Friday, March 1, 2013

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Pandora to limit free listening on mobile to 40 hours per month, founder explains it’s a necessary evil

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 03:44 PM PST

Do you listen to Pandora on your Android phones and tablets? If so, this news is rather important to you. Pandora has recently revealed that it would soon begin limiting free, mobile listening to 40 hours per month. Before you start getting that kerosene torch out, founder Tim Westergren wanted to explain why, exactly, Pandora had to make the change.

Tim says per-track royalties have increased 10-fold over the years, with the expenses growing more than 25% over the last three years. A good chunk of that — about 9% — came in 2013, and the royalties are expected to grow 16% over the next couple of years. Most users shouldn’t be affected, apparently, as less than 4% of monthly active Pandora listeners are said to be in the cross-fires of this unfortunate situation.

In fact, Tim says the average listener only listens to about 20 hours of music per month, so a great deal of you probably won’t notice anything at all. The change will help offset the burden of cost put on Pandora’s back by the music companies. That said, if you are in that minority of listeners who will be affected by the change you can do one of four things:

  • Lower your listening rate (desktop listening is still completely unlimited, so try and move your tunes over to a PC whenever possible).
  • Pay $.99 once you hit the limit to get an unlimited allowance until the end of that month.
  • Pay $2.99 per month for Pandora One, which includes commercial-free radio and an unlimited listening rate.
  • If all else fails, bail ship and find a different service.

Those are some inexpensive prices so if you really love Pandora and you really can’t bring yourself under 40 hours per month then it’s a great route to consider. I still personally believe that a Pandora One subscription should free me of the dastard six skips per hour limit, but perhaps that will be addressed another day. Anywho, if none of this is bothering you then continue to rock on.

[via Pandora]

ASUS MeMo Pad Smart 10 launching March 5th

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 02:58 PM PST

ASUS’ inexpensive 10-inch slate, the MeMo Pad Smart 10, has long been priced at $300, but we finally have a release date to look forward to. We should see it arriving in stores around March 5th. This isn’t meant to headline the Taiwanese company’s tablet lineup, but for $300 they are offering a very compelling option for anyone who needs a tablet in this range.

The 10-inch tablet will have a 1280×800 resolution and come with Tegra 3 circuitry. Its construction is largely plastic, there are no fancy keyboard docks to fit it inside, and you’re only getting 1GB of RAM with 16GB of internal storage. In other words, it’s good for the price but it won’t be winning any awards for best Android tablet anytime soon.

That said, it does seem to be a very nice option for anyone who needs a tablet but can’t justify the $400-500 that more premium options typically go for. We’ll let you know where, exactly, you can find one of these once they go live at retailers next week.

[via Liliputing]

AT&T 4G LTE expands in Texas

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 02:47 PM PST

AT&T has announced that its 4G LTE network has expanded to more parts of Texas. This isn’t a huge push by any stretch of the imagination, but any progress is good progress. Folks in the charming Corpus Christi market will be able to enjoy the super fast 4G LTE speeds, and near Austin you’ll start to see more coverage in Marble Falls, Burnet, Bertram, and Round Mountain.

Of course, you’ll need a device capable of jumping onto these juicy airwaves so something like the HTC One X+, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 or the Samsung Galaxy S3 should, or countless other LTE-equipped phones, tablets and hotpsot devices, should be of interest. If you already have an LTE-capable device and you live in the aforementioned markets be sure to turn those radios on and see just how fast the network can be for yourself.

[via AT&T 1, 2]

Toy Story: Smash It! brings a great new puzzle game to Android [VIDEO]

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 01:41 PM PST

Disney is bringing the great Toy Story franchise over to Android with its latest release. Toy Story: Smash It! is now available in the Play Store, and it’s a 3D puzzle game that can be likened to Angry Birds. You control Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and some of the rest of the gang as you throw balls at imperfect structures to try and knock out those ugly green aliens (who, for whatever reason, are dressed up in wild western garb).

Aside from giving me a rush of happier times as a child, the game is quite colorful, true to the Toy Story atmosphere, and best of all, it’s only $.99. Take a look at the trailer above, and if you decide it’d be something you’d enjoy then throw some change at it in the Google Play Store.

Real Racing 3 hits Android with freemium model

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 01:22 PM PST

If you’ve been waiting on EA’s Real Racing 3, today’s the day you can get it… and for free, no less. It’s one of the most expansive racing titles on Android yet, with over 45 cards from the likes of Porsche and Lamborghini to hit the tarmac with. You can race in over 900 events, and races can have up to 22 different participants at the same time.

Is there a catch? Of course there’s a catch! You’re going to be asked to cough up some dough for some of the more “premium” features the game has to offer, but it should be playable even if you don’t want to spend a dime. Basically, you’re going to get out of it what you put into it, and that’s what the freemium model is all about. Give it a go in the Google Play Store.

Google Play Books now available in India, new update in tow

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 11:55 AM PST

Our friends over in India can now purchase and read books on their Android devices (and in their browsers) as Google has made Play Books available to folks in that country. Whether or not certain Indian users can actually purchase those books due to lack of support for a great deal of credit cards and banks in that region is a different story, but if you can find some way to get your payment information onto Google Wallet then you’re in business.

Alongside that news, a new update has been issued for the app in the Google Play Store. The changelog mentions improved performance, an astounding amount of bug fixes (over 90), and new user interface tweaks. Included in said tweaks include a drop-down menu in the library view that will allow you to filter books by type, and the place name will now be identified on whichever page you’re viewing when the reading controls are visible. As with anything Google, the app is free and yours for taking in the Play Store.

[thanks Hasnain!]

Alien vs Predator: EVOLUTION now available in Google Play [VIDEO]

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 11:39 AM PST

It wasn’t long ago that Fox teased Alien vs Predator: EVOLUTION for Android, and now users will be able to get a crack at the game for themselves. Developed by Angry Mob Games, the folks behind Guerilla Bob, EVOLUTION has just launched the game in the Google Play Store. You’ll have to plop $5 onto the virtual table for this installment in an age-old franchise that never ceases to capture our attention.

EVOLUTION lets you play both sides of the coin, as you’ll control Predator in an attempt to save your clan’s completely annihilation from the alien race, while your stint as Alien will serve to help free your kind from the enslavement of the Super Predators. The game features character upgrades and abilities such as Rage Rechargers, Proximity Mines, Alien Vision, Plasma Cannons and more.

EVOLUTION includes gamepad support so be sure to hook it up to your television or monitor, or prop your smartphone or tablets up, and give it a go. AMG CEO Bogdan Iliesiu and FOX digital entertainment producer Jeff Schwartz will be holding a Reddit Q&A session at 3pm eastern at the IAmA subreddit, so be sure to grab some punch and head over there if you’re interested in speaking with the men behind this exciting release. Take a look at the game’s launch trailer above.

Google says Motorola’s device pipeline wasn’t “Wow” worthy, downplays Samsung worries

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 10:55 AM PST

Some interesting quotables have arisen from the Morgan Stanley Technology Conference today. Speaking at the conference, Google’s chief financial officer Patrick Pichette responded to questions regarding Motorola and the hardware business Google inherited. According to Pichette, Google didn’t deem anything in Motorola’s pipeline “wow” worthy by its own standards.

We may like the DROID RAZR/MAXX HD or Motorola’s Photon Q, but if the authority on Android isn’t impressed by Motorola’s latest work then perhaps our standards are being set way too low. It’s a perfect opportunity for Google to show us what “wow” could be, then, as it has a very important show coming up in the next few months. Google is rumored to be launching the “X” phone with Motorola, and it would be the first device that Google has a heavy hand in.

If you don’t remember, Google originally revealed that it had at least 12-18 months of product pipeline to get through, which likely included the aforementioned DROID RAZR/MAXX HD and the DROID RAZR M. We haven’t heard of anything else but the “X” lately so perhaps Google’s influence will finally be hitting the research and development labs and production lines of Motorola soon.

In other news, Pichette decided to address allegations that Google is worried about Samsung’s current death grip on the Android pie. You would think Google would be happy that an OEM is making money with Android, but early rumors alleged the Mountain View company actually feared Samsung would run too many competitors out of contention.

Pichette didn’t outright say that wasn’t true, but did remind us that Google has an excellent relationship with Samsung. We’re sure they do, but we also know that you can have an excellent relationship and remain worried at the same time. Google will probably never outright express its feelings on the situation, but for now that’s all we’re getting from the horse’s mouth.

[via The Verge]

Google experimenting with Linux kernel 3.8, could be readying it for Key Lime Pie

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 10:35 AM PST

Some unexciting exciting news for you today, folks, if that makes sense. Google seems to be experimenting with version 3.8 of the Linux kernel as the code was found in the company’s repositories. This normally wouldn’t mean too much to us, but with such a major jump from what’s running in Jelly Bean 4.2.2 — kernel version 3.4 — there’s reason to take notice.

For starters, this version includes more Android-related code, including driver support for NVIDIA Tegra drives, and advancements in code for Samsung Exynos DRM. Also important to us mobile folks is a lower memory footprint, with Phoronix saying it uses “a lot less memory” than versions prior. This is a huge deal for mobile, of course, where memory is more limited than on desktop and laptop computing. Finally, Samsung’s F2FS file system was merged into the kernel, a file system that’s said to be very flash-friendly.

Google is far along in these “experimental stages,” apparently, and while we might not have confirmation yet it’s possible the kernel is being readied for use inside Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. We likely won’t be getting official details regarding that particular version of Android until Google I/O this summer, so just sit back and enjoy this news for what it is for the time being.

[via Phoronix]

Nexus 4, Nexus 10 found to have OpenCL drivers

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 09:57 AM PST

Well, this is quite the interesting story. Anandtech is reporting that drivers for OpenCL, a standard that allows developers to tap into parallel computing power for multi-core GPUs and CPUs, are said to be injected in the firmwares of the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10.

It’s no secret that the likes of Samsung and Qualcomm have been testing OpenCL for their mobile chipsets, but this would mark the first known instance of OpenCL in such devices. For now, only the Mali T604 setup on the Nexus 10 and the combination of Qualcomm’s quad-core Krait CPU and Adreno 320 GPU on  the Nexus 4 are known to have it, and the claims were tested by members of the community using methods to access OpenCL and benchmarks to confirm its operation.

If you’re confused about what this means, the easiest way to explain it would be to say OpenCL allows the GPU of the chipset to help handle some of the tasks that CPUs normally do, meaning a nice bit more of computational power can be squeezed out of these devices.

It’s a technology that has been used in the desktop space for quite some time, but its arrival to mobile will be monumental to advances in the performance of embedded system-on-chip designs. This doesn’t mean much to any of us for now, but it sounds like we’re one step closer to a whole new class of power if the discovery of this technology in these particular devices are anything to go by. Developers who want to see some basic functionality of OpenCL in the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 can take a look at the sample code here.

[via Anandtech, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

OUYA shipping to Kickstarter backers March 28th, teases new exclusive project by ex-Valve designer

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 09:34 AM PST

The OUYA gaming console is almost here, folks. The Kickstarter sensation, which is an Android-powered gaming console powered by the Tegra 3 platform, will be shipping out to Kickstarter backers beginning March 28th according to the latest project update.

OUYA already has components in the factory and on the assembly line, so it’s only a matter of time before these are going right to your doorsteps. Those who backed the project have first dibs, of course, while the rest of you will have to wait until the console’s general launch in June (which OUYA assures is still on time).

Backers will be getting units so early that OUYA’s featureset won’t even be fully ready. We’re told to expect frequent updates in the weeks to come that will add new features and continue to refine the user experience. With tens of thousands of units to ship, OUYA says don’t be surprised if your tracking number — said to be headed to an inbox near you soon — estimates delivery times of 2-3 weeks.

OUYA also had some details to share about new games coming soon. It has announced a new project by Airtight Games headed up by ev-Valve game designer Kim Swift. She was partly responsible for the likes of Portal and Left 4 Dead, and while no details have come to light yet we’re sure to be in for a treat. Says Swift: “…the title will definitely appeal to core gamers in terms of skill and difficulty, it really has a completely unexpected, imaginative slant that’s totally at home on this console.”

Also teased were projects from Papo and Yo developers Minority Media, a new OUYA-exclusive title by Tripwire Interactive (alongside The Ball), and an action RPG called ChronoBlade by nWay. If that’s not enough, OUYA has announced the winners of its CREATE game jam where developers whipped up prototypes of would-be games for cash prizes:

Finally, OUYA announced that Kellee Santiago would be jumping on board as head of developer relations — or the “Developers’ best friend,” as OUYA likes to call her. She is the co-founder of thatgamecompany, the developers of one of 2012′s most critically acclaimed titles Journey. Exciting times are ahead indeed, and we’ll be right in the thick of things with an OUYA unit of our own. Be sure to check out some of our early coverage on this quirky little package and get excited as the fun will begin as early as late next month.

HTC Sense 5 headed to global One X, One X+, One S, and Butterfly

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 08:56 AM PST

Just because HTC has a new kid on the block for 2013 doesn’t mean those of you with some of its 2012 smartphones are left behind. Wondering about the fate of some of HTC’s biggest 2012 smartphones, one user on Facebook asked HTC if Sense 5.0 would be coming to the HTC One X. To everyone’s surprise, HTC responded, and even gave us even more details than was originally requested.

The company confirmed that Sense 5 would be headed to the HTC One X, HTC One X+, HTC One S, and the HTC Butterfly within the next few months. The OEM specifically mentioned that “global” variants would get it, so those of you with carrier-branded versions will likely have to wait a while longer.

HTC made it a point to mention that not everything the HTC One has would be coming to the aforementioned smartphones due to differences in hardware. We’re assuming they’re referring to HDR mode in the “UltraPixel” camera, the TV remote feature thanks to the  infrared blaster, and the new audio enhancement software made for those beautiful stereo speakers, but we’ll be reaching out to see if we can get any more specifics. To be quite honest, we’re just happy HTC decided to say anything at all — we weren’t even expecting to hear anything until the HTC One launches.

Samsung wants fans to be at Times Square for Galaxy S4 unveiling March 14th

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 08:42 AM PST

Samsung is really drumming up a lot of noise of the announcement for the Galaxy S4. The company scheduled an event in New York City on March 14th (at quite the major venue, I might add) to hold the press conference live. The general public wasn’t invited to that particular venue, but they will be able to watch a live stream via YouTube. Now, Samsung has announced another big way to keep up with all that will be going on that day.

Samsung has announced on Twitter that it would at Times Square with open arms for any fan who wants to get in on the fun. It sounds like they have something pretty big planned, though we could just as easily be getting a simple video board unveiling.

Either way, if you are going to be in New York City that day and want to feel like you’re part of the action then why not make a stop by Samsung’s place to take it all in for yourself? In the meantime, we’ll be right around the corner bringing you live coverage of everything Samsung has to show! Things kick-off 7pm local time.

[via Twitter]

Inpofi takes wireless charging on the go [VIDEO]

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 04:37 AM PST

We’ve seen wireless charging, but portable wireless charging? Inpofi is using a new technology to provide cable-free power, at home or the go. Instead of using magnetic induction, a process that generates heat pollution, Inpofi uses hardware installed in a case (and maybe soon, your phone) and the separate charging station, a computer chip the communicates between the two elements induces a charging state.

But more than just the technology behind it, Inpofi’s method allows the creation of a svelte portable charger — as in this is truly entirely wire-free. Charge the dock, slip it in your pocket, and there you go. You can charge your phone simply by carrying it around in the same pocket as the charger. It sounds too good to be true, so we were looking for a catch, but at least from our time with the devices we were unable to find any major drawbacks.

Inpofi is currently in talks with the Chinese and US governments to work toward standardizing their method, allowing them to simply license it to manufacturers and bring it to a larger audience. It will face an uphill battle, as other standards are already starting to become more widespread, but given an option Inpofi looks worth consideration as the wireless charging solution.

inpofi-1 inpofi-2 inpofi-3 inpofi-4 inpofi-6 inpofi-7

Soti’s display mirroring technology offers plenty of possibilities [VIDEO]

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 04:10 AM PST


Having an issue with your phone? Soon you could be able to receive remote diagnostics and service thanks to Soti. The company provides display mirroring technology for Android handsets that serves a myriad of purposes. Aside from allowing a remote service tech access to your phone for quick tune-up, Soti also gives you a desktop window into your Android device, allowing you to perform any action the handset is capable of straight from your desktop.

Currently Soti has a partnership with Samsung. The tech is built into the Galaxy S3, but the company is in talks with other OEMs. The goal is to provide these sort of services on a larger scale, giving everyone from the end user to the developer a great way to manipulate, control, and experience their Android device.
Posted by at 8:48 AM

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