Latest Android distribution numbers show Lollipop’s continued growth

Latest Android distribution numbers show Lollipop’s continued growth

blognet   Monday, June 01, 2015   Comment  

Every month, Google updates the distribution numbers for its Android platform, showcasing the state of the operating system across its varying versions.

In May, Android 5.0 and 5.1, the Lollipop release, showed a total percentage of the Android market of 9.7%. That number grew this month, though, with Android 5.0 coming in at 11.6% on its own, with Android 5.1 commanding 0.8% of the pie chart. The major release just before that, KitKat and its Android 4.4 release, now rests at 39.2 percent, which is down from last month’s 39.8 percent.

The range of Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0.3 to 4.0.4) is now at 5.1 percent, another decline, from its 5.3 percent in May.

Android 4.1.x to Android 4.3, Jelly Bean, is now resting at 37.4%, down from the 39.2% it held in May.

The full chart can be found through the source link below. Which version of Android are you running on your daily driver?

Top 5 Xposed modules for Android 5.1 Lollipop

Top 5 Xposed modules for Android 5.1 Lollipop

blognet   Sunday, May 24, 2015   Comment  

Xposed framework is easily one of the best mods to come out from the third-party Android development community. The amount of customisations that the framework and its module offers can only be matched by certain custom ROMs.

While an official build of Xposed framework for Android 5.1 Lollipop is not available, another developer was able to create an ‘unofficial’ version of the framework for it. In case you have just installed the framework on your device and are looking for some modules to try out, check out our list of the best Xposed modules for Android 5.1 below.

GravityBox

GravityBox is undoubtedly the most popular Xposed framework out there, and looking at the sheer number of customisation options it offers, it rightly deserves all the limelight. The module makes it possible to customise nearly every aspect of the OS according to the liking of the user. Some of the features present in the framework include Pie controls from CyanogenMod, Expanded desktop, Quick Settings customisation, lock screen tweaks, Google launcher tweaks and more.

Since GravityBox allows for such a high level of customisation, it only works with AOSP or near AOSP based ROMs.

Download: GravityBox

AppOps

Google accidentally shipped a permission manager in Android 4.3, but later on removed it with the Android 4.4.2 update. It provides users with granular control over the permissions they required and use. The AppOps xposed module restores this permission manager to Android 5.1 Lollipop.

The permission manager is a great way to disable apps like Facebook, Google Play Services and others from unnecessarily waking up your Android device and draining its battery. It can also be used to prevent unwanted apps from accessing your contacts or location periodically.

Download: AppOps

APM+

The Power menu in stock Android is pretty lacklustre and does not contain options to quickly reboot the device, take a screenshot or change sound profiles. The Advanced Power Menu+ module fixes that and allows users to add quick toggles to Wi-Fi, mobile data, flashlight and more to the power menu thereby increasing its usefulness.

The module also features an anti-theft mode that automatically prevents the power menu from coming up when the device is locked.

Download: APM+

App Settings

This Xposed module allows users to individually modify certain settings of the apps installed on their phone. This includes their DPI, font scale, locale, full screen mode, rotation, mute any app audio and more.

The ability to change the DPI of an app independent from the system level is particularly a useful option to have as it allows users to keep a lower DPI in apps like Chrome or Firefox, while keeping the original DPI intact in apps that don’t play well with changes in screen density.

Download: App Settings

True Silent Mode

Google removed a simple silent mode in Android with Lollipop and instead added a system that allows users to prioritize notifications. The new Priority notification system in Lollipop requires significantly greater effort from users to put their Android device into silent mode, which is why it has been subjected to a lot of criticism.

True Silent Mode Xposed module restores the original silent mode functionality back to Android. In addition, the module also allows users to configure that alarms will go off even when their phone in is “None” mode.

Download: True Silent Mode

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Which are your top 5 Xposed modules for Android 5.1? Drop in a comment and let us know!

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Update Xiaomi Mi3 to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop via CyanogenMod 12-CancroCM ROM

Update Xiaomi Mi3 to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop via CyanogenMod 12-CancroCM ROM

blognet   Thursday, April 30, 2015   Comment  

Xiaomi Mi 3 users can now avail Android 5.0.2 lollipop through CyanogenMod 12 based custom ROM CancroCM. The ROM is of course, unofficial and still not evolved fully to consider as a stable build for daily use. According to the developer, CancroCM does have some bugs including Bluetooth, NFC, USB-OTG and camcorder in default camera. These bugs have already been identified by the OP and they’re working hard to fix it and release an update to the ROM.

Mi 3 always had great developer support in the developer forums like XDA and it has got many ROMs based on KitKat including CM11. If you own an Mi3 and want to update your device to the latest android Lollipop version, you can use this guide. Don’t be panic about the current bugs as they will be fixed very soon and you will be getting a stable build at the earliest.

Pre-requisites

• Necessary USB drivers should be installed in your computer. Download the Mi 3 driversfrom here.
• Your bootloader should be unlocked with elevated root access.
• A custom recovery is required, either CWM or TWRP.
• Backup important data or take a Nandroid backup (recommended) using recovery.

Disclaimer

This guide to update Xiaomi Mi 3 to unofficial CyanogenMod 12 is meant only for the respective device and does not suit with any other devices of Xiaomi. In case you’ve got any trouble while following this guide will not affect us as TechBii will not be held responsible for any aftereffects by following this tutorial. You’re the developer of your own destiny and don’t blame us. We will try to fix your issues however.

CyanogenMod 12 Lollipop 5.0.2 CancroCM ROM for Mi 3 – Installation

1. Download the CM12 CancroCM ROM from here and copy it to your device.
2. Reboot your Mi 3 to custom recovery by pressing and holding Vol Up+Power buttons simultaneously followed by switching off the device.
3. Do a Nandroid backup of your current version.
4. Perform  Factory Reset, Wipe Cache Partition, Format System and Wipe Dalvik.
5. Now get back to the recovery home and install the copied ROM file.
6. After successful flashing, go back and reboot system. It may take a while to boot up for the first time.
7. In case you need Google Apps, get it from here and flash it in a similar manner (You don’t need to wipe anything here).
8. So that was installing CM12 based CancroCM ROM in your Mi 3. If you felt any difficulties while following this guide or stuck at any step, let us know. We will try our level best to help you install CM12 in your Mi 3.

How to install Xposed framework on Android 5.0 Lollipop

How to install Xposed framework on Android 5.0 Lollipop

blognet   Thursday, April 30, 2015   Comment  

Xposed framework for Android is easily one of the most popular mods in the third-party Android development scene. The framework combined with various modules is capable of bringing all the features usually found in a custom ROM to any Android device with only root access.

Installing Xposed framework on any Android device running KitKat or Jelly Bean was a pretty simple affair and only required root access. However, with Lollipop and ART, the developer has had to make some major underlying changes, which includes replacing some of the ART related files. Additionally, the SELinux mode has to be switched to Permissive that makes Lollipop less secure.

To install Xposed framework on your Android device running Lollipop, you will need root access along with a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM.

It is also recommended to create a backup of all your important data on the handset before proceeding with the steps below, in case something goes wrong.

All set? Follow the steps below then.

Note: The current version of Xposed framework is not compatible with stock Samsung ROMs.

Step 1: Download the Xposed Lollipop ZIP file and the Installer APK from here and transfer them to the internal storage of your Android device.

Step 2: Reboot your device into TWRP or CWM recovery. The steps for going into recovery varies from device to device and if you are unsure of the steps, you can use an app like Quick Boot from the Google Play Store to avoid all the hassle.

Step 3: Once your device has booted into recovery, tap the ‘Install’ button in your custom recovery and select the Xposed ZIP file that you had transferred to your device in Step 1. Once the ZIP file has been installed, reboot your device into Android OS.

Step 4: You will now have to install the Xposed framework APK on your Android device. Using a file manager like Solid File Explorer, navigate to the location where you had saved the APK and tap on it. If you get a prompt saying you don’t have installation from unauthorised sources enabled, tap the ‘Settings’ button and then toggle the ‘Unknown Sources’ switch to on from the Security menu.

Then, once again tap the APK to start the installation. If you get any prompt while installing the APK, click on ‘Accept.’

Step 5: To confirm that Xposed framework has been installed on your device, open the app and head over to ‘Framework.’ The installed app_process and XposedBridge versions on your device will be displayed under ‘active.’ If their version number are displayed in green, you have successfully managed to install Xposed framework on your Android device.

To install modules, head over to the ‘Download’ section of the app, which will display all the modules that are present in its repository. The modules are displayed even if they are not compatible with your Android device, so select and install the modules wisely. While an incompatible module won’t brick your device, you will encounter random crashes and reboots.

Xposed framework for Lollipop is compatible with all the existing modules that are already available for it. However, some of the modules might need to be updated to work properly with Lollipop due to the major underlying changes in the OS.

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Android Lollipop OS update live for AT&T-driven Samsung Galaxy S4 Active: How to download and install

Android Lollipop OS update live for AT&T-driven Samsung Galaxy S4 Active: How to download and install

blognet   Wednesday, April 22, 2015   Comment  

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active(Samsung)

Owners of AT&T-driven Samsung Galaxy S4 Active smartphone residing in the US can check for the Google Android 5.0.1 (Lollipop) OS update, which has been released by the network provider.

According to an official AT&T listing, the Android Lollipop is currently rolling out to Galaxy S4 Active (bearing model number SGH-I537), in the form of a 1GB-sized file, via OTA.

What's new with Lollipop?

The Android Lollipop firmware upgrade brings along a host of new features and enhancements mentioned below:

• Material Design: Material design offers fluid animations, vivid coloured themes and 3D-views.

• Improved Lockscreen: Shortcuts for both Phone and Camera are provided, along with material design-inspired notifications.

• Touchwiz: Brighter look and feel, bold colours, fluid animation inspired by material design.

• Floating Action Button: Floating action buttons provide easy access to the app's most important features, such as adding a new contact or favourite, or composing a text message.

• Smart Lock: Secure smartphone by pairing it with a trusted device like a wearable or car.

• Interruptions: Priority notifications such as events and reminders, phone calls, and messages can be set up to sound or vibrate while all other notifications are muted.

• Recents: Easy access to your Chrome tabs right from the Recent apps page. Multi-window icons for ease of use during multi-tasking.

• Activation of 'OK Google' voice command: With OK Google, it is possible to issue voice commands to Galaxy S4 Active smartphones.

• Battery saving features: Indicates remaining time left to charge.

How to download and install Android Lollipop on AT&T-driven Galaxy S4 Active:

The Android Lollipop is available on AT&T-driven Galaxy S4 Active smartphones via an OTA notification, but users can manually search and download it by following the steps mentioned below.

Manual search, download and installation of Lollipop:

• From the Home screen, press the Menu key, and tap Settings.
• From the More tab, tap About device.
• Tap Software update.
• Tap Check for updates.
• Tap OK
• Tap Done.

Verification of software update:

• From the Home screen, press the Menu key, and tap Settings.

• From the More tab, tap About device.

• The following information displays:

• Android version: 5.0.1

• Baseband version: I537UCUCOC6

• Kernel Version: 3.4.0-4554112

• Build Number: LRX22C.I537UCUCOC6.

Update Nexus 5 (hammerhead) to Android 5.0.2 LRX22G Lollipop with OptiPop F2FS-ALL custom ROM

Update Nexus 5 (hammerhead) to Android 5.0.2 LRX22G Lollipop with OptiPop F2FS-ALL custom ROM

blognet   Wednesday, April 22, 2015   Comment  

OptiPop ROM for Nexus 5Google

The Nexus 5 codenamed hammerhead has received another custom ROM called OptiPop F2FS-ALL, based on SaberMod 4.8.5 for speed and performance.

Featuring Google's latest Android Lollipop version, 5.0.2 with build LRX22G, the OptiPop ROM is based on AOSP sources. It integrates plenty of customisations and even some features from the Nexus 6 like its Ambient display. This custom build has been developed by XDA member Cl3Kener.

OptiPop ROM features

• Lollipop 5.0.2 LRX22G
• AOSP sources based
• Dark Material or White Material Builds
• Deodexed for Customisability
• ROM built with SaberMod 4.8.5 (for speed and performance)
• Faster animations (fling velocity, window animations, faster rotation, etc.)
• Opticharging to reduce apk size using pngquant which gives up to 70% compression
• Smoother scrolling
• Soft reboot option
• Strict aliasing
• Graphite and -O3 Optimisations
• Built with optimised compiler flags
• Art - Bionic - Dalvik optimisations
• Busybox
• Slim Heads Up changes for LP
• Disable Search Bar in Recents
• Quick pulldown settings
• Display rotate settings
• Power notification sound preference
• Status bar clock and date customisations 
• Statusbar brightness control
• Extended power menu with settings (currently non-configurable)
• Clear all button on recent apps
• Preference for custom clear all recents button position
• Volume rocker wake
• Volume music control
• Volume adjust preference
• Volume panel style preference
• Safe headset volume preference
• LED control settings
• Incall vibration
• Navbar DPI settings
• Custom apns (Updated regularly)
• App ops (enhanced features from Slim)
• Quick unlock
• Kill app longpress back
• Preference for status bar activity indicators for mobile data and Wi-Fi settings
• Option to use volume keys to control media volume anytime
• National data roaming
• Increasing ring feature
• Dialer lookup settings
• Pin keypad shuffler
• Statusbar ticker
• Volume button longpress seeks Music track on screen off
• MediaScanner Disable option
• ADB over network
• SMS rate limiting
• Blacklist support
• Wakeup on charger enabled/disable option
• Ambient display from Nexus 6 (This will drain more battery)
• SystemUI restart option
• CM Clock & Hide Alarm icon
• Power Menu configurability
• Proximity wakeup block
• QuickBoot pre-installed
• CM system profiles
• Battery style options
• PA style clear all
• Speed tweaks
• Cabinet file explorer  
• QuickBoot pre-installed
• F2FS All Support (just needs to flash F2FS compatible Kernel or if you are using UBER flashF2FS for ramdisk)

If you wish to experience the customisations of OptiPop ROM with Android 5.0.2 on your Nexus 5, check out the following installation method.

Pre-requisites

• As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup using any custom recovery.
• Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Go to Settings>> About phone. Scroll down to Build number, Tap seven times on the build number. The Developer options under Settings should appear now. You can now enable USB debugging mode.]
• Your Nexus 5 should have above 80% battery charge.
• The phone should be rooted and have the latest version of recovery installed.
• The bootloader of the phone should be unlocked.
• The OptiPop F2FS-ALL SM 4.8.5 ROM works only with Nexus 5 hammerhead. Applying these on any incorrect variant might brick the device. Verify the model number of the smartphone by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number and install firmware accordingly.
• Since the custom firmware, bugs are highly likely, but these are expected to be fixed in due course of development.
• IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Installation will be completely at your risk.

Download links

OptiPop F2FS ROM [Alternate link-1/ 2]

Gapps file 

How to install Android 5.0.2 LRX22G on Nexus 5 with OptiPop F2FS-All SM ROM

Step-1: Connect and mount your Nexus 5 USB memory on your PC through USB cable. Then move the downloaded files to the internal storage of the phone, which is also called internal SD card. But keep in mind that the files are in the SD card root

Step-2: Switch off the Nexus 5 and unplug the USB cable from it

Step-3: Boot your Nexus 4 into Bootloader mode. For this turn the phone on while pressing and holding the Volume Up, Volume Down and Power buttons together

Step-4: Follow the on-screen instructions, select Bootloader and then go to Recovery

Step-5: While in recovery mode, perform data wipe. Head over to wipe data/factory reset. Use the Power button to select everything in the Recovery mode

Step-6: Perform a cache wipe by selecting wipe cache partition

Step-7: Perform a wipe of your dalvik cache to avoid boot loops or, any other errors. From recovery go to advanced>> wipe dalvik cache

Step-8: Return to the main recovery menu and select install zip from sdcard>> choose zip from sdcard. Using the Volume buttons navigate to the SimpleAOSP ROM, select it and confirm installation

Step-9: Once you have flashed the ROM, follow the same steps to install the Gapps package

Step-10: Flash stock EXT4/F2FS kernel according to your choice. This is for the ramdisk fix

Step-11: Flash UBER kernel (highly recommended)

Step-12: Also install the Superuser package if you want root (You can flash SuperSU)

Note: Always flash SuperSU last to avoid issues. If you choose dirty flash to wipe system partition then flash everything according to the above mentioned guide.

Step-13: Finally reboot your Android device. Wait for some time, the first boot might take a few minutes, until then do not press any button on the device

Your Nexus 5 should now be running OptiPop ROM featuring Android 5.0.2 LRX22G.

Common Nexus 7 Lollipop problems and how to fix them

Common Nexus 7 Lollipop problems and how to fix them

blognet   Thursday, April 16, 2015   Comment  

The Android 5.1 Lollipop update is rolling out to Nexus 7 owners at the moment (or at least, owners of the LTE version) and it’s hoped that it’ll plug the annoying memory leak bug that’s affected some Nexuses since earlier updates. There’s no detail as yet of what’s actually fixed in the latest update, but here’s hoping it addresses at least some, and ideally all, of the issues detailed here. Here’s our list of the most common Nexus 7 Lollipop problems and how to fix them.

Lollipop. It's all fun and games until someone loses their Wi-Fi.

• Nexus 7 problem: random shutdowns and the occasional brick

Of all the Nexus 7 Lollipop problems, this one’s the nastiest: several users of the Google Product forums have encountered a bug that turns off their Nexuses and then refuses to get past the boot screen, effectively bricking the device. There’s even a Twitter hashtag for it, #nexus7bricked. The most upsetting thing isn’t the bricking. It’s that Google and Asus, Google’s manufacturing partner, don’t appear to be taking it seriously. As far as we’re aware there’s no fix to this one beyond praying it doesn’t happen to your Nexus. The good news is that it seems to be limited to the Lollipop 5.0.2 OTA (over the air) update, so you might want to skip that one if you haven’t already installed it.

Battery issues can be caused by pre-Lollipop apps that haven't been updated.

Nexus 7 problem: bad battery

You’re happy, because Lollipop - but then you’re sad, because Lollipop appears to have banjaxed your battery. A factory reset is the usual solution to this one, but have a look in the Battery page to see if the problem is being caused by an app rather than by Android itself.

Nexus 7 problem: wonky Wi-Fi

Has there been an Android update that didn’t mess with some people’s wireless? If there is we can’t remember it, because Wi-Fi and Bluetooth problems have been a common factor in every recent Android release. If your Wi-Fi is wonky or your Bluetooth is making you feel blue, the old reboot-and-restart method is always worth a try. Next step with Wi-Fi is to try forgetting and re-joining the offending network(s), and if that doesn’t work a factory reset might do the trick. In some cases the problem appears to be caused by older, pre-update apps that haven’t been updated by the developers, so it’s worth killing your apps to see if that makes your wireless work properly again.

Make sure you’re blaming the right thing, too. 99% of our Wi-Fi problems are because we haven’t given our Wi-Fi router a swift kick for a while, and rebooting it often fixes our issues.

Is your Wi-Fi wonky? Don't forget to give your router a kick.

Nexus 7 problem: freezing, crashing, stuttering and lag

For most people updating to Android Lollipop has made their Nexuses happier, their teeth whiter and their days just dandy. But some users have encountered a range of issues including freezes, crashes, stutter and lag. In-place upgrades can be the cause of that - installing updates on top of updates on top of updates can eventually cause issues, so a factory reset might be on the cards here - but once again have a look at your apps to check they’ve been updated to Lollipop. As with any performance issues, try switching off anything you don’t need to see if you can identify a specific cause.

Nexus 7 problem: YouTube won’t work

This one doesn’t just apply to YouTube, but to any app that uses video: some Nexus 7 owners have reported problems getting video playback to work on their device. In many cases clearing the app’s cache has solved the problem, but some users have found that the culprit is something called NuPlayer. This is hidden away in the developer options page and is a new video playback feature Google’s experimenting with. Turning it on if it’s off or turning it off if it’s on might solve your problem with that one. If all else fails, it’s factory reset time again.

Losing patience with Lollipop? Rooting might make your Nexus more nimble. 

Nexus 7 problem: everything’s terrible and you’re getting annoyed

Has sir or madam considered rooting the device? If you’re not getting the results you want from stock Lollipop, switching to Cyanogen (or another custom ROM of your choice) may make the birds sing and the sun shine. Rooting your device means you can tinker with it to your heart’s content, and for many people it’s the best way to solve irritating problems with stock Android releases.

Have you encountered any other nasties, or found other solutions to the issues above? Did you root your Nexus and never look back? Let us know in the comments.

Galaxy S6 Android update: Samsung working on Android 5.1 Lollipop update already

Galaxy S6 Android update: Samsung working on Android 5.1 Lollipop update already

blognet   Wednesday, April 15, 2015   Comment  

No sooner had it been spread that Samsung was not working on the Android 5.1 Lollipop update for any of its devices, including the brand-spanking-new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, than it comes out that Sammy is indeed working on the Galaxy S6 Android 5.1 update right now. Here's what we know so far about the Galaxy S6 Android update.

The Galaxy S6 will be the first Samsung device to receive Android 5.1 Lollipop. 

• Funnily enough, the source that previously claimed that Samsung was not working on Android 5.1 for the Galaxy S6 – Sam Mobile – is the same source that is now claiming that it is working on the update for both the S6 and the S6 Edge. So take this news with a grain of salt.

Having said that, there is no reason to believe that Samsung would not have been working on updating its current and recent flagships to the latest version of Android for weeks, especially when the company had updated its previous flagships to Lollipop so quickly.

The Galaxy S6 is already super fast, slick and smooth. Just how much better can it get

Unfortunately there are no time lines for the update rollout, so you'll just have to stay tuned until we hear a little more. Be sure though, that the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge will be the first devices receiving the update. Although hopefully the patch for the Galaxy S6 camera problem will roll out a little sooner than Android 5.1.

• When did you buy your Galaxy S6? What are your thoughts on the new TouchWiz on the latest Lollipop version?

Google I/O 2015 predictions: what you can expect from Android in 2015

Google I/O 2015 predictions: what you can expect from Android in 2015

blognet   Wednesday, April 15, 2015   Comment  

Google I/O, the most important developer conference for the world's largest mobile platform will take place on May 28th and 29th in San Francisco, setting the stage for Android in 2015. So what can you expect to see at I/O this year? Here are our Google I/O 2015 predictions.

Google I/O 2015 will set the stage for Android in the year to come. © Google

What is Google I/O 2015?

Google I/O brings together the world's best Android developers and showcases the very best of what comes next for Android. It's a huge geek fest but it has massive ramifications for the rest of us too and it gives us our first glimpses of what will be making its way onto our smartphones in the months to come.

We were at Google I/O 2014 and it was a doozy. Not only did the event introduce Android 5.0 Lollipop and Material Design, it also saw the preview build for Lollipop dished out to the assembled devs (which then instantly made its way onto all of our Nexus 5's as well). Even if you can't make Google I/O in person, you can tune in remotely courtesy of I/O Extended events and the #io15 hashtag.

Don't get too excited. We think it's way too early for the Android M release./ 

Google I/O 2015: Android 5.2 or Android M?

The likelihood of major news surrounding a new version of Android is unlikely. Android 5.1 is already out on some devices and Android 5.0 has seeped out to five percent of Android users. Android 5.2 – or even the Android M release – seem like they will come later in the year or possibly even next year. But if there is Android news, we'd expect it to to be 5.2 and some incremental updates.

We're anticipating some big improvements to Android Wear this year. / © 

Google I/O 2015: Android Wear

This is one of the areas we really think Google will be focusing on at this year's I/O. At least, this is the area that needs the most attention anyway. Android Wear is still a very young platform, but with the Apple Watch now out and several Android partners already developing (or open to developing) their own wearable platform to make up for Google's failure to improve Wear fast enough, this should be on Google's radar for 2015.

Which Android Wear smartwatches will tackle the Apple Watch? / © Apple, Motorola

Google I/O 2015: New smartwatches?

At Google I/O 2014 not one but three new smartwatches was unveiled: the long-anticipated Moto 360, the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear. The latter two were Google projects, designed to showcase Android Wear in its first stages. The Moto 360 was another fish entirely and for a long time was the smartwatch to have. We know the Moto 360 2nd generation is in development and LG and Samsung are always pumping out new watches, so an Android Wear announcement may well be accompanied by new smartwatches as well.

Could we see the near final versions of Project Ara handed out to attendees? / © ANDROIDPIT

Google I/O 2015: Project Ara

The modular smartphone project now has its own developer conference and we have already been filled in on what comes next for project Ara, so there's no reason to expect too much Ara news at Google I/O 2015. That's not to say it won't make an appearance though or that Google might not drop a bit of an update during I/O. Who knows, I/O attendees might even get an Ara device (or the promise of one) in the infamous I/O goodie bag.

• 
  

It's about time for some more news on Project Tango. / © Google

Google I/O 2015: Project Tango

The context-sensitive tablet that has an almost-human spatial perception was shown off in prototypes in the middle of last year by Google's Advanced Technology and Projects group. Since then though, when the prototypes were distributed to developers, Project Tango has kind of been silent. Project Tango is clearly not ready for prime-time just yet, so we wouldn't expect any huge news at I/O, but, like Ara, we expect it to be there in some form.

Android Auto will surely be center-stage at Google I/O 2015. / © Android

Google I/O 2015: Android Auto

If we had to put money it, we'd say I/O will primarily be about three things: Android Wear, Android Auto and Android Home. We've already seen these pushed heavily at all the trade shows this year and it makes sense for Google to be pushing them too. The difference is that Google is the one to push them to the next level. Expect to see Google's self-driving car at I/O and for some more big news on Android Auto.

We expect Google to have put a lot of effort into Nest and the Smart Home as well. / © Nest

Google I/O 2015: Android Home

The third pillar of our Google I/O expectations, Google Home is likely to get a lot of attention as well. Google has been trying to get Android into your home – or more specifically your lounge room – for as long as I can remember. Smart homes, entertainment and connected devices in the Internet of Things will surely be a high priority for Google in 2015 as well. If we're lucky we'll see some big news around nest, the smart home thermostat, but we're not holding our breath. In any case, the connected home will be on the agenda.

How far will Google have pushed Android TV in the last year? / © ANDROIDPIT

Google I/O 2015: Android TV

Last but not least, Android TV – Google's latest attempt to get into your lounge room – will surely share some of the limelight too. There's already a bunch of new Smart TVs, the Nexus Player is out in key markets and in the years to come we'll all be upgrading our existing boob tubes to those with Android TV built in. We're positive Android TV will be in the I/O lineup this year.

It's time for Google Glass to step into overdrive for its 2016 consumer launch.

Google I/O 2015: Miscellaneous

We're also expecting/hoping for some other cool stuff like Material Design support libraries, new improvements to the ART run time for Lollipop devices, Chromebook app news, perhaps some more news on the new Android camera API and who knows, maybe even a new Chromecast or Nexus device – a Nexus 5 (2015) or Nexus 7 (2015) perhaps? Google Glass might make an appearance, we might hear something about the Google Watch and Google Wallet might be in for an overhaul to compete with Apple Pay (Android Pay?).  

• Will you be at Google I/O? What are you expecting to see this year?