Google started rolling out over-the-air software updates bringing Android 4.4 KitKat to its latest tablets this week. Now the company has also posted factory images online, which means it’s relatively safe to start building or installing custom ROMs and mucking about in other ways — since there’s now a way to grab the stock images straight from Google.
Here’s a roundup of tech news from around the web.
Google posts Android 4.4 factory images for Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) and Nexus 10
You can actually download the factory images and drivers straight from Google. But if you want to know how to use them to flash the software onto your advice, check out this guide from [Android Police]
Apple releases iOS 7.0.4, fixes bugs
Google isn’t the only company with a software update this week. Sadly, Apple’s doesn’t really bring any new features, just bug fixes. [9to5 Mac]
Google wins in a long-running book-scanning lawsuit
A group of authors sued Google way back in 2005, claiming that the company’s efforts to scan books and make them searchable (without allowing users to read copyright-protected books in their entirety) was illegal. A court has finally ended the dispute by ruling otherwise. An appeal is expected though, so this isn’t really over yet. [Reuters]
Google Search for Android update brings Android 4.4 KitKat features to all devices running Android 4.1 or later
The Search app with Google Now gets a refreshed user interface, new cards, follow-up questions to clarify what you mean in some situations, and even support for the Google Experience Launcher found on the Nexus 5 (although you’ll have to install it separately). [Android Police]
Motorola Moto G benchmarked
It’s faster than a Galaxy S3, slower than a Nexus 4 – not bad for $179 [xda-developers]
A note of caution regarding the CyanogenMod Installer app
While CyanogenMod’s new install app (downloadable from the Google Play Store) makes installing a custom ROM on a supported device way easier than it used to be, there’s a catch: The app won’t reverse the process and restore your device to factory conditions. It’ll wipe your operating system, replace it, and then leave you on your own if you want to go back. So make sure you know what you’re in for before getting started. [reddit]
Nokia’s Windows Phone 8.1 devices could support “3D Touch” for off-screen gestures
You know how your touchscreen phone is kind of useless if you’ve got cookie dough on your fingers? Nokia may be enabling support for touchless gestures that let you do things like wave your hands over the screen to initiate certain actions. You can already do something similar with the Samsung galaxy S4 running Android with Samsung’s custom add-ons. [The Verge
New build of XBMC for devices with Freescale i.MX6 chips supports hardware accelerated video
This unofficial build of XBMC for Linux should let you turn a low-power dev board like the Wandboard into a relatively simple, cheap media center. [CNX Software]
Intel top open a retail store in NYC, other locations to follow – will showcase PCs, tablets, not just chips
Apple’s got retail stores. Microsoft does too. Now Intel wants in on the action. [The Verge]
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Lilbits (11-14-2013): Google Android 4.4 KitKat factory images released is a post from: Liliputing