Android Community |
- Splashtop improves streaming PC gaming with user customizable app
- Sony “my Xperia” remote security launches in beta
- Facebook introduces ‘gift cards’ for sending a gift offline too
- Samsung Super Bowl “El Plato Supremo” teaser released
- Temple Run 2 breaks mobile gaming records, passes 50 million downloads
- Angry Birds Star Wars “Escape From Hoth” update lands in Google Play [hands-on]
- Square Card Reader now available with Verizon Wireless
- Samsung shells out $58.9 million for a 5% stake in Wacom
- LG Optimus L7 II Dual leak reveals a 4.3-inch display and Jelly Bean
- MetroPCS announces the LG Spirit with 4.5-inch display and Android 4.0 ICS
- Nexus 4 wireless charging orb listed with $59.99 price point
- Evidence for new Vertu Android phone piles up
- T-Mobile beefs up 4G coverage in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl
- Google Play Music, Google+ Android apps receive new updates
- Qualcomm ends Q1 2013 with net profit of $1.91 billion
- Apple Store gains trademark while Google remains in the cloud
- New Vertu Android phone reportedly on the way
- Carbon hands-on: Android’s missing backup solution
- Dropbox Quick Preview will bring document previews to the web interface
- NVIDIA teases Hawken for Android with Live Wallpaper app
| Splashtop improves streaming PC gaming with user customizable app Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:08 AM PST Streaming PC game play will soon be a bit nicer for Splashtop users. The company has announced a new app that will allow users to create and customize virtual joysticks. The app is called “Configurable Shortcuts and Gamepads app for Splashtop 2″ and will be priced at $0.99. Getting this out right from the beginning, the app will be available in Google Play from February 1, 2013.
That being said, lets get into the fun stuff — what the app will mean in terms of game play. Splashtop has included built-in profiles for select games to include World of Warcraft, Diablo III and ProEvolution Soccer 2012. They have also promised that profiles for additional games will be coming soon. Otherwise, users will be able to create and customize a virtual joystick with buttons. For those worried about lag, Splashtop notes that due to the sub-30 millisecond latency, you should see “excellent” performance. Taking a step away from gaming though, this app will also have some perks for non-gamers. For example, the app will have build-in productivity profiles for Mac OS X and Windows 8 as well as for web browsers, Microsoft Office, Media Player and the QuickTime Player. Otherwise, in addition to the $0.99 purchase price for the app, you will also need to be a Splashtop subscriber which will set you back $9.99 on an annual basis. And just to clarify, the Configurable Shortcuts and Gamepads app will require you to be up and running with Splashtop 2. While you are waiting for the app to make its way into the Google Play Store, make sure and check out the demo video above. |
| Sony “my Xperia” remote security launches in beta Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:27 AM PST Sony previously trademarked the term “my Xperia” and while it seemed logical to think they were planning to roll-out a service of some kind or another, it wasn’t until today that we got that answer. In short, Sony has launched the my Xperia remote security service. The one catch, Sony has launched it as a beta and as of right now — the availability is limited.
According to details coming from Sony, the my Xperia service (in beta form) is available for those in the Nordics. In addition to the limited market availability, Sony is also limiting the beta phase to “select” 2012 Xperia smartphones. Looking past the beta phase and Sony has said that the service will roll out on a global basis during Q2 2013. That being said, while many of the Xperia users have some time, lets dive into what the my Xperia service offers.
In the simplest form, my Xperia is a tool that will let you remotely locate your lost or stolen phone. Some of the features include goodies that we have seen with similar services. For example, my Xperia will let you locate your missing phone on a map. You can also sound an alert (even if your phone is on silent), wake the display and send a message with contact details. If for some reason those goodies were not able to help you get your phone back, you still have a few options remaining. Users will also be able to lock the phone to help keep any personal information private as well as erase the device. The device erasing includes the internal memory as well as any memory card that happens to be inserted. With that, Xperia users that worry about losing a phone — just try and keep it in hand for a little while longer and Sony should have you taken care of. [via Sony] |
| Facebook introduces ‘gift cards’ for sending a gift offline too Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:02 AM PST Today we’ve learned that the folks from Facebook and good old Zuck have begin rolling out a brand new service. What service is that you ask? The official Facebook Gift Card. Yup, you’ll now be able to enjoy those birthday or rare occasions even with your online friends by sending them a gift card of your choice. The concept and system in which these work is actually quite interesting so read on below.
At first I was shocked and confused, but the more I think about it this is actually a really good idea. With the million and millions of Facebook users and friends, many who which are in different states and areas of the country. This could really be a neat idea and service. This is Facebook’s way of making more money, but in their eyes it’s all about you — the user! Essentially the Facebook Card is multiple gift cards all in one. Think of it like a Google Wallet pre-paid card, or a Mastercard gift card you can use wherever, only you can’t. Customers will be able to put multiple cards for different stores (and different balances) all on one card for easy use. Different uses, different balances and more all controlled on your Facebook page, or accompanying Android app.
Get a gift card for Olive Garden (mmm breadsticks) Jamba Juice, Target, or even Sephora. The Facebook friend will instantly get a Facebook notification of the wonderful gift, then it will arrive at their residence in just a few days time. This does mean you’ll have to know their address, so that could be an issue for some. The card can be used instantly, it’s completely reusable and re-loadable, and each new gift a friend buys instantly gets added to your current physical card once you have one. Facebook Cards will rollout to the US over the coming days although we have no details on select regions or other partners at this time. More details can be found from the source link below. What do you think about this idea? Love it or hate it? [via Facebook] |
| Samsung Super Bowl “El Plato Supremo” teaser released Posted: 31 Jan 2013 09:40 AM PST Super Bowl time is almost upon us and in addition to the football, we also have those commercials. Samsung Mobile seems to have gotten a bit of a head start here and released a teaser. This latest arrives as the “El Plato Supremo” which is another entry into “The Next Big Thing” campaign.
The “El Plato Supreme” teaser measures in at 60 seconds in length and shows Seth Rogan and Paul Rudd as they are pitching ideas for the Big Game ad and as one may have guessed – they run into some hurdles during the pitching process. Notably, with a certain name of the game (Super Bowl) that cannot be said due to it being trademarked. This is where the “El Plato Supremo” portion comes into play. They go on to discover that they are doing a commercial for “the big plate featuring the San Francisco fifty-one’ers and the Baltimore black birds.” All things considered, this is a pretty funny teaser video. Of course, with Samsung having picked Rogen and Rudd, that is almost expected. Teaser aside, the full commercial will be two-minutes in length and is set to air during the fourth-quarter of the Super Bowl. The full commercial will be dubbed “The Big Pitch” and according to Samsung, will feature “the Galaxy family of products.” And for those hoping for something new, Samsung has said the “family” includes the Galaxy Note II, Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note 10.1. Simply put, it doesn’t appear as if Samsung plans to unveil any new devices. Nonetheless, it would appear as if we have at least one entertaining Super Bowl commercial to look forward to seeing. |
| Temple Run 2 breaks mobile gaming records, passes 50 million downloads Posted: 31 Jan 2013 09:29 AM PST The hit mobile game Temple Run 2 has been pretty popular the past two weeks, and today we’ve learned that it broke a few records in the mobile gaming space. Imangi Studios today has announced that Temple Run 2 broke the record for fastest growing mobile game of all times, and has been downloaded over 50 million times in just 13 days.
Between the millions of users on Android, the 20 million and more from iOS, as well as Kindle Fire Android tablets the popular new game has reached a milestone of 50 million downloads faster than any mobile game in history. The original was been downloaded more than 170 million times in its lifetime, so the sequel had large shoes to fill but so far it’s doing just fine. As a comparison, the previous record went to Angry Birds Space for reaching 50 mill in around 35 days, which was quite impressive. If this is any sign, releasing a game for both platform surely helps its success. Something I’m sure all Android fans can agree on. Temple Run 2 landed for iOS on January 17th and was downloaded over 6 million times in the first day, and the momentum has continued extremely strong for the past two weeks and is showing no signs of slowing down.
We were huge fans of the original Temple Run, but with their all-new and improved Temple Run 2 things are even better. If you haven’t gave this awesome game a try you certainly are missing out, 50 million users would agree. Check out more from our Temple Run 2 Review from launch night. We have a feeling these numbers aren’t slowing down, and will report back when we hear more. Let us know if you enjoy the game by dropping a comment below! [via TriplePointPR] |
| Angry Birds Star Wars “Escape From Hoth” update lands in Google Play [hands-on] Posted: 31 Jan 2013 09:02 AM PST It was just yesterday when we saw the teaser for the Angry Birds Star Wars update and we were hoping that it would come available soon. And well, the update has since landed in the Google Play Store and those who have previously installed the app may want to go ahead and grab the update as it has added some new levels.
Specifically, Rovio has added 20 new “nail-biting” levels as well as two new bonus levels. These new levels follow the Battle of Hoth and have the Rebel Birds flying towards the asteroid field hoping to find some cover. Aside from the addition of 20 regular and 2 bonus levels, Rovio has also offered a warning — watch out for the mynock pigs, which will be found in the belly on the asteroid. Basically, this update has you navigating the asteroid belt and avoiding the mynock pics. Of course, in a simpler form, this update just adds a bit more Angry Birds adventure to the Star Wars series. And rest assured in knowing that your favorite characters including Han, Chewie, Luke, Leia, C-3PO, R2-D2, Vader and Obi Wan all remain. That all being said, Angry Birds Star Wars is available in a regular and HD version. The regular version is available for free and the HD version will set you back $2.99. Those who have already been playing can simply grab the update from Google Play. Those who are new to the game will be able to find the free version here and the paid version here.      |
| Square Card Reader now available with Verizon Wireless Posted: 31 Jan 2013 08:22 AM PST The Square Card Reader has just become a bit easier to get ahold of as Verizon Wireless has announced the immediate availability. The readers can be found nationally at Verizon Wireless retail stores. For those unfamiliar with Square, this is a mobile payment processor that will work with your Android smartphone or tablet.
Simply put, with an Android device and a Square Card Reader — you will be able to accept credit and debit cards. This should be a nice perk for a new and/or small business. In addition to using the Square reader, users will need to download the Square Register app from Google Play. This is a free app and it will allow you to accept Visa and MasterCard as well as Discover and American Express. Using Square is as simple as entering the total, swiping the card and having the customer sign. You are then able to send a receipt by email or text message. One small catch is that the Square Card Reader does have to be purchased up front. Verizon Wireless has it priced at $9.97. But on the flip side, once you sign up for an account with Square, they will apply a $10 credit to your account. Aside from being relatively easy to use and simple to set-up, Square does not come with any contracts, minimums or set-up fees. The transaction fees break down as follows — the seller will have to pay a 2.75 percent fee for swiped transactions and a 3.5 percent fee (plus 15 cents) for transactions that are manually entered in. Lastly, the good news is that funds are generally deposited within 24 hours. |
| Samsung shells out $58.9 million for a 5% stake in Wacom Posted: 31 Jan 2013 07:42 AM PST Just in case there had been any doubt as to Samsung’s commitment to the stylus, this latest announcement should make it clear. For better or worse, Samsung seems committed to the stylus and they have recently acquired a 5 percent stake in Wacom. Of course, many will realize who Wacom is, they offer the digital drawing tablets and seem to be ‘the name’ in that particular industry.
What some may not realize is that Samsung is already using some of the Wacom technology in their Note lineup. Given this acquisition, we only expect that integration to grow and additional features and support be added. Unfortunately, while Samsung and Wacom have confirmed the deal, they have yet to confirm anything specific in terms of what the users can expect to see. Additional integration in the Note lineup seems a pretty obvious route, however we have previously seen details suggesting that Samsung has plans to include an S Pen with the Galaxy S IV. Still, the Galaxy S IV bit is nothing more than an unconfirmed rumor at this point in time. In terms of a 5 percent stake, that set Samsung back $58.9 million, which all things considered — is probably not considered a major purchase for them. On the flip side though, this certainly sounds like good news for Wacom. We can only think that this will mean more business from Samsung. Let’s just hope that this doesn’t end up hindering any other companies that are already doing business with Wacom. |
| LG Optimus L7 II Dual leak reveals a 4.3-inch display and Jelly Bean Posted: 31 Jan 2013 07:10 AM PST It appears as if a new Optimus L series handset has leaked. The newly discovered device is the LG Optimus L7 II Dual and as the dual in the name would imply, this one has two SIM card slots. Or more specifically, the handset will have two SIM card slots with support for simultaneous use. Otherwise, the Optimus L7 II Dual will have a 4.3-inch IPS display and above average sized battery.
The battery will be 2460 mAh. Some of the other specs include a dual-core 1GHz processor, 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with 720p HD video recording and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Users can also expect an LG interface as well as some pre-loaded apps to include QuickMemo, Quick Translator and QSlide. Moving over to the pricing and availability and this is where the details drop off. So far it looks like LG will have the Optimus L7 II Dual available next month. The one catch, that next month availability appears to only be for those in Russia. Basically, at this point we haven’t seen anything in terms of global release plans. The price is expected to be 12 990 rubles, which would be approximately $432 in terms of US dollars. Though, as we have seen in the past, the currently conversion doesn’t always translate accurately based on market to market releases. Aside from the specs we have already mentioned, the only remaining detail available includes the colors — the LG Optimus L7 II Dual will arrive in black and/or white. [via Hi-Tech mail.ru] |
| MetroPCS announces the LG Spirit with 4.5-inch display and Android 4.0 ICS Posted: 31 Jan 2013 06:48 AM PST MetroPCS has officially announced their latest smartphone, the LG Spirit. The handset will be available for purchase beginning today and is being touted as having “top-of-line features” and a “sleek and stylish frame.” That being said, while we wouldn’t argue over most of the specs, there is one issue that we cannot overlook at this point in time.
Diving right in, the LG Spirit has launched with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Granted, ICS is a more than capable version of Android, however it seems time to begin releasing new models with Jelly Bean. Annoyance aside, the rest of the specs seem decent enough. The LG Spirit is a 4G LTE handset and sporting a 4.5-inch display with Corning Gorilla Glass, a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash and 1080p HD video recording. Other goodies include 4GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, 2150 mAh battery and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera. MetroPCS has the LG Spirit priced at a contract-free $199. Though, we should also mention that the $199 price point comes after a $70 mail-in rebate. Aside from the specs and the purchase price, MetroPCS is now offering those recently revamped plans. These plans begin at $40 per month and includes the $60 per month plan which offers unlimited talk, text and data. Finally, for those who happen to be music fans, MetroPCS users can also grab a Rhapsody account (with unlimited on-demand music listening) for just $5 per month. |
| Nexus 4 wireless charging orb listed with $59.99 price point Posted: 31 Jan 2013 06:22 AM PST We had been expecting the Nexus 4 wireless charging orb to come available in February. That part was based on earlier rumors and while we have yet to hear anything official from LG or Google — it appears as if we have some indirect confirmation. These latest details are coming by way of a retail product listing that was recently spotted with Pure Mobile.
The orb is listed, but still noted as being out of stock. Basically, the listing offers a picture as well as some details and a price. We realize that this is an early listing and the details could still change, however the key here is that they seem to be lining up with the earlier reports. The price is showing as $59.99 and while it is impossible to say based on just one single image — the orb does look like the real deal. Well, that is to say it appears to be Nexus branded and an official LG product. The listing also shows a model number of WCP400 and notes that the orb will allow the user to dock in portrait or landscape and “charge your Nexus 4 without the need for wires.” Bottom line here, while the wireless charging orb is not yet available for sale — this listing does indeed suggest that it will be available in February as we had been expecting. Simply put, if you are a Nexus 4 owner and have been waiting for this to come available, now seems like as good a time as any to make sure you have the money set aside. |
| Evidence for new Vertu Android phone piles up Posted: 30 Jan 2013 06:24 PM PST Earlier today, we heard a rumor that claimed a new Vertu phone is in the works. The rumor essentially said that two major things will be changing with this latest Vertu phone. First, the Vertu brand will drop Symbian in favor of Android, and second, this latest Vertu phone will be far less expensive that previous iterations (though it’s still going to cost an arm and a leg). Fast forward to now, and we’re hearing new details about the device.
Blog of Mobile spotted a GLBenchmark listing for a device called the Vertu Ti, noting that it’s running Android 4.0.4 on what seems to be a Qualcomm MSM8260A Snapdragon dual-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz. The resolution of the device is only 480 x 800 and it’s only packing a wimpy 1,250mAh battery. Apparently, the device will be announced sometime next month. In another Blog of Mobile post, we get what may be our first look at the Vertu Ti. The picture you see above is the supposed leaked image, and it certainly does look like a professionally-made shot. It’s here we learn that the Vertu Ti will also come equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC functionality, so while the other specifications leave something to be desired, at least we have those two features on board. Meanwhile, an Engadget reader brought attention to a listing for a phone called the Vertu Constellation Ti at Russian retailer spblux.ru. There are actually four variants of the device listed there, so it looks like Vertu owner EQT is going big with the Constellation Ti. Just for good measure, we’ll also point out that the Constellation Ti has made an appearance over on Bluetooth SIG, adding to a pile of evidence that seems to be growing by the minute. So there you have it – unless all of this evidence has been faked, then it appears EQT is planning a new release in the Vertu line. Of course, in keeping with the tradition, the phone’s specifications aren’t anything to write home about, with the real draw of this new device being its blinged-out design. No word on pricing just yet, but Eldar Murtazin – the Russian blogger who started this whole thing – pegs the device with a price tag around €3000. We’ll have more details on the Vertu Constellation Ti if they become available, so keep it here at Android Community. |
| T-Mobile beefs up 4G coverage in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl Posted: 30 Jan 2013 03:30 PM PST The Super Bowl, as any American football fan will excitedly tell you, is coming up this weekend in New Orleans. Tons of fans will be flocking to the city to watch the big game take place, many of them with smartphones in their pockets. Of course, it isn’t everyday you get to go to the Super Bowl, so we imagine many of them will be using those smartphones for all sorts of things during the game. Luckily, T-Mobile is up to the challenge faced with thousands of football fans tweeting, sharing, and plusing, boosting its 4G network in New Orleans before kickoff.
Of course, the Super Bowl isn’t the only big event going down in New Orleans, as Mardi Gras is also coming up quickly. With both of those events going on in the same place, T-Mobile subscribers are probably going to be thankful for the expanded coverage. First and foremost, T-Mobile has bolstered its 4G networks in places around the city where it expects increased voice and data activity. That’s the most obvious bit about this expansion, but it also includes the installation of “infrastructure connected to a Distributed Antenna System (DAS),” which will make it easier for those inside the Superdome to get a signal. The company will have cells on wheels located at Weidenberg Park to provide an extra boost for those attending the Mardi Gras concert series, while it will also set up a “command center” to monitor to network there in New Orleans. Finally, there will be a T-Mobile SUV travelling around town and acting as a mobile charging station, complete with televisions to watch and video games to play. T-Mobile says on its blog that these improvements won’t be going away once the Super Bowl is over and Mardi Gras has come to a close, so it sounds like New Orleans residents will enjoy some continued benefits after all the hubbub has died down. Are you making the trek to New Orleans this weekend to watch the Super Bowl? |
| Google Play Music, Google+ Android apps receive new updates Posted: 30 Jan 2013 02:53 PM PST If you count yourself among the Google faithful, then get ready to dive in, because the company has just unleashed a pair of updates for its Google+ and Play Music Android apps. Both updates are relatively small in size, but both add features that regular users are bound to appreciate. More importantly, both updates are available right now, so you don’t have to wait for these new features.
Starting things right off, Google+ is getting support for adding a link when you’re creating a post with this update. We imagine that feature was sorely missed by a number of Google+ users, so it’s good to have it making an appearance now. Google+ can also boast a new notifications tray with this update, along with “additional community moderation features.” Google doesn’t list what these new moderation features are, so users have a couple of surprises waiting for them yet. Of the two updates going out today, Google Play Music’s is the larger one. After applying this update, users will find that their instant mixes now continue on past 25 tracks, while the Play Music widget has finally been updated with a previous track button. We’re not sure what took Google so long in getting a previous track button on the Play Music widget, but regardless, we’re happy it’s here at last.
Google has included a new piece of default album art with this update, and when you pin an album to keep it on your device, you’ll see the progress of the download on album and playlist pages, which should prove to be quite handy. Google also claims to have fixed the freezing issue some Samsung Galaxy S III users have been experiencing, so if you were plagued by that problem, it should finally be gone. You can grab the updated Google Play Music and Google+ apps by following the via links below. |
| Qualcomm ends Q1 2013 with net profit of $1.91 billion Posted: 30 Jan 2013 02:01 PM PST Bust out the champagne, Qualcomm shareholders, because the company delivered the financial results for its fiscal Q1 2013 today, and things are looking pretty good across the board. GAAP revenue came in at $6.09 billion, which is up 29% year-over-year and 24% over the previous quarter. Of that $6.09 billion, Qualcomm got to keep $1.91 billion, with net profits up 36% year-over-year and a whopping 50% sequentially.
That puts GAAP diluted earnings-per-share at $1.09 for the quarter, while operating income settled at $2.09 billion. Looking at the non-GAAP side of things, revenue is again at $6.02 billion, while net income rises to $2.20 billion, climbing 32% over the year-ago quarter and 42% sequentially. Diluted earnings-per-share rises a bit from the GAAP numbers as well, finishing the quarter at $1.26. Any way you slice it, it was a pretty good quarter for Qualcomm. Perhaps most important, Qualcomm is getting its fiscal year off to an excellent start by posting these results. MSM chip shipments were up 17% year-over-year to 182 million units, so Qualcomm’s chip business is certainly looking healthy and we continue on through 2013. Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities ended up at $28.4 billion as the quarter wrapped up, so make no mistake, Qualcomm has plenty of loot in its coffers. Since the company’s performance during the quarter was so good, Qualcomm has decided to raise its forecast for fiscal 2013. The company is now planning to make more than it had originally projected, which is an excellent position to be in. Are you surprised that Qualcomm raked in the cash during its fiscal quarter 1, or were you expecting it all along? |
| Apple Store gains trademark while Google remains in the cloud Posted: 30 Jan 2013 01:46 PM PST While Google seems intent on remaining in the cloud in terms of device sales, one thing has recently been made clear — should they decide to go the retail route with stores of their own, they should not have them looking like an Apple Store. The reasoning here, Apple has recently been granted an official US trademark (from the USPTO) for their retail stores.
Yes, the minimalist, clean looking Apple Stores are now trademarked. This filing goes back to May of 2010 and aside from seeing the date and realizing this has been an ongoing process, the language in the filing did not even include one of the currently available best selling Apple devices. That device is the tablet. The filing noted the stores as being a place to show: "retail store services featuring computers, computer software, computer peripherals." The listing went on to include these as being "mobile phones, consumer electronics, and related accessories, and demonstration of products relating thereto." Tablets aside though, other notable portions of the filing included the store as having "a clear glass storefront surrounded by a panelled facade." Moving to the interior, this portion of the filing described the store as having a series of "oblong table and stools [that are] set below video screens flush mounted on the back wall." Of course, those visiting an Apple Store now will realize that back wall is not always the same. In fact, often times that location is now the Genius Bar or sales counter. Instead of continuing to pick apart the Apple Store trademark filing though, let us ask the question — should Google decide to go the brick and mortar route, what do you think a Google retail store would look like? [via SlashGear] |
| New Vertu Android phone reportedly on the way Posted: 30 Jan 2013 01:23 PM PST It’s been a while since we last heard from the Vertu line of super expensive phones, but today rumors of a new release are making the rounds. According to Russian blogger Eldar Murtazin, a new Vertu phone is on the way, though this one will be at least a little different from phones of the past. For starters, this new Vertu phone will be running Android instead of Symbian.
There are a couple possible reasons for this change. The first is that no one is using Symbian these days, while the second is that Nokia doesn’t own Vertu anymore. Vertu was sold to EQT a while back, so apparently its new owners thought that Android would be the best operating system for its new phone. EQT has also decided to ditch the absurdly expensive price tags in favor of a price that’s only ridiculously expensive. Murtazin says this new Vertu phone will cost €3000, which is right around $4,069, so this new phone will still be far too expensive for many. Still, if you want a phone that’s all blinged out and don’t care as much about that phone’s specs, then a Vertu device would probably be perfect for you.
Keep in mind that this phone hasn’t been confirmed yet, so whether or not one is actually in the pipeline is still in the air. We can’t imagine making smartphones that costs thousands and thousands of dollars is a very profitable venture, but then again, we’re not really the target audience of these phones. Stay tuned. [via Unwired View] |
| Carbon hands-on: Android’s missing backup solution Posted: 30 Jan 2013 12:54 PM PST Carbon has finally arrived in the Google Play Store, ending beta testing and offering up two versions for Android users to download. Carbon is an app that can back up your data to an SD card, your PC, or the cloud, and it’s a release that Android users have been waiting quite some time for. Users will have their pick from free and premium versions, with the free version obviously coming with some restricted functionality.
Specifically speaking, those using the free version will only be able to backup and restore from SD cards and computers. The free version is also ad supported, so if you hate seeing ads in your Android apps, shelling out for the premium version might be the better idea. By paying $4.99, you’ll remove the ads, along with enabling Android-to-Android app sync and cloud backup and restore. Setup is a little bit of a chore compared to other Android apps, but only for those using a non-rooted device – rooted users only need to install the app and then they’re good to go. Non-rooted users, on the other hand, will need to install Carbon’s program for their PC. This, in turn, requires the installation of “adb” drivers that allow your phone to connect to your computer, but thankfully Carbon has provided links to most of these drivers on its website. Once Carbon Desktop and the drivers have been installed, connect your device to your computer and you should be ready to use the app.
It’s a little more complex than some will be used to, but Carbon makes it easier by providing links to the drivers you need and making versions of Carbon Desktop for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The free version is definitely aimed at getting you to upgrade to the premium version, though, as that limited functionality seems like it will get in the way. Not having cloud storage to fall back on if your SD card fills up will probably prove to be a headache at some point down the road, so if Carbon is what you want, it may be worth it to hand over the $4.99 right from the start. There’s also another issue: Motorola users are sadly out of luck with this full release. Developer Koush says this is “because Motorola phones have a bug that break Android’s backup mechanism,” and that there’s nothing he can do about it until Motorola itself fixes the issues. Despite this bug, some Motorola devices may still play nice with Carbon, and if you find one that does, Koush would like to hear from you.
All in all, Carbon seems like a good choice for those who are looking for a way to back up things from their device, but as stated above, buying the premium version at the start seems to be the way to go. Since that purchase is needed to enable cloud backup, some will consider it essential, and the fact that it gets rid of ads helps as well. Both the free version [download link] and the premium version [download link] are available now on the Google Play Store. Are you going to give Carbon a spin today? |
| Dropbox Quick Preview will bring document previews to the web interface Posted: 30 Jan 2013 12:39 PM PST Dropbox for Android was updated to version 2.3 earlier in the month. That update was a nice one for those who take lots of pictures. The v2.3 update included improvements in terms of photo albums and sharing. And while we tend to focus on the Android side of things here, we realize that Dropbox users likely switch between both the app and the web interface.
That being said, the folks at Dropbox have recently announced the latest update. This one will deal with documents and is called Documents Preview. As the name would suggest, those visiting the Dropbox on the web will be able to preview documents without having to download them. Keep in mind though, this will only work with a few document files types including .doc, .docx and .pdf. If you encounter a file that is not supported, you can still resort to the old way of doing things — that is to say, download the file and view it locally. In terms of use cases, this may not be as appealing if you are using Dropbox on your own computer, however it should be nice for times when you are signed in on another computer. For example, if you are using a public computer you will now be able to login to your Dropbox account and preview a document without having to worry about downloading the file. Or more specifically, without having to worry about remembering to delete that file from the computer after you are done with it. With that, while Dropbox has announced this new feature, it is not available just yet. [via SlashGear] |
| NVIDIA teases Hawken for Android with Live Wallpaper app Posted: 30 Jan 2013 11:59 AM PST NVIDIA was showing a bit of HAWKEN during the Project SHIELD demos at CES and as of today, it looks like they have extended that teasing a bit. This time they are doing so in the form of a live wallpaper. Simply put, NVIDIA has teamed up with Adhesive and are offering a HAWKEN themed live wallpaper app.
The app is available in the expected location — in Google Play, where it is available for free and currently sitting at version 1.0. If you happen to be waiting for the release of HAWKEN, and don’t mind running a live wallpaper on your display, this one seems like a fairly nice option. And in our limited time checking it out, we have to say that it looks rather nice. Otherwise, given HAWKEN was shown off and then announced as a Project SHIELD game, it would seem as if we still have some time before we can expect the game to come available in the Play Store. For those wondering, Project SHIELD is not expected to arrive until sometime in Q2 2013. That being said, for those who are wondering about HAWKEN. This is an online, multiplayer game that is free-to-play and described as being a “mech-based first-person shooter that puts you in the pilot seat of a giant robotic war machine.” The game play will allow the user to customize and upgrade their mechs, join up with friends and “play on a battlefield to rain destruction across HAWKEN’s beautiful and immersive alien landscapes.” Sounds exciting, now if only we were getting the actual game as opposed to this live wallpaper teaser. [via TegraZone] |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Android Community To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment