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Posted: 16 Feb 2013 06:47 AM PST
We mentioned back in December when SugarSync released the the v2.0 update in beta form and as of a bit more recently — that app has graduated from beta and is now available in the Google Play Store. One point worth noting with the version number though, v2.0 refers to SugarSync as a service. The Android app itself has jumped to version 4.0.0. Either way, a SugarSync app update is available.
 More than just an app update, SugarSync 2.0 as a whole means goodies such as easier navigation, drag and drop setup, an improved photo experience, cloud search of personal and shared data and the SugarSync Drive which is a virtual drive that makes accessing files on your desktop a bit quicker and a bit easier. This Android app update ties all these features (and the new look) in on the mobile side.  Many of the desktop features cross over to the mobile side. For example, mobile users get the same cloud search. They can also sync folders from SugarSync to the SD card. Other perks for SugarSync on the mobile side include an improved photo gallery with larger thumbnails as well as thumbnail images for most popular video formats. This app update also brought some performance improvements and battery life optimizations. Aside from the new perks, SugarSync retains the features that made it nice — it still gives on the go access to the files that you sync from your computer as well as the ability to automatically back of any pictures or videos that you take with your Android device.  As a SugarSync user I will say that this is a welcomed update for Android. Of course, that comes as someone that had been running the v2.0 beta on my Mac for a while now. Basically, the app still performs just as well as it always had for me, it is just that it now looks that much nicer when doing so. Plus, the new layout feels a bit easier to navigate. You can swipe to the right to gain access to the left hand menu which is basically your home page. From that menu you have quick access to all your content as well as images, shortcuts and any synced content. This menu also gives easy access to sharing and your recent activity.  You may also want to dive into the settings where a few key options are located. For one, you can have the app always show the menu at launch. You can also set a pin code, which depending on what you are syncing from the desktop, that may be a good idea. The settings is also the place where you can adjust the sync time interval, the auto sync folder options and the automatic backup options. All said and done, SugarSync may be just another of the many cloud style services, however as someone that has been a long time user — I am more than convinced it is a good option. With that, SugarSync users get 5GB of storage for free and have options to increase that limit with paid accounts. And of course, SugarSync has apps available on a wide variety of platforms. [via SugarSync Blog] |
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Posted: 16 Feb 2013 05:55 AM PST
It appears as if Google has rolled out the latest addition for Google Now. The latest goodie is recipe recommendations and of course, comes in addition to the numerous other Google Now changes and updates we have seen over the past few days. This latest is basically just another card option and will work similarly to others. Those using Google to search for recipes should start noticing the new card option in Google Now.
 The card will come in the “continue researching” style that we suspect many Google Now users have already seen. Just another way Google Now is proving useful for many. Granted, recipes may not be what everyone needs, however we suspect those who are searching for some may find this beneficial. Nothing to do in order to get started, this is just one that will work its way in. Some of the other “continue researching” items that you may notice in Google Now includes popular photo spots, travel routes and apparently in my case, “beaches and islands” though this proves to be a case of Google not always being perfect considering my search items were for an upcoming local 5k run. Regardless, as a Google Now user, these little tweaks and additions are welcomed.  Otherwise, looking back over the past few days and we have seen Google add a Now widget as well as movie passes from Fandango, movie ratings from Rotten Tomatoes, real estate listings from Zillow, support for US college sports and a music button when a song is playing in voice mode. Lastly, and maybe a bit more exciting for some, Google Now has also begun showing the Google Doodles. [via Droid-Life] |
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Posted: 16 Feb 2013 05:36 AM PST
While this update may not be quite as exciting as the last, AT&T has announced and begun rolling out another update for the Samsung Galaxy Note II. This latest is a security update and is now available over-the-air. Basically, those carrying an AT&T branded Galaxy Note II — you may want to be on the lookout for an update notification.
 Well, that or heading in and trying to grab that update now. To go this route, you can navigate to Menu -> Settings -> About phone to get the process started. AT&T notes that you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi in order to grab the update and that it will bring the baseband up to version I317UCAMA4. Your Note II will remain on Android 4.1.2. The details state that this update includes a “chipset security enhancement.” Basically, a small update, however given this is likely taking care of the Exynos exploit that was discovered back in December, we suspect this is an update that many will consider worthwhile. Otherwise, the update process should take just a few minutes time, however there will be a reboot once the update has been installed. Looking back, the previous update for AT&T Galaxy Note II users came in late-December. That update however, as previously mentioned, was a bit more exciting and included the multi-window support. Bottom line here, while this latest may not be the most exciting, it is one that we think is probably good to grab.
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Posted: 16 Feb 2013 05:13 AM PST
At this point most realize that Android and iOS are the dominant players in the mobile world. Looking at bit more specific and in terms of Android and popularity, we are often talking about Samsung. And not only Samsung, but the Galaxy S III. In this case, Chitika, the online advertising network recently took a closer look at the amount of web traffic that was being generated between the Galaxy S III and the iPhone 5.
 Chitika looked at these devices because they are both considered “top of the line” and considered a sample of “tens of millions” of US and Canadian smartphone mobile ad impressions originating from their ad network. The sample period ran from February 1 through February 9. Basically, the amount of traffic being generated by each device is near equal. According to the data provided by Chitika, the Galaxy S III is at 49 percent while the iPhone 5 has the slight edge at 51 percent. While we always hope to see the Android devices come out on top, we should point out that the Galaxy S III has gained some ground. Chitika did a similar study back in October and at that time the iPhone had an 8 percent lead over the Galaxy S III. Going at this rate, we may see the Galaxy S III out on top next time around. It was also noted that when combined, these two devices accounted for 13 percent of all smartphone web traffic in North America. Otherwise, in addition to pitting the Galaxy S III up against the iPhone 5, Chitika also looked at Samsung and Apple as a whole. In this case, the two companies combined accounted for 61 percent of all smartphone web traffic in North America. This was a 1 percent drop from the October study, however it looks as if Apple’s market share may be the cause of that drop. Chitika noted that they showed Apple as dropping from 46 percent to 41.5 percent with Samsung actually increasing from 17 percent to 20.6 percent.   [via Chitika] |
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Posted: 16 Feb 2013 04:49 AM PST
Belkin announced they had an Android app in the works back in January during CES. At the time they had said the app would arrive in February and that it would be available for select devices. Well, the app has officially landed in the Google Play Store. The app is dubbed the “WeMo Beta for Galaxy SIII” and as the name would imply, it has been released in beta form and with support for just one device.
 The catch here, Belkin has said that while this app was specifically tested on the Galaxy S III, all devices running 4.0 or higher will be able to download the app, however “stability and performance can't be guaranteed.” That aside, we can hope that the test phase goes well and handset support soon expands. Until that time though, the app is available for free, but does require a WeMo branded product for use. For those not familiar with the Belkin WeMo products, think home control and automation using your smartphone. Belkin has the WeMo Switch, WeMo Switch + Motion and the WeMo Baby. Take the Switch for example, this will allow you to take anything that plugs in and turn it off (or on) using your phone. The + Motion aspect just brings a motion controller into play an the Baby, well, that is an audio baby monitor for remote monitoring. Getting back to the app and we have most of the features that we would have hoped to see. The app will allow you to control WeMo devices as well as setup custom icons and names. You can also take advantage of the IFTTT integration. The app will allow for local firmware updates, however remote firmware updates are not yet available. The other missing item is WeMo rules support, however the IFTTT integration removes some of that sting. Finally, some known issues that users may want to be on the lookout for include app crashes caused by poor signal strength, fast switching of tabs can also sometimes lead to a crash and local discovery will not always show all WeMo devices. Basically, this does not sound like a perfect app, but it does at least give Android users entry in the WeMo product line. Those interested can grab the app using this Google Play Store link. [via Engadget] |
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Posted: 15 Feb 2013 04:36 PM PST
A couple of weeks ago we reported on a Google hackathon event where developers would be getting their first chance to try out and enjoy the upcoming Project Glass. Google made no secret about it, but we quickly learned everyone would be tied to a strict agreement and couldn’t share any details from the exciting event. Well, now Google’s sharing details themselves.
 We were extremely excited about the Google Glass hackathon, as we’ve pre-ordered a few pairs ourselves. Sadly it was strictly for developers and Google had everyone agree to some pretty strict terms and kept all the details hush hush. It was called the “Glass Foundry” and took place in San Fransisco and New York, and today we’re getting pictures. It basically goes like this. Tons of nerds, developers, and Googlers all were enjoying a good time hosted by the folks at Google. Enjoying project glass and brainstorming great ideas on how these connected smart glasses can be used in the real world. Sounds like a blast right? Apparently they had some pretty neat ideas too, but we’ll be waiting a little while longer before we get any details.  The developers paired up in teams and Google’s reporting around 80 solid ideas were thought up on new ways the public could use Project Glass in their daily lives. Apparently a few lucky developer teams even got a pair for free, and Google rewarded multiple people with a nice set to take home themselves from the event. For now all the details and the Glass API is still a pretty big secret, but more details and pictures are available from the via below. We can’t wait to see more, and hopefully Google shares all the details at Google I/O later this year.    [via Google+] |
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Posted: 15 Feb 2013 03:34 PM PST
Here’s a juicy new rumor floating around this fine Friday afternoon. According to an “extremely reliable source” from the people over at 9to5Google it looks like the Mountain View company will be opening a few of their very own retail stores in the United States. Yup, like an actual store you can walk into and be greeted by fellow Googlers. Read on for more details.
 Yes, this is apparently coming from extremely reliable sources that are extremely close to the situation, but we’ll still take it with a grain of salt for now. Apple has many of their own, Samsung’s recently jumped into the retail store waters, and now Google looks to be going the same route to get their devices in the eyes and hands of consumers. Interesting right? The plan, is supposedly to get Google’s popular hardware like all those Nexus devices we love, Chromebooks, and possibly in our hands. Then even hands-on time and help with many of their smartphone and products from trained staff. Google’s slowly but surely offering more hardware, and this could just be one of many ideas for later this year. Apparently the plan was initially drew up after trying to decide how to get more of the general public interested in, and buying Google’s upcoming Project Glass. Being able to test out something of that magnitude (and price) would help sales. Then it only made sense to bring the wide array of Google devices into these stores. You can bet there won’t be a “genius bar” but Googlers will be around to help with any questions, educate potential customers, and probably wearing some colorful gear as usual. Google currently has multiple Chrome Booths inside Best Buy spots around the US for their Chromebooks (as seen above) but the sales are all still handled by Best Buy. These new stores would almost be an extension of the Play Store, and you could walk in and buy the latest Nexus tablet, or even the rumored Motorola X-Phone right off the shelves. The question now is whether or not we’ll see other Android smartphones sold in these stores, or even some Google gear and memorabilia. At Google I/O their store had Chrome pillows, Google Frisbee’s, coffee mugs and much more. Hopefully this comes true, because it would be awesome! I’ll be rooting for a retail store here in Vegas, but only time will tell. [via 9to5Google] |
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Posted: 15 Feb 2013 02:23 PM PST
We’re all about finding budget phones with pretty stellar specs to share with our readers, and today we’ve stumbled on one worth mentioning. Lava Mobile has launched their new XOLO A1000 with some pretty decent specs. Their more recognized device was the Intel Medfield powered device from last year, but this phone certainly looks better on paper so lets check it out.
 Their offering a device much like the recently released Samsung Galaxy Grand with a massive 5-inch display, only you’ll get a 720p screen here. It isn’t 1080p, but then again this is only $259 brand new. XOLO has multiple phones available today, although most never make it outside of China and the surrounding regions. The newly announced XOLO A1000 offers a decent 5-inch 1280 x 720p HD IPS display, then everything else is top of the line aside from the processor. You’ll get a MediaTek MT6577 dual-core 1.0GHz CPU and PowerVR SGX531 GPU with 1GB of RAM on board, they’ve tossed in an 8 megapixel rear camera, and sadly only 4GB of internal storage. Although it does offer a micro-SD slot, so that isn’t too big of a concern.  The smartphone is running what we’re told is Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and as you can see has the ICS style buttons although they are capacitive and not on-screen. All of this is being powered by a decently sized 2,100 mAh battery, but we would love to have seen something bigger under the hood. The device is currently available in India for ₹13,999 and is roughly $259 USD. Anyone thinking about importing one? [via GSMArena] |
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Posted: 15 Feb 2013 02:07 PM PST
Let us offer this warning up front, while this is possible, it is certainly not something that the average user necessarily needs to be worried about happening. To begin with, the phone that is the subject of the attack ideally needs to have an unlocked bootloader. And well, many in the Android world likely realize that unlocked bootloaders are not something that is commonly found. First though, we are getting ahead of ourselves. This involves a pair of researchers from Erlangen University in Germany, a Galaxy Nexus smartphone, a cold boot attack and a tool called FROST.
 The back story here goes to when Google released Ice Cream Sandwich and included the encryption feature. The researchers note that this feature “transparently scrambles user partitions” which in turn protects “sensitive user information against targeted attacks that bypass screen locks.” They go on to say that “once the power of a scrambled device is cut any chance other than bruteforce is lost to recover data.” Basically, they set out to prove that you can still get some information — both from a device that has a locked bootloader and also from a device with an unlocked bootloader. Enter FROST (Forensic Recovery of Scrambled Telephones) which when used in a cold boot attack, allowed them to gain the encryption keys from RAM. Here is where the locked bootloader comes into play. In order to break the encryption, the bootloader need to have been unlocked prior to the attack because the scrambled user partitions will be wiped during unlocking. The key to the research they have done, a cold boot attack allowed them access to some sensitive information — despite the bootloader being locked. Some of the information they were able to retrieve included contact lists, visited web sites, and images.  Anyway, the short version of the process — they placed a Galaxy Nexus inside a -15 degree Celsius freezer for 60 minutes (the cold temps are said to help preserve the memory for longer) and then booted the phone into fastboot mode and used the FROST recovery image along with a Linux computer. The end result and warning, the researchers have yet to publish their paper, however they have said this “reveals a significant security gap that users should be aware of.” Plus, that it would be a useful tool for law enforcement. With that, those intersted will be able to find the report and additional research details on the FROST site. [via Forbes] |
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Posted: 15 Feb 2013 12:57 PM PST
The Tweet Lanes Twitter app originally launched back in July 2012. The interesting part here, the app launched with quite a bit of hype, both from the developer and from the users. The app touted itself as being “Pure Twitter” and “Pure Android” and there was little to disagree with as it was a solid app. The bad news arrived later on when the developer, Chris Lacy, decided to stop active development on the app.
 We should point out though, Lacy didn’t just decide on a whim to stop development. He stopped active development because given Twitter’s 100k user token limit, he couldn’t see a real future with the app. As someone that had been a Tweet Lanes user, I would be lying if I were to say there was not some disappointment. Still, it was understandable. Lacy did say at the time that he would take care of bugs and other issues, however active development was done. Since then the app appears to have been sitting. As of today though, we have a bit of Tweet Lanes related news — the app has been handed over to the open source community. Lacy has said that just because he is no longer actively developing the app, development doesn’t have to stop. In fact, as of today he has “released the source code for everything.” In addition to releasing the code, he has also committed to “syncing with the master branch and releasing a signed version of the app to the Play Store a few times a week.” But from this point, he needs the help of the community. Lacy has put out a call to arms looking for volunteers. Specifically, he is looking for a lead dev and a community manager. Anyway, while we are not sure what this means for the future of the app, it does give a bit of a silver lining for those who found themselves having a difficult time finding a replacement Twitter app. Of course, we suppose with the abundance of available Twitter apps, it should have been fairly easy to find a replacement. [via Chris Lacy on Google+] |
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Posted: 15 Feb 2013 12:51 PM PST
Back on January 26th we reported a story where unlocking smartphones has now become illegal. Not rooting, jailbreaking, or things of that nature, but unlocking a device to be used on different carriers. This exception to the DMCA was what made this legal, and that ended back on the 26th of January. For those looking to do something about it, read on below before time runs out.
 Essentially there was an outstanding exception to the DMCA that made this legal, and you could unlock that old family members AT&T phone and use it on T-Mobile using various methods. Now that the rule has been cleared, that is now a crime and technically illegal. While this probably won’t be enforced, it’s still bad news for the consumer. This was a big deal last month and we’re sure many of you heard about the issue on various blogs. However, the very next day a petition was started to “Make unlocking phones legal” and you can find out more details right here. Basically it needs 100,000 signatures to even be considered by the White House Petition site. If it reaches that goal hopefully congress will revisit the situation and do the right thing. Making unlocking of cellphones and smartphones legal again.  That petition to make unlocking legal again still needs about 31,000 signatures. It’s sitting around 69,000 at the moment, but it will end in 7 days. We need to get the word out, the ball rolling, and tons more signatures otherwise this will fade away. For those looking to sign the petition and let their voice be heard you can do so by heading to the official Petition Page. More details and backstory can be found at the via below. [via Sina.is] |
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Posted: 15 Feb 2013 12:23 PM PST
MOO announced their NFC business cards way back in September 2012. Coming more recently however, they have released an app for Android users. The app is called NFC by MOO and can be found in the Google Play Store. In short, the app will allow you to program NFC cards (or tags). The catch is, the release of the app would probably have made much more sense if the NFC equipped business cards were actually available.
 That is not to say the app isn’t capable of being used. In fact, the app is quite nice. NFC by MOO has a simple and straight forward setup that will make it easy to program NFC cards (or tags) with information to include links to a website, map or social networking profile. You can also program contact information or save a phone number so the person who scans will be able to quickly make a call. Additionally, the app lets you read and/or wipe existing cards. I can say that the NFC by MOO app works nicely with the TecTiles, though, the Samsung app is a bit more capable in terms of programming. For example, the Samsung app will allow you to program tiles with more than one trigger. The NFC by MOO app does just one trigger per card. Still, the NFC by MOO app is really easy to use and that by itself is a nice perk. The app launches to a list of options and you basically just fill in the blanks.  Perhaps key here though, the release of this app suggests those MOO business cards with NFC may be coming back. We can hope anyway. We have yet to see an update on the NFC business card page though and as of now it still just has the sign up to be notified teaser available. While we wait for the cards, you can grab the NFC by MOO app in the Google Play Store (link). |
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Posted: 15 Feb 2013 12:14 PM PST
The popular Barnes & Noble NOOK Color tablet has been around for some time. It has seen its fair share of update from B&N specifically, but they’ve basically stopped any sort of support. While the device runs on Android we’ve seen various ROM’s and development for the slate, and now Android 4.2 has arrived (and beat most tablets) thanks to those hard working developers.
 The NOOK Color has been available for the better part of 2 years, and is certainly starting to show its age. However, if you want to give it some new life, even though it’s an early beta, there’s now an Alpha CM10.1 build for the little NOOK that could. Over at XDA a group called the NookieDevs have released an alpha build for those interested. The 7-inch 1024 x 600 resolution display of the old-school NOOK Color runs Android 4.1 quite well with multiple ROM’s for CyanogenMod 10, and using Google Now is pretty neat we’ve been told. Sadly CM10.1 and Android 4.2 still needs a few kinks to be ironed out. The developers state they are still working hard to improve performance, and that is why this is an alpha release. Just like previous ROM’s for the NOOK, you can install it to internal storage and simply run stock Android thanks to CyanogenMod. Or use the micro-SD slot to dual-boot both OS versions as you choose. The development for this cheap tablet doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. If you’re ok with hacking and tinkering it might be worth picking up one second hand for cheap.
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Sunday, February 17, 2013
Update - 314
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