Android news # 46: Google smartphones and offline Google Maps – Android Planet

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Google will possibly create smartphones

Roughly one year after the sale of Motorola, Google would consider internal plans for the developing its own smartphone. By creating a smartphone, will the search giant improve its competitive position relative to Apple. The recently released Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P were still made by LG and Huawei, but that will be possible in the future to change. By developing a Google smartphone and bring the company would get more control over the platform and software updates. Only Nexus phones, Google has control over when visiting updates for other devices, the company is dependent on manufacturers. That has meant that Android also anno 2015 is still quite fragmented.

Offline Navigation Google Maps is finally usable

Google has started rolling out full offline functionality for Google Maps, so you without the (mobile) Internet can include spoken turn-by-turn navigation and search features of the maps app. The offline mode of Maps works seamlessly with the online mode, so you as a user do not notice when you are navigating and drops the data connection. You can still share maps local store, where all data (with the exception of photos, and user reviews) is included. If you navigate offline, the average travel time will be displayed. Once you go online, are also displayed any delays on your route. That way you know exactly when you arrive somewhere

HTC One X9:. Picture, specs and possible release leaked

The HTC One A9 has just appeared, but may get a quick successor in the form of the HTC One X9. This week turned up a press photo of the device and previously leaked all possible specs and release out. The HTC One X 9 would feature a 5.5-inch full-HD display (1920 by 1080 pixels), octacore 2.2GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB of storage and a 3000 mAh battery. Photos are shot with a 13 megapixel -camera at the rear and a 5 megapixel front camera. Earlier it was discussed a metal unibody, but possibly HTC choose other materials to reduce costs. It seems however that the X9 is cheaper than the A9, which 599 euro cost.

Android Wear shortly supports Whatsapp and Dutch language

It seems that Android Wear smart watches may soon operate in Dutch. Instructions for this are found in the apk file of the current Android Wear update. Furthermore, it seems that playing sound and take calls on your Android Wear speakerphone finally an option. Among others, the LG Watch Urbane (second edition) contains speakers that should make this possible. Messages sent via WhatsApp, WeChat, Viber, Telegram and Next Plus also finally possible by voice or the touch screen. This week it was also announced that Android Wear receive support for SIM cards.

Google takes YouTube Music app for Android

Google previously released YouTube Gaming app and now comes with an app which is totally focused on music. With YouTube Music you can listen to songs from the entire music catalog of video service. The app uses a different interface, making videos, songs, albums and artists are easier to find. Music videos are played sequentially but do not stop playing when the screen of an Android is locked. YouTube Music is essentially distinct from YouTube Red. However, users of Red access to some exclusive features. This makes it possible for them to watch videos without commercials and movies store, to view them later offline. YouTube Music is currently only available in the United States.