AndroidGuys |
- Samsung working on an Android wristwatch?
- Remember moments in Google+ Hangouts with new Hangouts Capture
- SnipSnap hopes to change the coupon game with Android app
- Jabra VOX earbud review
- Get this look for your Android: Holonex UI
- Verizon announces Android 4.2.2 for Galaxy Nexus
- Google to unify messaging and name it Babble, report indicates
- Suit up for new season of apple bashing with Mountain View Masher t-shirt
- New Gmail app for Android lets users do much more in notifications
- WSJ: Ultrapixels to blame for HTC One delay
- Unofficial ‘pre-list’ of Android updates for Samsung devices surfaces
- T-Mobile hosting press event on March 26
- T-Mobile announces LTE is on the way, updates Galaxy Note 2
| Samsung working on an Android wristwatch? Posted: 19 Mar 2013 01:04 PM PDT Last year, Sony introduced Sony SmartWatch, a wristwatch that keeps the user in touch with their Sony smartphone. Now, it looks like Samsung is planning to bring the whole Android experience to a wristwatch. Reuters is reporting that Samsung is working on a device similar to a wristwatch which should again compete against you know who… Apple.
It seems trends as of late are to move into wearable technologies. This year’s CES saw a number of companies unveil smart watches or connected watches so it stands to reason that the bigger brands will want to follow suit. Or lead the way. Meanwhile, Bloomberg indicates that things are moving along fast and in a more officially recognized capacity.
Do you think its a good idea for Samsung to bring Android technology, with almost all kind of smartphone features, to a wristwatch? Tell us about it in the comment box below. The post Samsung working on an Android wristwatch? appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Remember moments in Google+ Hangouts with new Hangouts Capture Posted: 19 Mar 2013 12:20 PM PDT We all know what Google+ Hangouts is right? Just in case you don’t, it is the free video chat service that can do one-on-one chats or group chats with up to nine of your friends (or colleagues) at a time. Thanks to all of the interesting stories people have shared after a Hangout, Google decided to introduce a new feature today that will allow you to capture all of the funny, creative, and interesting moments during your Hangout. The app/plug-in/feature, called Hangouts Capture, will allow you to take pictures of your Hangouts-in-progress, and includes a number of features not available in the usual screenshot options.
Hangouts Capture lets users snap photos of the Hangout view with a single click. After taken, all photos are saved to a shared album that is only visible to Hangout invitees. These photos can then be viewed while in a Hangout, when browsing albums, or by visiting the original post. There are so many fantastic still moments that take place during a video conversation, and now you will be able to easily grab them as they come along. According to Google’s Jeremy Ng, the Hangouts Capture app will soon be available worldwide, so go ahead and start your own hangout, or check out scheduled ones here.
The post Remember moments in Google+ Hangouts with new Hangouts Capture appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| SnipSnap hopes to change the coupon game with Android app Posted: 19 Mar 2013 12:11 PM PDT
After seven months of development and a bit of beta testing, SnipSnap today announced that the Android version of its coupon application has arrived. If you’ve not heard of the app (formerly iOS only), it aims to help eliminate the clutter and forgetfulness that comes with physical coupons. How does it work?Short and sweet, you snap photos of the coupons you find in newspapers, mailers, and magazines. SnipSnap will convert the text, barcodes, and images into a mobile-optimized offer which can be redeemed at your local stores. Don’t have any coupons to get going? Head to the Discover screen and see what your friends and family members are snipping and saving. Once you get to the store, SnipSnap will advise you that there are coupons which can be used. Even better, the app can let you know if there’s an upcoming expiration date to worry about. To redeem the coupons, simply show your handset to the cashier where they can easily scan them. According to SnipSnap, the average active users save 40 bucks a week. DetailsSnipSnap has a number of features that made the trip over from iOS, including store success rates, expiration dates, following friends, and in-store reminders. Looking ahead, the developers promise some Android-only features that should include widgets, barcode beaming, and Google+. Demonstration Time!Download SnipSnap (Google Play) The post SnipSnap hopes to change the coupon game with Android app appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Posted: 19 Mar 2013 11:30 AM PDT Up for review today, we have a pair of in-ear headphones from Jabra- The Jabra Vox. These headphones utilize an 8.6mm driver at 16 Ohm. Stated frequency range is 20hz – 20khz with sensitivity rated at 120db @ 1v. They weigh in at 17g and have a cord length of 17 inches. How’s that for nerdspeak? Ready to buy?
Lets start with the unbox and impressions. The box itself is a nice, clear shell showing all the major parts, mic and earpieces. Oddly it doesn't mention the extra eargels and bag it comes with, but rest assured they are in the box. When I first opened the case, I was instantly surprised by the build quality and materials. The cable is thick and very strong. In fact, Jabra mentions on their site the cables have been tested to 15KG of force (That's 33lbs!). Durability was obviously a point of accomplishment for Jabra when designing these. The cable has a nice, reinforced Y split and also small inline magnets in the cable. This way when you wind them up for storage the earpieces do not start getting in a bunch and wrapped around themselves. This sounds like a small deal, but its one of my favorite features and I think its outstanding. These are meant to be your grab and go headset. Calls, music, whatever you need.
Any time I have to grab my Apple or Sennheiser earbuds they are inevitably in a strong, intricately designed web of anger that I have to deal with. After using the Jabra, I start to realize in part that comes from the earbuds moving independently of each other and getting mixed up in the winding. /Rant, this feature fixes all of that so you just grab them and use. As mentioned, the cable is very thick and load tested. I also feel this is a great feature in case I ever need to Silent Snake someone at the gym to free up my favorite treadmill. Or I guess if it ever snags on a desk or something it won't break or tear. Whichever is more applicable to you. Jabra also included three different eargels and a carrying case. Also this unit has the inline volume control and microphone to be used as a headset.
I have included comparison pictures to my Creative and Sennheiser earbuds for reference on the size. The chambers add a little size, but because of the shape it doesn't interfere with your ear at all, and the sound quality payoff is tremendous. The included eargels are decent, and seem to be good quality. Tight fitment ensures they don't go flying out when jogging, and multiple sizes are included. I typically need to wear the smallest size for earbuds, and felt that the package really included two types of medium and a large as opposed to a S-M-L. I did wear them for multiple hours at a time, so they are passable. Onto sound quality! One of my favorite, yet most relative parts of reviewing audio equipment. To preface, the reference system here is a Dell Precision running a Creative X-FI Titanium HD (Burr-Brown PCM 1794A DAC) with stock op-amps. The reference headphones are a Koss ESP-950 Electrostatic for critical and Beyer DT990 for fun sessions.
I do not have any contenders in earbudland, just my Creative and Sennheiser MX500′s. Source music is in either 320k MP3 or 24/96 FLAC from NiN's "The Slip" album. I also did a few gaming sessions to round it out. I feel the Vox are surprisingly detailed in the middle of the range. Voices and acoustical instruments are clear. Treble is there, a little sharp, but not sibilant in any way. The biggest weakness of the Vox performance is bass. The low end is present, but much lighter than expected. They will require some equalization to be flat below 60 or 70hz. Of note, Jabra has included a free Dolby Digital player (Software) that you can install and use the included code to activate. I tested this on my iPhone and it certainly helps, though the default settings muddy up the midrange quite a bit. I found them best using Creatives EQ, no FX at all, with a 2.7DB @ 62hz and 3.1DB at 31hz boost. The rest of the line was fairly clean, with a slight bump at 16Khz. Once EQ'd a bit, I relistened. Strictly SQ speaking, they are far ahead of my MX-500′s, but as expected far short of a decent pair of cans. But that isn't what they are meant to deliver. The goal of these are to provide clear sound, quality construction, and a when needed pull headset duty with the microphone. They certainly achieve that.
I also feel compelled to say because of the sonic characteristics, these are outstanding for "critical" gaming. Because the bass is subdued, even when EQ'd, and the midrange is so present they let you hear every last detail of what is going on. They remind me of what Creative's software gaming mode works to accomplish by boosting the range that footsteps and whatnot fall in, and lessen the impact and low end.
I wrote most of this review not knowing the MSRP truth be told, and was very surprised to find the cost slated at $99 US. Based on just the build quality, I had expected them to cost more than that. Note that these are a headset and as such are sort of their own beast. If you are just interested in sound quality and bass impact, you will be better served by a pair of $100 cans. But, that is not where these units fight. They are small, solid, high quality and very portable. They have an inline mic so pull double duty as a headset. That said, let me summarize: Pros:
Cons:
The post Jabra VOX earbud review appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Get this look for your Android: Holonex UI Posted: 19 Mar 2013 10:43 AM PDT
Do you know what love to do with our Android handsets and tablets? We ‘re huge fans of changing the home screen around a bit and creating a new user experience. That’s why we present a weekly series of Get This Look posts. In a nutshell we show you a new look for your Android handset and tell you which apps you’ll need if you want to mimic the feel. Some of these are a little easier to create than others and many of them can be tweaked to no end. The following details are but the ingredients to which you can create your own delicious Android dish; your results will vary. Which is awesome! If nothing else, this is a great way to discover new apps, widgets, icons, and more! Holonex UI by semati WHY WE LOVE THIS LOOK:We’re fans of the way this look employs “tabs” to help keep things organized and not spreading them across home screen panels. Putting everything together in one tight spot works well and we’re hoping to see more of this approach. The middle of the screen has RSS headlines, something we find to be incredibly helpful for those who spend their days staying “in the know”. Should you want to hit up specific apps for more news or social media, the row of icons allows for customization. The shades of grey look great here and complement the icons; squares and sharp corners also work well with the overall rounded corner design. We would like to be swap out the skier for another image however it’s not necessarily a deal breaker. Check the archives for even more inspiration! WHAT YOU’LL NEED
What else:Nova Launcher:
*********************** MyColorScreen is dedicated to the great ways you can modify your home screens. The post Get this look for your Android: Holonex UI appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Verizon announces Android 4.2.2 for Galaxy Nexus Posted: 19 Mar 2013 09:15 AM PDT
Verizon today announced that it will finally issue the 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update for its Galaxy Nexus. Coming two months after Sprint did the same for its Galaxy Nexus, the Samsung handset gets the latest version of Android.
Not bad, considering there’s a new flavor of Android due in around two months time. The post Verizon announces Android 4.2.2 for Galaxy Nexus appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Google to unify messaging and name it Babble, report indicates Posted: 19 Mar 2013 08:00 AM PDT
As a huge Google fan, I am quite excited at the news that Google is looking to unify all of their messaging platforms under one name. Google Voice, Talk, Google+ Messenger, Chat for Drive, and Hangouts are all great products on their own, but they really don’t interact with each other well. The only two that try to function together are Google Talk and Google+, but even they are far from a happily working couple. According to Geek.com sources, Google will be consolidating all of their communications services into one app, called Babble. The service will work the same whether you are using your PC or phone, allowing users to continue their conversations regardless of the situation. Babble will also let users start a Hangout with any contact directly from the user list and send photos instantly from the chat window the same way you can now on Google+ Messenger. Google isn’t really releasing a new product, instead they are bringing together all of the existing services under a single app. No official time frame for the release of Babble (if that is what they name it) has been announced, but according to the sources at Geek.com, we should expect it to be unveiled during Google IO this year. What are your thoughts? Tells us in the comments below! The post Google to unify messaging and name it Babble, report indicates appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Suit up for new season of apple bashing with Mountain View Masher t-shirt Posted: 19 Mar 2013 07:35 AM PDT
Are you ready for a new season of baseball to start? OK, fair enough. How about this: are you ready for another season of apple bashing? We thought so. Check out the latest t-shirt release from our friends over at andylimited.com, called Mountain View Mashers.  SMASHING APPLES SINCE 2007 How better else do you show your love of Android and baseball in one awesome looking shirt? You can’t. Shirts are available in guys (S-XXXL) for only $17.00 and will ship starting Tuesday, March 25th. Shipping is $6 in the U.S. and $13.00 internationally and payment is accepted via Paypal. When you’re done placing your order, be sure to swing by explodedandy.com for another shirt! The post Suit up for new season of apple bashing with Mountain View Masher t-shirt appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| New Gmail app for Android lets users do much more in notifications Posted: 19 Mar 2013 07:30 AM PDT Google released a new Gmail app for Android this afternoon which helps you reply, archive, and search quickly from the notifications bar. (Note, this is available to users running Android 4.1 or higher.) Another nice addition to the app, it complements the ability to configure different sounds for each individual label. Add that to being able to customize which messages give you a notification, and you have a great way to manage your emails.
The new Gmail app also introduces faster search capabilities as well as better search suggestions so you can find your messages quickly, whether you are online or offline. There aren’t a lot of new features with this update, but in all honesty Gmail didn’t need completely revamped. These new tweaks are a great addition to an already great service. Head on over to Google Play to download the newest app and let us know what you think! The post New Gmail app for Android lets users do much more in notifications appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| WSJ: Ultrapixels to blame for HTC One delay Posted: 19 Mar 2013 07:24 AM PDT  The rumors that the Ultrapixel camera in the HTC One are the cause for delay seem to have taken a turn toward legitimacy, reports the WSJ. Citing an unnamed HYT executive, the newspaper tells us that the handset maker has run into issues procuring enough camera components. Why? Because they were longer considered a tier-one customer. The company has a problem managing its component suppliers as it has changed its order forecasts drastically and frequently following last year's unexpected slump in shipments...HTC has had difficulty in securing adequate camera components as it is no longer a tier-one customer.HTC has yet to issue a statement on the release dates for the U.S. carriers; rumors have long suggested a March 22nd launch date. While we're not quite ready to give up on that date, the time is ticking away. We can imagine that carriers will want to have at least a few days to rally their customer base around the phone. In the meanwhile, HTC has extended the deadlines for the trade-up program which gives buyers at least $100 in credit toward the purchase of the soon-to-be-released handset. WSJ via: HTC Source The post WSJ: Ultrapixels to blame for HTC One delay appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Unofficial ‘pre-list’ of Android updates for Samsung devices surfaces Posted: 19 Mar 2013 06:55 AM PDT According to an insider for SamMobile, the pre-list of upcoming Android updates from Samsung has been leaked. It looks like they will update the Galaxy S2 and Note to Android 4.2.2, but that will be the end of the road for those devices.
Here’s the real news, according to the first pre-list, Samsung will only update 5 devices to Android 5.0. Which devices? They haven’t been announced yet, but will hopefully be unveiled at the upcoming Google IO. Thanks to sammobile’s insider however, we know the devices which will be getting Android 5.0 are the Galaxy S III, Galaxy S4, Note II, Note 8.0 and Note 10.1. (Don’t forget, this is just a pre-list and can easily change at any moment.) Plenty of other Android devices will also receive a value pack update. Below is a list of devices that will end at 4.2.2 or receive 5.0. Remember, this is only a pre-list and has not been confirmed by Samsung directly. We will make sure to update it as soon as it is made official. To get Android 5.0.
End at Android 4.2.2 update.
The post Unofficial ‘pre-list’ of Android updates for Samsung devices surfaces appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| T-Mobile hosting press event on March 26 Posted: 19 Mar 2013 06:52 AM PDT
T-Mobile is hosting a press conference in New York on March 26 where they will supposedly stop acting like a wireless company. The invitation does little more than tease a new direction for the carrier; however, the most likely outcome will be the shelving of subsidy plans and move to a no-contract-only option. Other rumors thrown in the mill as of late include creating a hybrid 4G LTE/42Mbps GSM network. Should that be the case, unlocked GSM phones and those intended for AT&T could potentially work (better) on the 1900Mhz band. Whatever the case, we’ll be watching closely and will be happy to share the news as it happens. Any guesses as to what T-Mobile is up to next week? The post T-Mobile hosting press event on March 26 appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| T-Mobile announces LTE is on the way, updates Galaxy Note 2 Posted: 19 Mar 2013 06:39 AM PDT Many T-Mobile customers have been patiently waiting for the arrival of LTE, and the time is quickly approaching. After months of testing in Las Vegas and Kansas City, T-Mobile has announced that it will be slowly rolling out by the end of this month. It’s all a part of a system-wide modernization effort from the carrier, which will cover about 100 million people by the middle of 2013, and more than 200 million by the end of the year.
Just like any major upgrade, the coverage does require new hardware, but to start off right the company issued an update today that allows LTE support in the Galaxy Note 2. The Note 2 is currently the only LTE-capable device on T-Mobile’s network, but T-Mobile will be launching the BlackBerry Z10 with LTE at the end of this month as well, and a lineup of other LTE devices is coming this year, including the Galaxy S4. T-Mobile customers, how do you feel about the launch? Tell us in the comments below!
The post T-Mobile announces LTE is on the way, updates Galaxy Note 2 appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
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