Google patent points to voice controlled Android lock screens Are gesture and voice-controlled lock screens on their way to Android machines? Smartphone manufacturers have already been treading on eggshells to avoid infringing on Apple’s lock screen patents. Now that Apple has been granted the right to ban Motorola from copying its slide to unlock feature, lock screen patents are an even bigger thorn in manufacturers’ side. However,Patently Appleis showing off a number of lock screens apparently patented by Google that manage to steer clear of Apple’s patents, while providing screen lock options that remain simple and fully-functional....

Google replaces the Android Market with Google Play platform The big G is revamping its app, music, video and book store by celebrating with seven days of discounts and sales Google hasannouncedthat it will replace its Android Market with a new platform called Google Play, which will encompass all of its apps, books, music and movies under one umbrella moniker. Each will receive its own ‘Play’ rebranding along the lines of Play Music, Play Books and so forth, with the Android Market itself being reborn as the Play Store....

Google swarms search results with Zerg Rush Those wacky Googlers are at it again, with an entertaining new mini-game for Starcraft fans Google’s getting more ambitious with its in-jokes, having previously created aplayable Pac-Man Google Doodleand inviting searchers to“do a barrel roll.” The big G’s outdone itself with its latest effort, though – type “zerg rush” into Google and you’re treated to a Starcraft-inspired mini-game in which Google “O”s swarm and devour your search results....

Google TV is coming to Europe in September It looks like Androids in your telly and Google apps on your screen will come soon, but not for cheap Google TV, already making waves in the US, may finally be landing on UK shores this September in the form of Sony set-top boxes. This comes fromSony’s marketing director for France, and even includes pricing. Yes, like America, Europe too shall suffer overpricing with a basic set-top box made by Sony costing around €200, and a Blu-ray version at €300....

Google’s Santa Tracker lets you keep a watchful eye over your presents The big G takes parcel tracking to a whole new level this Christmas. Let’s hope you’ve been good this year… Google has revealed a Santa Tracker which will let curious users track the big red man himself as he defies time and physics by showering the world with presents in a single night. You can even get aChrome extensionto track Saint Nick while browsing, to ensure that you’ll be on top of his whereabouts at all times....

Gooseberry takes on Raspberry Pi with ICS An upgraded version of Raspberry Pi running Ice Cream Sandwich is in our midst. But the Gooseberry threatens to be in short supply Raspberry Pi – the £26, all-on-a-board computerwhich we gave a four star review– is about to be pureed by the superior Gooseberry, currently ripening towards production. The Gooseberry will come with a more powerful (and overclockable) 1GHz A10 processor, 400MHz Mali graphics, 512MB RAM, a tasty 4GB of onboard storage, and most importantly Android 4....

GoPro Wi-Fi BacPac brings live streaming to your HD Hero Your hardy headcam can finally get the real-time internet audience it deserves with this Wi-Fi accessory GoPro’s Wi-Fi BacPac, announced with theHD Hero 2last year, has just been unleashed on sporty, gadget-clad daredevils who want everybody to see their extreme antics in real time. This essential add-on attaches to the back of your HD Hero or Hero 2, bestowing the camera with Wi-Fi powers plus you’ll be able to live stream your video to iOS and Android smartphones and tablets (via the free GoPro app) or the web in an incoming update....