It’s been a crazy year for Google and its Android platform. There was a plethora of new Android phones, a new version of Android and lots of exciting devices like Glass and Chromecast. While we say goodbye to 2013 and hello to 2014, browse through the top Android stories that are unforgettable on many different levels.
Unlocking your mobile becomes illegal in the U.S.
In early 2013, unlocking your mobile phone yourself became a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and a big no-no. You have to get the carrier to unlock your phone if you want to comply with this new law. It affects all Android phones sold in the US.
Android 4.4 Kit Kat becomes the talk of the town
Google surprised everyone when it took the wraps off Android 4.4 Kit Kat, instead of Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. It’s the first OS whose name was confirmed before its core features were detailed. It’s also the first version to borrow its name from a candy bar as part of a promotional agreement with KitKat owner Nestle.
Google sets the bar for affordable devices with the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7(2013)
Google was on a roll in 2013, introducing not one, but two affordable Android devices. The duo includes the $229 Nexus 7 (2013) tablet and the $349 Nexus 5 smartphone.
Google trims the fat from Motorola
Google completed its acquisition of Motorola in 2012, and the company initially struggled under its new Google overlord (even if it did get a nice, new logo). After a year of less-than-stellar performance, Google trimmed Motorola’s workforce by more 5000 employees worldwide. The new slim and trim manufacturer released the flagship Moto X this year to good reviews, but mediocre uptake by consumers.
CyanogenMod forms its own company backed by VC funding, reaches 10 million users
CyanogenMod had a banner year in 2013. The popular custom ROM incorporated itself and became a full-fledged company. It’s received several round of VC funding and now has over 10 million users.
Google jumps back into your living room with the $35 Chromecast
The Chromecast is a $35 video streaming device that you plug into one of your television’s HDMI ports. The device then connects to your WiFi network and allows you to stream a handful of approved applications from your Android phone or tablet to your TV. It’s a great little device that’ll only get better in 2014 when Google releases an SDK that’ll developers to create apps for the device.
Google takes on Spotify with its Google Play Music All Access
Google used its I/O developers conference to introduce more than just new hardware. The company also took the wraps off a new streaming music service that goes head-to-head with Spotify. The service costs $9.99 per month.
Facebook fires and misses with Facebook Home
Facebook tried to break into Android with a launcher-style app that put all your friends “at the heart of your phone.” The app piped your news feed right to your homescreen, allowing to never miss a wall post or status update. Facebook Home was the selling point for the HTC First, a phone that debuted and quickly slipped into obscurity.
HTC slowly slips into the abyss as financial losses mount
HTC had a terrible year with poor quarterly earnings, mounting losses and a scandal in which a former executive made off with cash and HTC secrets. Here’s to 2014 and, hopefully, a better year for HTC.
Google Glass debuts, the future is now
Google started shipping its Glass devices to select customers early in 2013. The first generation device is now obsolete with version 2.0 available for Glass owners to grab through a free upgrade program. Glass is ridiculed by many, but it could be a stepping stone onto something to bigger and better in the wearables category.
