Friday, August 17, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

First Google “Save to Wallet” deployment lets users save Discover Card to their Google Wallet account

Posted: 16 Aug 2012 02:25 PM PDT

During the past couple months, Google has announced some improvements to the Google Wallet app in an effort to drive its adoption. Announced during Google I/O, one of the improvements was a Save to Wallet API that could be used in one of two ways – saving offers or saving payment card information. Earlier this month, in conjunction with moving card data storage to the cloud on Google servers, they also enabled the ability to use any major debit or credit card.

We now have our first example of these efforts coming together. Today, Google announced the addition of Save to Wallet for Discover Card accounts. This makes it really easy for users to add the card to their Google Wallet following a simple three step process:

  1. Visit discover.com/googlewallet and sign in
  2. Click "Add Your Card"
  3. Sign into your Google account

No need to look up or type in account numbers. All you have to do is hit a button on the web site, just like Google said it would work when they first announced it.

Any one out there using Google Wallet?

source: Google Commerce Blog

Ubi Plug-Mounted Android Device Gives Your Phone Eyes and Ears in the Home

Posted: 16 Aug 2012 02:16 PM PDT

A Kickstarter project out of Toronto called Ubi (ubiquitous computer) recently reached its funding goal for a small Android-powered computer that plugs directly into a power socket. The device is packed with sensors and connects to the local Wi-Fi network so it can push notifications about the room’s conditions such as lighting, temperature, sound, movement and even humidity to your smartphone. In addition, the device has a full-sized USB port, headphone jack, RF and Bluetooth capabilities for added connectivity. There’s even an LED light and speakers built in.  Ubi doesn’t have earth shattering specs, but it’s still a decent amount of power and includes an 800MHz processor with 1GB of RAM, will ship with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and will have its own app ecosystem that will launch with the device. Here are some of the features you can expect when the device ships:

  • Voice-enabled Internet search
  • Speakerphone
  • Indicator light (light changing based on events, e.g. weather, stock, email)
  • Home speaker system with sound piping
  • Virtual assistant (audio calendar, feed reader, podcast etc)
  • Voice memos
  • Alarm clock
  • Intercom system
  • Baby monitor
  • Noise pollution monitor
  • Controlling the climate of your home perfectly (through web enabled thermostats like Nest)

After watching the video I am thoroughly impressed by this little guy. I can imagine myself sitting on my couch and randomly calling out commands to impress my friends. You should be able to get your hands on the Ubi for $199 and it will be available in early 2013! Even though they have hit their goal of $36,000, you can still get some pretty cool perks for donating! So head on over the Kickstarter page and make your donation!

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: Kickstarter

Dunkin’ Donuts releases mobile app for Android

Posted: 16 Aug 2012 02:05 PM PDT

 

The all popular donut and coffee shop Dunkin’ Donuts have released their mobile app that they hope will give their customers a better experience with them. It’s an app that allows you to process payments, send virtual gift cards, look up store locations and lets you check out the menu and nutritional facts. Here’s what the app can offer you:

  • Purchase, manage, and reload a Dunkin' Donuts Card: Guests can purchase a new mobile Dunkin' Donuts Card (selecting from multiple designs for many occasions), add money to an existing card, and view all previous card transactions. The Dunkin' Mobile App supports American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and PayPal.
  • Pay right from the app using a virtual Dunkin' Donuts Card: Guests can purchase Dunkin' Donuts products with the Dunkin' App by simply tapping the mobile Dunkin' Donuts Card and presenting the screen to the crew member to be scanned. Balances are updated immediately after purchase.
  • Send an mGift: Dunkin' Donuts Cards can be sent to friends, family, or colleagues via email, text, or Facebook. Dunkin' Donuts is now the only national coffee retailer to offer people all of these options for sending an mGift. Dunkin' Donuts Cards can be sent in denominations between $2 and $100.
  • Locate the nearest Dunkin' Donuts: A detailed restaurant locator makes it easy to find directions to and information about local Dunkin' Donuts restaurants, including store hours, in-store Wi-Fi, drive-thru availability, and more.
  • Find nutritional information: The Dunkin' App makes nutritional facts available for guests' favorite Dunkin' Donuts menu items.
  • Link to Dunkin' Donuts' social media communities: Dunkin’ Donuts is actively engaged within leading social media channels, with more than 6.8 million Facebook fans and 160,000 Twitter followers. Easy links to "Like" Dunkin' Donuts on Facebook or follow @DunkinDonuts on Twitter can be found in the "Social" section of the Dunkin' App.

This has certainly made me want some donuts now. Anyone else? Hit up the QR code and download link below to get it for yourselves!

QR Code generator

Google Play Store Download

Samsung Galaxy S Blaze Q delayed and renamed

Posted: 16 Aug 2012 01:16 PM PDT

 

Remember the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze Q? This slide out physical QWERTY device was due to be out by August 15th, and while that has obviously gone and passed by, the device has been delayed and ultimately renamed by T-Mobile. Perhaps T-Mobile thought the Galaxy S Blaze Q was too ridiculous of a name? Well folks, the phone has been renamed to…. Wait for it…. The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G. I’m sure you’re thinking what I’m thinking, it’s not any better is it? Either way, the phone has been indefinitely delayed and no word as to when it will become officially available.

Let’s keep in mind that if we do put aside the odd name, it’s still going to be the most powerful physical slide out QWERTY device yet to date. If you’ve forgotten the specs, you can expect a 1.5 GHz dual-core S4 Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM, a 720p (1280 x 720) display, and Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Here’s my long shot wish; Perhaps T-Mobile and Samsung is delaying the release in hopes to have it launch with Android 4.1 TouchWiz Jelly Bean instead of ICS? I know, it’s a long shot that is probably far from the truth. But it would be nice, wouldn’t it?

Confusing name apart, any of you guys interested in this device? I know physical QWERTY’s haven’t died out just yet.

source: TMONEWS

Here’s what the new Google gift cards will look like

Posted: 16 Aug 2012 09:44 AM PDT

Earlier we reported that Google gift cards are coming soon, and now thanks to Android Central, we have an image of them. You can clearly see the newer Google Play branding and the push for not just apps as it’s now about music, movies, books, apps, and more.

These should look pretty good in the checkout line at your local Walmart or Target. The only question is when will these be available? I think it’s safe to say they will be out in time for the holiday season, but with back to school in progress, I’m hoping for a lot sooner.

source: androidcentral

Droid Incredible 4G LTE kernel source code released by HTC

Posted: 16 Aug 2012 09:30 AM PDT

Developers interested in working on the Verizon Droid Incredible 4G LTE smartphone have a new tool available today. HTC has released the kernel source code on their Developer Center web site. Verizon's Droid Incredible 4G LTE, while based on an HTC One S, from a hardware standpoint is downgraded in some key areas like screen size. Maybe the community of developers will be able to close the gap a bit, substituting software goodies for hardware prowess, with access to the kernel code.

If you are a developer and interested in obtaining the code, just hit the source link below.

source: HTCDev

Xiaomi To Release Mi-Two Superphone, Features Snapdragon S4 Pro Quad-Core Goodness

Posted: 16 Aug 2012 08:56 AM PDT

 

Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi is making a splash by unveiling a couple of new devices. First off— in celebrating its very first phone the Mi-One, Xiaomi has developed a new smartphone called the Mi-One S… which happens to be a slightly refreshed version of the original Mi-One. The big feature about the new smartphone is that it will be based off a new version of the MIUI OS, which is actually a custom build of Jelly Bean. In addition, the smartphone will feature a whopping 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 8MP camera with better sensors. The entire package will run customers 1,500 yuan or roughly $235 USD.

The real kicker however— is the formal announcement of the Mi-Two superphone. This piece of machinery will feature an ultra-rare Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (APQ8064) quad-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz coupled with the new Adreno 320 GPU which utilizes the new 28nm manufacturing process. The device will also feature a 4.3-inch 1280 x 720 IPS display, Bluetooth 4.0, 2GB RAM and a 2,000mAh battery that’s expandable to 3,000mAh.  This latest toy will also feature the latest MIUI software which is again based off Jelly Bean. Oh and in case you’re wondering: no the device will not be over $500. Heck– the device will barely be over $300 as Xiaomi has set the price of the Mi-Two at a mere 2,000 yuan or $315 USD.

Of course both devices will only be available in Chinese markets for now, but the hope is that Xiaomi will follow fellow compatriot ZTE and release devices like those out here in the States— well someday at least.

source: Phandroid

Judge Lucy Koh Wants Apple & Samsung To Talk It Out Soon, Argues “It Is Time For Peace”

Posted: 16 Aug 2012 08:09 AM PDT

 

As the Apple & Samsung case winds down, Judge Lucy Koh sought one last ditch effort in order to get the executive heads to try and make peace before the final decisions where handed to a jury because after all, she “sees risks here for both sides”. While the lawyers asserted each CEO would attempt to talk (again), most patent lawyers believe it’s not likely. Florian Mueller, an intellectual property consultant believes “think this dispute isn’t ripe for a settlement” because Mueller agrees with Judge Koh and argues both sides have too much at stake in the case.

Hopefully the CEOs do end up coming together and resolving this issue once and for all. It’s time to focus on development on innovative products now— not bickering and name slander. Like Judge Koh says, “it is time for peace”.

source: WSJ

Samsung Reported To Update Galaxy S II And Galaxy Note Smartphones To Jelly Bean

Posted: 16 Aug 2012 07:38 AM PDT

 

Samsung Galaxy S II owners are probably content enough to have gotten the Android 4.0 update but those same owners will certainly be giddy after hearing this tidbit of news. According to SamMobile, Samsung is currently testing the preliminary builds of Android 4.1— also known as Jelly Bean. In fact—the same source claims testing has gone well for Samsung and Samsung should release the latest version of the Android OS (Android 4.1.1) by September or October— if all goes well. Of course this is expected to apply to the international variants of the smartphone— so you American owners of the device will have to add a few months after the initial launch.

Oh and you Galaxy Note owners won’t be left out of the blue either as that device is set to receive the Jelly Bean update as well— though a specific time frame for that device is anyone’s guess. If this is indeed true Samsung— well done to you. Well done.

source: SamMobile

Hands on with the Kno Textbook App on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 [Video]

Posted: 16 Aug 2012 07:28 AM PDT

As we mentioned previously, the Kno textbook app comes pre-loaded on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. Yesterday at the launch event in New York City we got a chance to see it in action. The Kno app allows students k-12 and the college level to download textbooks in which they can annotate and highlight, but they are also interactive. For example, students can click on videos or see interactive 3D diagrams. It will not only provide the student with a better experience than the traditional textbook, but it also allows them to carry less bulk. Right now there are over 200,000 textbooks available and most of the k-12 books cost about $10. The Galaxy Note 10.1 is the first Android device to use the Kno app (previously available on iOS), and is just another feature that makes it so cool.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For more coverage on the Galaxy Note 10.1, check out our Adobe Photoshop Touch demos (Part 1 and Part 2)
Posted by at 5:53 AM

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