.com/music">web</a> today, and is rolling out this week to <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.music&hl=en">Android</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-play-music/id691797987?mt=8">iOS</a>. And while you’re checking it all out, we’ll be catching up on our <a href="https://play.google.com/music/r/m/Lj7guwddznce3uza7ox5w5ahruy?t=Blogged_50">Blogged 50</a>. <br /><br /><i>Posted by Elias Roman, product manager</i></div>

Music for everything you do Need some music right now to make whatever you’re doing better? If you’re not already a Google Play Music subsc...

Android Wear: New watch faces from around the world

Ever wish you could change your look throughout the day? With <a href="http://www.android.com/wear">Android Wear</a>, fashion is equal parts physical and digital. Now, in addition to our growing <a href="https://store.google.com/category/android_wear">collection of watches</a>, you can also pick from 1500+ downloadable watch faces to match any outfit, mood, or occasion.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_mQx_UNx2vOfcUN9R_uYtqmKxUuTIPXGqD-n3z-h5IsziNrsMjsK4wSVUOClPPBmbLKvo9HSCsaNp912ywriMy1WIo58-9LjWMEGuj7dhMmz_ab2fEmquNs0tnjHHENOqgEMTwwmjuc/s1600/watches-3840x2160_rev+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_mQx_UNx2vOfcUN9R_uYtqmKxUuTIPXGqD-n3z-h5IsziNrsMjsK4wSVUOClPPBmbLKvo9HSCsaNp912ywriMy1WIo58-9LjWMEGuj7dhMmz_ab2fEmquNs0tnjHHENOqgEMTwwmjuc/s640/watches-3840x2160_rev+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><div>Today, we’re showcasing <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_3001892_wear_new_watch_faces">17 new watch faces</a> from all over the globe—from the adorable characters of Angry Birds, Hello Kitty, and Moomin, to the elegant accessories of Cynthia Rowley, Lulu Frost, and Triwa, to eye-catching brands and artists like Bang & Olufsen, Muji, and Kevin Tong.<br /><br />So whether you’re into games or glamour, you’re sure to find a watch face that lets you wear what you want.</div><style type="text/css"> .carousel-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 70%; height: 0; } .carousel-container iframe { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } </style> <div class="carousel-container"><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VHWC5yrjl196wvYB9GKQd-c2jwhmkmNnzChJhN4q6go/embed?start=false&loop=true&delayms=3000" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br /></div></div><br /><div><br><i>Posted by Feng Yuan Xu, Product Marketing Manager, Android Wear </i></div>

Ever wish you could change your look throughout the day? With Android Wear , fashion is equal parts physical and digital. Now, in addition t...

You say you want a mobile revolution...

<div><div><i>(Cross posted on the <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/io-2015-mobile-revolution.html">Official Google Blog</a>)</i></div><div><br /></div>This morning, more than 6,000 developers descended on San Francisco’s Moscone Center to burn through 1,500 gallons of coffee and join millions of others via live stream for our 8th annual Google I/O—a time to fill people in on what we’ve been building recently, and how we’re tackling the future. </div><br /><b>Android growth and momentum</b><br />In just a short number of years, mobile technology has completely changed the way we find information and entertainment, communicate with friends and family, and get things done. Having a supercomputer in our pocket is now second nature; today more searches on Google come from mobile than from desktop computers, and by <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/there-are-officially-more-mobile-devices-than-people-in-the-world-9780518.html">some estimates</a> there are more mobile devices than there are people on the planet. For evidence of the mobile revolution, look no further than the growth of Android. There are now more than one billion Android users worldwide—a long way from when we launched the first Android phone back in 2008. And there are 4,000 unique Android devices on the market, from more than 400 manufacturers and over 500 carriers.<br /><br />The devices themselves have changed a lot, too. In today’s multi-screen world, you can now use Android on your phone, your tablet, your wrist, in your car and in your living room, and move seamlessly between each. Many of these new form factors have arrived just in the last year. You can now choose from seven different Android Wear watches, not to mention bands, styles, and more than 1,500 watch faces built by developers.<br /><br />By the end of this year, 35 car models will offer Android Auto, helping you access Search, Maps, music and other information through your car’s controls. And the first sets running Android TV have now arrived. <br /><br />With all of these new places and devices for people to use Android, developers have even more opportunities to build the apps that people use for education and engagement and entertainment. So today we talked about the new tools and features we’re giving them to build more powerful experiences on the Android platform.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEKgz7Hw1pEeULb08m5uYQOdFxmpknZajctaArNk1OeXXhRF9GbLFLdPJm_XCzMzb7x1CwekMpG9GjTHoXJPp2CYHGZduIjVqL9ByaNxa894GNHGRH08YhpXM71gB1vaEwCj9J2SLXkg/s1600/device-lineup-2015.001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEKgz7Hw1pEeULb08m5uYQOdFxmpknZajctaArNk1OeXXhRF9GbLFLdPJm_XCzMzb7x1CwekMpG9GjTHoXJPp2CYHGZduIjVqL9ByaNxa894GNHGRH08YhpXM71gB1vaEwCj9J2SLXkg/s640/device-lineup-2015.001.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><b>M is for more performance and an improved user experience</b><br /><a href="http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2015/05/android-m-developer-preview-tools.html">Android M</a> is the most powerful Android release yet, with <a href="http://android.com/">hundreds</a> of improvements made to the platform. Among the highlights, we’ve improved battery life and streamlined permissions for apps to make it easier for you to decide what information the apps on your phone can use. We previewed <a href="http://officialandroid.blogspot.com/2015/05/pay-your-way-with-android.html">Android Pay</a>, which lets you pay for things with your phone, without even opening an app. And we’re making it much easier to find information in apps, as well as making some important updates to Google Now (more on that below!).<br /><br /><b>Organizing the world’s information, better</b><br />Your mobile phone packs a lot of information, but it’s not always easy to find that nugget of information when you need it—as you know if you’ve ever tried to navigate your email, organize hundreds of photos across devices, or search for restaurant reviews when you’re chatting about dinner plans with friends. Luckily, finding and organizing information is something Google is good at (some might even call it our <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=google%20mission">mission</a>). <br /><br />So as part of M release, we’re expanding <a href="http://insidesearch.blogspot.com/2015/05/now-on-tap.html">Google Now</a> to give people on-demand assistance in the moment they need it—like seeing if there’s an open table at a new restaurant or when and where “Pitch Perfect 2” is playing—no matter where you are on your phone. We’re also making it much easier to <a href="http://insidesearch.blogspot.com/2014/06/more-apps-in-google-searchnow-even.html">find new apps and in-app content</a>—which is good news for both users and developers.<br /><br />We’ve also put our years of research into machine learning to work in other ways, making Search more useful and your <a href="http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/thanks-to-you-inbox-by-gmail-is-now.html">inbox more insightful</a>. And now it’s also helping you make sense of all your photos. Today we launched a <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/picture-this-fresh-approach-to-photos.html">new Photos app</a> that gives you a single place for all your photos and videos, and helps you sort through them more quickly, bring them to life in cool new ways, and share them however you choose.<br /><br /><b>A new platform for the Internet of Things</b><br />We’re surrounded by devices, but they often exist independently of each other. Our day-to-day lives will be much simpler when these technologies can talk to each other—if our recipe app, for example, could communicate with our smart oven to turn the temperature to exactly the right setting. ​Or outside the home—from transportation systems that notify commuters of schedule changes, to farms where harvesters and irrigation systems are controlled from phones. ​<br /><br />But many roadblocks remain—the user experience is inconsistent and confusing, manufacturers often redo their work for every device, devices don’t interoperate, and developers often have no way to create great experiences across devices.<br /><br />Enter <a href="http://developers.google.com/brillo">Project Brillo</a>, a new platform derived from Android that lets developers and manufacturers build connected devices. As part of Brillo, we’re introducing a communications protocol (Weave) developed in partnership with Nest, a set of developer APIs, a core set of schemas and a certification program to ensure device and app interoperability.<br /><br />Although it will launch later this year, we previewed Brillo today because we’re committed to fostering a vibrant ecosystem in which we all work together to move the industry forward.<br /><br /><b>New mobile experiences</b><br />Mobile has evolved so much in the past few years, with connected screens for different experiences depending on your needs. But we are just at the start of what will prove to be a much more immersive mobile experience. At last year’s I/O we introduced <a href="http://g.co/cardboard">Cardboard</a>, which lets you turn your phone into a virtual reality experience. Now there are more than 500 <a href="http://g.co/cardboardapps">Cardboard apps</a> for film, games, tours and learning, and more than 1 million Cardboard viewers have been shipped. Today we announced iOS support for developers and debuted <a href="http://g.co/expeditions">Google Expeditions</a>, which lets students take virtual trips with Cardboard to places like the moon and underwater. We also shared a preview of <a href="http://g.co/jump">Jump</a>, which lets you capture the world in video that you can step inside of. <br /><br /><b>The next billion users</b><br />The first billion users of the Internet came online through desktops. The next billion are taking a different path to computing—coming online through mobile and smartphones—and present a unique set of opportunities and challenges. We’re working hard on ensure these people have a great experience across our products. <br /><br />In addition to making devices more affordable with <a href="https://www.google.com/chromebook/">Chromebooks</a> and <a href="https://www.android.com/intl/en_us/one/">Android One</a> (now in seven countries), we’re making changes to ensure that our software works even where there aren’t great Internet connections. We’ve launched a <a href="https://plus.google.com/+google/posts/XZo6qgrNDE9">streamlined version of our Search results page</a> in 13 countries, and 73 million people now use <a href="https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2392284?hl=en">data saver mode</a> in Chrome to browse the web more efficiently. Finally, we previewed the new offline maps—that’s right, and it’s as simple as it sounds—maps that you can take offline, even with turn-by-turn directions.<br /><br /><b>Solving complex problems for a mobile world</b><br />From our earliest days in Search, our aim has always been to build products for everyone, applying unique technical insight to tackle big problems. That’s just as relevant in today’s mobile-centric world—from finding the information scattered across apps, to helping someone organize and share the photos of their kids; from taking people on a virtual trip to the Pyramids to helping the next billion people come online.<br /><br />And by providing a platform on top of which any developer can innovate, we can reach people around the world and put the power of the Internet in their hands—no matter what device they use, where they live or who they are.<br /><br />So here’s to the mobile revolution. We can’t wait to see what comes next.</div><br /><i>Posted by Sundar Pichai, Senior Vice President, Products</i></div>

(Cross posted on the  Official Google Blog ) This morning, more than 6,000 developers descended on San Francisco’s Moscone Center to burn th...

A new way for the whole family to play

Whether you’re trying to entertain a toddler on a crowded plane, encourage your child’s newfound love of reading or simply find a movie for the whole family to enjoy, finding the right content should be just a tap or two away. Parents want the best for their kids, but when it comes to digital entertainment, it can be difficult to know what to look for. <br /><br />Starting today, we’re making it easier to find great <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/category/FAMILY">family-friendly content on Google Play</a>. Parents can now find family destinations across the Play store, with new features for browsing by age and interests. We’re also providing more useful information about apps and content on Google Play and improved tools so you can decide what’s right for your family. <br /><br /><b>Follow the family star</b><br />On the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps">Apps</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/category/GAME">Games</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/movies">Movies & TV</a> homepages, you can now tap the Family button<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333333333333px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">to browse our new family-friendly experiences. On the </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books">Books</a> homepage, tap the Children’s Books button. Since toddlers and tweens have different interests and abilities, these pages let you browse by age range to find content that’s the best fit for your family. Whether your child is still l<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_agerange1_3001735_shapescolors_0to5">earning shapes and colors</a>, or is getting into <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/collection/promotion_1001552_judy_moody">more scrapes than Judy Moody</a>, you’ll find inspiring ideas for every age. What’s more -- top charts, recommendations, and even searches from family homepages are filtered to our family-friendly catalog.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL5m8dsasi2CAq8C1kVlXQSjGSwK69zilBbo0E8cbTm-Q89oojgGYykoJ6_Eqi3Jzq_ztQYWDV9pNE5oqJ9ZnbgPuLUOMK0QtI40VsPIv9EFsqVkfdgWAsNY647Z4_-NRE6xQko1zBPs/s1600/Google+Play+family+screen+trio.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL5m8dsasi2CAq8C1kVlXQSjGSwK69zilBbo0E8cbTm-Q89oojgGYykoJ6_Eqi3Jzq_ztQYWDV9pNE5oqJ9ZnbgPuLUOMK0QtI40VsPIv9EFsqVkfdgWAsNY647Z4_-NRE6xQko1zBPs/s320/Google+Play+family+screen+trio.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>Play with your favorite characters</b><br />For many of us, childhood memories include at least one favorite character: a plucky personality from a book, the superhero from a movie or a beloved stuffed animal. Characters are just as relevant today, and Lego, Barbie and other kids and family brands are some of the most popular searches on Google Play. To help you browse Google Play content around a favorite character, we’ve created special pages featuring dozens of top characters from across the globe, like <a href="https://play.google.com/store/info/topic?id=pbs_kids">PBS KIDS</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/info/topic?id=pororo">Pororo</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/info/topic?id=peppa_pig">Peppa Pig</a>. From the Play store app, take a tour through all of our popular characters to find apps, movies, books and more from your family’s favorites.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOmvc00z6SX1KABpm7RVvHpmQL24aVXbqBZINhSSSSat9MLeXruETyyqpg5eMamn8gX8HPZSpwTwVb1WhXAusSEYQkuXPa2hn8yuLMO2bZel1q6SkZ3j_faerjhGfK7l12WRqsiG85Cs/s1600/Google+Play+character+page+trio.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOmvc00z6SX1KABpm7RVvHpmQL24aVXbqBZINhSSSSat9MLeXruETyyqpg5eMamn8gX8HPZSpwTwVb1WhXAusSEYQkuXPa2hn8yuLMO2bZel1q6SkZ3j_faerjhGfK7l12WRqsiG85Cs/s320/Google+Play+character+page+trio.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>Empowering parents</b><br />When it comes to finding content on Google Play, our goal is to empower parents by giving them practical information and better tools for making decisions. Our new family star badges convey the specific age range that an app, movie or book was designed for. On our app detail pages, you’ll now find a new label telling you when family apps are ad-supported and new locally relevant content maturity ratings. Finally, Google Play has updated parental controls, so you can restrict downloads, purchases or streaming of mature content. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6Nug7MwZQ5sHajtugkzJW40mGYAvoI-nSiy6h6tkTO88dsOArsLPcY_7S4kCX27x9JH0eaYVI_RNIDtp-ZmD9BdgsP5T7yTbJoxRhH7cUju5LYiXoGSKrIXxX1FjWfmxarfV_71tNrI/s1600/Google+Play+app+listing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6Nug7MwZQ5sHajtugkzJW40mGYAvoI-nSiy6h6tkTO88dsOArsLPcY_7S4kCX27x9JH0eaYVI_RNIDtp-ZmD9BdgsP5T7yTbJoxRhH7cUju5LYiXoGSKrIXxX1FjWfmxarfV_71tNrI/s320/Google+Play+app+listing.png" width="320" /></a></div>We’re rolling out the new family discovery experience over the next couple weeks, and many of the best-known brands in family entertainment are celebrating along with us. Check out our <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_familysafe_30017ae_exclusives">featured collection</a> of new and exclusive content, including Legacy Games’ <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.legacygames.djmixer">Crayola DJ</a>, TabTale’s <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tabtale.cutiepatooties">Cutie Patootie</a>, Speakaboos’ <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.speakaboos.google.musical_day_for_percy&hl=en">Thomas’s Musical Day for Percy</a>, The Jim Henson Company’s <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dhxmedia.doozersreadandplay">Doozers-Play Along Stories</a>, and more -- just a tap or two away. <br /><br /><i>Posted by Eunice Kim, on behalf of the Google Play team</i>

Whether you’re trying to entertain a toddler on a crowded plane, encourage your child’s newfound love of reading or simply find a movie for ...