Android World: AndroidGuys

Friday, April 13, 2012

AndroidGuys

Why I’ve given up on Draw Something…
Hotel Dubrovnik in Croatia becomes the first hotel to feature interactive IPTV system
Sprint taps 4G LTE-ready LG Viper with April 22 launch
First pictures of Verizon’s HTC Incredible 4G hit the web
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 pricing, launch details surface
Ematic announces value-priced Android 4.0 tablet, eGlide Prism
Samsung now shipping EHS-71 “Refined Sound” headset
Sony SmartWatch now available for U.S. consumers
New Nook to include built-in front lit screen
Podcast app DoggCatcher discounted to $1.99 for limited time

Posted: 12 Apr 2012 03:20 PM PDT

If you're like me, you installed Draw Something around one month back and subsequently found yourself wasting all your free time sketching pictures of sailboats, Tupac, and kites. I'll admit it, I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't stop trying to get coins to purchase new color palettes. I simply loved the challenge of guessing poor drawings with fat lines almost as much as I enjoyed the hangman aspect. Flash forward a few weeks and now I don't even touch it.

As much as I would like to blame other apps like Temple Run or Instagram for diverting my attention, it comes down to a flawed app. Don't get me wrong, I quite like the app for its simple, catchy premise. On the other hand, after extended time with the game, the shortcomings become painfully obvious. While most of these flaws are expected to be addressed in future updates, the ever-ticking clock is working against OMGPOP/Zynga. The longer we go without even a minor tweak, the more likely the user base will move on to a new game or revert back to their old faves.

I'll now go days without playing just because the game becomes "out of sight, out of mind" for me.

What's wrong with the app? Quite a bit, actually. Call me "ahead of the curve" or whatever, but I've hit a point where the game doesn't entice me any longer. After hundreds and hundreds of drawings and guessing, I have been able to pick up every color palette. In the process, I've seen all of those 900 words that come with the paid version of the app. I've encountered every word in the app's lexicon and can often guess the word before a drawing is half finished. Many of my "opponents" have done the same thing, guessing my drawings within seconds. If you haven't reached this point, you will soon. For this very reason, I have stopped putting so much attention to detail in my pictures.

Considering that Android has multi-function capability and can run apps in the background, I'm shocked and appalled that Draw Something does not have notifications. I'll now go days without playing just because the game becomes "out of sight, out of mind" for me. Once I get back into it, I will blow through drawings without much care and collect the coins that come with it. Then, it's closed and forgotten. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Speaking of coins, I have no idea why I even bother with medium or hard words any longer. There's no incentive for me to go for the tough stuff now that I've got all the colors. Bombs, you say? No thanks, I've seen all the words there are and I've figured it out. I don't have a good answer as to what to do with the coins at this stage but they can, and will, become irrelevant for many players.

Looking at the download graph from the Google Play store it appears that the interest has waned for both the free and paid versions. I can't say definitively that this also means the number of active players is on the way down but I get that sense. Talking with friends, colleagues, and a bunch of folks that I play Draw Something with, however, I do sense a tipping point. People in my particular circle are not as active as they were two weeks ago, let alone one month back. On the other hand, maybe OMGPOP and Zynga have seen a rise in daily use and don't feel the need to rush the updates.

One thing is for certain, the developers need to swing into action quickly with updates to (the Android version of) Draw Something. The sooner they switch to a cloud-based or expanded list of words the better. Integrating push notifications should be a priority, above both chat and picture exporting. Failure to act quickly could result in millions of people one day talking about that game that was so hot for fifteen minutes in early 2012.

You Tell Us

Have any of you guys and gals also grown tired of Draw Something? Do you think your interest level will pick up with new updates? Is it something with long-term play-ability or has it already expired in your eyes? I'd love to hear your stories and experiences with the game so please leave a comment below! Also, please feel free to suggest items or features that could improve Draw Something.

Why I’ve given up on Draw Something… originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Hotel Dubrovnik in Croatia becomes the first hotel to feature interactive IPTV system

Posted: 12 Apr 2012 01:35 PM PDT

The Android OS has been running the gamut when it comes to mobile devices for a while now, but lately it's been expanding in its implementation. The latest example of this is the Hotel Dubrovnik in Zagreb, Croatia, that just had an Android-based IPTV system installed. Taking a look at the abilities of the system, it's not only cool but extremely useful as well, allowing guests to view their bill and request room service right from their television. From an entertainment perspective, of course you've got the usual TV and movie options you'll find in hotels, but guests will have access to Android apps and games as well, bringing a new element of fun, particularly for kids.

Check out the presser below for the details and for the comments: Do you think these are services that will revolutionize hotels? What features would you add?

MOSCOW, April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The first hotel interactive IPTV system based on the NetUP IPTV Combine 4x Hotel with Android IP set-top boxes has been successfully deployed in Hotel Dubrovnik situated in the centre of the Croatian capital Zagreb.

NetUP IPTV Combine 4x installed in hotel allows guests to access TV and Video on Demand content using user-friendly and feature-rich GUI of Android-based IP set-top boxes. The IPTV solution is connected with MICROS Opera hotel property management system (PMS) which enables the following features:

welcome message on guest check-in
hotel info page
auto posting IPTV services to the PMS
hotel bill view- messages from reception
room status change via TV (dirty/clean) for the housekeeping service

Other key features of the solution are: single remote control (IP set-top box is hidden at the rear side of the TV set), desktop widgets with weather forecast and other info, animated wallpaper, games, Web browsing, messengers and all android apps.

Equipment used in the hotel:

NetUP IPTV Combine 4x Hotel: IPTV middleware/billing, VoD server, interface to MICROS-Fidelio
200 pcs. of Vestel SmartBox IP set-top boxes, used as the client equipment
Grundig LCD TV sets
ATV RC-A1, custom remote control used for controlling both TV and IP STB
Cisco equipment, used for network management
Third-party streamers for distributing TV signal into DVB-C and IP

The solution details, photos and video are available on NetUP's website.

NetUP is an IPTV software and hardware manufacturer located in Moscow, Russia. NetUP was founded in 2001. For now NetUP's IPTV products are popular all over the world, especially IPTV Combine 4x - all-in-one solution to set up small-scale IPTV deployments.

Website: http://www.netup.tv

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE NetUP

Hotel Dubrovnik in Croatia becomes the first hotel to feature interactive IPTV system originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Sprint taps 4G LTE-ready LG Viper with April 22 launch

Posted: 12 Apr 2012 01:21 PM PDT

Sprint today announced that the LG Viper will make its arrival in stores around the country on Sunday, April 22. As one of the carrier's first 4G LTE smartphones, the handset runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread and carries a $99.99 price tag.

Hardware for the LG Viper includes a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB internal storage, and a 4G microSD card. Additionally the handset features a 4.0-inch display, 5-megapixel camera, and VGA front-facing camera for video chat. Although it comes with Android 2.3 out of the box, we expect to see an Ice Cream Sandwich update before too long.

If you're interested in picking up the new LG Viper, Sprint will gladly take your pre-order money today. In fact, doing so will ensure that your phone arrives a day or two before it goes on sale. The $99.99 sticker is after $50 mail-in rebate and with a two-year service agreement.

LG Viper 4G LTE from Sprint Launches on April 22; Pre-Order Begins Today

First 4G LTE device from Sprint with eco-friendly features, LG Viper 4G LTE available for just $99.99

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., & SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sprint (NYSE: S) and LG Mobile today announced Sunday, April 22, as the availability date for the highly anticipated LG Viper™ 4G LTE, one of the first smartphones to be available on the upcoming 4G LTE Network from Sprint. LG Viper will be available in Sprint sales channels, including www.sprint.comand 1-800-SPRINT1, for $99.99 with a new two-year service agreement and $50 mail-in rebate via reward card¹ (excludes taxes and surcharges).

New and existing customers can pre-order LG Viper 4G LTE beginning today at www.sprint.com/viper. Customers who pre-order LG Viper will begin receiving their devices as early as Friday, April 20 – two days before the device goes on sale – while supplies last.

LG Viper offers Android 2.3, Gingerbread, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and 4G of ROM. It also includes a 4GB microSD™ card. The sleek, ultra-thin smartphone also boasts a 4-inch bright and clear touchscreen display for better viewing under direct sunlight. It features a Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass screen protector for extra display resistance. A 5MP rear-facing camera with flash and a VGA front-facing camera allow for a fun and easy face-to-face video chat experience.

Additional apps and features include:

Google Play™ offers more than 450,000 useful applications, widgets and games.
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows the device to read information from everyday objects, such as stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips. Google Wallet™, another NFC component, allows the smartphone to be used like a wallet to make safe, secure purchases at NFC-enabled merchants nationwide
Sprint ID allows users to cut through the clutter of thousands of apps by selecting from a variety of mobile ID packs. Sprint ID packs include ringers, wallpapers and widgets.
Consumers can download Box on the LG Viper and receive 50GB of free cloud storage and sharing directly from LG, an estimated value of $240 per year, so users don't have to stress about storing all of their favorite music, files, photos and other memories. The 50GB of free storage is exclusive to LG devices until July 22.
"Life's Good Fairytales" app, a customizable storyboard that allows parents and children to bond over the creation and sharing of unique fairy tales through their device.²

Additionally, LG Viper is Sprint's first 4G LTE device to feature eco-friendly attributes, including ULE Platinum Certification, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment and Sprint, a casing made of 50 percent recycled plastics, and packaging that is 100 percent recyclable.

LG Viper customers can enjoy an unlimited data experience with Sprint Everything Data plans. Sprint's Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, Anytime^SM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $79.99 per month for smartphones – a savings of $40 per month versus Verizon's comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB Web, or $10 per month savings versus Verizon's 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB Web.

Sprint recently announced Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio are expected to have 4G LTE and enhanced 3G service in mid-year 2012. Sprint 4G LTE should enable faster speeds for data applications, and the enhanced 3G service could offer better signal strength, faster data speeds, expanded coverage and better in-building performance. The upcoming launch of these large metropolitan areas demonstrates the continued commitment by Sprint to invest in its network through Network Vision. Whether a Sprint customer is using a smartphone to share a video, checking the Web via a mobile hotspot, Sprint 4G LTE will make it easier. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint's 4G LTE rollout, please visit www.sprint.com/4GLTE.

Sprint taps 4G LTE-ready LG Viper with April 22 launch originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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First pictures of Verizon’s HTC Incredible 4G hit the web

Posted: 12 Apr 2012 12:01 PM PDT

The watch for the next phone around the corner continues onward for your ever stalwart journalists! Some fellow Android and tech aficionado sites have unearthed some images, as well as some information, regarding the HTC Incredible 4G, set to eventually hit the Verizon network. Previously codenamed the Fireball, the Incredible 4G looks to be an upper-midrange phone, not quite to the specs of the One X or the EVO 4G LTE, but still a good jump above the run of the mill midrange bracket. According to the information leaks, it'll be a "very light" device sporting the following:

(estimated) 4-Inch display
qHD resolution
1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, possibly of the S4 variety
1GB RAM
8GB built-in storage, microSD card slot for extra
8MP rear shooter with zero shutter lag, VGA front camera
NFC
MHL
Beats support, though no headphone included in the box
LTE
Android 4.0 with Sense 4 (like the X series, sporting the same software, the Incredible eschews the traditional 4 capacitive buttons for 3)

Check out the pictures below. In all, a lovely sounding device, though I'm not quite sure about that back cover. What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments!

Sources Android Police, PocketNow

First pictures of Verizon’s HTC Incredible 4G hit the web originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

Follow AndroidGuys on Facebook and Twitter and download the free AndroidGuys app for your device! Save a bunch on your next Android. Check out Amazon's best sellers! UPDATED HOURLY

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 pricing, launch details surface

Posted: 12 Apr 2012 10:23 AM PDT

UPDATE: Pricing and specs are final, find the press release below!

The pricing and launch details for Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 series of tablets have emerged and thinks appear to be headed in the right direction. The 8GB 7-inch version is expected to available on April 22 with a $250 price tag. Barely above the cost of a Kindle Fire, it's definitely more 'tablet' than Amazon's eReader. Specs include Android 4.0, a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, and a 10124x600 PLS TFT display.

The 10.1-inch version of the Galaxy Tab 2 will arrive three weeks after, on May 13, with pre-orders slated for May 4. Price is expected to be $450 for the 16GB version with much of the internal hardware resembling its smaller brethren.

We previously heard that an 8GB edition of the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 would carry a $399 price tag so this certainly sounds reasonable. Our intuition tells us that we might see the 32GB model go for $499, or a reasonable bump of $50 over the 16GB model. We'll have to wait for sure to find out if this is the case. As of today, neither officially exists.

Samsung Unveils New Galaxy Tab 2, Galaxy Players for U.S. Market

Highlights for Galaxy Tab 2 Include Integrated Universal RemoteIce Cream Sandwich^TM and Expandable Storage; Galaxy Player Devices Deliver a Full Android ^TM Experience without monthly Service contracts

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., April 11, 2012 – Samsung Electronics America Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today unveils the latest additions to the popular Samsung Galaxy line of handheld and portable devices. The two new Galaxy Tab 2^TM products and two new Galaxy Players ^TMcontinue to showcase Samsung's commitment to providing users with choice, flexibility and connectivity to the full Samsung ecosystem of products, apps and services.

Galaxy Tab 2 – Powerful, Smart, Easy to Use

The Galaxy Tab 2 Series, available in both 10.1" and 7.0" screen sizes, are powerful dual-core tablets running the latest version of Android - Ice Cream Sandwich. The devices feature an integrated IR blaster for universal remote capabilities, as well as an easily accessible memory card slot for convenient loading of multimedia files in a range of supported file formats.

The new tablets offer endless content access in a sleek design that can maximize the home entertainment experience. The Smart Remote App and built-in IR Blaster turns the Tab 2 into a universal smart remote, helping users easily find their favorite shows. Users can choose from more than 450,000 apps, access favorite movies and TV shows from Google Play or Media Hub, and surf millions of web pages with Adobe® Flash™ support.

In addition, the Galaxy Tab 2 products are fully Google certified for complete access to Google Play (formerly Android Marketplace) and competitively priced at $399.99 and $249.99, respectively – so consumers no longer need to compromise when selecting a tablet.

"These new Galaxy Tab 2 and Galaxy Player devices deliver what consumers have come to expect from all Samsung products – exceptional design, impressive connectivity options and a selection of choices for each type of person and user scenario," said Tim Baxter, President, Samsung Electronics America. "A one size fits all solution is just not sufficient."

Galaxy Players put Android in the Hand – without Service Contracts

With the two new Galaxy Players, available in 4.2 inch WVGA screen or 3.6 inch HVGA screen variants, gaming, videos and music are more fun than ever.

Easily connect to Wi-Fi hotspots anywhere to get instant access to the latest content. Users also can play their own video and music in a variety of formats, connect to other devices using USB 2.0 or Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity, or simply load the device via a micro SD card. Because the device runs on Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread, a world of apps is a touch away.

Plus, dual-stereo speakers (on the Galaxy Player 4.2) deliver an incredible music, video or gaming experience – anywhere.

The new Galaxy Tab 2 and Galaxy Players will be available for purchase at a variety of retailers including Best Buy, Amazon, Tiger Direct and others. The Galaxy Player 3.6 is available now for $149.99 exclusively at Best Buy and soon at other retailers. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 will be available for preorder today at $249.99, and for purchase on April 22. The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and Galaxy Player 4.2 will both be available for pre-order on May 4 and for purchase on May 13, at $399.99 and $199.99 respectively.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 pricing, launch details surface originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Ematic announces value-priced Android 4.0 tablet, eGlide Prism

Posted: 12 Apr 2012 08:57 AM PDT

Ematic, a company who bills themselves a leader in value tablets, is today announcing a budget-friendly Android 4.0 tablet. Called the eGlide Prism, the 7-inch device features a 1GHz processor, 8GB internal storage, 512MB RAM, and a microSD expansion card slot. Additionally, the tablet offers a 3D video experience and even comes with 3D glasses.

Naturally we're a little bit skeptical about how this one stacks up against the competition - will it feel cheap in hand or slapped together quickly? With a $157 price tag, we have to wonder if this is raises the bar for bigger competitors or simply shows the ugly side of Android tablets. We're hoping to get our hands on one of these and, if so, we'll gladly share our impressions.

7" Capacitve LCD Touchscreen Display (800x480)
HD Video Player Supports Up to 2160p 3D HD Videos
1GHz Processor
8GB Flash Memory w/ 512MB System Memory & 5GB Cloud Storage
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Operating System
Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) Capability
Front Facing Webcam
MicroSD Memory Card Reader
Built-in Speakers

EMATIC ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE THE EGLIDE PRISM: AN ANDROID 4.0 POWERED 7"

Latest tablet features enhanced gaming and browsing experiences, portability, and powerful productivity

Los Angeles- April 12, 2012 – Ematic, a leader in value tablets, is excited to release its latest Android-powered tablet: the 7" eGlide Prism. Building on the success of its existing tablet collection, Ematic's Prism enhances gaming and entertainment experiences, and boasts powerful productivity.

"The eGlide Prism is packed with the latest technology designed for an improved user experience," says Roy Rayn, General Manager of Ematic. "It's also slim in size which makes it the perfect tablet for people who are always on the move."

The eGlide Prism runs on the Android 4.0 Operating System (also known as "Ice Cream Sandwich") for improved multi-tasking, faster web browsing and a refined interface. The device is optimized for rich media entertainment on its 7-inch touchscreen display. With a built-in 3-axis gyroscope combined with an accelerometer–the eGlide Prism is capable of advanced motion sensing such as user acceleration, and full 3D altitude and rotation. The tablet's HD video player supports up to 2160p 3D HD videos.

The tablet's powerful processor allows the user to enjoy browsing the web, networking, and playing games at exceptionally fast speeds. The tablet was designed for simple and easy navigation: A truly user-friendly product! Meantime, the ultra-slim Prism is 9mm thick and weighs only .6 pounds making it ideal when on-the-go. However, that does not mean the user has to sacrifice a lot of memory. The eGlide Prism comes with 8GB of flash memory plus 5GB of cloud storage.

The eGlide Prism comes with built-in Wi-Fi compatibility which means Internet connectivity anywhere there is a hotspot. The tablet also features a front facing camera, built-in speaker, and a MicroSD Memory Card port. It comes with 3D glasses, a protective sleeve, earphones, wall charger, and a USB cable.

The Ematic eGlide Prism is now available at www.shopnbc.com. It is on sale for $157.16 (regularly priced $216.00).

Ematic announces value-priced Android 4.0 tablet, eGlide Prism originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Samsung now shipping EHS-71 “Refined Sound” headset

Posted: 12 Apr 2012 07:56 AM PDT

Samsung Mobile today announced that their EHS-71 "Refined Sound" wired headsets are now available through Samsung's website. Priced at $129.99 these headphones are part of Samsung's new premium line of listening accessories. The EHS-71 are designed with lightweight aluminum and promise "exceptional noise isolation, clear, natural vocals, detailed highs and deep, powerful base without distortion". The headset boasts an anti-tangle cord and comes with a leather carrying case and silicone ear cushions.

Samsung now shipping EHS-71 "Refined Sound" headset originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Sony SmartWatch now available for U.S. consumers

Posted: 12 Apr 2012 07:34 AM PDT

Sony just dropped us a line to let us know that their Android-connected SmartWatch is now available for U.S. consumers. Available at your Sony stores and through the company's website, the watch with a 1.3-inch OLED touchscreen retails for $149.99 and comes with a black rubber wristband. Should you want another color, Sony has five additional options to pick from.

The SmartWatch connects to Android 2.1+ devices via Bluetooth and is charged through a USB port. Acting as an extension to your Android smartphone experience, the watch notifies the wearer of texts, calls, social network updates, and incoming calls. Additionally, the user can control music, snap photos remotely, and more, all from their watch. The SmartWatch works with a number of existing apps and Sony gives developers the ability to create titles optimized for the device.

Here's a quick rundown of features for the Sony SmartWatch:

Store your Smartphone: SmartWatch from Sony Brings Android Power Straight to Wrist

Innovative Android™ accessory from Sony allows you to stay connected when your phone is stowed in your pocket or bag

Read social updates, text messages and email
Manage calls with a simple touch and swipe
Personalize with apps downloaded from Google Play
Control music on your smartphone
Snap pictures with your Android phone from a distance

April 12, 2012, Atlanta, GA –Sony Mobile Communications announces the availability of its new SmartWatch, a wearable device that extends the power of Android smartphones by sending timely and personal information from your smartphone straight to your wrist. A vibration and screen alert notifies you of key events, like an incoming call. It also allows you to read texts and emails as well as receive Facebook™ and Twitter™ updates – all from your wrist.

SmartWatch from Sony connects to Android smartphones via Bluetooth™ giving you the ability to control key functions without removing your smartphone from your pocket or bag. With just a tap, touch, and swipe, SmartWatch turns from a watch displaying the time to a remote information center for your Android smartphone.

A growing number of apps are available for download through Google Play – including those for social updates, workouts and music – all customized for the 1.3-inch OLED SmartWatch touch screen. While SmartWatch works with these existing apps, Android developers can create apps specifically for the device. SmartWatch works with most Android (2.1 and above) smartphones.

"SmartWatch is the first of many Smart Extras that seamlessly connect and expand the smartphone's reach and user experience," said Paul Hamnett, President and Head of Customer Unit, North America, Sony Mobile Communications. "Designed to break free from the single screen experience, SmartWatch provides access to live content and entertainment on the go."

The durable SmartWatch is dust proof and splash proof and comes with a black rubber wristband included in the box. Wristbands in five additional colors are available for purchase. SmartWatch's design includes a rear mounted clip, so it can be removed from the wristband and attached to clothing or a belt.

At launch, SmartWatch has a suggested retail price of $149.99 and will be available at http://www.sony.com/smartwatch and Sony stores. SmartWatch availability at additional retailers will be announced soon.

SmartWatch is part of Sony Mobile Communications' strategy to create Smart Extras that make Android smartphones smarter.

Key Features of Sony Xperia™ SmartWatch:

Dimensions: 1.42 X 1.42 X 0.3 in
Weight: 0.55 oz
Display: 1.3" OLED display, 128 x 128 pixels
Compatibility: Bluetooth™ 3.0 and Android™ 2.1 or above
Connectivity: Standard USB charging
Battery life: Up to 4 days
Language support for: English, Spanish, French, Chinese (Traditional), Portuguese, Swedish, Russian, Danish, Polish, Japanese, Czech, German, Modern Greek, Dutch
Notifications: Display notification or vibration
Apps: All events (displays in chronological order), Messaging (SMS/MMS), corporate E-mail (for Sony™ and Sony Ericsson Android phones), Gmail (for all other Android smartphones) Calendar Notifications, Facebook™, Twitter™, Music Player, Call handling (call, mute, reject, or answer and send pre-defined SMS), Pre-defined SMS, e.g. missed calls – I'm busy, messaging - call me, email – ok, Battery strength, Find phone, andWeather widget. Plus lots of apps on Android™ market.
Additional SmartWatch bands available in pink, white, mint, grey and blue

Sony SmartWatch now available for U.S. consumers originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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New Nook to include built-in front lit screen

Posted: 12 Apr 2012 06:30 AM PDT

There's some debate over the benefits between e-ink based e-readers and their tablet-fused brethren. Between readability for extended periods, battery life, multipurpose apps, compatibility with magazines, and beyond, there are uses and users for both designs. One knock against the e-ink readers has always been the inability to use them in dark or low-lit conditions, but this seems to be a weakness that Barnes & Noble is determined to purge. The Digital Reader has managed to get some pictures of the release documentation of a new e-reader from B&N, the first of its kind to feature a front-lit e-ink panel. Beyond this new feature, there doesn't seem to be any change in design from the previous model, at least not cosmetically, but of course all bets are off until the official announcement comes down.

Are you one of the eye-strained bedraggled bookworms (like myself) that Barnes & Noble is marketing towards? If so, what do you think about this idea? Let us know in the comments!

Source The Digital Reader

New Nook to include built-in front lit screen originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Podcast app DoggCatcher discounted to $1.99 for limited time

Posted: 12 Apr 2012 06:00 AM PDT

If you're a fan of podcasts and need to find a good option for your Android smartphone or tablet, then you're in luck! DoggCatcher, one of our favorite apps of all time, has been discounted to $1.99 for a three day period starting tomorrow. Effective Friday, April 13 and running through Sunday, April 15, you can get your hands on DoggCatcher for less than half its normal $4.99 asking price. Not only that, but all proceeds from the downloads from said period will go directly to the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

We've been a huge supporter of DoggCatcher in the past and have come to love the app for all its flexibility and features. Around since 2008, the developers were even so kind as to help us promote our podcast as we were getting started some years ago. Together, we both think this discounted app promotion is a great way to contribute to an organization that helps protect our rights and freedoms online.