Android Community |
- Google Chromebook Pixel announced for $1,299
- Huawei GL07S: Has the looks of the Ascend P2 without the specs to match
- Google looks to bring fashion sense to Project Glass
- LG demos dual-recording feature on the Optimus G Pro
- VEAbuddy cross-platform smartwatch announced
- WSJ: Touchscreen powered Google Chromebooks coming later this year
- Motorola entices buyers with free $50 Play Store gift card
- Snapchat v2.0 update brings support for video messaging on Android
- Samsung unveiled a new receiving circuit for wireless chargers
- Qualcomm unveils the RF360 with a push towards global 4G LTE support
- ASUS MeMO Pad Smart 10 teaser video released
- LG Optimus F7 and F5 smartphones officially unveiled
- NVIDIA and ZTE announce world’s first Tegra 4 Super Phone
- PlayStation 4 Remote Play will be coming to Android devices
- 3 GHz NovaThor L8580 eQuad mobile processor claims to be world’s fastest
- Qualcomm details ‘always-on’ Snapdragon voice activation features
- Google details everything new that arrived with Android 4.2
- What are ultrapixels? HTC shares more details on their new camera
- Republic Wireless lowers the price of entry to $99.99
- Google Drive Android app update brings video streaming and more
| Google Chromebook Pixel announced for $1,299 Posted: 21 Feb 2013 11:23 AM PST Today Google has just unveiled their brand new Chromebook Pixel. The rumors and leaks from earlier this month turned out to be accurate, and the Mountain View company has just detailed and launched the next evolution in Chromebooks. The Pixel certainly comes at a price, but has tons of amazing features you won’t want to miss. Read on for more details.
The Chromebook Pixel has been build from top to bottom with ease of use and top-tier quality in mind -”Built for the web”. Add in the simplicity of the Chrome OS and you have quite the machine. Until today most Chromebooks have been budget oriented, but this is taking a completely different approach and aiming right for Apple’s MacBook lineup. Here’s the specs: The Chromebook Pixel features a 12.85-inch “Pixel” display with a 2560 x 1700 resolution, at 239 PPI – and should look simply amazing. Oh and did we mention that is a full touchscreen display. Yup! It’s rocking a Gorilla Glass 2 protected multi-touch panel and should offer stunning viewing angles. Under the hood you’ll be working with a 1.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 32GB SSD for storage, as well as a 64GB 4G LTE option. That isn’t all either. With your purchase users get 1TB (1000GB) of free Google Drive cloud storage. Essentially putting anything and everything on the cloud. This is a premium Chromebook here folks. You get a glass-etched multitouch trackpad, back-lit Chrome keyboard, HD front facing webcam and more all weighing only 3.5 lbs. Google just dropped this bombshell on us so we’re still digging through all of the details but you can learn more by heading to this link. This stunning and impressive looking Chromebook is available now on the Play Store from the link below for $1,299, and a Verizon 4G LTE powered version will be available in April from $1,449. More details coming soon.      [via Play Store] |
| Huawei GL07S: Has the looks of the Ascend P2 without the specs to match Posted: 21 Feb 2013 11:19 AM PST Japanese carrier Emobile has recently announced the Huawei GL07S, which just so happens to look quite a bit like the Ascend P2. Well, the handset looks pretty similar based on these recently leaked images anyway. We are expecting Huawei to officially announce the Ascend P2 during Mobile World Congress, but until then — it looks like we have a bit of a mystery on our hands.
The details were picked up by the Greek language Techblog who noticed that Ematic posted a list of specs for the GL07S along with the official image (seen above). That being the case, it looks like the handset will be launching with a 4.7-inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 and powered by a quad-core 1.5GHz processor. The handset is also looking like it will be running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with other specs to include 4G LTE connectivity, 32GB of internal storage, 1GB of RAM, a 2350 mAh battery, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera. The one catch here, with the exception of the display size, the remaining specs don’t seem to be lining up with previous rumors. Previous rumors were showing the Ascend P2 as launching with a 1080p display, 2GB of RAM, 3000 mAh battery and 8/16GB of internal storage. This latest bit shows the RAM as being less, the battery being less and the internal storage being double. Earlier reports did however have the rear-facing camera as being 13MP. For comparison, you can see the previously leaked images below.
Bottom line here, based on this it is looking like either those earlier leaks were inaccurate or that Huawei is prepping two versions of the Ascend P2. The good part here, Mobile World Congress will be starting soon. The show will kick off this coming Sunday, February 24 in Barcelona. And don’t forget, Android Community will be on-site to bring you the latest news coming out of the show. [via Engadget] |
| Google looks to bring fashion sense to Project Glass Posted: 21 Feb 2013 11:04 AM PST Google’s exciting Project Glass augmented reality device is slowly but surely gaining more and more interest from the public, while also getting closer to actually being able to be purchased. I’m sure many of you would jump at the opportunity to wear these smart glasses, myself included, but Google’s next step is to give Project Glass some style.
I have no problems walking around looking like someone out of The Terminator or X-Men, but the general public might not share the same values as I do towards the project. Or all of us tech geeks for that matter. So today we’re starting to see new reports that one of Google’s next steps is to bring some fashion sense and style to their designs. Google wants people to actually like how Project Glass looks, and give it style, not just be a tiny screen and computer attached to our faces. Realistically the idea is awesome, but they need to look somewhat attractive for it to really take off – and Google knows this. They know how to build the most amazing mobile OS in the world, but they might lack that fashion sense that others have. Apple’s white earbuds sadly are a fashion statement for some, so Google needs to think outside the box. According to reports by the New York Times, the Mountain View company is seeking to partner with a popular online start-up company that sells and designs trendy eyewear. The brand is called Warby Parker and Google hopes their unique and fashionable yet hipster designs will be a good combination. We pre-ordered a few pairs anyways, but it certainly won’t hurt if they look good too. We’re patiently waiting Google, but want it now! |
| LG demos dual-recording feature on the Optimus G Pro Posted: 21 Feb 2013 10:30 AM PST LG has recently been sharing details about the Optimus G Pro. These have included the specs and even an idea as to when we can expect the global roll-out to begin. That will be happening during the second quarter, however while we wait, it looks like some of the software features are now being shown off in video teasers.
Two of these software features are camera related. One deals with video recording and the other deals with regular stills. The former is called dual-recording and the latter is called VR panorama and both names likely give a clue as to what they do. Beginning with the dual-recording, you can see this in a demo in the video below. Basically, what it will do is allow you to record using the front and rear-facing camera at the same time. Judging from the video, it looks like you will be able to move the in-picture recording box around and even adjust the size a bit. Next up is the VR panorama video, which judging from what we can see — looks to be the ability to capture panorama images but also capture images similar to what you would get using Photo Sphere. Basically, press the capture button and begin moving your smartphone across the group or scene. LG also demos how you can then view and scroll around that image on your smartphone or even print it out for a poster sized wall print. You can get a look at these in the video below. All said and done, while both are neat features, we do have to wonder how much real world use they would actually get. Simply put, they are neat, but also sort of a gimmick. Speaking personally, while I have played with panorama and Photo Sphere images, I have yet to actual capture either on a regular basis. How about it, anyone using Photo Sphere or capturing panorama images on a regular basis? |
| VEAbuddy cross-platform smartwatch announced Posted: 21 Feb 2013 10:04 AM PST Recently we’ve been seeing waves and waves of what we’re all calling smartwatches, and today we have a neat new option to share with you guys. While many of you might not be sold on the benefits of a smartwatch quite yet, the new VEAbuddy works across all major mobile platforms, and has a simple and easy to understand interface so we figured you’d like to check it out. Read on for more details and a quick video.
From VEA Digital comes a brand new smartwatch called the VEAbuddy. They want to take on Pebble, the rumored iWatch, Samsung’s leaked Altius smartwatch, and anything else that becomes available. Whether or not that can happen is another story altogether though. While we’re still looking for more details on their watch, what they’ve shown so far looks promising. Featuring an ultra high-contrast 2-inch color touchscreen the watch is compatible with all smartphones, tablets, and operating systems on the market as only Bluetooth technology is required for connecting each other. Then the watch internals were specifically selected to keep the size down, and as a result it’s only 8mm thin. You can tell from the photos below just how low profile it really is. Like most smartwatches, this is currently a crowd-funded project over on Indigogo — so feel free to drop in if you’re interested. The video above gives you a good idea of all the features, options, and potential this device has, and they claim it works on all major mobile OS versions. According to VEA it works seamlessly over Bluetooth on iOS, Android, and even Blackberry. I’d like to test it out in the real world of course. What do you guys think? We’d love to hear your thoughts.       |
| WSJ: Touchscreen powered Google Chromebooks coming later this year Posted: 21 Feb 2013 09:54 AM PST Google is said to be working on a touchscreen version of the Chromebook. Some of the finer points such as possible manufacturers remain a mystery, however according to a recent Wall Street Journal report, Google “has developed the first touchscreen laptops” powered by Chrome. Judging from the wording in that statement, it would appear as if these are already being tested.
Further details coming from this report note that these touchscreen Chromebooks are expected to be available later in the year. Nothing specific in terms of when, and again, so far no manufacturers have been revealed. Samsung and Acer are currently selling Chromebooks by way of the Google Play Store. While the details are at a minimum, this does bring a potentially nice tie-in with a previous rumor about a Tegra 4 powered Chromebook. If you remember, details about this surfaced earlier in the month. Looking back, it was said that Google was working on a Tegra 4 powered Chromebook that had some integration with Andorid. We certainly do not want to mix up the reports and rumors, but how about that model with a full touchscreen display — sounds like something that may be interesting. Of course, while we may think interesting, the whole Chromebook concept has yet to really catch on with the masses. Or for that matter, the Chromebook has yet to really even be fully adopted by the geek community. Anyway, this latest Wall Street Journal report was by way of the unnamed “people familiar with the matter” and as you would expect — it was said that a Google spokeswoman declined to comment. With that, the Chromebook related rumors seem to be heating up. Maybe we will see something announced at Google I/O. [via The Wall Street Journal] |
| Motorola entices buyers with free $50 Play Store gift card Posted: 21 Feb 2013 09:35 AM PST Starting today and going until March 4th, those who opt to purchase one of the many different smartphones currently available from the guys at Motorola will get a nice little gift in return. For eligible smartphones, after purchase users will get a free $50 gift card for the Google Play Store. With many new smartphones on the horizon it appears that Motorola is trying to steal a few more sales real quick.
Basically what we have here is a simple mail-in-rebate. Yup, you’ll have to take the old-school method of filling out and mailing in a rebate form from Motorola, but in return you’ll receive $50 to enjoy in the Play Store. You can rent movies, buy books, music, or anything else from the nearly 700,000 apps available for Android. With HTC having a big couple of weeks, rumors of Samsung announcing their Galaxy S IV on March 14th, Motorola’s been pretty silent. We have reports that their planning a “game-changer” with Google but that won’t be unveiled until May. This looks like Motorola’s way of grabbing some attention and additional sales before everyone starts jumping at this new wave of upcoming smartphones. For all the details and to see what devices are eligible you’ll want to head to the official Motorola page linked to below. You’ll also need to start by filling out this rebate form, then sending it to the address outlined. Almost all Motorola devices released from the past year are eligible, but double check from the via below. Thanks Motorola! We’ll take the free $50 any day. [via Motorola] |
| Snapchat v2.0 update brings support for video messaging on Android Posted: 21 Feb 2013 08:55 AM PST Snapchat came to the Android platform several months back. At the time the app arrived with support for sharing in text and image format, however video was recently added. The video messaging support was being tested in a private beta, however as of today — that testing period has come to a close and the updated app (with video) is now available in the Google Play Store.
The video support comes as part of the v2.0.0 update. Snapchat is available for Android devices running 2.2 Froyo or later, however the video messaging requires a front-facing camera and 2.3 Gingerbread or later. This update means Snapchat users can now share using text, image and/or video. In addition to the added support for video, Snapchat v2.0.0 has also gotten improved notifications, which are said to be more informative and customizable. Other goodies noted were performance improvements to include camera frame-rates and navigation speed as well as bug fixes. Changes aside, it seems there was some struggle in getting the video support working properly. The Snapchat team noted that it has been “exciting” but that it also had its “fair share of challenges.” Needless to say, the team is aware that some users may still experience difficulties but that they do want to make Snapchat perfect. Basically, if you are having any video related issues, they want to hear about it. Changes aside, we do realize there may be some not as familiar with Snapchat. That being the case, this app touts itself as being the “fastest way to share a moment with friends.” It is a quick style messaging app that lets you share messages and moments and restrict the viewing time. Those looking for the update or interested in checking out Snapchat for the first time can follow this link to the Google Play Store. [via Snapchat Blog] |
| Samsung unveiled a new receiving circuit for wireless chargers Posted: 21 Feb 2013 08:16 AM PST We have been hearing bits and pieces that touched on Samsung and wireless charging over the past several weeks. There has been chatter about the Galaxy S IV launching with wireless charging support and we also saw the Qi charging pad in a recent FCC filing. As of today however, we have a bit of detail on a new receiving circuit for wireless chargers. This new circuit has been co-developed by Samsung and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
Technical details for this circuit note that it is based on magnetic resonance and uses a frequency of 6.78MHz. The maximum output is said to be 6W — more than 10 times higher than previous technology. Further details note the circuit as having a maximum transmission efficiency of 86 percent (with an output of 3.4W). Perhaps key for the average person though, this circuit is said to be aimed at use in mobile devices including smartphones and tablets.
At this point the only solid details include the fact that this was introduced and some of the specs. For example, in addition to the frequency, maximum output and efficiency — this circuit is also described as being one that will arrive with reduced power consumption. Specifically, it was said that this setup will use a switching converter called “Resonant Regulating Rectifier (3R).” This goes back to the reduced power consumption. Basically, while we are seeing some details, aside from what we have here we are unsure what this will mean in terms of future announcements. We are hoping to see Samsung do a bit more with wireless charging, however whether or not this will bring anything in terms of a Galaxy S IV related announcement remains to be seen. [via TechOn] |
| Qualcomm unveils the RF360 with a push towards global 4G LTE support Posted: 21 Feb 2013 07:39 AM PST Qualcomm has come forward with an official announcement for their RF360 Front End Solution. This is described as being a “comprehensive, system-level solution” that takes the issue of radio band fragmentation into consideration. Or in simpler terms, the Qualcomm RF360 Front End Solution will allow OEMs to integrate a single and global 4G LTE design in mobile devices.
Basically, one 4G LTE setup that will work globally. The RF360 will include support for all seven cellular models including LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD, WCDMA, EV-DO, CDMA 1x, TD-SCDMA and GSM/EDGE. Perhaps more important, it will be able to do that and still offer perks such as using less power which in turn will increase the battery life and overall performance of your device. Qualcomm also touts this solution as being able to keep the reception at higher levels — including helping when it comes to the issue of having your bars drop when you hold your phone. Diving a bit further in, Qualcomm has said they have integrated the power amplifier and antenna switch and then integrated the RF band components on another package. When these are combined they will make up what is being called the “industry’s first 3D-RF packaging” (aka, RF POP). Take those and combine them with the antenna tuner and envelope tracker it becomes the “first system level solution to enable global LTE with a single design.” Despite the fact that sounds like quite a bit, Qualcomm has said the RF360 will be half the board area and just a mm thick. Or what may be of more interest to the end user — this will allow OEMs to build thinner devices. Not to mention, the Qualcomm RF360 will allow for one handset design that has worldwide support for 2G, 3G, 4G and LTE connectivity which means frequent travelers should have it a bit easier. Finally, while we have no word on specific devices that may use this technology just yet, Qualcomm has said that they expect it to be in use during the second half of 2013. [via Qualcomm] |
| ASUS MeMO Pad Smart 10 teaser video released Posted: 21 Feb 2013 06:52 AM PST We got bit of a look at the MeMO Pad Smart 10 last week when ASUS unveiled the tablet during the Thailand Mobile Expo, however as of today we are being given a slightly better look. This latest look doesn’t come with much extra in terms of release dates, however it is in video form and touting some of the highlights such as processor and sound. In this case that would be quad-core with SonicMaster Audio Technology.
ASUS is touting the MeMO Pad Smart 10 as being “stylishly mobile for work and play” which we suspect has something to do with the colors. The MeMO Pad Smart 10 will be available in white, blue and pink. The SonicMaster technology is said to be able to deliver “awesome” sound and that will come courtesy of the speakers which sit on the back of the tablet. The speakers are on the left and right sides when held in landscape mode. Other features mentioned in the video include ASUS SuperNote, ASUS WebStorage, ASUS@Vibe, the 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with auto-focus and the IPS display with 178 degree viewing angle. Specifically, the display will measure in at 10.1-inches and have a resolution of 1280 x 800. Details that we have previously seen include the processor being an NVIDIA Tegra 3 along with 16GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, 1.2 megapixel front-facing camera, a battery life of up to 8.5 hours and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Again, we have yet to see a specific release date for the US market, however we do know that the tablet will be priced at $299 when it arrives. Additionally, ASUS will have the Folio Key available (for an additional and yet to be announced price). The Folio Key is a wrap-around protective cover with a Bluetooth keyboard. The cover is made of microfiber materials and also has a tabletop stand and internal battery that is said to be able to last for up to one month between charges. |
| LG Optimus F7 and F5 smartphones officially unveiled Posted: 21 Feb 2013 06:26 AM PST Following up the recent Optimus F-Series image leak, LG has come forward with an official announcement ahead of Mobile World Congress. LG has announced the Optimus F7 and Optimus F5 smartphones with the intent on bringing a “premium user experience and the speed of 4G LTE to a mass audience.” That said, LG has offered up the specs for each of the handsets, however we still need a bit more detail when it comes to the pricing and release.
Kicking things off with the Optimus F7 and we have a handset with a 4.7-inch True HD IPS display at 312ppi, dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 2450 mAh battery, 8.0 megapixel rear-facing camera and measurements of 131.7 x 68.2 x 9.6mm. The Optimus F5 will arrive with a 4.3-inch IPS display at 256ppi, dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 2150 mAh battery, 5.0 megapixel rear-facing camera and measurements of 126.0 x 64.5 x 9.3mm. Aside from the specs already mentioned, both devices will be running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and with shared features to include 8GB of internal storage space, a microSD card slot for additional storage and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera. Of course, as mentioned earlier, both the Optimus F7 and F5 will have 4G LTE connectivity. Both handsets will also have the latest “advanced UX” features which include QSlide and Live Zooming. The nice part here, these were previously only available in the higher-end LG devices. QSlide is a multi-tasking mode that allows you to run two apps at the same time — similar to the Multi Window feature on the Galaxy Note II. The Live Zooming feature lets users zoom into a specific area while watching a video. Additionally, both handsets will also have goodies to include QuickMemo, QTranslator, Video Wiz, Safety Care and more. Finally, LG has said the Optimus F5 will be available in Europe during Q2 2013 and that the Optimus F7 will follow “soon” after in “selected” markets.    [via SlashGear] |
| NVIDIA and ZTE announce world’s first Tegra 4 Super Phone Posted: 20 Feb 2013 07:10 PM PST NVIDIA and ZTE have announced that the world’s about to get its first Tegra 4 Super Phone, which will be from none other than ZTE itself. The Chinese maker of increasingly higher-spec’d phones will be releasing the Super Phone by summer this year. There’s no other information – nothing about its name, its price, or its specs.
This isn’t the first time ZTE has partnered with NVIDIA to offer a market “first,” and there’s a chance we’ll get a look at the device at the upcoming Mobile World Congress. Even if that doesn’t happen, which is possible considering how close the announcement is to the event, the release date is said to be by this summer, so we’ll certainly be seeing something from them in the near future regardless. Although there’s not much on the device at this time, what we do know is that aside from running a full Tegra 4 instead of a the Tegra 4i, it’ll also have Android onboard. As a result of running the Tegra 4, the number of GPUs will be higher than would otherwise happen with the 4i, which utilizes 60 cores instead of 72. One of the big questions everyone has, of course, is whether we’ll actually have access to the handset Stateside. ZTE has rolled out some other nice smartphones that never made it our way, but if we had to guess, we’d say there’s a good chance we’ll see the handset here. Likewise, with ZTE’s other pricing, one can hope the powerhouse device will hit the sweet-spot in terms of price. [via Slashgear] |
| PlayStation 4 Remote Play will be coming to Android devices Posted: 20 Feb 2013 05:57 PM PST Sony just held its press event for the PlayStation 4 and announced the many new and exciting features that will come with the console. One of the most exciting features announced was the “Remote Play” feature that allows gamers to pause their PlayStation 4 and resume gaming on a mobile device like the PlayStation Vita. Through a recent tweet from Sony, it looks like Android owners have something to gain from the PlayStation 4 as well. The tweet, from PlayStation EU, says, “PS4 companion apps for PS Vita and tablets are coming too #PlayStation2013.” Also, from the image shown below, it looks like mobile phones may see Remote Play features as well.
Thanks to Sony and Gaikai, PlayStation’s cloud gaming service will bring a revolutionary change to game consoles. The service will allow you to stream games from your PlayStation 4 directly to your mobile device. The “mobile device” doesn’t necessarily have to be a Sony device (although I bet Sony would want it to be). It can be any Android smartphone or tablet with a decent GPU capable of handling the cloud-gaming stream. By integrating the PlayStation 4 with Android devices, Sony is opening up its market to the entirety of the Android audience. Many Android users will be pleased to know that they won’t have to purchase a PlayStation Vita in order to take advantage of the “Remote Play” feature. They can continue to play their PlayStation 4 games while they’re lying on their bed, or using the bathroom, straight from their Android smartphone or tablet. Alongside the Remote Play feature, there should be other apps as well that let you interact with your PlayStation 4 games. Evolution Studios, the creator of DRIVE CLUB, stated that their game will be 24/7 untethered. There was a glimpse of a tablet being used to control aspects of the game. Perhaps DRIVE CLUB, and games like that, will feature a social aspect that will allow gamers to check their statistics, friend’s list, and messages through their mobile device. For more, info, you can check out the PlayStation 4 event wrap-up. [via SlashGear] |
| 3 GHz NovaThor L8580 eQuad mobile processor claims to be world’s fastest Posted: 20 Feb 2013 02:35 PM PST ST-Ericsson's NovaThor mobile processors might not be a household name, but they’ve been putting a lot of effort lately into their mobile lineup. For those that are unaware, their processors power the Galaxy S III Mini, the Sony Xperia Go, and a few other mid-range devices from yester-year. However their new quad-core 3.0 GHz silicon is claiming to be the world’s fastest mobile CPU.
We certainly have our doubts with a company like NovaThor calling their CPU the “world’s fastest” but then again a quad-core blazing at 3.0 GHz is pretty impressive. Qualcomm’s new 600 series is only 1.7 GHz, and the Tegra 4i chugs along at 2.3 GHz. This means NovaThor’s new beast gets up to some pretty high frequencies. They even go as far as to claim their new processor will be a breakthrough for mobile devices. Stating their new eQuad will offer "a real industry breakthrough in terms of speed, power consumption and overall performance.” Running on a small and efficient 28nm processor fabrication technology the L8580 3GHz eQuad is "the world's fastest smartphone processor." Or so they’d like to think. We’ll reserve judgement til we see some raw data, benchmarks, and get our hands on a device with it. Then the ST-Ericsson NovaThor L8580 eQuad offers all those other specs we’ve come to expect. Things like 4G LTE, LTE Advanced, VoLTE, HDvoice, NFC and many other leading options. ST-Ericsson states that even at these high frequencies their processors still offer over 35% better battery life than the competition. We’ll be looking for more details and getting our hands on these new chips next week at Mobile World Congress. For now more details are available from their press release. [via UnwiredView] |
| Qualcomm details ‘always-on’ Snapdragon voice activation features Posted: 20 Feb 2013 02:00 PM PST When Qualcomm announced their new Snapdragon 600 and 800 series processors earlier this year for mobile devices they left a few fancy features and details out of the picture. Today however the folks from Qualcomm are back in the news and are sharing information on multiple neat new features we’ll be seeing in upcoming Snapdragon-powered device. One being their voice activation. Read on for more details.
Earlier today we reported on their new Quick Charge 2.0 that makes smartphones with their processor charge over 75% faster than the competition, and now we’ve learned about their “always-on” voice actions. It’s called Snapdragon Voice Activation and will let users interact and wake up their device all by voice. Essentially you’ll be able to wake up your smartphone and turn on the screen all via voice actions. No longer will you have to reach for the phone and fumble around for the power button. Simply say the dedicated voice command (they use “Hello Snapdragon”) and the devices always-listening state will recognize that and wake up. Different manufacturers can change that to their own liking. For example “wake up HTC One” could be used by HTC. Both of the features mentioned above will be coming later in 2013 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series processor, and we can’t wait to try it out. They claim this is a secure, private, and low-power state (our phones won’t be listening to us) lets not get the conspiracy theories going. Instead it will bring truly hands-free smartphone controls to our devices later this year. Qualcomm has also confirmed "over 55 Snapdragon 800-powered devices" are already in development. So we can expect to see these awesome features in top performance smartphones soon. Who’s excited. [via Qualcomm Blog] |
| Google details everything new that arrived with Android 4.2 Posted: 20 Feb 2013 01:12 PM PST Google has recently updated their Jelly Bean page. This is the page that talks about Android 4.2 as a whole, however this update has added details on everything that has arrived new since Android 4.1. Needless to say, this page takes away the guessing and just breaks it all down. To begin with, Google describes 4.2 as bringing the speed and simplicity of Android 4.1 with new features to includes Photo Sphere, a redesigned camera app, new Gesture Typing keyboard, Google Now (with new cards) and more.
Aside from the intro style information at the top of the page, Google breaks things down by category. These begin with accessibility and run through alphabetically with Android Beam, Camera, Clock, Keyboard, Lockscreen, Notifications, System and Voice Typing concluding with Widgets. Of course, those are just a few of the categories included in this list. Google also offers a complete break down of Google Apps, Google Play, Google Search and Google Now including which cards are new. For example, the Google Now cards that have arrived since 4.2 include hotel, restaurant reservation, event, package, next appointment, movies, concerts, stocks, public alerts, developing stories and breaking news, nearby attractions, nearby photo spots and time at home. Some of these changes will likely sound familiar as they were bigger and more discussed. Take the camera for example, many are likely aware the app had been redesigned and that it arrived with Photo Sphere and a new photo editor. But on the flip side, this list details changes such as how you can now triple tap to enter a full screen magnification mode when you enable the magnification gestures. Another new and maybe not as often talked about change comes with the graphics. Specifically, 4.2 added full HDMI mirroring to include notifications and multi-display support. Android 4.2 also added support for group messaging via MMS as well as the ability to use the phone app while in landscape or while in a car dock. On the tablet front, Android 4.2 added a new 10-inch tablet UI that lets you quickly access your favorite apps from any homescreen and gives improved access to your notifications. Bottom line here, if you are lucky enough to be using a device with Android 4.2 — you will likely want to bookmark this page and spend some time reading in detail. [via Android Changes] |
| What are ultrapixels? HTC shares more details on their new camera Posted: 20 Feb 2013 12:46 PM PST HTC made a daring move with their brand new flagship smartphone the HTC One. They introduced it with only a 4 megapixel camera. At first you might be thinking they’re crazy when others all offer 8MP, and new devices are rocking 13MP cameras and beyond. However with cameras, especially smartphones, it isn’t the quantity that counts — it’s the quality. The term ‘ultrapixel’ is just their way of saying that the quality of the sensor beats the rest with big numbers.
We’ve been saying this for a long time, and it isn’t about the number of pixels, but the quality of the pixels. That’s why a 5 megapixel iPhone takes way better photos than the 8MP camera on the DROID Bionic. It’s all about the quality, processing, and delivery. With HTC’s new One smartphone the Ultrapixel camera has a far superior and larger pixel sensor. This is why they claim it will be the best camera-phone available. Not only will the camera take clearer and better pictures, but the lowlight performance should be unparalleled by any other smartphone available today. HTC explains their larger 4 ultrapixel sensor captures 300% more light than the leading 13 megapixel smartphones like the LG Optimus G. That’s a bold claim. Here’s a better description of the new ‘Ultrapixel’ camera and sensor:
things like Optical image stabilizer (OIS), lens compensation and color shading, on-demand denoise, large f/2.0 aperture and more means users not only get fantastic pictures, but they’ll also look great in any condition and have less blur or grainy affects. Then HTC go as far as to compare their camera to the Galaxy S III, iPhone 5, Xperia Z and its 13 megapixel shooter and more. Taking multiple photos in different low light situations, the HTC One clearly outshines all of the competition. With millions and millions of people using their phones as their primary camera, this is an area that can’t go unnoticed. They’ve set out to make the best camera for our smartphones – and feel they’ve delivered just that.
So in the end HTC didn’t reinvent the camera on our phones, but the idea is in the right direction. Of course our limited hands-on time with the smartphone during yesterdays unveiling we didn’t get a chance to fully enjoy the camera. You can expect plenty of pictures and sample photos and video in our full review once the HTC One starts hitting retailers in early March.       |
| Republic Wireless lowers the price of entry to $99.99 Posted: 20 Feb 2013 12:36 PM PST Republic Wireless is the company offering the $19 per month unlimited smartphone service. The one catch though, while the monthly price is super low, the handset purchase price may have kept some from using Republic Wireless. You see, the carrier only offers one phone, the Motorola DEFY XT and previously — the handset was $249. As of today however, that price has been cut.
Republic Wireless has lowered the price quite a bit in fact. The handset price has dropped to $99. But like we often see, that new lower price does come with a small catch in that the monthly service price increases a bit. Those who grab the DEFY XT at $99 will have to pay $29 for the monthly service. Before anyone gets upset that Republic Wireless is raising the monthly rates, read on for the rest. Those willing and/or able to pay the full $249 for the handset will still get the monthly service for $19 per month. Basically, you now have the option to decide whether you want to pay more up front, or more down the line. Otherwise, regardless of which option you choose in terms of handset and monthly service price — you will still be getting the same device and same level of service. The DEFY XT is running Android 2.3 and sporting features to include a 3.7-inch display, 1GHz processor and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera. The handset is dust-proof, water-resistant and uses the Sprint network for connectivity. The service plan is unlimited and contract free. In that respect, not much to decide or worry about aside from which price you want to pay. Finally, for a limited time, DEFY XT purchases from Republic Wireless will include a $50 Google Play Store credit. Device Info
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Dimension & Weight
Battery & Power
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Hardware
 Cellular Network
Device Connectivity
 [via Republic Wireless] |
| Google Drive Android app update brings video streaming and more Posted: 20 Feb 2013 12:11 PM PST The latest update for the Google Drive app has landed in the Google Play Store. The update is probably not what could be considered major, however there does seem to be enough to consider it worthwhile. Those updating will see the version number go up to 1.1.592.10 and that will bring some performance improvements and bug fixes as well as two new features.
Google didn’t specify the specific performance improvements and instead have said that they are “across the whole app.” The same goes for the bug fixes, Google described this as the general sounding “bug fixes and other improvements.” Both points were nice to see, but again, nothing that will have anyone overly excited. After all, the Google Drive app on Android (at least in our experience) had been pretty solid. Moving on and we come to the first of the two new features — pinch to zoom. More specifically, this update brought pinch to zoom support in the presentation viewer. This one will probably be a bit more beneficial for those on a smartphone with a smaller screen as opposed to someone with a larger smartphone or tablet, but either way, you can now zoom while in the presentation viewer. The video streaming support. This one comes with a catch in support. While the Google Drive app supports Froyo (2.2) or later, the streaming video is only for those running Honeycomb (3.0) or later. Needless to say, it is simple enough — once your video is uploaded to Drive you will be able to stream it directly in the app. Just click the video and then click the “open” to begin playing. Other options for the videos including making it available for offline use and seeing who has access to the video. [via Google Play Store] |
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