LG debuts Android Wear-powered G Watch

Just in time for Google I/O, LG has introduced its G Watch, an Android Wear-powered smartwatch. This wearable device is much like those out on the market that lets users give a quick peek at the contents of their smartphones. But Android Wear adds more functionality with the card-based UI that shows information it deems important for you. The G Watch also comes with voice recognition so you don’t even need to press any buttons to activate it (not that you have buttons to press on this smartwatch). Just remember the magic words: “Ok Google.”

It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and is built with an Always-On 1.65-inch IPS display. The device connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It is dust- and water-resistant for up to 30 minutes to a depth of one metre thanks to its IP67 Ingress Protection rating. It will be available in Black Titan or White Gold and can be customized with any standard 22mm strap. You can now pre-order the smartwatch here in Canada. The price has not yet been revealed but according to Engadget, it is $229 in the US.

Twitter is experimenting on including a dedicated WhatsApp share button on Android

Twitter users in India have been seeing a new experimental feature in the company’s Android app. The Next Web reports screenshots have shown a dedicated WhatsApp share button appearing on top of the screen, near the current share button, and next to the search icon. WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum has previously said India was a fast-growing market for their platform so it makes sense why Twitter will test that feature out there. We do not know yet how many users are testing out this new feature or if this will make it past the experimental phase.

Google+ lets you re-edit your edited photos

Confused? Well, it’s much simpler than the title of this entry. Google+ Photos is giving users the ability to return to the previous edits you’ve done on your photos. It also keeps the original image intact so you don’t have to worry about your image getting “destroyed.” For example, you can keep the frame choice you selected for a previously edited image and adjust brightness and contrast. You just need to open “Edits” on the Chrome editor to adjust the edits you have previously made.

According to Engadget, it currently only works on Chrome. But iOS, Android, and Chrome will be getting the new Auto Awesome Effects that stylizes your image when you upload it. Of course, you can remove this edit, too, if you don’t like it.

Nokia debuts launcher for Android

Introducing Z Launcher from Nokia Z Launcher on Vimeo.

Seems like Nokia wants to make its presence felt in the Android scene. Although, it comes in the form of a new launcher. It’s not that we need another Android home screen replacement but if you want a piece of Nokia on your Android, the Nokia Z launcher is an option. Like other home screen replacements, it shows you your frequently-used applications, sites, and contacts. It even lets you draw the first letter on the screen to draw up a set of results.

Nokia has only tested it first the Nexus 5 and Samsung Galaxy S models. The app is currently in limited pre-beta release and there are currently no downloads of the app available. You can watch this space for any announcements.

Source: Engadget