Friday, May 17, 2013

Android Central

Android Central

Lenovo K900 now available in China, more markets to follow

Posted: 16 May 2013 04:07 PM PDT

Lenovo K900

Pricing set in retail and online at RMB 3,299 for Chinese launch

We've been getting looks at the latest high-end Intel device from Lenovo, the K900, since all the way back at CES and it's finally ready to make its debut in China. Starting today both online and in retail stores, the K900 will go up for sale for 3,299 Yuan (about $536). If you'll recall back to our previous hands-on with the device, the K900 has a very flashy stainless steel construction with a couple of cool color options, and has many of the high-end specs you'd expect. We're looking at an Intel Atom Z2580 dual-core 2GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, a 5.5-inch 1080P display and 13MP (f/1.8) Sony Exmor camera sensor. For software, Lenovo is shipping the K900 with Android 4.2 on-board, which is a good sign, along with its own set of customizations integrated.

Lenovo says that the launch is just in China for now, where it has done pretty well in the past, but that there are additional international markets that will see the device as we move through the summer. Given Lenovo's previous device launches, we still wouldn't expect to see this one head to the U.S. in any capacity.

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Google I/O Hunt is likely the nerdiest scavenger hunt you'll ever see

Posted: 16 May 2013 03:39 PM PDT

Google I/O Hunt

Have a little fun discovering hidden clues around Moscone Center

It's not all crazy long keynotes and intense developer sessions at Google I/O, sometimes you get to have a little fun too. Google just published an app called "Google I/O Hunt" in the Play Store today to let attendees of this year's conference have some fun exploring everything around I/O. As the name suggests, this is a scavenger hunt game you play around the Moscone Center to try and find "Alex the Android Dog" by following instructions and finding clues. You'll answer Google trivia questions, scan hidden NFC tags with your phone to get clues and unlock achievements throughout the game.

Now of course you won't be able to play if you're not at Google I/O, but hopefully at least a few of you out there get a chance to see what Google has you running around the conference for. The Google I/O Hunt trail starts off from the Google+ Office Hours counter.

    

Original Sonic the Hedgehog now available in the Play Store

Posted: 16 May 2013 03:16 PM PDT

SEGA brings yet another classic Sonic game to mobile devices

Just a handful of weeks after SEGA let everyone know that it would be releasing a natively written version of Sonic the Hedgehog for Android, it has finally arrived in the Play Store. Sonic fans will appreciate that this is the complete original game from start to finish, remastered to make the gameplay experience higher quality. Users will get access to every original level, but with an improved soundtrack and all-together new features like leaderboards, achievements and a Time Attack game mode. A new feature has been added to let players unlock Knuckles and Tails as playable characters through the game as well.

Best of all SEGA is releasing the entire game for $2.99, which is a great price for another iconic piece of classic gaming on your phone or tablet. You can grab a download of Sonic the Hedgehog at the Play Store link above.

More: SEGA Blog

    

Pudding Monsters adds 25 new levels in 'Sky View' update

Posted: 16 May 2013 01:43 PM PDT

Pudding Monsters

New levels that will keep the game fresh and let you move mountains

Pudding Monsters, the latest game from the makers of Cut the Rope, is expanding the number of levels it offers today with a new "Sky View" update to the game. Sky View adds 25 fresh new levels with new gameplay and mechanics for everyone to enjoy, whether you're on the paid or free version of the app. Developer ZeptoLab says you'll be introduced to a new character, "Mr. Powerlifter Monster", that will come in handy when moving some mountains in the new levels.

You can grab your download or update to the free version of the Pudding Monsters app from the Play Store link above, or the paid version right here as well.

    

Archos introduces the 80 Xenon tablet, arriving in June for $199

Posted: 16 May 2013 01:32 PM PDT

Android Central

Quad-core, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and 3G capabilities in Archos' latest 'Elements' line tablet

Archos has today introduced another tablet to their Elements series, the Archos 80 Xenon. This 8-inch tablet comes with 3G and WiFi, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a quad-core Snapdragon S4 1.2GHz processor and a 1024x768 resolution IPS display. So, we're looking at a solid mid-range tablet, with Jelly Bean and full Google Play access as is now the norm for Archos tablets. 

Other specs to mention include 1GB of RAM, but just 4GB of on-board storage expandable by way of microSD card. It comes with a pair of cameras, though neither is much to shout about. The rear camera is just 2MP, with a front facing 'webcam.' 

The 80 Xenon is set to be available sometime in June, priced at $199.99. 

Source: Archos

    

Evernote, Twitter and Facebook apps for Google Glass announced

Posted: 16 May 2013 01:17 PM PDT

Glass, Twitter

Major players get official apps for Google's smart glasses

Following the start of this year's Google I/O developer conference, Evernote, Twitter and Facebook have announced official apps for Google Glass. If you're among the lucky few people packing "explorer edition" Glass devices, you can turn on these new applications by heading to your MyGlass page at google.com/myglass and enabling the app you want.

While the Facebook app for Glass is primarily focused on sharing pictures you've taken on the device, the Twitter app offers much of the functionality of a full-blown Twitter app, including the ability to send and receive regular tweets, images retweets and direct messages. (You might remember Twitter for Glass has been rumored for some time.)

Evernote, on the other hand, focuses on quickly added photo or video snippets to your notes, and sending existing notes to your Glass timeline, so it's always within view. These are small first steps, but it's early days for Glass, and we can't wait to see what developers come up with in the months ahead.

If you're rocking Glass already, be sure to hit the comments and share your thoughts on these new apps.

Source: Evernote, Twitter, Facebook

    

Sony 'Xperia UL' could be headed to Japan's KDDI AU

Posted: 16 May 2013 01:04 PM PDT

Xperia UL

Codename 'Gaga' device pictured, rumored to pack Snapdragon 600 CPU, 1080p display

Things could be getting a bit more crowded at the high end of Sony's smartphone range. Recently-leaked images obtained by Chinese site CNMO suggest that a new handset may be on the way. The "Xperia UL" -- previously known by its codename "Gaga" -- is shown in images that seem to have been taken during regulatory testing of the device. From the front and back the "UL" looks a lot like the Xperia ZL, with a similarly curved back and featureless front. From the side we can also see Sony's iconic round power button.

But unlike the ZL, the Xperia UL seems to feature a removable battery door, allowing access to a 2300mAh juicer. Other specs reported by CNMO include a Snapdragon 600 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and a 1080p display of unknown size.

The branding on the back suggests it'll be headed to KDDI AU in Japan, so there's nothing yet to indicate a wider global launch. We suspect the next major Sony launch for the west might be the rumored "Honami," said to include Cyber-shot-inspired optics in a 20-megapixel rear camera.

Source: CNMO; via: UnwiredView

    

'SMS integration is coming soon' to Google Hangouts [Updated]

Posted: 16 May 2013 09:25 AM PDT

Hangouts

Update: Dori Storbeck now says Google has "nothing to announce at this time."

Original: If you were wondering why the new Google Hangouts app asked you to confirm your phone number, this might be the reason. Googler Dori Storbeck, Community Manager for Google+ Hangouts and Chat, has confirmed in a Google+ post that SMS integration will eventually be headed to the new messaging app.

Responding to a question about the unification of Hangouts and SMS, Storbeck said "SMS integration is coming soon - it is one of our most requested features!" There's no information on when this feature might arrive, nor what the implications might be for built-in SMS apps. If nothing else, it's another baby step towards the true unification of messaging that Hangouts aims to deliver.

Source: +Dori Storbeck

    

Sprint's HTC One getting an OTA update

Posted: 16 May 2013 08:57 AM PDT

HTC One

Minor OTA bumps the software version up to 1.29.651.10, update is pushing out now

Sprint and HTC are pushing out a software update for the HTC One. It's a minor update, addressing a few issues that the phone shipped with, which means you'll want to get this one installed as soon as you can. Specifics are:

  • BlinkFeed improvements
  • New Sprint Zone client
  • Improved Back and Home key sensitivity 

We expect BlinkFeed "improvements" and adjustments while the service is finding itself, and Sprint needs to keep their Sprint Zone client current. The interesting portion is the Home and Back key sensitivity adjustment. They can get a little wonky, especially when using a screen protector. Hopefully, changes are getting dialed in to make the buttons as responsive as the rest of the phone.

You should see notification of the update soon, and the impatient among us can manually check in settings. When you get this one, be sure to share your experience and let us know how it affects your button sensitivity.

Via: Sprint Community. Thanks, ahaxton!

    

ZTE Grand X 2 In announced, launch scheduled for Q3

Posted: 16 May 2013 08:52 AM PDT

Grand X 2 INSecond-generation Intel handset from ZTE, running Atom Z2580 CPU

ZTE has announced a new Intel Atom-powered smartphone, the Grand X 2 In. The somewhat clumsily-named handset is the successor to last year's Grand X IN, which saw a limited global release late last year.

It's powered by a 2GHz Intel Atom Z2580 CPU -- that's CloverTrail+ for those of you keeping track of platforms. The x86 number-cruncher is backed up by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. On the front there's a 4.5-inch 720p display and 1-megapixel front-facing camera, around the back an 8-megapixel camera.

On the software side you're looking at "Android Jelly Bean" -- we're guessing 4.1, since ZTE isn't saying which exact version is on there. That's lightly skinned with ZTE's own MIUI-like user interface.

The ZTE Grand X In 2 is due for release in Europe during the third quarter.

Source: Press Release

    

Google I/O 2013 day one recap

Posted: 16 May 2013 07:29 AM PDT

Larry Page

Missed yesterday's keynote and announcements? Here's a quick-fire look everything you need to know

Google I/O 2013 kicked off at Moscone West in San Francisco yesterday, with keynote announcements from the Android and Chrome teams, as well as new features for Search and Maps, a re-vamped Google+ and a new Hangouts app, as well as a brand new music subscription service. Oh, and a Galaxy S4 running stock Android. The keynote was rounded off by a some words of wisdom from Google CEO Larry Page, followed by a Q&A session.

Although we didn't get a new version of Android or (strictly speaking) any new devices, the first day of I/O was packed with stuff you need to know about.  Check past the break for a quick run-through of all the major points.

Want to watch the full three-hour presentation instead? The video's available over here.

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Deal of the Day: Case-Mate Tough Case for Samsung Galaxy S4

Posted: 16 May 2013 07:10 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The May 16 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Case-Mate Tough Case for Samsung Galaxy S4. Built to withstand sudden drops and accidental falls, the Tough Case is the epitome of protection. A snug, form fitting silicone provides shock resistance, while the polycarbonate hard shell protects against impacts. Color options include black or purple.

The Case-Mate Tough Case is available for just $20.00, 33% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping!

Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

    

Bluetooth Low Energy support coming to future Android version

Posted: 16 May 2013 06:02 AM PDT

Bluetooth

API version 18 will bring Bluetooth Smart support in 'a few short months,' AVRCP 1.3 also coming

As many expected, it's been announced that Bluetooth Low Energy support -- also known as Bluetooth Smart and Smart Ready -- will be coming to a future version of Android. Android API level 18 (the current 4.2 Jelly Bean release is API level 17) will introduce support for the feature, which is designed to significantly reduce the power usage of Bluetooth while maintaining comparable data speeds and ranges of operation.

Certain Android devices -- such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 -- already implement Bluetooth Low Energy, however the new platform version will bring native support to all Android devices with compatible Bluetooth hardware.

In related Bluetooth news, Android API version 18 will also include support for AVRCP version 1.3, a standard for controlling TVs, Hifi equipment and other devices over Bluetooth. AVRCP 1.3 includes methods for showing metadata from music tracks and querying the status (i.e. playing, stopped) of the music source.

Googler Sara Sinclair Brody, who presented the 'Best Practices for Bluetooth Development' session at Google I/O, says API version 18 should be landing in "a few short months." That also means we can probably rule out any major Android releases for the immediate future.

Source: Google+, Google Developers, Press Release

    

Samsung Galaxy S4 gets TCO certification

Posted: 16 May 2013 05:04 AM PDT

Galaxy S4

First smartphone to meet TCO standards for environmentally friendly and socially responsible manufacturing

Samsung has announced that its latest smartphone, the Galaxy S4, has become the world's first to win TCO certification. The award from TCO Development, an organization focusing on sustainability in IT products, intends to showcase products that meet standards for environmentally-friendly, economically viable and socially responsible manufacturing.

Today's press release gives details of the conditions Samsung met in each category --

In the social category, Samsung demonstrated that it is committed to socially responsible manufacturing and is compliant with International Labour Organization and United Nation conventions. In the environmental category, it was found that the GALAXY S4 was free from many hazardous materials such as nickel, beryllium, and mercury which, if present, would have severely restricted its potential to be recycled at the end its lifecycle. In terms of economic viability, the power efficiency of the charger was praised, as was the smartphone’s industrial design which boosts reliability. 

This isn't the first Samsung product to be awarded accolades for its environmental credentials. Last year the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Ace Duo were awarded PAS 2050 certification by the Carbon Trust. Before that, it played up the eco-friendly Samsung Replenish, which was available on Sprint and Boost Mobile.

It's also the second such award to be given to the Galaxy S4 -- Samsung says its new phone was also awarded UL's ECOLOGO certification.

    

Trek Episode Guide warps onto Android

Posted: 16 May 2013 02:12 AM PDT

Star Trek Episode Guide

Get Trek Episode Guid on Google PlayStar Trek Into Darkness has been in theaters around the globe for a few weeks now, but today brings the first showings in the United States, with a wider release rolling out tomorrow. To celebrate - and to take advantage of the building Trekkie craze - AppGlu today released into Google Play the new Trek Episode Guide.

The free app isn't an official one, but it what it provides is likely far better than an official app could. Late last, CBS Interactive released an official Star Trek PADD database app for iOS and, well, it was a massive disappointment. The database used by CBS was poorly written, occasionally inaccurate, and woefully lacking in detail - and the images offered in the PADD app were likewise poor and typically of a depressingly low resolution.

CBS could have done better, and in spite of lacking some features, AppGlu's Trek Episode Guide does so. Let's get this out of the way to start: Trek Episode Guide doesn't have any form of built-in search, and it's focused solely on - as the name would imply - the episode and movie summaries. Granted, that's still 716 episodes and 12 films. But you can't tap on a character's name and read everything about that character. For a character like Worf, who appeared in 271 episodes across two series, in addition to 4 films, there's a lot to be brought together.

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Copy ups its free storage offering to 15GB, introduces 'Fair Storage'

Posted: 15 May 2013 09:41 PM PDT

Copy app

Multiple users can show split the bill for shared storage costs

The latest entrant in the cloud storage arena, Copy, is increasing the amount of free storage it offers to try and pull users away from other services. Following the announcement by Google that it will be unifying its free storage across services, Copy is now giving all free accounts 15GB of storage to start off with, up from 5GB previously. If you're not familiar with Copy, it also grabbed some attention for having a generous referral policy, which gives 5GB of extra storage to both the referrer and the referee with no limits on the extra storage that can be obtained. Copy also does not have file size limits, another plus over its competitors.

Along with the announcement of increases in base storage, Copy is also rolling out a feature it's calling "Fair Storage" that helps split the cost of shared folders between the users that access them. For example, if four users are sharing a 20GB Copy folder, each one will only pay for 5GB of that storage, rather than each paying for all 20GB every month. It's a system that makes sense logically but isn't the way that other companies are approaching shared folders.

Copy certainly has a lot of good ideas, but as we've seen in the past it can be hard for new challengers in the cloud storage space to come in and challenge the likes of Dropbox. Even Google's own Drive product has struggled to catch on for the average user. We'll see if the seriously interesting storage incentives from Copy can help them get a foothold.

More: Copy

    

Hands-on with Hangouts, Google's first step towards unified messaging

Posted: 15 May 2013 09:03 PM PDT

Hangouts

Lots of great new features, but this may not be the unified messaging service some hoped for

We've heard a whole lot about "Hangouts" as a headline feature of Google+ since its launch, but Google is repurposing that branding today for its latest group chat service. There was a whole lot of crazy speculation and expectation leading up to Google I/O about a unified messaging platform from Google, and unfortunately Hangouts just isn't that service quite yet. As if Hangouts coming to phones as an update to the Google Talk app wasn't a good indication, this is more of an instant messaging client then an all-encompassing messaging service.

That being said, if you and the people you talk to most are all-in with Google, this update just gave you a whole bunch of new features. Read on with us past the break for a little introduction to Hangouts, Google's next step in messaging.

More: Android Central @ Google I/O 2013

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Android Studio is what's new in Android development tools

Posted: 15 May 2013 07:23 PM PDT

Android developers

To build great apps, you need great tools. The folks at Mountain View are giving us those tools

After this morning's epic three-hour Keynote event, it was just a quick trip next door to see Xavier Ducrohet and Tor Noybe give what is always one of the most popular developer sessions of the conference -- What's New in Android Developer Tools. 

If you were paying attention during the Keynote, we got a quick look at Android Studio, seeing how the new IDE can make the life of a hard working Android dev easier. Based on IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio is a free and open source IDE specifically designed for building Android apps. Complete with templates, wizards, and some awesome WYSIWYG-style layout editing, it looks like someone at Mountain View is very serious about devs getting the tools they need.

Eclipse isn't gone, and in fact there's still plenty that has not made it's way to Android Studio just yet. But clearly, this is the future of Android app development. It's great to see the tools developers need to build the next set of great apps! If you're a developer or just want to have a look at things, visit the link below to check out an Earl Access Preview of Android Studio.

Getting Started with Android Studio

    

Google Play Books updated with new design, PDF and EPUB uploading

Posted: 15 May 2013 06:34 PM PDT

Google Play Books

Keep up to 1,000 of your own PDF and EPUB files in the cloud for free

Caught up in all of the hullabaloo around the keynote, Google Play Books received a notable update in the Play Store to not only bring new UI elements but also a new way to view your own documents. First up is the design, which follows many of Google's latest design principles with a new left edge slide-in navigation panel and high contrast blue and white design. The interface on Play Books has always been simple, but it can't get much cleaner than it is now. You can "Read Now" (remember you can "Listen Now" in Play Music), view "My Library" or go "Shop". Very simple.

The big back-end feature that was enabled by this update is user uploads, which lets you now upload from the web (at play.google.com/books/uploads) or directly from Google Drive any PDF or EPUB document of your choice. Those documents uploaded on the web are then available for sync and download on your phone or tablet to read at any time. Users can store up to 1,000 documents at once with the service, and uploaded documents have their page position, bookmarks and notes completely synced across devices.

Play Books may not be on of the fanciest or most talked-about Google apps today, but these are huge improvements in usability that make the entire Android platform (and Google ecosystem) more compelling.

    

Sprint Galaxy S4, HTC One and Galaxy Note 2 now have Google Wallet support

Posted: 15 May 2013 06:05 PM PDT

Sprint Galaxy S4

Google and Sprint team up again to allow three of the most popular devices to have Wallet access

Not everything makes it into the Google I/O keynote, but that doesn't mean it's not still important. As a tweet from the official Google Wallet account, it announced that the Sprint Galaxy S4, HTC One and Galaxy Note 2 (also on U.S. Cellular) will all be given access to the Google Wallet app directly from Google Play. This is pretty big news, as those are likely three of the most high-profile and best selling devices available on Sprint today. The carrier was originally one of the few partners that has stuck with Google through the ups and downs of Wallet, so it's good to see that the two companies are still working together.

Users on any of the three aforementioned devices should be able to grab a direct download of the app from the Play Store, which can be found at the link above. Now all you have to do is find somewhere to actually use those NFC payment abilities.

Source: Google Wallet (Twitter)

    

Android Central 134: Google I/O Podcast Special!

Posted: 15 May 2013 05:34 PM PDT

Podcast MP3 URL: 
http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/acpcio13.mp3

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