Links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
Android Weekly: top 13 stories this week
This week in your world of Android: the HTCM8 leaked, Samsung revealed the Galaxy S5 launch date, Google released the Chromecast SDK, details about the G2 Pro leaked, the red Nexus 5 launched, the rumored HTCNexus made the rounds, and Google updated several of its top apps.
These are the essential stories, the summary of an entire week in just a few words. It’s must read Android.
Leaky HTCM8
Several leaks this week completed the picture of the hotly anticipated HTCM8. From a possible launch window in late March, to an alleged shot of the exterior, and the first screenshot of its user interface, the One’s successor was in the spotlight.
- More HTCM8 leaks: possible launch date, looks “strikingly” similar to HTCOne
- Alleged HTCM8 image leaks, showing dual camera and no design surprises
- First look at the refined Sense 6 coming on the HTCM8/
Unpacking the Galaxy S5
Samsung put an end to speculation about the Galaxy S5’s launch date when it announced it will hold an Unpacked event on February 24, the first day of MWC Barcelona. Specs are still not certain, but knowing Samsung, the S5 will be a beast.
- Samsung Galaxy S5 launch at Mobile World Congress?
- NY Times confirms Galaxy S5 and Gear 2 launch. Murtazin chimes in with more specs
Chromecast gold rush
Google is finally opening up its Chromecast SDK, meaning all developers will be able to easily connect their apps to the popular streaming stick, no hacks required. Koushik Dutta’s AllCast leads the way.
- Chromecast SDK finally available for all developers
- Koush adds Chromecast support to AllCast (Update: available now)
G2 Pro will pack OIS Plus
Plain optical image stabilization is so last year, at least for LG, who will reportedly equip the upcoming G2 Pro with electrical assisted OIS Plus technology. And it doesn’t stop there: 4K video and HD slow motion are also on the menu.
A very bright red Nexus 5
The leaks were accurate: Google release the Bright Red version of the Nexus 5 this week, and we have to say it’s a real head turner. It could make a nice Valentine’s gift this year, don’t you think?
Google’s Update Wednesday
Google likes to roll out updates to its apps on Wednesday, and this week we got a nice combo of new features and bug fixes for apps like Search, the default Nexus 5 launcher, Maps, Drive and more.
- Google releases a slew of minor app updates
- Google Experience renamed to Google Now Launcher, imports settings from your old home screen too
- Google Now gets Olympics cards and new commands
A Nexus HTCtablet?
Saving the juiciest story for last, this week we heard that HTCwon a bid to make an upcoming high-end Nexus tablet. Needless to say, the perspective of a One-quality Nexus tablet got us very excited.
What’s the biggest story in Android this week? Tell us in the comments.