Wednesday, April 17, 2013

AndroidGuys

AndroidGuys


LG confirmed to host May 1 press event

Posted: 16 Apr 2013 12:21 PM PDT

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Just last Friday night we exclusively reported that LG would be holding a press event in New York on May 1. The details were light at the time however we suspected it would be centered around the U.S. release of the Optimus G Pro. An invitation being sent out today has confirmed that LG will be hosting such an event.

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As we might expect, the teaser invite doesn’t indicate what we could see announced on May 1and LG is being coy. All we know is that LG will “Share the Genius” and that we’ll be able to “capture the true brilliance.

 

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Motorola’s “just right” size devices reported to run stock Android

Posted: 16 Apr 2013 11:56 AM PDT

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The first batch of devices to come from the Motorola and Google partnership will run stock Android and feature the right size of displays. Using the mindset that “better is better” and not “bigger is better”, these smartphones are reported to feature thin bezels not unlike the Motorola Razr M.

According to a recent PC Mag report, Motorola indicated that fans of stock Android and more practical sized devices will be pleased. Expected to arrive in the second half of the year these phones may ultimately fall under one line of branding; less Droid, Atrix, and Photon models to keep up with.

From a software and UI perspective, our strategy is to embrace Android and to make it the best expression of Android and Google in the market. It will be the unadulterated version of Android, and I feel really good about our embracing Android and being the best Android experience.

Perhaps more important than size, these new Motorola devices are expected to feature a stock version of Android with relatively little bloatware. Presumably the smartphones sold through Google’s direct channel will be void of any added software while the versions sold through carriers might feature branded apps.

In terms of software experience we are still anticipating the “wow” factor that provides users with more than what happens with today’s devices.

PC Mag

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Logitech Harmony takes remote controls a step further with two new options

Posted: 16 Apr 2013 10:26 AM PDT

Tax day has come and gone, and hopefully the big guys didn’t hit you too hard this year. Heck, maybe you even got a little extra change in your pocket thanks to Uncle Sam. If that’s the case and you have been in the market for an over-the-top universal remote that does everything but your dirty dishes, Logitech may have the one for you.

Today, Logitech announced the continuation of its Harmony line with Logitech Harmony Ultimate and Logitech Harmony Smart Control. Both products feature Logitech's new Harmony Hub and Harmony Smartphone App to allow closed-cabinet and game console control. As a special treat, the Harmony Hub also has a little trick up its sleeve: the ability to control your Philips Hue lights with a tap of the Harmony Ultimate controller.

Things couldn’t be any easier when it comes to controlling your media equipment. With just a touch, your remote can turn on your TV, the Blu-ray player, game console, and more. With Logitech Harmony Ultimate, you can control all of your entertainment devices through your cabinets or walls, and with the optional Harmony Smartphone App, anyone in the house can turn their smartphone into a personal universal remote (or use the simple universal remote included with purchase when a smartphone isn’t available.)

The Logitech Harmony Ultimate can be pre-ordered for $349.99, and the Logitech Harmony Smart Control  is priced at a more reasonable $129.99. If tax season was good to you and you want more information, check out the whole line-up at logitech.com.

 

 

 

 

via Logitech

 

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Google mobile search enhanced for Rotten Tomatoes, Wikipedia

Posted: 16 Apr 2013 10:09 AM PDT

The Google search experience for mobile devices has been updated with improved results for Rotten Tomatoes and Wikipedia. For those of you looking for the local movie showings and start times, the results page will display “In Theaters” under the larger Rotten Tomatoes link. The expandable sitelinks that you’ve likely seen on desktop are available for many websites.

Click to view slideshow.

Also going live today, a blue “Quick View” icon will appear next to results that feature Wikipedia links. Touted as an experimental project, these provide a quick view of the page you’re likely to click. This one’s tied to Wikipedia for now, however Google plans to roll this out to additional sites.

To take advantage of either of these new features simply point your browser to google.com.

Google

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Eric Schmidt teases new Motorola devices as Android activations eclipse 1.5 million daily

Posted: 16 Apr 2013 09:31 AM PDT

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Google head Eric Schmidt, speaking at AllThingsD’s annual D: Dive Into Mobile, indicated that Motorola would be soon releasing a set of “phenomenal” new devices which he termed as “phones plus”. Without providing any additional details, his comments seemed to confirm the upcoming X Phone series of handsets. Presumably, these phone not only offer top-of-the-line hardware, but great user features as well.

Schmidt also advised that the number of activated Android devices has topped 1.5 million per day and are on track to reach a cumulative 1 billion by year’s end.

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Incipio GS3 Faxion review

Posted: 16 Apr 2013 08:00 AM PDT

incipio_logoIncipio is probably one of the most popular case manufacturers to date, with an almost never-ending list of products for a slew of devices. One such product is the Faxion case for the Samsung Galaxy S3, which I had the chance to spend some time with over the past few days. The case has a polycarbonate frame, and is “semi-rigid” according to Incipio. The Faxion has its strengths and weaknesses, and it stands out as a particularly simple, elegant case.

IMG_20130413_134941The Faxion’s two-tone design offers a unique look for GS3 users, and the materials definitely give the case a quality feel. It certainly doesn’t have cheap build quality, and Incipio prides itself on using some of the best materials to make its products. The glossy finish covers the majority of the case, although the polycarbonate frame does give some nice contrast. The case is not flexible in any sense, other than the edges. This contributes to the overall rigidity of the case, which is probably what Incipio was shooting for here.

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The glossy back of the Faxion is probably my least favorite aspect of the case, for several reasons. Primarily, it covers the majority of the device, but provides almost no grip at all. I found my Galaxy S3 slipping out of my hand constantly while using this case, simply because the plastic-like backing is very slick. The polycarbonate frame offers much more of a grip, but it only lines the device and covers the bottom and top, where few users grasp their phone. I have to wonder if Incipio intended for this case to be as slippery as it is (perhaps so that it more easily slides into pockets), or if they neglected to think about holding the case on a day-to-day basis. Either way, the Faxion is one of the slickest cases I’ve ever used.

The slipperiness of the glossy back isn’t the only problem with the Faxion. This thing is a dust magnet. After using it for just a few days, I must have cleaned it a hundred times. Anytime I set the case down on a table, or slid it into my pocket, it picked up dust. Beyond that, the back also retained smudges quite well, which only contributes to the constant wiping off of the case. As much as I baby my devices, this wasn’t so much a huge problem as it was bothersome. Granted, it might not bug other users quite as much.

IMG_20130413_135026The power and volume button covers are solid, but still press-able. There’s just enough flexibility to give users a definitive feeling that the button is pressed. Incipio did a nice job of crafting the microUSB and headphone port cutouts, which were fairly big and should accommodate most chargers and audio accessories.

IMG_20130413_133117The Faxion is quite slim, and light to boot, so it doesn’t add much bulk or weight to the device. In addition, it fits very tightly on the GS3, and doesn’t easily slide off. Still, the case is fairly easy to get on and off the device, which is always nice.

After a few days of using the Faxion, I developed a love/hate relationship with it. On one hand, it’s a very well-built case that offers a premium look and feel. On the other, it picks up more dust than a vacuum cleaner and is nearly impossible to hold without it sliding out of my hand. In the end, I’d still recommend it to GS3 users that are looking for a slim, beautiful case. If you don’t mind the dust or slipping, it’s actually a great accessory.

Important Features

  • Rigid polycarbonate frame
  • Glossy finish
  • Drop protection
  • 2.31 mm thick

What We Liked

  • Rigid frame offers great protection
  • Very nice look and feel
  • Button covers are just right
  • Multiple colors to choose from

Room for Improvement

  • Glossy back picks up tons of dirt and dust
  • Little to no grip, case slips out of the hand very easily

Where to Buy

The Faxion can be purchased straight from Incipio in four color variations for $34.99. Of course if the Faxion isn’t quite your style, you can always check out Incipio’s full range of other cases as well. You can also grab most of their products from Amazon.

The post Incipio GS3 Faxion review appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Get this look for your Android: All-in-Wonder

Posted: 16 Apr 2013 07:00 AM PDT

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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!

All-in-WONDER by Lieutenant Sword

WHY WE LOVE THIS LOOK:

As a blend of text, icons, and photos, this home screen layout is unlike anything else we’ve highlighted/ We’re reminded of the Microsoft’s live tiles look and feel but we’re happy to see the way images and widgets freshen things up.

As is the case with any good home screen design, we appreciate the at-a-glance weather, mail, and other notifications. Other nice touches include the battery status, upcoming calendar appointments, and shortcuts to other apps.

If for no other reason, we suggest checking out the Lightning Launcher Home; it’s the first time we’ve seen it in a GTL design. It’s free, flexible, and a breath of fresh air.

Creating this look might take a bit of time and effort so definitely check out the source link. The creator indicates that a video tutorial is coming down the road.

Check the archives for even more inspiration!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

What else:

MyColorScreen is dedicated to the great ways you can modify your home screens.

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AT&T and U.S. Cellular begin Samsung Galaxy S4 pre-orders

Posted: 16 Apr 2013 06:34 AM PDT

AT&T has beat everyone in the race to become the first US carrier to begin pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S4. Options include the 16GB White Frost or Black Mist device (in select regions) for $199.99 on a two-year contract. AT&T says it estimates that Galaxy S4 orders will ship by April 30th, arriving to customers around May 3rd. The 16GB option is currently the only available model to order, however AT&T will hopefully open up pre-orders for the 32GB handset in the coming days.

Note: It seems like AT&T is having trouble on their website due to high traffic volumes this morning, so drink an extra cup of coffee and just keep trying.

Update: U.S. Cellular has also begun pre-orders this morning for the Samsung Galaxy S4. Their subscribers may find it easier to order as the pre-order button is on the carriers home page. U.S. Cellular’s availability is the same as AT&T’s and includes either the White Frost or Black Mist devices for $199.99 with a standard two year-contract. They are also including a free S View Flip cover with each S4 purchase while supplies last.

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Google Glass specs detailed: Full day battery, bone induction audio, 16GB flash storage

Posted: 16 Apr 2013 04:10 AM PDT

In lieu of Google’s preparation to launch their Glass Explorer units, the company has released the full set of specs for their first iteration. Specs include;

  • Fit: Adjustable nosepads and durable frame fits any face. Extra nosepads in two sizes.
  • Display: High resolution display is the equivalent of a 25 inch high definition screen from eight feet away.
  • Camera: Photos – 5 MP; Videos – 720p
  • Audio: Bone Conduction Transducer
  • Connectivity: Wifi – 802.11b/g; Bluetooth
  • Storage: 12 GB of usable memory, synced with Google cloud storage. 16 GB Flash total.
  • Battery: One full day of typical use. Some features, like Hangouts and video recording, are more battery intensive.
  • Charger: Included Micro USB cable and charger. While there are thousands of Micro USB chargers out there, Glass is designed and tested with the included charger in mind. Use it and preserve long and prosperous Glass use.
  • Compatibility: Any Bluetooth-capable phone. The MyGlass companion app requires Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher. MyGlass enables GPS and SMS messaging.

Noticeably missing, of course, are things like RAM and CPU. However, remember – this is a new type of device, and, with change, we have to remember that some things that are important to us now may not be in new devices.

Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments.

via google

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