Android TV wave spells the end for Google TV


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The Google TV and Android TV teams took to Google+ today to announce the end of the road for the development on the Google TV platform. As the team indicates in their open “letter” to Google TV developers, the focus going forward will be working on the Android TV platform and helping OEMs get them to market. Much of this new focus is driven by the launch of Android 5.0 Lollipop and the ability to bring Android to the television form factor. In addition to Android TV, Google’s own development team will be working on the Google Cast ecosystem.
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MediaTek Labs launched to support development of wearables and other devices


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MediaTek announced today the launch of a new global initiative they are calling MediaTek Labs to provide resources for the development of wearables and “Internet of Things” (IoT) devices. The new project tries to provide support for a variety of groups that may be involved in efforts to create new devices across a wide range of skill levels. According to Marc Naddell, vice president for the new MediaTek Labs, “with the launch of MediaTek Labs we’re opening up a new world of possibilities for everyone — from hobbyists and students through to professional developers and designers — to unleash their creativity and innovation. We believe that the innovation enabled by MediaTek Labs will drive the next wave of consumer gadgets and apps that will connect billions of things and people around the world.”
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Amazon dangles carrot worth $15,000 of Amazon Coins in front of developers to optimize apps for Fire Phone


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Many industry forecasters have said that Amazon has set itself up for failure with its new Fire Phone — the device doesn’t have the specs we’ve come to expect from extreme high-end devices, and some of the features, like the camera identification feature that links straight to the Amazon app, isn’t exactly new in terms of technology (Google Goggles) and seems a bit gimmicky. Not the mention the price is pretty steep (right up there with today’s flagships, the Galaxy S5 and the HTC One M8) and its AT&T exclusivity.

However, Amazon will be doing anything and everything it can to make sure the device doesn’t fail. Today, the company announced that it will be giving out up to $15,000 in Amazon Coins to developers if they update their apps to be optimized for the Fire Phone. Hit the break to see Amazon’s guidelines regarding what’s on the table here:


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Prepare your inner game designer for Createrria in 2014


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If you ever thought you might be able to design a better game than what what you can find in Google Play or maybe you just want to implement your own spin on a game genre, a new app slated for release in the first quarter of 2014 may just be the ticket you were looking for. Createrria is an app coming to the Android platform, and later in the year to iOS, that will let users create and share games for Android. In an interesting twist, you will not need a computer to put all the code together and generate an app as everything will be handled within the Createrria app on an Android device.
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Chrome apps on Android and iOS may be as close as January 2014


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When Google introduced Android 4.4 KitKat to the world, one of the benefits they touted was Project Svelte, a concerted effort to minimize the memory footprint to encourage the system’s deployment to older or less powerful hardware. Trying to make Android run easier on more hardware is not the only way Google is trying to reduce fragmentation and in effect “flatten” the world. They are also working on efforts that blur the line between the desktop and mobile platforms like Android and iOS. The latest example is news that Google is poised to enter the beta stage in January 2014 with “Mobile Chrome Apps,” a  project to build a toolkit for developers so they can more easily deploy the apps they have built for Chrome on the desktop over on mobile operating platforms like Android and iOS.
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LG encouraging app development for IR by making loaner devices available


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LG would really like to “inspire some great new apps” from developers that capitalize on the infrared remote sensor capabilities of their devices. To help bring that about, LG is making loaner devices available to programmers that want to work with LG’s new QRemote SDK in making those apps a reality. To take advantage of the program, developers will have to register at an LG Device Loaner Program website and complete an order form. If approved, the developer will receive the requested LG device, including the LG G2, for up to 30-days at no cost other than return shipping.

LG says the program was previewed last week at their LG Android Developers’ VIP event in San Francisco when the LG QRemote SDK was officially launched. Cecilia Son, LG’s mobile developer relations head says the response was very positive with several developers noting LG was “doing it right” in taking this approach.

Check out the full press release after the break for more details and information on how to sign up if you think you may qualify.
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Sony tries to lure developers by waiving the $99 PlayStation Mobile licensing fee


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If you have a game and would like to port over to PlayStation Mobile devices, but can’t afford the $99 license fee Sony usually charges developers, then I have some good news for you. For a limited time this summer, Sony has decided to open its Mobile Development program up to all new developers, and waive the license fee.

This could turn out to be a fantastic opportunity for both Sony and developers. If this plan works Sony could see an upswing in development while developers add another platform to launch their games on. This isn’t only limited to Android certified devices either, it also includes development for the PS Vita as well. Let’s hope this plan works out better than expected and Sony makes it a permanent deal.

Check out the video for the PlayStation Mobile Development Program after the break. I feel like the guy in it myself, how many of you can relate?


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Google releases Mirror API to developers, complete with documentation and code examples


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If you’re waiting on your Google Glass unit to ship, you can get prepared for it by taking a look at a new API that Google has released for Glass developers. The Mirror API has been released with complete documentation and some code examples for developers to get their feet wet so they’ll already have something ready for when Google Glass does arrive. Getting a head start never hurts, and I’m sure Google knows that. Google has highlighted some major features in the API as well as given some examples and guidelines for ensuring the best user experience.

With all the rumors of smartwatches lately, it’s pretty obvious wearable technology is going to start making waves in consumer markets fairly soon. But, like we’ve seen with some mobile OSes, if there are no developers or applications, it’s tough to get the platform off the ground. Google made sure that wasn’t a problem for Android, and it looks like they’re taking steps to make sure Glass is a repeat experience.

source: Google Developers

Ford releases OpenXC SDK for Android applications for vehicles


This is definitely one of the more unique things to pop up at CES this year. Ford is releasing an OpenXC SDK to allow Android apps to access the sensor data in Ford vehicles and spur the growth of aftermarket accessories and software. There’s are already parts and the SDK available that allow a device to access sensor information via USB or Bluetooth, which could be anything from the GPS to the vehicle’s speed. Best of all, all of the hardware components are external from the car, so there’s no messy installation to worry about. I think it’ll take a while for this to really catch on, but before long I imagine we’ll see some really cool uses for it, and hopefully more similar programs from other OEMs. Hit the break for the press release, and be sure to check out the rest of our CES coverage here.
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