You don't have to wait for a puff of white smoke to find out who Google's next Android chief will be. Sundar Pichai, the company's senior vice president of Chrome and Apps, will assume this position, replacing Andy Rubin.

The Android shuffle (not yet a YouTube dance craze) was a surprise today and could have a major impact on the future of the world's No. 1 mobile operating system.

On the one hand, Rubin, a former Apple engineer and co-founder of the once-popular Danger Hiptop handset (known as the T-Mobile Sidekick in the U.S.), has a legacy of bringing devices to life.

On the other, Pichai's has had a history of convergence - taking software and refining it to the point of success.

He started at Google right around the time Rubin was pitching Android, Inc. to the search engine's co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and he has gone on to innovate well-known Google software.

The Chrome browser, Chrome OS, Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive and Google Apps all have Pichai's name attached to them.

Pichai's Chrome-plated success

There's no better example of Pichai's success than the Chrome browser, of which Google CEO Larry Page said, "In 2008, people asked whether the world really needed another browser."

"Today Chrome has hundreds of millions of happy users and is growing fast thanks to its speed, simplicity and security. So while Andy's a really hard act to follow, I know Sundar will do a tremendous job doubling down on Android as we work to push the ecosystem forward."

Pushing the ecosystem forward could mean the merger of the Android mobile OS and the Chrome OS, a long-held speculation by analysts in the past.

The fact that Pichai is keeping his "Chrome and Apps" duties in addition to taking on the new Android position further backs up that rumor.

The public will get a sense of whether or not that is true in May at the Google I/O conference, where the next iteration of the mobile OS, Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, is expected to be unveiled.

Motorola in the mix?

Google, in addition to converging its operating system software, may take further steps to invest in its own Android hardware.

After all, the company has yet to do anything meaningful besides horde patents with its year-and-a-half old 12.5 billion (£7.5 billion) Motorola acquisition.

Perhaps that Motorola X smartphone, headlined with the current rumors specs of a 16 megapixel camera, is due to be unveiled along with Key Lime Pie.

Three quarters of a billion sold

With the success that Pichai has had in developing the Google Chrome browser could help the company continue its Android dominance in the smartphone marketplace.

Google updated its metrics today, tallying up 750 million Android activations since the mobile OS made its debut in 2008.

It also reported 1.5 million new activations per day, which should help push them over Google chairman Eric Schmidt's prediction of over a billion Android activations in 2013.

Andy Rubin's new role at Google

Page indicated that Rubin is still working at Google, but in some other capacity than the Android division for the first time since Google bought Android, Inc. in 2005.

"Andy's decided it's time to hand over the reins and start a new chapter at Google," Page said in his blog post today. "Andy, more moonshots please!"

The "moonshots" reference could refer to Rubin taking a position within the Google X lab, which is noted for experimental projects.

The mysterious line of Google X lab projects are said to include Project Glass and the Google driverless car.

What Rubin works on next at Google remains a mystery, but it's clear that he took Android from its own experimental stages to the point where it's now mainstream.

At an impressive 75 percent market share, Google's mobile operating system will have to keep innovating under Pichai to retain that dominance.

Adobe plans to end boxed sales of its Creative Suite and Acrobat family software, according to a report by Software Media Blog. Adobe told the blog that its discontinuation of box-based sales for CS and Acrobat will be effective as soon as April 30, 2013.

"As Adobe continues to focus on delivering world-class innovation through Adobe Creative Cloud and digital fulfillment, we will no longer offer shrink-wrapped, boxed versions of Creative Suite family or Acrobat family…[the] last order date through distribution is April 30." Adobe's Global Channel Enablement Team told Software Media Blog.

Use of the word "family" suggests stand-alone products found in CS, like Photoshop, will also disappear from store shelves.

Adobe's move away from shrink-wrapped boxes is likely part of its grander plans to transition to an entirely subscription-based model -- a push which aims to create continuous revenue streams while simultaneously stamping out piracy. Photoshop has long been amongst the top-most pirated applications.

Subscriptions may also be particularly attractive users who can't afford to dump thousands of dollars in a single purchase for the full product.

In the meantime, the elimination of physical boxes should assist Adobe in streamlining its production and distribution thereby reducing overhead costs. The move encourages users to buy the software online, possibly checking out its cloud-based offerings as well. Its eventual reliance on entirely digital methods of distribution -- and even more so with subscriptions -- should better position Adobe to bolster anti-piracy efforts.

Despite the imminent demise of boxes, Adobe's full, downloadable retail-box equivalents remain available for purchase through its website. It's unclear when -- or if -- Adobe will stop offering such one-time purchase software; however, the death of boxes brings us one step closer to a future where monthly (or yearly) subscriptions may replace one-time purchase licenses entirely.

The multi-talented broadcast and on-demand TV platform, YouView continues to boost its mobile offerings with a major update to its iOS app, released on Wednesday.

The new version of the app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch now allows users to remotely record an entire TV series from their mobile device.

The last update in December facilitated remote recording for single episodes while on the go, but now a series link option for BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 programming is now also in situ.

This matches the functionality on offer to Sky+ users through its mobile apps, as YouView looks to establish itself as an equal to Sky's forward-thinking mobile offerings.

Smarter TV guide

The update doesn't stop there for YouView customers with iOS devices. The new version of the app also brings a neat 'Now and Next' feature for all of the channels on offer.

There's also an updated version of the TV guide, which no longer segregates channels into days, but rather employs a free-flowing interface that allows users to keep on scrolling.

YouView users can download the update from the App Store now.

If you're a Facebook user who still hasn't adjusted to Timeline view, the social network is introducing several design changes today in response to feedback from its members.

Facebook announced Wednesday that it has started rolling out improvements to Timeline, the profile redesign it first introduced in late 2011.

First and foremost, the new Timeline layout is cleaner, a change the social network claims was implemented with the help of feedback from Facebook users.

Instead of posts being spread across two columns, the improved Timeline now keeps everything on the right side of the screen, with photos, music and other activity separated at left.

All about apps

The cleaner Timeline also aims to make it easier for users to organize the interests represented on their About page with redesigned sections for apps.

For example, movie lovers can use Flixster or Netflix to share what they've been watching, while books can be added to their own section with a click of the Add button.

For developers, Timeline now includes a new Open Graph tool to simplify the setup process, while making it easier to preview News Feed stories and configure sections.

If you don't see the updated Timeline on your own profile yet, don't panic: Facebook claims the change is rolling out gradually to all users in the coming weeks.

If you are one of the millions of people playing Minecraft, you'll be glad to know the Redstone Update has been officially released today. The brick universe created by Notch Persson is ever evolving and now includes various new items like hoppers, droppers, trapped chests, quartz blocks, and nether bricks. Although these new items add some more diversity, its the activators and action options which really caught our attention. There's a light sensor if one wants objects activated during the day or night, pressure plates, and activation rails for TNT.

The appearance of the pixeladed world has been improved with new texture packs that allow animated surfaces, and the interface for managing inventory has been improved with several of options like the ability to drag-place items over slots. There is also more lighting options, better death messages and an improved AI.

The new version is ready for all platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux and the Raspberry Pi. Just head to our download section for the download links and complete release notes. For a more visual summary of the changes brought by this update you might want to check out the video below.

Andy Rubin, the man who developed Android and sold it to Google, is stepping down from his position at the reins of the mobile OS.

As announced today in a blog post written by CEO Larry Page, Rubin will be staying at Google to concentrate on "more moonshots" while Sundar Pichai will take over as head of Android.

Pichai was one of the leads on Google's browser, Chrome, as well as having a background in apps. Page says that Pichai will be "doubling down on Android" in this brave new post-Rubin world.

Is this reshuffle a clue to the shape of Android to come? There has been speculation that Google will bring Android and Chrome OS in line - or even merge the two - and moving a Chrome specialist over to the mobile side certainly adds fuel to that particular fire.

Page speaks

"Having exceeded even the crazy ambitious goals we dreamed of for Android - and with a really strong leadership team in place - Andy's decided it's time to hand over the reins and start a new chapter at Google," blogged Page. "Andy, more moonshots please!"

He went on, "Today we're living in a new computing environment. People are really excited about technology and spending a lot of money on devices. This is driving faster adoption than we have ever seen before.

"The Nexus program - developed in conjunction with our partners Asus, HTC, LG and Samsung - has become a beacon of innovation for the industry, and services such as Google Now have the potential to really improve your life.

"We're getting closer to a world where technology takes care of the hard work - discovery, organization, communication - so that you can get on with what makes you happiest… living and loving. It's an exciting time to be at Google."

There's been a tidal wave of leaks, rumours and reports from those dubious "upstream supply chain sources" surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the final details are still up for debate - luckily we'll find out for sure tomorrow.

In the meantime we've analysed all the details from around the world and pulled together a list of specifications we reckon Samsung will slap into the Galaxy SIV.

• Check out all the chatter: Samsung Galaxy S4 release date, news and rumours

1. Screen

The Samsung Galaxy S4 will probably sport a 5-inch screen with a full HD display which will put it up against the likes of the HTC One and Sony Xperia Z.

Samsung is pretty keen on Super AMOLED screen technology and we wouldn't be surprised if it brought back the "Plus" variant it used on the wonderful Galaxy S2 for an additional boost in colour.

2. Processor

There's a big debate over whether Samsung will stick with the tried and tested quad-core chips you find in the likes of the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2, or if it's going to go all out and stick an octo-core processor inside the Galaxy SIV.

Our money is on the quad-core option kicked up to at 1.8GHz as it will be much kinder on the battery, but we're certainly not willing to stake our mortgages on it.

3. Camera

Samsung has stuck with an 8MP snapper for its past two flagship smartphones so it'll be no surprise if the Galaxy S4 rocks up with an improved offering.

We reckon Samsung will equip the SIV with a 13MP camera round the back, while a boost to the front facing camera is also highly likely.

4. Operating system

This is possibly the easiest spec to call as we can be pretty sure the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be running the latest version of Android Jelly Bean which is 4.2.1, with a refreshed version of the TouchWiz interface slapped over the top.

5. Chassis

With the likes of the iPhone 5, HTC One and Sony Xperia Z sporting a variety of glass and metallic finishes we were hoping the Samsung Galaxy S4 would follow suit, but sadly it looks like we're going to be stuck with the same old plastic finish as the S3 - boo!

6. Smart Scrolling

A rumour that has gathered pace over the last few weeks is that the S4 will feature Smart Scrolling. This apparently gives you the ability to scroll the page on screen with your eyes - look no hands! - and is expected to debut on the new flagship and may even come to the S3 too.

7. Wireless charging

Wireless charging isn't anything new but Samsung looks set to build proper functionality into the S4 after it briefly mentioned it at the Galaxy S3 launch last year but never really delivered.

8. Battery

Expect the Samsung Galaxy S4 battery to be given a boost over the 2100mAh offering found in the S3, as the power hungry screen and processor will be demanding a lot - we just hope Samsung has done enough to the battery management for it to last a whole day.

9. Home button

Murmurs that Samsung is looking to ditch its famous physical home key have been doing the rounds since pre-Galaxy S3 times and, while there are still hints that the Galaxy S4 could be the phone to wave goodbye to the button, we reckon the old reliable will still feature on this handset.

10. Release date and price

No one can quite match Apple when it comes to turning round a product after the launch event, with the Cupertino firm's products generally hitting shelves around a week after the announcement.

Everyone else seems to take a month or two to get the first devices rolling off the production line and therefore to expect to see the Samsung Galaxy S4 release date pop up towards the end of April/beginning of May.

In terms of the Galaxy S4 price, well you may need that couple of extra months to start saving as this will be the flagship handset for Samsung in 2013 and thus will command a princely price tag.

The now Google-owned Motorola factory may be getting back into full swing as a video has popped up online showing a mystery device proudly sporting the firm's emblem.

This leak comes courtesy of Vietnamese site Tinhte which claims to have gotten its hands on a currently unknown Motorola smartphone running Google's Android Jelly Bean software.

According to the report the Moto handset in question packs a screen somewhere in the region of 4.65-inches boasting a 720p resolution and 320ppi pixel density.

Take a guess

That's hardly awe-inspiring specs as other manufacturers are churning out full HD displays, and while the Motorola device may pack 2GB of RAM it seems to be a little on the chunky side.

Round the back there's a camera and single LED flash, but the resolution of the lens isn't disclosed in the video - and the styling Motorola has supposedly employed does remind us a little of the rear of the HTC One.

It's thought that this handset may be a mid- to high-end offering which could very well slide in under the potentially Google branded Motorola X handset which is currently being touted as the first phone to run Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie - although we're not counting our chickens just yet.

We've seen a few handset come out of Motorola recently including the Razr HD and Intel-powered Razr i, but nothing that has really challenged those at the top of the smartphone pile. Perhaps that will change later this year.

With the Samsung Galaxy S4 announcement looming large, TechRadar took the opportunity to ask ARM's Ian Drew if he was excited by the imminent arrival of the latest flagship handset.

Samsung's Unpacked event in Ney York will bring us the first glimpse of the new handset, which will take on the critically acclaimed HTC One and Apple's next handset, be it the iPhone 5S or iPhone 6.

ARM has been a key partner for Samsung and its chip designs will feature heavily in the Galaxy S4 - which is inevitably an exciting new arrival for the British chip giant.

Blown away?

"I'm always excited by everything Samsung does," Drew told TechRadar, nodding in the affirmative when we asked if the S4 would blow us away.

"I'm an old school guy - I started programming on Sinclair ZX81 - so when I look at the latest phones I go 'Wow the computing power in that' and look at what you can go do with them.

"You look at the screen, the resolution, performance battery and life... those are what the consumer wants.

"I can't control price but I can help with other things like battery life."

TechRadar is already en route to New York for the main event on Thursday and we'll be bringing you all the excitement around the announcement as well as our first look at the device itself.

We're champing at the bit to see what Samsung's got for us in the shape of the Galaxy S4 but it sounds as though its older brother, the Samsung Galaxy S3, may be in line for a refresh too.

Noted phone leaker Eldar Murtazin is the source for this info - and given that he was spot on about the S4 launch details we're inclined to believe him despite past inaccuracies.

He claims that the rebooted S3 will come with an updated display, a battery boost to 2400mAh and proper wireless charging - as the wire-free kit Samsung promised during its launch never came to fruition.

Detailling

Now, there's no word on whether this updated screen will be full 1080p HD or not, and we're not privy to any information on how the wireless charging will work.

But given that wireless charging is hotly tipped to make an appearance on the S4 by way of interchangeable back covers, this could be an option for the older handset.

As for a refreshed Samsung Galaxy S3 release date - watch this space, but probably not until shortly after the S4 launch. We're headed to New York for the S4 event tomorrow so we'll keep our eyes peeled for a snazzier S3 while we're there.