Android KitKat build causing NFC issues on Nexus devices

Nexus users seem to be running into trouble with some builds of KitKat operating system. Updating to the new OS causes Near Field Communication or NFC to shut down on their devices once you update to KitKat. It affects Nexus 10 tablets, 2012 and 2013 versions of Nexus 7, Nexus 5, and Nexus 4. The bugs are present in the builds Android 4.4 (KRT16S), Android 4.4.1 (KOT49E), and Android 4.4.2 (KOT49H). Google is working on a fix for this bug and will most likely be remedied by the next firmware release.

The temporary remedy for the issue is to activate airplane mode on the device. It will let NFC work at lease once before the crash loop starts.

Source: Ubergizmo

Google kicks off the 2014 Google Science Fair for students aged 13-18

Google is challenging students aged 13-18 to submit their brilliant ideas for the fourth annual Google Science Fair. Last year, Canadian student Ann Makosinski scored top honours in her age group for her battery-free flashlight.

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ASUS reveals its own Chromebox, also for meetings

ASUS today announced Chromebox for meetings – starting at $999 in the US, this  powerful but compact in-room video solution developed in cooperation with Google.  ASUS Chromebox for meetings includes an ASUS Chromebox powered by a 4th generation Intel Core i7 processor, Logitech 1080P HD video camera, combined microphone and speaker unit from Jabra, Philips remote control, cable accessory kit, and software package.  Designed specifically for the newly launched Chromebox for meetings service from Google, the power of ASUS Chromebox for meetings makes it the perfect solution for businesses, schools or the public sector.  ASUS Chromebox for meetings melds the usability of Google+ Hangouts and the collaborative power of Google Apps for highly productive high-definition video meetings.  It’s built to simplify the meeting experience with easy-to-use yet advanced services that can be setup in minutes.

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Dell and Google collaborate on Chromebox designed for meetings

Google and Dell are working on a Chromebox for meetings that will include a high-definition camera, a combined microphone and speaker unit and a remote control to enable users to quickly connect to a display in a conference room, and recreate the ‘in room’ meeting experience regardless of all participants’ location.

As part of its growing relationship with Google, Dell is developing Dell Chromebox for meetings, an integrated solution designed to help geographically dispersed teams conduct meetings from a large variety of devices, from nearly anywhere, and collaborate ‘face-to-face’ in a virtual environment.

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