Friday, May 31, 2013

Android Central

Android Central

After Earth game now available to coincide with movie release

Posted: 30 May 2013 04:26 PM PDT

A movie-themed endless runner with a few interesting gameplay elements

In a partnership with Sony Pictures, Reliance Games is releasing a new game for mobile devices based on the upcoming feature film from Will Smith, After Earth. The game, which ties in directly to the cast, plot and setting of the movie, fits well into the "infinite runner" genre made popular by games like Temple Run. Throughout the game, you're running, driving, jumping and flying along with a third-person view through levels to collect coins for as long as possible without dying. There's a complete 20-level story mode available that walks you through a complete plot and lets you unlock new levels along the way, as well as an "Infinite Mode" for additional gameplay options. The game also includes different achievements and high score tracking, as you would expect, to give the game some replay value.

The game has just gone live in the Play Store a day ahead of the movie's release here in the U.S., and can be downloaded for a mere $0.99. The graphics and gameplay look quite good, and it may just be a nice break from the other endless runner games you've been playing for a while now. You can see a quick gameplay trailer above, and can grab a download of After Earth at the Play Store link there as well.

    

Sony Xperia Z coming to a U.S. carrier soon, according to CEO Kaz Hirai

Posted: 30 May 2013 03:30 PM PDT

Sony Xperia z

Precisely which U.S. carrier, however, isn't being specified at this time

Speaking at the All Things D conference, CEO of Sony Kaz Hirai made a not-so-subtle statement that the manufacturer's flagship Xperia Z handset will be landing in the U.S. with carrier support very soon. While Hirai wasn't willing to go more into depth or hint at which carrier it was, we can probably narrow down the options a little bit. Traditionally, Sprint and Verizon haven't had very strong ties with Sony for handset releases, and given that the current Xperia Z models being sold internationally (and directly to the U.S.) are GSM, we'd assume this handset would be very similar. AT&T has partnered with Sony for some recent device releases, but the biggest hint we have right now are some leaked pictures of the Xperia Z with clear T-Mobile branding.

Neither Sony nor T-Mobile are giving any hint as to when the expected launch would take place, but we would hope soon considering that the Xperia Z has been available internationally for a few months now. It's good to see that Sony is still willing to put in the effort to sell devices to the U.S. market, especially after some serious price drops in its Xperia ZL handset being sold unlocked here. We all know that carrier deals are a necessity in the current market, though.

Source: AllThingsD

    

Mobile Nations podcast 21: Announcing Talk Mobile 2013!

Posted: 30 May 2013 03:07 PM PDT

Kevin Michaluk of CrackBerry, Phil Nickinson of Android Central, Daniel Rubino of Windows Phone Central, and Rene Ritchie of iMore come together to talk about… Talk Mobile 2013! What is it, how will it work, and just how awesome will it be? Find out!

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Gameloft releases UNO & Friends online multiplayer card game

Posted: 30 May 2013 02:42 PM PDT

Cross-platform and customizable gameplay breathe fresh air into a classic card game

In partnership with Mattel, Gameloft is releasing a new version of its extremely popular UNO game that expands the gameplay to online multiplayer. UNO & Friends builds on the classic card game to provide users with simple and customizable cross-platform multiplayer games -- and best of all its free to play. The game plays just like any other UNO game, but you get the bonus of customizable backgrounds, decks and special effects along with different perks and power-ups. Of course with a free to play model you can bet there are in-app purchases, but these don't seem to be required and are merely for extra features.

In order to get linked up with friends for multiplayer you'll have to use Facebook Connect, but the bonus of that is Gameloft says a web version of the game through Facebook is coming very soon. It also means that you can play games concurrently with both Android and iOS users, which is a big plus. You can grab a download of UNO & Friends at the Play Store link above.

    

CyanogenMod 10.1 RC3 now available

Posted: 30 May 2013 02:03 PM PDT

CM 10.1

A 'small, incremental change' over RC2

As the road to a stable CyanogenMod 10.1.0 release continues, the CM team has today started pushing out RC (release candidate) 3 builds for phones, tablets and other devices. If you're running any earlier build, you'll want to update via the get.cm download hub or CM updater app.

A Google+ post by the team reveals that it's a "small, incremental change" from the previous RC2 build, with fixes for issues including camcorder preview bugs, launcher icon alignment in tablets, disappearing widgets, along with a bunch of translation updates.

CM 10.1 RC3 is available for some 37 devices at the time of writing, so your best bet is to hit up the source link and check the list for your model's codename.

Download: get.cm; Source: +CyanogenMod

    

Channel your inner Ninja Warrior with the Android game of the same name

Posted: 30 May 2013 01:47 PM PDT

Ninja Warrior

I have absolutely no qualms about admitting that I've spent the occasional weekend in bed, watching "Ninja Warrior." Now I can play the game while watching the show.

Ninja Warrior is now available for Android (as well as the Kindle Fire and iOS), and it brings a decently fun game to your phone and tablet. It's a side-scroller that uses basic gestures for jumping and sliding and ducking and what not, and the graphics are passable, if not overly impressive. There are all sorts of in-game upgrades and achievements and clothes, which would be more fun if you didn't also need to be a ninja to navigate the UI. It's pretty busy.

Gameplay isn't overly difficult, but we'd love to see some sensitivity options. Swiping just doesn't seem to be as quick as we'd expect. Wind-up Knight is a great example of how we'd expect this sort of game to behave, but Nina Warrior just doesn't quite live up to that.

The good news is that for $1.99, you don't have to break the bank to give it a go, and you get a bunch of levels to keep you occupied. Hit the link above to download, and we've got screenshots after the break.

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Google introduces nutritional info cards for food searches

Posted: 30 May 2013 12:46 PM PDT

Nutrition SearchGoogle Nutrition Search

Making it easier to do quick research and maybe shed a few pounds along the way

Google announced today on its official search blog that it is rolling out a new search feature that highlights nutritional information about food. While searching for food often yielded nutritional results, Google is now pulling together that information into the well-known "card" interface to display at the top of search results. Making the search of "How many calories in popcorn?" will return a card showing the number of calories in a cup of air popped popcorn (it's 31, in case you were wondering) along with drop-down menus where you can adjust the specifics of your search. Google says this new functionality will work with over 1,000 different fruits, vegetables, meats and complete meals right at launch.

The new nutritional information cards are English-only for now, and will be rolling out to users in the U.S. over the next 10 days. We did a few quick searches on our phones and desktops without receiving the new cards, but they should arrive on all platforms in due time. Now all you have to do is use this nutritional information to your advantage and maybe shed a few unnecessary pounds this summer.

Source: Google Search Blog

    

Telly launches new tablet-optimized version of its app

Posted: 30 May 2013 12:29 PM PDT

New features such as 'carousel view' highlight the properly-designed tablet experience

Telly, a service that helps you create, discover and share videos on your mobile device, is launching a completely redesigned and tablet-optimized version of its app today. In an attempt to build on its growing user base, Telly is introducing a new tablet design that was built from the ground-up for the larger screen size with a few new notable features. The larger interface is easier to navigate, with extra room being taken up by "My Telly" and "Popular" feeds to help discovery. The main portion of the UI is comprised of a new "carousel view", which makes it simple to swipe between videos and browse for something interesting to watch.

Along with the new interface improvements, Telly is also introducing two new features to improve sharing. Both NFC sharing between two devices and friend tagging (by their @name) will hopefully improve discoverability and sharing between Telly users. Video is one of the main selling points for tablets nowadays, and it's important to see Telly working on improving its tablet experience if it hopes to grow its user base going forward. You can grab a download of the latest Telly app at the Play Store link above.

    

FAQ: The 'Google Edition' HTC One

Posted: 30 May 2013 11:47 AM PDT

HTC One NUXEverything you need to know about the HTC One with Nexus User Experience

Google and HTC today announced the "Google Edition" HTC One, which basically is an HTC One running stock (more or less) Android 4.2.2. That, of course, resonated deeply among those who prefer the "stock" Android experience. But the HTC One -- like the Samsung Galaxy S4, which also will be released as a "Google Experience" device this summer -- wasn't designed to be a vanilla Android device. So there will be trade-offs, make no mistake.

There's been significantly more said about the HTC One GE (as we've taken to calling it around here) in regards to how things will work, and what's been stripped out.

Here's what we know so far:

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini gets a video walkthrough courtesy of Three UK

Posted: 30 May 2013 11:00 AM PDT

We get a better look at the new, smaller addition to the Galaxy lineup

The new Galaxy S4 Mini was released this morning with little more than a press release and some stock photos, but now UK carrier Three has just released a promotional video to give us a better look. In the relatively short video, a representative from the carrier gives a walk around the handset with some nice close-up shots of the screen, back plate and sides. We also get a refresher on the specs, which aren't going to blow anyone away: a 4.3-inch qHD (540x960) display, 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, 8MP camera and a 1900mAh battery inside.

There's nothing crazy new being revealed here, but it is nice to see the device in someone's hand rather than just in a press rendering. Throughout the video you do get the impression that the S4 Mini will be much easier to hold in the hand when compared to its 5-inch sibling. Does seeing the device "in person" (so to speak) give you some insight on whether you'll want to pick up one of these? Let us know in the comments.

More: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Forums

    

Android Central Podcast - Live!

Posted: 30 May 2013 10:52 AM PDT

Mobile Nations Special Podcast at 2 p.m. EDT May 29

The Android Central Podcast is recorded live in front of a live studio audience, so you can catch us in the act.

Watch us live from your phone
with the UStream app. (Search for Mobile Nations.)


Miss a show? You can listen to every episode of the Android Central Podcast online.
Web | RSS | iTunes | Stitcher

    

Steven Sinofsky says he carries an HTC One

Posted: 30 May 2013 10:24 AM PDT

HTC One

The former President of Windows now carries an Android device

Speaking to Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher at the D11 conference, former head of Windows at Microsoft Steven Sinofsky dropped a small statement that he now uses an Android device. Responding to the question by Walt of "... what do you make of Google and Apple?", Sinofsky replied with a statement that today he carries an Android phone and that "We're all HTC One users these days." Speaking more broadly about Google and Android, Sinfosky actually had a bit of praise for what the company has accomplished with its platform, even going so far as to say that "Android is great".

He also spoke to some of the challenges that come along with having such a large number of APIs and products to manage at once, naturally. It's interesting to hear a former head of Windows speak so openly about using a different platform, but it's not at all surprising that Sinfosky would be intrigued by other devices -- even if he was still at Microsoft.

Via: AllThingsD

    

The HTC One 'Google Edition' is official!

Posted: 30 May 2013 08:47 AM PDT

Google Ed. HTC One

HTC One with Nexus User Experience arriving June 26 for $599

It's been reported since last week, but now it's official -- in addition to the the 'Google Edition' Samsung Galaxy S4, Google will offer an HTC One running its 'Nexus user experience' software -- that's vanilla/stock Android to the rest of  us.

Android boss Sundar Pichai revealed the news on-stage at the D11 conference, saying it runs the same core UI as Nexus devices. The 'Google Edition' HTC One, he says, will hit Google Play on June 26, priced at $599. It'll run on AT&T and T-Mobile in the U.S. Pichai also mentioned that the Nexus line will continue alongside these 'Google Edition' handsets.

So now that it's all official, who's planning on picking up Google's HTC One? Or will you be sticking with the HTC version, or even the Google Edition GS4? Share your thoughts down in the comments!

Update: Google's Hugo Barra has followed up with an official render, and says the HTC One with Nexus User Experience will come with Beats Audio. HTC's official statement on the device confirms the launch date, and the fact that it ships with Android 4.2.2 and will get updates straight from Google.

Source: Engadget liveblog, +Hugo Barra, HTC

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Moto X and Galaxy S4 Mini discussion on the Android Central forums

Posted: 30 May 2013 07:52 AM PDT

GS4 MiniWe've got forums for the latest Android phones from Motorola and Samsung

It's been a busy 24 hours in the Android world, with two rumored devices graduating to official status. Last night brought the news that Motorola X Phone is indeed real, and will come to market as the Moto X later this year. Then this morning Samsung dropped the Galaxy S4 Mini on us -- a smaller 4.3-inch, mid-range version of its current flagship, due out this summer.

If you're thinking about picking up either phone, you'll want to head on over to the Android Central forum community, where we've got forums set up for both the Moto X and the GS4 Mini. The AC forums are the place for all your thoughts, opinions and speculation in the run up to launch!

Discussion: Moto X forum, Samsun​g Galaxy S4 Mini forum

    

Heads up: More Talk Mobile 2013 party tickets at Noon EDT; podcast at 2 p.m. EDT

Posted: 30 May 2013 07:47 AM PDT

Talk Mobile 2013

Good news, everyone! We've scored a few more tickets for next week's Talk Mobile 2013 Launch Party in New York City, and they'll open up today at noon EDT. Hit this link to secure yours (max of two per person, apparently), and do it quick, before those CrackBerry guys get 'em all. (And don't forget that we're giving away a trip to NYC as well, for those of you out of state.)

And seeing as how it's been a while since we did a proper Mobile Nations Podcast, we're gonna bust one out live at 2 p.m. EDT today. So swing by AndroidCentral.com/live to check it out.

    

Deal of the Day: Body Glove Hybrid Merge for Samsung Galaxy S4

Posted: 30 May 2013 06:40 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The May 30 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Body Glove Hybrid Merge for Samsung Galaxy S4. Protect and personalize your Galaxy S4 with this flexible TPU skin cover merged with a hard polycarbonate inlay on the back. The hybrid design gives your phone shock-absorbing protection with added impact protection against drops. Comes in white/charcoal and raspberry/charcoal.

The Body Glove Hybrid Merge is available for just $15.00, 50% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last!

Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

    

AT&T HTC One gets fix for Media Link HD connectivity

Posted: 30 May 2013 06:10 AM PDT

HTC One Media Link update

A quick heads up for those of you rocking the HTC One on AT&T. A software update is available (and has been for a while, actually) that fixes a few things in regards to the Media Link HD, which AT&T gave out to those who preordered HTC's latest and greatest. Specifically, some folks hadn't been able to connect to HTC's high-def streamer because of a software glitch. That glitch has been fixed and is now ready to download. It's a small, 269KB update, takes just a minute or so to do, and basically makes your life seem a little brighter. And fixes the Media Link HD connection. 

Update: So the update you see above is the one I pulled down weeks ago via HTC's update mechanism (Settings>About>Software updates) and was recently approved. Today, there's a new 20MB update you get via AT&T's update mechanism (Settings>AT&T software update). AT&T tells us this bigger update contains the new Media Link code -- and presumably something else, but we don't yet know what.

    

How to enable the new Gmail in a web browser

Posted: 30 May 2013 04:48 AM PDT

Gmail

Google just announced a pretty major update to Gmail, and you should now be able to give it a go in the browser, if you so desire. As our pal Paul O'Brien from MoDaCo points out, all you have to do to enable the new tabbed organization is go to the gear icon on the right of the screen and choose "Configure inbox." (If you're using a wrapper like Mailplane, you might need to do this from a traditional browser first, then restart the app.)

Next you'll be asked which tabs you want to use -- primary, social and promotions are checked by default; updates and forums are other options. Once enabled, you'll find e-mails sorted among the tabs. To move e-mails between tabs, just click and drag. (You'll also be asked if you want to continue to get that particular kind of e-mail in the new tab.)

Still no sign of the new Gmail app for Android, which also will bring a new sorting experience. 

    

Huawei Ascend P6 teased ahead of June 18 reveal

Posted: 30 May 2013 04:01 AM PDT

Ascend P6

Thin, metal-framed device to be shown in London next month

The Huawei Ascend P6 hasn't been announced yet, but the manufacturer has already given us the phone's name, along with a very good look at one of its corners. In images posted to Huawei's Facebook page today, the Ascend P6 appears to be a slim, aluminum-framed device with a flat glass front. If pre-release rumors are to be believed, it'll measure in at just 6.3mm thick.

In its Facebook post, the manufacturer promises "the thinnest, smallest, and one of the most compact smart phones with a screen that can rival it's competitors," seemingly confirming that there's a super-slim Huawei phone on the way. Today's shot also matches up with leaked images from @evleaks that have appeared in recent days.

Huawei says it'll "unleash an intimate experience" on consumers on June 18, which is the date the company's holding a big press event at a major London concert venue. We'll be reporting live from London to show you just how "intimate" things get.

Source: Facebook

    

LG Optimus G Pro gets wider Asian launch

Posted: 30 May 2013 03:01 AM PDT

Optimus G ProLG 5.5-incher to hit Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia

As expected, LG has announced wider Asian availability for its high-end, big-screened handset, the Optimus G Pro. The G Pro, which is already available in Korea, Japan and the U.S., will hit Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia throughout the next month. The version going on sale in these countries will be the 5.5-inch model, as opposed to the 5-incher released in Japan earlier in the year.

Besides that massive 1080p screen, the Optimus G Pro features a 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, expandable via microSD, a 13-megapixel camera and a whopping 3140mAh battery. For more on the Optimus G Pro, be sure to check out our reviews of the Korean and AT&T versions.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini specs

Posted: 30 May 2013 01:39 AM PDT

GS4 MiniGS4 Mini

Looking for the full list of Galaxy S4 Mini specs? We've got you covered.

Samsung has announced the Galaxy S4 Mini, a downsized, mid-range version of its 2013 flagship, the Galaxy S4. Like that phone, there are a lot of technical details and software features to get to grips with, so check down below for the full, official Galaxy S4 Mini specification sheet.

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Samsung announces Galaxy S4 Mini

Posted: 30 May 2013 01:19 AM PDT

Galaxy S4 Mini

Dual-core 1.7GHz CPU, 4.3-inch qHD SuperAMOLED screen, UK launch in July

Samsung has announced the much-anticipated and heavily-leaked Galaxy S4 Mini. As the name suggests, it's a miniature version of the Galaxy S4, and like the Galaxy S3 Mini, it's packing suitably downsized specs inside its diminutive chassis.

The Galaxy S4 Mini rocks a 4.3-inch qHD (960x540) SuperAMOLED display, and is powered by a 1.7GHz dual-core processor with 1.5GB of RAM. Around the back there's an 8-megapixel camera, on the front is a 1.9MP front-facer. There's also 8GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. Powering everything is an 1,900mAh battery.

The Galaxy S4 Mini boasts many of the headline software features of its larger sibling. It's running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with the latest TouchWiz UI, and in today's press release Samsung highlights features like Sound and Shot, S Translator and S Health, as well as WatchON TV capabilities through a built-in IR blaster.

Connectivity-wise, you're looking at Wifi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and 3G/4G radios. Samsung says there'll be 3G, 4G LTE and dual-SIM variants, though the availability of these SKUs will vary depending on country.

The Galaxy S4 Mini will be shown off to attendees at Samsung's "Premiere 2013" event at London's Earls Court exhibition center on June 20. No release date has been revealed just yet, but the manufacturer did confirm that it'll be available in black and white color options.

We've got today's press release, along with more images, after the break.

Update: UK retailer Phones4u has confirmed that it'll offer the Galaxy S4 Mini "when it becomes available in the UK in July 2013."

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