Android Community |
- ISS suggests MetroPCS shareholders vote against T-Mobile merger
- T-Mobile’s $99 GALAXY S 4 might sound good, but is it cheapest?
- Best Buy expected to heavily promote the Samsung GALAXY S 4
- Tumblr reaches 100 million blogs, 72 million posts per day
- Angry Birds Star Wars Cloud City update now available
- Apple patents wrap-around AMOLED display tech
- GameStick to launch with Shadowgun and Smash Cops
- Google Shopping Express same day delivery service launches for testing
- Texting while driving: Nearly half of adult commuters now guilty
- AT&T GALAXY S 4 pre-orders to begin on April 16
- Samsung GALAXY S 4 pre-orders now live in the UK
- OUYA console UK pricing revealed as pre-orders come available
- Samsung GALAXY S 4 FCC filings begin to surface
- Sony rolls out Xperia TX Jelly Bean update
- InMobi App Publish app distribution platform launches
- Facebook Messenger users in the UK get VoIP calling
- Action Launcher reaches version 1.5
- Pie Controls come to CyanogenMod 10 to give you more screen real estate
- Google Glass being manufactured right here in the USA
- RunKeeper updated with 6 new languages and more features
| ISS suggests MetroPCS shareholders vote against T-Mobile merger Posted: 28 Mar 2013 11:46 AM PDT Things seemed to be going rather well in terms of the T-Mobile and MetroPCS merger. This all began as rumor back in October of last year and as of today we have seen approval after approval. In fact, the merger has been granted approval from the Department of Justice, the FCC and the Committee on Foreign Investment. Basically, that means they have received all the necessary regulatory approvals.
We have also seen a statement from the MetroPCS board urging shareholders to vote for the approval. That statement reminded shareholders that if the merger was denied, there would be “no assurance that MetroPCS will be able to deliver the same or better stockholder value." Putting the approvals and support to the side though, it looks like at least one group is not supporting the merger. That group is Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and they have recently issued a statement of their own. The ISS statement asks that MetroPCS shareholders “vote AGAINST the proposed transaction between PCS and T-Mobile USA.” Furthermore, P. Schoenfeld Asset Management LP (PSAM) has also chimed in saying how they “are extremely pleased that ISS recognizes the Proposed Transaction between MetroPCS and T-Mobile is not in the best interests of PCS shareholders.” Of course, as one would likely expect, MetroPCS has responded back with an updated statement of their own. MetroPCS has said they are disappointed in the ISS report and that they believe the “report contains material flaws and reaches the wrong conclusion.” Aside from taking that shot at ISS, MetroPCS also reminded shareholders that they could be missing out on the “compelling benefits” that will come as a result of a merger. [via Wall Street Journal] |
| T-Mobile’s $99 GALAXY S 4 might sound good, but is it cheapest? Posted: 28 Mar 2013 11:38 AM PDT So now that Samsung’s officially unveiled their new flagship GALAXY S 4 smartphone, the question is where should you get one? This week T-Mobile announced their new strategy moving forward along with their “UNcarrier” plans for mobile users, so we figured a quick AT&T comparison was in order. AT&T’s GALAXY S 4 goes up for pre-order in April for $249, while T-Mobile is asking just $99 – so who’s cheaper in the long run? Read on to find out.
Now all of this will be subjective based on the users needs and requirements from a mobile carrier, but based on raw numbers and simple math we have a quick conclusion. T-Mobile is the clear choice! Between no contracts, lower unlimited everything plans, and just $99 down you’ll end up saving over $600 vs choosing AT&T for the next 2 years. Actually around $630 from my terrible math calculations.
Above you’ll see AT&T’s Share Everything plan. You’ll be paying $249 for the GALAXY S 4 as long as you sign a 2-year contract, then paying $110 a month for the next 24 months. Add that up and it comes out to roughly $2,889 over the course of 2 years and the price of the phone. That’s for their unlimited talk/text and only 4GB of data. Now for the new T-Mobile. For more details on T-Mobile’s system moving forward check out this post. Their new UNcarrier plans offer unlimited talk/text and even unlimited data for as low as $70 per month. Compare that to AT&T’s share everything plan with unlimited talk/text and only 4GB we showed above, you’ll be forking over $40 more per month. That certainly adds up over the course of 2 years.
T-Mobile’s new system you’ll be paying $99 for the GALAXY S 4 and with no carrier contract. However, you’ll be paying $20 a month for the next 2 years to pay off that phone. So it’s like a contract, although you can leave whenever so long as you pay the phone off. $20 for 24 months, plus the $99 original cost and you’re at $579. Then paying only $70 per month for unlimited everything for 2 years – and T-Mobile’s the clear winner here. At least when it comes to the price. Final Verdict There is a lot more to this than just what we see here of course, not to mention these rates and options are likely to change – as they always do. This also only compares to AT&T, and not the other carriers. Another thing worth mentioning is T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network has just been turned on, and probably won’t be readily available like AT&T for another 4-6 months at best. That being said, their 4G HSPA+ is plenty fast and reliable. Obviously this all comes down to carrier of choice and such, but we figured you’d all like a quick and simple breakdown. So come April will you be getting the GALAXY S 4? Or maybe go with the HTC One. And if so, what carrier will you be choosing? Device Info
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| Best Buy expected to heavily promote the Samsung GALAXY S 4 Posted: 28 Mar 2013 11:03 AM PDT It is looking like the GALAXY S 4 is going to be heavily promoted at Best Buy. According to the details we are seeing, select Best Buy locations will soon begin clearing some space for Samsung mini-stores. Yes, it appears as if Samsung will soon have some dedicated space in the mobile departments. Perhaps even nicer for Samsung, it looks like there will also be some employees getting special training on the GALAXY S 4.
The details have yet to be officially announced by Samsung or Best Buy and are instead coming by way of Geek.com who are reporting that these new mini-stores will focus on the GALAXY S 4, but also show other Samsung smartphones and tablets. Basically, it sounds like Samsung will soon have a relationship that is similar to what Best Buy has with Apple. These Samsung mini-stores are expected to take up two aisles and will be sitting directly next to the regular mobile department. They will be dressed in Samsung singage and will have special places set up where shoppers will be able to demo devices and features. On that note, the Best Buy employees are being trained specially so they will be able to show off the Samsung specific features of these devices. Initially these Samsung mini-stores are expected in the more high-traffic Best Buy locations, however specific locations have yet to be revealed. Additional stores are also planned for later in the year. Given the success that Samsung has had with the Galaxy S III and the fact that the GALAXY S 4 will be launching with a wide variety of carriers — this partnership with Best Buy seems like it will only serve to further increase the market share of Samsung. [via Geek] |
| Tumblr reaches 100 million blogs, 72 million posts per day Posted: 28 Mar 2013 10:33 AM PDT Everyone can be a blogger in today’s day and age, and a lot of that we owe to Tumblr. This week we’ve learned that the massive and extremely popular social and blogging site has reached an impressive milestone in March of 2013. Tumblr now has over 100 million blogs on the site, a number which has doubled in under a year after being around 50m in April of 2012.
Tumblr is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down, and is actually increasing at a pretty rapid pace. The news today confirms that there are actually over 100 million blogs hosted across its network, all of which have accumulated a total of 44.6 billion posts. Billion with a B. Pretty mind-boggling when you really think about it. Then, what’s even more impressive of a stat if you ask me is the fact that so many of those users are still active. According to the reports on average there is around 72 million blog posts on Tumblr each and every single day. And that number is increasing by the minute. With the total amount of blogs doubling in a year, we have a feeling the amount of daily posts will soon too. For now they aren’t disclosing numbers on a wider basis, as we’d love to know just how many of those 100 million blogs are mobile or Android users. With a solid Android app that makes blogging on the go a breeze, and even a rather decent tablet app we’re pretty sure us mobile users are a big part of that number. So we have to ask, do you use Tumblr? [via SlashGear] |
| Angry Birds Star Wars Cloud City update now available Posted: 28 Mar 2013 10:21 AM PDT The teaser for the Angry Birds Star Wars Cloud City update arrived about a week ago and promised that an updated app was coming soon. Well, in a bit of good news for those still playing Angry Birds Star Wars on an Android device — your Cloud City update is ready and waiting.
Grab your device, fire up the Play Store and proceed to update. The Cloud City update is available for the free version as well as the paid (HD) version of the game and both are now sitting at v1.2.0. Once updated, Angry Birds Star Wars players will be able to explore the Could City in this new episode. Basically, what that means is 20 new levels of game play.
In addition to these new Bespin levels, there are also a few other goodies worth mentioning with this update. Rovio notes that they have added steam gameplay mechanics and also added the ability to brag about your trophy collection on Twitter. Yes, Angry Birds Star Wars now has Twitter integration. Otherwise, there is also one final bit that should be welcomed by those who consider themselves fans of Boba Fett. Rovio has added a series of Boba Fett Missions which can be unlocked and accessed by finding all five hidden rocket packs, by promotional code or by way of an in-app purchase.      |
| Apple patents wrap-around AMOLED display tech Posted: 28 Mar 2013 09:57 AM PDT Wait. What? Didn’t Samsung already have this in the works? For those that aren’t familiar Samsung has been working hard on their curved AMOLED dispaly technology, but it looks like Apple might beat them to the punch. Samsung’s YOUM display technology has been shown off many times, but Apple’s already applied for a patent of said technology.
According to the reports from AppleInsider this patent covers a curved display or a wrap-around AMOLED screen design. The images provided are obviously just illustrations and proof of concepts, but it’s pretty interesting to say the least. Look familiar to anyone? Just yesterday we reported that Samsung received and applied for more mobile patents in 2012 than anyone else, but apparently this somehow didn’t make the list. We’re not fully sure at this point, but if Apple beats them to this that could spell trouble for their future screen technology they’ve been working on for years.
Samsung’s concept device shown off working at CES had a slight curve on the side for shortcuts and notifications, but Apple details what appears to be a complete 360 degree view. An entire device wrapped in a touchscreen. That would be interesting. I want one on my wrist, running Android of course. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen curved displays and glass in the tech world, but it looks like things are getting closer and closer to it becoming a reality. Don’t expect the next iPhone to have it, but many think Samsung’s next Galaxy S 5 will. Who knows. [via SlashGear] |
| GameStick to launch with Shadowgun and Smash Cops Posted: 28 Mar 2013 09:23 AM PDT The GameStick is another of the Android based game systems that launched on Kickstarter. Some will likely also remember the OUYA, which coincidentally, began shipping today. As for the GameStick though, they have recently offered up some details on launch partners, launch titles and the GameStick Storefront.
Some of the named investors include GameStop and Adobe & Endeavour Ventures. While GameStop is certainly an interesting one to see, perhaps more important for those with a GameStick on the way — which are the titles that will be included on the system. GameStick has announced they will be shipping the console with two pre-installed games. Those games will include Shadowgun and Smash Cops and this basically means that users will be able to begin playing immediately. Of course, those two titles aside, the GameStick will also have its own store that will allow for additional game purchases. The store will be the GameStick Storefront and some of the games that will be available at launch will include Riptide, R-Type, Another World, Raiden Legacy, Ski Safari, Meganoid, Ground Effect, CatchaCatcha Aliens, Gunslugs, AfterMath, Shaqdown, Towelfight 2 and Reckless Getaway. GameStick has also said that the developer program now has more than 500 participants. That part makes it seem like it could mean good things in terms of future game releases. And in a bit of keeping up with the other console news, GameStick has also announced official support for XBMC, which just goes to say that the console should function equally nice as a media center. [via Gamasutra] |
| Google Shopping Express same day delivery service launches for testing Posted: 28 Mar 2013 08:50 AM PDT Coming off recent rumors of a same-day delivery service coming from Google, we now have an official announcement. Google has announced the Shopping Express service, which is being touted as an option to “get the items your order online the same day.” Perhaps even nicer sounding for some, Google is promising to do that “at a low cost.”
While all that sounds good so far, there is one rather big catch. At the moment, Google Shopping Express is nothing more than an experiment that is available only for those in San Francisco. That being said, those outside of the San Francisco Bay Area can hope the trial goes well and we see some wider availability. Of course, that wider availability will likely remain in bigger cities and larger markets for quite some time. Those who are eligible to participate in the testing will be able to shop with bigger retailers such as Target, Walgreens, Staples, American Eagle and Toys R Us/Babies R Us as well as with with local shops to include San Francisco's Blue Bottle Coffee, and the Bay Area's Palo Alto Toy & Sport and Raley's Nob Hill Foods. Basically, you place your order online and can have it delivered that same day. Google has said those eligible for testing will need to be located in the San Francisco Bay Area (in the city of San Francisco, and the Peninsula from San Mateo to San Jose). The pricing has yet to be finalized, however Google has said that early testers will get six months of free unlimited same-day delivery. As for future expansion, not much here aside from a bit about how the pilot program will be expanding as they work out the kinks. [via Google Commerce] |
| Texting while driving: Nearly half of adult commuters now guilty Posted: 28 Mar 2013 08:14 AM PDT There is obviously some overlap of good and bad use when it comes to a smartphone in the car. We can look towards the good being when information is feed to you such as for navigation or music. On the flip side, the bad comes when you are feeding that information such as replying to a text message or email. I am sort of touchy on this topic so I will avoid any deep ranting, however despite regularly seeing people looking at a smartphone as opposed to the road — I was still somewhat surprised by the numbers in this report.
The report comes by way of AT&T and ties in nicely with their “It Can Wait” campaign. Basically, it shows that nearly half of adult commuters are now guilty of texting while driving. And as we often look towards the adult to be a good example for the younger generation, the adults are actually worse in this instance. The report shows 49 percent of surveyed adults texting while driving. For those looking for the comparison, the teens came in with 43 percent. Better, but still pretty bad when you consider it takes only a second for something tragic to happen. Sticking on the adult commuter side here, of those surveyed, 98 percent admitted that sending a text message or email while driving is not safe. Almost everyone agrees that it is not safe, yet nearly half are still doing it. That should give everyone a bit of pause. This latest survey also shows that this is a problem that is only getting worse. It revealed that six out of ten didn’t text and drive three years ago. I tried, but here comes a bit of a rant. It takes only a split second of looking away to cause an accident. And by accident we are not only talking about hitting another car, but also swerving off the road and injuring yourself. Or for that matter, damaging your car. For all those who like to roll through a stop sign or a right on red, that is not the time to take your eyes off the road either because there may be a pedestrian close. Bottom line here, if you must check your messages while in the car have the courtesy to pull over, or at the very least, do it when you are stopped at a red light. [via AT&T] |
| AT&T GALAXY S 4 pre-orders to begin on April 16 Posted: 28 Mar 2013 07:35 AM PDT We have already seen a bit of T-Mobile related GALAXY S 4 details, however as of today we now have something from AT&T. In short, AT&T has announced the price and the upcoming pre-order availability. The price is $249.99 on a two-year agreement and pre-orders will be available beginning on April 16.
The one bit we have yet to see is when the handset will actually be available. Needless to say, we hope that date will soon be announced. For now the AT&T page for the GALAXY S 4 remains as the same as from when the handset was originally announced. That is to say it is nothing more than a coming soon teaser page. If nothing else the AT&T price did seem to come in a bit higher than expected. Or at the very least, it seems high as compared to what we have seen from T-Mobile. Of course, that $99.99 price point with T-Mobile is just the down payment and does not yet include the amount you will be paying monthly (in addition to your service bill). The other point AT&T has yet to specify is what the internal storage will be. Samsung announced the GALAXY S 4 with options for 16, 32 and 64GB. It would be nice to think that the $249.99 price point will be for the 32GB model, however time will tell just how that plays out. AT&T aside, we also still need to see some pricing details from the remaining US carriers. [via AT&T] Device Info
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| Samsung GALAXY S 4 pre-orders now live in the UK Posted: 28 Mar 2013 07:17 AM PDT Samsung will be launching the GALAXY S 4 in the UK on April 26. Given we have that date set, it seems only natural that carriers would begin sharing details and begin accepting pre-orders for the handset. Basically, it looks like the GALAXY S 4 will be available with a wide variety of carriers in the UK and as such, that means there are likely some deals to be had. Not to mention, the option to purchase either on, or off-contract.
Beginning first with some of the retailers, as opposed to the carriers. We have seen listings with Amazon, Carphone Warehouse and with Phones 4U. The pricing here varies from retailer to retailer however we are seeing Amazon selling the Black Mist version for £629.95 and the White Frost version for £699.00. Carphone Warehouse has the GALAXY S 4 available for £629.95 as a SIM-free option. Those willing to sign a two-year agreement can also secure the GALAXY S 4 with no upfront cost. Phones 4U isn’t offering the GALAXY S 4 SIM-free just yet, however their on-contract pricing is telling a story similar to what we saw with Carphone Warehouse. Last up in terms of retailers we have Unlocked Mobiles who seem to have the best deal going — a SIM-free GALAXY S 4 for £529.98. Aside from the retailers, you can also opt to go direct with the carriers. As one would expect, the upfront pricing will vary from carrier to carrier and even within the carrier depending on which monthly plan you choose. That being said, the GALAXY S 4 can be found with EE as well as with Vodafone, Three and O2. And one important mention on the GALAXY S 4 in the UK — at the moment those looking for LTE connectivity will likely want to shop with EE. [via TNW] Device Info
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| OUYA console UK pricing revealed as pre-orders come available Posted: 28 Mar 2013 06:54 AM PDT OUYA shipments for the Kickstarter backers are set to begin going out today, however that likely leaves plenty still interested in making a purchase. We have had pre-orders available for those in the US for some time now, however it looks like those in the UK now have the same availability. Basically, one UK retailer has begun accepting pre-orders and that means they have also listed the price.
That retailer is GAME and the OUYA console is priced at £99.99. This price point includes the OUYA console and one controller. Additional controllers are also available. The controllers are priced at £39.99. The public release of the OUYA console is still set for June, which basically means those placing a pre-order at this time have a few months to wait for delivery. Otherwise, as those Kickstarter backers should have the console up and running soon enough, we are looking forward to seeing some user reactions. Of course, that just bring the point that if you have yet to place a pre-order, it may serve you well to see what these first users have to say. The OUYA console has had a fairly serious amount of hype and coverage, but as we have seen before — not all products are able to fully live up. Aside from the console itself beginning to ship, we have also seen the OUYA team asking for game submissions in recent history. Games aside, the console has also been shown to handle media center duties by way of XBMC and it has also gotten a bit friendlier with the DIY crowd thanks to the recent partnership with the folks at MakerBot. [via TechRadar] |
| Samsung GALAXY S 4 FCC filings begin to surface Posted: 28 Mar 2013 06:25 AM PDT We know the Samsung GALAXY S 4 is going to be available with a wide variety of carriers in the US market. Given that, we also know that means we will be seeing a wide variety of FCC filings dealing with the GALAXY S 4. These will not give us anything new in terms of a possible release date, however they are a required step and if nothing else — these filings just mean one less reason for a possible delay.
Anyway, as of today we are seeing two filings, one for the SCH-R970 and one for the SPH-L720. The FCC filings are showing both models as having support for LTE as well as 3G connectivity. Nothing unexpected in that regard. The SCH-R970 is headed to MetroPCS and is shown to have LTE support on four bands, but nothing for HSPA. The SCH-L720 is headed to the Now Network and has support for HSPA 3G that should work well for those looking to roam globally. Otherwise, with these two filings down there are still several more that we need to see. After all, filings for the big players such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile have yet to be discovered. We have yet to see release dates for most carriers, however the GALAXY S 4 is expected to arrive with T-Mobile on May 1. They are expected to have the handset available with a down payment of $99. All said and done, aside from a few differences in terms of network connectivity and model numbers across the carriers — the overall set of specs remains the same as what we have already seen announced by Samsung. That is to say that regardless of the carrier, the GALAXY S 4 will bring features to include a 5-inch 1080p display, 2 megapixel front-facing camera, 13 megapixel rear-facing camera, 2600 mAh battery and 2GB of RAM. [via Engadget] Device Info
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| Sony rolls out Xperia TX Jelly Bean update Posted: 28 Mar 2013 04:54 AM PDT If you’re the user of a Sony Xperia TX smartphone, a new update for the Android operating system on your device is now rolling out. Sony is rolling out an update for the smartphone bringing it to Android 4.1.2. That might be a bit disappointing to users hoping to see the 4.2 release, but at least you’re getting Jelly Bean on the device.
Before the new update, the Xperia TX was running Android 4.0. The new update brings with it some improved features such as various performance boosts and an improved notification system. The update is believed to be the same one that Sony rolled out for the Xperia T previously, but that is unconfirmed at this time. The update for the T also had updates for Sony’s Walkman, Album, and Movies packages that improve the user interface and make the apps easier-to-use. Other features that come along with new update include an improved home screen, resizable widgets, and the ability to open up to seven desktop panes. The update also allows users to use trays of linked applications within the App Drawer. It’s worth noting that the update for the Xperia T also brought along some improvements to the smartphones cameras. It’s unclear if the update for the TX features the same camera improvements at this time. [via ExpertReviews] |
| InMobi App Publish app distribution platform launches Posted: 28 Mar 2013 04:38 AM PDT InMobi is a mobile advertising network that has been around for a while and the company has announced the launch of a new Android application distribution platform. The distribution platform is called App Publish and the distribution platform will supply apps to a number of different app stores around the world. The platform will offer free, paid, and premium applications.
App Publish is free to use and covers 130 different app stores around the world. The company says it will also be adding one or two more app stores each week. That number of app stores that the distribution platform covers also includes many “fork” versions available in China. However, the platform does cover some major Android app stores that you’ll be familiar with. The platform also supplies applications to GetJar, Mobango, and SlideMe among others. This app distribution platform uses technology that InMobi acquired its purchase of Metaflow Solutions. It appears that the app distribution platform is leaning heavily towards game developers at this time and was unveiled at the GDC conference. Major game developers such as EA use the platform during the alpha and beta stages. Some of those developers say that their downloads increased between 10% and 30%. Despite it used by game developers, the platform is aimed at all developers regardless of the type of app they’re making. [via TechCrunch] |
| Facebook Messenger users in the UK get VoIP calling Posted: 28 Mar 2013 04:23 AM PDT Android users of the Facebook Messenger app in the US have been able to make VoIP calls using the app for a while now. Word has surfaced indicating that Facebook is rolling out the ability to make VoIP calls using the app to other countries. According to reports, the update to the app is rolling out in the UK that brings VoIP calling to users across the pond for the first time.
With the rollout of the updated app in the UK, it marks the third country where Facebook has made voice over calls possible following the feature going live in the United States and Canada. Reports indicate that users with the updated app now have a new option alongside the photo and camera buttons. That new option says Free Call. When users press that button, a VoIP call is initiated over a Wi-Fi network if available or using the mobile network when not connected to Wi-Fi. Assuming the person you’re trying to call is also running the Facebook Messenger app, the call recipient will get a push notification telling them who is calling. User’s looking for this new feature need to keep in mind this is for the separate Facebook Messenger app, not the main Facebook application. Reports also indicate that the updated app could be rolling out in a staggered fashion with some users still on the older version. If you try to call a user on the older version of the app, you will be greeted with an error message that says the app is unable to make calls. [via TheNextWeb] |
| Action Launcher reaches version 1.5 Posted: 28 Mar 2013 04:07 AM PDT For a lot of Android users, there is no desire to customize or change their smartphone beyond the way it came right out of the box. However, for many users the ability to customize their device to suit their needs and preferences is one of the biggest reasons to purchase an Android smartphone or tablet. One of the first customizations that many people try is a new launcher for their device.
An interesting launcher for Android users has been updated called Action Launcher Pro. This particular launcher has a widget solution called Shutters. Using the launcher users can open different widgets by making a vertical swipe on the app icon. Action Launcher Pro was recently updated to version 1.5 bringing improvements to the application. With version 1.5, Action Launcher now supports 10-inch tablets and promises increased stability. The app also supports devices with Android 4.0.3 or later operating system. However, it’s worth noting that only devices running Jelly Bean will be able to take advantage of the cool Shutters functionality. This is due to some sort of API limitation. Action Launcher Pro version 1.5 is available to download right now for $3.99. Check out the video below to see the launch action. |
| Pie Controls come to CyanogenMod 10 to give you more screen real estate Posted: 27 Mar 2013 03:58 PM PDT The folks from CyanogenMod took to their Google+ page earlier today to announce an awesome new feature that is now available on many CM10 nightly builds. It’s called Pie Controls, and is popular with many Android ROM’s, especially Paranoid Android. We first saw Pie Controls in the now replaced stock browser in Honeycomb, but starting today they’ll be available in a completely different way.
As you see above, Pie Controls are the navigation buttons we’re use to seeing on our Android smartphones, only they will be hiding and only appear with a swipe or gesture from the edge of your smartphone. If you’ve used Paranoid Android you know exactly what this is. For those that think on-screen navigation keys only waste screen space, this feature is completely for you. Using Pie Controls you’ll be able to hide those pesky navigation buttons and use that entire HD display on your Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, or any other device with on-screen controls. Then when you need to navigate home simply swipe up from the bottom (like we do with Google Now) and the Pie Controls will appear for easy access. The CM crew has also added a clock, battery information and more to the pop-up keys, and you can move them to wherever you see fit too. The controls can be on the top, bottom, left or right and obviously is highly customizable. Make sure you head into settings and enable Pie Controls, then under Power Menu enable expanded desktop. From there you’ll be able to hide the navigation on-screen keys and enjoy this new feature and that added screen real estate. It was merged last night so should be in the latest CM10.1 nightly build of choice soon. Enjoy! |
| Google Glass being manufactured right here in the USA Posted: 27 Mar 2013 03:19 PM PDT Today we’re learning a little bit more details on the upcoming wearable technology Google Glass. The good guys over at Google are apparently set to start the first production manufacturing right here in the United States of America in the next few weeks. Not only that, but they’ll be built close to home right in California.
While this isn’t necessarily major news with everything being built in China these days, especially electronics, it was nice to hear Google keeping Americans at work. According to a report from the Financial Times, Google has chosen a location and company in Santa Clara, California right in the heart of Silicon Valley. Just don’t lose a pair in a bar now guys. Several sources have confirmed they’ve partnered with Foxconn to assemble the futuristic glasses, and that will all be going down in California. Obviously things being built here in the US of A don’t really help lower the cost, but should be a welcomed thing to hear for many workers in Silicon Valley. It’s said a few thousand pairs will roll off the new assembly lines in the next few weeks too. Google’s recently started inviting more users to their Explorer program, and we have a feeling the next month we’ll be getting an overdose on Google Glass just in time for the full unveiling at Google I/O in May. Hopefully the California manufacturing doesn’t drive up the cost, because we have a feeling they’ll already cost a pretty penny as they are. Stay tuned and start saving those dollars. You’re going to need every last one if you want a pair. [via Financial Times] |
| RunKeeper updated with 6 new languages and more features Posted: 27 Mar 2013 02:28 PM PDT The developers behind the popular fitness app RunKeeper have been pretty busy over the past few months. Back in February they released the all-new RunKepper 3.0 beta, as well as a few other features. Today however they’ve announced even more features and support for 6 additional languages.
Earlier this month they released a quick update that added night-mode and some additional audio cues, but today it’s all about premium features and more languages. As of this afternoon Runkeeper v3.2 is available in the Google Play Store, and you’ll want to check it out. With more than 17 million users all across the globe using Runkeeper, they’ve decided to finally support more languages than just English. Today’s update brings language support for Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Brazilian Portuguese. Bringing the total to 7 supported options. Now you can get feedback and personal training information in your native tongue.
That isn’t all they’ve added with today’s update either. Version 3.2 available now also brings “Enhanced displays on your goal progress” available immediately after workout (as shown above) as well as new share features right on the start screen. You can share your activity in-app all with ease now. Then they’ve added a few elite features as well as an Elite-only badge for those who want to feel special. Get the latest version from the Google Play Store here. [via RunKeeper] |
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