Google says you can expect USB Type-C to hit Android devices in the near future [Duh]

USB Type-C is fixin’ to become the new industry standard in how we transfer, power, and display content to external monitors in our next generation devices. Earlier today, we saw the arrival of the all new Chromebook Pixel 2, coming equipped with two USB 3.1 Type-C ports (because it’d be downright silly to only offer only one, right?).

For those unaware, USB Type-C is symmetrical, meaning there’s no “wrong way” to insert a connector into the port. All those late nights, fumbling around trying to nail your USB cable into your phone like a kid on prom night will finally be a thing of the past. And we couldn’t be happier.

With Google officially making the move to Type-C, you might be wondering if we’ll soon see this port in future Android devices. In what should be a surprise to no one, that answer is a resounding yes. In their latest Chromebook Pixel short on YouTube, Google Product Manager Adam Rodriguez (1:14) says specifically:

“We at Google are very committed to the USB Type-C spec, expect to see this in a lot of Chromebooks and Android phones in the near future.”

Did Google actually say we’ll see them use Type-C in the next Nexus device? No. But now that they’ve officially committed to it, it’s probably more than likely. Our bodies are ready. You can watch Google waxing poetic on the new connector that will soon come equipped on their over-powered netbook and future devices in the video down below.

Facebook Messenger could be adding games in the near future

Facebook Messenger officially became its own platform back in March, so we knew the social network geniuses over at Facebook were brainstorming new ways they could add more exciting features into the service. Right now the in-app apps (app-ception) are mostly related to chat like functions, things like adding GIFs, stickers, or video clips — things that enhance conversations.

We thought it was a great idea, even if we weren’t crazy about the idea of the app becoming more bloated than it already is. As reported by The Information, apparently adoption of these new Messenger apps hasn’t lived up to what Facebook (or developers) had hoped. Now it seems the company will look towards gaming to help pour some fuel on the fire and create added interest.

It makes sense too. Just look at all the casual games out there (Words with Friends, or Evil Apples). These are all games that heavily rely on social aspects to connect gamers with each other. Tapping into that could mean added revenue for developers looking to publish titles on Messenger. While the options are nearly endless, these games could face the same pitfalls as current Messenger apps which developers say are having trouble gaining exposure.

Perhaps a stand-alone Messenger app store is in our future?

Samsung Gear Live no longer available on Google Store as Tizen-powered smartwatches loom near

The Samsung Gear Live was Samsung’s first Android Wear powered device, and nearly a year after it first made its debut at Google I/O, the smartwatch can no longer be found on the Google Store. Before the Gear Live, Samsung was exclusively using their own in-house Tizen operating system to power inject their watches with some smarts.

With the Samsung Gear Live being their first and only Android Wear powered smartwatch, we can’t help but wonder if Samsung could move to relying only on Tizen for their smartwatch needs. Earlier this week new details of a circular shaped Samsung Gear A were revealed thanks to Samsung’s Gear SDK.

Samsung definitely has more than enough funds to continue throwing noodles at the wall to see what sticks, especially with wearables being so new to the market. But with the exception of the Moto 360, last year’s Android Wear powered smartwatches didn’t really pull in the sales many had hoped.

It wasn’t too long ago the LG G Watch was officially discontinued, so it’s entirely possible these first gen Android Wear watches are simply being phased out in favor of new models on the horizon. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

[Google Store]