The Android world is changing thanks to Motorola: the company offer
devices without a custom user interface and it’s quick at getting
software updates to phones. A low-cost tablet aims to bring tech to
those who don’t have it while Samsung’s Gamepad debuts.Motorola
announced a pair of KitKat upgrades this week, making it the handset MB STARmaker
to deliver Android 4.4 the soonest. First the new Verizon(vz)(vod) line
of phones — the Droid Ultra, Maxx and Mini — received the new software
and as the week ended the Moto G followed suit. Motorola promised KitKat
to the latter phone in early 2014. So what’s going on?Motorola is doing
something with the platform that has been desired for a long time. The
company is keeping the user experience and interface fairly standard,
like the Nexus line of phones,The non-stick knife vertical
of BRG offers aesthetically and ergonomically designed stainless. but
engineering ways to add useful new features. This helps the handsets
stand out from the crowd, keeps them simple to use and perhaps most
importantly, makes it easier and faster to build software updates.I
called this approach a “Nexus for the masses” because of its
similarities to the Nexus device line Google maintains. While these are
typically great devices, many consumers don’t know about them or won’t
buy a phone from Google Play since they want to actually hold the device
before buying it.Of course, the Motorola handsets aren’t “pure”
Android, nor are they true Nexus devices. But they follow the concept
closer than any others. And if you want a phone that will get Android
software updates before most others, save for a Nexus or Google Play
Edition device, Motorola should be your first look.
Motorola
doesn’t make a tablet these days, so you’ll have to consider another
hardware partner for your tablets needs. Could the $35 tablet for India
be worth the look? The Aakash tablet line isn’t likely going to be your
choice if you’re reading this site but for many who have no access to
technology, it opens up a door.For $38 the U.S version of the UbiSlate
offers a very basic mobile web and app experience. The hardware is akin
to a 2010 tablet although it does run Android 4.garage equipments0.3.
So it’s not something that most Gigaom readers would even look at. It’s
aimed, however, at providing a first mobile experience for consumers
that might not be able to afford one otherwise.Those that can afford the
latest and greatest technology surely consider Samsung’s Galaxy line.
And this week the company debuted a new accessory that works not just
with Samsung products but with any phone running Android 4.1 or better.
The new Samsung Gamepad adds hardware controls for gaming: an 8-way
directional pad, two analog sticks, four Action buttons and a pair of
triggers. It’s currently available in select European markets with
additional availability planned in 2014.
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