This week in your world of Android: the HTC One (M8) finally launched, rumors of business features coming to Android surfaced, Google Now hit Chrome, Office for Android went free, Facebook bought VR startup Oculus, and news broke that Google mandates OEMs to use “Powered by Android” on boot screens.
These are the essential stories, the summary of an entire week in just a few words. It’s Android Weekly.
HTC One cometh
Aaand… it’s here, and not a moment too soon. The new HTC One (M8) launched this week, bringing a refined design, better specs, and a bunch of camera tricks. We took it for a quick spin and came back impressed. Here’s what you need to know about HTC’s latest gem.
- HTC One (M8) hands-on and first impressions
- HTC One (M8) availability: what we know so far
- HTC One (M8) vs HTC One (M7) quick look
- Spec Battle: HTC One (M8) vs Samsung Galaxy S5
- Clash of the titans: HTC One (M8) vs the competition
Android for Business
Google wants to tackle the lucrative enterprise sector with its next big Android update, if one report is to be believed. Advanced encryption, biometrics support, and controlled authentication are some of the features that could make Android a hit with businesses.
Google Now jumps to the desktop
Google Now is one of the most interesting features of Android mobile devices, but starting this week anyone can enjoy it from a Chrome browser. From sports results, to weather, to flight information, Now cards will now show up on your desktop.
Office for Android is now free
In a historic decision, Microsoft quietly admitted that withholding Office from users of competing mobile platforms was a mistake, and made the Android version of its productivity suite free for home use.
Powered by Android, mandated by Google
Both the Galaxy S5 and the HTC One (M8) sport a curious Powered by Android inscription on their bootscreens. Coincidence? We think not. Reports from this week claim Google is mandating this change, probably to increase awareness of Android among users.
Zuck goes virtual
Waves of outrage engulfed the interwebs this week, after Facebook acquired it would drop $2 billion to buy Oculus, the maker of virtual reality headsets. Everybody was pinning their hopes for VR in Oculus, but does Zuck taking over means the end? Probably not.
What was the biggest story in Android this week? Tell us in the comments!
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