Google Android News Android Forums |
- Best Android camera apps [April 2013]
- Sony introduces its Triluminous display technology, aims to square off direction again Super AMOLED and Retina Display technologies
- Sony to release two flagship devices later this year, Honami and Togari
- Featured Android App Review: Live Pixels [Live Wallpaper]
- Huawei Ascend P6 shows up in Chinese certification with a 6.2mm body
- Samsung rumored to bring 4 additional tablets for 2013
- Samsung announces the 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3
- LG announces the Optimus G Pro’s little brother, the Optimus GK
- Samsung talks about why the Galaxy S 4 is your life companion [Video]
- Old Samsung NFC TecTile tags don’t work with the Samsung Galaxy S 4
| Best Android camera apps [April 2013] Posted: 29 Apr 2013 01:31 PM PDT
The best camera is the one you have with you and we pretty much always have our smartphones with us. With many Android phones, the camera alone will sell the device for some customers. Needless to say, there are plenty of apps in the Play Store that cater to all kinds of shutterbugs and their smartphone cameras for when the built-in camera application on your phone just doesn’t cut it. So, in this guide, we’re going to go over the best camera apps for your device.
Camera Zoom FX is one of the most popular camera applications on the Play Store and for good reason. It combines a full suite of extra camera functions with a ton of photo editing options for one of the most feature-rich applications you can find. If you’re looking for just a solid camera replacement, this app has everything you can think of. It fully supports the regular zoom of your smartphone’s lens, as well as your phone’s front-facing camera, and throws in lots of extra features your OEM camera software probably doesn’t have. Plus you won’t lose any control over things like your ISO settings, exposure, contrast, brightness, etc. Camera Zoom FX supports complete hardware customization, so if you want to reassign your volume rocker to a dedicated camera button, you can. Maybe you don’t want to actually touch the phone to take pictures? There’s an option for voice activated shots. It’s also advertised as one of the fastest cameras for Android devices, as the burst shot mode takes up to 10 shots per second. In addition to the traditional burst shot, there are also time lapse shots, collage shots, and tons of live effects to stick on your photos. And if you’re the type who likes to share photos quickly with friends, there’s one-tap sharing to all of your favorite social sites. Camera Zoom FX runs $2.99, but it’s more than worth the price for all the features. Best of all, there’s several add-on apps available for free from the developer to extend what the app can do.
Pudding Camera is a unique camera replacement that lets you mix and match different kinds of film and camera to get a certain effect on pictures. There are 9 different camera types to pick from and 8 different kinds of film to use, which creates tons of different possibilities to make different or unique shots. Different camera types take different shots. Your basic camera takes a standard 4:3 aspect ratio shot or you can use a 45mm snap camera with a 3:2 aspect ratio. There are also more creative and useful cameras, such as the motion camera, which takes four pictures of a subject moving across the picture. It then stitches all four shots together into a single picture. There are fish-eye lenses, panoramic shots, and other types of motion cameras. On top of picking your specific camera, you can also change the film you’re using. Maybe you’re going for a really retro shot or you just want colors to pop more. You can easily switch to vintage film for an old-school look or vivid film to make things a bit more colorful. Combine all the different types of film with the camera selection, and you can easily spice up your average pictures. Unfortunately, Pudding Camera can’t take video and you do lose some fine-tuning control in the settings that you normally get with your stock camera, but if you’re just looking for something basic that easily makes your pictures look a bit more exciting, Pudding Camera is worth taking a look at. Besides, it’s free.
Retro camera is a great, polished camera replacement to get an old school feel to your photos, with six different cameras to select from. It’s a pretty specific app that really only does the old-school shots, so you wouldn’t want to use it as a complete camera replacement, but more of a complementary camera app to what you’re already using. The interface is pretty simple and gives you a shutter button, a menu button to select a different camera, a toggle for color photos or black and white photos, an info button about your currently selected camera, and a gallery button. The entire UI changes depending on which camera you’re currently using, but the buttons more or less stay the same and keep their functions. Overall, it’s a really well designed app that’s a ton of fun to use, especially if you want the camera app to apply effects to your photos instead of manually doing the work post-shot. If you enjoy sharing your photos with the world, there are also some links in the app to share your best shots to Retro Camera’s Facebook wall. Those photos are public for other people to look at, and you can check the wall to see what other people are taking pictures of. It’s a nice touch to add an element of social networking into a camera application.
Maybe you’ve tried the other camera apps and you really just want something simple and straightforward to take pictures. Not too many unnecessary settings, no crazy filters, just a camera application. Camera JB+ is the stock Android Jelly Bean camera for any Android device running 4.0.3 or higher. So if you’ve got a device that your OEM or carrier won’t update, or you’re stuck with an OEM skin but you want a stock Android camera experience, this is the way to go. It doesn’t include Photo Sphere, unfortunately, but it has all the same features that the stock camera does otherwise, including pinch to zoom, photo, video, and panoramic modes, and a burst mode. It also includes the ability to swipe left or right to immediately start checking out your latest photos. The app does also come bundled with a small photo editor for your pictures. It doesn’t have as many filters and borders as some other apps, but if you’re just looking for subtle effects to touch up your pictures, it’s excellent. It can even trim videos, which is something none of the other applications can do. The app only costs $1.99, but there’s an older version of the Ice Cream Sandwich stock camera you can try out first if you’re still unsure. There are countless photography apps on the Play Store, and Google regularly shows off the best of the best. These four apps cover a broad range of what you can do with your smartphone camera, but there’s plenty more apps that specialize in certain kinds of pictures if none of these quite fit what you’re trying to do. Let us know in the comments if we missed one of your favorite camera apps.
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more! |
| Posted: 29 Apr 2013 11:38 AM PDT
It’s certainly no secret that Sony plans to take over the mobile world, so it should come as no surprise that it has introduced what can be seen as some revolutionary technology. It went ahead and revealed its Triluminous display technology which aims to enhance the display of various devices to levels never seen before. Essentially, Triluminous display technology utilizes quantum dots (otherwise known as nanocrystals) that are so small, they have quantum properties and emits light just at preset wavelengths. The effect of this process i the significant enhancement of display factors like a larger color gamut to improved brightness and contrast. Sony certainly can’t wait for this technology to arrive on its Xperia line of smartphones too. Here’s a Sony insider highlighting the important plans Sony has for this technology:
source: techpinas
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more! |
| Sony to release two flagship devices later this year, Honami and Togari Posted: 29 Apr 2013 11:07 AM PDT
Sony has two flagship models slated for release later in 2013, and we’re finally hearing some details about the pair of devices. According to a device tester, the Togari device will sport a 6.44 inch, 1080p screen with a similar body style to the glass Xperia Z, as well as a white option, similar to the Z. The phablet could possibly be released in July in Japan, although there’s no word on when or if it would make it’s way to other markets. The Honami is rumored to be a true Xperia Z successor, packing a 1080p 5-inch screen, dedicated Walkman audio chip, and a whopping 20 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens. According to the device tester, it’s one of the most attractive devices Sony has ever made, trumping both the Xperia Z and the iPhone 5. Obviously, that’s pretty subjective, but exciting nonetheless. It could also possibly hit shelves in July in Japan. Impressively enough, both devices are said to be water and dust resistant. Chinese site ePrice says Honami will launch in July, then see an international release within two months. ePrice also says Honami will use the impressive Snapdragon 800 chip, have 2 GB of RAM, and an embedded battery. We won’t know anything for certain until Sony takes the veil off the devices, but these are definitely phones you should get excited about. source: Xperia Blog
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more! |
| Featured Android App Review: Live Pixels [Live Wallpaper] Posted: 29 Apr 2013 11:07 AM PDT Every now and then it’s nice to play an 8-bit game on your Android device, but how about an 8-bit live wallpaper? That’s exactly what inHause Games created with Live Pixels. We are already familiar with inHause Games as we previously reviewed their other awesome live wallpaper called YourCity 3D. Live Pixels is actually a bunch of live wallpapers and you can choose which ones you want to display on your homescreen. It’s got everything from fireworks, explosions, and even a flying cat. There are 14 in all:
Select them all, and you will always have a different wallpaper everytime you turn on your phone. Of course, depending on your mood, you can go with one or just a few. You can also set the duration of each scene and choose the words you want for the text scene. In between scenes is really cool since you will see all sorts of flying pixels, which can be mesmerizing. Again, Live Pixels isn’t about wowing you with spectacular graphics, but it will give you that old school retro feel with full 3D hardware acceleration. It’s priced at 99-cents, which is a steal when you consider how many scenes it offers, plus inHouse’s support is top notch, which means even more scenes with future updates. There is a free version that only offers App Icon, Fireflies, Flocking, Text, and Water, but you can still see all the others in preview mode. Check out my hands on video below as well as the trailer video, and hit one of the download links to get started. As always, let me know what you think.         Click here to view the embedded video. Click here to view the embedded video. Play Store Download Link – Free Play Store Download Link – Paid
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more! |
| Huawei Ascend P6 shows up in Chinese certification with a 6.2mm body Posted: 29 Apr 2013 10:57 AM PDT
Huawei announced a P series of smartphones at MWC, and we’re starting to see some of those models show up across the globe. The latest model, code named the P6-U06, has recently been certified in China, and the profile shots show an extremely thin device, coming in at just 6.2mm. Aside from dimensions, we know it’s packing a quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, an 8 megapixel rear camera and a strange 5 megapixel front-facing camera. It also has GSM/WCDMA radios, so it’s definitely going to launch in Asian markets, but there’s no word on if it’ll come to other shores. source: NowhereElse via: Engadget
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more! |
| Samsung rumored to bring 4 additional tablets for 2013 Posted: 29 Apr 2013 09:31 AM PDT
If you know Samsung when it comes to its tablets (or any of its devices), then you’ll know that it is not happy unless it has unleashed an onslaught of various models for the masses. Following the newly unveiled Galaxy Tab 3, it’s looking like Samsung will have no fewer than 4 additional tablet models— the Galaxy Tab Duos 7.0, Galaxy Tab AMOLED 8.0, Galaxy Tab 11 and the Nexus 11— that will arrive for 2013. Each tablet model will range from 7-inch to 11-inch models and come jam-packed with features like rumored expandable microSD slots and 2MP front-facing cameras. The real intriguing device among the bunch is the Nexus 11— which will build upon the largely successful Nexus 10 and is possibly slated to feature an octa-core processor and wait for it— a microSD slot capable of up to 64GB of extra memory. Considering Google is pretty strict with microSD slots on its Nexus line, we’ll go ahead and hold our breath until it actually happens. Hit the flip to see the full list and specs of each upcoming device.
Samsung Galaxy Tab DUOS 7.0 Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.0 Samsung Galaxy Tab 11 NEXUS 11*
source: SamMobile
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more! |
| Samsung announces the 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3 Posted: 29 Apr 2013 07:03 AM PDT
The speculation on the Galaxy Tab 3 can finally end because Samsung finally unveiled it. As expected, this isn’t going to be a high-end offering so that they can keep the price point as low as possible. The biggest change from the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is the smaller bezel and the same hardware buttons that you find on their phones. The specs include a 7-inch 1024 x 600 display, a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, 8GB or 16GB of storage, microSD slot for expanded storage, 3MP rear camera, and 1.3MP front camera. No pricing was announced, but you can expect to see the WiFi version in May along with a 3G / WiFI version in June. Hit the break for the presser.
SEOUL, Korea, April 29, 2013 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the introduction of the GALAXY Tab 3 – 7-inch tablet featuring sleek design and enhanced capabilities that bring capabilities that bring better performance and multimedia experiences to your fingertips. With the new GALAXY Tab 3, Samsung has evolved its range of innovative tablets, making them smaller and easier to carry, while increasing the user experience overall • Easy Handgrip and Portability: Its compact, one-hand grip form factor ensures users can hold comfortably for hours as well as store in a pocket or small bag for reading and entertainment on the go. The sleek and stylish design encompasses thinner bezel than the previous GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0). The GALAXY Tab 3 7-inch WiFi version will be available globally beginning May and 3G version will follow in June. The product availability varies by market and will be rolled out gradually.
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more! |
| LG announces the Optimus G Pro’s little brother, the Optimus GK Posted: 29 Apr 2013 06:52 AM PDT
LG just pulled the wraps off of the Optimus GK in Korea. This is for those that really want an Optimus G Pro, but think a 5.5-inch display is just a tad too big. Now they can opt for this 5-inch Full HD IPS version, but still enjoy some pretty hefty specs. They include a 1.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, microSD slot for expanded storage, 13MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, and 3,100mAh battery. It looks like this one will only be available on Korean carrier KT. For those of you in the U.S., you still can opt for the full fledged Optimus G Pro on AT&T very soon. source: LG
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more! |
| Samsung talks about why the Galaxy S 4 is your life companion [Video] Posted: 29 Apr 2013 06:40 AM PDT
Samsung may sell the most phones, but they have never been regarded as having the best designs. Still, a lot of thought goes into each and every phone, and they released a video of the design team talking about the Galaxy S 4 or what they believe is your life companion. This video isn’t just about the physical style of the phone, it’s also about the UI and features. Hit the break to check it out.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more! |
| Old Samsung NFC TecTile tags don’t work with the Samsung Galaxy S 4 Posted: 29 Apr 2013 06:24 AM PDT
Samsung has upgraded the Galaxy S 4′s NFC chipset in a way that it no longer communicates with older Samsung NFC tags called TecTiles. When asked about this problem Samsung had this to say:
This is good news for the new people adopting the technology, but I can’t help to feel sad for all the people that were given the orginal TecTiles and now have to buy something else along with a new phone. That’s the accessory business. Source: AnandTech
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more! |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Android News, Rumours, and Updates To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment