Custom home launchers, or skins, on OEM devices are sometimes the bane of an Android users existence. Some are undoubtedly better than others, like HTC’s Sense for instance has dramatically improved over the years while Samsung’s TouchWiz is still probably the most hated one out there. Motorola went with a more stock Android approach. Now it would seem that ZTE, one of the largest manufacturers in Chine, is dropping the use of a custom skin and will be launching devices with Google’s Now Launcher, or GEL.
The first device to go live sporting GEL will be the Blade Vec 4G. This particular device is already available Europe and China, but the upcoming Hong Kong release goes live July 24th with GEL packed inside.
The ZTE Blade Vec 4G smartphone along with one other ZTE premium device will be officially presented at a ZTE press conference held in Hong Kong on July 24, 2014. ZTE has launched the Blade Vec 4G and other premium devices in Europe and in China, and now will make them available in Hong Kong with the added benefits of Google Now Launcher pre-loaded.
All future Android 4.4 sporting devices, that are Google certified, from ZTE will come pre-loaded with the Google GEL experience launcher. This is a pretty cool move on ZTE’s part really and is one that I am sure many Android enthusiasts out there wish other manufacturers would do as well.
Press Release
SHENZHEN, China–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ZTE, one of the top global handset manufacturers, today announces one of the first few pre-loaded Google Now Launcher smartphones among non-Nexus and non-Google Play Experience devices worldwide to offer improved user experience and better value. The ZTE Blade Vec 4G smartphone with Google Now Launcher incorporates the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 400 processor and furthers ZTE’s strong relationship with Google and Qualcomm Technologies in growing the LTE market.
ZTE has worked closely with Google to pre-load Google Now Launcher onto several ZTE devices. The ZTE’s Blade Vec 4G smartphone on Android 4.4 and Snapdragon 400 processor with integrated multi-mode 3G/4G LTE is designed to deliver a better user experience that is supported by 3 modes (4G LTE-FDD, 3G UMGS/TD-SCDMA) and 9 radio frequency bands.
The ZTE Blade Vec 4G smartphone along with one other ZTE premium device will be officially presented at a ZTE press conference held in Hong Kong on July 24, 2014. ZTE has launched the Blade Vec 4G and other premium devices in Europe and in China, and now will make them available in Hong Kong with the added benefits of Google Now Launcher pre-loaded.
ZTE plans to pre-load Google Now Launcher on all Android 4.4 and above smartphones that have Google Mobile Services and Google Play enabled. Having Google Now Launcher pre-loaded onto the ZTE Blade Vec 4G, the new device becomes the first systemic terminal voice control solution in the industry. Mr. Zeng Xuezhong, CEO of ZTE Mobile Devices, and Executive Vice President of ZTE Corporation, commented, “ZTE’s strong relationship with Google and Qualcomm Technologies is in line with our focus on developing affordable premium devices that has rich voice control function as well as multimedia solutions. ZTE is continuing to push the boundaries and brings its customers the very latest experience that mobile technology can offer.”
On the ZTE Blade Vec 4G smartphone, Google Now Launcher is complimentary to ZTE flagship devices’ voice recognition and control function. ZTE Blade Vec 4G strongly features voice command functionality, including phone unlocking, dialing / answering calls, playing music, navigational controls, taking photos, etc.
Visually appealing UI
The Google Now Launcher UI lets users add as many home screens as they like, and helps them quickly get to their favorite apps. Another feature is the method for user to add widgets. To personalize and embellish ones smartphone, a user can select any images stored in the device or in the cloud or adjust the position of the image and preview before saving the setting.
Quick and easy access to Google Now
Google Now gives users just the right information at just the right time. For example, if you’ve booked a flight on selected airlines Google Now can give you your boarding pass, or tell you if the flight is delayed.
Free hands with a hotword
Ok Google allows hand free voice command triggered by just saying “Ok Google” at standby mode. Tell the phone what to do, not only limited to search query, text a message, get directions, or play a song, but even setting reminders and alarms, opening apps. Google Now Launcher supports multiple languages without presetting language in phone. Google Now Launcher gives users a clean and simple user interface, and keeps Google Now and search just a swipe or a tap away.
Key benefits
•A visually appealing UI.
•Quick and easy access to Google Now.
•Fast and snappy.
•The “Ok Google” hotword for opening quickly accessing Google Search
Source: AndroidPolice
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