Google Play Games: capture and share the moment

As with many gamers, I enjoy watching recorded gameplay to learn how to get past difficult levels or just listen to funny commentary. Who doesn�t love a good �Leeroy Jenkins� battle cry or a come from behind win? It�s a growing phenomenon. Every month, more than 144 billion minutes of gaming videos and live streams are watched on YouTube. Channels like VanossGaming and TobyGames are already part of mainstream culture, generating millions of views � numbers typical of famous Hollywood personalities and musicians.

Today, we�re launching a new feature on the Google Play Games app that lets you easily record and share with others your own best gaming moments from your favorite mobile games.

It�s simple. In the Play Games app, select any game you want to play, then tap the record button. You can capture your gameplay in 720p or 480p, and choose to add video of yourself and commentary via your device�s front facing camera and microphone. When you�re done recording, you can quickly edit and upload your video to YouTube.

So whether you are leading your clan to victory in Clash of Clans, munching amoebas in Agar.io, or building new worlds in Minecraft: Pocket Edition, it's never been easier to record your favorite gaming moments and share them with your friends. Gameplay recording will first rollout to US and UK users over the coming days and will be available in more countries soon after, and who knows, you might even become the next big thing on YouTube Gaming.

Posted by Duncan Curtis, Product Manager, Google Play Games 

Podcasters, welcome to Google Play Music

Google Play Music helps connect people with the perfect soundtrack for whatever they�re doing�whether they�re stuck in rush hour traffic, staying up late with friends or lifting weights at the gym. But what if that same technology and curation could help connect people with great podcasts based on their mood or interest�something to make them laugh, get lost in a story or learn something new? We thought that would be awesome, so we plan to start offering podcasts on Google Play Music, giving podcasters access to millions of new listeners on Android phones and tablets.

To that end, today we�re launching a portal for podcasters to start uploading their shows to Google Play Music before we open up the service to listeners. Along with direct searches and browsing for podcasts, the service will connect new listeners with podcasts based on what they�re doing, how they�re feeling, or what they�re interested in. Similar to our contextual playlists for music, this will give podcast fans and new listeners a way of finding and listening to content that�s unique to Google Play Music. Podcasters in the US can start uploading shows now at g.co/podcastportal.

We�re already working with more than a dozen of the most popular podcasters and networks to offer their shows when we open the service, including:

5by5 Dan Carlin Dave Ramsey Earwolf Feral Audio Gimlet Media HBO Head Gum HowStuffWorks

Loud Speakers Network Nerdist / Legendary Public Radio International Radiotopia / PRX Sideshow Network Slate / Panoply StarTalk Radio This Week in Tech Tim Ferriss

With more than one billion people using Google Play every month, there�s always something to watch, read, listen or play. And soon, you can add podcasts to that list. We�ll have more details to share in the coming months. For now, start uploading your podcasts at g.co/podcastportal.

Posted by Elias Roman, Product Manager, Google Play Music

Get ready for the sweet taste of Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Today we�re starting to roll out Android 6.0 Marshmallow to Nexus users. Of course, the new Nexus 5X and 6P will ship with Android 6.0, straight from the factory. Android Marshmallow is the sweetest, smartest Android version yet: Now on Tap serves up assistance when you need it, battery-smart features keep your device going longer, and new app permissions give you even more control.

Assistance in the moment

Get help with what you need no matter which app you�re in. Now on Tap � a feature unique to Android Marshmallow � stays on task alongside you, instantly pulling up relevant info and helping you get more done. Say you receive an email about meeting a friend at the Central Park Zoo. Just tap and hold on the home button, and Now on Tap will assist you by providing links to information about the zoo, shortcuts to relevant apps and even suggest a calendar entry for the date, time and location.

A longer lasting device thanks to a smarter, more efficient battery

Improving battery life isn�t just about building a bigger battery. It�s also about improving the way your device uses the charge it has. With Android Marshmallow, we�ve added two new features which dramatically decrease your device�s thirst for power.

With Doze, Android recognizes when your device is idle and automatically goes into a deep sleep state to conserve power. To see how well it works, we took a bunch of Nexus 5s and Nexus 6s, put Lollipop on half of them and Marshmallow on the other half, and measured standby battery life. The screen-off time of these devices running Marshmallow lasted 30%* longer on average!  So even if you forget to plug in your phone before bed, your phone�s alarm clock will still ring. The other new battery-conserving feature is called App Standby. This puts your seldom used apps into a reduced activity state to conserve battery for the apps you use more frequently.

More choice and control to protect your privacy

Android Marshmallow gives you the ability to customize and control which capabilities you give apps. With the new app permissions model, you pick and choose which permissions to grant apps at the time of use. Apps designed for Android Marshmallow only ask for a permission at the time it�s needed to use a feature. You can deny any permission and still continue to use the app. In addition, we�ve added new settings for permissions that allow you to turn on and off any permission, for any app, at any time.

Simplified security with your fingerprint

For fingerprint sensor enabled devices, Android Marshmallow gives you a new way to protect your device. On Marshmallow, your fingerprint is the gatekeeper to unlocking your device, authorizing transactions in the Google Play Store, signing into 3rd party apps, and zipping through checkout with Android Pay.

Set up your new device lickety-split

On Lollipop, Android made it easier to set up your new phone from your old one, migrating your apps and app data. With Android Marshmallow, you can breeze through setup on your Android TV or tablet too. Say "OK Google, set up my device" from your phone and you�ll quickly be up and running. For TV, we'll even transfer over your Wi-Fi passwords.

Coming to a device near you, starting today

Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 9 and Nexus Player will get an over the air software update** to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. In addition to the new Nexus 5X and 6P, keep your eyes peeled for other new devices shipping with Android 6.0. Finally, we know many of you take your devices to work. To learn more about security and other work features in Android Marshmallow, register for the Android for Work Live online event on Nov. 4th. This is just a taste of Marshmallow but you can learn s�more on android.com/marshmallow!

Posted by Brian Rakowski, VP of Product Management, Android

*Actual battery performance will vary and depends on many factors including signal strength, network configuration, battery age, operating temperature, features selected, device settings, and voice, data, and other application usage patterns.

**The Nexus update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow occurs in stages and some carriers will receive the update later than others.

Get ready for Fall TV on Android TV

More apps for you to enjoy
We can't guarantee Carrie Mathison will capture Haqqani. We�re not sure what groundbreaking global issues VICE will cover. And we can�t tell you if Sheldon and Amy will get back together.

What we do know is that you can find out for yourself with SHOWTIME�*, HBO NOW*, and CBS All Access, now available on Android TV. So go ahead and catch up on Homeland, VICE, The Big Bang Theory and hundreds of other shows from your favorite apps.
Disney fans, we�ve also got you covered. Disney Movies Anywhere is now available on Android TV so you can watch your favorite Disney movies on the big screen and anywhere you go. Disney princesses not your thing? Well, with EPIX now available, you can choose from thousands of movies, concerts and comedy specials to stream right from your living room.

Fight lovers, we didn�t forget about you. Tune in to WWE and UFC, now both available on Android TV, and never miss a battle in the ring.

In addition to these apps, you can always check out the full list of over 50 premium Android TV apps available for download.

More partners joining the Android TV ecosystem
Android TV is all about choice. Whether you�re looking for a new shiny Smart TV or an amazing gaming console experience, you have an abundance of options to choose from - Sony, Sharp, Razer, Nvidia. And today, we�re adding to your list of options by welcoming Hisense, TCL, and several other smart TV manufacturers to the Android TV family.

Pay TV operators can also be powered by Android TV, letting you seamlessly watch your TV service alongside all the great apps and games on Android TV. With that, we�re also excited to announce Pace, Sagemcom, Technicolor as set-top box manufacturers and KDDI and Telecom Italia as partners who will bring you their Pay TV services powered by Android TV. Now you can enjoy more ways to watch your favorite entertainment.

So, as the nights get longer and colder, you now have another reason to stay in and binge on your favorite TV shows, movies, and sports content right from your Android TV screen.

The end of summer isn't too bad after all.

Note that you may need to sign in with a subscription or participating TV provider account to access some content.


Posted by George Audi, Business Development Manager, Google Play

*SHOWTIME and HBO NOW currently supported on select Android TV devices

Committing to RCS, the latest standard in carrier messaging

Mobile messaging has never been more central to people�s lives, and there is an incredible amount of innovation happening with chat applications across the mobile ecosystem. SMS carrier messaging is used by billions of people every day and enables people to reach anyone around the world, regardless of their device, carrier, app or location. However, the features available in SMS haven�t kept up with modern messaging apps. Rich Communications Services (RCS) is a new standard for carrier messaging and brings many of the features that people now expect from mobile messaging, such as group chats, high res photos and more.

Many leaders in the wireless industry have already put great work into laying the foundation for RCS, and we�ve heard from many of them that there are ways Android can help. We�re excited to team up with mobile operators, device makers and the rest of the Android ecosystem to support RCS standards and help accelerate their deployment in a more consistent way. We�re already working closely with many of our partners on implementing RCS, and look forward to growing the RCS ecosystem together.

As part of this commitment, we�re also very excited to announce that the Jibe Mobile team is joining Google to help us bring RCS to a global audience. Jibe is a leading provider of RCS services and they�ll continue helping carriers easily deploy RCS to their users. We can�t wait to work with them and build on the great work that they�ve already done.

Deploying RCS to create an even better messaging experience on Android will take time and collaboration throughout the wireless industry, but we�re excited to get started.

Posted by Mike Dodd, Android RCS Software Engineer and Minister of Messaging

S�more to love across all your screens

(Cross posted on the Official Google Blog)

From your watch to your phone to your TV, we want to help you stay connected, entertained and informed across all your screens. Today we�re introducing a few new things that do just that: two Nexus phones, a tablet for work and play, updates to Chromecast and features for some of your favorite apps�all working together to make your day a little bit easier and more fun.

New Nexus phones

We made Android to be an open platform that anyone can build on, and today there are 4,000+ Android devices in all shapes and sizes. Android�s diversity is why it�s become the most popular mobile platform in the world, and the latest version, Marshmallow, takes Android to a new level of performance.

While we love all the Android devices out there, every year we build Nexus devices to show off the latest and greatest, directly from the people who built Android. Today we�re introducing the latest Nexus treats, both running Marshmallow, sweetened by amazing apps and sandwiched by some cutting-edge hardware (see what we did there?):

• Nexus 6P is the first all-metal-body Nexus phone. Built in collaboration with Huawei, this 5.7� phone is crafted from aeronautical-grade aluminum, with a USB Type-C port for fast charging, a powerful 64-bit processor, and a 12.3 MP camera sensor with massive 1.55�m pixels (hello, better photos!). The Nexus 6P starts at $499.
• You�re not the only one who misses your Nexus 5. We�ve joined forces with LG to bring it back with the new Nexus 5X, which gives you great performance in a compact and light package, with a beautiful 5.2� screen and the same 12.3 MP camera and Type-C port as the Nexus 6P. Nexus 5X starts at $379.

Both phones include a new fingerprint sensor, Nexus Imprint, which gives you quick and secure access to your phone, as well as use of Android Pay (in the U.S.). They are available for pre-order on the Google Store from a number of countries, including the U.S., U.K., Ireland and Japan, and come with a free 90-day subscription to Google Play Music. In the U.S., pre-orders include a $50 Play credit to help you stock up your favorite music, apps, games and shows. And, finally, for you Project Fi fans out there, you'll be happy to know Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X will work on your favorite network. Request an invite to our Early Access Program at fi.google.com.

Pixel C

We�re expanding the Pixel family by introducing the first Android tablet built end-to-end by Google. The Pixel C brings together the benefits of a full-size keyboard with the portability of a tablet. The tablet and keyboard attach magnetically (no docking mechanism FTW), so it�s easy to switch between typing and using the touch screen.

And if you�re familiar with the Chromebook Pixel, you�ll immediately see the family resemblance: the Pixel C has the same beautiful aluminum design, great display and USB Type-C port. The Pixel C will be available in time for the holidays on the Google Store.

Cast ALL the things

Today we�re introducing two new Chromecast devices. The new Chromecast has a fresh design, and is easier to plug into TVs with crowded ports. It supports the latest Wi-Fi standards and adapts more easily to changing Wi-Fi conditions in your home, so you get higher quality video with less buffering. Most importantly, we added two new colors. ;)

Chromecast Audio is a small device that plugs into your existing speakers, so you can stream your favorite music, radio and podcasts over Wi-Fi, similar to Chromecast. It works with tons of apps, including Spotify, Pandora and Google Play Music. Just like Chromecast, it works from anywhere in your home with your favorite devices, including Android, iOS, and laptops. And it�s available on the Google Store and other online retailers for just $35�way less than most Wi-Fi speakers today.

We�ve also updated the Chromecast app to make it easier for you to find great things to watch or to play, across the thousands of apps that work with Chromecast�whether you feel like browsing or want to search for a specific TV show or movie. For Cast-enabled apps that aren�t already on your phone, we�ll suggest one for you. The updated Chromecast app is rolling out on Android and iOS over the next few weeks.

Your favorite apps... for the whole family

All your shiny devices get even better when you have great apps to go with them. So we�re making a few updates to Google Play Music and Google Photos.

First, Google Play Music will offer a new family plan later this year. Up to six people will be able to use one account for a shared fee of $14.99 a month (instead of $9.99 per person). Get the dance party ready.

Sharing is a theme of today�s Google Photos updates, too. We�re adding Chromecast support to give you that old-school slideshow experience�dimmed lights optional. In the U.S., you can now add private labels to your photos to make it easier to search for specific pics of people with things, places or other people�say, that photo of Mom at the Grand Canyon, or of your daughter with her pet bunny. And soon you�ll be able to pool all your photos and videos with friends and family in one place, and get updates as soon as new photos are added. Best of all, there�s no setup involved, and you can use any device. So that dance party we mentioned earlier? Now it�s easier to gather all the memories from everyone who was there.

More to love, for more people

From Nexus to Chromecast to Pixel C to Photos, these updates are more than the sum of their parts�they unite great apps with devices that are designed to support them. They�re built to work together, so they do�seamlessly, across all your screens.

Posted by Hiroshi Lockheimer, VP Android, Chromecast and Chrome OS at Google

Tap to the Red Carpet

Last week, we announced the US rollout of Android Pay. To celebrate our launch, we�re giving one lucky winner plus three of their friends a VIP trip to Mexico City that includes four seats at the premiere of the thrilling new James Bond film, Spectre from Sony Pictures.

To qualify, just tap and pay at any of the over one million locations where Android Pay is accepted across the US between September 28 and October 15, 2015. Each day that you use Android Pay earns you one entry, and you can earn up to 18 entries during the promotional period. The grand prize winner will be drawn at random on October 19, 2015, and you can find more information by visiting the official promotional page.

To start tapping your way to the red carpet, make sure you have Android Pay on your phone. If you don't have it yet, you can download Android Pay on Google Play. Good luck, and we hope to see you on the red carpet.

Posted by Sherice Torres, Marketing Director, Android Pay

For official rules, how to enter, prize restrictions, and details, click here.

Tap. Pay. Done.

Today, we�re beginning to roll out Android Pay -- the simple and secure way to pay with your Android phone at over one million locations across the US. Android Pay also stores your gift cards, loyalty cards and special offers right on your phone. We�ll be rolling out gradually over the next few days, and this is just the beginning. We will continue to add even more features, banks and store locations in the coming months, making it even easier to pay with your Android phone.

The choice is yours 
Android Pay works with all NFC-enabled Android devices (running KitKat 4.4+), on any mobile carrier, at every tap and pay ready location across the US. Android Pay will support credit and debit cards from the four major payment networks: American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. These cards are issued by many of the most popular US banks and credit unions, including American Express, Bank of America, Discover, Navy Federal Credit Union, PNC, Regions Bank, USAA, and U.S. Bank. Wells Fargo will be available in the next few days, Capital One and Citi are coming soon, and we're adding new banks all the time.

Shop at your favorites 
You can use Android Pay at over one million locations (and counting�) across the US, everywhere tap and pay payments are accepted, including:

Security is at the center of Android Pay 

We know how important it is to keep your personal and financial information secure, so Android Pay is supported by industry standard tokenization. This means your real credit or debit card number isn't sent with your payment. Instead, we�ll use a virtual account number that provides an extra layer of security. As soon as you make a purchase, you�ll see a payment confirmation that shows where a given transaction happened, so it�s easy to catch any suspicious activity. And if your phone is ever lost or stolen, simply use Android Device Manager to instantly lock your device from anywhere, secure it with a new password, or even wipe it clean of your personal information.

We�re just getting started...
Later this year, you�ll also be able to use Android Pay to speed through mobile checkout in your favorite apps. And with select merchants, you'll soon be able to transmit your loyalty cards and special offers with just a tap. We�ll be announcing more Android Pay news soon, and would love to hear your feedback on the Android Pay experience (just select Help > Feedback in the app).

If you�re an existing Google Wallet user, you�ll be able to access Android Pay through an update to your Wallet app. For new users, Android Pay will be available for download on Google Play in the next few days, and will come preinstalled on new NFC-enabled Android phones from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless.

For updates on Android Pay and other Android news, subscribe to this blog, or follow Android on Twitter and Google+.

Posted by Pali Bhat, Director of Product Management, Android Pay

p.s. Looking to send or receive money right from your phone? Click here to learn more about the new Google Wallet

Update: Citi's availability corrected to rolling out in the coming weeks.

Android Wear: New watch styles and sizes

As the season turns, it's the perfect time to update your look: out with swimsuits and flip flops, and in with scarves and Fall coats! Regardless of where your wardrobe lands, today's new Android Wear watches let you express your style�whether you rock Android or iPhone.

• Get the Huawei Watch in six different designs with silver, gold, and black metal finishes. With an ultra-high resolution display, you�ll get a crystal clear view of all 40+ built-in watch faces. The watch�s sensors let you track not only running and walking, but also stair climbing.
• Choose between the small or large ASUS ZenWatch 2, starting at $129. Both come in silver, rose gold, and gunmetal finishes with bands of different styles and materials. Get instant access to agenda and email with the built-in productivity app as well as fitness reminders with the wellness app. 
• Check out four new Moto 360 watches: Moto 360 for Women, Moto 360 in two different sizes, and Moto 360 Sport. Pick among rose gold, gold, silver, and black metal finishes for Moto 360 and a variety of stainless steel and leather bands. Want to go on a run without your phone? The Moto 360 Sport features built-in GPS and a display that�s easy to read outdoors. 

All of today's watches also include improved battery life, always-on displays, and quick-release bands, so it's even easier to glance at your important info, and make your watch your own.

The Huawei Watch, Moto 360 for Women, and new Moto 360 are available for pre-order today. And all other watches will go on sale in the coming weeks. So choose the watch that fits your style and wear exactly what you want!

Posted by Ryan Barnett, Partner Technology Manager, Android Wear

Android Wear now works with iPhones

Editor's note: As of September 2, you can check out new watches from Huawei, ASUS, and Motorola that all work with iPhones. 

(Cross posted on the Official Google Blog)

When you wear something every day, you want to be sure it really works for you. That�s why Android Wear offers countless design choices, so you can find the watch that fits your style. Want a round watch with a more classic look? Feel like a new watch band? How about changing things up every day with watch faces from artists and designers? With Android Wear you can do all of that. And now, Android Wear watches work with iPhones.

Android Wear for iOS is rolling out today. Just pair your iPhone (iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus running iOS 8.2+) with an Android Wear watch to bring simple and helpful information right to your wrist:

• Get your info at a glance: Check important info like phone calls, messages, and notifications from your favorite apps. Android Wear features always-on displays, so you�ll never have to move your wrist to wake up your watch.
• Follow your fitness: Set fitness goals, and get daily and weekly views of your progress. Your watch automatically tracks walking and running, and even measures your heart rate.
• Save time with smart help: Receive timely tips like when to leave for appointments, current traffic info, and flight status. Just say �Ok Google� to ask questions like �Is it going to rain in London tomorrow?� or create to-dos with �Remind me to pack an umbrella.�

Today, Android Wear for iOS works with the LG Watch Urbane. All future Android Wear watches, including those from Huawei (pictured above), ASUS, and Motorola will also support iOS, so stay tuned for more. 

Dr. Seuss once said: �Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.� We agree. So whoever You are, and whatever You like�Android Wear lets you wear what you want.

Posted by David Singleton, Director of Engineering, Android Wear

Android Wear: Stay connected with interactive watch faces

Wearing a watch lets you tell time with just a glance. Android Wear has expanded this at-a-glance experience to other useful info like your next meeting, daily step count, or messages. Today, we�re launching interactive watch faces, making it easier (and more fun) to stay connected, right from your wrist. Now, with just a tap, your watch face can change its design, reveal more information, or even launch a specific app.

Bits: Choose the info you want at a glance�from weather, to unread mail, to upcoming meetings. Want to know this afternoon�s weather forecast? Just tap on the weather complication.

Under Armour: Stay motivated with fitness stats on your wrist. Tap the watch face to see your step count, calories burned, and distance.

Together: Android Wear�s Together Watch Face lets two people stay close throughout the day by turning the entire watch face into a space for sharing. Once you�ve paired your watch face with a partner�s, you�ll be able to share things like photos and emoji, as well as your activities (like if you�re working out, on the phone, or stuck in traffic).

Today�s updates are rolling out to all Android Wear watches in the coming weeks. So pick your favorite watch face, or pair up with your favorite person, and start wearing what you want.

Posted by Flavio Lerda, Software Engineer, Android Wear 

A step toward better mobile experiences in Africa

If you�re online in Nigeria, chances are you�re on a smartphone. Of the more than 50 million Nigerians who use the Internet, 95% do so on a mobile device � and thanks to those devices, the number of people across Nigeria and the rest of Africa with access has grown tremendously. 

However, simply having an Internet connection isn�t enough. It�s important that people getting started with the Internet have a great, reliable, and relevant experience right away. This can be a challenge in places where local content may be limited, connectivity slow or intermittent, and quality phones costly.

While there�s still much more to do, we�re excited to take a step forward in addressing some of those challenges. Today in Lagos we�re announcing new products and features made to improve people�s experience when using a mobile phone to access the Internet. 

First, the Android One program is expanding to Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco with the launch of the Infinix HOT 2. This is the first Android One device made with our hardware partner Infinix, one of the hottest, fastest growing smartphone brands in Africa. Starting today, the HOT 2 is available in Nigeria at select retail outlets and online through Jumia at a recommended retail price of N17,500* (~88 USD), and it will become available in the other countries over the next few weeks.

Like all Android One phones, the HOT 2 combines a high-quality hardware experience with pure Android software. Bringing together a quad-core MediaTek processor with 1GB memory, dual SIM support, and black, white, red, blue, and gold (with 2GB memory) models, the hardware is a great complement to Lollipop 5.1.1, which provides up to 2x better performance and extended battery features. The Android One HOT 2 will also receive an update to the next version of Android (according to Infinix�s schedule), and thus stays fast and responsive over time.

Second, for people who already own a smartphone, we�re helping them get more for their MBs through a streamlined version of Google Search rolling out to devices worldwide and offering a faster experience on low RAM phones, such as those with 512MB. This feature can reduce data usage on the results page by up to 90%, while removing up to ? of the time it takes to load results.

Finally, we will make the YouTube viewing experience even better by extending YouTube offline to Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt within the next few months. This feature of the YouTube app lets you store many of the videos on YouTube for up to 48 hours, so you can watch them later when your connection may be slow � or non-existent. And if you want to quickly re-watch a video with friends without waiting for it to load, that works great too.

Nearly one year ago, Google introduced the Android One program and YouTube Offline in India. Today, 6 countries in Africa � with combined populations of 379 million people � join the list of places where Android One phones are sold. We�ve been thrilled by the progress and feel humbled by the work that�s left to do. But we look forward to continuing our work with partners to ensure that people have a great way to access the Internet, using it in ways that are relevant and useful. 

Posted by Caesar Sengupta, VP, Product Management

* The pricing may differ from seller to seller in offline retail stores

An Update to Nexus Devices

Security has always been a major focus for Android and Google Play: Android was built from day one with security in mind.

For example, the �Application Sandbox� model keeps applications running separately from other apps and the rest of the device to keep your data safe. With Verify Apps, over 1 billion devices are protected via Google Play, which conducts hundreds of millions of antivirus-like security scans of devices per day seamlessly in the background. Also, Android is open source so that anyone can comb through the code to identify and address potential security risks, which makes the platform stronger. In fact, the Android Security Rewards Program financially rewards security researchers who invest their time and effort in helping make Android more secure.

We believe the combination of these approaches has led to there being fewer than 0.15% of devices with any kind of potentially harmful app installed, as long as apps were installed from Google Play. (See more of our research.)

An additional approach to further increase the security of Android users involves updates to the device software. For the past three years, we have been notifying Android manufacturers every month through bulletins of security issues so that they can keep their users secure.

Nexus devices have always been among the first Android devices to receive platform and security updates. From this week on, Nexus devices will receive regular OTA updates each month focused on security, in addition to the usual platform updates. The first security update of this kind began rolling out today, Wednesday August 5th, to Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10, and Nexus Player. This security update contains fixes for issues in bulletins provided to partners through July 2015, including fixes for the libStageFright issues. At the same time, the fixes will be released to the public via the Android Open Source Project. Nexus devices will continue to receive major updates for at least two years and security patches for the longer of three years from initial availability or 18 months from last sale of the device via the Google Store.

Security continues to be a top priority and monthly device updates are yet another tool to make and keep Android users safe.


Posted by Adrian Ludwig, Lead Engineer for Android Security, and Venkat Rapaka, Director of Nexus Product Management

Google Maps for Android Wear: Put the world on your wrist

Whether you�re exploring a new country or reconnecting with an old neighborhood this summer, Android Wear can help you get timely and local information, directly on your wrist. With an updated Google Maps app and API for Android Wear, it�s now even easier to know where you�re going, while leaving your phone in your pocket or purse.

Google Maps for Android Wear
Just say �Ok Google, navigate to�� to bring up Google Maps� improved turn-by-turn guidance and full-screen navigation view on your watch. And with always-on screen support, your map view remains on your wrist in battery-saving mode, even when you�re not actively looking at your screen.

Glanceable maps in lots more apps
Many travel apps integrate with Google Maps on Android Wear to bring what�s around you to your wrist. Use HotelTonight to track hotel rates and get notified right on your watch when the price is right. Forgot to pack your toothbrush? Priceline customers can use Android Wear to locate the closest convenience store.

As you stroll through a neighborhood, Foursquare will make sure you won�t walk by and miss a restaurant�s legendary burrito. And TripAdvisor will tell you about the city�s best comedy club that you should visit now (or save for tomorrow night, directly from your watch). You�ll blend right in with the locals as you expertly navigate a new city�s public transport with Citymapper�s step-by-step directions right on your wrist.

No matter how caught up you get in your adventures, be sure to take the time to check-in with your loved ones. With Glympse on Android Wear, you won�t even need to take out your phone! And should your vacation inspire bigger life changes, use Trulia or Zillow to glance at all the home sale listings in your new, beloved neighborhood.

No matter where you go, Android Wear lets you stay on track while freeing your hands for an ice-cream cone�or two. So before you hit the road this summer, be sure to pack your Android Wear watch and your favorite travel apps.

Posted by Ben Greenwood, Product Manager, Google Maps

Uber: "Platform" or "Employer"?

Uber has been under a lot of scrutiny for its practices lately, including a California labor dispute in which Uber was found to be an employer.

Uber maintains that it is a "platform" which arranges rides between customers and drivers.

The problem I have with this claim is that Uber has very strict rules about who can use its platform to be a driver. Some examples:

• Cars must be newer than certain years (depends on market)
• Cars must be safety inspected above and beyond local registration requirements
• Drivers must pass background checks, including driving records
• Drivers are not allowed to carry firearms
• Drivers must be 21 years old (older than legal adult age of 18)

At what point does this list of requirements tip the scales from "platform" to "employer"?

Android Wear: Always-on apps

Watches tell the time, all the time, helping you stay on track and make quick decisions at a glance. That�s why Android Wear supports always-on screens and always-on apps. You get the info you need as long as you need it, while saving on battery and avoiding arm twists just to wake your display.

Bring! Shopping List in normal and always-on modes.

Always-on fitness
Going out for a run? Now, you can keep an eye on distance and pace just by glancing at your watch with Endomondo, MapMyRun, and Runtastic. If golf is more your game, Golfshot gives you accurate distances from tee to pin so you can always grab the right club from your bag.

Always-on productivity
Competing in your personal weekly supermarket sweep? No need to slow down to bring out a list or phone. Just glance at your watch to see what�s next with Bring! Shopping List and Google Keep.

Always-on travel

And if you�re catching a flight, apps from American Airlines, Delta, and KLM show you flight status, gate, and seat info right on your wrist. Wearing your boarding pass keeps your phone in your bag and out of the airport lost and found.  

With a wide range of Android Wear watches available in the Google Store, it�s easy to find a watch that matches your personal style. No matter which watch you choose, you�ll always be able to stay on track by keeping important info on your wrist.

Posted by Joe LaPenna, Software Engineer and Watchmaker

Google Play Music free, ad-supported radio

Music for everything you do

Need some music right now to make whatever you�re doing better? If you�re not already a Google Play Music subscriber, we�ve now got you covered. Google Play Music now has a free, ad-supported version in the U.S., giving you a new way to find just the right music and giving artists another way to earn revenue. In less time than it takes you to read this sentence, you could be exercising with Drop-a-Beat Workout, cooling off with Poolside Chic, or spending quality time with Songs To Raise Your Kids To.

At any moment in your day, Google Play Music has whatever you need music for�from working, to working out, to working it on the dance floor�and gives you curated radio stations to make whatever you�re doing better. Our team of music experts, including the folks who created Songza, crafts each station song by song so you don�t have to. If you�re looking for something specific, you can browse our curated stations by genre, mood, decade or activity, or you can search for your favorite artist, album or song to instantly create a station of similar music.

We hope you�ll enjoy it so much that you�ll consider subscribing to Google Play Music to play without ads, take your music offline, create your own playlists, and listen to any of the 30 million songs in our library on any device and as much as you�d like. You�ll also get ad-free, offline and background features for music videos on YouTube. And with or without a subscription, you can store and play up to 50,000 songs from your own collection for free.

To help you get started, check out the top 10 most popular activities on Google Play Music, with each offering several radio stations to choose from based on what you like:

1. Brand New Music
2. Driving
3. Working Out
4. Boosting Your Energy
5. Having Friends Over
6. Having Fun at Work
7. Entering Beast Mode
8. Waking Up Happy
9. Unwinding
10. Bedtime

The new free, ad-supported version of Google Play Music is launching first in the U.S. It�s available on the web today, and is rolling out this week to Android and iOS. And while you�re checking it all out, we�ll be catching up on our Blogged 50.

Posted by Elias Roman, product manager