Wednesday, April 10, 2013

AndroidGuys

AndroidGuys


Get this look for your Android: blackSIMPLICITY

Posted: 09 Apr 2013 11:53 AM PDT

BlackSimplicity2_original

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!

blackSIMPLICITY by nir0s

WHY WE LOVE THIS LOOK:

We noticed that many of the apps used to get this design have been featured on Get This Look a time or two. This is a good thing as it showcases the flexibility in the various apps and how they can be used to achieve seemingly endless configurations.

BlackSimplicity3_original

 

The black background can be changed without a problem and might feel better on a different color or image. We recommend playing around here and finding something that works well, perhaps a slightly blurred image or something minimal.

We’ve seen this icon theme pack more than a few times but it looks right at home in this minimal design. With that said, it’s not difficult to swap those out with another pack to get a similar effect.

The simple text shortcuts look sharp on the bottom and contrast quite nicely. With that in mind, you might not have quite the same impact should you decide to play around too much.

The top half consists of calendar and clock details; a main reason we unlock our phone is often to see what time it is and what’s coming up.

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.

The post Get this look for your Android: blackSIMPLICITY appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Confirmed details for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Mega series

Posted: 09 Apr 2013 10:26 AM PDT

Yesterday, we reported details on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Mega series, and now thanks to SamMobile we are pleased to announce confirmed specifications.

The Galaxy Mega 5.8 will be a high-end DUOS smartphone with a 5.8" qHD (960×540) TFT display. Samsung will give the device an 8 megapixel back camera and a 2 megapixel front camera. The processor will be dual-core clocked at 1.4 GHz with 1.5 GB of RAM. It also includes Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 80211 a/b/g/n and A-GPS. The Galaxy Mega 5.8 will also have a 2600 mAh battery,

As far as the Galaxy Mega 6.3 goes, it will have a 6.3" PLS HD resolution display, an 8 megapixel back camera, a 2 megapixel front camera and a dual core processor clocked at 1.7 GHz. Just like the Mega 5.8, it will also include 1.5 GB of RAM, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 80211 a/b/g/n and A-GPS. Samsung will give the Galaxy Mega 6.3 a 3200 mAh battery, and it will be the same thickness of a Galaxy S4.

Both the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and 6.3 will run on Android Jelly Bean and will use Samsung’s own TouchWiz Nature UX interface.

We still aren’t sure of price point, but we heard the series is expected to be released sometime in early May.  We will make sure to keep you posted once date and price is confirmed.

 

 

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AT&T and Boingo partner in global Wi-Fi roaming agreement

Posted: 09 Apr 2013 10:18 AM PDT

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AT&T and Boingo today announced a new global Wi-Fi partnership which sees subscribers of each service benefiting from the other. AT&T customers who subscribe to either the 300MB or 800MB Data Global Add-On package will be able to access Wi-Fi through Boingo’s hotspots with up to 1GB of allotted data per month – at no additional cost. Conversely, Boingo customers can also hop onto AT&T’s public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots at major international airports are available to AT&T customers today, with service continuing to expand throughout 2013.

Additionally, as part of the agreement, Boingo customers traveling in the United States will also be able to access AT&T's network of Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country, including airports, restaurants, sporting arenas and retail locations.

Press release

The post AT&T and Boingo partner in global Wi-Fi roaming agreement appeared first on AndroidGuys.

ASUS MeMO Pad lands in USA for $149

Posted: 09 Apr 2013 10:14 AM PDT

Earlier this year, ASUS introduced the $150 Android tablet known as ASUS MeMO Pad. Today, the tablet lands in the USA as one of the More inexpensive tablets around. Don’t be fooled by the cost, mind you. There’s plenty under the hood for the money.

asus_memopad The Asus MeMO Pad will be running a  1GHz processor and a Mali-400 GPU.

Full Asus MeMO Pad details:

  • Operating system: Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • Display: 7-inch (1024 x 600, 170PPI) LED-backlit; 10-point multi-touch; 140-degree wide viewing angle; 350-nits brightness
  • Front Camera: 1MP back-illuminated sensor, f/2.0, with 720p HD video capture at 30fps
  • Storage: 1GB RAM; 8GB or 16GB storage with microSD card slot (up to 32GB); 5GB free ASUS WebStorage
  • Wireless: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
  • Connectivity: 3.5mm headphone/mic; Microphone; Micro-USB port; Sensors; G-Sensor; Pre-installed ASUS applications; SuperNote Lite; ASUS WebStorage; ASUS WebStorage Online Office; ASUS Studio; BuddyBuzz; MyPainter; MyBitCast
  • Battery: 7 hours (16Wh Li-polymer, 4270mAh)*
  • Available colors: Sugar White, Titanium Gray, Cherry Pink
  • Size: 196.2 x 119.2 x 11.2 mm – 7.72 x 4.69 x 0.44"
  • Weight: 370g – 13.1oz

It’s not a bad package, and if you are interested in picking one, then you can get it from Amazon or GameStop. Although, by just paying $50 more, you can get the Nexus 7 which is generally considered a better option.

Are planning to buy an ASUS tablet? Given the choice between Nexus 7 and MeMO Pad, which one would you prefer? Tell us about it in the comment box below.

VIA: UV

The post ASUS MeMO Pad lands in USA for $149 appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Google intros new look for Google Play Store

Posted: 09 Apr 2013 09:36 AM PDT

 

google_play4_store

Google today introduced a new look for the Google Play Store for Android devices running 2.2 Froyo or later. The premise behind the new design is to make things quicker and easier to download and experience.  Rolling out in stages starting from today, the app focuses on bigger images, better content grouping, and a better recommendation engine. Rounding things out, the purchase process has also been streamlined.

The new UI is simple and easier to browse. Collections are front and center on the homepage, helping users discover great content through recommendations and curated lists. Items in collections are now presented as cards, with a larger area for your app's graphics and a larger touch target for users. Overall, the homepage surfaces more apps than before and highlights them more effectively right on the page.

Click to view slideshow.

Keep an eye on your Google Play Store app and let us know what you think of the new look.  Do you find it more enjoyable?

Android | Android

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Google reportedly prunes 60,000 apps from Google Play Store

Posted: 09 Apr 2013 09:14 AM PDT

googleplay_720

Google has removed nearly 60,000 applications from the Google Play Store, according to various reports. It is unclear as to what the cause was for the mass removal; however, we’re happy to see Google cleaning things up.

While Google doesn’t stand in the way of any developers listing an app in the Play Store but has been known to remove titles on occasion. It’s possible that Google is just stepping things up a bit as of late, pulling things down if they appear to violate some of the policies.

Really, there’s not much difference to the average user when Google pulls down these so-called “spammy” apps and games. How many do you really need?

As to what the official number of Android apps actually is will likely be fleshed out at Google IO next month. It’s likely that we’ll hear the monumental figures of app downloads, available titles, etc.

TechCrunch

 

 

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T-Mobile bringing Sony back, launching Sony Xperia Z?

Posted: 09 Apr 2013 08:53 AM PDT

When was the last time you saw a Sony smartphone in T-Mobile’s lineup? If you ask me, I honestly don’t remember, because its been a long time, but it seems Magenta is bring Sony back. Our friends over at Tmo-News got their hands on an image, that confirms that the Sony Xperia Z is headed towards T-Mobile USA. As you can see the image below, the back of Xperia Z have a ‘T-Mobile’ branding.

Screen-Shot-2013-04-07-at-10.24.38-AMThe source is reporting that they confirmed it through three different sources that Xperia Z is coming to T-Mobile, but they are further adding that the device is right now ‘in testing’, so it’s not confirmed whether the device will hit the shelves or not.

Xperia Z is an excellent device, and I am sure if T-Mobile launches it, they wouldn’t be disappointed. If you are a T-Mo customer, are you looking forward to it? Tell us about it in the comment box below.

Source: Tmo-News

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Disney’s Where’s My Water, Temple Run Brave, Where’s My Perry, and Wreck It Ralph are now free (UPDATE)

Posted: 09 Apr 2013 07:13 AM PDT

temple_run_brave_feature

Four of Disney’s more popular Android games are now free in the Google Play Store. The titles include Where’s My Water, Where’s My Perry, Wreck-It Ralph, and Temple Run: Brave.  All four look to have been updated on March 29 and should remain free going forward. The Google Play policy is that once an app is listed as free it cannot go back up. Enjoy!

UPDATE: Sadly, these, and the other Disney apps are no longer free. Yeah, we know about the whole “once you go free…” deal. How did this happen, you ask?  Apparently all of this stuff comes as a result of a “glitch”

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Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 arrives in U.S. on April 11

Posted: 09 Apr 2013 07:06 AM PDT

samsung_galaxy_note_80_720

Samsung today announced that the Galaxy Note 8.0 will be hitting U.S. soils in but a few days, on April 11. Priced at $399, the 8-inch tablet will be offered at retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, Newegg, and Staples. Accessories for the Galaxy Note 8.0 will be available in mid-April, including Book Covers in white, grey, pink or green, as well as USB and HDMI adapters, and a travel charger that connect via the device's microUSB port.

Samsung Brings Power and Portability to the U.S. with the Galaxy Note® 8.0 Tablet

 In stores April 11, the Galaxy Note 8.0 delivers an unparalleled tablet experience for work and play

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – April 9, 2013 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announces that the Galaxy Note 8.0 is coming to the U.S. market on April 11. Unveiled globally at Mobile World Congress in February, the Galaxy Note 8.0 will be available in stores and online at retailers including Amazon, Best Buy/Best Buy Mobile, h.h. gregg, Newegg, P.C. Richard & Son, Staples and TigerDirect.com.

A mid-sized addition to the Galaxy Note family of products, the Galaxy Note 8.0 has the power and advanced technology to enable multi-tasking at home, at work or on the go. The Galaxy Note 8.0 is the perfect size for entertainment and productivity, with unrivaled multimedia performance in a compact format. The S Pen has evolved to improve everyday usability with Air View; and Multi Window now supports more apps to perform tasks simultaneously allowing users to do more.

"The Galaxy Note defined an entirely new smartphone category and the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet redefined the tablet experience for consumers," said Travis Merrill, vice president of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. "With the Galaxy Note 8.0, we fully expect to ignite the mid-size tablet market Samsung pioneered with the first Galaxy Tab. The Galaxy Note 8.0 is small enough to fit in your pocket or purse and packs the power needed for full mobile entertainment and productivity."

Galaxy Note 8.0 at Play

The Galaxy Note 8.0 will be the first product to feature Samsung WatchON, a new search and recommendation service that alleviates the chore of channel surfing and makes finding TV shows and on-demand video content faster and easier. Samsung WatchON simplifies the process of discovering new content to watch by searching across multiple content sources, such as live TV and streaming video-on-demand sources such as Samsung's Media Hub*, to recommend movies and TV shows. It also provides complementary content including actor bios, reviews and related information.

With the built-in IR blaster, the Galaxy Note 8.0 acts as a powerful universal remote, eliminating the need for multiple remotes to control the TV viewing experience. Users can browse for content then change the channel on the TV or cable box directly from the search window.

For entertainment on the go, the Galaxy Note 8.0's screen is great for everything from content viewing to reading. With its dazzling 8-inch WXGA screen, the Galaxy Note 8.0 is perfect for watching HD content, packing 1280 by 800 pixels. The Galaxy Note 8.0 also has Reading Mode, which adjusts color and brightness to an optimal level for reading. It provides the ability to customize fonts and themes so select books, magazines, documents and Web pages are easier to read. Combined with Smart Stay, which keeps the screen awake while you are reading, the Galaxy Note 8.0 is customized to ensure the best reading experience.

Galaxy Note 8.0 at Work

The tablet is quickly becoming a primary computing device for employees. The Galaxy Note 8.0 offers multi-tasking and productivity features, making users more efficient at everyday tasks, whether working at the office or on the go:

  • Multi Window: The Galaxy Note 8.0 offers true PC-like multitasking, so you can use two apps side-by-side. Multi-Window now supports 20 apps, including Polaris Office, Google Chrome and Facebook.
  • Air View:  Conveniently preview your content without opening files or folders.  The S Pen held above the screen allows you to preview pictures in the Gallery, open menus on Web sites, and preview a message or an attachment in an email.
  • AllShare® Play: Pass content to the TV or remotely access files on your desktop computer.
  • Polaris Office:  View, create, and edit Microsoft® Office Word® documents, Excel® spreadsheets and PowerPoint® presentations right on your tablet. With the Galaxy Note 8.0, you can add handwritten notes and drawings to your documents.
  • Awesome Note: A note-taking application and to do list manager, Awesome Note enables you to customize folder icons, colors, fonts and backgrounds for quick reference and visual organization.
  • Group Play: Share and collaborate on content, including documents, which allows users to work together.

For those using tablets for work, Samsung offers improved security levels for IT managers and employees. SAFE, or Samsung for Enterprise, is the security standard to provide enterprise- and consumer-friendly devices to businesses and their employees. With SAFE, the Galaxy Note 8.0 supports the needs of IT managers while providing businesses with the functionality needed to enhance productivity.

Powerful Performance

The Galaxy Note 8.0 features a powerful 1.6GHz Quad Core processor and 2GB of RAM to ensure optimum performance. Wi-Fi technology with dual-channel bonding offers more efficient connectivity for faster loading of Web pages and video streaming.

With a large, 4,600 mAh battery, the Galaxy Note 8.0 offers long battery life to work and play all day. Beyond the 16GB** of internal memory, the Note 8.0 can handle microSD cards up to 64GB, for a combined possible 80GB of storage. The 5-megapixel camera on the back can shoot 1080p video, and the 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera can handle video chats at 720p resolution.

Preloaded with Content and Services

Buyers will enjoy pre-loaded content and services valued at over $200, including 50GB of free Dropbox storage for 2 years***, 1 month free of unlimited music streaming in Samsung's Music Hub, Samsung's Smart Remote, Awesome Note, and more. For a limited time, they will also receive a $25 Google Play credit with the purchase of a Galaxy Note 8.0, when they register their device.

The Galaxy Note 8.0 will be available in white for $399.99 MSRP. Accessories will be available beginning mid-April. These include Book Covers in white, grey, pink or green, as well as USB and HDMI adapters, and a travel charger that connect via the device's microUSB port.

For multimedia content and more information, please visit www.samsung.com/us/note8.

 

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), is a recognized innovation leader in consumer electronics design and technology.  A wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SEA delivers a broad range of digital consumer electronics, IT and home appliance products. Samsung is the market leader for HDTVs in the U.S and America's fastest growing home appliance brand. To discover more of the award-winning products you love with Samsung, please visit www.samsung.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales of US$187.8 billion.

*Subscription required.

**Accessible capacity varies; MB = 1 million bytes, GB = 1 billion bytes, TB = 1 trillion bytes. Please note that a portion of the hard drive is reserved for system recovery, operating system and preloaded content software.

***See www.dropbox.com/help/338 for terms and conditions of Dropbox offer.

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