Google feels sting of Apple's Beats acquisition, buys Songza

Not one to sit around and wait what Apple and Beats have in store for streaming music fans, Google's gone off and pulled the trigger on Songza. The music streaming and reccomendation service uses playlists created by 'music experts'  such as DJ's and music critics and tries to suit playlists to user's moods. Songza charges a US $ 0.99 weekly fee for ad free version of its service.

A post on Songza's blog states, "Today, we’re thrilled to announce that we’re becoming part of Google. We can’t think of a better company to join in our quest to provide the perfect soundtrack for everything you do. No immediate changes to Songza are planned, other than making it faster, smarter, and even more fun to use." It will be interesting to see what plans Google has of monetizing Songza as well as how they will position it against other popular streaming music services and its own Google Play Music service.

Source: Songza

Google adds Hangouts plugin to Microsoft Outlook

Google is making it easier for office workers to start Hangouts session at work with its new plugin. The Hangouts plugin is designed to let you start or join Hangouts sessions directly in Microsoft Outlook’s mail or calendar functionality. The condition is you would need to have a Google Apps account.

You will need to download and install the Hangouts Plugin. After installing you will then see an icon that lets you schedule a new Hangout or join an existing one. You can find out more information here.

Source: Android Central

Are Nexus devices on the way out at Google in favour of Android Silver?

Is the end coming to Google's Nexus line of devices? Originally designed for developers and early adopters and created by hardware partners like HTC, Samsung and LG, Nexus smartphones carried the very latest versions of the Android while pushing new features and functionalities.

Then came Nexus tablets in 7-inch and 10-inch form factors as a means to push the "Pure Google" experience. Leaker @Evleaks as well as other sources are saying that Nexus devices might be coming to an end. In their place are what are called Android Silver devices. Android Silver is a continuation of the Google Play Editions of devices we've already seen, which are flagship smartphones that run a stock version of Android (sans the usual overlays, crapware and space-clogging widgets). The big difference is that Nexus devices were considered low-cost (yet powerful) devices while Silver migh be focused on premium, or more expensive hardware. It really remains to be seen, we should have a better understanding of where this is all going next month, right around Google I/O.

 Source: @Evleaks, TheNextWeb

Google Glass to go on sale to the public for one day only in the US

Google Glass was previously only available through invitation by Google to developers and 'explorers'. Google recently announced that for one day, anyone based in the US will be able to purchase the latest V2 of the $1500.00 wearable including a frame for prescription glasses or a shade for sunglasses. The deal drops April 15th and you will need to be a US resident with a Google Wallet account. 

"This isn't the same Glass you saw last April. In the past year, we've released nine software updates, 42 Glassware apps, iOS support, prescription frames, and more, all largely shaped by feedback from our Explorers. The Explorer bundle costs $1,500 + tax and includes Glass, charger, pouch, mono earbud, and your choice of a shade or a frame for no additional charge. Check out the styles of frames and shades and pick your favorite."

Then timing of this 'deal' is interesting since Google I/O (and presumably a newer version of Glass) is expected to be demoed. Google is expected to release a consumer version of Glass at a cheaper price later this year.

Source: Google