Fitbit said to be close to buying Pebble

A major deal between two well-known wearable companies may be in the works. Fitbit is reportedly close to buying Pebble. The deal is currently in the closing stages, says Financial Times, with Fitbit paying a "low price" for Pebble. Sources speaking to The Information echo this report. It's unclear when the deal might be completed, but when it is, it's expected that many Pebble employees will make the jump to Fitbit. However, production of future Pebble smartwatches "is in doubt." Pebble made a name for itself in 2012 when the Kickstarter for its first smartwatch earned $10.2 million. Since then, we've seen Pebble smartwatches hit major retailers and Pebble has released several new devices, but the company never seemed to gain a ton of traction with the general public. Plus, Pebble has been facing stiff competition from the likes of the Apple Watch and Google's Android Wear platform, both of which come from much larger companies. Stay tuned for more on this news as we get it. Sources: Financial Times, The Information Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Google is rolling out 'OK Google' hotword support for Android Auto [APK Download]

Android Auto has existed for almost two years now, but it's improved only slightly in that time. One of the more vexing inadequacies in Android Auto thus far has been the lack of OK Google support. With the latest version, the hotword trigger is finally a thing. Just like with your phone, Android Auto now supports saying OK Google to wake up the voice control interface. There's a toggle in the Google voice settings where you set how you want the hotword to work. Read More Google is rolling out 'OK Google' hotword support for Android Auto [APK Download] was written by the awesome team at Android Police. Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

DIRECTV NOW gets a dedicated Android app, right on schedule

Eager to get a slice of the growing cord-cutter pie, AT&T and DirecTV announced their own web-based premium TV service earlier this week. DIRECTV NOW officially launches today, so it's good to see that the service gets Android support immediately. The app is free and works with phones and tablets running Android 4.4 or higher. Sadly it's not compatible with Android TV, though Chromecast streaming is available on all videos. Read More DIRECTV NOW gets a dedicated Android app, right on schedule was written by the awesome team at Android Police. Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Play Store has new layout and transitions for search results, may be rolling out via server-side update

Google iterates a lot on the Play Store - the new shade of green, darker and richer than the previous one - is currently rolling out globally, along with the big uninstall button and tweaked list view for apps. We've now had wind of another test, using big cards for apps that can be horizontally swiped through in search results.   When searching for an app, tapping a result will take you to this new view, where you see the current content but instead of in fullscreen, it is contained in a card. Read More Play Store has new layout and transitions for search results, may be rolling out via server-side update was written by the awesome team at Android Police. Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Google updates Snapseed with improved image tuning UI and more accurate RAW colors [APK Download]

Snapseed is one of those rare apps that Google acquired and actually kept improving over time. The latest update to v2.13 adds more accurate display of images in RAW photos and a change to how image tuning tools are accessed. It's just starting to roll out, but we've got the APK handy too. The controls for tuning images in Snapseed are efficient, but take some getting used to. Different tools are available by swiping up and down on the screen. Read More Google updates Snapseed with improved image tuning UI and more accurate RAW colors [APK Download] was written by the awesome team at Android Police. Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Amanita Design (maker of Machinarium) releases Samorost 3 in the Play Store

Most people who are even peripherally interested in games have probably played Machinarium at this point. Originally released on PC in 2009, Machinarium is a stylish, relaxing point-and-click adventure. It came to Android a few years back, and was quite successful. Now, the same developer has released Samorost 3 on Android. It's similar to Machinarium, but it looks even prettier. Samorost 3 is the third game in the Samorost series, but it's the first one that's a full game. Read More Amanita Design (maker of Machinarium) releases Samorost 3 in the Play Store was written by the awesome team at Android Police. Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Android Pay comes to New Zealand, but only for one bank card

Android Pay is finally coming to New Zealand, but it's starting off pretty limited. The service is only compatible with the Bank of New Zealand, and only the BNZ Flexi Debit Visa card. If you have this card, then you'll be able to install the app and add your card. From there you'll be able to pay at stores like McDonalds, Dominos, Burger Fuel, and more. It's a neat trick, though it's no replacement for a wallet until it becomes more widespread. Hopefully more banks will get on board as well. Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

OnePlus 3 now has Nougat beta available to flash

The time has come for adventurous OnePlus 3 owners. OnePlus has released a beta build that's built on Android 7.0 Nougat for the OP3 and you can download it right now. Unfortunately, there will be no OTA for beta users. You're going to have to flash the Nougat update yourself, and there will be no flashing back without wiping data. And of course there's always the fact that it's a beta, and so it won't be fully stable and will have bugs (like Android Pay potentially not working and performance issues). Here's a full changelog: Upgraded to Android 7.0 Nougat New Notifications Design New Settings Menu Design Multi-Window View Notification Direct Reply Custom DPI Support Added Status Bar Icon Options Added Quick Launch For 3rd Party Applications Improved Shelf Customization If you want to give it a shot, hit the source link to download the build. Don't forget to leave feedback and make the software better for everyone! Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Google Santa Tracker updated for 2016

Google Santa Tracker has been updated for 2016 and it includes some neat changes. The biggest is an extra game featuring alternate reality called Present Quest, where you grab presents and drop them off at "Santa's Workshop." Other changes are updates for Android Wear, a redesigned village, and Android TV and Chromecast support. The tracking feature will start working on December 24. Check it out if you're curious or you have kids that steal your phone! Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

American Express launches Amex Pay in Canada

	Yet another mobile payment system has emerged, this time in Canada. American Express has launched Amex Pay, an NFC mobile payment system built into the Amex CA app for Android. This mobile payment system is similar to what Android Pay and Apple Pay offer. You connect your card, tap the phone to a compatible scanner, and you can pay. However, since it's all American Express, there are a few perks over other services. Once you link your card, you can pay with the card even if you lose the physical card. When your replacement card arrives, you do not have to add it again as it's connected via a Device Card Number rather than the physical card info. If you're Canadian and have an Amex card, give the app and Amex Pay a shot. If you're in the US, you can always add your Amex card to Android Pay and use that. Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Motorola will likely create a Tango Moto Mod for the Moto Z

	Motorola CEO, Aymar de Lencquesaing, today announced that the company is looking into creating a Tango Moto Mod for the company's flagship Moto Z smartphone. de Lencquesaing said the following about the compay's plans: The tablet folks did a phablet and worked with Google, the Tango team, to come out with a Tango phablet. Going forward, we'll have to address as a group how do we reconcile the products that are at the fringe? We're likely to to have a Tango module to basically enable the Z to have Tango functionality.Aymar de LencquesaingMotorola Lenovo has become the first manufacturer to create a Tango smartphone for consumers with the Phab 2 Pro. Now that the device has successfully launched, Lenovo is looking for ways to move from that point with Tango. Utilizing its Motorola brand is a natural springboard, bringing the technology within reach of the vast amounts of customers who use Motorola products. With the power of the Moto Mod system, Lenovo can likely integrate Tango technology into a mod for the current flagship, rather than creating an entirely new device. While this Moto Mod is currently still in the conceptual phase, we expect it to come into being in a short span of time. We'll keep you posted on the progress of this Mod. Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

LEGO jumps into the virtual reality game with Brickheadz for Daydream VR

	As virtual reality becomes more and more mainstream, brands are slowly realising its potential to market to consumers and potential customers. LEGO is the latest company to do this, releasing Brickheadz, a VR app for Google's Daydream platform and accompanying headset, to the Play Store in 'unreleased' beta state. If you're unaware, as I was, Brickheadz is a LEGO range released earlier this year with blocky character s, using Marvel and DC super heroes. Read More LEGO jumps into the virtual reality game with Brickheadz for Daydream VR was written by the awesome team at Android Police. Android Match ae http://androidmatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default