Friday, January 11, 2013

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums


Hands on with the Hisense U958 smartphone [Video]

Posted: 10 Jan 2013 02:48 PM PST

 

Hisense took some time to highlight its U958 smartphone here at CES for you folks and you know that we had to get up close and personal by getting some hands-on time with the device. As you can see clearly, the first thing that stands out is the gorgeous 4.5-inch IPS display complimenting 9.5mm-thin device, as well as the zippy Android interface thanks to the dual-core Qualcomm processor. While the 4GB of on-board storage and meager 512MB of RAM leaves a lot to be desired,the U958 smartphone at least features a fairly stock build of Android, so that’s always a plus.

The device is available in various markets around the world, but should be making its way to the States sooner than later. While we wait for the device though– be sure to hit past the break to check out our full hands-on of the device.

 

 

 

Click here to view the embedded video.


Hands on with EFun Nextbook 7-inch and 8-inch tablets [Video]

Posted: 10 Jan 2013 11:41 AM PST

In case you didn’t notice, the tablet space is becoming very crowded. Yet another entry into the market is EFun, who announced their new 7-inch tablet last week in the days leading up to CES 2013. EFun was on hand showing off both 7-inch and 8-inch versions of their tablets going by the model name “Nextbook.” In our interview with them, EFun indicated they are working on a 10.1-inch model as well. The 7- and 8-inch versions come with 1.5 dual-core processors, 8GB of storage, and run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. EFun expects the devices to be available starting in March 2013 with pricing set for $129 for the 7-inch model and $169 for the 8-inch model. Check out our hands on video after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For all the latest CES 2013 coverage, click here.


In Other News, The Nexus 7 Dock Is Set To Ship In 2 Weeks

Posted: 10 Jan 2013 11:34 AM PST

 

Those of who have been exercising much patience waiting for the Nexus 7 dock will finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief. According to The Verge, ASUS plans on shipping the much-bellyhooed accessory within 2 weeks for a price of $39.99, which is a little bit later than what we’ve already heard before.

So now that the expected release date is finally available, we can move forward with live finally.

source: The Verge


Hands on with the BodyMedia Fit Link and Core 2 [Video]

Posted: 10 Jan 2013 11:29 AM PST

We are a few days into 2013 already, but it is still not too late for anyone hoping to add “lose weight” to their list of resolutions to invest in a little technology to help them reach their goal. One of the items on display at CES 2013 that may help with that comes from BodyMedia. They had both their BodyMedia Fit Link device and their forthcoming Core 2 monitor available for visitors to check out. The Fit Link is already on the market and is intended to be worn on the upper arm 23 hours a day. The device collects reams of data measuring vital statistics, calorie intake (via manual entry), calorie burn, and even quality of sleep. This is then fed into an app that will run on your smartphone so you can monitor your progress. BodyMedia has a new device, the Core 2, coming out in August that is much sleeker and will offer more opportunities for personalization so it does not look so much like you are hauling around a medical device. Preliminary pricing is $149 for the new device.

Check out our hands on video after the break to see how the system works.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For all the latest CES 2013 news, but sure to click here.

 


Fitocracy Aiming To Make Fitness Fun For Android Users

Posted: 10 Jan 2013 11:00 AM PST

 

Fitocracy has finally made its way to Android devices thanks to the newly unveiled Android port. In case you’re not familiar with the concept, Fitocracy is basically a social network allowing users to exchange information, organize groups, hold each other accountable, set challenges, and give and receive encouragement— all in the name of attaining those desired fitness goals. Best of all– joining the social network is free, so it will give an even bigger incentive for all you couch potatoes to give it a try.

Play Store Download Link

 


Samsung announces the slightly improved Galaxy S II Plus

Posted: 10 Jan 2013 10:54 AM PST

Well, the Galaxy S II Plus certainly isn’t going to blow you away after what we’ve been seeing at CES, but this newly unveiled mid-range device is definitely going to pad Samsung’s smartphone selection. Essentially, it’s a Galaxy S II that’s adopted a few of the characteristics of the Galaxy S III, most notably the home button and an upgrade to Android 4.1.2 with Samsung’s Nature UX. It still packs a dual-core processor, 4.3 inch WVGA screen, and an 8 megapixel camera. It does offer zero lag shutter speed on the camera, though, which is always a welcome addition. Anyone going to pick one of these up when it drops?

Seoul, Korea – January 10, 2013 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced today Samsung GALAXY S II Plus, which combines the performance that have made the GALAXY S II one of the world's most recognized phones, together with nature-inspired user-interface and intuitive features that greatly boost its usability and functionality.

• The GALAXY S II Plus runs on Android™ 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) enabling faster and smoother screen transitions, and
  providing an enhanced user interface featuring a new, easier-to-use notification panel. It is powered by an impressive
1.2 GHz dual core processor that enables easy multi-tasking, smooth screen transitions and superior graphics for
some of the most demanding applications and games.

• The GALAXY S II Plus' nature-inspired user-interface is complemented with intuitive features that make the phone really
  easy to use. Direct Call enables users to automatically dial a call by taking the device to the ear. Smart Stay recognizes
  whether the user is looking at the screen to dim the screen accordingly; while Smart Alert lets users know about
  missed events or status updates just by picking up the phone.

• The GALAXY S II Plus also sports a range of additional features that boost performance and the overall experience in
  entirely new ways. Popup Video allows a video to play anywhere on the screen in a resizable pop-up window while
  simultaneously running other tasks, eliminating the need to close and restart videos when checking new emails or
  surfing the Web. S Voice lets users control the phone using their voice; and Voice Unlock lets users unlock the phone
  using their own voice.

• A 4.3" WVGA Super AMOLED Plus display offers a generous viewing experience and enables photos captured with the
  powerful 8MP camera to be enjoyed in true clarity.

• The rear camera features a zero-lag shutter speed that captures moving objects easily without delay. The innovative
  'Buddy photo share' function also allows images to be easily and simultaneously shared with friends pictured in an
  image directly from the camera or the photo gallery. Additional features include Group Facetag and Face Zoom to
  deliver a complete photographic experience. The device is packed with the latest Samsung content services including
  AllShare Play, which lets users share content across Samsung devices using a single account and password.
  Users can also enjoy all the benefits of Samsung Hubs, including the latest versions of Readers Hub, Video Hub,

  Game Hub and Music Hub. 


Hands on with Bloodsword on NVIDIA Tegra 4

Posted: 10 Jan 2013 10:33 AM PST

NVIDIA unveiled its highly anticipated Tegra 4 processor a few days, and it’s pretty impressive when you actually see it in action, especially for gaming. It packs all the punch the Tegra 3 did, like the ultra fast DDR3 memory and 4 + 1 architecture, and builds on that with the newer 28nm process, 72 GPU cores and the ability to handle a 2,560 x 1600 resolution at 120Hz. Excited to see this in a tablet later this year? Don’t worry, the rest of the Android world is, too. If you’re still not convinced, check out the video below to see the Tegra 4 push console quality graphics out of a tablet with some gameplay footage of Bloodsword. It’s impressive.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Be sure to keep an eye on our CES coverage here.


Archos shows off new Titanium line of tablets at CES

Posted: 10 Jan 2013 09:45 AM PST

Archos is pumping out new tablets pretty quickly at CES, and today they’ve got a new lineup of four more tablets for us. The new Titanium family sports a high-def IPS screen and a 1.6 GHz CPU, as well as Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The Titanium tablet comes in four different sizes, starting at 7 inches and going up to a beefy 10.1 inch screen. The 7 inch tablet starts at an attractive $199, and 8 inch tab runs $169, the 10 inch will cost $199, and in an odd change of pace, the slightly smaller 9.7 inch will be a little more expensive at $249. The 9.7 inch tablet will also apparently feature a 2048 x 1536 screen and claims to be an alternative to the new iPad at half the cost. We’ll just have to wait and see if consumers think these tablets make decent alternatives. For the rest of our CES coverage, click here.

ARCHOS Introduces the New TITANIUM Line at CES
CES, Las Vegas – January 10, 2013 – ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics introduces the Titanium line in its Elements range of tablets.

This range offers high-end specifications at an aggressive price and all tablets will feature:
High Definition IPS display capacitive multi-touch screen
Dual core CPU at 1.6 GHz with Quad core GPU, with 1080p video decoding
Sleek aluminum design
Android 4.1 ‘Jelly Bean’ with the 700,000 applications on Google Play and the Archos Media Center applications
The ARCHOS 70 titanium (7 inches), priced at 119€, $119, £99 offers similar features to competitors such as Amazon, at a better price point.

The ARCHOS 80 titanium (8 inches), priced at 169€, $169, £149 has been designed to offer similar user experience as the iPad mini, for a fraction of the price.

The ARCHOS 101 titanium (10.1 inches), priced at 199€, $199, £169, is around 30 per cent cheaper than competition with comparable features.

The ARCHOS 97 titanium HD (9.7 inches), with a resolution up to 2048 x 1536 pixels is priced at 249€, $249 and £199, and aims to be an alternative to the new iPad for half the price.
ARCHOS will have the full Titanium range and the recently announced ARCHOS TV connect on display at CES until Friday, January 11th, so stop by now and get your hands-on demonstration – Central Hall, booth number 15322. www.archos.com


New aluminum Bluetooth keyboard for Nexus 7 looks great, lasts long and costs little [VIDEO]

Posted: 10 Jan 2013 08:20 AM PST

A new, beautiful Bluetooth keyboard for the Nexus 7 has popped up on the interwebs recently. The BG-7, as it’s called, boasts an aluminum frame, a black, dimpled, rubberized back (just like the Nexus 7′s) and colors that exactly match the hues that Asus and Google chose for their beloved 7-incher. This thing was specifically designed for the Nexus 7 and it looks great! The keyboard has 61 keys including several Android shortcut keys (back, home, and menu). It is powered by a rechargeable 160 mAh battery that is said to give 55 hours of consecutive use or 60 days of standby time. The battery is charged by a normal micro USB cable, so you won’t need to worry about fumbling with extra chords. Besides being a great keyboard, the BG-7 acts as a cover for your Nexus 7. Just pop the tablet face down, snap it in and you’re good to go. Best of all, this keyboard costs under $25! Check out a video that an XDA forum member put together after the break. If you’re ready to buy, hit the source link (which is also after the break).

Click here to view the embedded video.

Source: DX


First look at NVIDIA Project Shield [Video]

Posted: 10 Jan 2013 07:37 AM PST

Arguably, the biggest news to come out of CES 2013 was NVIDIA’s Project Shield, the beginning of a new wave of portable Android gaming devices. We dropped by NVIDIA’s booth and were able to get a look at the revolutionary product. Unfortunately, NVIDIA had the Shield shielded behind glass and weren’t allowing hands on time at this point. We’ll try to head back sometime soon to see if we can get our grubby paws on it for you guys. In the meantime, check out our eyes-on with the new Project Shield.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For more CES coverage, click here.


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