Thursday, January 3, 2013

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Glass With Prescription Lenses Spotted Out In The Wild in New York City

Posted: 02 Jan 2013 11:41 AM PST

 

We may not know what Google Glass will feature exactly, but at least we know how the revolutionary pair of glasses will potentially look like— at least for those who happen to wear regular glasses. Apparently, Google has been handing out some Google Glass prototypes to some select testers out there as at least one tester was spotted out wearing a specialized prototype similar to what we’ve seen previously, but this time featuring two lenses in front. The fact that we’re seeing a prototype with lenses isn’t too surprising for a few reasons. Rumor has it that not only is Google potentially working with frame makers, but Google could possibly be working on and shipping Glass with some optional mounts for the lenses, which can be fitted at popular stores that carry the lenses.

As exciting news as this recent sighting is— keep in mind that the general public will still need to wait a while before getting their hands on this puppy. A finalized version of Google Glass will not be ready until at least next year, so the only people who will potentially get to have an idea oh how this product and technology will work are the developers (and people of other interests) who will be able to obtain a special preview version. Fortunately, next year will be here before you know it, so hopefully the wait isn’t going to be too bad.

 

source: RoadToVR
via: Phandroid

Yet another competitor in Android game console market, GameStick launches Kickstarter campaign

Posted: 02 Jan 2013 10:05 AM PST

A new entrant in the Android gaming console market emerged today with PlayJam announcing the launch of a Kickstarter campaign to be able to start producing their take on the hardware, the GameStick. PlayJam indicates they are targeting a market price of only $79 for the GameStick. The device is very small, similar to a typical USB flash drive, and will plug directly into a TV’s HDMI slot to provide full 1080p video. Bluetooth is used to connect the GameStick’s controller to the device with PlayJam promising the ability to join other controllers, not limited to PlayJam’s own controllers, for multi-player functionality. When not in use, the “console” part can be stowed inside the controller for easy transport. As far as content, PlayJam indicates they are working with developers of the 700,000 Android games available to identify titles to be included in a customized app store for the device.

PlayJam hopes to start actual production in March 2013 and begin fulfilling customer orders in April 2013. To achieve that goal, they have started a 30-day Kickstarter project with a goal of $100,000. If you want to get in early, check out the source link below the full text of their press release and a short video.

GAMESTICK, THE WORLDS MOST PORTABLE TV GAMES CONSOLE CAMPAIGNS FOR CONSUMER SUPPORT ON KICKSTARTER

Portable Games Console To Bring Affordable Gaming Directly To Your TV Screen

London & San Francisco;January 2nd, 2013; PlayJam,the global platform for casual and social games on Smart TV, launched its Kickstarter campaign today in a bid to bring its dedicated games console – GameStick – to life.

The team behind GameStick hope to accelerate the race to change the face of big screen gaming with the launch of the most portable, affordable, dedicated TV gaming device on the market priced at just $79.

GameStick is a small yet powerful, dedicated games console that plugs directly into a TV’s HDMI slot and comes with a fully featured Bluetooth controller – ready to go right out of the box. When on the move, the two combine into a single unit, putting big screen gaming right into the pocket. The device will be compatible with other Bluetooth controllers enabling true multi-player functionality.

“We wanted to create a games console that helped further our overriding mission to bring affordable gaming to the big screen”. Says Jasper Smith, CEO PlayJam. “Not only that, we wanted to push the boundaries of what has been achieved up to now bypacking sufficient power into the most portable of devices, enabling users to carry that experience with them wherever they go.”

The 30 day Kickstarter campaign launched today with the team at PlayJam looking to raise a minimum of $100,000 to help make GameStick a reality. Supporters of the project can get involved by pledging as little as $10.

“We are currently in a closed Beta phase of development with a working prototype that our guys are using to test some great games. Next comes the final design stage and live testing of both the controller and the games,” continues Smith. “We are fortunate to have been able to utilize our existing technology to get us to this point and have preferred manufacturers in place and an existing developer network ready to go. However, to get this project over the line and into full production, we need the support of the backers on Kickstarter.”

GameStick will feature a purpose-built game store through which users will be able to browse and download content. The proposition will be powered by PlayJam’s existing Games Network for Smart TV which currently supports developers such as Relentless Software, First Star Software, and Disney.

To date, the team has been focused on bringing GameStick to its pre-production phase by finalising hardware design and integrating the back end technology to power the service. They have worked with a small beta group of developers to announce the following initial line-up.

MYFC Manager

Developer Games

Madfinger Shadowgun and Dead Trigger

Hutch SmashCops

Supersecret Software Cannabalt

First Star Boulder Dash XL

FGOL Hungry Shark, Grabatron and Pool Bar

Relentless Software Quiz Climber and Blue Toad Murder Files

Sports Director

Now that the project is public, the team hopes to work with all Android developers looking to get their games onto the big screen. GameStick’s Bluetooth controller uses different modes to allow the gamer to access and play 100′s of compatible games directly onto their TV.

“To date, the most accessible route to TV gaming for the consumer has been the traditional games console – this is changing. GameStick gives the thousands of Android developers out there an additional route to bring an affordable big-screen gaming experience direct to their fans. What’s more, we wanted to do this via a unique, highly portable device that will enable pure social gaming – by that we mean people sharing great experiences in the same room!” Smith concluded.

To visit the Kickstarter page and pledge your support, please visit: http://kck.st/12SSvMO

source: Kickstarter
via: Engadget

How to add a custom boot animation to any Samsung ROM

Posted: 02 Jan 2013 07:02 AM PST

Those of you with a Samsung device looking to add a custom boot animation, your prayers have finally been answered. Thanks to the work of XDA members anbech and smokin1337, it can finally be accomplished. As you might or might not know, most Android devices use the bootanimation.zip format for boot animation. It happens to be the default, but Samsung has been using QMG files, which is more expensive, not to mention that it made it very difficult to cook up your own.

Now the bootanimation.zip is back on Samsung devices because smokin1347 created the mod for the Galaxy Note II and anbech did it for the Galaxy S III, but it will work on all Samsung devices that use samsungani to load the boot animation. Here are the notes from smokin1347′s mod:

This will add the ability to use a custom bootanimation on any rom with any kernel and probably any samsung device.

It has been tested on the Note II but should work with any samsung device that uses samsungani to load boot animations. If it doesn't work for you please post here.

Uses the typical settings bootanimation is at /system/media/bootanimation.zip, this is for those using a stock rom or a rom the dev didn't add it in.

You will also find the Google Gears boot animation with smokin1347′s package, so hit up the source links to get started.

source: xda – smokin1347 / xda – anbech

 

Facebook alternative “Facedroid” gets an update, adds phone-optimized layout

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 08:13 PM PST

Before Facebook released their native Android app, the official Facebook app was pretty clunky and junky. Several alternative apps tried to fill that void and provide a good Facebook experience built specifically for Android. One of those apps was Facedroid, which had lots of functionality and a pretty solid design. The only problem was that up until now, Facedroid was only optimized for tablets, meaning that those with a smartphone could not even download the app. Well, today things are changing; Facedroid developers have released an update with a new layout optimized for smartphone screens, so now you can get your one handed Facebook action on. The phone layout is currently in beta, so expect a few minor bugs while the developers work to make things more stable. Also of note, is that the app is currently on sale for just $0.99! Use the QR code or download link if you want to try it out.

QR Code generator

Google Play Download Link

New interview reveals the future of Google Glass

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 07:58 PM PST

Google Glass made big news last year when Google introduced the wearable computer at Google I/O in a stunt-filled, live-streaming action sequence, complete with BMX riders, skydivers, and wall repellers. Since then things have been pretty quiet regarding the quirky eye-wear, but today Babak Parviz, who leads the Google Glass project, conducted a small interview with IEEE Spectrum. In the interview Parviz lets us in on both the progress and the future of Google Glass. Below are the most notable tidbits from the interview:

  • The current goal for Google Glass is not an Augmented Reality platform…but in time Parviz believes augmented reality will become a large part of what Google Glass does.
  • Google is planning to ship developer devices out to those who pre-ordered “early” in 2013.
  • The feature set for the device is not set yet. It is still in flux…meaning, Google is not 100% sure what they want the device to do.
  • Users can control the device using a built-in touch pad, voice commands, or head gestures.
  •  Currently, Google has no plans for advertising on the device.
  •  Parviz and team are working on making it possible to accept phone calls on Google Glass.
  • They hope to have battery life be sufficient for the whole day.

If you’re interested in more than just a summary, you can read the whole interview at the source link below. Personally, I don’t see myself wearing something like this on my face, but maybe if Google makes the headset so feature-packed and useful I’d reconsider. Maybe in ten years or so it’ll be a viable product. Anyone think they’d actually wear these things?

Source: IEEE Spectrum

Nova Launcher updated to version 2.0 with several new features

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 06:17 PM PST

Just last month we completed some testing of launcher apps on tablets to replace what users may have received on their devices. Among our favorites was Nova Launcher, which just got an update to version 2.0 in the Google Play Store. Nova Launcher‘s developer, TeslaCoil Software, has included several new features in this latest version with many of them being available in the free version.

For the Prime version, users can select a custom icon size and use swipe actions on any desktop icon. Both versions of Nova Launcher get custom wallpaper cropping, an increased grid size, an infinitely scrolling drawer, an alphabetically listed app drawer option, and a small icons option for the dock. Under the hood, the launcher promises lower memory usage, better scrolling performance, an “aggressive desktop setting” to keep track of running apps, and various other fixes, optimizations and tuning.

If you want to give Nova Launcher a try, use one of the download links below.

QR Code generator
Google Play Download Link

Huawei D2 press shot surfaces ahead of CES unveiling

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 06:00 PM PST

 We recently stumbled upon a slew of images outing Huawei’s upcoming D2 smartphone, but today’s new evidence has all but solidified its impending release. A new press shot of the device has surfaced, showing off the 5-inch device running atop Huawei’s custom UI. If you’re unfamiliar with the device, the D2′s specs include a 1.5-GHz quad-core processor, a full 1080p display and a 13-megapixel rear camera. Huawei is expected to make an official announcement of the D2 at CES next week in Las Vegas, Nevada. We’ll be covering the event live, so stay tuned for all the latest news.

Source: UnwiredView 

 

Final ITC ruling in Samsung v Apple patent case delayed until February

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 05:56 PM PST

Back in September 2012, U.S. International Trade Commission Judge James Gildea issued a ruling in one of the many Samsung v Apple cases, finding Apple had not infringed on four Samsung patents being contested in the complaint. Judge Gildea also found Samsung had engaged in a pattern of patent abuse in using their FRAND patents to stifle competition by seeking sales injunctions as part of their legal strategy. Since then, Judge Gildea has been working on finalizing the ruling, including presenting it to the full commission for approval. Until recently, the date for that final action was thought to be January 14th. A notice from the ITC indicates the commission will not take up the matter until February 6th.

Any time a schedule change occurs in court matters, it leads to speculation by different parties regarding the reason for the new delay. In this case, many are pointing to action Samsung took last month to drop all injunction requests related to their FRAND lawsuits in Europe. In addition to the U.S., Samsung is also being investigated in Europe regarding similar accusations of using their FRAND patents for anti-competitive purposes. Some observers assume Samsung took their action in the European courts in order to avoid hefty fines.

Apple took note of Samsung’s move as well and proceeded to file a Notice of New Facts with Judge Gildea. That filing was made only ten days ago and appears to be the reason for the delay as Judge Gildea considers the significance, if any, of the new facts.

source: electronista
via: PhoneArena

LG Introduces New Cinema 3D TVs Ahead Of CES, Highlights Full NFC Capabilities In The Process

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 08:13 AM PST

 

LG hasn’t just been focused on developing awesome smartphones, but it’s also been focused on developing awesome TV sets as well. LG has unofficially introduced its 2013 Cinema 3D TV lineup ahead of CES next week. The biggest noteworthy aspect of the new TVs is the fact that they will arrive with full NFC capabilities emphasizing LG’s “Tag On” technology– allowing users of the TVs to pair the TV sets with their NFC-enabled smartphones using an NFC sticker and effectively streaming content with minimal, if any issues. Additional features of the new TV sets includes things like a faster CPU processor, a new Magic Remote which is a motion-sensing pointer and voice-controlled device that features Miracast and of course, higher-end models featuring a near bezel-less design.

We know you’re all itching for some more details and shots of the TVs up close, so be sure to stick around with us next week at CES to get all the details and shots you can handle.

source: Pocket-lint

Ouya Gaming Console Already Given An In-Depth Overview, Courtesy Of An Excited Developer

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 07:44 AM PST

 

Although the game-changing Ouya gaming console has just been shipped out to select developers, we are already getting an idea of how the console looks and feels thanks to an in-depth overview and description by an excited developer. The overview highlights every aspect of the console as well, detailing everything from what is included in the box to highlighting the setup process and user interface. The setup process is straightforward and simple like any other Android device, while the UI looks to be pretty basic and easy to navigate through as well. There were no games to try out at this time, though the excited developer was bold enough to sideload a port of Deadly Dungeons which although could use some work to increase controller functionality, worked like a charm and gave us a taste of the console’s potential.

I know you’re all itching to get a taste of what the Ouya console is all about, so just head on down to the source link and check out one of the many videos to give yourselves an idea of what the console is really all about.

source: Phandroid
Posted by at 6:42 AM

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