extravagantGEEK

Just a geek and her thoughts…

Tag: Google

  • Pixel Goodness.

    Pixel Goodness.

    Nearly two weeks ago Google hosted a Made by Google event which was streamed live over YouTube. Like many others I sat in anticipation on October 4th to hear about all the new things that were to come. They covered a variety of products from the new 4K Chromecast to the Daydream View (their VR headset with a remote control). However, the main thing I was concerned with was their new line of phones… the Pixel and Pixel XL. 

    For years I drooled over many of the Nexus devices and finally got on board in 2014 with the Nexus 6. I genuinely loved that phone and had only one major gripe relating to the size; my dainty hands struggled to hold it ( particularly with one hand) which led to me ultimately gifting it to my dad last Christmas. I could have gotten a 5X but decided to branch out and try my very first iPhone instead. One thing I can say about the Nexus experience though is that I absolutely loved getting software updates as soon as they were released or using developer previews until they were. That feeling of always being up to date is what made me never want another Android device unless it was a Nexus or straight from Google. Its also the reason that I felt like I was finally ready to give the iPhone a chance because I adore getting updates; even now I’m in Apple’s beta program.

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  • Google Hangouts + Google Voice = Awesome

    Google Hangouts + Google Voice = Awesome

    Chances are that when it comes to the cross platform application “Google Hangouts” you fall into one of three categories: 1) I use it everyday or at least regularly 2) I’ve never heard of it OR 3) It’s an app on my phone that I’ve never used. If you fall into the last category than hopefully what I have to say will make you want to explore it and if you’re in the second well, now you’ve heard of it haven’t you?

    To be precise, Hangouts is your all around video, messaging, photo/gif sharing app that can be used with Android Devices, iPhones, iPads,  iPods, Computers (yes even Macs), and both Gmail/Google+ within the browser.

    Initially Google Hangouts was introduced with the release of Google+ and primarily for video only, sure you could chat while in the hangouts but compared to what it is today it has certainly come a long way. When Google decided to get rid of G+ Messenger and Google Talk to implement Hangouts as an all in one messenger its reception was a bit unbalanced. Some people thought it was a great thing because it seemed unusual to have so many apps to essentially do the same thing, while loyal fans of Google Talk took a little more time to get on board.

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