Microsoft Rebrands Xbox Music as Groove
Microsoft's latest attempt to get back into the music streaming game comes in the form of rebranding it's Xbox Music service as Groove. Although a early entrant into the streaming music game with Zune, later rebranded Xbox Music to coincide with the relase of Windows 8, Microsoft has lagged behind more popular brands like Spotify, Google Play Music, and now Apple Music, failing to attract new subscribers. With an improved interface, new OneDrive integration, and with Windows 10 right around the corner, perhaps Groove will fianlly make them a real player in music streaming.
Google Testing it's Autonomous Cars in Austin, Texas
Google's foray into driverless cars is no longer limited to the roads Mountain View, California. After gaining permission of the Governor, Department of Transportation and local authorities, Google will now begin testing their Lexus SUV's on the roadways just north of Austin, Texas. As a safety precaution, a driver will be inside the cars at all times to take control in case of an emergency. Google says that this is a great opportunity to test their cars in a new environment, brining them one step closer to consumer availability.
Home Sharing Returns in iOS 9
Apple recently, and quietly, removed the popular Home Sharing feature from iOS 8.4, forcing users to use it's new Apple Music subscription service instead. Home Sharing allows users to share their iTunes music library with any iDevice on the same network. However, after receiving complaints, Apple is reversing their decision, but not right away. In a tweet sent on July 6th by Eddy Cue, Apple’s SVP of Internet Software and Services, he announced that his team was working on re-introducing Home Sharing in iOS 9, set to launch this fall.
iOS 9 Preview Now Available
Although arguably the most hyped feature of new the release of iOS, Apple Music, has already launched, the rest of Apple's newest mobile OS a shouldn't be overlooked. Here's a quick look at some of the new features:
- Siri 2.0
- New & Updated Apps
- Apple Maps
- iCloud Drive
- Apple Wallet (previously Passbook)
- Improved Battery Life
- UI Changes
- App Swticher
- Back Button
- Search Settings
Overall, it looks like Apple is trying to set its own trends while simultaneously trying to play catch up with Google's Android OS, especially trying to make Siri a competitor with the increasingly popular Google Now.
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