Google working on game console, Nexus Q successor and smartwatch

Google is apparently starting to take the hardware space a lot more seriously, if a report from Forbes is to be believed.

It seems that Google is really pushing forward hard to position itself significantly in the hardware market, as reported by Forbes. Apparently, the MountainView crew is working on a sequel to the Nexus Q, an Android-powered gaming console and a smartwatch.

Forbes says that Google might be working on a “Nexus Q2,” the update to their streaming device which didn’t even make it to store shelves. The Nexus Q was supposed to be Google’s solution to bringing music streaming to living rooms across the globe, but the project was scrapped shortly after it was announced. Now with rumours of a Nexus Q2, Google will hopefully at least stick to its guns and release the product, IF it is making one in the first place.

The next rumour pegs Google’s interests in the console arena. After the rather successful launch of OUYA, the first Android-based gaming console, it’s not surprising that Google would want to focus on this aspect of hardware space. While the cellphone and tablet market may seem saturated, the living room is yet to be populated by a device picked from a litter of options. If the Nexus phones and tablets are anything to go by, then if Google does decide to go ahead with a console, then we can be rest assured that the console would not only be a great performer, but also priced incredibly competitively.

Lastly, there is a rumour that Google may also be working on a smartwatch, just like Apple and Sony and LG. While Sony did announce their smartwatch recently, it remains to be seen whether Google is actually putting its financial backing into a wrist-based smart device.

Forbes reports that at least one of these three devices would be revealed towards the latter half of 2013, but whether that actually happens or not remains to be seen.

Source: Forbes

Apple's Next-Generation Devices May Include a Fingerprint Scanner

The next generation of Apple devices may include a fingerprint scanner.

A newly published patent obtained by the company shows a fingerprint scanner that could be embedded within products. Rumored to be included in the upcoming iPhone 5S, the scanner would add an extra layer of security to the iPhone.

For instance, when you’re sliding to unlock the phone, it will also simultaneously scan your fingerprint. If it detects that the person swiping isn’t you, he or she won’t be allowed to use your phone, and will remain locked out.

This isn't the first time that Apple has looked at fingerprint technology. The Cupertino, Calif. company acquired fingerprint-scanning firm AuthenTec last year, causing many to suspect that it would be including a fingerprinting feature in upcoming devices.

Patently Apple points out that while fingerprinting technology could be useful, recent PRISM revelations could make many users wary of activating the feature.

Do you think Apple should include fingerprinting technology in its upcoming devices? Would you use it?

BBM Might Come to Android and iOS This Year

The BlackBerry messenger or BBM for android has shown up in works, expected to be announced officially by the end of this year.

Research in Motion (RIM) the makers of BlackBerry smartphones had announced the interconnectivity of popular social networking application such as Facebook and Twitter with BlackBerry messenger, with the release of Facebook for BlackBerry 3.0 and Twitter for BlackBerry 3.0 apps.
But interconnectivity is not just the only thing that the company is looking at. It seems that the company is further planning to expand its portfolio with the addition of its popular BBM service with android as well.
Technobufallo.com has caught hold of some images of BBM for Android version 0.8.87 running SitSLIP debugger 1.3.45 on a device with a 320 x 240-pixel resolution display.

BlackBerry had also very recently opted for android application to be ported to its tablet platform making several android applications available on the BlackBerry Playbook devices.

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More Galaxy S III rumors emerge: Home button sticking around

The latest rumors say the Galaxy S III will, in fact, maintain Samsung's traditional home button, despite Ice Cream Sandwich making it unnecessary.

Samsung's Galaxy S III has yet to be revealed. But that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning out new reports on what the device might offer.

South Korea newspaper Korean Digital Daily is reporting today (Translate), citing sources, that the Galaxy S III will come with Samsung's familiar home button under the display. There has been some speculation that the device would ditch the home button, since its functionality is replicated in Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), the operating system believed to be coming to the handset.
The decision wasn't so easy, according to the report. Some Samsung executives thought that ditching all buttons on the device would be a good idea, while others decided that a home button would be necessary. Ultimately, according to the report, those in the physical-button camp won out.
In addition, Korean Digital Daily says that the Galaxy S III will come with the five-column icon layout featured in the Samsung Galaxy Note, rather than the four-column flavor in the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The move might be a subtle attempt to differentiate the Galaxy S III from competing Android devices, as well as the iPhone, since that device comes with four columns of icons.
The sheer number of rumors that have surfaced around the Galaxy S III is somewhat shocking. In most cases, it's Apple's iPhone or iPad that gets all the rumor love. But Samsung has quickly asserted itself as a top player in the mobile space, trading the top spot and second slot in total smartphone shipments with Apple. The company's Galaxy S II was well-received by consumers, and the Galaxy Nexus is widely viewed as a worthwhile iPhone alternative.
But through all the hype and rumors, Samsung has remained tight-lipped on its plans, deciding to take a page out of Apple's book and say nothing. The company has also declined for comment on today's report.
Still, Samsung isn't expected to stay quiet for long: the company is expected to unveil the device at a May 22 press conference in London.

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