Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Update - 16


Posted: 19 Feb 2012 03:53 PM PST
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The revolutionary Lytro camera is one of the most impressive gadgets we have seen lately. Its light field technology captures the direction of all light in every dimension, allowing users to focus the image after the fact. We know that Lytro is not discarding the possibility of bringing this technology to smartphones, and if that happens, it would be great, because Lytro is also considering working with video.

According to Lytro CEO Ren Ng, this video capture is not completely off the table. The main issue is that processing as much data as the Lytro camera produces is not possible at the moment. But with the right processor, it could be done.
Processing technology is advancing fast. Smartphones are about to be released with quad-core processors, and we can only imagine what we will see next year. It would surely be amazing to see such technology come to high-end smartphones, not only with images, but with video, as well.
Let’s not hold our breath on this one just yet, though. If it happens, it will not be anytime soon, so let’s get hyped up about coming products, instead. This is just food for thought.
[Source: Tech Crunch Via: Engadget]

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 02:44 PM PST
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Many times, we ignore the affordable tablets, but they can be a great device for a big percentage of the population. A Manufacturer that is among the best-known for good quality (relatively), affordable devices is Archos. And it has just introduced a new member to the Arnova G2 family – the Arnova 8b G2.
The Arnova 8b G2 is the successor to the Arnova 8 G2, with the main difference being that it lacks physical buttons. The tablet still runs on Android 2.3, though. The lack of physical buttons may indicate that Archos could be planning to upgrade it to Honeycomb, or even Ice Cream Sandwich, some time int he future (like the Archos G9 tablets).
Specs include a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, Android 2.3, and 8-inch TFT-LCD 800x600p display, a front-facing camera, microSD slot and 4/8 GB of internal storage. There is also a 3G USB stick that can be purchased separately, much like the one for the G9 tablets. This would allow the user to connect to carrier-provided data while on the go.
The specifications are not the best, but they also aren’t horrible. Its predecessor now goes for about $170 on Amazon, so we could imagine that this bad boy will probably cost around $200. There are some other good options out there, though. Not to mention that the ASUS MeMo ME370T will cost $250. For an extra $50-dillar bill you could get a quad-core tablet with Android 4.0 and other top-of-the-line specs.
[Source: Arnova Via: Engadget]

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 02:12 PM PST
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Yesterday, we reported that a leaked Android 4.0 ROM had been successfully modded to boot with the Samsung Epic 4G Touch. While the ROM is not completely working, it is a great way to see how Android 4.0 and Touchwiz will feel once the official update is released. But it has just gotten a bit better, with a more recent leak being available for download.
This one is version FB17 (while yesterday’s was FB09), and it should bring some improvements. It is still not completely functional, though. So be careful, do your reading, and remember the typical disclaimer (you could harm your device and void your warranty, and if something happens, no one is responsible for it).
The process is the same, the ROM has to be flashed via Odin. The full instructions and files are at ACSyndicate, so go check it out! There are also two videos available. The first will give you step-by-step instructions, while the second is a review.


[Source: ACSyndicate]
Thanks, Eric!

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 01:54 PM PST
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Everyone complains of the distractions and bad habits that technology can bring, but it is important to understand that these gadgets can also improve our lives. Not only to the general population, but there are many ways in which technology can help users with disabilities. A great example of this is BrailleTouch, an app meant to help the blind communicate with their loved ones.
The app is being developed by Georgia Tech, and it is open-source. This means that other developers will be able to tweak it and modify it to their liking, possibly making it better.
This service features a 6 button set-up that will simplify “eyes-free texting.” As the user types, the app reads out the letters and symbols of the English alphabet. According to the research, users have been able to reach typing speeds of 32 words per minute, with a spelling accuracy of 92%.
The team has only developed this app for iPhone and iPad, but an Android version is said to be in the works. It is exciting to see such projects being carried out. Technology can really be a blessing, and this is living proof of such.
We are very interested in this subject, so give us your 2 cents! Do you guys know of any people with disabilities that have been able to carry out their daily lives due to smartphones and/or tablets? How so?
[Source: Georgia Tech Via: The Verge]

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 12:44 PM PST
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Ideally, manufacturers should release products with features that customers want. But some specs may be a bit impossible to feature together. There seems to be a new trend in the market – non-removable batteries. This allows manufacturers to pack things together and make devices much thinner. But is that really what we want?
Having a removable battery brings many improvements to the user experience. Batteries lose efficiency, for one, and one is usually able to just hit a carrier store and pop in the new battery when this happens. Plus, being able to chose third-party and extended batteries is something that we have grown accustomed to.
Devices like the Motorola Droid RAZR and the Droid 4 now come with a non-removable battery, ripping us out of such benefits. But Motorola decided to release the Droid RAZR Maxx, with a huge 3,300 mAh battery. This allows users to go up to multiple days without plugging in their device. And even though it is a bit thicker than the original, it is still amazingly thin.
But such is not the case for the Droid 4. Sure, it is a thin device considering it has a full slide-out keyboard. But we feel like Motorola could have given us a removable-battery by working on it a bit harder, or adding a millimeter or two.
So this raises the question – is it really worth it to make a device thinner by making it impossible to remove the battery? I know I prefer thicker, heavier devices over incredibly thin and light ones. This is the reason why I love HTC so much, its smartphones feel very solid.
But some people may prefer a thinner, lighter smartphone. If the battery is almost twice as big (like the RAZR Maxx), I wouldn’t mind a non-removable battery as much. And the device is still amazingly thin compared to the competition.
But tell us what you think. Go ahead and give us your opinion by participating in the poll, and hit the comments section to explain your reasoning.
Take Our Poll

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 12:07 PM PST
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Google’s latest update to its Maps application took place just a few days ago. We did not see much of a change, as it only brought some bug fixes and improved battery life, but Google had sneaked in a very pleasant surprise. Lattitude check-ins now earn you points, which affect your social score in a Google+ leaderboard.
Competition is usually affected when Google releases new services. If possible, we try to stick to Google products, as they work seamlessly with the Android operating system. This service is much to the likes of a popular social check-in network called Foursquare.
Things seem to be a bit tricky now. Many users can’t access the service yet, and others have to check in before even realizing it is there. We are not used to checking-in via Latitude, though. But it is likely that Google is setting things up for a better check-in experience.
Go ahead and try to check it out. And just out of curiosity – how do you guys usually check-in? I mostly use Facebook, but that is because it is what most of my friends use. I would love to see more people adopting better services out there.
[Source: Android World Via: Engadget]

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 11:25 AM PST
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Popular devices are getting their root methods soon after their release (sometimes before). It took the LG Spectrum a month to get its share of rooting goodness. But it is finally possible, thanks to security researcher Dan Rosenberg.
He is also responsible for bringing root methods to many Motorola devices, so there is some good credibility in the table. If you are one an LG Spectrum owner, and have been looking to have the advantages of having root access to your device, this is your chance!
Before you go on, though. Just remember that there are risks to rooting your smartphone. There is a risk of voiding your warrant and/or bricking your device. If this happens, you are on your own, as no one will take responsibility for it.
With that out of the way, you can go ahead and get all your tools and instructions at Dan’s site. Happy rooting!
[Source: Vulnfactory Via: Droid-Life]

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 10:47 AM PST
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Mobile World Congress is just around the corner, and LG could not wait some days to show its newest high-end smartphone to the world. LG has just unveiled its Optimus Vu, and it is the company’s introduction into the phone/tablet smartphones.
The device has a huge 5″ IPS 1024x768p display, making it as big as the just released Samsung Galaxy Note. But this one is a bit different in its form factor. Not only to the Note, but to all smartphones. It has a 4:3 screen ratio, making the device oddly wide.
But if there is anything special about this device is its sleek and sexy aesthetics. When the Lumia 900 was revealed, many Android enthusiasts were upset that the device didn’t come to the Android team. IF you were one of those, this might be the smartphone for you, as it is very similar.

LG Optimus Vu Specifications


  • Android 2.3 (will be upgrated to Android 4.0 soon)
  • 1.5GHz dual-core processor
  • 1 GB of RAM
  • 32 GB of internal storage
  • 8 MP with AF LED rear-facing camera / 1.3 MP front-facing camera
  • 2,080 mAh battery
  • Dimensions: 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5mm
The other specs are good, but nothing out of this world. The battery is larger than many devices, but not by much. And 32 GB of internal storage are quite tempting. We wonder how the device will feel in the hands, though, with its wider form-factor. It will probably be much harder to use the device single-handed.
The device is also only 8.5 mm thick, making it the slimmest LTE device around. This adds to its good looks, which is something very luring about the LG Optimus Vu. But tell us what you think. Do you like this smartphone? Do you think you will be waiting for it, or will you go for one of those quad-core beasts to be announced at MWC?
LG Optimus Vu 01[20120219124312614] LG Optimus Vu 02[20120219124312618] LG Optimus Vu_back[20120219124312625] LG Optimus Vu_front[20120219124312622] LG_Optimus Vu 01[20120219124312630] LG_Optimus Vu 02[20120219124312633]
LG UNVEILS UNIQUE 4:3 RATIO, 5-INCH OPTIMUS VU: AT MWC 2012
With Productivity in Mind, LG Demonstrates its LTE and Display
Leadership with Device that Does, Well, Everything
SEOUL, Feb. 19, 2012 - LG today unveiled one of the most anticipated LTE devices, the Optimus Vu:. Equipped with LG’s advanced LTE and IPS display technology, the Optimus Vu: offers a unique combination of tablet-like viewing with smartphone portability. Running on a powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 32GM internal memory and a large 2,080 mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: is a multimedia lover’s dream device.
"The Optimus Vu: was designed to maximize what customers could do with a smart-phone," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. "By offering an optimal 4:3 ratio viewing experience, 5-inch display combined with superfast LTE technology, Optimus Vu: is just one example of what we can achieve when we combine our best technology with customer needs."
The large 5-inch display with bright 4:3 aspect ratio makes viewing documents, books, internet and multimedia contents easier and more comfortable. The 4:3 aspect ratio is optimized for viewing to grasp more at a glance and note taking to increase productivity in everyday life. Moreover, IPS display realizes every color in its natural state for the best viewing experience even under bright sunlight.
Backed by unparalleled speed and performance from LG’s advanced LTE technology, the Optimus Vu: boasts unmatched productivity. Its unique built-in QuickClip™ hotkey allows users to conveniently capture screenshots and memos with a single push. Jotting notes is also possible with a finger or with the dedicated Rubberdium™ pen. Among many productive apps installed in the Optimus Vu:, the included Polaris Office allows users to open any document, spreadsheet or presentation while on the go.
At only 8.5mm, the Optimus Vu: is the slimmest among all LTE phones currently on the market and is perfectly suited for a hand and fits comfortably in a jacket pocket. Despite the large 2,080mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: adopts LG’s exclusive floating mass technology to appear slimmer than its actual dimensions.
In addition to HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), Optimus Vu: comes with 32GB memory and an 8-megapixel camera. While it will initially launch running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is already in the works.
The Optimus Vu: will be introduced in Korea in March. Additional information on the unique Optimus Vu: can be found at the LG Stand (Hall 8) at MWC 2012 from February 27 to March 1.
Key Specifications:
oChipset: 1.5GHz Dual-Core Processor
oDisplay: 5-inch (1024×768) IPS Display
oMemory: 32GB eMMC and 1GB DDR2
oCamera: 8MP with AF LED Flash (rear) and 1.3MP (front)
oOS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
oBattery: 2,080mAh
oDimension (L x W x D): 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5mm

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 10:43 AM PST
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Finally, some really good news from the lawsuit front. Oracle’s case against Google has been touted by many as the lawsuit that could effectively put an end to the platform. I hated that talk, but any point I’d raise would more often than not be brushed aside in any debate because of my "fanboyism".
I’ve got to admit, though, that the case did worry me a bit. The amount Oracle first demanded, a huge $6.1 billion, did make me nervy. But fortunately enough one by one Oracle’s claims are being brushed aside and the company’s demands now stand at under a quarter of a billion.
If you’ve got the time, do read the post over at Groklaw detailing the entire episode. What really stood out for me, and this is what most of the cynics of the value Oracle put on the case in the first place, is that Oracle’s damages expert Dr. Ian Cockburn has repeatedly overstated the value of these patents. Oracle bought Sun, outright with all of their assets, for $7.4 billion. So that means they valued 5 out of some 500 Java patents plus everything else Sun owned at over 80% of the Sun’s value.
As we’ve grown so accustomed to, the tech "journalists" absolutely loved the opportunity to show Android as possibly meeting its doom. Had they put the slightest of thought into the episode, they’d know Oracle never stood a chance to get as much. Heck, Dr. Cockburn’s third revision of the value (yes, third, strange an expert gets it wrong so often) stands in the $110-225 million range, and Google still claims they’re asking for too much.
Dr. Cockburn’s third report begins, as his second report did, with the negotiations Google and Sun conducted in early 2006 for a technology partnership to develop a mobile smartphone platform. As before, Dr. Cockburn uses as his monetary starting point Sun’s initial February 2006 demand, which he calculates at $98.7 million, rather than Sun’s final demand in April 2006 of $28 million.”
Groklaw tends to agree with Google’s stance, and again I’d suggest you to read their post if you’ve got the time.

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 09:59 AM PST
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What I love most about the degree of customization Android offers is the ability to replace default apps for certain actions, such as the dialer and the message apps, with those that offer something different.
However, for some reason I’ve never been able to stick with one app that I really, really like. And I really want your help out to find out which ones I should try out, and at the same time have a little discussion regarding everyone’s preferences and what they really want from these apps.
Dialer:
I’ve used the Sense dialer (which I’d say has been my favorite), the stock Gingerbread dialer (now ICS themed, I use this currently), the TouchPal Dialer, and the exDialer.
What I really want is T9 dialing, since it makes it extremely fast to get through my contacts. Plus the chuckle I get while dialing ‘666’ to call my mom. It’s their in TouchPal, and I’ll probably reinstall it if I can’t find a better alternative.
Messaging:
Again, I’m on the stock Gingerbread messaging app, and have tried out mysms, have just installed the Handcent 4 beta, and quite a few others that I can’t remember for some strange reason.
What I really want is a clean interface, none of that iPhone-ish bubbles. I want to be able to just quickly glance at the message without getting distracted with any over-the-top theming.

So put in your favorites in the comments, and I’ll give them a try over the week and post an update when I’m back next weekend.

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 07:29 AM PST
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After making a ton of noise for weeks after weeks, the AT&T Galaxy Note is finally available. You can pick it up from either the carrier itself, or from Amazon Wireless in either Ceramic White (which I really like the look of) or Carbon Blue.
The phone comes installed with Gingerbread (v 2.3.6) but there already is a leaked ICS ROM doing the rounds. If you’d like to know more about the phone, read Chris Chavez’s review over here.

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 06:24 AM PST
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First things first, Nokia’s Pulse app is not the same as Alphonso Labs’ much acclaimed news reader. It’s a location based app that lets you share geotagged images and status updates. In all honesty, reading about it on Nokia’s website makes it sounds a lot like Latitude, but with deep integration with Nokia Maps.
Which begs: what’s the point of porting it to Android and iOS? The app, still in beta even on Nokia’s platforms, has a 3 star rating despite the lesser competition. Do they really imagine it to gain any significant traction on the other platforms?

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 05:02 AM PST
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The Snapdragon S4 is one of the most eagerly awaited processor, and Qualcomm’s doing a pretty good job continuously teasing us with chip’s capabilities. They’ve posted a press release on their website touting the power it can provide to phone cameras.
The videos below were taken at CES, but they’ve only been posted to Youtube on Friday. There are quite a few highlights, which are best summarized in their post.
With S4, any given mobile device can shoot up to 20 Megapixel stills, as well as 1080p (30fps) video capture and up to 3 cameras (the third can be used for 3D capture). The S4 ISP also comes equipped with Qualcomm’s proprietary 3A camera technology (Autofocus, Auto Exposure and Auto White Balance), enabling practical camera applications such as blink detection, smile degree, and gaze estimation. Other advanced features that tap into the ISP include active "Range-Finding", zero shutter lag, and image stabilization.
But what I’m more interested in is their Kinect-like gesture controlled apps, which you can see in the second video. As we’ve seen with a lot of the Kinect-hacks, there’s a lot that can be done with such a technology, though I’m slightly concerned from a patent litigation point of view.
At the end of the day, though, we can only determine how powerful the S4 really is when we see devices with it in action. As I mentioned yesterday in the poll about what feature do we really want in our devices, my next phone will certainly be the one with the best camera, and I’m really hoping the S4 lives up to the expectations.




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