Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Samsung Galaxy S III Revamp Will Bring Upgraded Display, Wireless Charging, And Bigger Battery

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 03:20 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S III

With the Samsung Galaxy S IV being announced in just a couple days, that’s not all Samsung will be talking about. The Galaxy S III is said to get a refresh and will feature a better display, wireless charging, and 2,400 mAh battery. This news comes from Russian journalist Eldar Murtazin who more recently was reliable with providing the day Samsung would unveil the Galaxy S IV. As far as a better screen, there are no details on what resolution and the bigger battery is just 300 mAh more than what’s in the current Galaxy S III.

Source: Eldar Murtazin’s Twitter


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The 10 Android Tablet Apps You Shouldn’t Live Without

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 12:23 PM PDT

TabletHeader

I have had my fair share of tablets over the years in both the 7-inch and 10-inch varieties. With each tablet purchase, I discovered that I had a growing list apps of that I couldn’t live without. Over the years that number has increased, and while I could go through each app and its purpose, I narrowed the list down to the ten apps I use almost daily. At the touch of a fingertip they provide access to my friends, social networks, work, and news. Hit the break to see what they are.

10. – DashClock Widget - (Play Store Link) This app is amazing. The kicker is that it only works with Android 4.2 and up. What makes this app so amazing is that I can look at my notifications straight from my lock screen. I can check Google Voice, Falcon Pro, as well as Gmail without unlocking my tablet. What’s even better is that more extensions are being added all the time. If you’re using the Nexus 10 or have a 4.2 ROM installed, than you need to download this app.

09. LilyPad HD - (Play Store Link) LilyPad is a great little social app because it floats over your home screen, which allows you to chat with your friends while using your tablet to do other things. Unlike the beta version this app supports multiple clients. MSN, Facebook, AIM, Yahoo, they're all there. The free version only supports Google Talk, but a one time purchase of $2.99 makes the rest of them available as well as gets rid of ads. This is a must have if you're always chatting with friends and family. If you’re worried that it’ll get in the way, you shouldn’t. because it minimizes to almost nothing and is easily accessible through the Notification Bar.

lilypad

08. Nova Launcher - (Play Store Link) This is probably one of the first apps that I install with each tablet. It takes the stock Android launcher and adds many bells and whistles. It allows for bigger folders, multiple scroll effects, widgets in the dock, and so on. While there are others out there, Nova has proved itself with great performance and customization. The Prime version has more transitions as well as unread counts and swipe gestures. While many would be happy with the standard interface that their tablet gives, this one is my go to for a more stock experience with the added benefits of customization.

07. Google Voice - (Play Store Link) I love this app because not only does it sync my voicemail, but it allows me to send and receive messages from my tablet. It's a great way to send messages to other friend’s devices in an SMS fashion. Plus if you're like me and flash different ROMS constantly, it's a good way of keeping those messages backed up and synced across multiple devices. I know some people who use that solely as the way to communicate foregoing their phone’s SMS app altogether.

06. Drive - (Play Store Link) Given that we here at TalkAndroid use Drive for all our writing needs it's important to have. What makes it great is just like Google Voice, everything is in the cloud and can be seen across multiple devices. I can create and edit documents, work on spreadsheets as well as work on presentations right from my tablet. Hook up a Bluetooth keyboard and I have a perfect laptop replacement for writing. While it does have its limitations, Google is slowly making strides to improve the overall experience. Here’s hoping that their acquisition of Quickoffice makes the mobile office experience even better.

05. Netflix - (Play Store Link) While I also use Hulu Plus, Netflix can't be beat for the library it has. Most of the shows that I've watched over the years are there. The movie selection could be better, but it's getting there. The quality isn't bad, and for the most part, shows and movies stream in HD quality. It's a perfect way to kill some time while traveling or waiting for a class to start.

04. Chrome - (Play Store Link) While not on par with its desktop counterpart, Chrome for Android has come a long way from our initial review. While I touted it for being a well developed piece of software, it has come a long way. Since our review, it has added tons of features as well as sprouted off a beta version. The speed of the app is still a factor, but I can look past the few extra seconds for the ability to sync across devices. It's handy for if I'm reading or researching something on my desktop or other device, and I have to leave, I can quickly open the same page on any of my other devices.

03. Kii Keyboard - (Play Store Link) With a plethora of keyboards out there to choose from, it's hard to distinguish yourself from the pack. With apps like Swiftkey and Swype always in the spotlight, sometimes it's hard to notice others. Kii Keyboard is such a keyboard. Built upon the Android 4.2 keyboard, it has everything you'd expect. It has next word prediction as well as gesture (Swype) typing. It supports themes like Go Keyboard and offers the ability to split the keyboard for easier thumb typing. I can't think of a keyboard that I would recommend more.

02. TalkAndroid - (Play Store Link) No this isn't just a plug for you to get our app but it doesn’t hurt. I came across the app before I started writing for TalkAndroid and I was very impressed. The app was created following Android Design Principles and the quality shows. You can easily navigate through each section and find what you're looking for. Articles are easy to read and posting comments is a breeze. It's a great way to keep up with us here at TalkAndroid without the need of a web browser.

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01. Tablified - (Play Store Link) I have to say that the number one app to have for any tablet is Tablified. If you're like me then you have probably been frustrated from time to time with the lack of a dedicated tablet section in the Play Store. While Google has made attempts at correcting this, Tablified takes the process out of the process. If you get any app out of this entire list, this is the one to get. It's an entire database of Tablet specific apps presented in a very polished manner. So rather than wonder if the app you’re wanting is optimized for your tablet, use Tablified, and know that all you're getting is apps optimized for the larger screen. The ad free version is on sale right now for $1.99 so if you haven’t yet…. Go get it!

Honorable Mention - Carbon Back Up (Play Store Link) - A recently developed app by Koush, CyanogenMod and ClockworkMod developer, Carbon Back Up is a great way to backup and sync data across multiple devices. I haven't used it enough to give it a full review but from what I have used of it, I had to mention it. You can backup Messaging (SMS) data, launcher data, as well as data from any app you use. The great aspect for this is that you can sync the data on any of your devices. I tested it out when I switched from the G Note 10.1 to the Nexus 10. It saved my game progress from Simpsons Tapped Out so I was able to continue where I left off on the Nexus 10. This works for root and non-root users alike, and if you're curious about using it, we have a handy guide for you to look at.

And that's it. These are the ten tablet apps that I can't live without and neither should you. There are many other apps out there that I use. but these are the first ten to get downloaded. What about you folks? What are the tablet apps that you can't live without?


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Nuance Dragon Mobile Assistant Adds Location Sharing, Safer Texting

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 12:15 PM PDT

Dragon Mobile Assistant

Nuance has released an update of its Dragon Mobile Assistant app which brings new features such as location sharing and hands-free texting. Utilizing your phone’s GPS, users can let friends know where they’re at and set how long they want to share their location. Texting is now safer thanks to reading incoming messages out loud, and allowing users to easily send new text messages by voice. Another new feature connects with your calendar and will notify you before you have a scheduled call which it can then dial the number directly.

Launched back in October, Dragon Mobile Assistant faces stiff competition with Google’s very own Now. You can check out the video below which shows off the app’s latest features:

Click here to view the embedded video.

QR Code generator
Play Store Download Link


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Sony may unveil two new Xperia devices in Russia on March 18th

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 11:48 AM PDT

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We’ve been keeping up with two budget-level Xperia devices lately; the dual-core, 4.6 inch Xperia SP and the 4.3 inch, 8 megapixel-toting Xperia L. Supposedly, the launch dates for both devices were scheduled for March, but we’re halfway through the month with no word from Sony about either device.

Well, it turns out Sony Mobile Russia is holding a press event on March 18th. There’s no official word about what’s being announced at the event, but we can put two and two together, especially with the rumor mill churning around both of those devices lately. Keep an eye out for any details on the 18th, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated when anything gets announced.

Source: Xperia Blog


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Samsung Galaxy Note III May Drop AMOLED For LCD To Enhance S Pen

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 11:13 AM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Note III

AMOLED displays have been a favorite of Samsung’s for several years and according to industry insiders, could be replaced by an LCD screen in the upcoming Galaxy Note III. Company officials have been hearing through the grapevine that Sharp’s latest LCDs are the best to date. This news comes less than one week after Samsung purchased a 3 percent stake in Sharp. Switching to a Sharp LCD will supposedly improve the experience of using S Pen which is one of the Galaxy Note’s biggest features. Whether that claim is true or not has yet to be made official by either company.

Source: SamMobile


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Prescription Lenses No Obstacle For Google Glass

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 11:09 AM PDT

Glass_prescription_frames

Google put everyone with less than perfect vision at ease today by announcing Glass will work with prescription lenses. Google posted a picture of Glass team member Greg Priest-Dorman sporting such a pair. This news is not exactly a surprise as a prescription lens equipped set was spotted in NYC earlier this year but it’s nice to hear something official.

Google said Glass will support both prescription lenses and frames. For the mega-stylish among you this likely means designer frames will also be a go. Unfortunately the initial “Explorer Edition” release version will not accept the alternate lenses and frames. If you wear glasses you’ll have to go with contacts or just wait. Google said the prescription version will be available later this year.

Source: Glass on Google+


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doubleTwist updated to v2.0, adds streaming Magic Radio

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 10:25 AM PDT

doubleTwist_google_play_banner

doubleTwist released a new version of their Android app today that adds a streaming music service named Magic Radio. The new v2.0.0 adds a personalized, streaming music service with access to over 13 million songs. According to doubleTwist, the doubleTwist Player app will examine your music library to create new, infinite playlists from the streaming service. Users can also create their own streaming playlist based on songs in their library or from scratch. Magic Radio is a $3.99 per month service that does not use ads so you can enjoy your music uninterrupted. However, in adding the new Magic Radio service to the app, it appears doubleTwist has removed the Internet Radio feature judging by reviews left in the Google Play Store. If that was an option you enjoyed and used, you may want to hold off on updating until we see whether doubleTwist has a change of heart and adds it back in.

Check out the video below introducing the new Magic Radio service. To give the doubleTwist Player a try, use one of the download links below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Google Play Download Link


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T-Mobile/MetroPCS FCC approval may be near as vote date approaches for MetroPCS

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 10:00 AM PDT

TMobile_MetroPCS_Merger_Date

With MetroPCS scheduled to vote on a merger with T-Mobile only a couple weeks away, the deal appears to have moved closer to obtaining FCC approval. An attorney for the Communication Workers of America Union claims the deal will be approved “at the bureau level instead of the commission level.” The union is watching the proceedings closely as they have concerns about the merger and this apparent move by the FCC to usher approval on through does not sit well with the union. Debbie Goldman, a director with the CWA refers to the possible FCC decision as “outrageous” and “unprecedented.” Despite the CWA’s concerns, others see this latest development as positive news. David Kuat, an analyst with Stifel Nicolaus & Co., believes the lack of commission level action reveals the deal to be “basically non-controversial” and that “no one thinks this is going to be blocked.”

source: TmoNews


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Google Now Making Its Way To Windows And Chrome OS, Dev Browser Shows

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 09:17 AM PDT

Google Now

We’ve talked about Google Now integration coming to Chrome and thanks to a reference in the latest Chromium release, integration on Windows and Chrome OS is coming. Developer François Beaufort discovered the reference and posted about it on his Google+ profile. Found in chrome://flags of Chromium, users can now enable Google Now if they know the relevant server. Also, François shared the photo above of a Google Now extension that is currently inactive. With the cat now out of the bag, it’s only a matter of time before Google announces when Chrome OS and Windows users can expect to see Google Now in Chrome.

Via: The Verge
Source: Chromium Code Reviews


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AT&T to begin rolling out Jelly Bean OTA update for Xperia TL

Posted: 12 Mar 2013 09:08 AM PDT

att_xperia_tl

If you own an Xperia TL on AT&T, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for updates on your device in the next few days. AT&T has announced they’ll begin rolling out the Android 4.1 update to the TL, which includes all of our favorite Jelly Bean features like expanded notifications and Google Now. You’ll also get some new camera features, including a better auto mode and HDR, as well as AT&T’s DriveMode app, which auto replies to texts if the phone detects you’re driving over 25 mph.

Keep checking for the upgrade, and let us know in the comments if you’ve received the update.

source: AT&T


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