Sunday, April 15, 2012

Update - 203



Posted: 13 Mar 2012 04:47 PM PDT
Well, it’s certainly that time of year again.  Google has officially announced its registration date for Google I/O, March 27th at 7am sharp (PDT).  This year around it’s going to run you a whopping $900 bucks for admission and $300 bucks if you’re a student, that’s up from last year’s $100.  Recall last year the event sold out in a matter of minutes so be prepared to promptly purchase your ticket this year.  The event will be held from June 27th-29th at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.  In the meantime, Google is offering you a chance to make it to I/O free of charge.  That’s if you’re a dev or a coder.
Brush up on your geometry, dust off your protractor, and architect a machine only
you could have dreamt of. Join developers tackling our latest Chrome Experiment
for a chance to have your machine featured at Google I/O
Google has yet again conjured up something so slick, only they could come up with stuff like this.  Build a machine using their new Input/Output metrics and catch their attention to receive a trip to Google I/O on Google’s dime.  In addition, while you’re having fun with this cool web-based machine builder, if Google likes it, they’ll be showing it off at I/O for you in front of the masses.  So, if you want to have some fun by trying to get a ball from one side of the screen to the opposite using all kinds of cool gizmos and contraptions, then head on over via the source link to get started.  Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments below. However, user beware, it’s ridiculously addicting.
source: Google 1,2








Posted: 13 Mar 2012 02:49 PM PDT
I’ve always been a fan of RPGs. In fact Mass Effect 3 has taken over a good chunk of what little time I have in the day. Well it appears that I may have to cut into some sleep time as the folks at Binary Helix have released a open world sandbox RPG set in space. That game, Dangerous. As it starts out you are pulled out of a cryo sleep a century after going in and you must figure out the truth about yourself. You could be the savior of the universe or even one of the most blood thirsty bad guys out there.
Along the way you will meet a slew of characters that include “a Universal AI, a shadow group protecting the future, a cult bent on apocalypse, a runaway princess, a schizophrenic robot, a beautiful lieutenant of the Royal Navy, a fearsome mercenary, a suicidal slave, and a playboy fighter ace.” After you finish download the secondary files you’re greeted with a title screen with an amazing soundtrack then following that is a screen with four save slots. Once you pick a save slot your universe will be generated and you’ll be good to go. The game has the following features: 

  • - 3D real-time sandbox game built with Unity game engine
  • - metallic shader, lighting, particle effects, lens flare, explosions, fx
  • - space combat RPG with extensive skill tree
  • - open and living universe where 600+ ships fly around autonomously
  • - epic story with dialogue system that allows real choices
  • - recruit 6 wingmen and 2 can fly with you at a time
  • - even discover romance with another wing pilot
  • - recruit 5 corporate pilots who can fly trade routes on your behalf
  • - trade, fight, mine, pirate, scan for derelict ships and wormholes
  • - many mission types: epic, freelance, dynamic, wingman acquisition, faction loyalty
  • - deep combat mechanics, AI, and faction standings
  • - 20+ ships, 180+ modules, 33 solar systems with a unique follow-through-warp mechanic
  • - 15+ factions to vie favor or destroy
  • - cinematic camera shows you the action when it happens
  • - fly manually with or without Newtonian physics or use autopilots exclusively
  • - 22 track theatrical-quality award-winning soundtrack by renown composer, Sean Beeson
This game isn’t one of those beat-in-a-few-hours types either. It has been 3 years in the making and looks to take many hours of your time to beat, which for $4.99 is pretty amazing. If you want to try it out before you buy it there is a lite version that allows you to get a feel for the game but at the sacrifice of being able to use experience points to upgrade your character.
Binary Helix would like you to note that it is a memory intensive game and that if you have an older device you may have to free up some memory and restart to experience this game decently. You can scroll on down a bit to get the Google Play Store link or QR code to check out this space sandbox RPG. I know I’m going to. We also have the official trailer for you folks. Enjoy!
Click here to view the embedded video.
 
 




Posted: 13 Mar 2012 02:19 PM PDT
It’s been exactly a week since Google re-branded the ever-present Android Market and launched the Google play store, however it seems all may not have gone without a hitch. A thread in Google’s official Checkout Merchant forum is racking up the posts from disgruntled developers claiming they haven’t seen a payment for February as yet. Developers are ordinarily paid through Google Wallet on the 2nd of each month with funds clearing on the 7th however a week has passed with many developers still waiting for their payment. Google is yet to comment on the issue.
Hopefully Google doesn’t drag its heels too long before getting a response to the developers. A successful operating system is only as successful as the ecosystem that surrounds it and with over 300,000 applications currently available on the Google play store, the value that the developers add is clear to see. Fingers crossed for a timely resolution.




Posted: 13 Mar 2012 02:11 PM PDT
Listen up if you’re a Galaxy Nexus owner folks because we’ve got a doozy for you. We all know the standard 1800 mAh battery is average by most standards and the 2100mAh extended battery is only slightly better, so many of you may have been longing for something you can feel confident in when it comes to battery life. Sure we’ve highlighted some hefty alternatives, but they may come at a premium price. Well friends I come bearing great news: CellularFactory is listing a sweet 3,800mAh extended battery for wait for it… wait for it— a whopping $13.99. That’s right folks, a 3,800mAh extended battery is available for under $14. There’s more too: if you use code GOFF5SW during your purchase, you get an extra 5% off. There were earlier reports indicating the extended battery was available for $7.99, but we wanted to double-check and confirm this for you all, but found the battery is in fact available for $13.99 only.
Keep in mind this extended battery does not feature NFC capabilities, so you’re out of luck if you’re looking for some Beam action. It might be a negative for some, but I think the vast majority of those interested in this battery will gladly give that up for an improved battery life at that steal of a price.
source: Cellular Factory
via: Phandroid




Posted: 13 Mar 2012 02:04 PM PDT
Tablets are hot. The numbers don’t lie.  According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Media Tablet and eReader Tracker, worldwide media tablet shipments into sales channels rose by 56.1% on a sequential basis in Q4 2011 to 28.2 million units worldwide. That’s a whopping 155% increase  over the fourth quarter of 2010. Ultimately this all equates to a total  of 68.7 million units worldwide for the entirety 2011. The results have shocked analaysts and promped them to up their 2012 forecast to 106.1 million units, formerly a  forecast of 87.7 million units.
So where is Android in all this?
As predicted, Android gobbled market share in Q4 2011, thanks in no small part to the Amazon Kindle Fire’s resounding success. Android grew its market share from 32.3% in Q3  to 44.6% in Q4. As a result, iOS slipped from 61.6% market share to 54.7%. It appears the tables are continuing to turn. Looking ahead, IDC expects Android to continue to grow its share of the market at the expense of iOS.
Of course Apple won’t necessarily be hurting much. Tom Mainelli, the research director, had this to say:
“As the sole vendor shipping iOS products, Apple will remain dominant in terms of worldwide vendor unit shipments. However, the sheer number of vendors shipping low-priced, Android-based tablets means that Google’s OS will overtake Apple’s in terms of worldwide market share by 2015. We expect iOS to remain the revenue market share leader through the end of our 2016 forecast period and beyond.”
For better or worse, tablets are claiming the future.
source: IDC
via: BusinessWire 





Posted: 13 Mar 2012 01:52 PM PDT
Many of you many not be all that familiar with the Fujitsu Raku-Raku unless you live in Asia. It’s a simple clamshell dumb phone (pictured above) that’s marketed to the elderly crowd. Word is they’re going to add a little Android 2.3 to it with plans for a Japan release in the early Summer, but would also land in Europe and the U.S by the end of the year.
Details are sketchy, but apparently they will keep the simple design, and it will most likely be waterproof, dustproof, and have dual cameras with the front-facer being 8MP. Could you guys get into a clamshell Android phone? I might if it’s anything like the Samsung W999, but of course without steep price tag.
source: androinica





Posted: 13 Mar 2012 10:53 AM PDT
With the latest technology in both hardware and software, it seems like anyone today can be a superstar in the music industry.  With phat beats and sounds being produced on tablets and smartphones, the digital music production era is well under way.  Silicon Valley start up, Miselu, is looking to up the game a bit with their new all-in-one web enabled Android-powered keyboard.  The device is dubbed “Neiru” and comes with a 25-key, multitouch display that shows off various applications that aspiring musicians can use to gain access to an array of useful apps.  Developer Retronyms will be offering a cool collection of music learning and centric apps that will allow you to produce your own fine quality tunes.
And since the device is built with Android, Retronyms is banking on a number of developers and users to concoct their own custom applications for the device too.  In addition to having Android on-board running the device, Miselu will use Yamaha’s Audio Engine series NSX-1 sound chip which supposedly renders sounds as good as the instruments they’re attempting to replicate.  The device will also house ports for two MIDI’s, an RCA in/out, two USB ports, an HDMI out and an SD card slot.  There’s no word yet on pricing and availability but we’re working on it for you, so stay tuned. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.  In the meantime, check out the promotional video below along with a quick gallery of renderings of the cool keyboard.  

miselu-neiro_1 miselu-neiro_2 miselu-neiro_3 miselu-neiro_4 miselu-neiro_5 miselu-neiro_6
source: The Verge




Posted: 13 Mar 2012 10:52 AM PDT
Reports are showing that the HTC Velocity is starting to receive the Android 4.0 ICS update in Australia as we speak. In case Velocity doesn’t ring a bell, it is known stateside as the HTC Vivid and is currently available through AT&T. Aussie carrier Telstra has begun to push out the update to the device and Reddit and YouTube member demomanca has provided us with a nice little demo video of what ICS and Sense 3.6  look like running together. If you own a Velocity but reside in other parts of the world, I presume your carrier should be rolling-out the update soon. The HTC Velocity also takes on the name HTC Raider in Canada.
As far as when the update will arrive here in the states, well that’s entirely in AT&T’s hands now. Now that we know HTC has done there part lets hope AT&T doesn’t take too long to complete their testing period. Jump past the break to see ICS and Sense 3.6 working together in harmony. I must say, though, not too bad for a manufacturer UI overlay. 
Click here to view the embedded video.





Posted: 13 Mar 2012 10:25 AM PDT
A hands on with the freshly announced Xperia Sola has found its way online. As we mentioned earlier, this device features a technology Sony refers to as “floating touch.” What this does is allow the phone to track your finger movement above the screen. It also allows you to use the device with non-capacitive input or more commonly, gloved fingers. See it in action just past the break.  
Click here to view the embedded video.
source: AndroidNext
via: AndroidCentral 




Posted: 13 Mar 2012 09:37 AM PDT
Looks like we’re getting more juicy details for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone. While we previously reported the device would feature a ceramic body instead of the usual plastic we’ve become accustomed to on the GSI and GSII phones, there are new reports the device will not only highlight a ceramic body— but the final design of the GSIII smartphone is complete, which indicates the phone is all set for production. This is already on top of the mouth-watering specs we previously reported which includes a rumored 4.8-inch screen with HD resolution, 8MP camera and quad-core processor for starters. Looks like the phone may very well be on its way folks.
Oh and for anyone interested: there are added reports the phone should be out by June of this year. That’s only 3 months away folks. Are any of you planning on breaking open the wallet or purse for the fancy new smartphone from Sammy?
source: Eldar Murtazin Twitter
via: Phone Arena

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