Google updates Wallet app to add cards via photo

   Google has really been ratcheting up their Google Wallet app the last few weeks. The release of Android 4.4 saw the ability for Google Wallet to be used for on any device regardless of the carrier, which was a major hurdle for Google to get past on the way to greater adoption. Earlier this week we saw Google release a physical card connected to a user’s Wallet account so they can make payments anywhere a debit card could be used. Google has now released an update to the Android app that adds the ability to add a credit or debit card to the account just by taking a picture with the device’s camera. Google claims the number and expiration date will be captured automatically. Hit the break for download links. You can get Google Wallet, or try to update your version if you already have it installed, by visiting one of the download links below. Google Play Download Link Come comment on this article: Google updates Wallet app to add cards via photo via Android News, Rumours, and Updates http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AndroidNewsGoogleAndroidForums/~3/nXAiQpU2ot0/

Google negotiating with VSP Global to develop frames and prescription lenses for Glass

   Google Glass is mainly focused on the technology aspect of the eye-wear that should be taking the world by storm when it launches in 2014.However, new information suggests that Google is currently speaking with VSP Global to manufacture more fashionable frames for the device, and also to develop special prescription lenses. Nothing is set in stone just yet, but if Google doesn’t end up getting the deal done with VSP, expect it to happen with someone else.Google is certainly trying to expand the niche that Glass already fills to make it a much more appealing device for the general public. The market for the technology is sure to grow, but it’s really just a matter of how exactly they’ll make it happen.Source: Wall Street Journal Come comment on this article: Google negotiating with VSP Global to develop frames and prescription lenses for Glass via Android News, Rumours, and Updates http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AndroidNewsGoogleAndroidForums/~3/dGias0y7spk/

Snapchat lets several billion dollar offers from Facebook and Google disappear

a  Earlier this week, it was revealed that Snapchat had entertained and ultimately rejected a buyout offer from Facebook as part of the social media company’s efforts to tap into a younger market. New reports out today indicate Facebook was not the only company running a major social media empire that was interested in Snapchat – Google also made a bid for the company. The Google bid apparently came in at $4 billion which would have trumped the $3 billion bid Facebook made for the service.Sources indicate Google was initially approached by Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel about a “strategic investment” in the service. Apparently Google was interested in snapping up Snapchat as a standalone app. The reports also indicate these talks were occurring close to the same time as Facebook entreaties. At this time it appears Spiegel has rejected both offers as Snapchat pursues a new round of funding to raise millions of dollars. Conveniently, those efforts may have been based on a valuation of the company that is somewhere between $3 billion and $4 billion dollars, an amount that Spiegel seems to have verified based on the interest expressed by both Facebook and Google.source: The Verge Come comment on this article: Snapchat lets several billion dollar offers from Facebook and Google disappear via Android News, Rumours, and Updates http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AndroidNewsGoogleAndroidForums/~3/52JHnbiEwP0/

Holiday themed Google pop-up shops opening to show off its newest products

a  Google’s good in the marketing department. Really good.It’s officially the holiday season, and Google wants to remind you that now’s the time to buy, buy, buy.The company is opening up a series of tent-like pop-up shops for the upcoming season to display some of its latest products, including the Nexus 7, Nexus 5, Chromecast, and the newest Chromebooks.They will be called “Winter Wonderlabs,” and will be located in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Sacramento, Washington D.C., and Paramus, NJ.The stores will be fully winter-themed, and one is said to have a giant snow globe that you can go inside— it’ll shoot slow motion video of you jumping around, with CGI snow surrounding you.This could be all a build-up to that awesome mystery barge sitting in the San Francisco Bay, or could just be to create some buzz. It makes sense, considering Google Glass won’t be shown in these pop-up shops.Google is definitely going the retail route, and this news certainly signals even more interest.Via: The VergeSource: Winter Wonderlab Come comment on this article: Holiday themed Google pop-up shops opening to show off its newest products via Android News, Rumours, and Updates http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AndroidNewsGoogleAndroidForums/~3/OWJu5cgDq6w/

Asus developing Google Glass competitor, still in talks with Google about 2014 Nexus 7 tablet

e  Looks like Asus is having a big day. The first big new from the tech manufacturer is that they’re readying a wearable device similar to Google Glass and it will be announced at Computex next year, which takes place in Taipei from June 3rd to June 7th in 2014. Unfortunately because of how early this news comes, it means there’s no solid information about the device itself. It seems like everyone else is pursuing glasses and watches, though, so don’t be surprised if we start to hear about either of those from Asus soon.The second bit of news relates to next year’s inevitable refresh of Google’s flagship 7 inch tablet, the Asus-made Nexus 7. Originally, there was some speculation that Google would pick a different manufacturer for the tablet because Asus was focusing more on their own line of tablets, but according to CEO Jerry Shen, that’s not necessarily the case. The company is still in talks with Google to make that manufacturing partnership happen. It doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll see Asus make the next Nexus 7, but it’s clearly a valuable chunk of their business, and I’m sure they’d hate to see it picked up by another manufacturer (although I wouldn’t complain if Google got Sony on board with some of their Nexus devices)With Google considering moving production to a company besides Asus because they want to focus on their own line of tablets, it really makes you wonder if we’ll ever see another Samsung Nexus tablet with the rumors about the direction they’ll be going in next year. source: Phone Arena Come comment on this article: Asus developing Google Glass competitor, still in talks with Google about 2014 Nexus 7 tablet via Android News, Rumours, and Updates http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AndroidNewsGoogleAndroidForums/~3/0xKLCWP0H_g/