Android Community |
- DirecTV app update to add natural language voice search this summer
- Lenovo confirms Ideaphone K900 release date
- Facebook Pages redesigned for mobile – looks like Google Now
- GameStick unboxes Kickstarter edition console and controller
- Verizon GALAXY S 4 up for pre-order from Best Buy
- Verizon voice-over LTE support coming next year
- Google Street View reaches 50 countries
- Handsfree texting shown to be as dangerous as regular texting
- Verizon Wireless details upcoming Pantech Perception release
- Ultra Mobile MVNO adds new unlimited international messaging plan
- Sony launches Xperia Z Android Open Source Project
- Uhost3 Android TV set-top box isn’t so boxy
- Thor: Lord of Storms game hits Android
- Android 4.2 tipped as the last update for HTC One X
- Software code hints at camera wink control for Google Glass
- AT&T GALAXY S 4 shipping early – hits retail stores Saturday
- Rogers lights up 7 new 4G LTE markets
- HTC One suffers another setback with lawsuit from Nokia
- Motorola DROID RAZR M Android 4.1.2 update rolling out today
- Google Glass consumer launch expected in 2014
| DirecTV app update to add natural language voice search this summer Posted: 23 Apr 2013 11:07 AM PDT DirecTV recently rolled-out an app that supported Android tablets and while that app still doesn’t offer support for the Nexus 7, it looks like the company is shifting their focus to the smartphone. The DirecTV smartphone app has been and remains available, however as of today we are getting a little bit of a teaser in terms of an upcoming update.
The update will bring voice search and it is expected to arrive sometime during the summer. The searching will return results for regular television listings as well as for on-demand and pay-per-view content. The app will use natural language which basically just means that you will be able to search with queries such as “find the Lakers game” or “search for comedies with Adam Sandler.” These searches will be possible without having any opening phrase and can then be further filtered by channel, actor, genre and time. DirecTV plans to have these voice search commands shown as speech bubbles, which should if nothing else, provide a look and style that many will be comfortable in seeing. The app will also offer some suggestions in these speech bubbles, which could lead to the user seeing some advertising. In fact, CNET mentioned that DirecTV reps talked about how those bubbles would make a natural home for promotional opportunities. Otherwise, if nothing else, the voice search may make it a bit easier to find things to watch. After all, with an almost endless list of channels these days, scrolling to find what you want to watch is now taking longer and longer. |
| Lenovo confirms Ideaphone K900 release date Posted: 23 Apr 2013 10:30 AM PDT Lenovo announced the Ideaphone K900 back in January. The announcement took place during CES and while Lenovo was forthcoming in terms of specs, they were rather quiet in terms of when the handset would begin shipping. At the time all we heard was about how the K900 was expected to begin shipping around April.
Well, as it turns out that April timeframe is not going to hold up. Lenovo however, hasn’t missed that by much though and has since announced the Ideaphone K900 will begin shipping on May 6. As we were expecting to happen, the handset will initially be available only for those in China. No word if, or when the K900 will begin shipping to other markets. This is a handset that may appeal to those looking for something with a larger display. The K900 has a 5.5-inch display. Said display is IPS and sporting a resolution of 1920 x 1080 with a PPI of 440. The K900 is powered by a 2GHz Intel Clover Trail processor with 2GB of RAM, a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera and running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Touching back on the camera, as you will see, that is one of the focus points from the video. Here you will learn how this was about more than just having the highest megapixel camera — the K900 has a Sony Exmor lens with F1.8 focal length. All that being said, those curious about the Lenovo K900 may want to check the above video which shows a bit of our hands-on time from CES. [via GSM Insider] |
| Facebook Pages redesigned for mobile – looks like Google Now Posted: 23 Apr 2013 10:11 AM PDT Today the folks over at Mark Zuckerberg HQ have another announcement and product redesign to share with everyone. It looks like all those business and Facebook Pages are going to get prettier soon. Facebook has confirmed a completely redesigned mobile layout for Facebook Pages, but at first glance it looks quite a bit like Google Now – only it’s on iOS.
The newly redesigned mobile Facebook Pages will become available starting today for iOS users, and they confirmed that the same update will be arriving soon for Android – just not yet. Interestingly enough it looks even more similar to Google Now “cards” than before. It looks good though, can’t argue with that. As a reminder, this isn’t for regular Facebook users but for business pages. Then Facebook also is aiming at Yelp with this new and improved Pages listing. They’ve added tons of features that will be taking Yelp head-on in the future. From ratings, restaurant pricing and more all being front and center and easy to find. Same goes for business address and hours too. Neat!
For users everything is easier to see, find, and use, especially on mobile. Then for the actual Page owners this update and redesign brings a much easier mobile management solution for iOS. Then again this same update will be arriving on Android’s app shortly. You can however access them from a mobile browser and see what it’s all about. Hit the via below for more details on the new mobile Facebook Pages layout and redesign. [via Facebook] |
| GameStick unboxes Kickstarter edition console and controller Posted: 23 Apr 2013 09:59 AM PDT Earlier this month we heard talk of shipping delays for the GameStick game system. The good news however is that the GameStick has since begun shipping. In fact, thanks to a recently posted unboxing video, we now know the GameStick began shipping to Kickstarter backers last week. Putting that bit of good news aside, it looks like those 5,691 Kickstarter backers can now get a look at what will be arriving.
Simply put, PlayJam has shared an unboxing video giving a look at what they are calling the developer boxes. These units are described (on the box) as being a prototype and as you will see by watching the video — your Kickstarter backed GameStick will look a bit different as compared to the final retail version. The GameStick itself is bigger in size than the retail model. It is also black as opposed to white. The Kickstarter model will have the following; HDMI to TV, microSD card slot (with support for cards up to 32GB in size), full sized USB 2.0 port for connecting peripherals and a microUSB for power. Similar to the console stick, the controller will also be a bit different as compared to the retail model. In fact, the folks at PlayJam have said the controller for Kickstarter backers will be “quite far off the final retail unit” and that the “quality will be nowhere near the final product.” Aside from the GameStick itself and the controller, the box also includes a USB power adapter as well as a charging cable and extender cable. Shifting away from the hardware, this video also offers a look a the UI. Those itching to get a look at that should skip ahead to the 3:20 mark of the video. All said and done, with shipments going out, we should begin seeing some hands-on user reports hitting the web soon enough. |
| Verizon GALAXY S 4 up for pre-order from Best Buy Posted: 23 Apr 2013 09:51 AM PDT Are you excited and patiently awaiting the Samsung GALAXY S 4 to arrive on Verizon Wireless? Well we have good news. Verizon is the only big carrier that still hasn’t released any sort of details or a full release date, but Best Buy has stepped in to fill the void for you eager fans. They just confirmed they’ll be taking pre-orders for the Verizon model, even though we don’t know when it will be available.
So far mums the word from Verizon Wireless. They did however confirm on Twitter that the GALAXY S 4 would arrive on their network in May, but that’s all they decided to tell us. Recent leaks suggest a May 30th release date, slightly a month later than AT&T – but so far we can’t confirm that at this point. However, for those that would like to secure their own 4.99-inch 1080p full HD powerhouse smartphone today you’ll be able to do so thanks to Best Buy. Multiple readers have received messages from Best Buy confirming you can head into your local Best Buy Mobile and secure your GS 4 today. The online site still doesn’t show Verizon’s model available, but should soon. We’re not expecting Best Buy to share a release date or any official pricing, and most likely will just ask for $50 down to secure your pre-order. While Verizon hasn’t announced pricing, most likely it will be $199 for 16GB and $249 for the 32GB model just like other carriers. If you head down to your local Best Buy shop to order one, drop us a comment and let us know how it went! Device Info
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| Verizon voice-over LTE support coming next year Posted: 23 Apr 2013 09:27 AM PDT Previous reports pegged voice-over LTE support as coming to Verizon Wireless in 2013, however based on new details it is now looking as if that support will not be arriving until next year. These latest details come by way of Verizon CFO Fran Shammo who said the voice-over LTE support would be launching commercially in “early next year.”
While that may sound like a bit of bad news for anyone that may have been waiting, there does appear to be a silver lining. It seems Verizon is readying voice-over LTE capable devices for the later part of this year. Shammo didn’t offer specifics here, however based on details from Light Reading, Verizon will “start to have VoLTE-capable phones by the end of this year.” Basically, that is just to say that devices should be ready and available before the launch of the network. This move will not really mean all that much for the average user initially, but longer term they will likely notice some changes. These changes will come to the types of devices that consumers begin seeing. In this case, given the voice-over LTE support allows for voice calls alongside data on the 4G network, we will begin seeing devices without any 3G CDMA chips. The introduction of voice-over LTE is a baby step towards the eventual reuse of the current 3G network. Of course, that will likely not be happening anytime soon. Otherwise, AT&T has also said they are planning to have a limited launch of voice-over LTE in place for later this year. [via phoneArena] |
| Google Street View reaches 50 countries Posted: 23 Apr 2013 08:39 AM PDT Having launched in 2007 with only five US cities being shown, Google Street View is now touting availability in 50 countries. The 50 country milestone arrives as Google takes Street View into Hungary and Lesotho. This latest update however includes coverage for more than just those two named areas. In fact, Google has this update listed as being the largest single update ever for Street View.
Basically, this update has brought new and updated coverage for approximately 350,000 miles of road. Perhaps more telling, those 350,000 miles are spread out across 14 countries. Those looking to take a virtual trip using Street View will now be able to see landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament building as well as the Chain bridge or venture over to Lesotho and see the Evangelical Church, which was founded in 1833 and is said to be one of Africa’s oldest Protestant churches. Aside from the new coverage in Hungary and Lesotho, this update brought refreshed coverage in France, Italy, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore and Thailand. Looking back, Google also updated Street View in February and March of this year. The February update took Street View inside of some NFL stadiums and the March update took us to some of the tallest mountains in the world. Focusing in on the mountain update and those checking out Street View are now be able to virtual climb peaks such as Aconcagua in South America, Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mount Elbrus in Europe as well as the Everest Base Camp in Asia. Bottom line here, while the 50 country mark is a decent milestone, this is more than likely just another in an ongoing series of Street View improvements. [via Google Lat Long Blog] |
| Handsfree texting shown to be as dangerous as regular texting Posted: 23 Apr 2013 08:06 AM PDT When it comes to texting while driving we often hear talk of going handsfree. The general belief is that it is safer to go handsfree as opposed to hands-on, however a new study is showing that it is not entirely safe to be texting handsfree either. This study was done by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University and it compares voice-to-text and non-voice texting in a real-world driving environment.
This particular study looked at 43 licensed drivers between the ages of 16 and 60. Each participant in the study drove a total of four times, with each being for 10 minutes. The driving was done at 30 MPH and each driver did one round with no texting, one round with manual texting, one round with voice-to-text using an iPhone and one round using voice-to text with an Android smartphone. The results of the testing showed driver response time being slower regardless of which method of texting they were doing. It was shown that drivers took roughly twice as long to react while texting as opposed to while they were not texting. The handsfree and manual texting test drives also revealed that drivers spent less time looking at the road. Perhaps even more telling, this study shows that driver performance was just about the same regardless of which method of texting they were doing. Not that we want to encourage any sort of texting while driving, but the study showed that manual texting actually took slightly less time than voice-texting. Of course, as anyone that has used text-to-speech will likely realize, the reasoning there could be the sometimes jumbled messages that require fixing before they can be sent. Image credit: mrJasonWeaver on Flickr [via USA Today] |
| Verizon Wireless details upcoming Pantech Perception release Posted: 23 Apr 2013 07:29 AM PDT Coming off some recent rumors and FCC sightings, the Pantech Perception has officially been announced by Verizon Wireless. The handset will be a global ready device and is launching with a feature called Motion Sense, which will let you control certain aspects of your phone with the wave of your hand. First and foremost, the Pantech Perception will be available in a few days time, on April 25.
Diving in with the Motion Sense feature, Verizon Wireless has said this will allow users to answer a phone call, scroll through contacts, scroll through an image gallery and also skip a song by simply waving a hand over the phone. Time will tell if Motion Sense is a gimmick or a regularly used feature, so lets get into some of the other specs. Pantech and Verizon will be launching the Perception with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, with a promise that the handset will be upgraded to Jelly Bean “soon.” Other specs include a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, 16GB of internal storage, 2 megapixel front-facing camera, 8 megapixel rear-facing camera and 4G LTE connectivity. The Pantech Perception will arrived priced at $99.99. Further details note that price comes after a $50 mail-in rebate and as one would expect, that also includes a two-year agreement. All that being said, the real question seems to come down to whether one would be willing to spend $99.99 on a handset that it not yet running Jelly Bean. [via Verizon Wireless] |
| Ultra Mobile MVNO adds new unlimited international messaging plan Posted: 23 Apr 2013 07:01 AM PDT Ultra Mobile is an MVNO carrier that uses the T-Mobile network. At present they have several calling plans available, however as of today they will be launching yet another. This new plan will debut with the lowest price of all the Ultra Mobile plans. The plan will be $19 per month and is being touted as “entry point plan for casual mobile users.”
Aside from being aimed at the casual user, this new $19 per month plan will also have a focus on international messaging. In fact, one of the features of this plan is unlimited global SMS messaging that will work with any mobile number in 194 countries around the world. This plan also includes 250 voice minutes as well as 50MB of high-speed data and $1.25 toward international calls. For those not as familiar with Ultra Mobile, they are a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) carrier. Basically, you would go to a carrier like Ultra Mobile if you already have a phone and are just looking for a SIM and service. Ultra Mobile originally launched back in October 2012 and as one could take from the international friendliness of this new plan — they are looking towards those who live in the US, but happen to have been born elsewhere. Aside from this newly introduced $19 per month plan, Ultra Mobile also has plans at $29, $39, $49 and $59. Since we already have an idea of what the lower priced plans will offer, lets mention the higher priced plan features. The $59 per month plan includes unlimited national talk along with unlimited global text messaging. This plan also includes 1GB of high-speed data and a $20 monthly credit towards international calling. [via Fierce Wireless] |
| Sony launches Xperia Z Android Open Source Project Posted: 23 Apr 2013 06:31 AM PDT Sony has launched their latest Android Open Source Project. This one is for the Xperia Z, however a similar project was launched for the Xperia S back in August of 2012. In fact, the reason behind the Xperia Z AOSP project was due to what Sony is calling the “great interest” they saw for the Xperia S. Reasoning aside, this basically means the software from the Xperia Z will be open and available for developers to use.
On the flip side, Sony is also looking and hoping for contributions from those developers. The key key here, while this is open and available, this is not software that you will be running on a daily basis. Basically, that is to say that while the software has quite a bit of function, there are some key pieces missing. For example, Sony has said that while the modem and camera are functioning internally, they both require proprietary software that cannot be published. Putting that aside, Sony has said they are using this project as a way to further show their commitment to the open Android community as well as as a tool to “facilitate and verify contributions to AOSP on the MSM8064 Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro platform.” If you are a developer and looking to get involved, you will be able to find the code on Sony’s GitHub page using this link. Otherwise, while we already mentioned the issues surrounding the modem and the camera, Sony has said that they have “a lot of things working.” Sony further clarifies that statement by mentioning the handset is able to boot up with the SD card, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS and LED light working. In addition, the sensors are said to be partially working. Bottom line here, Sony has put this out there, now it is time for some developers to actually make things happen. [via Sony] |
| Uhost3 Android TV set-top box isn’t so boxy Posted: 23 Apr 2013 05:54 AM PDT There is no shortage of Android-powered set-top boxes on the market today. The good news is that means there are devices to meet just about every price range and any style you might be interested in. Most of the set-top boxes are actually square or rectangular making them true boxes. However, if you want something not quite so boxy for your entertainment center the new Uhost3 quad-core Android TV set top box might be for you.
This set-top box looks a lot like a hockey puck and is expected use a quad-core processor. Exactly which quad-core processor is a bit up in the air. Apparently, the company making the Uhost3 hasn’t decided whether or not to use the Allwinner A31s or the Rockchip RK3188. That Rockchip processor has proven to be incredibly popular for lower-cost Android devices. While exactly which quad-core processor will be used in the device remains to be seen, we do know that the set top box will have 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of integrated storage. The manufacturer also plans to equip it with a microSD card slot for storage expansion, an HDMI output, a pair of USB ports, and an Ethernet port. The set-top box even has a lower resolution camera on the front for video calling. Wireless connectivity is also covered with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Other supported media standards include DLNA and Miracast. The operating system will be Android 4.1. [via Liliputing] |
| Thor: Lord of Storms game hits Android Posted: 23 Apr 2013 05:13 AM PDT If you are looking for a new game for your Android device early in the week to distract you from all of the work week still left to come, you might want to check out the newest offering from Animoca. The game is called Thor: Lord of Storms and the game launched on Android for the first time this week. The game is an action strategy-defense title based on Norse mythology.
The game is free to play, but likely supported by in game purchases. The goal of the player in the game is to prevent the destruction of the world. In addition to playing as Thor, players can also choose to play as the female character Freya, the Norse goddess of love and magic. Players can also choose to play as the female character Brunhilde, a Valkyrie. Players are able to build up an army to help battle the forces of evil. The game graphics look cartoonish, which isn’t a bad thing, giving the game a light hearted feel. Players will battle across nine different worlds in the game. As the game progresses, players can level up the characters and training or upgrade the troops to perform more efficiently. The game is available to download on Google Play right now. Interestingly, the same developer was booted from the Apple App Store for allegedly violating policies prohibiting app creators from manipulating rankings in the store. [via Venture Beat] |
| Android 4.2 tipped as the last update for HTC One X Posted: 23 Apr 2013 04:52 AM PDT A lot of the Android smartphone users out there wait in anticipation for the next version of the operating system to be made available for their device. Earlier this month, we learned that the HTC One X will be getting a Android 4.2.2 operating system update in June. That certainly was good news for One X users.
However, a bit of bad news has now surfaced for owners of the One X smartphone who are hoping to get the Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie update in the future. A report has surfaced that indicates HTC doesn’t intend to upgrade the One X past Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The tip comes from a person claiming to have knowledge of HTC’s plans. HTC has been very quiet on which devices outside of its Nexus line will be getting Android updates. The company’s latest smartphone, the HTC One, ships with Android 4.1. So far, there are little details on which older HTC smartphones will be getting the Android 4.2 update. Presumably, the new devices such as the One will be getting updates for a long time to come. HTC smartphone fans who are looking forward to Android 5.0 may end up needing to purchase a new smartphone to be able to enjoy the coming flavor of Android. The tip on the One X update comes from a Twitter user going by the name LlabTooFeR. However, as with any post of this sort their is no way to know if it’s accurate or just a way for the tipster get some attention. [via Gottabemobile] |
| Software code hints at camera wink control for Google Glass Posted: 23 Apr 2013 04:39 AM PDT It seems like every time I think we’ve heard everything there is to hear about the Google Glass wearable computing device, more details surface. Hints at a new method of control have surfaced in the MyGlass app code. The code hints that the camera embedded inside the Google Glass device will have wink control.
That wink control capability, if true, will be good news for those who don’t like the idea of having to use voice commands to control the Google Glass device. Odds are people will look at users of Google Glass a bit strangely anyway and things will only be compounded if you have to talk to yourself to control the wearable computing device.
The screenshot showing the eye gesture wink control can be seen above. The code also suggests that the user can decide whether or not they want the wink control to be enabled. The code also shows a calibration process which is sure to be designed to prevent the camera from snapping pictures each time you blink your eyes. It would be easy to assume that using wink control will require a long and deliberate wink to activate the camera shutter. There’s also some indication from the code that head gestures are likely to be used to control Google Glass as well. [via SlashGear] |
| AT&T GALAXY S 4 shipping early – hits retail stores Saturday Posted: 22 Apr 2013 04:17 PM PDT For all of those who are excited to see the latest and greatest from Samsung with their impressive new flagship GALAXY S 4, we have some great news for AT&T customers. They launched pre-orders earlier this month but we’re now hearing from multiple tips in our inbox they could be shipping on the 24th, with many buyers receiving their own by the 25th.
That isn’t all either. While we already know when to expect the GALAXY S 4 over on T-Mobile and a few other carriers, today AT&T just tweeted the official in-store availability date. The Samsung GALAXY S 4 from AT&T will be in select stores starting on April 27th, so you better get in line. Their tweet mentions only the 16GB model for some reason, so we’ll update if we hear details regarding other options from AT&T. They should be running buyers $199 for the 16GB model, and $250 for the 32GB storage in White or Black. Between pre-orders shipping early and hitting shelves on the 27th this will be a busy few days for AT&T. The GALAXY S 4 is pretty impressive, that’s for sure. With a 4.99-inch 1080p HD display, quad-core power, 2GB of RAM, and that impressive 13 megapixel camera. Once we get our hands on a few we’ll be sure and give you our full thoughts, input, benchmarks and more in the usual Android Community review. Stay tuned. Will you be buying one? Device Info
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| Rogers lights up 7 new 4G LTE markets Posted: 22 Apr 2013 03:32 PM PDT Carriers across the U.S. have been busy updating and improving their networks to 4G LTE speeds, but they aren’t the only ones. We usually hear reports of Verizon, AT&T, and recently T-Mobile boasting their networks, but today’s about Rogers up in Canada. They’ve recently confirmed 7 new locations will be getting the LTE treatment.
Back at the end of March Rogers announced over 44 markets would be getting updated within the next few weeks and months to 4G LTE, and this week marks that day for roughly 7 of their locations. Canada’s fastest wireless internet and 4G LTE network will be hitting plenty of big markets soon. This is excellent news for those looking to pickup the brand new Samsung GALAXY S 4 in the coming weeks, as it will now be able to take advantage of even faster speeds thanks to this new rollout by Rogers. According to the details, at least 7 markets have been enabled this week and more will shortly follow. The newest locations are Keswick: Ontario, Hamilton, including Grimsby in Ontario, Orillia, Ontario, Airdrie, Alberta, Stratford, Ontario, B.C, Ottawa, including Kanata, Nepean, Gloucester, Stittsville and Cumberland. Rogers is making it clear their 2600 Mhz LTE spectrum will make the S4 the fastest of all available in Canada. If you’re in those areas, enjoy the new LTE speeds. [via CanadianReviewer] |
| HTC One suffers another setback with lawsuit from Nokia Posted: 22 Apr 2013 02:48 PM PDT It looks like the folks from HTC just can’t catch a break, even with their new flagship smartphone. After announcing the HTC One with tons of attention and eager buyers it sadly faced a few small delays. Now however, it appears to be in more trouble after a court in the Netherlands has awarded Nokia a preliminary injunction on the handset over the microphone.
It really is sad that the smallest of things can cause such a stir in the mobile market these days, and that’s exactly what’s going on here. Nokia has been granted an injunction against the HTC One by the Amsterdam district court regarding a set of high amplitude microphones in the smartphone. Apparently the HTC One uses the exact same microphone in the handset as the entire range of Nokia Lumia devices, and that was enough for a judge to issue the preliminary injunction. Apparently HTC didn’t license the special microphone. Nokia went as far as to teardown both devices and provide an image and serial/model numbers to the court proving the fact, but we find this a little petty.
The same manufacturer makes microphones for both HTC and Nokia, but this specific model was built for Nokia only. Either this was a mistake, mix-up, or something else. Either way this is one more small issue for HTC that could cause a setback – and this device is supposed to be their savior and money maker for 2013. HTC was disappointed by the decision but we haven’t heard any additional details at this time. The U.S. launch should carry on as expected. [via SlashGear] Device Info
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| Motorola DROID RAZR M Android 4.1.2 update rolling out today Posted: 22 Apr 2013 02:04 PM PDT Early last week we confirmed the folks from Motorola and Verizon were preparing to release a software update for the 4.3-inch DROID RAZR M full of fixes, and now it’s ready. We’ve received multiple reports that the update (still Android 4.1 Jelly Bean) for the M is arriving on devices as we speak and should fix a slew of issues.
This impressive little edge-to-edge display packing smartphone is quite the budget device, runs the latest Android from Motorola which is 4.1.2, and now is getting updated with tons of bug fixes to make it even better. As we detailed before there really isn’t anything regarding new features or software other than some bloat. It’s all about fixing the issues today. You'll still be on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, but there's tons of changes and improvements from Motorola. It appears Verizon and Moto are focusing on improving the devices wifi, volume levels, camera features and focus, in-call audio, video streaming and a few other things. Certainly not a small list. The update is rolling out over the air as we speak to RAZR M users, and is about 80 MB in size. You might want to grab a WiFi connection to save data usage, or just pull er down with 4G LTE. As usual it should arrive on its own, or feel free to head to settings > about phone > check for updates and get it now. Enjoy! Device Info
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| Google Glass consumer launch expected in 2014 Posted: 22 Apr 2013 01:39 PM PDT While Google Glass deliveries have recently begun on a limited basis, it looks like regular consumers still have a bit of waiting. In fact, recent comments coming from former Google CEO Eric Schmidt suggest average consumers will not be able to get their hands on Google Glass until sometime in 2014. The catch here is we have yet to see a specific date, or even a narrowed down timeframe for release.
Previously, it was believed that Google Glass would be available for consumers before the end of 2013. As of now, Eric Schmidt has said Google Glass for consumers is "probably a year-ish away." Granted, that could still mean they will come available for pre-order in 2013, however based on the year-ish comment — it is looking like they will not be shipping this year. These comments come by way of a recent interview that Schmidt did with BBC Radio 4. During that interview he talked about how there will be “thousands of [Google Glass] in use by developers over the next months.” Google plans to take feedback from these earlier users to refine and make any necessary product changes. Basically, those thousands of developers will be the ones doing the testing and putting up with the issues and quirks. Well, one can hope those initial issues and quirks are worked out before Glass becomes available for the regular public. Otherwise, the BBC talk also touch on the topic of privacy. Specifically, the privacy of others. On the topic of privacy Schmidt mentioned that “the fact of the matter is that we’ll have to develop some new social etiquette” going on to say that “it’s obviously not appropriate to wear these glasses in situations where recording is not correct.” If nothing else, those planning to make a purchase may now have some additional time to set aside the necessary funds. [via DVICE] |
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