ZTE announces Google Now Launcher coming on new devices

July 20, 2014

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zte_blade_vec_4g

ZTE has announced that they are adopting the Google Now Launcher for a couple new devices, and probably more later, instead of loading a custom user interface making them some of the first smartphones outside of Nexus devices and Google Play Experience devices to do so. The ZTE Blade Vec 4G is a mid-range device that has been selling in China and Europe. ZTE's announcement regarding the use of the Google Now Launcher coincides with the device's entry into the Hong Kong market.

The Blade Vec 4g comes equipped with a Snapdragon 400 processor, 4G capability, and Android 4.4. With the addition of the Google Now Launcher, users will also get access to Google's hotword technology for waking the device using the “OK Google” phrase as well as the voice controls available through the Google Now Launcher.

ZTE indicates in their press release about this latest development that this update to the Blade Vec 4G along with another premium ZTE device will be officially presented at a press conference on July 24th. Google has not mentioned the partnership thus far, but they are probably pleased to see a manufacturer adopting their vision for the Google interface.

source: ZTE press release

Jeff Causey Author

Raised in North Carolina, Jeff Causey is a licensed CPA in North Carolina. Jeff's past Android devices include an HTC EVO, a Samsung Note II, an LG G3, and a Motorola Moto X Pure Edition along with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1. He currently uses a Samsung Galaxy S8 and (very rarely) a Nexus 7 (2013). He is also using a Verizon-branded Motorola Moto Z Play Droid supplied by his job. Jeff used to have a pair of Google Glass and a Moto 360 Sport in his stable of gadgets. Unfortunately, his kids have all drunk the Apple Kool-Aid and have i-devices. Life at home often includes demonstrations of the superiority of his Android based devices. In his free time, Jeff is active an active runner usually training for his next marathon, owns a Mazda MX-5 Miata, and plays Dungeons & Dragons. Jeff has three grown kids and a golden retriever.