Android Central |
- DashClock Widget updated with calendar tweaks, new languages and more
- 4 Pics 1 Word: countless time spent playing this game
- Sony Xperia SP reported to bring aluminum framed 4.6-inch screen, customizable clear element
- LG Optimus G finally arrives in Europe, enhanced and improved along the way
- Motorola offering $50 Google Play credit with phone purchase
- Fixmo SafeWatch will keep your personal data safe, and you're invited to try out the free beta
- The Chromebook Pixel is official, and available at Google Play for $1300
- Ubuntu Touch developer preview: What you need to know
- ZEN and TECH 52: Fitness month sleep and relaxation special!
- An awesome X-ray look at the Nexus 4 and its wireless charger
- LeVar Burton just won the 'If I had Glass' competition
- New York Times app updated, brings new night mode and customizable widget
- Petition asking Obama to take on SIM unlocking hits signature threshold
- Deal of the Day: Amzer TPU Hybrid Case for LG Nexus 4
- The 'Spring into TEGRA' Contest: Win a Tegra-powered HTC One X+!
- Sony promises Android 'second screen' app for PlayStation 4
- Pre-orders for Sony Xperia Z now being taken by Sony Australia
- Financial Times gets onboard with BlinkFeed on HTC One
- ZTE Force LTE handset leaks out, landing on Sprint March 1
- Trailer for ASUS MeMo Pad Smart 10 emerges, Tegra 3 and available in pink
- Samsung details 'TV Discovery' service to be unveiled at MWC
- HBO Go and MAX Go updated with HDMI video out support
- Google working on touchscreen Chromebooks to be released this year, says WSJ
- LG announces Optimus F5 and F7 to improve LTE offerings
- ZTE and NVIDIA partner to release the first Tegra 4 Android phones
| DashClock Widget updated with calendar tweaks, new languages and more Posted: 21 Feb 2013 04:40 PM PST
One of the best uses of Android 4.2's lock screen widget feature has been Roman Nurik's DashClock Widget -- a customizable, extensible widget giving you access to a wide array of information on your home screen or lock screen. Today it's been updated to version 1.3, bringing even more features alongside the usual bug fixes. It's now possible to choose from which calendars events are displayed in the widget, and see the location of upcoming appointments. A shortcut now allows quick access to a list of DashClock extensions on Google Play. What's more, there are new translations for Czech, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Polish, Slovak, Ukrainian, Simplified Chinese and Tradtional Chinese. We've been following the development of DashClock in recent weeks, and if you're after a rundown of the best extensions around, you can check out our DashClock extensions feature. If you've yet to give it a try, you can pick it up for free at the Google Play link above -- remember, you'll need and Android 4.2 device, and currently that's limited to Nexus phones and tablets. 
| ||
| 4 Pics 1 Word: countless time spent playing this game Posted: 21 Feb 2013 04:20 PM PST
Four pictures. One Word. Countless time spent playing this addictive game. There isn't a lot to it, but that's just fine by us. 4 Pics 1 Word is a smooth, fun and well designed game that's free to play and can offer hours upon hours of entertainment. With now millions of downloads in the Play Store, this game is certainly doing something right. Check out our impressions and some more information about 4 Pics 1 Word after the break. 
| ||
| Sony Xperia SP reported to bring aluminum framed 4.6-inch screen, customizable clear element Posted: 21 Feb 2013 03:35 PM PST
We've already heard plenty about Sony's upcoming mid-ranger, the Xperia SP (codenamed "HuaShan") -- said to be a dual-core mid-ranger packing a 720p screen. And although there's no Sony press conference at this year's Mobile World Congress, we're expecting to see it next week in Barcelona. Today new reports hint at some interesting build quality details for the SP, including an apparent aluminum-framed chassis (with plastic back) and customizable clear element, similar to the Xperia U. These latest details come from XperiaBlog, which cites a "trusted source" with knowledge of the device, and if accurate it's interesting to see Sony revisiting the transparent element as a design feature. The screen size is also reported at 4.6-inches, which would put it on par with Sony's late 2012 flagship, the Xperia T. And the rear camera is reportedly a 8MP Exmor RS unit -- a lower megapixel count than the Xperia T, but with a more advanced sensor. Storage is said to clock in at 8GB internal, expandable via microSD. Other stats include measurements of 130.6 x 67.1 x 9.98mm and a fairly hefty weight of 155 grams. MWC is traditionally where Sony shows off its mid-range devices, so we'll hopefully learn more about the Xperia SP in Barcelona in the days ahead. Source: XperiaBlog 
| ||
| LG Optimus G finally arrives in Europe, enhanced and improved along the way Posted: 21 Feb 2013 02:45 PM PST
Sometime after the initial launch of the LG Optimus G, Europeans are finally getting a chance to sample it for themselves. We'd previously heard rumors that the Optimus G would be available in European territories before the end of Q1, and low and behold here it is. Better yet, the Optimus G has been 'enhanced and improved' during its long voyage to Europe. The big news is of course that the Optimus G now ships with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean on board. For whatever reason, LG decided to ship the Optimus G -- essentially the same hardware as the Nexus 4 -- on Ice Cream Sandwich, but that's old news now at least as far as prospective European customers should be concerned. With the Jelly Bean upgrade, the Optimus G receives the usual Google flavored treats such as Google Now and Project Butter, but LG has thrown in a couple of goodies too. QSlide, which allows users to use multiple applications at once as transparent layers on top of each other is included, as Safety Care and Privacy Keeper. Initially the Optimus G will go on sale in Sweden sometime before the end of the month, soon to be followed by other markets including France, Germany and Italy. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by the Nexus 4, the Optimus G is still one whole heck of a phone. The full press release can be found after the break. 
| ||
| Motorola offering $50 Google Play credit with phone purchase Posted: 21 Feb 2013 02:33 PM PST
Motorola is hoping to entice a few more users over to its devices by offering a $50 Play Store credit with a device purchase. With a mail-in rebate, users will receive back a $50 Play Store credit code to redeem. If purchasing the device online, they will automatically be submitting the proper information to receive the credit. The promotion is going until March 3rd, and includes the following devices:
So if you purchase pretty much any Motorola phone between February 18 and March 3 you should be able to claim this credit. It should also be noted also that the promotion is only available to U.S. customers. If you'd like more details on the promo -- like where and how to send in the rebate form -- you can hit up the source link below. Source: Motorola 
| ||
| Fixmo SafeWatch will keep your personal data safe, and you're invited to try out the free beta Posted: 21 Feb 2013 01:59 PM PST
Fixmo is a name we usually associate with enterprise mobile risk management solutions or government agency IT (they also make some great BlackBerry apps), but that also have a pretty comprehensive Android application in the works. Their upcoming SmartWatch app is designed to help folks like you and me to protect our device, our personal data, and our privacy. It's more than just an Android malware scanner. If that's all they had to offer, we would just lump them in with the rest and move on. The malware scanner is included, but when coupled with things like call and SMS filtering and remote lock, locate, and wipe, SafeWatch is certainly worth a look. Check out the features.
It sounds like something many of us could use, from a company that big business and the government has trusted for years. The app is coming to Google Play soon for a monthly subscription fee, but Fixmo is offering Android Central readers a chance to join an exclusive beta program and try the app themselves today. Folks who get in on the beta also get a year of free service. Hit the link below and sign up to try. They are only accepting 500 users into the beta, so get in quickly if you're interested. Sign up for the Fixmo SafeWatch beta 
| ||
| The Chromebook Pixel is official, and available at Google Play for $1300 Posted: 21 Feb 2013 11:23 AM PST
The Chromebook Pixel is real, and real expensive. It's been rumored for a few weeks, and just yesterday we heard from the WSJ and one of their people close to the matter about a touchscreen Chromebook, but Google took all dobt away a few minutes ago and put the Pixel up for sale at Google Play. It starts at a whopping $1300 for the Wifi only model, and in April we will see an LTE enabled model for $1450. This is a far cry from the affordable computer we think of when we think about Chromebooks of old. So, what do you get for your 1300 dollars?
Sounds like quite the piece of gear, but are people going to spend $1300 on it? We're not so sure about that. Tell us what you think in the comments. Hit the break for the official product video. Source: Google Chrome blog 
| ||
| Ubuntu Touch developer preview: What you need to know Posted: 21 Feb 2013 11:03 AM PST
You can now run Ubuntu Touch on a select few Android devices, but this is far from a finished productWe've been waiting for the first developer preview of Ubuntu Touch for a while now. After a bit of an odd start, today is the day we finally get to try it ourselves. As a long-time Linux user on the desktop (I've even installed Ubuntu 12.10 to prepare) I'm excited, and I know plenty of you folks are, as well. We're going to take a quick look at what Canonical is offering up today, talk a bit about their plans for Ubuntu, and even do a little bit of blogger speculation about it's future. The most important thing to remember is that this is just a preview, meant for enthusiasts and aspiring developers. We're going to install it to play with (of course) but there's plenty that isn't working yet. The final version is still a ways off, so we can't really draw solid conclusions from what we're seeing today. What we can do, is have fun trying it. Hit the break to see the how and why. 
| ||
| ZEN and TECH 52: Fitness month sleep and relaxation special! Posted: 21 Feb 2013 09:46 AM PST Georgia and Rene are joined by WPCentral's Daniel Rubino, a former sleep technician, to discuss the importance of rest, relaxation, meditation, and... sleep! We talk about common sleeping problems, and offer tips and advice on getting better, healthier sleep. Join us! 
| ||
| An awesome X-ray look at the Nexus 4 and its wireless charger Posted: 21 Feb 2013 08:32 AM PST
What's cooler than having a Nexus 4 and its official wireless charging orb to go along with it? How about having access to an X-ray machine and taking a look inside? Joshua Perry on Google+ has done just that, bombarding both phone and charger with radiation and posting the results. Probably the most striking image is this side view of the wireless charging orb. You get a sense for how much space is left untouched in the half-sphere, with a handful of screws holding it all together. There's another great one showing the Nexus 4 while it's on the charger, and you really get a sense for how it all works, without the charging elements ever actually touching each other. Check out Perry's complete Google+ gallery here. Thanks, Joshua & Andrew! 
| ||
| LeVar Burton just won the 'If I had Glass' competition Posted: 21 Feb 2013 08:01 AM PST
Ladies and gentlemen, LeVar Burton just won the Internet. (We've lost track how many times now.) The "Roots," "Reading Rainbow" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" actor and host -- and basically all-around nerd badass -- just threw his name into the running for the Google Glass Explorer program, which gets the eye-glass mounted wearable computer into the hands of a few (thousand) lucky nerds and developers. This week, Google began offering another shot at scoring units by telling what you'd do if you "had glass." Burton this morning chimed in with:
And that's all she wrote. 
| ||
| New York Times app updated, brings new night mode and customizable widget Posted: 21 Feb 2013 07:40 AM PST
A quick heads up for users of the New York Times Android application, that an updated version has pushed out into Google Play. The two headline new features are a night mode -- otherwise known as white text on a black background -- and a pretty nice new customizable widget. Sadly, the widget is only available to users on Android 4.x, but that aside it does a pretty nice job. It's customizable, so will display whichever category you most desire to see updates from. The only drawback as far as we can see with it, is that the default size of the widget is 4x1. It's scrollable, but unless you're in a position to be able to resize your widgets, it's pretty small, and doesn't even display one full article. It also won't match the theme choice from within the app, it's permanently set to white-on-black. Grab yourselves a copy from the Google Play link above. 
| ||
| Petition asking Obama to take on SIM unlocking hits signature threshold Posted: 21 Feb 2013 06:36 AM PST
Some good news for the fight against tyrannical cell phone regulation. The official White House petition calling for the Librarian of Congress to rescind the decision to allow a DMCA exemption allowing entities other than the operators to SIM unlock phones ... take a deep breath -- that was a mouthful ... has eclipsed 100,000 signatures, meaning we'll likely see some sort of response from the Obama administration at some point. That doesn't guarantee action. That doesn't mean it no longer will be illegal to SIM-unlock your phone on your own, without operator approval. And it still doesn't change the fact that it's not like there were goon squads going around, scooping up hordes of unruly unlockers. This is mainly a tool to be used in extreme cases of litigation. Chances are if you've finished paying off your subsidized handset, and your account is in good standing, your operator will give you the SIM unlock code. But that doesn't mean that any of this is a good use of DMCA legislation. Thus, the petition. "If a petition gets enough support," the petitions.whitehouse.gov site reads, "White House staff will review it, ensure it’s sent to the appropriate policy experts, and issue an official response." So maybe we'll see something change, and maybe we won't. But for sure, the position that operators shouldn't be the sole decider on SIM-unlocking phones will be heard. 
| ||
| Deal of the Day: Amzer TPU Hybrid Case for LG Nexus 4 Posted: 21 Feb 2013 06:28 AM PST
The Amzer TPU Hybrid Case is available for just $5.00, 67% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last! Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts 
| ||
| The 'Spring into TEGRA' Contest: Win a Tegra-powered HTC One X+! Posted: 21 Feb 2013 06:09 AM PST
To enter, simply follow these three steps:
That's all there really is to it! Head over to the official contest thread and get your entry in. You never know… with a little luck and creativity (hint, hint!) you may end up with a brand new device at your front door. * Contest closes on March 1, 2013, at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be selected shortly thereafter via PM and e-mail. ONE entry per person. Contest open to all Android Central members. Good luck! 
| ||
| Sony promises Android 'second screen' app for PlayStation 4 Posted: 21 Feb 2013 03:11 AM PST
Sony (sorta) unveiled the PlayStation 4 last night in New York, and along with hardware, software and development details, the electronics giant talked about how the new console would tie into mobile devices. For Android and iOS, Sony said it'd bring "second screen" experiences to these devices. Like Microsoft's "SmartGlass," the PS4 smartphone apps will allow gamers to bring relevant information to their mobile device whether they're in front of their console or not. In-game, the apps will be able to offer extra content like maps in an adventure game, Sony says. And when you're away from home, the app will tie into the PlayStation Network, allowing you to purchase games or peek in on your friends' games in real time. There's no mention of any PS Vita-style "remote play" option for smartphones just yet -- if something like this is to be offered on phones, it's likely it might be tied into Sony's existing PlayStation Mobile certification program. The PlayStation 4 is due to appear in time for the holidays, and though we got a quick peek at its smartphone and tablet apps on-stage last night, the box itself was conspicuously absent. Source: Sony Computer Entertainment International (PDF) 
| ||
| Pre-orders for Sony Xperia Z now being taken by Sony Australia Posted: 21 Feb 2013 02:59 AM PST
The Sony Xperia Z is one of the hottest new devices launching in Q1 of 2013, and as we begin to see the first nations actually able to buy one, our friends down under are starting to join the party. Sony has only in the last few days held their official launch event for the Xperia Z in Australia, but now the 5-inch smartphone is available to pre-order directly from Sony Australia. The price is AUS $749 ($766/£504) which pretty much matches SIM-free pricing for the Xperia Z in other territories. An exact release schedule isn't provided at this time, although it's expected that the Xperia Z will become available in Australia sometime in March. More: Video Walkthrough of the Sony Xperia Zvia Ausdroid 
| ||
| Financial Times gets onboard with BlinkFeed on HTC One Posted: 21 Feb 2013 02:41 AM PST
The meat of HTC's new home screen experience in Sense 5 is the BlinkFeed -- a vertical-scrolling feed of news, social updates and other relevant info. This includes content from leading news organizations, and today the Financial Times has confirmed that it's onboard with BlinkFeed support on the recently-announced HTC One. As is the case when reading on the web, selected FT content will be available for free, but access to everything will require a subscription. At Tuesday's press conference HTC boasted that it had more than 1,400 outlets supported within BlinkFeed, as part of the curated experience it's offering through the HTC One home screen. The presence of FT content is a plus for BlinkFeed, but that pesky paywall still stands in the way of full access to FT content. For more on the Sense 5 home screen, BlinkFeed and the rest of the HTC One, check out our hands-on preview. 
| ||
| ZTE Force LTE handset leaks out, landing on Sprint March 1 Posted: 21 Feb 2013 02:12 AM PST
Sprint's developing LTE network looks to be receiving a new device in the coming weeks from ZTE. This leaked Sprint product page obtained by Engadget shows what is supposedly the Sprint Force LTE, a mid-range Ice Cream Sandwich device due to arrive March 1. As you would expect from a mid-range device, the specs certainly won't be setting the world on fire, yet look more than capable of delivering a solid experience. Pushing everything along is a 1.5GHz as yet unnamed dual-core processor, and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The 4-inch display is covered by Gorilla Glass, and inside we're looking at 1GB of RAM and 4GB of on-board storage, with a 1730mAh battery powering the Force. At $49.99 on a new 2-year-contract, it could attract those looking for some Sprint LTE on a budget. Source: Engadget 
| ||
| Trailer for ASUS MeMo Pad Smart 10 emerges, Tegra 3 and available in pink Posted: 21 Feb 2013 01:54 AM PST
ASUS has long been making Android tablets now, and they're often something worth taking note of. Their latest -- previously rumored -- slate, likely heading towards Mobile World Congress, has been unveiled by way of a YouTube trailer. Say hello to the ASUS MeMo Pad Smart 10. Catchy, isn't it? Unlike some past offerings from ASUS, the MeMo Pad Smart 10 doesn't break any new boundaries, or push the specs to the limits. But, what it looks like is a pretty solid 10-inch tablet. Oh, and it'll also be available in pink, if you're into that sort of thing. We don't get a whole lot of information from the clip, but we do find out that the tablet houses a Tegra 3 processor, a 5MP rear camera, and a 10-inch IPS display that promises some impressive viewing angles. We're also treated to SonicMaster sound technology, and a glimpse at some of the bundled software, although anyone familiar with ASUS tablets won't be too surprised by what we see. All this fits in with earlier, leaked information on the tablet, and at the same time isn't too surprising. Neither is the software, it's pretty much a given that we'll be looking at Jelly Bean, but as yet there's no confirmation on which version. So, we're not looking at a bleeding edge tablet here, but what we are seeing is potentially a great value 10-inch tablet if it lands at the right price. We'll be on the look out next week in Barcelona, so keep it locked to Android Central in the days ahead for all the best from MWC 2013. Source: ASUS (YouTube) 
| ||
| Samsung details 'TV Discovery' service to be unveiled at MWC Posted: 20 Feb 2013 08:49 PM PST
Samsung is setting up to launch a new service at MWC called "TV Discovery", which is supposed to help users find video and live TV content with their devices. Similarly to what HTC just announced with its own TV offerings on the One, Samsung will use its service to aggregate content from multiple sources to be streamed to your devices. The goal is to bring live TV, video on-demand and online content to one place, and make it all searchable without caring which service the programming is on. The content will be available on Samsung's Smart TV's and "supported mobile devices", but no specifics were given. Similarly to what Samsung is already doing with its Peel partnership, devices will be able to be used as a universal remote control as well. Samsung says that at the launch, the TV Discovery service will aggregate from Netflix and Blockbuster in the U.S. and Acetrax, Wuaki, MovieMax, FilmIn, Chili, Pathé and SF Anytime in Europe. Youtube is also mentioned as a potential video source. We should have a better idea of how the service will work and across which devices at its unveiling at MWC next week. Source: Samsung Tomorrow 
| ||
| HBO Go and MAX Go updated with HDMI video out support Posted: 20 Feb 2013 08:06 PM PST
The long-awaited feature of HDMI video out is finally making its way to both the HBO Go and MAX Go Android apps. Users that have a a cable subscription including HBO or Cinemax can now connect their phones to TV's and monitors for video playback from the apps on the larger screen, without any restriction. This is a big deal for such a large content provider to offer the functionality, which really shouldn't have been left out in the first place. You can grab a download of the latest version of HBO Go a the Play Store link above, and you can find MAX Go right here as well. Thanks, CarlD! 
| ||
| Google working on touchscreen Chromebooks to be released this year, says WSJ Posted: 20 Feb 2013 07:10 PM PST
According to the Wall Street Journal's "people familiar with the matter", Google has developed touchscreen Chromebooks and has plans to sell them later this year. They say it's unclear just who is building them and exactly when they will go on sale. So far we've seen vendors like Samsung, Acer, and most recently HP, offer Chrome OS based laptops with various types if hardware inside. Google currently sells Acer and Samsung models directly through Google Play. Developers have been seeing touch-friendly changes to the Chrome OS code for about a year now, so we knew this would happen sooner or later. Should this rumor turn out to be true, it shows that Google is happy competing against themselves by offering two touch-based operating systems to consumers. If priced appropriately, sleek touchscreen Chrome OS devices will certainly appeal to many, and drive people to use more Google services. Chrome devices may or may not be the next big thing, but we're interested in seeing what Google has to offer. Source: WSJ 
| ||
| LG announces Optimus F5 and F7 to improve LTE offerings Posted: 20 Feb 2013 06:36 PM PST
LG is hoping to expand the number of LTE devices in its offerings with the Optimus F Series, a set of devices that are targeted at a mid- and high-range audience. As is usually the case, the official announcement of these devices didn't follow far behind leaked renders, which seem to have been spot on. First off is the Optimus F5, which has a 4.3-inch qHD (540x960) display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 5MP camera and 2,150mAh battery. It's big brother the Optimus F7 will have a larger 4.7-inch HD (720x1280) display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, an 8MP camera and 2,540mAh battery. The Optimus F5 and F7 will both offer LTE connectivity, run Android 4.1.2 with LG's customizations and come in both black and white varieties. The F5 will be available in Europe starting in the second quarter, while the F7 is expected to launch in "select markets" thereafter, with pricing and availability at a later date. 
| ||
| ZTE and NVIDIA partner to release the first Tegra 4 Android phones Posted: 20 Feb 2013 05:38 PM PST
It's no secret that NVIDIA's Tegra 4 processor is missing from the new device announcements of late, but today ZTE is about to change all that with the announcement of their new line of "super phones" running the beefy new chip. Available in China during the first half of 2013, these new devices are promised to offer "ultra-fast web browsing, improved app load times, more realistic gaming experiences and great battery life – thanks to the processor’s 72 custom NVIDIA GeForce cores and quad-core ARM Cortex-A15 CPU." In addition, the new i500 LTE enabled chipset, the phones will have the ability to provide world-wide LTE voice and data. ZTE shocked everyone last year with the release of the U950, which offered a quad-core Tegra 3 processor for under 160 US, as well as the well received Grand X and Grand Era that were powerhouse phones using NVIDIA technology. We really would like to see the latest phone reach the rest of the world, but no distribution plans or prices were announced. For more information about the i500 LTE modem, visit NVIDIA here. For the full press release, just follow the break. 
|
It's contest time again! With the seasons changing -- soon, we hope, as it's been a cold winter -- and spring fast approaching, we're teaming up with NVIDIA to award two Tegra-powered HTC One X+ devices (International edition) to a couple of lucky Android Central members.*
| You are subscribed to email updates from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers 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