Android Community |
- MOGA Pro Controller Review
- Google Babel details found hidden in Gmail source code
- Archos Platinum and Carbon smartphones officially announced
- Pocket celebrates a year with release of new features
- Google Play update brings improved screenshots for tablet-sized apps
- AT&T LTE expands in Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wyoming
- Yahoo! Mail update brings support for Android tablets
- PowerA MOGA Pro controller now available for $49.99
- ZeptoLab release Cut the Rope: Time Travel for Android
- Verizon Q1 2013 results show 677,000 new subscribers
- Pantech Vega Iron officially announced with 5-inch 720p display
- Twitter #Music app launches leaving Android users out
- WordPress 2.3 for Android gets updates bloggers will appreciate
- LinkedIn Android app gets upgraded
- Allwinner A20 SoC is destined for Android devices of all sorts
- AT&T HTC One X+ update rolling out – still 4.1 Jelly Bean
- Pantech Vega Iron 1080p HD phone leaks before tomorrow’s reveal
- Twitter to deliver ads for users based on ‘keyword targeting’
- Samsung’s flexible AMOLED display technology delayed
- ACLU going after wireless carriers over Android security updates
| Posted: 18 Apr 2013 11:03 AM PDT For all those die-hard gamers in the Android world the folks from MOGA have just improved our gaming options. Earlier this morning we were proud to report the new and improved MOGA Pro is available now for $49.99, and for those looking to buy one check out our hands-on and video review below. The MOGA Pro is the ultimate gaming companion and a must-have for Android gamers.
If you’ve ever used the original MOGA you’ll feel right at home with the Pro, only it is better in every way possible. The analog joysticks no longer appear to be as sticky, and the entire feel of the device is extremely comfortable and familiar. The Pro is similar to an Xbox controller – which is a good thing – and makes gaming on Android just that much better. The MOGA Pro sports a familiar xbox layout too. With clickable dual analog sticks, four action buttons, a classic d-pad, two shoulder bumpers and two shoulder triggers. This time around it also runs on an integrated rechargeable battery. Just plug it in with the included micro-USB cable. The controller pairs with your device over a Bluetooth connection and using the MOGA Pivot companion app for syncing and finding games is a breeze, just as before. Without further explaining, check out our hands-on video review and Xbox controller comparison below. As we showed in the video the box includes the MOGA Pro, micro-USB, instructions (and game code) and a nice foldable tablet stand for those who won’t be gaming on a smartphone. The stand isn’t the star here, but I’m loving it already. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and holds the tablet in just the perfect position for watching movies or gaming. That’s a nice touch PowerA, thanks.
What makes it different from the original is obviously the bigger, better, more ergonomic design and integrated battery. Then they also made the analog joysticks clickable, added a second set of shoulder bumper buttons, and as the video showed you – backlight toggle button for those night gamers. Everything about this controller is just that much better. I’m loving it and at $49 this is certainly a great additional for any Android gamer.
Then of course the other important fact is the switch for A and B profiles. A is MOGA’s standard games that are supported by developers on the Google Play Store and work great with the MOGA, and B is for those HID bluetooth profiles for all those developers that add in the option for us to use Playstation controllers and such. Thanks to HID being added to games and apps often, MOGA added support and it’s a welcomed edition. This makes the amount of games we can work with just that much larger.
Overall everything about the MOGA Pro makes it a worthy successor to the original. The joysticks are better and smooth, the buttons have the right amount of feel and feedback, and the grip and ergonomics are just excellent. All of this arrives to the niche market of Android gamers for the low price of $49.99 available today. Time to practice my ShadowGun Deadzone gaming skills!             |
| Google Babel details found hidden in Gmail source code Posted: 18 Apr 2013 10:48 AM PDT We have seen more than few Google Babel related leaks as of late, which seems to imply that an announcement may be coming sooner rather than later. But instead of speculating as to when an announcement may arrive, lets first focus on this latest leak. This round of details appear to have been hidden in some Gmail source code.
On that note, you can take a peek at a screen capture of the code below, however the details basically include a brief description of Babel along with some features. The code mentioned how you can upgrade your chat to Babel and that there will be apps available for a variety of platforms including Android, iOS, Chrome, Google+ and Gmail. For those trying to read the code for specifics, here you go;
Otherwise, the features that are listed here include Babel as being a new, conversation-based UI with advanced group conversations. There was also mention of the ability to send images and “improved notifications across devices.” Basically, this just seems to sum up some of those earlier leaks.
Aside from what we have already mentioned, this Babel leak included a screenshot of the supposed interface (seen above), which appears to have a rather clean looking UI. As to where these details are coming from, the page, which can be seen in the above code has details about this being “Dogfood Confidential” and “Internal Only” at the moment. With that, we now look towards Google I/O for a possible announcement. [via Google Operating System] |
| Archos Platinum and Carbon smartphones officially announced Posted: 18 Apr 2013 10:10 AM PDT Putting an end to the rumors, Archos has officially announced their line of smartphones. There are three models in total and they are being touted as being affordable and unlocked. Pricing will begin at 79.99€ ($99.99) and these handsets are expecting to arrive in May. At this point Archos has mentioned the initial availability will be for those in Europe.
With that in mind, lets get into the specifics. The Archos smartphone line consists of the 50 Platinum, 53 Platinum and the 35 Carbon. Those familiar with the Archos way of doing things likely realize that means these phones will arrive with display sizes of 5.0, 5.3 and 3.5-inches. We are talking IPS displays here and the Platinum devices will have resolutions of 960 x 540 with the Carbon model coming in at 320 x 480.
The Platinum models will be running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and with features to include a quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm 8225Q processor with 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, microSD card slot, 2 megapixel front-facing camera and 8 megapixel rear-facing camera. The 50 Platinum will have a 2000 mAh battery and the 53 Platinum will have a 2800 mAh battery. The 50 Platinum will sell for $219.99 and the 53 Platinum will sell for $249.99.
Shifting over to the 35 Carbon and we see a device that will launch with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and hardware specs to include a 1GHz Qualcomm 7225A processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, microSD card slot and a 1300 mAh battery. This model will also have a front and rear-facing camera, both of which are VGA in quality. The 35 Carbon will sell for $99.99. Otherwise, all three models will have a “pure un-skinned” version of Android along with Google certification. Basically, that just means you will find the Google apps including the Play Store. These are also dual-SIM handsets with SIM 1 being for 2G (GSM/GPRS/ EDGE 900/1800/1900 MHz) and SIM 2 being for 2G/3G (WCDMA 2100 MHz). Archos has also said these will bring support for HSDPA and HSUPA. [via Archos] |
| Pocket celebrates a year with release of new features Posted: 18 Apr 2013 09:40 AM PDT The folks behind the Pocket app are celebrating one year. To clarify, they are celebrating the one-year anniversary of when they changed the name from Read It Later to Pocket. Regardless of the specific anniversary though, it looks like those who are using Pocket on an Android device now have an update waiting for them. In addition to the app update, this celebration also comes with some interesting comments on sharing.
It seems Pocket users (across all platforms) are now sharing more than 35 million items per month. While that certainly sounds like a large number, the interesting part here is that sharing over email is used more often than sharing over social networks. According to the data from Pocket, users are sharing over email more than twice as often than they are on social networks. You can get an idea of that from the image sitting below, however email sharing is double that of Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr combined.
Of course, these details about sharing seem to connect with the new features. First up, this release of Pocket makes it easier to share content with friends using the Send to Friend option. Those on the receiving end of the share will see the shared items directly in Pocket. There is also a new share menu that will highlight your recent apps and friends. Shifting away from the sharing aspect and there is still a few remaining goodies. Here we have a feature called Instant Sync which will sync across multiple devices as well as an auto full-screen mode that works in both the Article and Web View. Finally, last up was the unspecified, but always welcomed “bug fixes and improvements.” With that, those with Pocket already installed can grab the update using the Play Store on their device. All others, Pocket can be found using this Google Play Store link. [via Pocket Blog] |
| Google Play update brings improved screenshots for tablet-sized apps Posted: 18 Apr 2013 08:56 AM PDT A recently announced update will bring nicer looking screenshots for tablet-sized apps. Of course, these will not be seen until app developers begin uploading new screenshots, however it does give users something to look forward to seeing come available. Basically, Google is now allowing Android app developers to upload screenshots in one of three sizes — phone, 7-inch tablet and 10-inch tablet.
This really just seems to be another point where Google is improving upon the tablet experience. Back in last October we saw Google put out the call for additional tablet-formatted apps. During that time they also released the “tablet app quality checklist” which had a fairly detailed set of guidelines that developers could use when building tablet apps. While these tablet-friendly goodies are nice to see, we cannot help but feel that it would have been much nicer for these sort of changes to come sooner. While Android tablets are picking up traction more and more, we have to remember that Samsung has been at this for sometime now with the Galaxy Tab lineup.
Again, while announced and being offered by Google, this will only be seen once developers begin to take action. Simply put, things should begin to get a bit easier (and nicer) for tablet users moving forward, but we probably shouldn’t expect to see widespread use of tablet-specific screenshots in the Google Play Store as of today [via Android Developers Blog] |
| AT&T LTE expands in Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wyoming Posted: 18 Apr 2013 08:26 AM PDT While maybe not as big of a push as we have seen with some of the recent AT&T LTE expansions, it looks like the carrier has announced additional coverage for three markets across three states today. The expansion deals with Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wyoming. The new coverage for today includes the cities of Cushing, Florence and Cheyenne.
Basically, this means if you happen to be eligible for an upgrade and living in any of those three cities — it may be a good time to make sure the device you choose has LTE connectivity. Or if you already have an LTE capable device, head out and begin enjoying the speed increase. Touching specifically on Wyoming and in this case AT&T has said they have invested more than $30 million between 2010 through 2012 in an effort to “enhance speeds, reliability and performance for customers.” Otherwise, in addition to the expanded coverage, AT&T also took some time to tout the network as a whole. In this case, AT&T is reminder users that “unlike some competitors” they can offer 4G speeds outside of LTE covered areas. By that they are referring to the existing HSPA+ network. And what AT&T announcement would be complete without a mention of their hotspot network, which is now said to have 32,000 across the US. |
| Yahoo! Mail update brings support for Android tablets Posted: 18 Apr 2013 07:58 AM PDT Yahoo! Mail has been updated for Android. This update brings the app up to v2.5, but perhaps more important than a version number is what comes in terms of new features and changes. While the Yahoo! Mail app update brings a few items, the most important may be the tablet support.
Simply put, Yahoo! Mail for Android now has proper support for tablets. In addition to what Yahoo! describes as a “new” layout, tablet users will now also be able to access a new ‘reading mode’ which is said to help make reading your emails easier and an ‘advanced triage mode’ which is being described as a feature to help make managing your inbox quicker. The changelog for this update also talks of “glorious” bug fixes, but unfortunately it doesn’t offer anything as to which bugs may have been taken care of. Or vice versa, which bugs may be remaining. There was also the addition of a new starred folder which means quicker access to important saved emails. Otherwise, Yahoo! also makes mention of how they rethought the process of switching accounts. In regards to this, the changelog notes that you can now switch accounts via the sidebar menu. All said and done, we aren’t sure how many are using an Android tablet to check their Yahoo! Mail, but if you happen to fall into that category, this should be an update worth grabbing. [via Yahoo! Mail Blog] |
| PowerA MOGA Pro controller now available for $49.99 Posted: 18 Apr 2013 07:36 AM PDT PowerA had previously announced the upcoming availability of the MOGA Pro game controller. Well, in a bit of good news for anyone that may have been waiting, the controller is now available for sale. PowerA has the MOGA Pro priced at $49.99 and available by way of several online retailers. Similar to what we saw with the original MOGA controller, there is also a free game being included with purchase of a MOGA Pro.
Those who picked up an original MOGA received Gameloft’s Modern Combat 4 and those who pick up the MOGA Pro will get Gameloft’s N.O.V.A. 3 – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance. The one catch with the free game, PowerA has said that offer will only be available for an unspecified “limited” time. For now the MOGA Pro will be available with Amazon.com, Walmart.com and MOGAanywhere.com. The controller will also be available in retail stores beginning in May. The retail availability will include Walmart and Best Buy as well as Fred Meyer, GameStop and Target.com. Availability, pricing and free game aside — the MOGA Pro expands upon what we saw with the original MOGA controller in that this one arrives with full-sized console-style grips. The MOGA Pro is sporting clickable dual analog sticks, four action buttons, a classic directional pad, two shoulder buttons and two shoulder triggers. It runs on rechargeable batteries and ships with a USB charging cord and tablet stand. Otherwise, the controller pairs with your device over a Bluetooth connection and uses the MOGA Pivot app which can be found by way of the Google Play Store. [via Business Wire] |
| ZeptoLab release Cut the Rope: Time Travel for Android Posted: 18 Apr 2013 07:10 AM PDT We knew the folks at ZeptoLab had another Cut the Rope themed game in the works. In fact, we had recently seen the teaser and have been expecting this release to arrive as Cut the Rope: Time Travel. Well, the Time Travel game has officially landed in the Google Play Store this morning and as we often find with these games, there are two versions available.
ZeptoLab has released Cut the Rope: Time Travel for free and also in an HD variety. The latter will set you back $0.99. The good part here is that both versions will run on a smartphone or a tablet. Perhaps more important here, what the game will bring. To begin with, those who have played previous Cut the Rope games will feel right at home given Time Travel brings the familiar “physics-based action.” The premise of the time travel story is that Om Nom finds a time machine and begins to use it in an effort to “discover his roots” while at the same time, he teams up with his candy-chomping family along the way. Otherwise, users will still need to cut the ropes and collect the stars which means they will also be feeding the monsters. Except in Time Travel, there will be two monsters.
That said, this should be a game that is welcomed by those who enjoyed previous Cut the Rope releases. It may also be a good time for the few who missed out previously to join in on the fun. Basically, it now seems like you have to decide whether to grab the free version or the paid version, which can be found in the Google Play store using these links; free and paid. |
| Verizon Q1 2013 results show 677,000 new subscribers Posted: 18 Apr 2013 06:40 AM PDT Verizon has posted their latest earnings report, which in this case happens to be for the first quarter of 2013. Jumping right in with some numbers and we have 677,000, which is the number of new subscribers that have been added for Verizon Wireless. In addition, some of the highlights coming from the Q1 2013 report talk about smartphones in general and also the current state of the 4G LTE network.
But first, lets get into some of the other figures. The report details total revenues as being $19.5 billion for the first quarter, which is up 6.8 percent year-over-year. Otherwise, service revenues totaled $16.7 billion for the quarter (up 8.6 percent year-over-year) and retail service revenues totaling in at $16.2 billion (up 8.6 percent year-over-year). Verizon also touched on how the retail postpaid average revenue per account increased. This was shown to be an increase of 6.9 percent as compared to the first-quarter of 2012. Perhaps more telling, this brings the dollar figure to $150.27 per month, which according to Verizon, is because “customers continue to add multiple devices to accounts following the introduction of the Share Everything Plan last June.” Shifting over to the talk of smartphones and we have a figure of 61 percent. For those curious, that would be the percentage of smartphones being used by retail postpaid customers. That number also increased from 58 percent as of Q4 2012. Lastly, Verizon has said the 4G LTE network is now available for 287 million people across 491 markets. That means Verizon 4G LTE is available for more than 95 percent of the current Verizon 3G footprint. [via SlashGear] |
| Pantech Vega Iron officially announced with 5-inch 720p display Posted: 18 Apr 2013 06:16 AM PDT The Pantech Vega Iron has officially been announced and while the handset has been seen in a few leaks, it now appears as if those leaks were not entirely accurate. The disappointing part here is the one inaccurate bit was in regards to the display, which has been announced as 720p and not 1080p. On that note, the Vega Iron will arrive sporting a 5-inch display at 1280 x 720.
Specs for the Vega Iron include a quad-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, microSD card slot, 2150 mAh battery and 13 megapixel rear-facing camera. The handset is also running Jelly Bean, specifically, Android 4.1.2. Other goodies include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 as well as LTE connectivity. Aside from the regular spec list, the Vega Iron also has some points worth mentioning in terms of design mostly dealing with the bezel. In this case, we may be more inline with saying the lack of bezel. While there is one there, it is thin and measures in at just 2.4mm across each side. All said and done, the Pantech Vega Iron may be lacking a bit in terms of the display and battery size, but it is hard to deny the good looks. Well, good looks based on the available images anyway. The real kicker here is that a vast majority of users will not see this handset as available. In short, Pantech has said the Vega Iron will be released only in South Korea. [via Pantech] |
| Twitter #Music app launches leaving Android users out Posted: 18 Apr 2013 05:46 AM PDT We have some good news and some bad news today. The good news is that the twitter #music app has launched bringing a new music service for Twitter users to enjoy. The bad news is that twitter has ignored Android users and launched the app only for iOS devices at this time.
Word started surfacing that the app was on its way earlier this week when twitter gave some musicians and other people in the music industry early access. A slew of tweets started being posted from celebrities like Ryan Seacrest, Ne-Yo and Jason Mraz talking up the new music service. The app is intended to help music fans find music that popular on Twitter and music from the bands they like most.
The app reportedly has four pages that are accessed by swipping. One of the pages is called the Popular page and shows new music that’s trending across twitter. The Emerging tab gives you a place to find unknown bands that people are tweeting about. Another of those tabs is called the Suggested tab and it shows you artists you might like based on your other music preferences. The last of the tabs is #NowPlaying. This particular tab focuses on songs that your friends are listening to or tweeting about now. Tapping on any song you discover on the application will automatically start playing the track. There is no word on when we can expect an Android version of the application to launch. [via ABC News] |
| WordPress 2.3 for Android gets updates bloggers will appreciate Posted: 18 Apr 2013 05:28 AM PDT If you are a blogger that likes to be able to make posts to your WordPress site from wherever you happen to be, the company has announced an upgrade to its Android application. The application is now at version 2.3 and has a new interface and menu drawer. The update also brings a revised Action Bar.
The Action Bar now uses the Android Holo style guideline and maintains the Action Bar interface throughout the app. The Menu Drawer allows users to quickly and easily navigate to other areas of the app from wherever you are at the time. To access the Menu Drawer, all the user needs to do is tap the arrow next to the WordPress logo. On larger screen Android devices, such as tablets, the menu will always be available. The Menu Drawer also remembers the last selection you made and returns you to the same place the next time you use the app. Other updated features include a new View Site option in the Menu Drawer. The application also has a new admin access area, it also loads faster, and has an overall updated look and feel. The post editor has also been improved to make it easier to navigate around the post when you’re editing. The updated app also brings improved image uploading. [via WordPress] |
| LinkedIn Android app gets upgraded Posted: 18 Apr 2013 05:11 AM PDT LinkedIn has announced a major update to its Android application. The date marks the first major upgrade to the application in almost 2 years. While the update brings some changes that people really appreciate, it does bring one change that many people will hate.
The update brings ads in the form of sponsored content in the LinkedIn stream. LinkedIn said that during the development of the new app it had its entire staff using the new versions. The company says that the staff provided 10,000 different pieces of feedback and the new app is a result of all that feedback. The app is focused mostly around an updated activity stream that is more interactive. The stream on the app will now continue to bring in content posted by people on your network and will introduce posts to the users stream from outside “influencers.” This is very much like the LinkedIn desktop application. The app update also brings the ability for users to comment on items and stream and endorse items using in the thumbs-up icon. The update also makes it easy to toggle between the new stream and other features. For instance the app now support swipe gestures with a flight from the left side of the screen bringing up a menu of options to access private messages, connection invitations, calendars, and more. About the updates included in the Android and iPhone apps. [via TechCrunch] |
| Allwinner A20 SoC is destined for Android devices of all sorts Posted: 18 Apr 2013 04:58 AM PDT Allwinner SoCs find their way under the hoods of all sorts of Android devices including tablets, TV sticks, and more from various manufacturers. Allwinner hardware is particularly popular with Chinese Android gadget makers. Allwinner has announced those products using its newest hardware, called the A20, are now shipping.
The A20 is claimed to be the world’s first dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 SoC. The device uses a Coretex-A7 CPU along with a dual-core Mali400MP2 GPU. The A20 supports H.264 2160p video playback and full HD resolution video playback at 30 frames per second. Product using the A20 will also be able to capture 720p resolution video at 60 frames per second. The A20 is designed to support Android 4.2.2 and up and promises five times the energy efficiency of the previous generation Cortex-A8. The new device also promises 50% greater performance than the previous generation of product. The new A20 is also likely to be found as an upgrade to existing products because it is pin to pin compatible with the A10 chipset. That should mean device makers are able to simply replace the A10 in existing devices with the new and more powerful A20. There is no indication of when products using the new SoC will be available to purchase. [via SlashGear] |
| AT&T HTC One X+ update rolling out – still 4.1 Jelly Bean Posted: 17 Apr 2013 04:24 PM PDT While we are all excited and patiently awaiting the HTC One to arrive on the shelves at AT&T, those rocking their last generation smartphone will be happy to know an update is rolling out. This week AT&T confirmed the Tegra 3 packing HTC One X+ is getting updated today with various improvements and bug fixes. I guess they didn’t completely forget about it, not yet at least.
The update actually started rolling out back on the 13th of April, but we’re just now starting to see reports of it arriving for users. While we aren’t getting an upgrade to 4.2 Jelly Bean or anything, this will improve a few things as well as fixed multiple pesky bugs that were plaguing the handset. According to HTC Support, who also provides the update file for download, you’ll be getting fixes for WiFi connectivity and drops, bluetooth improvements, fixes to AT&T’s address book app, improved battery life and other various fixes. As usual it states performance enhancements, but doesn’t state what. As usual you HTC One X+ owners on AT&T can manually get the update over the air, or check yourself by heading into settings > about phone > software updates and give it a check. We haven’t heard much as far as actual improvements so after you update drop us a comment below and let us know if your issues are fixed. Now all the X+ needs is 4.2 Jelly Bean and HTC Sense UI 5 and you’ll be set. [via Android Police] Device Info
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| Pantech Vega Iron 1080p HD phone leaks before tomorrow’s reveal Posted: 17 Apr 2013 03:43 PM PDT While we’ve been seeing nearly all manufacturers jump on board this new 1920 x 1080p full HD train for their smartphones, a few are a little late to the game. Today we’re seeing more reports and some leaked images of an upcoming device from the folks at Pantech. This device is reportedly to be called the Vega Iron, and rocks a full HD display and other top-tier specs.
Pantech’s new Vega Iron is aiming to take on the likes of the Samsung GALAXY S 4, and even LG’s 5.5-inch Optimus G Pro over in Korea. According to the details being made available this smartphone will be announced tomorrow, April 18th to the world. Pantech has a few devices in the US that are budget friendly, but we’d love to see their flagship devices make the trip across the pond and be available stateside. According to UnwiredView the Pantech pictured above (and below) has some pretty impressive specs to go along with that display. We’re expecting a 5-inch 1920 x 1080p full HD display, Qualcomm’s 1.7 GHz Snapdragon 600 series quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, 4G LTE, 32GB of storage, a weak 2,150 mAh battery, NFC, and even a 13 megapixel is all on board. Sounds nice right?
Reports suggest this new flagship smartphone will be announced tomorrow running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, but will quickly be updated to the absolute latest and greatest 4.2 JB in the coming weeks. It even offers a micro-SD card slot for expandable storage. This is shaping up to be a pretty impressive phone, and we can’t wait for more details. Hopefully it will become available outside Korea. [via UnwiredView] |
| Twitter to deliver ads for users based on ‘keyword targeting’ Posted: 17 Apr 2013 03:20 PM PDT Users on Twitter can expect the type of ads they’ll be seeing in their timelines to get more precise in the future with what the folks from Twitter are calling “keyword targeting in timelines.” What this means is they’ll be targeting words in your timeline or things you tweet, and delivering ads based on those keywords.
It sounds like ads are about to get much more targeted and direct for each individual, whether they like it or not. Now advertisers will be able to offer and place promoted tweets in timelines with much more focus on the subject matter to each person tweeting. If you mention something you like such as Doritos, or the NFL, you’ll likely get some targeted ads based on those keywords. Twitter will be allowing context to play a much bigger role in your everyday advertising intake. There is good news here though. That being the amount of advertisements that are popping up shouldn’t actually increase for any one, they’ll just be more direct and more useful. So it’s sort of a win win, we guess.
According to Twitter and their array of advertisers the feedback and amount of ad engagement has been much better using this new approach in a limited beta lately. Basically, get ready for some better and more relevant promotional tweets. [via SlashGear] |
| Samsung’s flexible AMOLED display technology delayed Posted: 17 Apr 2013 02:49 PM PDT We’ve been hearing quite a bit regarding Samsung‘s extremely impressive and exciting flexible display technology for smartphones and tablets, but are now receiving some bad news. Multiple reports have started to surface stating that Samsung has yet again suffered a few setbacks, and their flexible YOUM displays could be delayed once more.
We’ve been waiting for it for a long time, and have seen the technology on display at CES for more than a few years, including this past January while teasing the Galaxy S 4 smartphone. Today according to a Korean newspaper ETnews the tech has been delayed again, and Samsung is in the process of finding a solution. SamMobile is reporting that not only has it faced delays, but there’s some chance that the folks from LG might actually beat them to market with a device rocking a flexible display. The delay is being caused by the encapsulation process to protect the display from moisture and oxygen, but we don’t know too much at this point. What it all comes down to is enabling the display to flex without breaking the protective seal around the device. Something durable yet flexible. We know Gorilla Glass is working on curved glass, but not anything that can actually flex. We have a feeling Samsung’s first flexible display device will not bend, but just have some curved screen real estate like a few concept devices we’ve seen lately. We’ll update when we hear more. [via SamMobile] |
| ACLU going after wireless carriers over Android security updates Posted: 17 Apr 2013 01:59 PM PDT We often hear complaints surrounding the topic of getting updates on Android devices. While this seems to have been an ongoing complaint for many, it looks like it is now getting some attention from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). In this case, the ACLU has filed a request asking the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to look into the lack of updates coming from the wireless carriers.
Specifically, this request for investigation was filed this week and is against the four major US carrier which includes AT&T and T-Mobile as well as Verizon Wireless and Sprint. While we often talk of updates pertaining to Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean, the ACLU seems to be talking more in regards to security here. In fact, the briefing mentions that “all four of the major wireless carriers consistently fail to provide consumers with available security updates to repair known security vulnerabilities in the software operating on mobile devices.” Diving in a bit deeper and there is also talk about how the carriers are not warning users about how they may be buying a smartphone that is “defective” and possibly running a “vulnerable operating system and browser software.” Further details in the filing talk about how providing software update is not just “an industry best practice” but should be a “basic requirement.” The basic requirement portion comes into play due to these devise often having sensitive information such as email, banking details and personal images. While we wait to see the response from the FTC, some of the carriers have begun to respond. In this case the response is what many would expect. For example, Verizon Wireless spoke about how they are known for their “rigorous testing protocols” and how they “work closely” with OEM partners to “provide mandatory updates to devices as quickly as possible.” Whether or not this will change anything is another story entirely, but it is sort of nice to see this action being taken if for no other reason than it brings this to a place where it can be discussed. [via ars technica] |
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