Thursday, August 30, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Audiobooks.com App For Android Lets You Listen To Unlimited Books On Your Smartphone, Gives You Another Reason To “Read” The Hunger Games

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 04:34 PM PDT

 

Audiobooks are loved by many— especially those of us who happen to have long commutes to and from work or school. While audiobooks aim to make things just a little easier for individuals on the go, the more traditional forms of audiobooks can be very expensive with an average price of $20 – $30 for each one. Fortunately, relief is at hand as the up and coming audiobook service Audiobooks.com has unveiled its new Android app which provides a unique interface for navigating the book library and controlling playback, while also giving users the ability to download up to two books at a time to listen offline– which may be helpful especially to those of you on those tightened data plans. Among the 15,000 available titles include The Hunger Games and Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs bio.

For those of you who are interested— the Audiobooks.com subscription will run you about $25 per month but again— you get unlimited access to its entire library of titles. So if you’re a Froyo 2.2+ user and have a hankering for some good books to read listen to, be sure to grab the app today in the Play Store or by scanning the QR code below.

 

Play Store

Google releases new Nexus 7 commercial

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 04:34 PM PDT

The Nexus 7 has taken the entry-level tablet market by storm, and Google has just released a brand new advertisement for the 7-inch powerhouse. The commercial, titled “Curious” plays off the same emotions as the company’s first commercial, showing how useful the media-centric tablet can be for a younger audience. Additionally, this is the first time Google has shown off its Google Now platform on video, which is something that could potentially spark massive interest with the public. Rather than me spoil the video for you, we’ve embedded it after the break. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

CyanogenMod 9.1 now being pushed out with SimplyTapp NFC integration

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 04:18 PM PDT

Mobile payments have yet to catch on with the majority of smartphone users, but CyanogenMod is trying to change that through its partnership with SimplyTapp. Starting today, official builds of CyanogenMod 9.1 are being pushed out with SimplyTapp NFC integration, allowing users to make payments from their smartphones with a single tap. Currently, the Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus and Samsung Galaxy S II are supported, as well as a wide range of devices that have built-in NFC. Builds are rolling out right now, so if you’re interested in hopping on the mobile payment bandwagon, catch the official instructions and downloads after the break.

Instructions:

  • To Sign-up – flash CM9.1 on your NFC capable device, and get the Tapp app
  • Costs – It is between $0 and $5 to get an NFC card. That all depends on the card or cards you select.
  • Cards supported – At the moment you can sign up for a Tapp Anywhere Card (like a gift card with a fixed balance), CyanogenMod Tapp Card (Reloadable), as well as various store cards (depending on location).
  • Security – Card credentials are stored in the cloud and enabled to the point-of-sale via standard security mechanisms. By evolving from the plastic card model, this keeps your credentials (aka payment information) secure, accessible by only you, and only when you need them.
Downloads:
 Source: CyanogenMod

Beats Audio to introduce its own smartphone, TV and iTunes-like service

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 03:49 PM PDT

Beats Audio has come along way since the launch of its first pair of headphones in 2010, but a new report suggests the company could be expanding its offerings. According to sources familiar with the matter, Beats is in the process of developing its very own Android-powered smartphone. While it’s rumored that HTC will manufacture the handset, there will be no branding on the phone to indicate so. Additionally, the company will be creating its own custom UI, exclusively designed for the new hardware. This news comes just weeks after HTC decided to sell back half of its stake in the audio equipment producer.

Interestingly, a smartphone isn’t the only thing in development, as the same source has also confirmed that the company will launch a smart TV in collaboration with Samsung. The television set will feature "Beats connect”, which is designed to compete head-to-head with the Apple TV. The idea is to allow users to be able to stream music from a smartphone or laptop to a nearby TV, similar to the way AirPlay functions. This new feature will complement Beats Audio’s upcoming music outlet, code-named Daisy, which will offer a subscription-based model for media streaming.

Beats has been successful in getting big-name record labels to jump on board in the past, which could potentially mean great things for the company’s new endeavors. However, there’s no doubt that Beats wants to control the entire user experience, which could prove to be the demise of its dreams. When asked about the rumor, Samsung, HTC and Beats Audio all declined to comment.

Source: BGR

Sony releases videos showcasing Xperia T, Xperia V and Xperia J

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 02:11 PM PDT

Following up on their announcement at IFA 2012 today, Sony has released a series of videos on YouTube showcasing their three new smartphones. All of the videos show off the capabilities of the phones in sharing photos and streaming music and videos. If you pay attention to the video for the Xperia T, you might spot some interesting accessories for the device. For the Xperia V, Sony displays the ability to wirelessly connect to a TV to stream video and they make a point to highlight the water resistant capabilities of the device.

Check the videos out after the break.

Xperia T – The ultimate HD experience

Click here to view the embedded video.

Xperia V – The ultimate LTE Smartphone experience

Click here to view the embedded video.

Xperia J – Big screen entertainment in a stylish smartphone

Click here to view the embedded video.

Download and Install the latest Jelly Bean Build (JRO03O) for your Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 01:17 PM PDT

Earlier today we told you that a lucky XDA member received a Jelly Bean OTA update for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. You can download the test build and install it yourself, but you have to go back to stock (build IMM76K) to make it happen. Just follow the steps below.

  1. Make sure you’re running stock (If you’re not then you can use WugFresh’s Nexus Root Toolkit to restore/install stock)
  2. Unlock the device and install a custom recovery (Wugfresh’s Toolkit can do this as well)
  3. Flash the IMM76Q Package via the custom recovery
  4. Flash the JRO03O Package via the custom recovery
If you need any help or want more info, hit up the source link below.

source: Androidcentral Forums

 

Watch the entire Samsung Galaxy Note II presentation from Mobile Unpacked

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 12:19 PM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy Note II was unveiled a couple of hours ago and it was live streamed via the web. In case you missed it or maybe you watched it and want to check it out again, you can watch the full 36 minute presentation below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Hand on with the Sony Xperia Tablet S [Video]

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 11:45 AM PDT

Earlier today Sony announced several new devices during their IFA press conference, including the new Xperia Tablet S. The powerful new tablet is powered by a Tegra 3 CPU, preloaded with Android 4.0, and has plethora of available accessories. It will be available September 7th but Sony is accepting pre-orders starting today. We now have a quick hands on video of the Xperia Tablet S from the floor of the IFA event.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Samsung unveils the Galaxy Camera with quad-core CPU,16MP lens, and 21x zoom

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 11:35 AM PDT

Samsung already announced the Galaxy Note II, but that wasn’t enough. The Galaxy Camera was just unveiled as well, which will feature a 4.8-inch display, quad-core CPU, 16MP lens, 21x zoom, WiFi, 3G, and 4G. It just won’t be about pictures as users will be also be able to edit and share high quality photographs and video easily and spontaneously from anywhere and at any time.

It features “Smart Pro” technology, which is a series of modes that help users make professional-looking photos. With the easy-to-navigate menu system, users can choose from a series of preset scenarios which will automatically adjust the camera’s settings. Examples are the Rich Tone setting, which reduces overexposure in bright surroundings and Light Trace, which automatically controls shutter speed for night scenes. You can even zoom in or shoot with voice commands.

 

Editing is important for anyone that likes to take photos and the Galaxy Camera delivers. The Photo Wizard allows users to make edits on the go. It features things like Auto Face Calibration so edits are more precise. The Movie Wizard also allows you to create and edit videos.

The Smart Content Manager is an organization tool which lets users create folders, tag faces, it even suggests which pictures to delete when they don’t come out as desired.

Since the Galaxy Camera has Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and connectivity, you can browse the Web or share photos easily. You can even play a game if you so choose.

For sharing it has Share Shot (introduced in the Galaxy S III) so when you take a photo, others with compatible devices will get the photo as well. If your worried about backing up your photos, worry no more. The Galaxy Camera has an Auto Cloud Backup feature, which will automatically save your photos to the cloud via Samsung’s AllShare the instant they are taken.

Pricing wasn’t specified, but it will be available in October.

Full press release:

Samsung presents ‘Camera, Reborn.’ – the GALAXY Camera

The new device combines leading-edge camera capabilities with Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean and wireless network connectivity, letting users shoot, edit and share images easily anywhere, at any time

BERLIN, Germany – August 29, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, has today announced the launch of the GALAXY Camera. Developed to fit the changing ways we communicate, the GALAXY Camera combines high performance photography with the latest Android™ 4.1 platform, so called Jelly Bean, and wireless network connectivity, creating a brand new type of device. Samsung GALAXY Camera fits perfectly for those who wish to shoot, edit and share high quality photographs and video easily and spontaneously from anywhere, at any time.

“The GALAXY Camera opens a new visual communication era and shifts a paradigm in communication. With the growth of social networks and the prevalence of smartphones and tablets, people today communicate faster than words. As we increasingly articulate our experiences through pictures and videos the GALAXY Camera has been created to lead the way in this new era of visual communication. Communication becomes more vivid and lively with high-quality images and instant sharing anywhere, anytime,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile and Digital Content at Google, congratulated the Samsung team on their launch. “When we first started work on Android, we envisioned building a smart camera that would take digital photography to the next level. The GALAXY Camera is an innovative product that speaks to the openness and flexibility of the Android platform.”

The GALAXY Camera makes outstanding photography on the go. Users never again have to sacrifice picture quality if they want to edit and share their photos instantly. It easily outperforms any smartphone camera. The GALAXY Camera, boasting a 21x super long zoom lens and a super-bright 16M BSI CMOS sensor, delivers pictures in brilliant quality. The device also features ‘Smart Pro’ technology, a series of modes that make professional-looking photography easy for anyone to achieve. What truly revolutionizes this photography experience is Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean and wireless connectivity, which opens up the device to applications for photo-editing, sharing, and much more. Users will experience all of GALAXY Camera’s great features on a market-leading HD Super Clear LCD. With stunning clarity, incredible ease-of-use and unparalleled connectivity, the GALAXY Camera is the next step in imaging innovation.

Shoot stunning quality images

The GALAXY Camera’s ‘Smart Pro’ feature makes it easy to recreate advanced photographic setups in just a few simple steps for stunning artistic results. Using the easy-to-navigate menu system, users can choose from a series of preset scenario options which will automatically adjust the camera’s settings in order to capture the perfect photo. For example, the ‘Rich Tone’ setting delivers images with greater intensity – particularly effective for reducing overexposure in bright surroundings, while the ‘Light Trace’ setting automatically controls shutter speed for atmospheric night scenes full of light trails.

The GALAXY Camera’s 21x optical zoom can be controlled by either button or touchscreen, rendering long-distance pictures in a quality that users will be proud to share, while OIS ensures that images stay clear and crisp. The camera’s 16 Megapixel 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor captures images in brilliant color and resolution, while the 23mm aperture lens delivers impressive wide-angle shots incomparable to smartphone pictures.

Enjoy your photos and video on a world-leading display
The GALAXY Camera boasts large and vivid enough camera display – a 4.8″(121.2mm) HD Super Clear LCD screen, which makes it a pleasure to shoot, share and edit images from the palm of the hand. Another advantage of smartphone technology is the Voice Control option which allows the user to control a number of functions such as ‘Zoom in’ and ‘Shoot’ through voice. All these features are housed in a beautifully designed, ergonomic body with the GALAXY Camera’s minimal, organic design complementing its easy-to-use professional features.

Edit and perfect images on your device
The GALAXY Camera includes a comprehensive set of 35 powerful photo editing features through the ‘Photo Wizard’, allowing users to make professional quality edits on the go. The new features take advantage of the ultrafast quad-core processor and HD Super Clear LCD, giving access to a feature like Auto Face Calibration so edits can be made in precise detail and with ease. The ‘Movie Wizard’ also allows users to create and edit expert-quality videos easily from the touch screen.
The GALAXY Camera also features ‘Smart Content Manager’, an innovative on-device organization tool which intelligently creates folders, tags faces, and even suggests which pictures to delete when they don’t come out as desired. Thanks to the combination of wireless connectivity and Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean OS, the internet capabilities of the GALAXY Camera are equal to those of the latest smartphone so that users can get even more enjoyment out of their device. In addition to the pre-installed applications from Samsung, users can browse the web and enjoy any applications from Google Play or Samsung Apps stores. If users are not sure which app to download, ‘S Suggest’ will help them recommend a new photo editing app or fun game to download.

Share your images anywhere, anytime
The camera’s convenient ‘Auto Cloud Backup’ feature will automatically save precious photos into the cloud via Samsung’s AllShare the instant they are taken. The GALAXY Camera also allows users to share photos at the same time as they shoot them with ‘Share Shot.’ As well as sharing to social networks and cloud services, users can also connect to a range of GALAXY devices including the GALAXY SIII and GALAXY Note II for effortless and automatic sharing of pictures across the GALAXY family. The new device enables connection to 3G or 4G, allowing photo sharing and browsing anywhere. The GALAXY Camera also functions on Wi-Fi with Dual Band and Channel Bonding for extra speed. Connectivity is supported by a quad-core processor that enables fast web-browsing and multi-tasking, as well as high-speed image processing without a significant impact on battery life.

The GALAXY Camera comes in two connectivity options: a 3G and Wi-Fi version or a 4G and Wi-Fi version.

Samsung unveils the Galaxy Note II in all its glory at Mobile Unpacked

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 10:56 AM PDT

Live at IFA 2012 in Berlin, Samsung finally unveiled the Galaxy Note II. Samsung is pushing this as a “be creative” and “be expressive” device. Obvious the focal point is the S Pen, which is now longer, thicker and ergonomically designed for the perfect grip. The dedicated S Pen button allows the S Pen to magically recognize what users want to clip or edit. With Easy Clip users can instantly outline and crop any content on the screen for sharing. The Idea Visualizer allows users to easily add illustrations by handwriting keywords. Also when you pull out the S Pen from the holder, a quick launch of S Pen tools will pop up so you can quickly launch whatever app you need.

Just like the Galaxy Note 1o.1, multitasking it a major asset of the Galaxy Note II:

With Air View, users can hover with the S Pen over an email, S Planner, image gallery, or video to preview the content without having to open it.

Popup Note is much like Popup Play, and it allows users to open an S Note instantly as a pop-up window anywhere on the screen. This can be done while you are on a phone call or watching a video to jot down a quick note.

There’s even a new gesture pad feature called Quick Command. This allows users to quickly activate frequently used apps with the S Pen. A command pad will open when a user swipes upward on the screen. From there users can draw pre-registered marks on the command pad to send an email, make a call, or search a location. Users will also have the ability to register their own unique marks.

Photo Notes allows you to jot down notes on any photo. It’s just like we used to do for printed photos when we wrote a note on the back. Photo Notes will actually flip the photo to the back for you to jot your note.

Last but not least is the Recorder function which lets users record a sequence of actions taken on their screen and share it.

The Galaxy Note II will be available in October, and if you’re in the U.S, no word yet on availability. Best of all it will come with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Full specs

  • 5.5-inch Super AMOLED HD (1280 x 720) display
  • 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos processor
  • 2GB RAM
  • Choice of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of storage
  • microSD slot for storage expansion
  • 8MP front camera
  • 1.9MP rear camera
  • 3100mAh battery
  • Available in both HSPA+ and LTE
  • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • 9.4mm thick
  • 180 grams
  • Color options: Marble White or Titanium Gray

 

Full press release

Be Creative, Be Expressive with the GALAXY Note II

The most powerful smartphone sparks everyone's creative inspirations

BERLIN, Germany—29 August 2012— At the Samsung Mobile Unpacked event held today at IFA, in
Berlin, Samsung introduced the GALAXY Note II, a whole new level of innovation for the GALAXY Note
category. The new Samsung GALAXY Note II enables unique experiences in personalized and expressive
content creation, making it the ultimate smartphone for on-the-go creativity.

"Last year at IFA, we launched the GALAXY Note, which opened a new category of smart mobile devices.
This year, again at IFA, I am proud to announce the GALAXY Note II, which will encourage users to
‘unleash their inner creativity.' With a perfect viewing experience and unique and differentiated features,
users can discover information and capture their ideas faster, express thoughts freely and manage tasks
more efficiently. For anyone who wants to be creative, expressive and unique, the Samsung GALAXY Note
II will be the ideal device, allowing users to live a life extraordinary," said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile
Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

Since the first introduction of the GALAXY Note category, Samsung has continued to enhance and expand
the GALAXY Note product experiences. In May 2012, Samsung introduced 'Premium Suite,' a software
upgrade which provided enhanced user experiences. With the Ice Cream Sandwich OS upgrade, Samsung
offered innovative new features such as Shape Match and Formula Match, providing a new way for
organizing and expressing ideas in their personal and professional life. Also in August, Samsung expanded
the category further with the GALAXY Note 10.1, which has a 10.1-inch large screen, a Multiscreen feature
for the ultimate multitasking, and enhanced features for users' productivity, creativity and learning abilities.
With further enhancements, Samsung GALAXY Note II will help users unleash their inner creativity by letting
them discover information faster, capture ideas, and express them in a more organized and efficient manner.

Perfect viewing experience

The GALAXY Note II features a 5.5" (140.9mm) HD Super AMOLED screen, providing breathtaking visuals
and crystal clear detail. Its 16:9 screen ratio ensures an immersive and enriched cinema-like video viewing
experience, perfect for watching HD videos on-the-go. Its larger screen allows users to see content clearly
and vividly, with much enhanced readability. In addition to the stunning content consumption experiences on
a larger screen, users will also be able to accomplish more tasks efficiently and create content freely on-the-
go, as the GALAXY Note II comes with a thinner and portable body.

Easy multitasking

Air View allows users to hover with the S Pen over an email, S Planner, image gallery, or video to preview
the content without having to open it. This feature enables users to quickly search and see more information
in one view without screen transitions.

Thanks to the breadth of the GALAXY Note II's amazing viewing experience, a feature called Popup Note
extends the concept of Popup Play, which lets users open an S Note instantly as a pop-up window anywhere
on the screen. For example, when a user pulls out the S Pen during a phone call, the S Note application
automatically pops up on the screen, allowing users to jot down a quick note.

In addition, the device's new gesture pad feature, called Quick Command, lets users quickly activate
frequently used apps with the S Pen. The command pad appears when a user just swipes upward on the
screen with the S Pen button pressed. Users can quickly send an email, make a call, or search a location as
they draw pre-registered marks on the command pad or register a unique mark to allow for quick and easy
access.

Furthermore, users will be able to share their experiences with others quickly and easily using Screen
Recorder. It allows users to record a whole sequence of actions taken on their screen — a demonstration of
how to use an application, for example — and then share it with friends for comment, or just for fun.

Amazing expression tools – Advanced S Pen & S Note

The new S Pen is longer, thicker and ergonomically designed for the perfect grip. Therefore, it provides a
more precise, comfortable, and natural writing and drawing experience.

The S Pen's advanced features also provide enhanced capabilities to capture ideas and inspirations
instantly, and to combine handwriting with any digital content directly on the screen. By simply pressing the
dedicated S Pen button, the S Pen magically recognizes that users want to clip or edit the selected content
on the screen. The Easy Clip feature allows users to instantly outline and crop any content on the screen in
any shape to save, share or paste. Once done cropping the image, users can freely edit the cropped content
through coloring, shading, or their own personal handwriting. It is quick and easy.

Another amazing expression feature called Idea Visualizer allows users to easily add illustrations by
handwriting keywords on the S Note. It provides illustration images that match the handwritten keywords.
It's a fancy illustration match function that will allow users to express, organize and visualize ideas in a more
innovative and creative way. Users can even customize and add in their own illustrations library.

Powerful Performance

Powering content creation, sharing and multitasking capabilities, the GALAXY Note II comes with the latest
hardware technologies. A mighty 1.6GHz Quad-Core processor and HSPA Plus or 4G LTE connectivity
delivers easy multitasking, lightning-fast screen transitions, powerful browser performance, and minimal app
load time. The GALAXY Note II is powered by Android™ 4.1, Jelly Bean. This brings stunning graphical
capabilities and an upgraded Google Now service, including new features such as contextual search, to the
GALAXY Note II. The memory options are 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB with an expandable micro SD memory
slot. Thanks to a 3,100mAh battery, users can enjoy multimedia content, always be productive on the go,
and capture ideas whenever, wherever without suffering from power limitation.

The GALAXY Note II comes with an 8 megapixel rear-facing and 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera with HD
video recording. The camera has great features like Buddy Photo Share, Burst Shot and Best Photo, which
were introduced on the GALAXY S III earlier in the year. In addition to that, the GALAXY Note II features a
unique camera function called Best Faces. Best Faces allows users to choose the most preferred face or
pose of each person from group portrait photos. Users can also personalize photos by leaving handwritten
notes on the backside of a photo using the S Pen. Handwritten Photo Notes can be shared with others in jpg
format.

Available in Marble White or Titanium Gray color options, the Samsung GALAXY Note II is set to launch in
October starting in major European, Asian, and Middle East markets.

The Samsung GALAXY Note II will be on display at the Samsung booth # 20 at IFA 2012 from Aug 31
through Sep 5. For more information on GALAXY Note II, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com.

Full details, video content and product images are available at Samsung's IFA 2012 microsite: http://
samsungifa2012.com or mobile site: m.samsungifa.com as well.
Posted by at 5:41 AM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)