Your favorite apps, games, movies and more in 2014

It was a big year for entertainment, from games that fed your sweet tooth to apps that kept you fit. Icy movies warmed your hearts, and your go-to party song was literally a dark-horse favorite. You loved reading stories -- real and imagined -- of love, adventure, and, OK, sometimes lust.

Here�s a look at some of the most popular apps, games, movies, music, news and books of 2014 on Google Play. Did your favorites make the list?

Most Downloaded Apps by Category: Education - Duolingo,  Social - Facebook,  Health & Fitness - MyFitnessPal,  Entertainment - Netflix,  Music - Pandora,  Sports - NFL Mobile,  Photography - Flipagram,  Travel - TripAdvisor

Top Downloaded Games: 1. Candy Crush Saga,  2. Don't Tap The White Tile,  3. Farm Heroes Saga,  4. Subway Surfers,  5. Clash of Clans

Movie of the Year: Frozen,  TV Show of the Year: The Walking Dead,  Comeback Movie: Toy Story

Album of the Year: Frozen: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack,  Song of the Year: Dark Horse by Katy Perry,  Song of the Summer: Fancy by Iggy Azalea

News Sources of the Year:1. The New York Times,  2. TMZ,  3. Forbes Now,  4. The Verge,  5. The Huffington Post,  6. The Daily Beast,  7. The Wall Street Journal,  8. Gizmodo,  9. Android Central

Books of the Year:1. The Fault in Our Stars,  2. Fifty Shades of Grey,  3. Divergent,  4. Twelve Years a Slave,  5. Insurgent


Posted by Brian Irving, global director of marketing for Google Play 

Android dress code: wear what you want

Deciding what to wear is a really personal thing�it�s one of the ways you show people what you�re about. Wearable technology is no different, so Android Wear offers a wide selection of apps and watches to suit your taste. It�s about expressing who you are, however you want, right on your wrist.

Today there�s even more ways to show your style with Android Wear, including dozens of new watch faces (powered by an official Watch Face API), a full collection of devices on Google Play, and lots of other improvements based on your feedback. So try �em on for size, and let us know what you think.

Watch faces for whatever you�re into
Starting today you can download watch faces from Google Play, just like you do with apps. We�ve got dozens of examples to get you started�from the unpredictable Minions in Despicable Me to the X-Ray artistry of Hugh Turvey. And because the new Watch Face API is available to all developers, you can expect even more choices in the weeks and months ahead.

We�ve also updated the Android Wear app on your phone to make browsing, downloading, and switching watch faces really easy. So pick the one you like the best, or pick a new one every day.

(Both updates are rolling out over the next week, so don�t worry if you don�t see them yet.)

Examples of Android Wear watch faces

A family of watches to choose from
In only a few short months, the Android Wear collection has grown to include six unique watches�the ASUS ZenWatch, the LG G Watch, the LG G Watch R, the Moto 360, the Samsung Gear Live, and the Sony SmartWatch 3. Some are circular, others are square. Some are traditional, others are sporty. And that�s exactly the point. With different shapes and styles, it�s really easy to make your watch your own.

So by all means: wear what you want.

Posted by David Singleton, Director of Engineering, Android Wear

Play here, play there, play anywhere with Android

I still remember my first gaming console. For months I was hooked on blocky 8-bit scenes with a repetitive soundtrack of bloops and bleeps. Back then the graphics were primitive, the choice of titles was limited, and gaming was strictly an indoors activity. Today, things are different.

We recently launched Nexus Player, the first streaming media and gaming device that brings Android to your TV. Thanks to thousands of games and free online multiplayer, Android is already the first choice for many casual and experienced gamers. And with Android now on screens big and small, you can sneak a quick game while you�re out on the road, then keep playing at home on your HDTV. 

Nexus Player makes the perfect holiday gift for family fun and immersive play on the biggest screen in your home. Here�s a quick look at some upcoming titles and a round-up of recently-launched favorites.

Rayman Fiesta Run brings Ubisoft�s classic, wacky and lovable character Rayman to your living room. Jumping and rolling through this beautiful fantasy world looks incredible on your TV. And if you grew up like me, spending countless hours collecting video game stars and coins, you�ll quickly fall for this title with a Gamepad for Nexus Player.

New games are coming in every week and there are now more than 60 titles available on Google Play. Some of our favorite new arrivals include:

• Bike Rivals: an adrenaline-packed stunt racing game that uses the Nexus Player remote 
• Prime World: Defenders: a classic tower defense game with awesome 3D graphics 
• Goat Simulator: because who hasn�t dreamt of causing chaos as a goat? 

And coming soon:

• NBA Jam: a classic, reborn � slam-dunk on your friends with multiple gamepads, phones and tablets
• Valiant Hearts: a thoughtful warrior�s journey through World War I, realized as an action game 

If you�re looking for a great way to spend the holidays, or to level up your love for Android gaming, grab the Nexus Player and Gamepad for Nexus Player in the Play Store. Nexus Player comes with Badland and a $20 Google Play credit that you can use for games, movies and more.

Enjoy the holidays, whatever (and wherever) you�re playing!

Posted by Jamil Moledina, Games Strategic Partnerships Lead and in-office gamer, Google Play

Google Keep: Share ideas with friends and family

Sticky notes on refrigerators were once the preferred way to say, �We�re out of bread - could you pick some up?� Now with Google Keep, not only can you jot down ideas or put together shopping lists, you can also share them with friends and family and work on them at the same time. So next time you create a list, share it on Keep and watch as items get checked off in real time! No need for text messages back and forth�get things done together, quicker.

Searching for your notes is simpler now too. You can filter notes by color and other attributes such as whether they�re shared, have a reminder, are lists, or have an image or audio. Find what you�re looking for even faster, and let Keep do the remembering for you.

Google Keep is available for free on Google Play for your Android phones (Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich and above). For existing users, the sharing feature will start rolling out today on Google Play and is already available on the web and the Chrome Web Store.

Posted by Ken Thai, Software Engineer and Chief Listmaker

Curved glass and stitched leather: ASUS ZenWatch powered by Android Wear

Every new Android Wear device makes it easier to match your style, and today we�re introducing another great watch into the mix: the ASUS ZenWatch!

For starters, the stitched leather strap and curved, stainless steel body make the ZenWatch both comfortable and attractive to wear. It also has a curved glass display, which provides a smooth surface for easy gestures, and a beautiful window for watch faces. Finally, the ZenWatch includes a unique set of sensors that help you keep track of your heart rate, step count, and even relaxation levels.

The ASUS ZenWatch is available to buy now for $199.99 from Google Play and Best Buy.

Posted by Jeff Chang, Senior Product Manager, Android Wear

A classic watch with Android Wear: LG G Watch R

With Android Wear you can choose the watch that best fits your personal style, then add your favorite apps to customize even further. This ability to make your watch your own is made possible by an amazing community of manufacturers and developers. And today we�re welcoming another exciting addition to the family: the LG G Watch R.

With a matte black stainless steel bezel, a leather strap, and a fully circular screen that�s the first of its kind, the LG G Watch R combines the timeless design of a traditional watch with the sensor-rich experience of Android Wear. It also includes a range of watch face styles that display beautifully on its P-OLED screen.

The LG G Watch R is available to buy now for $299 from Google Play and AT&T.

Posted by Jeff Chang, Senior Product Manager, Android Wear

The NBA, live on Android TV

2014 is shaping up to be an awesome year for professional basketball. Cleveland gets The Homecoming. Charlotte welcomes back the Hornets. And San Antonio tries to repeat as it goes for its sixth Championship. With the season only a few days old, you can now watch live NBA games on Nexus Player.

Our friends at the National Basketball Association have just released the NBA Game Time app on Google Play. In the United States, you can now follow your favorite teams and catch every pick, roll, dunk and long-range three, live with an NBA League Pass. While you�re at it, grab the Android apps for your other devices so you can cheer on your team from your couch, on your tablet in bed, and on your phone under your desk at work.

MLB.TV is also now available for Android TV on Google Play. With an MLB.TV Premium subscription, you can catch up on full-game archives and recaps from every 2014 regular-season and postseason game. And on April 6, you can watch Opening Day and follow the 2015 MLB season live (subject to blackout restrictions).

NBA Game Time and MLB.TV are now live in Google Play. Get them for Nexus Player and stay tuned as we continue to build out our live sports offering on Android TV.

Posted by Serge Kassardjian, Android Media Partnerships Lead

Designing the perfect Lollipop.

If you�re like me, you jump between a number of different devices throughout the day�reading a magazine on your tablet, checking the time on your watch, chatting with your friend on the phone, even plotting your route in the car. More and more, our screens work together, each helping make your life a little bit easier. But if design is the way they communicate with us, it often feels like each one is speaking a different language. That�s why we unveiled material design earlier this year: one consistent design language flexible enough to span devices across mobile, desktop, and beyond. Design is a major focus for Lollipop�the latest version of Android�which begins to roll out today.

Material design: tactile surfaces, bold graphic design, fluid motion 
When you think about mobile, an important aspect is the feel of the devices in your hand. Because of this, touch is one of the primary elements of material design, which is inspired by real life materials like paper and ink.

With material design we also based our work on the foundations of good graphic design, using strong colors and bold typography to create clear hierarchy and focus attention on content.

Motion brings the material and the graphic together, explaining how the system works, and adding moments of delight that move you through the system, easily and fluidly.

Extending material design throughout the apps you love 
A number of apps that you know and love have been working hard to build material design into their framework. It is important that every app be able to take on its own unique personality and experience while fitting in the larger system. A few of our favorites are launching updates shortly:    

The Wall Street Journal, Tumblr and BuzzFeed with material design.

Bringing the design conversation to you 
While we first introduced material design this summer, today�s updates are just the beginning of delivering a modern design language for the next wave of devices in your life. It�s a conversation we�d like to keep going. Starting tomorrow, we�ll be gathering some of the best design thinkers from around the industry at FORM, a cultural event for wide-angle design conversation. And we�ll be continuing the conversation with you online, on Google+ and Twitter and at google.com/design. We look forward to working with you to help push the limits on what�s possible through design.

Posted by Nicholas Jitkoff, Designer

Browse, skim, study your favorite nonfiction books more easily with Google Play

Have you ever had breakfast for dinner? Or checked the score of the big game before you watched it? Traditional ebook reading is great when you want to read books from start to finish�but what if you want to skim through recipes; jump between questions and answers, researching a topic; or read chapters out of order? Today we�re launching a new version of the Google Play Books app for Android phones and tablets with a redesigned reading experience that�s optimized for nonfiction books. This new reader lets you easily skim an entire book, browse all your notes and highlights, and quickly jump back and forth between different spots. And it�s still great for fiction ebook reading, too.

Imagine you�re cooking two recipes from the same cookbook� roast chicken and bruschetta from Around the Table. No problem. Take a peek at the new table of contents view to skip straight to the �Bountiful Tuscan Feast� chapter. Once you�ve found your recipes, you can easily jump between them using new Quick Bookmarks.

When you�re planning your next trip, pick up a Fodor�s travel guide and use Skim Mode to browse the whole book and get a sense of which destinations you want to be sure to visit. Bookmark your favorite spots for easy finding later.

If you�re a student, you can highlight text and take notes while you�re reading, then refer back to them later with Skim Mode�the perfect study buddy.

Of course, all the things you loved about Google Play Books before are still here:

• Tap on any location name in a book to get a Geo Card with links to access Google Maps, Wikipedia or Web Search 
• Tap and press on any word to look it up in the dictionary 
• Select text to highlight in four colors, take notes or translate from any language 
• Don�t lose your place! Your reading position is synchronized across all your devices: phone, tablet and web 

Ebook reading has always been great for getting lost in a well-crafted story (in the dark using night mode is my favorite!), but now it�s a good fit for any type of book. Visit the Google Play store to have a look for yourself�just add any free sample to your library to start reading. Plan a trip, prepare a meal, research a topic or study for an exam�we�ve got you covered with the new reader app for Google Play Books.

Posted by Scott Dougall, director of product management for Google Play Books 

Movie night made better with the new Google Play Movies & TV app

After a long day, you want to sit back, kick up your feet and watch a hot new release. With today�s updated Google Play Movies & TV app for Android, your dinner and a movie�at home�is about to get a lot better.

Now when you cast your favorite movie or show to your TV using Chromecast or the new Nexus Player, you�ll get actor or soundtrack cards on your phone or tablet while you are watching, with extra information about what�s playing on screen. Next time you�re burning to know where you�ve seen that actress before, or want to remember a song for later, you don�t have to hit pause or fumble with your controller. It�s at your fingertips�just like your popcorn. Look for the Info Cards badge on the Google Play store to find movies and TV shows that offer this feature.

Google Play Movies also has a new look and feel inspired by Google�s material design with bigger images and smoother transitions. And the redesigned �Watch Now� tab makes the experience of finding a movie as pleasant as watching the movie itself. Now you�ll see more movie recommendations in Watch Now, and you�ll be able to watch a trailer directly in the app.

The new Android app will rollout to everyone over the next week. We hope this update helps make your living room closer to the at-home theater of your dreams. Cue the opening credits!

Posted by Ben Serridge, senior product manager for Google Play Movies & TV

Google Fit: An effortless, comprehensive view of your fitness.

When it comes to improving our fitness, every little effort counts. That�s why we�ve created Google Fit � a fitness app that helps you to start tracking your activity effortlessly and become more active, aware and motivated.

Google Fit uses sensors already built in to your Android phone to automatically detect walking, biking and running. And you can set and monitor your fitness goals based on your activity levels. It�s a great tool to discover how active you are and check in on your progress as you work on your fitness goals. In fact, you can check in just about anywhere, including your phone, the web, tablet and Android Wear devices.

You can also connect your favorite fitness devices and apps like Strava, Withings, Runtastic, Runkeeper and Noom Coach to Google Fit and we�ll surface all of the relevant data in one spot, giving you a clear and complete view of your fitness. No need to check one app to see your weight and another to review a run � with Google Fit, that data will all be surfaced in one, simple place.

Just keep your Android phone with you and we�ll make sure your activity counts � whether you�re cycling up steep hills, going for a morning jog or walking the dog.

Google Fit is available starting today on Google Play for devices running Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich and above.

Sabrina Ellis, Director, Product Management, Android 

A sweet Lollipop, with a kevlar wrapping: New security features in Android 5.0.

With each new release of Android, we try to stay two steps ahead of the bad guys. When it comes to security, Lollipop is the biggest update for Android to date. From the moment you turn on a device running Android 5.0, you�ll have a wealth of new security features protecting you, like encryption by default and a lock screen that�s easier and more powerful than ever.

The simplest way to stay safe is now even easier 
What�s the simplest way to keep the data safe and secure on your mobile device? Use a screen lock! Lost and stolen devices are the number-one security issue affecting smartphone users. Still, a lot of people using mobile devices don�t use a pin or password because it takes too long to unlock, dozens of times per day. We�re making it easier than ever with Smart Lock, which lets you tell your phone to unlock using Bluetooth pairing, NFC, or simply your smile�faster than before. Plus, you can allow certain notifications to be accessible from the lock screen, helping you quickly get at the information you need while still keeping your device protected.

More secure, from the first time you turn it on 
People use safes and combination locks to protect their physical goods. With digital information, encryption acts like a safe to protect your information from thieves and snoops. That�s why we�ve worked hard to provide this added security for our users, which will now be the default from the moment you power on a new device running Lollipop, keeping your data safer without needing you to fiddle around in the settings. Full device encryption occurs at first boot, using a unique key that never leaves the device. This is the safest way to encrypt your device, which is why it�s how we�ve built encryption on Android since it first launched three years ago.

SELinux, making Android secure enough for the most demanding customers 
Android has had a strong application sandbox since the very beginning; Security Enhanced Linux (SELinux) pushes enforcement of the Android security model further into the core of the OS and makes it easier to audit and monitor so there's less room for an attack. With Android 5.0, SELinux Enforcing mode is required for all applications on all devices. Multiple vulnerabilities have been prevented since we first introduced SELinux last year; by strengthening it even more, Android becomes a top choice for enterprise customers that have really strict security standards, such as the government. This is a feature that the broader security community helped us build, and is an example of how Android�s open nature helps make your device more secure every day.

There are a number of other features that were added to the platform to keep your devices secure. So, not only is Lollipop is the sweetest update of Android to date, we also built in a rigid (security) Lollipop stick for the core and and kevlar wrapping on the outside�to keep you safe from the bad guys, inside and out. Posted by: Adrian Ludwig, Lead Security Engineer, Android

Update: In September, we announced that all new Android Lollipop devices would be encrypted by default. Due to performance issues on some Android partner devices, we are not yet at encryption by default on every new Lollipop device. That said, our new Nexus devices are encrypted by default and Android users (Jelly Bean and above) have the option to encrypt the data on their device in Settings ---> Security ---> Encryption. We remain firmly committed to encryption because it helps keep users safe and secure on the web.

Jogging and jamming with Android Wear and the Sony SmartWatch 3

Going for a run is a great way to get some exercise and disconnect from the everyday grind. Today, Android Wear is giving you some extra motivation to get moving with a new update, new wearables, and a whole new range of apps.

GPS and music, with or without your phone 
Whether you�re training for a marathon or you just ride your bike on weekends, Android Wear is great for tracking things like route, distance and speed. But before today, you had to keep your phone close at hand. Starting today Wear supports watches with GPS sensors, so you can enjoy these features regardless of where your phone�s at.

Likewise with music. You want to be able to turn up the volume on your favorite tunes, but the fewer devices the better when you�re jogging �round the bend. Now you can store music on your watch, listen to it via Bluetooth headphones, and leave your phone at home.

If you have a watch with GPS, you can try today's new features with apps like Golfshot and MyTracks. And if you want to rock out directly from your wrist, just grab the latest version of Google Play Music.

New wearables for your workout 
You can order the Sony SmartWatch 3 on Google Play or from Verizon Wireless. SmartWatch 3 is the first Android Wear watch to include a GPS sensor�perfect for enjoying today�s updates. It has a transflective display that improves battery life and is really easy to read in sunlight, so it�s a great fit for staying, well, fit.

Of course, Android Wear offers a range of shapes, styles and sensors to help you find the wearable that�s right for you. The LG G Watch, the Samsung Gear Live, and the Moto 360 will all be updated to include the new music functionality over the next few days. New Android wearables coming later this year on Google Play, the LG G Watch R and the ASUS ZenWatch, will also have the latest software.

Making it easier to explore more apps 
Many of the Android apps you know and love already work well with Android Wear. In fact, tens of thousands of apps are now enhanced for Wear using things like voice controls�with more added to Google Play every week. To help you find apps that work for you, we�ve created eight new app collections in Google Play. So browse the fitness and health collection, or take a look at travel, and let us know what you think in the new Android Wear community forum!

Posted by Kenny Stoltz, Product Manager, Android Wear

Updated November 10 to reflect availability of Sony SmartWatch 3 on Google Play.

It�s Tuesday morning, play music for a bright, sunshiny day

It�s Tuesday morning and you might be sitting in the office, in desperate need of a way to stay motivated for the week ahead. How about a playlist for staying focused at work? Starting today, it�s easier to find the right music for every mood with an updated Google Play Music app. This is our first integration with Songza, a company we acquired this summer that gives you expert curated music stations based on what you�re doing.

If you�re a Google Play Music subscriber, next time you open the app you�ll be prompted to play music for a time of day, mood or activity. Choose an activity to get options for several music stations to make whatever you�re doing even better�whether it�s a station for a morning workout, songs to relieve stress during traffic, or the right mix for cooking with friends. Each station has been handcrafted�song by song�by our team of music experts (dozens of DJs, musicians, music critics and ethnomusicologists) to give you the exact right song for the moment.

You can download these music stations to listen when you�re offline, see what song is up next, and add, remove or re-order them to suit your taste. Or you can start a new station based on any song in the mix. You can also search for a particular station you want or activity you want to find music for.

As part of this update, we�ve also redesigned the �Listen Now� page so you can more easily discover new music. Now you�ll see cards for all of your recently played music, new releases you might be interested in, and radio stations based on what you like to listen to. You�ll also notice that the new app uses Google�s material design, with bigger images, bolder colors and slick transitions.

The new activity-based station recommendations are available today for subscribers in the U.S. and Canada (Android, iOS and the web). The redesigned �Listen Now� page is available in all 45 countries where Google Play Music is available (for Android, iOS and the web). 

With more than 30 million songs to choose from on Google Play, it can be hard to figure out what to listen to. Sometimes you want to build your own mix to rock out with your friends, and sometimes you want to sit back, press play and hear something completely new. Whether you�re at work or on vacation, we�ll find you the best music station to make the experience better.

Posted by Brandon Bilinski and Elias Roman, Google Play Music product managers

Android: Be together. Not the same.

Good things happen when everybody�s invited. A few years ago, we had the thought that phones (and stuff that hadn�t even been invented yet like tablets and smart watches) would be way more interesting if everyone could build new things together. So we created Android as an open platform, and put it out there for everyone to imagine, invent, make, or buy whatever they wanted.

Since then, all kinds of people�from companies big and small to folks on Kickstarter, kids in schools, and crazy smart developers�have been innovating faster, together, more than we ever could alone. And the best part is that every time someone new joins in, things get more interesting, unexpected, and wonderful for all of us.

Getting everyone in on the party is the same spirit behind Android One�an effort recently launched in India (coming to other countries soon) to make great smartphones available to the billions of people around the world who aren�t yet online. It�s also why we�re excited about Lollipop, our newest software release, which is designed to meet the diverse needs of the billion-plus people who already use Android today.

Joining the party: Android 5.0 Lollipop
As previewed at Google I/O, Lollipop is our largest, most ambitious release on Android with over 5,000 new APIs for developers. Lollipop is designed to be flexible, to work on all your devices and to be customized for you the way you see fit. And just like Android has always been, it�s designed to be shared. Lollipop is made for a world where moving throughout the day means interacting with a bunch of different screens�from phones and tablets to TVs. With more devices connecting together, your expectation is that things just work. With Lollipop, it�s easier than ever to pick up where you left off, so the songs, photos, apps, and even recent searches from one of your Android devices can be immediately enjoyed across all the other ones.

As you switch from one screen to another, the experience should feel the same. So Lollipop has a consistent design across devices�an approach we call Material Design. Now content responds to your touch, or even your voice, in more intuitive ways, and transitions between tasks are more fluid. 

Lollipop also gives you more control over your device. You can now adjust your settings so that only certain people and notifications can get through, for example, when you�re out to dinner or in the middle of an important meeting. And when an important notification does come through, you can see it directly from the lockscreen.

And because we�re using our devices a lot more, there�s a new battery saver feature that extends the life of your device by up to 90 minutes�helpful if you�re far from a power outlet. We�ve enabled multiple user accounts and guest user mode for keeping your personal stuff private. And you can now secure your device with a PIN, password, pattern, or even by pairing your phone to a trusted device like your watch or car with Smart Lock. But this is just a small taste of Lollipop. Learn more on android.com.

Meet the Nexus family, now running Lollipop
Advances in computing are driven at the intersection of hardware and software. That's why we�ve always introduced Nexus devices alongside our platform releases. Rather than creating software in the abstract, we work with hardware partners to build Nexus devices to help push the boundaries of what's possible. Nexus devices also serve as a reference for the ecosystem as they develop on our newest release. And for Lollipop, we have a few new Nexus treats to share with you.

First, with Motorola, we developed the Nexus 6. This new phone has a contoured aluminum frame, a 6-inch Quad HD display and a 13 megapixel camera. The large screen is complemented by dual front-facing stereo speakers that deliver high-fidelity sound, making it as great for movies and gaming as it is for doing work. It also comes with a Turbo Charger, so you can get up to six hours of use with only 15 minutes of charge.

Next, a new tablet built in partnership with HTC. Nexus 9, with brushed metal sides and 8.9-inch screen, is small enough to easily carry around in one hand, yet big enough to work on. And since more and more people want to have the same simple experience they have on their tablets when they have to do real work, we designed a keyboard folio that magnetically attaches to the Nexus 9, folds into two different angles and rests securely on your lap like a laptop.

Finally, we�re releasing the first device running Android TV: Nexus Player, a collaboration with Asus, is a streaming media player for movies, music and videos. It's also a first-of-its-kind Android gaming device. With Nexus Player you can play Android games on your HDTV with a gamepad, then keep playing on your phone while you're on the road. Nexus Player is Google Cast Ready so you can cast your favorite entertainment from almost any Chromebook or Android or iOS phone or tablet to your TV.

Nexus 9 and Nexus Player will be available for pre-order on October 17. Nexus 9 will be in stores starting November 3. Nexus 6 will be available for pre-order in late October and in stores in November�with options for an unlocked version through Play store, or a monthly contract or installment plan through carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon. Specific carrier rollout timing will vary. Check out google.com/nexus for more details on availability.

Android 5.0 Lollipop, which comes on Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player, will also be available on Nexus 4, 5, 7, 10 and Google Play edition devices in the coming weeks.

The party�s just getting started
With this latest release of Android Lollipop, we're excited to continue working with our developer community, hardware partners, and all of you. More ideas and more creators is what gets us all to better ideas faster. And since everyone's invited to the party, we hope you'll join in the fun by creating and sharing an Android character that captures a little bit of who you are�one of a kind. Enjoy!

Posted by Sundar Pichai, SVP, Android, Chrome & Apps

Review: Lemur BlueDriver

The Lemur BlueDriver is an OBD-II scan tool which uses your bluetooth enabled device (Android or iOS phone or tablet) as a display.  It has two components: a small dongle which attaches to your vehicles diagnostic port, and a free app which you download.

Setup was quick and painless.  I plugged the BlueDriver module into my car's diagnostic port.  The unit showed a blue LED, which indicates it has power and is searching for a bluetooth connection.  I opened the BlueDriver app on my phone, and it quickly found the module and paired with it.

To test the code reading and clearing functions, I opened my hood and disconnected the intake air temp sensor (IAT).  The engine stumbled and shook.  After a rough restart, the MIL came on.  After a short time, the Lemur app notified me that the MIL was on, and that there was one DTC.

However, when clicked on the code, it did not offer any details.  Instead, I had to purchase a "repair report", which unlocks more information about a problem than just the DTC number.  5 free repair reports come with the app; after that, you need to buy them at a cost of $0.99/5 reports.  I found this annoying.  If someone paid $100 for the tool, the trouble code details should come free.  On the other hand, once you have the DTC number, it is easy to search on the internet for detailed information.

It was easy to clear the MIL and code.

Lemur also comes with a basic display for OBD-II PIDs, which lets you chart in real time (well, about a 1s update frequency) a number of useful signals such as fuel trim, O2 sensor signals, etc. You can select which PIDs to show, and they are shown stacked  vertically on the screen in different colors. If you cick on one, you get a single large dial style display, which updates with the current value.

This is useful for basic troubleshooting, but it would have been nice to have more display options, for example raw values on a grid, or multiple signals on a single axis.  I also did not see any way to use a data logger type function, which would allow you to save and download long recordings of real time data.

Summary:

• Plusses;
• Easy to connect (important!)
• Attractive, easy to use GUI
• Unobtrusive (for most cars) dongle
• Minuses:
• Only basic PID display options
• No recording / download function
• Detailed repair reports are $0.99/5 after first 5 are consumed.

In conclusion, the Lemur BlueDriver is a solid tool for basic OBD-II diagnostic functions.  You are paying for solid hardware which will connect reliably with the Lemur app.  If you want a data recorder, customizable gauge displays, and other enhancements, you will need to use something like the Torque app, and one of the many OBD dongles which may or may not work properly with it.

Whatever tool you choose, some sort of OBD scanner is a must for any DIY mechanic.  Just one successful use will pay for the cost of the tool, when many dealers will charge a $75 or more diagnostic fee.

*Note:  Lemur provided me a free evaluation unit to review. No other compensation was received for this review.

A new look for Google Play Newsstand

It�s been a little less than a year since we launched Google Play Newsstand, our news reading experience for Android and iOS devices, and we�ve already been serving billions of headlines to you every month. Today we�re updating the Play Newsstand app for Android devices with a new look and a fresh reading experience for magazines.

Play Newsstand brings together all of your favorite news sources in one reading experience, including everything from online newspapers, websites, blogs and your favorite print magazines. Today�s redesign brings a new magazine reading experience on your phone. In the past, print magazines have been hard to read on a small screen, zooming in and out to skim an article. But now you�ll see a list of articles from the magazine that you can toggle through and easily read with big images right on your phone.

The new Play Newsstand app for Android pulls from Google�s material design with bigger images, more contextual headers and smoother transitions. You can swipe left and right between topics, and swipe up and down to dive more deeply into a particular topic. Play Newsstand puts the news you care about front and center with big images that jump off the screen.

We�ve also added deeper topic cards in the Explore section so you can start subscribing to topics you are passionate about - whether that be the Vegan or Paleo Diet, Game of Thrones, or Star Wars. Topics deliver a personalized and up to date reading experience on your passions and interests. And our new Android app is faster than ever.

With more than 2,000 free and paid, full length publications, you�re sure to find something to read in Play Newsstand. The new Android app is available in more than 40 countries and will rollout to all users over the next week, or you can download the app on Google Play today. Happy reading!

Posted by Mussie Shore, group product manager for Google Play Newsstand

For the next five billion: Android One

Knowledge is a game changer. I�ve long been inspired by the Internet and how it opens the doors to opportunity. It provides access to knowledge, no matter who you are or where you are. For instance, it doesn�t matter if you�re a Nobel Laureate at a world-class research center or a young student at a rural school in Indonesia, with Google Search, you have the same information at your fingertips as anyone else.

If we look at how people are getting online and accessing information today, increasingly it�s through a smartphone. While 1.75 billion people around the world already have a smartphone, the vast majority of the world�s population�over five billion more�do not. That means most people are only able to make simple voice calls, rather than connect with family through a live video chat, use mapping apps to find the closest hospital, or simply search the web. We want to bring these experiences to more people.

That�s where Android One comes in. At I/O, we first talked about this initiative to make high-quality smartphones accessible to as many people as possible. And today we�re introducing the first family of Android One phones in India.

Addressing key barriers�hardware, software and connectivity
There are three big reasons why it�s hard for people in countries such as India, Indonesia or the Philippines to get their hands on a high-quality smartphone. First, is the hardware itself. Even entry-level smartphones still remain out of reach for many (bear in mind that in some of these countries the average monthly income is around $250). Second, many people in these markets do not have access to the latest Android software and popular applications. Finally, even where 3G and 4G networks are available, not enough people have phones that can support data and the plans can be expensive.

Android One aims to help tackle these challenges. By working closely with phone and silicon chip makers to share reference designs and select components, we�re making it easier for our partners to build phones that are not just great to use, but also affordable. They have lots of processing power, so you can get information quickly. They have high-quality front- and rear-facing cameras. And for all those pictures, along with your apps and videos, Android One phones will have expandable storage. We also added features that people in India will find particularly useful, like dual SIM cards, a replaceable battery and built-in FM radio.

To help ensure a consistent experience, Android One devices will receive the latest versions of Android directly from Google. So you�ll get all the latest features, up-to-date security patches, and peace of mind knowing your stuff is always backed up. It also means Android One devices will be some of the first to be updated to the Android L release later this year. For our hardware partners, they�ll be able to create customized experiences and differentiate their devices without having to change the core software.

In an effort to reduce data costs, if you have an Airtel SIM card, you�ll get these software updates for free for the first six months. As part of this same Airtel offer, you�ll also be able to download up to 200MB per month worth of your favorite apps (that�s about 50 apps overall) from Google Play�all without counting toward your mobile data usage.

More to come
This is just the beginning of the Android One journey. The first phones, from our hardware partners Micromax, Karbonn, Spice and chipmaker MediaTek, are available starting today in India from leading retailers starting at Rs 6,399. We�re also excited to welcome more partners to the program, including phone manufacturers Acer, Alcatel Onetouch, ASUS, HTC, Intex, Lava, Lenovo, Panasonic, Xolo, and chipmaker Qualcomm. We expect to see even more high-quality, affordable devices with different screen sizes, colors, hardware configurations and customized software experiences. Finally, we plan to expand the Android One program to Indonesia, the Philippines and South Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) by the end of the year, with more countries to follow in 2015.

Access for access�s sake is not enough. With Android One, we not only want to help people get online, we want to make sure that when they get there, they can tap into the wealth of information and knowledge the web holds for everyone.

Posted by Sundar Pichai, SVP, Android, Chrome & Apps

Android Wear, moving forward like clockwork

Earlier this year, we launched Android Wear, bringing Android to wearables. Since then, the first watches powered by Android Wear, the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live, have gone on sale, developers have already built thousands of apps enhanced for Wear, and great new watches are becoming available from more partners.

Our goal with Wear is to build technology that helps you connect with others and get stuff done. So often, technology can become something that gets in the way of everything else. But we want to build devices that you can use when you need and forget about when you don�t�technology that's built for your sake, rather than its own sake. Coming throughout the rest of this year, we're making some updates to Wear that will help you get even more out of your watch�and the rest of your life, too. 

First, we're bringing offline music playback and GPS support to Android Wear. Go for a run or bike ride with your Android wearable and leave your phone at home. You�ll be able to listen to music stored on your watch via Bluetooth headphones. And if your watch includes a GPS sensor, you can track your distance and speed too.

The second update will enable downloadable watch faces, so you can customize the visual design of your watch's home screen to show the information you want to see most�like your calendar or fitness sensors. Developers will soon be working on watch faces, making them available on Google Play.

We�re also continuing to work with manufacturers to bring you even more watch options, with different shapes, styles and sensors.

• The Moto 360, the first Android wearable with a round display, is now available for sale in the U.S.
• The Asus Zen Watch, coming later this year, includes a bio sensor, so you can keep tabs on your fitness and relaxation levels throughout the day.
• The LG G Watch R uses a circular display, includes a heart rate monitor, and will be available later this year.
• Last, but not least, we�re happy to welcome Sony to the Android Wear family with the Sony SmartWatch 3. It uses a transflective display for easier readability in sunlight, includes a GPS sensor, and will be available later this year.

These watches, as well as those unveiled earlier this summer, will all get the new software updates described above as soon as they�re ready in the coming months. We're also working with our partners on even more improvements, which means your device will continue to get better, with updates provided directly to you.

Whether it's giving you directions, letting you stay in touch more easily or keeping track of your steps so you can stay fit, Wear is designed to help you out without getting in your way. With new features and many new devices to choose from, chances are there's a watch that's just right for you.

Posted by David Singleton, Engineering Director, Android Wear

Fiesta ST Mini Review

I had the chance to do a short test-drive of a Fiesta ST. I had a chance to drive it on the freeway and flog it on some surface roads and in a large parking lot.

The Fiesta ST is very good at some things: accelerating, braking, turning. It is a razor sharp little missile. However, there are some significant trade-offs and omissions in the ergonomics and controls department.

Pros:

• Awesome powertrain. Powerful, sounds great. Lots of torque. This car really moves.
  
• Lots of lateral grip, sharp reflexes.
• Smooth shifter action.
  
• Excellent brakes, good feel and stopping power.
• Comfortable and grippy sport seats. Nice steering wheel.
  
• Well weighted steering which firms up nicely at speed. Car felt solid at high speeds, and was easy to steer in parking lots.
  
• Good fuel economy--I saw 41 on freeway and 29 flogging it on surface roads
• Sharp looking little car, the Fusion family front end looks properly mean and sporty.

Cons:

• Jittery ride at highway speeds--seems to heave a lot. Not fun to drive at 70mph on less than smooth highways. Significant road noise at higher speeds.
• You feel every bump, crack, and ripple in the pavement. Michigan's cracked up roads are torture.
  
• MyFord Touch does not control climate system, instead the lower right panel shows you the date.
• Annoying up-shift indicator. In a top-of-the line sports model, I would assume the guy will figure out how to shift.
  
• Hard plastic center armrest, ouch. For the top-end model, Ford should have spent the extra few dollars and installed a padded center arm rest.
• Rear visibility, rearview mirror looks down for taller drivers.

Conclusion: The Fiesta ST is an efficient and fun little road carver--if you have good roads. I would not buy this car for a daily commuter in SE MI, the roads are just too rough for the suspension tune. In a place with good, smooth roads, it would be much more pleasant. This is a car for someone who values high performance at a modest price, and isn't as concerned with creature comforts.

I was't able to get high quality images of the bright red car I drove, but here are some images I stole from Ford's web site:

The Elio Question

Paul Elio is on a mission to produce a very lightweight (1250lb target) three wheel car, sort of a low-cost Aptera type thing, based on "off the shelf" tech and suppliers.

I have been watching his effort develop, and it is impressive how far Elio has come, considering how difficult it is to bring something to market.

There is a nagging question hanging over the Elio: capital. In order to actually produce the trike, Elio Motors must raise a huge pile of money. They need money for development, testing, tooling, certification, etc. They need to hire and train many more employees. They need to build many prototypes to hammer out durability, crashworthiness, quality.

The problem is, after many obvious auto startup failures such as Fisker, Saab 2.0, Aptera, and even struggles of established players such as Smart, Suzuki, or Mitsubishi, investors are cautious about the automotive sector.

Investors are asking themselves, even if Elio can deliver, will people buy this weird three wheel vehicle, which is legally a motorcycle in the eyes of the DOT and most states? Will the safety claims play out? Will it have enough refinement and comfort for a mass market?

Elio Motors can't fund their launch selling t-shirts and $1000 reservations. Elio needs hundreds of millions of dollars. Where will they get it?

Tesla Powertrain Failure Rates

I read with interest recently that a substantial number of Tesla S owners are getting their drive units (electric motor + gearbox) replaced by Tesla due to premature failure. The early symptom of the failure is an audible gear noise which Tesla techs call "milling". Edmunds and Motor Trend both had their cars fail in this way.

According to a Tesla Motors Club poll, here, 77 members have had their drive units replaced once, and an astounding 15 have had them replaced more than once.

How bad is this?

It is hard to estimate because we don't know how many cars form the total sample for the poll. Tesla Motors Club indicates 17,995 registered members, while total Model S sales in the U.S. are around 28,000 units (39,163 globally).

So let's play with the numbers a little.

Assume all members of the forum own Tesla Model S:

92 failures / 17,994 Tesla Motor Club members = 5.1 failures/1000

Assume all failures were reported in poll (seems unlikely):

92 / 28,000 U.S. sales = 3.3 failures/1000

Assume forum represents 5% of all Tesla owners (I saw this mentioned on InsideEVs.com):

92 failures * 20 / 39,163 = 47 failures /1000

In the auto business, a major component failure rate north of 5/1000 units is considered a major quality issue, and anything approaching 47 is a complete disaster.

If, for example, the 2013 Toyota Camry had a similar rate of transmission failures, somewhere between 5-47/1000, that would translate into repairs of between 2040 and 19,000 transmissions! At the top end of that scale, likely a recall.

In other words, the "milling" issue is a major quality issue for Tesla. I am sure they have their engineers and suppliers pounding away at it, coming up with design fixes to reduce the occurrence of this.

American Muscle Mustang Giveaway

My main blog sponsor, American Muscle, is giving away a tricked out 2014 Mustang GT, equipped with a Vortech supercharger, air suspension, and 20" staggered wheels.

To enter, visit this page. Enter by August 4, 2014.

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Hiatus

Dear Reader,

"Real Life" has been keeping my time very occupied, and I have been neglecting my blog. I hope to remedy this by gradually easing back into it.

--TheAutoProphet

Mirror your Android screen to the TV with Chromecast

Chromecast makes it easy for you to enjoy your favorite entertainment on the biggest screen in the house. Starting today, you can mirror your Android phone and tablet to the TV so you can see your favorite apps, photos or anything else, exactly as you see it on your mobile device�only bigger. To start mirroring, simply select �Cast Screen� from the navigation drawer in the Chromecast app and select your Chromecast device.  On Nexus devices, this feature is also available through the quick settings menu.

Now, anything on your Android device will appear on the TV. You can share photos stored on your phone with a group of friends, or scope out the scenery for your next family vacation together on the big screen using Google Earth.

This feature is currently in beta and will roll out on popular Android phones or tablets from Samsung, HTC, LG, and others over the next few days. Look out for the 1.7 update of the Chromecast app on Google Play store to use this new feature. 

Posted by Ambarish Kenghe, Chromecast Product Manager and Cast Master