Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Google Now could be coming to the iPhone and iPad – U mad? [VIDEO]

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 07:08 PM PDT

Earlier today we saw Google’s plans to infuse their Chrome web browser with Google Now functionality — once reserved solely for Android devices — and it looks like Google isn’t about to stop there A newly leaked video is more than hinting Google Now could be heading to the unlikeliest of places: iOS.

Okay, deep breaths. No, this isn’t a nightmare and no, this isn’t Google Voice Search. This is 100% Google Now, running in the background, always on, tracking your every move, notifying users of appointments, traffic, movie times, sports scores, without tapping a single button or icon. Yeah, that Google Now. In the leaked video, we hear the same person’s voice from the initial Google Now promo video, talking about all the great Google Now features making their way to the iPad and iPhone. The video has since been pulled, making it seem just a teensy bit more legit. The boys at Engadget managed to rip it and it can be viewed in its entirety below.

If we could all just put our fanboy ego’s and pride aside for just a moment, we’ll see that this makes perfect sense for Google. This could be nothing more than another move by Google to take their services into “enemy” territory, attacking Siri right on the homefront. Okay, maybe “enemy” is too harsh a word. Remember, just because Apple hates the Android OS (and competition in general) doesn’t mean Google feels the same about the house that Steve Job’s built. In fact, this shows us yet again that Google see’s iOS — with a huge user base — the same way as they do Android — just another avenue to get their mobile services into more people’s hands, Google Now being the latest and greatest.

Still, I suppose the only real reason an Android fanboy could get upset about this development is the fact that Google has shunned anyone running a version of Android prior to Jelly Bean, which the latest numbers tell us accounts for over 73% of Android devices. With Google I/O coming up in May, who knows. Maybe we’ll see Google finally open up Google Now to the other Android desserts, while I’m sure there’s a lot of complex code behind it, a simple update to Google Search sounds easy enough for the guys that made a driver-less car.

LYFAO with this Google Glass St. Patrick’s Day skit (NSFW) [VIDEO]

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 05:30 PM PDT

Google Glass. It’s tech’s latest buzzword and it just so happens to be a comedy gold mine. We’ve already seen how Glass could be the perfect wingman for picking up hot chicks, and now we get to see how Glass could improve your life on St. Pactrick’s day. Just in time too. Can’t say I’ve ever wanted Glass more than I do right now…

[via Reddit]

Hands-on: Fight alongside the Alliance or Empire in Star Wars Pinball [VIDEO]

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 04:46 PM PDT

It’s been 36 years since the first Star Wars movie was released and it just never seems to get old. We’ve seen countless licensing deals and spinoffs, especially when it comes to the world of video games. Franchises like Angry Birds were able to secure a Star Wars deal of their own and now it looks like Android gamers can finally experience pinball after it’s been infused with the power of the Force.

Virtual pinball wizards, Zen Studios, are the brains behind the latest mash up, giving Android users the ability to play out Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back with a classic pinball table made especially for the movie. If it’s one thing Zen knows, it’s pinball. And they’ve gone to great lengths to provide players with a true-to-life pinball experience, as if the game was found in your favorite bar, only with a little graphical flare.

Besides crisp clean visuals and advanced pinball physics, Star Wars Pinball features leader boards for Jedi players to brag about their highest scores. Players can actually choose light or dark side and watch as the pinball community “fights for the balance of the Force.” Fun stuff.

Value

Star Wars Pinball is currently available for download in the Google Play Store for a fairly reasonable $2. It should be said (again) that the download will only give you the single Empire Strikes Back table, and not the other 2 tables shown off in Zen’s listing on Google Play. A little bit misleading, maybe. But that’s why we’re here. The other 2 tables — Clone Wars and Boba Fett — can be downloaded for an additional $2 each, bringing the grand total for balls-to-the-wall Star Wars pinball action to $6. While we aren’t going to say that’s a bad deal (it’s still cheaper than plunking down quarters at your local pizzeria), we just want to let you know what you’re getting yourself into. More tables will be arriving in a future update, so we’ll be keeping an eye out for those. In the meantime, light or dark side — which will you choose?

[Star Wars Pinball on Google Play]

Reminder: Google I/O registration opens tomorrow at 7am Pacific

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 04:24 PM PDT

If you haven’t gotten our countless reminders by now, then you’d better take heed to this one: registration for Google I/O 2013 opens up tomorrow, and it won’t wait for anyone. The digital floodgates will open bright and early at 7am Pacific time for any developer, student, and industry enthusiast looking to get their hands on some face-to-face time with Google’s engineers (and on some devices, possibly).

Tickets will cost $900 for general admission and $300 for students, so be sure you have enough funds to get in. You should have been saving for a while now because you won’t get much time to build your bank account up: registration isn’t expected to last past the hour, and maybe even past the half-hour mark. Here are just a few things you should make sure you do ahead of time:

  1. Set an alarm to wake up AHEAD of time. Google likes to get a bit jumpy sometimes, so the site may go live a few minutes before 7am.
  2. Make sure your Google+ profile is setup and accurate. Google uses Google+ for registration and you'll be asked to sign in to continue.
  3. Make sure your Google Wallet account is setup with your preferred payment method. Google will process orders through checkout, so you don't want to be running around looking for your wallet or typing in numbers while everyone else is passing you by.
  4. Bookmark a replacement keyboard and monitor on Amazon, just in case. These things can be frustrating, and you'll probably try to smash your monitor using your keyboard by the end of it all if the site crashes.

At this point there’s not much more we can say or do, except good luck and godspeed — things tend to get a little bad server-wise when this happens. Prepare yourself with a few Martin Lawrence-esque “woosah” exercises to make sure you don’t blow a gasket if you happen to miss out on a ticket. It would also be a good idea to read over the updated ticket terms to make sure you know what you’re getting into. The biggest point to be made is regarding ticket transfers: it ain’t happening this year without Google’s blessing, buddy.

Google had enough trouble with ticket scalpers in the past, so it won’t take any chance this time. If you simply want to help a friend or a buddy get a ticket, then you’ll have to have that person’s information or have them sign up on their own. Google may grant exceptions on very special occasions, but it’s not wise to count on that. Google I/O is a tighter squeeze each and every year, and it’s the only way the Mountain View company can ensure things are fair for everybody.

Don’t forget that Phandroid has punched its ticket straight to the Moscone in San Francisco for the May 15th-17th event, so even if you don’t get a chance to go you’ll have all the coverage you need by visiting Phandroid (well, you won’t get access to the workshops, but as usual Google will publish those online for the world to see). With that, I leave you with a wish of good luck — don’t say we didn’t warn you!

CONTEST: Win a ticket to the OUYA Launch Event in San Francisco!

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 04:11 PM PDT

OUYA, the fabled Android-based gaming console, is set for an official launch on March 28th. From humble Kickstarter project to worldwide phenomenon, OUYA will be celebrated with a launch party on March 28th from 8pm to midnight in San Francisco.

I’ll be there. Chris Chavez from Phandroid will be there. Nick Kosmides from GameFans.com will be there. Will you be there? If you win this OUYABoards.com contest you will be!

Entering the contest is simple (winning is the hard part):

  • Head on over to OUYAboards.com.
  • If you haven’t already, create a free account.
  • Reply to this contest thread by convincing us why YOU should win the ticket to the OUYA Launch Event
  • BE CREATIVE… include videos, pictures, photoshoppery, songs, skits, and anything else that will make you stand out from the competition. Heck, get an OUYA tattoo or make an OUYA cake or do something fun and zany!
  • Both consumers and developers are welcome to enter, but developers have a slight edge as we’re giving them the “tie goes to the developer” rule.

Rules:

  • You MUST be able to attend the event and either live in the San Francisco area or make your own travel arrangements to attend the event. The ticket is non-transferrable and the winner must plan on using it themselves!
  • The winner will receive entrance to the Official OUYA Launch Event in San Francisco on March 28th from 8pm to 12 midnight. Winner will only receive a ticket for entrance and will be solely responsible for all other related expenses including but not limited to travel and accommodations.
  • The winner must be 18+ years old and be a resident of the United States.
  • Contest entries will be accepted until March 21st at 11:59PM Eastern.
  • Winner will be selected at the sole discretion of Neverstill Media staff based on randomly selecting a winner from amongst our favorite entries.
  • The winner will be contacted through the E-Mail used to register for our OUYA Forums between March 22nd and March 24th and will have 24 hours to respond with proof of age, location, and ability to attend the event. If no response is received, Neverstill Media staff will identify and contact replacement winners until the requirements are met.
  • Only one entry per person is allowed. If multiple entries are submitted, Neverstill Media will choose one – at their sole discretion – for inclusion in the contest.
  • Neverstill Media reserves the right to disqualify anyone from this contest for any reason at their sole discretion.

On your mark…

Get set…

GOUYA!

New developers’ console is out of preview, now the default experience

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 03:58 PM PDT

Developers the land over can prepare to be permanently switched over to the new developers’ console as Google has pushed it out of preview. Everyone had the chance to switch over before, but Google has made it the new default experience. Upon logging in developers who still happen to be on the old console can switch to the new one using a link that appears at the top of the site.

The new console has helped developers in more ways than one, with one of the biggest changes that was introduced this past October being the ability to respond to individual user review in the Google Play Store. Other new features of the console include the ability to use language-specific resources for your app’s listing for those living in other countries, new graphs to give you a more detailed look at where, how, and to which devices your apps are being downloaded, and more.

Google’s giving people time to switch over and get used to the new console before the old one is completely shut down April 15th. Since there won’t be much to do on your part except consume all the new goods you’re getting then that shouldn’t be a problem for any developer. Be sure to sign into your developer account and give it a try at your earliest convenience.

[via Google]

Samsung Galaxy S3 to be refreshed with bigger battery, wireless charging

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 03:36 PM PDT

Although Samsung’s successor to the Galaxy S3 is set to be announced in a couple of short days, it seems the company could be prepping a refresh to the line. According to insider Eldar Murtazin, the refresh will bring about a better display, a 2,400 mAh battery, and will be outfitted with the necessary bits for wireless charging.

That’s a worthy retake on one of 2012′s best phones, and at the right price it could be even more enticing for some people than shelling out for the Galaxy S4. Of course, those who already own the Galaxy S3 won’t see the need to step up to this particular version, especially when you can take care of most of those upgrades with third-party products.

We’re not sure when to expect the refresh, but don’t be surprised if we forget all about it by the time Samsung hits New York March 14th — there are bigger, and better things to look forward to on the horizon.

[thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

IDC: Android tablets to overtake iOS this year

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 03:08 PM PDT

We always hear about just how far behind Android lags when it comes to the tablet space. Apple has a mean deathgrip there, and why not? They were the first with a real mainstream, easy tablet that went easy on both the wallets and the eyes.

OEMs have had a tough time trying to crack the tablet space, with folks like HTC throwing in the towel to focus on the less risky smartphone business. Samsung, Amazon and ASUS have seen considerable success, though, thanks to the right combination of innovation and cost, and folks like Sony are starting to find their groove, as well.

Still, no one’s doing as good as Apple. IDC says all of that is about to change as it predicts Android will take a small lead over Apple this year in tablet market share. According to them, Android will take 48.8% of the market opposed to 46% for Apple. It’s not a terribly big lead, but considering the way things have gone since 2010 we’d say the significance is there.

Looking a lot further ahead, IDC says similar numbers will remain in 2017, with Android taking 46% of the market opposed to 43.5% for Apple. The bit of lost market share between the two will go to Microsoft, apparently, as the Redmond company will apparently control a combined 10.1% in 2017.

IDC, along the likes of Nielsen, Gartner, and more, have been quite accurate in predictions regarding the phone space, so it’s always worth listening whenever they crunch some numbers and come up with estimates like these. We’ll know before too long if these numbers end up being as accurate as their analysts are counting on them to be.

[via IDC]

Three new games and accompanying soundtracks added to Humble Bundle 5

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 01:51 PM PDT

The folks behind Humble Bundle have pinged us with exciting news this afternoon: the latest edition — Humble Bundle 5 — has gotten an additional three games and their accompanying soundtracks added to the package. Those looking to donate to the various causes (the developers’ pockets, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Child’s Play charity) will now get Crayon Physics Deluxe, Splice, and Sword & Sworcery EP have all been added.

Fear not if you’ve already purchased the fifth Humble Bundle as these games are available to you right now by logging in. If you haven’t gotten in on this bundle yet, the original six games were Beat Hazard Ultra, Dynamite Jack, Solar 2, NightSky HD, Dungeon Defenders + DLC, and Super Hexagon.

Those last two were only available by paying more than the average, which, as of the time of this writing, is sitting at $6.69. You can split your donation up however you want, so don’t hesitate to shell out a bit of dough for an awesome cause and some awesome games.

 

Rumor: Galaxy Note 3 to use LCD over AMOLED

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 01:11 PM PDT

We haven’t even caught official wind regarding what Samsung’s going to announce in just two days and we’re already starting to hear some rumors regarding the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. According to SamMobile, Samsung is undecided on what display panel technology to use for the device. The apparent trade-off with the beautiful OLED-based panels we’re used to (as featured on the Galaxy Note 2 and the Samsung Galaxy S3) is that S-Pen doesn’t work quite as well as it does with LCD (but, in our experience with the Note 2, it doesn’t work too bad either).

For that matter, Samsung is said to be strongly considering going with a super high quality LCD panel from Sharp for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The connection to Sharp fits considering Samsung just bought some stake in the company’s display business. Whatever the case may be, Samsung’s said to be at a crossroad and a decision hasn’t been made either way.

Before you all express your distaste for this unfortunate news, it’s worthy to note that LCD technology has come a long way in just a few short years. It might not offer quite the same dynamic color range, deep blacks and vibrancy as an AMOLED panel, but it’s close enough that those using LCD-based devices these days have no qualms.

We should also note that this particular development is not expected to affect the Samsung Galaxy S4 as the device apparently won’t be stealing the Note 3′s S-Pen thunder. In fact, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is said to be using an AMOLED panel that is 25% more efficient than the one used on the predecessor, something that should do wonders for battery life.

Dropbox gets facelift on Desktop, brings real-time shared folder notifications to Android

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 12:29 PM PDT

Dropbox has dropped (teehee) some nice news today. The biggest will come for those of you who enjoy Dropbox life on the desktop, as the company has redesigned its PC and Mac apps with some exciting new features. A quick rundown for you: it’s easier to accept invitations to shared folders, see links or albums people have shared with you, and gives you a closer look at what’s changing in your Dropbox minute-to-minute. Users also get real-time notifications whenever something is shared with them.

That last bit will also benefit us Android users as the Android app will also exhibit similar behavior. Alongside that, today’s app update brings support for the Portuguese language and more general bug fixes and improvements that you likely won’t notice in the foreground. Update all your apps right here and here, and start enjoying your new Dropbox experience right away.

Sony releases voice remote for Google TV box

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 12:05 PM PDT

Sony’s NSZ-GS7 has proven itself to be a very capable Google TV device (read our Sony NSZ-GS7 review), but one unfortunate omission had Sony users looking to take full advantage of Google TV V3′s voice features dead in the water… until now. Since Sony’s original remote didn’t include a microphone for voice input, the home electronics manufacturer will release a new edition of the remote to ensure full compatibility with Google TV V3. That’s the good news.

The bad news, natch, is that you’ll be asked to cough up another $50 if you want the thing. That’s a steep price to pay when you’ve already spent more than a hundred bucks for the unit, and perhaps Google could have offered the remote at a discounted price or an exchange program for those who already purchased the box. After all, $50 just to get a microphone isn’t our idea of handy, dandy or anything of the sort. That said, if you have no problem shelling out $50 for it you can head right here and take care of that.

[via GTVSource]

[Update: Statement] HTC One delayed until March 29th

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 11:41 AM PDT

There’s some bad news brewing, folks. Several UK retailers have been asked to adjust their expected shipment date for the HTC One to March 29th. The device, which is supposed to be HTC’s main flagship for 2013, was supposed to come March 15th, but that date will come and go with nary a sound.

HTC was rumored to be having issues getting enough UltraPixel sensors manufactured in time for the device’s release, and while the OEM would probably never relay the exact issue we can’t imagine that rumor doesn’t have any legs at this point. We’re just glad the wait won’t last more than a couple of weeks (though you never know if another delay could creep up on us by the time we get closer to that date).

[Update]: HTC has released an official statement confirming the delay. HTC says preorders in “certain” markets will be fulfilled by the end of March, and the more global rollout will commence at some point in April.

We will start fulfilling pre-orders by end March in certain markets and will roll out to more markets as we approach April.”

[via Clove]

FCC approves T-Mobile, MetroPCS merger

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 11:21 AM PDT

The proposed merger between T-Mobile and MetroPCS is one step closer to becoming the real deal, folks, as another governmental/regulatory body has approved the deal. Following the apparent nod of approval by the Department of Justice (they let the evaluation period expire with no objections, which is pretty much seen as an approval), the FCC has given its thumbs up on the $1.5 billion deal that will see Deutsche Telekom owning 74% of a new company formed by the two.

Even with the FCC’s blessing, though, there’s still work to be done. MetroPCS has to hold a shareholders’ meeting where the folks who have stake in the company will vote on whether or not they want this deal to go through. This is a step that isn’t necessarily seen as an issue, but recent murmurings suggest not everyone is on the bandwagon for this to happen. Several shareholders, including some top hedge-funds, have reportedly expressed distaste, saying MetroPCS is being severely undervalued.

The voting process will commence in another few weeks or so, and that will ultimately determine how all of this plays out. It’s worthy to note that even if shareholders vote against the merger there’s still a chance Deutsche Telekom and MetroPCS can tweak some details and flip some numbers to make everyone happy.

In other words, any fear of objections by the FCC, Department of Justice, and any other anti-competitive protection groups are gone, and now it’s all down to Deutsche Telekom and MetroPCS to make this happen smoothly. FCC chairman Julius Genachowski had this to say:

“With today’s approval, America’s mobile market continues to strengthen, moving toward robust competition and revitalized competitors. We are seeing billions more in network investment, while the courts have upheld key FCC decisions to accelerate broadband build-out, promote competition, and benefit consumers, including our broadband data roaming and pole attachment rules. Today’s action will benefit millions of American consumers and help the U.S maintain the global leadership in mobile it has regained in recent years.

“Mobile broadband is a key engine of economic growth, with U.S. annual wireless capital investment up 40% over the last four years, the largest increase in the world, and few sectors having more potential to create jobs. In this fast-moving space, of course challenges remain, including the need to unleash even more spectrum for mobile broadband and continuing to promote competition and protect consumers. The Commission will stay focused on these vital goals.”

It sounds like he’s quite excited to give T-Mobile a chance to grow and remain competitive to keep Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon from getting too big. T-Mobile will look to gain control over significant spectrum used by MetroPCS, and that should help get its LTE network off the ground. The FCC wants a faster, more connected America and giving the fourth largest carrier the digital capital to do so.

[via FCC]

Lookout update provides lock-screen protection for Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 10:50 AM PDT

Samsung has been under heavy fire lately as recent security holes have popped up in the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 making it possible for folks to bypass the device’s password-protected lock-screen without needing said password. The emergency dialer, the one that is accessible in case you need to dial 911 or other emergency numbers and contacts, was coded in such a way that small windows of opportunity existed for people to get into the phone.

The first sign of the vulnerability wasn’t terribly alarming — it only allowed people access to the home-screen for a split second — but it was still something that was being taken seriously. Our fears worsened when it was discovered the exploit, after a series of tricky button presses, could grant the user full access to the device.

Samsung’s working on a fix, but for the time being users are sitting ducks. Well, Lookout wants to continue its reputation of being a premier mobile security company and it has released a quick update to its application to address these issues. Lookout will protect owners of the Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3, and Galaxy S3 Mini from the exploit.

You have to hand it to them: there’s no other mobile security company doing that much deep tissue massaging to make sure anyone and everyone with an Android phone is protected from anything and everything possible. If you’re a Lookout user and this bug has you concerned, you’ll want to upgrade the app right away while we await security patches from Samsung. If you’re not a Lookout user, well, now’s as good a time as any to consider their options.

[Google Play Store]
Posted by at 8:47 AM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)