Was actual price Google paid for Motorola less than $2 billion?

A few days ago Google announced that it was selling the set-top box division of Motorola to ARRIS for a combined stock and cash price of $2.35 billion. This event has triggered a look back at the original purchase of Motorola by Google for a publicized price of $12.5 billion by the folks over atForbes. According to their analysts, two items of value can be backed out of the original purchase price.

The first is the set-top box division which we now know was worth $2.35 billion. The second are tax savings that Google will realize as a result of Motorola’s losses. Robert Willens, a New York tax expert, has estimated Google will be able to offset the Motorola losses against Google’s own profits to the tune of $1.7 billion initially and $700 million annually through 2019. By Forbes calculations, that brings the price down to $1.5 billion. My own calculations come up with $2.85 billion.

Whatever the final number is, we are closer to being able to assign a value to the patents that Motorola owned, which were the main target of Google’s acquisition.

source: Forbes

Google helping users avoid bad ad clicks with confirmation feature

“Fat finger” users can breathe a tiny bit easier this evening as Google has introduced a new confirmed clicks feature. According to Allen Huang, Product Manager for Google’s Mobile Display Ads team, the new feature will be active for all in-app image ad banners. The new functionality will prompt users to confirm their intent to follow an ad link.

Huang indicates the new feature follows the work of the Mobile Display Ads team to improve the user experience when dealing with text ads. With the text ad banners, when clicking on a blue button, the user would go to the advertised item’s site. However, clicking on the text brings up a prompt asking the user if that really was their intent.

Research by Huang’s team found that when it comes to image ads, most accidental clicks occur at the edge of an image ad, usually when a user is trying to scroll or access content. The new feature will now ask for a confirmation when a user clicks at the edge of an ad as opposed to the middle area.

Huang says the extra confirmation step improves mobile conversion rates despite the lower click-through rate. The change improves not only the user experience, but the sales process for advertisers who no longer have to deal with visitors who, at best, are not interested in their product and, at worst, are angered at having ended up somewhere they did not want to be.

source: Google Mobile Ads Blog

Google releases Maps app for iOS, did they do the right thing?

This morning brought great news for Apple users as they finally have a Maps app that just might work. Google came through and bailed out Apple with the release of the Google Maps app in the Apple app store last night. When this whole fiasco happened, I thought that Google shouldn’t bother developing an app. If Apple wanted to denounce Google, then let them wallow in their own mistakes. Furthermore, since Google wants to promote Android, wouldn’t they just keep it to Android to make it that much more appealing to iOS users?

Unfortunately that really isn’t the correct way of thinking since iOS is a revenue source for Google. Apple and Google might be major competitors, but they are two entirely different companies. You won’t find Apple-made apps in the Google Play Store because Apple has nothing to gain, but since Google derives revenues from ads and clicks, they have everything to gain by making their products available to the competition. In the past we reported that a lot of Google’s mobile revenues actually come from iOS devices, so why should Google shun that? It’s easy for me to say don’t do it, but it just didn’t make business sense for Google to ignore the situation. So iOS users now have a better experience thanks to Google. Maybe they will remember that the next time they buy a new phone. Probably not.

Google Sound Search now available in Play Store

It looks like Shazam and SoundHound are going to have a little more competition from Google. Google’s Sound Search widget was recently only (officially) available to devices running stock Jelly Bean, which is a pretty narrow slice of devices in the Android ecosystem. It couldn’t really gain much traction against established apps like SoundHound or Shazam because it simply couldn’t get on enough devices. Google fortunately realized this, and today made the Sound Search app available in the Play Store for any device running 4.0 and above.

The Sound Search has a leg up on its competition because it links you to music directly in the Play Store, since it’s all Google-maintained. It also features search history syncing across devices, so you can identify the song when you’re out and then actually download it at home on your tablet. Not bad, right? Hit the break for the download link if you’re interested.

Play Store Download Link

Apple and Google pair up to purchase surfeit of Kodak patents

While Apple may have not directly sued Google in relation to its many mobile patents, the two haven’t necessarily been the best of buddies in the courtroom. It seems as though that may be about to change, at least temporarily. New reports have surfaced claiming that the two will indeed join forces to purchase 1,100 of Kodak’s highly sought after imaging patents. It’s expected that both Silicon Valley companies will have to conjure up around $500 million to acquire the array of patents.

The deal should help ease tensions between the two, as both parties would have equal rights to Kodak’s protected imaging-related technology IPs. While this may sound unrealistic, this type of joint venture could prove to be most beneficial to the consumer, considering both companies would be legally allowed to include various tidbits of revolutionary technology in new products. The joint funds would also help Kodak recover from bankruptcy, effectively keeping one of the most innovative imaging and photographic equipment companies afloat during these troubling times.

It’s entirely possible that the deal may not be the final bid for either side, as Google or Apple could each make a bid of their own to buy the patents individually. However, this is one of those strange times where you actually hope the two frenemies can get along in the spirit of innovation.

Source: Bloomberg

Nexus 4 doesn’t actually have USB OTG support and may never have it

The LG Nexus 4 is either a great new flagship, or a half-baked device missing several important features, depending on who you ask. Unfortunately it looks like the latter is getting a little more ammunition as it’s recently surfaced that the Nexus 4 has no USB OTG (on-the-go) support. USB OTG cables allow users to connect a mouse, keyboard, flash drive, etc. to the phone to set it up as a more powerful workstation or add more memory to a phone that, like the Nexus 4, has no other expandable storage.

Originally, the Nexus 4 specs did say it supported USB connections just like the Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and Galaxy Nexus. Now, however, the support page lists connecting devices via bluetooth and clearly saying that USB connections are not supported. There’s been some speculation over whether this is a matter of hardware or just a software bug, but since the bigger brothers in the Nexus line still have USB OTG support, I think it’s more likely to be hardware. Of course, for that crazy price point Google hit with the Nexus 4, it’s not surprising that some cuts had to be made. Depending on how you use the phone, this could be a pretty big deal breaker, especially considering competing phones have enough power to almost act as a full desktop PC replacement.

Is this going to affect any of you about whether or not you were going to buy a Nexus 4?

source: Google

Apple’s App Store generates four times more revenue than Google’s Play Store, but Google is gaining ground

App Annie just unveiled the App Annie Index, which will be a monthly report that provides revenue and download analysis of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. They have some pretty interesting things to report in their first month. The first of which is that Apple’s App Store generates four times more revenue than Google’s Play Store. That is so interesting when you consider that close to 75% of the smartphones are Android and it’s inline with the Android Engagement Paradox we wrote about earlier in the week. It’s not all doom and gloom though because Google Play revenue grew 311 percent for the year-to-date as compared to iOS revenue, which only grew 12.9 percent.

“The gap between global revenue on iOS and Google Play is still there,” said Schmitt, “but the gap is shrinking every month, creating more opportunities for publishers to generate significant revenue growth in several countries on Google Play.”

Another interesting tidbit is that the U.S. is no longer the top country when it comes to revenue for the Play Store. Japan is the now the number one country as of October, and this is the first time the U.S. wasn’t number one since January 2012.

Android 4.2.1 Update Now Ready For The (“Takju”) Galaxy Nexus

We’ve already seen the Android 4.2.1 update being pushed out to the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10— but now the venerable Galaxy Nexus smartphone is starting to get some love too. Thanks some keen eyes, we now know the minor Android 4.2.1 update is now available for the takju variant of the Galaxy Nexus. Unfortunately, there’s no word on when the other variants of the Galaxy Nexus will see the update, but the hope is that it will be sooner than later… especially since the latest Android buildis already in the open for all the tinkerers out there.

If you’re on the “takju” variant of the Galaxy Nexus, hit the download link below to grab the update and flash that sucker on your device today. All of you other G-Nex owners just sit tight and be patient for now— your update will be here before you know it.

Download: Android 4.2.1 for takju Galaxy Nexus

Google Branded Touch Chromebook Rumored To Be Released Early 2013

The Chinese news organization, The Commercial Times is reporting Google will launch its own 12.85-inch touch notebook with Chrome OS in the first quarter of 2013. Yes, that said TOUCH. The news agency says Compal Electronics and Wintek are already working on OEM and touch panel production. The screen will reportedly combine the touch sensor and glass via a process called optical lamination which allows for a much thinner device. New iMacs and some smartphones also use this process to achieve razor thin form factors.

Since Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility there has been a great deal of speculation regarding when Google would produce its own hardware. That speculation along with comments from former CEO Eric Schmidt about Google’s desire to be in the hardware business and you get a sense this might be the beginning of Google hardware. A touch chromebook would certainly place Google in a position to compete with Microsoft’s Surface and maybe even go after Apple’s iMac market.

Source: The Commercial Times
Via: The Next Web

Android 4.2.1, AOSP, Google, Jelly Bean, Nexus 10, Nexus 4, Nexus 7

Over the course of the past day, we have seen Google start to rollout an Android update, first to Nexus 10 devices, then to Nexus 4 devices, and most recently to Nexus 7 devices. The OTA update to version 4.2.1 is probably still in the process of propagating to all device owners. In the meantime, the source code has landed in the Android Open Source Project according to Technical Lead Jean-Baptiste M. Queru. Factory images for devices are expected to be available in a few days according to Queru.

The update is small, but packs an important fix in correcting the missing month of December. According to sources, the update also includes support for HID gamepad/joystick devices and some improvements to handling of vibration notifications.

source: Android Building Google Group

Heads Up: The Nexus 4 will be available to order in the Play Store today at 12:00pm PST (U.S. only)

Look what just hit the inbox! You read it right, the Nexus 4 will be back in stock at 12:00pm PST / 3:00pm EST today in the U.S. Last time Google didn’t even send an email out, but at least we knew the day. Any chance this will go smoother than 2 weeks ago? Just hit one of the links below this afternoon and get ready to refresh your pants off.

16GB version / 8GB version

[Deal?] Nexus 4 16GB shows up on Daily Steals for $499 for those that just can’t wait

The Nexus 4 16 GB version is available on Daily Steals today for $499, but it sure doesn’t feel like a “steal.” It’s literally $150 more than what you can buy it for in the Play Store. One problem though, you can’t actually get one, and who knows when it will be available again. If you’re someone who just can’t wait any longer, then head over to Daily Steals and grab one before midnight tonight (or when inventory runs dry). Already this sale has lasted way longer than Google’s opening day fiasco. What I would like to know is how these guys have stock, but Google doesn’t?

source: Daily Steals

Nexus 4 has functional LTE (in Canada)

I’m sure we’re all aware of the Nexus 4′s lack of LTE, and some of us are more than a little disappointed about it. Well, depending on what carrier you’re on and what part of the world you live in, we’ve got good news for Nexus 4 owners and potential buyers. Thanks to our Canadia friends, we’ve some videos of the Nexus 4′s hidden LTE chip working on the Telus network with a simple carrier menu code.

It’s a simple tweak that only involves dialing *#*4636#*#* and changing the preferred network type to LTE. Now, here’s the bad news; this only works if your carrier uses band 4 LTE. Reports are that it isn’t working in the UK, or on AT&T’s LTE network. T-Mobile customers are in luck, as that is exactly the type of LTE T-Mobile will be rolling out soon.

Any Canadian Nexus 4 owners having luck trying this out?

source: Engadget

Nexus 10 available once again through the Play Store in both storage options

Following a brief stint in the Play Store, Samsung and Google’s 32GB Nexus 10 sold out in record time, later superseded by the attenuated 16GB model. Well, after taking a trip to the Play Store, it seems as though Google has managed to roll out another batch of the 10-inch slates, as both variants are showing up with the option “add to cart.”

There’s no telling how long they’ll be available for, so if you’re interested it’d be wise to act fast. Are you planning on picking one up?

Source: Nexus 10 (32GB), Nexus 10 (16GB)

Google Customer Support gives free Nexus 4 to unsatisfied buyer

By now we are all familiar with the Nexus 4 launch fiasco, during which Google sold out of its flagship device in mere minutes leaving many unsatisfied would-be buyers. Worse than that, many customers who were able to successfully purchase a device did not receive any sort of confirmation email from Google indicating that their purchase went through (though their bank statements confirmed that their credit cards were charged). While some customers have already received their coveted device, many others are stuck wondering if they will ever receive their Nexus 4 at all. One unhappy customer took the proactive approach and instead of waiting for his tracking number, called Google’s customer support lines. After countless phone calls and emails this persistent person was rewarded with an unexpected and exciting email: Google offered him their apologies and a free Nexus 4! Wow! Persistence truly pays off! Now if only Google would offer that deal to the several other unsatisfied customers! Something tells us that is just wishful thinking.

Have any of you had any interactions with Google’s Customer Support department regarding your Nexus order? If so, how did it go?

Source: Phandroid

White Nexus 4 Smartphone Unofficially Outed By Online Listing

Google knows that a standard black Nexus 4 is a little boring for some, so it appears that it may have a white variation of the device on the way, thanks to a leaked listing online at theTalkTalk website. According to the listing, customers will have an option of getting a Nexus 7 – Nexus 4 bundle, but here’s the catch: the bundled Nexus 4 will be a white version of the smartphone, instead of the standard black. Considering Google has a history of releasing a white version of its other Nexus smartphones, it’s not too much of a surprise that there’s a white version of the smartphone on the way.

Customers interested in the device will have to wait a little while— the device is expected to be available from December 13th. So if you don’t mind waiting for Google to get its next batch of Nexus 4 shipments and would rather have a cooler color of the device instead, the upcoming white Nexus 4 may be worth the wait.

source: MoDaCo

Google Now named Popular Science’s Innovation of the Year

Google Now is one of the coolest, most revolutionary features in Android 4.1 and above. It changes the way you interact with a phone and still has a ton of untapped potential. And apparently, Android diehards aren’t the only ones who think so, as Popular Science has named Google Now its Innovation of the Year.

That’s a fairly prestigious award, too. Other notable entries are the digital camera, TiVo, and the Apple iPhone and App store. Blasphemy, right? Apple jokes aside, it really is an unbiased, impressive award to claim, and congratulations to Google for getting that recognition. PS editor-in-chief said of Google Now ”It really crosses a line, not just technologically, but in terms of the expectations that we humans have about our relationship to our technology,” and even claimed Apple’s Siri seemed “outdated in comparison.”

What do you guys think? Has anyone seen their smartphone a little differently since Google Now has been added?

source: Popular Science

Google+ now has direct download links for Play Store apps

There’s a cool little feature that’s just been implemented in Google+. Whenever a user links to an app in the Play Store on G+, that post will have a direct download link that users can download the app from without being redirected to the Play Store page. Not a huge feature, but little things like that make the user experience that much better.

Google+ has done an excellent job of setting up new ways to share content with friends and family, from music, movies, and now applications. And with Google+ naturally growing in size, it’s great to see Google trying to help it along and adding new features for users.

source: Google+

Clock is ticking toward 9 am PST Nexus availability for U.S. customers

Nexus fans in the US only have a few more hours to wait to place their orders for a new Nexus 4 or Nexus 10 device. Fans who have been watching overnight or who checked first thing this morning may have been disheartened a bit to see ordering open in places like Australia and the U.K. According to sources, Google’s support team is indicating U.S. customers will be able to start placing their orders at 9:00 am PST. So users on the East Coast will likely be taking lunch breaks at noon on the dot. Customers located in points west will surely try to squeeze in a quick break sometime this morning.

It does appear the devices, especially the Nexus 4, are selling out quickly once ordering does open. If you want to be one of the first to get the new device, act fast. Be sure to let us know if you are able to get your order in.

source: Android Police

Google clarifies the availability and shipping dates on their Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 release

While everyone is highly anticipating the release of Google’s next 2 Nexus devices, the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10, many questions has risen within the community on how Google will handle it when it’s available this Tuesday on November 13th. There were some questions whether there will be pre-orders or if Google will even ship these devices on the 13th when ordered. Thanks to the folks at Android Police, they got an answer straight from Google themselves: