Saturday, March 16, 2013

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Hands-on with The Conduit HD, Android’s first Wii port [VIDEO]

Posted: 15 Mar 2013 01:40 PM PDT

Great news making its way to Android gamers as another triple-A title has hit the Google Play Store. A well-received Wii game from yesteryear, The Conduit (HD) is now officially available for Nvidia Tegra devices, bringing all the action of the original, down to the small screen. Unlike its Wii counterpart however, The Conduit HD features Tegra-optimized visuals that improve upon the original, bringing enhanced HD graphics, more detailed characters, real time shadows and the like. Our walkthrough video going through the games first 2 levels can be found below.

Story

The story goes a little something like this: in a post apocalyptic future America is being ravaged by a virus know as “the Bug.” To make matters worse, there’s an invasion by an alien race known as the Drudge. Thing can’t get much worse than that, right? Well, a terrorist group has seized the opportunity left to them by these series of unfortunate events to make an assassination attempt on the president, using the president’s own secret service against him. Ouch. You play as secret service agent Michael Ford, the one agent who apparently never got the memo. Now it’s up to you to uncover the masterminds of the invasion, and stop the Drudge from taking over the world. Shouldn’t be too hard.

Gameplay

Gameplay is your standard first-person shooter fare. You shoot, you reload, and occasionally lob a grenade. Oh, there is this little orb thing called the ASE that can detect hidden objects and stealthy enemies, also lighting your path for when you happen to get lost. Touching on the left portion of the screen controls movement, while the right controls your view and shooting. Controls by default are set to make gameplay on the tablet a breeze. Simply aiming your reticule at an enemy will auto fire your weapon which, of course, may sound like cheating, but it works well for a genre that’s usually a pain to play with touch screen controls. Of course, a quick trip to your pause menu will let you go into full manual, should you choose.

Visuals

Graphics are sort of a mixed bag. Yes, it looks great for a mobile game, and leaps and bounds better than it did on the Wii. But somehow even with all the graphical settings set to max and the Tegra processor flexing it’s muscle, sometimes things still looked “flat.” Textures are high-res, true, and the Drudge look great when you get in close, but environments can sometimes look a little lifeless. Maybe it has something to do with a total absence of real-time physics or bullet holes when you shoot a wall, but now I just sound like a spoiled console gamer.

What the game looks like with “Wii” settings enabled (lawl)

Don’t get me wrong — The Conduit HD looks better than 99% of the first person shooters you’ll find on the Google Play Store and it makes sense. This was originally a console title, so there was just a little more time and effort put into the game than your typical Gameloft console-clone. Real voice actors, engaging cut scenes and story line. Best of all it’s NOT FREEMIUM. I can’t stress this part enough. That means you don’t have to worry about in-game currency, coins, sharing on Facebook or any of that mess. It’s weird to get excited about something like this, but honestly it lets you just simply enjoy the game, as it’s meant to be played, stress free. It’s refreshing, really.

The Conduit HD features:

  • Pick-Up and Play Accessibility: The robust sensitivity of the touchscreen controls gives players a seamless sense of connection with the game.
  • One of the Best Looking Games on Android: The Conduit looked awesome on the Wii but has been further improved by the graphics power of NVIDIA Tegra devices!
  • Fearsome Enemies: Fourteen (14) challenging human and alien creatures work against you, and are more challenging through their use of cover and tactical thinking.
  • Intense Weaponry: Unleash destruction with a huge arsenal of eighteen (18) different weapons, many of which utilize unique aiming and firing modes.
  • Puzzle Solving Unlike Other FPS Games: Use a device called the All Seeing Eye (ASE) to reveal concealed objects and enemies, providing additional layers of gameplay.
  • Unparalleled Customization: The Conduit can be adjusted for your style of play through changing the huge number of control options, layouts, and more!
  • GameStop Controller Support: Enjoy more traditional control by using the fully supported Tablet Wireless Bluetooth Controller by GameStop!

Verdict

All-in-all we give The Conduit HD 2 blistered thumbs up. I had a ton of fun blasting baddies, not managing in-game currency, and uncovering the mystery behind the story. Good times to be had for all. The best part about The Conduit HD is that the first 2 levels are available free of charge. After you’ve been hooked, High Voltage Software offers the other 7 missions for just $5. Not bad for a game that was retailing on the Wii for around $50 bucks. And should you decide you want to take things a little slower, there’s even the option to break things up, paying $3 for levels 3, 4, 5, and another $3 for 7, 8, and 9. Options are good.

[The Conduit HD on Google Play]

Dropbox acquires email startup Mailbox

Posted: 15 Mar 2013 10:48 AM PDT

Cloud storage powerhouse Dropbox might be looking to expand its offerings to email with the announcement of the acquisition of startup Mailbox. Mailbox currently provides an email client for iPhone users, and as of today the only plan is to use Dropbox’s infrastructure to launch Mailbox on a wider scale, but the future could see tighter integration between the two services.

An all-in-one storage and email client could finally provide a true rival to Google’s suite of interconnected services, though it will take a lot of might and hard work to catch the arguable leader in that space. Perhaps the best we can hope for early on is that the extra resources will allow for the launch of an Android version of Mailbox, at least giving us users of the platform an opportunity to see what the early hype is all about.

The move feels like a no-brainer, if only going off of the names alone. Dropbox, Mailbox…it’s a match made in heaven. Check out the link below for the full story.

[via Dropbox]

Motorola X to be a flagship brand with customizable hardware [RUMOR]

Posted: 15 Mar 2013 10:15 AM PDT

Recent years have seen the major smartphone manufacturers each develop a consistent brand under which to launch their Android handsets. The latest X Phone rumor says Motorola could be next. In order to compete with the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy line, HTC’s One, and LG’s Optimus, it is being put forth that Moto’s ‘X’ won’t be a single device, but rather a line of devices.

This would be Motorola’s flagship brand moving forward. The closest the company has to such a brand currently is their RAZR line, though those devices remain largely exclusive to a single carrier (Verizon). The ‘X’ lineup would be introduced with a single device said to launch in June and be followed down the line by other models.

Speaking specifically about that first device, rumors persist that it will be available at a highly reduced cost via a singular online retailer. The handset will not launch through other retailers or via carriers. While the rumors don’t mention a specific outlet, that sure sounds like Google Play, to us.

Furthermore, the first X Phone will feature a customizable hardware set centered around an octo-core CPU with a full core dedicated to human language processing. With a lack of octo-core chipsets on the horizon, this bit of info should be taken with a grain of salt. Otherwise, it is being said that customers will be able to configure their phone’s color, RAM, and internal storage at checkout, much like has been the case in the PC industry. They can even preload all of their content out of the factory so the device is ready to run out of the box.

The last little bit to this rumor states that Motorola will guarantee an upgrade to at least one full Android version beyond what X-branded devices initially ship with. Moto would handle the process independent of carriers. With most major market phones already seeing at least one new Android version in their lifetime, perhaps this is the easiest part of this rumor to believe.

If we haven’t said it enough, this is all rumor for now. Speculation around the X Phone (or phones) will surely start to fly as summer approaches. With Samsung’s announcement of the Galaxy S4 yesterday, all eyes are now turned squarely to Motorola and Google.

[via Android and Me]

Re-watch Samsung’s entire Galaxy S4 announcement online

Posted: 15 Mar 2013 07:57 AM PDT


Because you didn’t get enough tap-dancing and shirtless gardeners last night, Samsung has posted their entire Unpacked event showcasing the Galaxy S4 online. You can watch it right now, in fact, and relive all the laughs, the tears, the squeals of sheer joy. Or just sit with a bored gaze for the better part of an hour, it’s really up to you.

While the Galaxy S4 is shaping up to be another monster success for Samsung, their show from Radio City Music Hall was equal parts bizarre and underwhelming. Why couldn’t we just get the standard rock concert bit and a short demonstration of the phone? Where were the B-list celebs? The Bruno Mars performance? The answer to all those questions and more won’t be found in the above video, that’s for sure.

Facebook skips Play Store in latest version, app now features direct updating?

Posted: 15 Mar 2013 07:45 AM PDT

According to reports, Facebook’s latest update is being pushed direct to Android users without the aid of the Google Play Store. Rather than receiving a prompt from the apps marketplace that an update is available for the social network’s Android offering, some users have been seeing a pop-up message upon launching Facebook informing users that a new update is ready to be installed.

The app will download the update in the background before prompting users, and after upgrading to the newest version enables a permission to automatically pull down future updates when connected to WiFi. Other new features available in the latest version of Facebook for Android include the ability to change profile pictures, improved messaging, and options to flag spam or hide stories from the feed.

As of now, we haven’t spotted the update on our own Android devices, how about you, dear readers? Let us know if you have received the new version directly.

[Facebook via Liliputing]

Google Fiber app now available for all Android 4.2 devices, Google Fiber still only available in Kansas City

Posted: 15 Mar 2013 07:28 AM PDT

Good news! The Google Fiber remote app is now available for all Android 4.2+ devices. Bad news! Google Fiber is still only available to those residing in Kansas City. For those lucky enough to fall within the realm of Google’s envied broadband service, the ability to control their television will no longer delimited to the Nexus 7.

The latest update to the app enables browsing of shows and movies on any device running the latest version of Android (that would include that shiny new Samsung Galaxy S4). The user interface has also been tweaked to provide a simpler, cleaner experience.

Google Fiber launched last year as an all-in-one broadband internet and fiber television service. Fiber boasts some of the most amazing consumer broadband speeds around and offers several internet/TV packages at tempting prices. Currently, Kansas City, KS is the first test market to receive the service. Google hasn’t announced any plans to expand their Fiber offering.

[via Engadget]

Android Overload: HTC One headed to Verizon Wireless, Galaxy S4 dismantled for all to see, and more

Posted: 15 Mar 2013 02:13 AM PDT

The Android Overload is where we stash all of the stories/articles/news bits that didn't make it onto our front page (some, for more obvious reasons than others). In any case, just because they weren't featured doesn't mean they aren't worth taking a look at. In fact, there's almost always a little something here for everyone. So, take a look around and let us know if you find anything interesting.

  • Redbox Instant is now officially open to the public. Unlike Netflix, sole focus will be on movies titles, not TV shows. [GigaOM]
  • HTC One will be coming to Verizon Wireless, says a source familiar with the situation. All just rumor for now. [AllThingsD]
  • HTC’s CMO Ben Ho joins in on the fun. Bashes the Samsung Galaxy S4 calling it “more of the same.” [Engadget]
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 receiving Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update on Verizon Wireless (software version JZO54K.I915VRBMA3). Thanks, Anon!
  • The Samsung Galaxy S4 can easily print documents, photos, and web pages directly to HP printers. Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 will receive this functionality in a software update later this year. [HP Press Release]
  • Wanna see what the Samsung Galaxy S4 looks like when completely dismantled? I know you do. [IT168]
  • Intel-powered XOLO (not to be confused with YOLO) X1000 offers a 4.7 -inch display, 8MP camera and a 2GHz Intel Atom processor for $370 in India. [XOLO]
  • Samsung announced 2 new co-CEO’s, President Boo-keun Yoon and President J.K. Shin. [Samsung Tomorrow]
  • Sony Xperia ZL gets FCC certified. Loses the textured backing we saw from the model at CES. [Engadget]
  • 35% of Android apps in China are secretly stealing user data. TechCrunch believes it’s another sign of Google’s lack of control, but I don’t see it as a bad thing. Shows Google’s hands-off approach with Android, its open sourced-ness, and is the sole reason it’s dominating smartphone market share. [TechCrunch]

Samsung’s wireless gaming controller is my favorite accessory of the night

Posted: 14 Mar 2013 10:02 PM PDT

You burnt out on Samsung Galaxy S4 news yet? Good. We have one more little tidbit of news you might find interesting. If you watched the live stream, you may remember Samsung touting the Galaxy S4′s all new S Health application and a variety of accessories that would bring additional functionality to the app. Things like a Nike Fuelband-esque wearable wrist strap and a body scale that syncs up to S Health and yells at you with the voice of JK Shin for putting on weight (maybe not).

Well, if that whole health thing isn’t really your cup of tea (I wouldn’t blame you), maybe this is. A prototype gaming controller was spotted on the showroom floor, looking like a cross between an Xbox controller and something out of Nintendoland. Actually, the controller — which doesn’t even have a formal name as of yet (I’d guess “S Controller”) — shares a lot more in common with the MOGA we showed you guys a few months back. The controller comes with the standard 4-button layout along the front, 2 analogs and a d-pad, left and right shoulder buttons, and a hefty clamp up top for fitting a wide variety of Android devices (yes, even the Note 2 but Note 8.0 is pushing it). Have to admit it’s pretty slick.

To compliment the controller was a gaming hub application packed with a variety of games that no doubt offer S Controller functionality out of the box. We’ll have to wait and see what Samsung’s plans are regarding this little accessory as far as pricing and availability, but let’s just hope this forgotten like the wireless charging accessory for the original Galaxy S3.

[via Engadget]

Samsung delivers four minute overview of the Galaxy S4 [VIDEO]

Posted: 14 Mar 2013 08:41 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S4 Specs and Pictures | Samsung Galaxy S4 at AndroidForums.com | Sign up to the Galaxy S4 Mailing List

Need another look at the Samsung Galaxy S4? Samsung has prepared its own 4-minute overview of its latest flagship smartphone, showing off the new hardware alongside new TouchWiz features such as Air View, Smart Pause, Dual Camera and more. If that hour-long stage play of a press conference is too much for you and you just want the condensed, down to the point version then be sure to check the video out above. Oh, and don’t forget that our own hands-on with the device is up so you’ll want to check that out as well.

Annnnnnd… The Nexus 4 bumper is back in stock on Google Play

Posted: 14 Mar 2013 07:50 PM PDT

Alright, we’re tired of your little games, Google. We know, the Google giveth and the Google taketh away, but you can’t just keep toying with our emotions like that. First the Nexus 4 bumper case is available, then it’s out of stock, then it’s no longer available for sale. We’re not sure what’s going on here, but it looks like Google may have found a few boxes of the official Nexus 4 Bumper case as it is currently back in stock on Google Play. The Play Store is just a roller coaster of emotions. Oh, Google.. this is so us, isn’t it?

[Nexus 4 Bumper case on Google Play]
Posted by at 7:52 AM

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