Friday, January 25, 2013

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Nokia’s CEO Says Google Moving Toward Closed Ecosystem

Posted: 24 Jan 2013 01:44 PM PST

Nokia’s CEO, Stephen Elop, said Google is closing its once open ecosystem as Android faces increased fragmentation. Elop was discussing the company’s 4th quarter earnings at a press conference when the topic turned to Google. Elop said, “The situation that Android is facing, where the amount of fragmentation that you’re seeing is increasing as people take it in different directions, is of course offset by Google’s efforts to turn an open ecosystem into something that’s quite a bit more closed as you’ve seen quite recently.”

Elop is not alone in his critique of Google’s recent “openness” decisions. Earlier this month Google blocked Windows Phone users from accessing Google Maps via the browser but later restored access. Google has also announced it will drop support for Exchange ActiveSync which Microsoft uses to offer push email for Gmail users on Windows Phone. iOS devices also use ActiveSync but they’ll still be able to get push email via Google’s Gmail app for iOS. Google released Maps for iOS but has said it will not develop apps for Windows 8. It’s unclear whether Google is actually moving toward a closed ecosystem but there is little doubt they are playing hardball when it comes to Microsoft and, by extension, Nokia.

Source: The Verge

Google inches closer to developing a smartwatch

Posted: 24 Jan 2013 09:12 AM PST

I think 2013 is going to be the year of the smartwatch. We’ve already seen a few from other companies, and we’d heard Google may be stepping into the market with them. Well, it looks like Google is definitely going to try to turn that smartwatch patent into a reality, and at this point they’re actively looking for ways to market the device. This really shouldn’t surprise anyone, since we’ve all seen that Project Glass is Google’s next big project, and other smartwatches have had some decent success gaining popularity. With Google’s ability to give you information before you even ask for it, they’d definitely have a leg up on the competition if they do go through with a smartwatch. Who knows, maybe wearable technology is going to replace all of our little handheld phones in the near future?

source: Business Insider

Pebble Watch app now available in Google Play Store

Posted: 24 Jan 2013 08:52 AM PST

During the course of the past year we have kept an eye on the popular Kickstarter project to bring to market the Pebble smartwatch. The Pebble is a digital watch intended to connect wirelessly using Bluetooth to an owner’s smartphone, both iOS and Android flavored. The Pebble will alert the wearer with a silent vibration to incoming calls, emails and messages. Users can also install a variety of apps to increase the usefulness of the device. The Kickstarter project was a huge success generating $10 million versus the original goal of only $100,000. After showing off the device at CES 2013, Pebble is now taking pre-orders and word is those who help fund the Kickstarter project are starting to receive their devices.

The new app available in the Google Play Store gives users a dashboard to the Pebble, enabling them to install or remove watchfaces, send test messages to the Pebble, troubleshoot issues, and get notifications regarding updates. To get the app, use the link below to head over to the Google Play Store. If you need to order a Pebble, point your browser to www.getpebble.com.

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Google Play Download Link

Featured Android Game Review: The Animal Game [Kids & Education]

Posted: 24 Jan 2013 07:57 AM PST

I know a lot of you are always looking for good apps for your kids so you might want to check out The Animal Game from Wicker Giraffe. It’s a very simple game that teaches your child about animals, but more importantly, it teaches them how to spell and promotes cognitive and phonetic development.

Upon entering the game your child can choose either land or sea animals (over 40 in all). For each round they are given a silhouette of an animal, and even as an adult it’s not always so obvious as to what animal it is. They will also see how many letters make up the animal name along with twelve letters to choose from at the bottom. All the letters required to spell the animal name are included in those twelve letters. If you haven’t figured it out yet, it’s your child’s job to figure out what animal it is and spell it.

Now spelling is a big part of this game, but cognitive thinking and phonics plays a big role. This is because they know how many letters the animal name consists of plus they know that those letters will come from the twelve that are given to them at the bottom. They can use this information to help them figure out what the animal is. They also will attempt to spell the words by sounding them out phonetically. If they are still having trouble, they can always hit the hint key, which is more suitable for the younger ones. They can hit the hint key multiple times. The first time will reveal the background behind the animal and the second time will reveal the animal. Depending on how many letters the word has, they will be able to press the hint key an additional two or three times, which will reveal a random letter each time.

My son just turned four so he is a little too young for it, but he’s having a blast playing it already. He’s not too young to figure out the animals, and for the spelling part, we help him with each letter by sounding out other words that begin with that letter. I would say this game is perfect for children four to eight, with five to seven being the sweet spot.

The Animal Game comes in both Free and paid versions. The Free version comes with only eight animals so you can quickly see if your child likes it or not. If so, the paid version costs only 99-cents and has over 40 animals between land and sea. I am not an expert in education, but my wife is a former teacher and gave her seal of approval, which is good enough for me. Check out my hands on video below and hit one of the download links to get started. As always, let me know what you think.

 

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Click here to view the embedded video.

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Play Store Download Link – Paid

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Play Store Download Link – Free

Beta 3 of Carbon Android App Sync and Backup now available

Posted: 24 Jan 2013 07:39 AM PST

As promised by Koush, the 3rd and final Beta version of Carbon Android App Sync and Backup is now available. This version brings support for non rooted devices, the Box cloud service, notifications, and a cancel option. For those of you that aren’t rooted, you will need to download and install the new Windows desktop app.

We should see the final version hit the Google Play Store around January 30th because that’s when this version will stop working. Hit the source link for more information and/or to download the files.

source: +Koushik Dutta (Koush)

 

Pictures of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 leak

Posted: 24 Jan 2013 07:19 AM PST

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 will definitely be unveiled at next month’s Mobile World Congress, but if your want a better look at it a little early, we have some pictures for you. As a reminder it will feature an 8-inch (1280 x 800) Super Clear TFT display, a 1.6 GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16/32GB of storage, microSD, 5MP rear camera, 1.3MP front camera, 4,600mAh battery, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It goes under the codename “Kona” and it will have the following model numbers, GT-N5100 and GT-N5110. There are two models to designate the WiFi-only version and the 3G/WiFi version. Hit the break for some more pics courtesy of DDAY.it.

source: dday.it

Temple Run 2 Hits The Play Store, Brings Even More Action And Bigger Monkeys

Posted: 24 Jan 2013 07:13 AM PST

 

We know that you all can’t get enough of the original Temple Run, so we are happy to report to you that the anticipated follow-up to the hyper-addictive original has officially made its way to the Play Store. While gamers are treated to the same usual allotment of treacherous mazes filled with all sorts of obstacles that was found in the original game, Temple Run 2 brings some snazzy new graphics that highlights some awesome colors and details, new powerups, new special powers for each characters and wait for it– bigger monkeys. All of this equates to possibly hours of productivity lost because yes friends— the game is that good.

The game is available now in the Play Store and ready to land on your Android device. But before you grab the new game, be sure to hit past the break to check out some images from the game as well as a nifty little trailer vid that’s sure to tickle you just a little bit.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Play Store Download Link

Facebook App The Most Widely Used App In The U.S. For 2012

Posted: 24 Jan 2013 06:41 AM PST

 

We’ve told you about how us Android users use Facebook more than iOS users— and now it appears that we use Facebook most among the apps found on our mobile devices. According to a recent ComScore study, mobile users tended to use Facebook more than Google Maps between March and December of 2012, based off of the monthly mobile usage trends. What’s even more astounding is the fact that Facebook consistently ranked first in terms of mobile app engagement— meaning among all the apps available on devices, most people spent their time using the Facebook app compared to everything else, including Google Maps, Gmail and Instagram.

So while Facebook and Google Maps ranked tops among all the apps out there for mobile users— ComScore is quick to highlight that there’s a possibility in 2013 that we may see different apps out there challenge for the top spot like Netflix or Twitter apps. Regardless— 2013 should be an exciting year for the usage of apps on our mobile devices.

source: ComScore

Google Rumored To Be Secretly Working On New Wireless Network, The World Wonders Why

Posted: 24 Jan 2013 06:05 AM PST

 

 

Does Google have its sights on making a unique wireless network? Reports are indicating that it sure seems to be the case. In case you’re not familiar— Google recently submitted an application to the venerable FCC, asking for an experimental license to create an “experimental radio service” which would cover the Googleplex headquarters. What’s even more unique about the request is that the wireless frequencies would be compatible with select devices built to access certain frequencies— ranging from 2524 to 2625 megahertz and currently used by mobile carriers in markets abroad like in China or Brazil— meaning that many Android devices would likely not be compatible with this new network as of this time. Oh and here’s something that’s certainly eye-catching: Google plans on using wireless frequencies that are controlled by Clearwire… which just so happens to be part of the NOW Network’s family in case you’ve forgotten. The end result is the wireless frequencies would be more reliable than that of WiFi and would ultimately be “licensed spectrum”.

Naturally both Google and Clearwire are each staying mum on this interesting piece of news, so we won’t know of anything concrete or confirmed for now. But you can all bet that all eyes will be paying close attention in anticipation of what is to come.

source: WSJ Blog

Nexus 4 coming to Australia February 1st via Harvey Norman retailer

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 09:37 PM PST

Well, the Nexus 4 debacle continues. Google’s coveted flagship device has been out of stock on the Play Store for what feels like months, and in certain parts of the world, it actually has been months! Our friends down under haven’t been able to purchase the device since it sold out minutes after launching on that fateful day in mid-November. You would think that as soon as LG pushed out more Nexus 4′s, the Play Store would be the first to get stocked up, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. A new press release by LG says that they’ve partnered with Australian retailer Harvey Norman to begin offering the device unlocked starting February 1st of this year. That may be good or bad news depending on how desperate you are to get your hands on the device because Harvey Norman will be offering the Nexus 4 for $496, which is $100 Aussie dollars more than you’d pay if you purchased it through Google’s avenue. The phone is available for pre-order now on Harvey Norman’s website. It is really getting hard to understand Google’s and LG’s partnership and strategies as of late. I, for one, am hoping this is the last time Google partners with LG to make a Nexus. See the press release after the break if you’re looking for more details.

LG Delivers Sought After Nexus 4 Handset to Australian Retail Stores

Exclusive LG and Harvey Norman partnership announced

SYDNEY, January 24, 2013 – LG Electronics (LG) has announced that the widely anticipated Nexus 4 will be exclusively available through Harvey Norman stores on Optus mobile plans from February 1.

A design collaboration between LG and Google, the LG Nexus 4 was officially launched on Google Play in November 2012, and quickly proved to be a hit after selling out within 20 minutes.

Global demand for the smartphone continues to grow, and offering the handset in Australian stores now will give sales another boost.

The Nexus 4 brings together LG's advanced hardware design, including Qualcomm's cutting-edge Snapdragon™ S4 Pro processor, for speed and power.  Featuring 2GB of RAM and the latest version of Android® (Jelly Bean), the Nexus 4 is the snappiest Nexus smartphone to date.

"The Nexus 4 is a great example of how LG's state of the art hardware is innovating in the smartphone market with Google choosing to be its latest hardware partner," said Lambro Skropidis, General Marketing Manager at LG Australia.

"The response in Australia has been overwhelmingly positive on Google Play already, and we know our Harvey Norman partnership will create even greater demand."

Stock will be available for an outright purchase of $496 in all Harvey Norman stores and on an Optus plan in selected stores. Pricing will be dependent on the customer's choice of Optus plan; details of the suggested plans and pricing can be found in store and online atwww.harveynorman.com.au.

Customers can pre-order now for stock available on the 1st February.
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