Android Community |
- Google Translate for Android update brings offline language packs
- BlackBerry users getting 20 percent of apps from Android
- LG Nexus 4 heads to Brazil at Ponto Frio and more
- Google Maps update brings live departure times and service alerts
- Google posts ‘Featured apps for Tablets’ list with over 130 suggestions
- Gameloft releases Dungeon Hunter 4 teaser trailer
- OUYA and MakerBot partnership will allow for DIY 3D case printing
- T-Mobile considering an “anytime upgrade” club
- Sony Xperia Tablet Z UK availability pegged for May 20
- Pebble smartwatch firmware update brings shutdown fix
- Amazon smartphone expected with 4.7-inch display
- Fieldrunners 2 for Android set for release in April
- Flipboard 2.0 unveiled ahead of release on Android
- Plants vs. Zombies 2 coming in “early summer”
- Pole Star indoor GPS service will support Android
- My Purchases makes it easy to see your Google Play purchase history
- BIONIC software creates a distributed smartphone computer system
- BlueAnt Q3 Bluetooth headset let’s Android users speak text messages
- Motorola: DROID Bionic Jelly Bean update coming in Q2
- Duck Retro Hunt brings nostalgia and 8-bit gaming to Android
| Google Translate for Android update brings offline language packs Posted: 27 Mar 2013 11:44 AM PDT Google has announced the latest update for the Translate app on Android. The update is currently available from the Google Play Store and brings support for offline language translation. Basically, this means that you will now be able to get language translations without having a network connection. Of course, that is assuming you have downloaded the offline language pack prior to losing that connectivity.
Aside from a little pre-planning being involved, this is actually a welcomed addition for Google Translate. The offline support is available for devices running Android 2.3 or later. The app (without the offline support) remains available for devices running Android 2.1 or later. The language support now includes fifty languages. We suspect the language packs will vary in size from language to language, however in our testing the Greek language pack measured in at just shy of 160MB in size. The set-up process is simple and requires nothing more than choosing the “offline languages” selection from the menu. From here you then choose the language, or languages that you want to download for offline use.
While this all sounds pretty good so far, there is one point to mention. Google has said “the offline models are less comprehensive than their online equivalents.” Otherwise, this update also added the ability to translate vertical text in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean with the camera on your phone (or tablet). [via Official Android Blog] |
| BlackBerry users getting 20 percent of apps from Android Posted: 27 Mar 2013 11:12 AM PDT The BlackBerry Z10 smartphone was announced a short while back and recently came available with both AT&T and T-Mobile. Time will tell how well received the handset will be, however the one argument that we keep seeing comes to the apps. And in the case of the BlackBerry — that may be better classified as a lack of apps. That is not to say BlackBerry users are necessarily missing everything though, they do have 100,000 apps available.
The interesting part with that number is where they are coming from. Of those 100,000 apps, it was said that nearly 20 percent are ported Android apps. While there is a decent amount of Android app ports, some are being brought over with BlackBerry specific features having been added. For example, Amazon added features to the ported Kindle app and eBay added push notifications. Regardless of whether some of these apps are having BlackBerry specific features added, this sort of makes it sound like BlackBerry users may be somewhat dependent on Android apps for daily use. That thought aside, we should mention this bit of information has arrived by way of Martyn Mallick, who is BlackBerry's vice president for global alliances and business development. Basically, that is just to say these are solid numbers and not something based on rumor. Anyway, Mallick believes that BlackBerry users deserve to have great content and that using the Android emulation is “a very nice on-ramp” to get some of the more popular apps on the platform and that this is the fastest way to make that happen. We suspect some Android users may get a chuckle out of this, or for that matter may even take some strange sense of fanboy pride in this. Thankfully though, this is not where BlackBerry plans to stop in terms of getting apps and attracting developers. Mallick has even said that some of the developers who originally ported an app are now committing to native app development. [via AllThingsD] |
| LG Nexus 4 heads to Brazil at Ponto Frio and more Posted: 27 Mar 2013 11:03 AM PDT For all of our friends and readers in South America, it looks like Google’s popular and amazing LG Nexus 4 has finally made it down to your part of the world. The Nexus 4 is available starting today in Brazil for those interested in picking up Google’s latest and greatest flagship smartphone.
After way too long of a wait it looks like all those in Brazil that have been dying to get their hands on a Nexus 4, without importing one, will now be able to do so with ease. Today Google’s own Hugo Barra announced the details right on Google+, as well as where you can get one starting this afternoon. Google’s flagship LG Nexus 4 quad-core smartphone with a 4.7-inch HD display and 8 megapixel camera can be found in Ponto Frio, as well as Fast Shop. If Google Translate is doing things right this is the first Nexus to launch in Brazil, and comes at the perfect time as it has some amazing features. As you all probably already know the Nexus 4 comes with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, Google Now voice actions, photo sphere camera features and much much more. For those looking for more details on the Nexus 4 feel free to check out the various content and our full review linked to below. Some Google+ comments sound like the price isn’t too good down in Brazil, but if you’re interested go and grab one now! Device Info
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| Google Maps update brings live departure times and service alerts Posted: 27 Mar 2013 10:22 AM PDT Google has recently detailed an update that may benefit those in Salt Lake City, New York City and Washington DC. The update deals specifically with mass transit and means access to live departure times and live service alerts. The catch here, these two additions will not be available for all users. Basically, the departure times are for those in Salt Lake City and New York City and the service alerts will be for those in Washington DC.
Breaking this down a bit further and we have live departure times for seven of the lines on the New York City subway system and also for buses and trams in the greater Salt Lake City area. The service alerts will be for riders of the Metrorail system in Washington DC and will offer the service alerts as well as details of unplanned delays and scheduled track work. New additions aside, the transit information from Google Maps now includes everything from pick-up locations and fare amounts to departure times and your estimated travel time. This information is now available for more than 800 cities across more than 25 countries. Google notes that means “information for 100 million miles of daily public transit.” Those rocking an Android device will likely already have Google Maps installed, however the latest version is of course — available by way of the Google Play Store. All said and done, Google appears to be taking away some of the annoyances that are often associated with using public transportation. [via Google Maps Blog] |
| Google posts ‘Featured apps for Tablets’ list with over 130 suggestions Posted: 27 Mar 2013 10:14 AM PDT Today the folks from Mountain View are back at it showing all of us Android faithful just how good their tablet app selection really is. We all know that Android’s tablet app list isn’t the biggest or the best, but with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich blending the OS the amount of quality tablet apps is on the rise. Check out the updated staff picks by Google below.
Today Google has released a new and improved list of their “featured apps for tablets” and this time it’s 5 pages long. Showing off nearly 130 different apps that they’ve deemed great for your favorite Android tablet. Whether you’re rocking the Nexus 7, a Transformer Pad Infinity, or that popular Nexus 10 they’ve got you covered. Interestingly enough many popular tablet games like ShadowGun and Dead Trigger that were on previous lists have now been removed. We guess that makes sense given they wanted to highlight and showcase some new apps you’ve possibly never seen before. Google obviously lists classics like Temple Run, Angry Birds, and a few others, but also have Real Racing 3, and tons of apps and games I’ve never seen before listed.
The image above is just 12 apps on the first page, but Google’s added over 130 tablet-specific apps and staff pics to more than 5 pages of quality suggestions. If you’ve been looking for a new awesome app to try, or a game to consume the week (not Bioshock Infinite) then check out the list at the Play Store by clicking here. [via @GooglePlay] |
| Gameloft releases Dungeon Hunter 4 teaser trailer Posted: 27 Mar 2013 09:47 AM PDT Today we have a few exciting things coming from Gameloft. While we’re waiting for them to unveil their new Iron Man 3 game for Android, today they’re teasing the 4th release to their extremely popular RPG game. All you die hard RPG fans will be happy to know that Dungeon Hunter 4 is coming soon – and looks pretty amazing. Check out the video below with gameplay footage.
Gameloft is no stranger to teasing games before they are released, and today they are doing just that with the latest Dungeon Hunter. This is by far one of their more popular series just like Asphalt, and DH3 alone has nearly 100,000 installs and tons of players. The evil is back yet again and are bigger and wicked as ever. The graphics look great too. Their acclaimed action RPG series has continued to improve and evolve with each new release, and Gameloft is promising Dungeon Hunter 4 will be the best one yet. Calling it the “most immersive, accomplished and addictive chapter yet” in the RPG saga. Without further chatting, enjoy the quick teaser video. As always, the game is coming to iPhone, iPad, and Android as stated by Gameloft at the end of all their videos. We’ve been waiting for them to start releasing games on both platforms at the same time, and have done so a few times, but we’ll have to wait and see. Gameloft promised exactly that back last year but for them that’s been easier said than done. In Dungeon Hunter 4 a Hero will rise to save the city. Will that be you? [via Twitter] |
| OUYA and MakerBot partnership will allow for DIY 3D case printing Posted: 27 Mar 2013 09:34 AM PDT If you were one of the many backers of the OUYA game system, or are still planning to make a purchase once the console comes available in retail outlets — you may be interested in this latest partnership. The folks at OUYA have partnered with MakerBot and are offering plans that will allow users to have their own 3D console case printed.
This is coming by way of the “OUYA MakerBot 3D Printing Development Kit” which is currently available from the Thingiverse.com website. This kit will include a 3D template and specs that can be used to print a console of your own design. Basically, that is to say you will be able to print out an OUYA console case with custom patterns and colors. These plans have been optimized for the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer which means the console will be printed with rugged PLA materials. There will also be an option available for those with a bit more experience in 3D printing. This means printing using ABS on the MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printer. Aside from the printing of cases, the OUYA console is just about ready to begin shipping. Remember, the shipping date was previously announced as March 28 — as in tomorrow. Those initial shipments will be for those who backed the project on Kickstarter. Shipments for those who pre-ordered on the OUYA website will follow and the retail availability is still set for June. [via SlashGear]    |
| T-Mobile considering an “anytime upgrade” club Posted: 27 Mar 2013 09:08 AM PDT We have heard plenty from T-Mobile over the past few days. They recently held their UNcarrier press event which detailed everything from the 4G LTE devices they have (and will have) available, to the new plans and even a bit about their new advertising campaign. And well, while we have seen plenty of official details, it looks like there may also be some other stuff still in the works.
One of the items that appears to still be in the early stages is an upgrade program. This one looks like it will be good for those who prefer to always have the latest and greatest. The details have this pegged as being an “anytime upgrade” plan. This plan would allow T-Mobile customers to upgrade as often as two times per year. Users would be required to sign up for this specifically and it will mean paying a membership fee. T-Mobile has yet to offer many specifics here, however it was said that members would be required to pay a “very small” membership fee. In addition to being able to upgrade two times per year, these users would also have insurance on their handsets. There is obviously still plenty of details needed before we can say how nice (or how bad) this setup would be, however it does have us more than a bit curious. Anyway, this would be just another method of trying to shake up the wireless industry. As it stands, contracts and device pricing is often complained about. One of the nice parts about this new initiative from T-Mobile is how they dropped the contract part. Of course, you still have to pay for the device somehow and with T-Mobile that will come in the form of monthly payments. On that note, our sister-site SlashGear recently took an in-depth look at what this all means. You can read that post here, however we will offer the warning — they are using an iPhone 5 as the example. [via CNET] |
| Sony Xperia Tablet Z UK availability pegged for May 20 Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:19 AM PDT We had known that Sony was going to be launching the Xperia Tablet Z in Japan on March 22 and we recently saw the device make an appearance with the FCC ahead of a US release. As of today though, we have some details for those hoping to pick up the Xperia Tablet Z in the UK — a release is coming and pre-orders are already available.
Basically, it looks like a release date has been posted. The details are coming by way of UK retailer Clove who has recently updated their pre-order listing with a shipping date of May 20. This particular listing is for the LTE enabled model with a price point of £416.00 (or £499.20 with VAT being included). Otherwise, aside from news of an availability date — the specs remain the same as we have seen and include Android 4.1 Jelly Bean along with a 10.1-inch (1920 x 1200) display, quad-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm S4 processor, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. The tablet also has a microSD card slot, 6000 mAh battery, 2 megapixel front-facing camera and 8 megapixel rear-facing camera. Network connectivity will come in the form of 4G LTE on 800, 850, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz and 3G HSPA on 850, 900 and 2100 MHz. The Xperia Tablet Z also sports an IP57 rating which makes it both water and dust resistant. That all being said, we spent a bit of hands-on time with the Xperia Tablet Z a short while back and you can see that footage in the above video. [via Clove Blog] Device Info
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| Pebble smartwatch firmware update brings shutdown fix Posted: 27 Mar 2013 07:50 AM PDT Some Pebble smartwatch users had recently been complaining about an issue that caused the watch to go dead after a shutdown. The folks at Pebble note that this issue was affecting some users with firmware 1.8.x and 1.9 and it was due to the Pebble’s MCU not being “correctly reconfigured prior to entering shutdown.” Technical reason aside, there is a bit of good news for all Pebble users.
This issue has been resolved. The resolution comes in the form of firmware 1.9.1 which is now available. This firmware update brings a fix that “ensures the necessary reconfiguration is always performed before shutting down.” Bottom line here, Pebble users should’t have to worry about this issue moving forward. Those already affected by the issue can also request an RMA from Pebble. The support page details a few options to try before requesting the RMA, however the Pebble crew appears ready to take care of anyone with a Pebble that died as a result of this issue. One of the items to try includes making sure your Pebble is fully charged (plugged in for at least three hours) and then holding the Select button for 15-20 seconds in an attempt to reboot the watch. In addition to the firmware 1.9.1 update, the Pebble app has also recently been updated for Android users. This update arrived about a week ago and brought the app up to version 1.6.15. More important though, the app update brought “assorted” stability improvements as well as several fixes to include one that caused Gmail messages to not generate a watch notification. [via Pebble Support Center] |
| Amazon smartphone expected with 4.7-inch display Posted: 27 Mar 2013 07:25 AM PDT This isn’t the first time we have heard of the Amazon smartphone. In fact, this has been popping up in rumor form for quite some time now. Back in December we had heard chatter about the smartphone being made by Foxconn and earlier in the month a rumor came to light suggesting a release was coming in June.
Time will tell just how accurate a June release (or announcement) will be, but we do caution on that this is not the first time we had heard details of the sort. If you remember back to September 2012 — a release rumor came and went without actually happening. Needless to say, we remain curious and as such, it looks like some new Amazon smartphone rumors have surfaced. This latest is coming by way of DigiTimes who are reporting the Amazon smartphone will launch with a 4.7-inch display. This goes against previous rumors that had the display pegged as being 4.3-inches. The reasoning for the larger display is said to have come from Amazon seeing increased demand for smartphones with larger displays. Further details in this report are calling for a release in the second quarter of 2013. Some of the other specs have also said to have been enhanced, however this particular report doesn’t go into any other specifics on the specs. Otherwise, in regards to the possibility of a second quarter release, it was also said that could be delayed to due the Foxconn production process not being “as smooth as expected.” [via DigiTimes] |
| Fieldrunners 2 for Android set for release in April Posted: 27 Mar 2013 06:58 AM PDT Fieldrunners HD has been available in the Google Play Store for some time now. We should also point out that Subatomic Studios recently rolled out an update that took care of some memory issues. But perhaps more important for today — we have word of the follow up on Android. Subatomic Studios has announced that Fieldrunners 2 will be available for Android in April.
Basically, it looks like users have a few weeks wait ahead of them. Those who simply must have it now — there is an option available. Subatomic Studios has announced a beta and there is the option to sign up for the program now. The developer has said the development for Fieldrunners 2 is “almost complete” so we aren’t sure exactly what that will mean for beta users. Maybe some bugs, maybe some crashes. Of course, that is part of what makes something beta. Anyway, those who get accepted in the beta program will have different builds sent to them by email. Users will need to be comfortable with sideloading apps, but otherwise, you should also be ready and willing to provide some feedback. After all, the idea of a beta is to clear any potential issues before a public release. Subatomic Studios hasn’t said how many beta slots are open, however they did mention that “the sooner you sign up, the more likely you will be to get included.” Interestingly enough, they also mentioned the bit about how the beta will “undoubtedly” be leaked and those with a must have attitude will likely be able to torrent it. You know, just in case you don’t make it into the beta program. We should also mention, those accepted in the beta program will be getting the first level of Grasslands and the tutorial (not the complete game). [via Subatomic Studios] |
| Flipboard 2.0 unveiled ahead of release on Android Posted: 27 Mar 2013 06:42 AM PDT Flipboard version 2.0 has officially been announced. The disappointing part is that it has already been made available for iOS users as those rocking an Android device will have a few weeks to wait. The folks at Flipboard have said that version 2.0 will be available for Android users next month. Just in case you needed a bit of extra teasing, this update is being touted as a “major new edition.”
In fact, it is said that Flipboard 2.0 will bring “treats for everyone from the casual reader to the power user.” Part of the 2.0 update is the ability to create a personal magazine. Flipboard has said that v2.0 will allow users to collect and save items including articles and images as well as audio and video and then organize that content into a magazine. That magazine can then be kept private, or shared out with others. This Flipboard update also includes a new bookmarklet. Using the “Flip It” bookmarklet will allow you to save pages during the day and have them ready for when you have time to sit back and read. There will also be a section called “By Our Readers” which can be found in the Content Guide. This section will offer a selection of magazines from staff as well as select users that had been part of the Flipboard 2.0 beta program. Additionally, Flipboard 2.0 will add a new visual Content Guide that includes notifications, commenting, recommended reading, subsections within partner magazines, fast section switching and an option to integrate the Facebook Open Graph which Flipboard has said will bring your “activity to your Facebook page in more meaningful ways.” Finally, you can also check out the “Welcome to Flipboard 2.0″ video above to get a look at some of these new features in action. [via Inside Flipboard] |
| Plants vs. Zombies 2 coming in “early summer” Posted: 27 Mar 2013 06:20 AM PDT PopCap had previously announced they were working on a sequel to Plants vs. Zombies. We heard this way back in August of 2012, however it looks like we are now being given an updated timeline as to that release. The sequel will be arriving as Plants vs. Zombies 2.
According to PopCap, the game is set to arrive in “early summer.” This of course, has changed from the previous timeline of “late spring 2013.” Bottom line, it looks like fans of Plants vs. Zombies will soon be playing the long awaited follow-up. This also sounds like a good time to fire up the original and do a bit of playing in anticipation of the release. The unfortunate part here is that PopCap has released few details as to what we can expect with Plants vs. Zombies 2. This latest news came with nothing and the previous announcement included just the basics. PopCap had said that Plants vs. Zombies 2 would launch with “a bevy of new features, settings and situations.” Otherwise, while we remain in a waiting mode for the Android version of Plants vs. Zombies 2, there is some news on a new game that can be played on Facebook. PopCap has announced Plants vs. Zombies Adventures. The game is currently available in a closed beta period, however PopCap has said that we can expect to see “wider availability this spring.” |
| Pole Star indoor GPS service will support Android Posted: 27 Mar 2013 05:35 AM PDT I think most of us know from experience that trying to find your way around a large indoor location such as a convention center or an unfamiliar mall can be very challenging. You can wander around in unfamiliar mall looking for a specific store or finally break down and ask some complete stranger where the store you need is located. Another option is a new application for Android devices called Pole Star.
Pole Star is an indoor GPS navigation company with smartphone applications that allows large venues such as shopping malls, airports, universities, and museums to deploy indoor location services within days rather than months at a lower cost. The service is supported via apps for Android devices and other smartphones. Pole Star says that unlike so many other indoor GPS navigation companies out there, it already has paying customers. The service is currently in use in malls all across Europe and Charles de Gaulle airport. The indoor GPS applications and service allows users to get turn-by-turn directions inside the building just as they would outdoors with traditional GPS. That means in a mall that has the service available, you can get directions from where you’re standing directly to the store you’re looking for. The service will be another alternative to Google’s own indoor Google Maps that covers 10,000 floor plans in 13 countries. The potential benefit for Pole Star is that it’s service will allow navigation for group when not everyone uses Android devices. You can learn more about Pole Star in the video below. [via Forbes] |
| My Purchases makes it easy to see your Google Play purchase history Posted: 27 Mar 2013 05:25 AM PDT One of the things that can be a pain to do when you upgrade your Android device is to be sure you’ve downloaded all of your apps from your old device. The easiest way to do that is to look back at your purchase history, but finding that purchase history can be a pain. This is where an app called My Purchases comes in.
The My Purchases app is free to download and allows you to easily view your download history for both free and purchased apps. My Purchases is available in a free version or a Pro version. In addition to checking your purchase history for apps, the application also supports the purchase history for other media types. Using My Purchases you can see purchases of music, devices, movies, and TV shows made via Google Play. If you’re looking at apps, you can easily download them again by tapping them within the My Purchases application. The free and Pro version of the app have the same functionality. The only difference between the two versions, other than the $1.29 purchase price of the Pro version, is that the free version is ad supported and the paid Pro version removes all of those ads. My Purchases is available for download right now. [via CNET] |
| BIONIC software creates a distributed smartphone computer system Posted: 27 Mar 2013 05:14 AM PDT If you’re a computer user, you’re probably familiar with distributed computing systems that take a bunch of different computers and harness their power to perform one task. One notable distributed computing system that used software running on thousands of computers around the country and the world was SETI@Home. Another example of distributed computing is Folding@Home.
A professor named David Anderson from Berkeley University, the guy behind SETI@Home, has created a distributed computing platform using software called BIONIC. BIONIC stands for Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing. Anderson and his team have been working on porting that software program over to Android devices. The professor and his team are building the software to run on both Android smartphones and tablets. According to Anderson, Android tablets and smartphones have CPUs and GPUs that are powerful enough to help feed the massive distributed computing system Berkeley has helped to create. The designers also created the smartphone and tablet software to be smart enough to shut down when temperatures of the mobile devices get too high. A group of students attempted to migrate BIONIC to the Android platform all the way back in 2008, but the so-called BIONICOID project never really got off the ground. Over the next few months Anderson expects that apps will be released that can help analyze data for Einstein@Home, which is an effort to discover pulsars, black holes, and gravitational waves. Anderson also notes that the apps won’t be offered for Apple devices because Apple doesn’t allow applications that tap into the processor inside the mobile device. [via Wired] |
| BlueAnt Q3 Bluetooth headset let’s Android users speak text messages Posted: 27 Mar 2013 05:00 AM PDT In many states around the country making calls without using a hands-free device while driving is illegal. That means that for many people, a Bluetooth headset or other hands-free device is required. Back during CES 2013 a company called BlueAnt unveiled a new premium Bluetooth headset called the Q3.
This Bluetooth headset has a lot of interesting features, and has one that many Android users will really appreciate. The headset sports Google Voice Actions integration with a double tap of the command button. Using the Google Voice Actions integration users can dictate a text message and perform other tasks using their voice. The headset also supports streaming Bluetooth audio for music, podcasts, or GPS directions. The device will announce the name of an incoming caller and you can answer or ignore the call from the headset. The Q3 also supports smartphone battery notifications. If you have multiple wireless devices, the headset can be paired to two phones at the same time. The device promises up to seven hours of use on a single charge and up to 180 hours of standby time per charge. BlueAnt uses a number of different technologies for optimum audio including the ability to talk clearly in wind speeds of up to 22 mph. The headset is available right now for $99. [via BlueAnt] |
| Motorola: DROID Bionic Jelly Bean update coming in Q2 Posted: 26 Mar 2013 03:49 PM PDT Motorola has been working pretty hard on their software updates lately, and one that I’m sure many of you have been dying to get news regarding is the popular DROID Bionic. After launching an update timeline website full of details, many were wondering when they’d see an update. Today however Motorola’s just confirmed when the Bionic can expect to see those Jelly Bean features.
DROID Bionic owners have notably waited months to get updated from 2.3 Gingerbread to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and it looks like the same situation will follow for Jelly Bean. We’ve watched the RAZR HD, original RAZR, and even the DROID 4 slider all recieve Jelly Bean. All the while the Bionic and Moto Tablets are now the only ones left waiting. Motorola’s roadmap originally didn’t give us anything to get hopeful about, and didn’t say anything regarding an actual timeframe for an update to the Bionic, but today that changed. According to Droid-Life Motorola changed their update page today stating the Bionic will in fact receive Jelly Bean in Q2 of this year. So hopefully soon but it could be 2-3 months.
We had heard rumors the update was potentially coming soon, but this confirms it won’t be arriving in Q1 (which is about to end) and now the timeframe for Q2 is wide open. However, this is good news because at least the Bionic will see the update. Now all we need is a confirmation on the date or a leak and we’ll be set. Stay tuned! [via Motorola] Device Info
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| Duck Retro Hunt brings nostalgia and 8-bit gaming to Android Posted: 26 Mar 2013 03:31 PM PDT Whoa! For everyone that had any sort of childhood or fun in the late 80′s and early 90′s the game Duck Hunt needs absolutely zero introduction. Irritating dogs laughing at you when your aim is terrible and you can’t shoot those beautiful 8-bit ducks. Oh, the memories. Well today we get that same classic 8-bit fun mixed in with some 2013 style augmented reality on Android. Check it out below.
The game was just released yesterday for Android, and they’re calling it Duck Retro Hunt saying classic 8-bit meets Augmented Reality. Not only that, this game also makes full use of the gyroscope in our smartphones so aiming – while not easy – doesn’t have to be done with on-screen controls. I’m getting excited just talking about it. If anyone fought over that plastic orange Nintendo gun with their siblings, only to get another turn at Duck Hunt or the original Mario Brothers than you’ll surely love this game on Android. Instead of filling you with words of nostalgia just enjoy the launch trailer below for an idea of the AR aspects. Now this isn’t the first Duct Hunt clone we’ve seen, but it’s the first that has a useful and decent gyroscope system in place for controls and aiming. The AR was pretty silly and choppy, but regular gaming was fine in all that 8-bit glory. Oh man, I know what I’m doing for the rest of the evening. Get the free version by clicking here, they also have a paid ad-free version on the Google Play Store. [via AndroidPolice] |
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