Google Cast is the next evolution of Chromecast, now with an accent on third-party support

Google's own video and audio casting platform seems to have undergone a significant image change. If you are currently using a Chromecast device, you might have noticed that after its last update, the Chromecast app is now called Google Cast. Not much has changed withing the update in terms of functionality, but the re-branding is definitely more than mere cosmetic work.

Like the new name suggests, Google is now branching out and trying to convey the message that its casting solution is no longer a proprietary thing. Besides its own dongles, the platform is now supported by a growing number of smart TVs from vendors like Sony and Sharp, as well as speakers. The list of third-party partners is also growing, Philips, B&O PLAY, Harman/Kardon and Raumfeld are all lined up to release audio equipment and VIZIO is the latest company to join in the Google casting ranks with both audio and video offers. It's new P-series TVs are now filly compatible with the streaming technology and some of them even come with their own little tablet-like remote device that can be used to stream content. Neat!

This, actually looks to be indicative of what is going on behind the scenes and it is really quite natural. All these third party partners simply seem to be integrating the Chromecast hardware within their systems. It is elegant and cheap and makes quite a lot of sense when you think about it.

And if the VIZIO TVs just happen to spike your interest, they will be available in a wide range of sizes, starting at 50 inches for $1,000 and moving up to 55 inches at $1,300, 65 inches at $2,000 and finally a 75-inch one that will set you back $3,800.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Marshmallow OTA spotted outside South Korea

If you currently own a Galaxy S5 and are waiting on some Marshmallow goodness, then you're in luck. The 2014 flagship is about as old a hardware as Samsung is willing to update to Android 6.0, but it still very much on the list, making the appearance of an OTA on your handset a matter of time.

In fact, that time might be closer than you think, as evident by the latest Galaxy S5 update roll-out that is now under way in Trinidad and Tobago. It is intended for the SM-G900M version, making it the second device variant to get Marshmallow, after the local South Korean SM-G900L. If you are from Trinidad and Tobago, then be sure to check your update menu frequently as the 1.47GB package is already out there. The G900MUBU1CPC3 update brings the software version to 6.0.1 and comes packed with all the new Google Marshmallow features, like Doze mode, Google Now on Tap and run time app permissions, to name a few, as well as new TouchWiz goodies.

And as for other international users, this means good news as well, as it constitutes the typical second step in most Samsung staged roll-outs, which tend to launch on the home turf first. That being said, the wait shouldn't be long now.

Marshmallow update hitting Honor 7 units in EU

Huawei has started rolling out the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update to Honor 7 units in the EU. An announcement in this regard was made by the Chinese company on Twitter.

If you recall, the update - which is currently rolling out over-the-air (OTA) - was originally supposed to be outed by the end of February. So, it has arrived a bit late, but arrived nonetheless.

Given the fact that the roll-out has just begun, it may take some time before the update hits your device. However, if you're feeling impatient, you can also manually check for it by heading to your device's Settings menu.

Oppo sells more than 180,000 R9 and R9 Plus units during their first day of availability

Oppo has released both the R9 and the R9 Plus in China, and sales during their first day of availability have reportedly gone very well for the company.

It turns out that Oppo was able to sell more than 180,000 R9 and R9 Plus smartphones in just one day, making their debut on the Chinese market quite a success.

This number has been achieved by having both online and offline sales channels, but Oppo's big marketing campaign surrounding the two devices has clearly helped too. It has used big Chinese celebrities to promote the R9 duo, making a big fuss about the handsets for weeks.

People have probably liked their design and specs too, of course. Now all that's left for Oppo to do is finally launch the R9 and R9 Plus outside of China. Hopefully that will happen soon.

New Verizon Galaxy S7/S7 edge update improves Wi-Fi connectivity

Verizon has started rolling out a new update to Samsung's newest flagship smartphones - the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. The carrier says it improves Wi-Fi connectivity on Marshmallow OS and fixes several related issues.

The issues that have been fixed include those encountered while connecting to the Internet and loading files or web pages. In addition, the problem of frequent data disconnections has also been addressed in this update.

The update arrives as software version MMB29M.G930VVRU2APB5 for the Galaxy S7 and MMB29M.G935VVRU2APB5 for the S7 edge. It should hit your device soon in case that hasn't happened already.

Rumor says HTC 10 will go on sale starting April 15

While we already knew that the HTC 10 will be unveiled on April 12, thanks to a new leak, we now also have some idea on when the phone will go on sale. The rumor says the device will be released on April 15 in HTC's home country of Taiwan.

There's currently no official confirmation on if and when the handset will land in the United States, although the usually reliable tipster @evleaks had said last month that the US launch is set for the second week of May.

The phone - which has already been the subject of several leaks, rumors, and teasers - is said to be powered by an SD820 SoC, and sport a 5.15-inch QHD LCD. Other rumored specs include 4GB/32GB memory configuration, USB Type C, 3,000mAh battery, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Microsoft's giant Surface Hub finally begins shipping

In line with the previously shared Q1 2016 release time frame, Microsoft has announced that it has started shipping its Surface Hub touchscreen PC. The Windows 10-powered device wasfirst showcased back in January last year, but has since been the subject of multiple delays.

We are "proud to announce that Surface Hub has begun shipping to business customers," the Redmond, Washington-based company said in a blog post.

For those who aren't already aware, the Surface Hub - which comes in 55-inch and 84-inch variants - is primarily aimed at businesses. Designed for conference rooms and teams, it promises to streamline meetings. As for the price, the smaller-sized model carries a tag of $8,999, while the bigger one costs $21,999.

Android Experiments Challenge: Win a trip to attend Google I/O

Google is holding its annual conference this upcoming May and registration has already closed for this year’s event. If you are a fan of Google and love developing applications, you are in luck.

Google is holding a contest for developers to come up with really cool and interesting ways to incorporate any of Android’s new or unique features into an application or project involving your app. Google gives some vague guidelines of what it would like to see:

“It’s a project that utilizes the unique capabilities of the Android platform in an innovative way. Here are a few suggestions:”

• “Creative uses of Android’s new or distinctive features”
• “Projects that explore how we interact with our devices, in small and big ways”
• “Unique visual aesthetics”
• “Open source projects that can inspire other developers”
• “Surprise us - we want to see the amazing things you’re cooking up."

Entries are being accepted until April 13, so if you are a creative developer with a lot of free time in your hands, you should get on it! The winners will be flown to California to attend the developer’s event. The winners will also exhibit their creations at Google I/O while 5 runner-ups will receive a 32GB Nexus 6P.

Check out the Android Experiments website to take inspiration from other innovative projects and get started on your own.

Casio's Android Wear Smart Outdoor Watch now available for $500

Unveiled in January at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the WSD-F10 Smart Outdoor Watch from Casio is now available for purchase in the US. You can purchase the $500 device from the Google Store, Amazon, REI, as well from Casio's own online store.

Specifically aimed at those involved in outdoor activities, the device is water resistant up to 50 meters and also offers military-grade endurance. It packs in a range of sensors and comes with several fitness and outdoor activity apps.

The Smart Outdoor Watch is claimed to offer a battery life of over a day on normal use. It can also be used in a Timepiece Mode, with a claimed battery life of over a month.

Verizon LG G3 and G4 getting March security update

Verizon has started rolling out the latest Android security update to the LG G3 and G4smartphones on its network. Aside from bumping the Android security patch level to March 1, the update also "provides faster display response from a sleep state."

As the update - which arrives as software version VS98625A for the G4 and VS98547A for the G3 - is currently rolling out, it may take some time before it hits your device. However, if you're feeling impatient, you can manually check for the update by heading to your handset's Settings menu.

In case you missed, Verizon has already rolled out the March security update to the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge as well as the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge units on its network.

Mophie has new battery cases for the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, now with wireless charging

Mophie, the leading seller of battery cases in North America has shown some love to the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. The new juice packs actually offer quite a bit of improvement over the old models, like the ones meant for the Galaxy S6.

The cases still offer edge protection all around, but are now a lot more convenient thanks to wireless charging technology. The company has added support for Qi, as well as other popular technologies and promises maximum versatility. Placing the phone on a charger can top off both batteries.

Of course, there is still a pass-through micro USB port so you can charge via cable and also sync with a PC. The latter is actually quite cleverly designed with a priority mode that charges your phone first and then moves on to the battery inside the case.

The Galaxy S7 Mophie case with a 2,950mAh battery is available for purchase now at $99.95 (€109.95 in the EU) and can be bundled with an additional memory-flex microUSB cable and a fast wall charger for a few bucks extra. The same goes for the Galaxy S7 edge model with its larger 3,300mAh pack, but it is currently in pre-order state with shipments delayed from five to seven days.

On a side note, examining the case closely, reveals that it is now lacking the tiny on/off switch next to the power meter on the back, which raises the question as to how charging is enabled and disabled. Hopefully, the function has been somehow reassigned to the only remaining button, as having the charge flow constantly is impractical on some occasions.

Production cost of AMOLED screens is now lower than LCD's

According to an analysis done by IHS Technology, AMOLED screen production cost is now lower than that of LCD screens. Production costs in the first quarter of the year for a 5" 1080p display amount to $14.30 for an AMOLED panel compared to $14.60 for an LCD one.

However, it's yet to see if this trend will keep on. In Q4 2015, an AMOLED panel cost $17.10 to make, while an LCD one was cheaper at $15.70. IHS notes that the numbers apply for the production cost of a LTPS LCD (Low Temperature Poly-Silicon Liquid Crystal Display), which is the most efficient type of TFT LCD.

Provided this trend keeps up, we could very well see a surge in smartphone makers choosing AMOLED screens for their mid-range models.