Android Community |
- HTC One: What the Google Edition gives and takes away
- Google: We won’t be stopping the Nexus program
- ASUS teasing 6-inch Transformer tablet for Computex
- HTC One with “Nexus user experience” set to arrive June 26
- BlueStacks reveals GamePop console pricing
- Evernote security update brings two-step verification
- Waze v3.7 update brings Facebook Events integration
- Alcatel One Touch Idol pre-orders arrive for the US market
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini revealed with 4.3″ display and 8MP camera
- Motorola to launch hero Moto X contextually-aware smartphone this summer
- AT&T boosts 4G LTE network in 16 new cities
- Google Calendar updated with custom colors and UI tweaks
- Google Play Music updated with delete options and more for Android
- Did Google just show us the new Nexus 7?
- Google adds historic Central Park and 9/11 Memorial to Street View
- LG aims for unified design and improved hardware in 2014
- Google Admin app launches for Android
- GALAXY S 4 Active and Zoom specs leak ahead of June 20 event
- Verizon HTC One tipped for late June by analyst
- Twitter update improves image sharing and adds richer notifications
| HTC One: What the Google Edition gives and takes away Posted: 30 May 2013 10:57 AM PDT Those who are fans of the Nexus line and the HTC One received some good news earlier this morning. Just in case you missed it, Google and HTC announced a Google Edition One. The handset will be similar to the Google Edition GALAXY S 4 in that it will be sporting the same looks as the regular carrier model, but that it will be running a vanilla Android installation.
With that in mind, lets follow along with the title of the post and take a look at what the Google Edition HTC One will give and what it will take away. We are also a bit curious to see how many people will be willing to make a purchase given the price ($599). But first, lets discuss what the handset will give. UpdatesThe Google Edition One will launch with Android 4.2.2 and similar to the other Nexus devices, this handset will receive prompt updates. Aside from the bit about the Google Edition One not having any carrier installed bloatware, the prompt updates will likely be a big perk for most, if not all of those who make a purchase. This is where the other side comes into play though. As the Google Edition One is running a vanilla Android 4.2.2 installation — it will not have all of the same features as the model with Sense. Without mentioning every single feature tied to Sense, some of the highlights here include Zoe and BlinkFeed. There are also some points worth mentioning when it comes to Beats Audio, the UltraPixel camera and a question dealing with the IR blaster. CameraHTC has confirmed that some of the Sense camera features will not be included. The items that will be missing from the Google Edition One include Zoe, Highlights and the living gallery. In fact, the Sense camera UX will be missing. On the flip side, those purchasing this handset will find the regular Android camera setup which means goodies such as Photo Sphere. Looking back to the earlier statement from HTC and it was said the Google Edition One will have the “low-light capabilities of the UltraPixel camera.” Basically, this sounds like it means the handset will have the same stock Android camera experience, but that it will have low-light performance that is above what a regular Nexus handset will have. BlinkFeed and Beats AudioAs far as BlinkFeed goes there isn’t much to say other than given this is built deep within Sense — it will not be on the Google Edition. The handset will retain the Beats Audio support (and branding on the backside), however there will be one key difference in that users will not have the Beats visual indicator in the status bar. On the flip side, the handset will arrive sporting the same dual front-facing stereo speakers. IR BlasterAnother item worth mentioning is the IR blaster. In the case of the HTC One, this handset has a blaster as well as a receiver which means that it can send codes and also learn codes. The point here, HTC has some integration and in fact, the power button on the top of the One is where the sensor can be found. As the hardware remains the same the IR functionality will still be available. The one catch is that users will have to head into the Play Store and grab one of the available apps. Button ConfigurationThe final point mentioning here deals with the button configuration. Again, the hardware is the same which means the buttons will all be the same. In fact, with this the functionality will remain the same in that a short press of the Home button will bring you Home while a long press will launch Google Now. Additionally, a double-tap will take you to your Recent Apps. This one should go without saying, but the Back button will still take you back. |
| Google: We won’t be stopping the Nexus program Posted: 30 May 2013 10:06 AM PDT This morning Google and HTC shocked us all by officially announcing the stock “Nexus experience” HTC One smartphone, coming later this year. Just like Samsung and their GALAXY S 4 Google Edition. For those worried that Google could be taking this route in the future, and ending the Nexus program we all know and love. Don’t worry, because that isn’t happening any time soon.
As you all probably know, the AllThingsD “D11″ conference has been going on, and we’ve learned a lot of good information. From Google officially confirming the Motorola X is real and coming this summer, and much more. After Google’s new man in charge of Android, Sundar Pichai, mentioned the HTC One Nexus edition the question about regular Nexus devices quickly came up.
which essentially is confirming that Google has more Nexus devices planned that will be released later. Pichai basically stated that the Nexus program isn’t going anywhere, and we can expect more devices in the future. One important part of the Nexus program is also the price, which are much lower than the $599 and $649 prices of these new “Nexus-like” phones.
Now that in late June Google will be offering both the GALAXY S 4 and the HTC One with stock Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean on the Google Play Store, the question is when can we expect Nexus devices to actually arrive. Above he states that they’ll continue to offer them. We want to know when. There’s been multiple reports of a new Nexus 7 on the horizon, but so far the details about smartphones have been dry. Yes they have the Motorola X, but that won’t be a “Nexus” device. We have a feeling the next Nexus smartphone won’t be arriving until October or later with a new version of Android, just like the Nexus 4 before it. That would make sense and be a perfect yearly cycle. Either way more Nexus phones are coming, so don’t worry folks! SOURCE: AllThingsD |
| ASUS teasing 6-inch Transformer tablet for Computex Posted: 30 May 2013 09:28 AM PDT ASUS has dropped a teaser ahead of their Computex announcement and interestingly enough, they have done so using a plastic model and a series of images. The images show the process of building an Android robot named DROID MARK II. They have this little green guy sitting with a model number of N6-TE and some of the pieces look to represent some of the functionality.
Those browsing the gallery below will likely notice the robot is holding two objects — a phone and a pen. Strangely enough, that pen appears to be mighty powerful. Well, that is at least based on the box anyway. As we generally see the external packaging being more exciting than the features inside, we will just take that to mean ASUS will be announcing something with pen support. Otherwise, the 6 on the front of the robot suggests this may be a 6-inch device. There is also the “We Transform” bit which leads to thoughts of another Transformer product. Without going overboard with speculation, maybe ASUS has a 6-inch Transformer Note in the works.    Something along those lines makes it almost sound like ASUS is planning a device to take on the Galaxy Note II. Or for that matter, the yet to be announced Galaxy Note 3. Device speculation aside, there is also the question of where this will be available. Some of the previous ASUS products, such as the FonePad will not be released in the US market. With that, the ASUS Computex announcement is just a few days away. The event is scheduled for 3PM local Taiwan time on June 3rd. Or in other words, those in the US market will be staying up late as that time translates to 3AM Eastern time. Then again, you could always go to be the night before knowing you will have some news to wake up with. SOURCE: ASUS |
| HTC One with “Nexus user experience” set to arrive June 26 Posted: 30 May 2013 09:06 AM PDT As it turns, the ‘Senseless Edition’ HTC One was real. In fact, Google has officially announced the handset and it will be available towards the end of June. They are referring to this model as the HTC One, done “the Google way.” By that, they are referring to the Nexus like experience that users will get. Or in simpler terms, they are releasing an HTC One without the Sense user interface.
More than that, this also means the handset will see an update path similar to that of the other Nexus devices — including the recently announced Google Edition GALAXY S 4. Putting that aside for a moment, the HTC One will be priced at $599 and available from the Google Play Store beginning on June 26th. The handset will be running Android 4.2.2 at launch and arrive unlocked and with support for T-Mobile or AT&T. In a statement provided by HTC, we have learned the handset will have support for the UltraPixel camera. The full statement is as follows;
Otherwise, aside from this newly announced HTC One and the GALAXY S 4, Sundar Pichai has said that Google intends to continue making Nexus devices. Nothing specific in terms of future models, however it looks like we will be seeing more to come in the future. For now, those who are considering the HTC One — mark your calendars for June 26th and start setting aside some cash. |
| BlueStacks reveals GamePop console pricing Posted: 30 May 2013 08:35 AM PDT BlueStacks announced the GamePop console earlier in the month and opened up pre-orders immediately. More to the point, BlueStacks were giving a console and controller for free if you signed up for a year long subscription. The subscription is priced at $6.99 per month and includes access to (at present) more than 500 games. The one catch with that offer is how you have to pay — for the full year up front.
Basically, that meant an initial layout of $93.83. Of course, that gave you a free console and controller and the ability to play an unlimited amount of games for a full year. This seems like a good option to consider, however there will also be the option to pick up a console once this initial pre-order offer expires. With that in mind, it seems the retail price of the console is going to be a bit higher than originally expected. The GamePop was initially expected to drop at $100, however the pricing has since been announced as $129. And for those looking for the comparison, this means the GamePop is more expensive than rival OUYA, which is currently selling for $99.99. Otherwise, this initial free console and controller offer was set to expire at the end of May, however that has since been extended through June due to high-demand. In addition to the pricing of the console, BlueStacks also had some game related news. The company has said they added games from three additional developers. There wasn’t much in terms of specifics, however they said these games would normally cost more than $50 if purchased from the Play Store. But with the subscription pricing, those games will all be available without the additional expense. Previously announced game partners include Glu, Halfbrick, and Gameloft. As of today we are also hearing a bit from another developer, Intellijoy. They have said joining Gamepop was a “no brainer” and they will be adding a handful of normally paid games. These games are said to be worth “nearly” $30, but again, they will be available with no added cost because of the monthly subscription. VIA: The Next Web SOURCE: Gamepop |
| Evernote security update brings two-step verification Posted: 30 May 2013 07:46 AM PDT Evernote promised a two-step verification login earlier in the year and as of today the official announcement has been made. The company has detailed their latest update, which is security minded and with talk of the two-step verification as well as access history and authorized applications. Using these three features combined should keep your Evernote account safe and secure, but as we often see with security features — these are optional.
Beginning first with the two-step verification. This means you will need your username and password as well as a verification code to access your Evernote account. Basically, this should be enough to keep unwanted visitors away even if they learn your username and password. This verification will be a 6-digit code and will be sent by text message. Alternatively, you can also use an app such as Google Authenticator. Finally, there will also be an option to get a one-time set of backup codes for times when you cannot otherwise get a verification code sent. With that in mind, there are some other important points to consider at this time. For now this is only available for Evernote Premium and Evernote Business users. Once things appear to be running smoothly for these users, Evernote will roll this out for all users. The other important item is making sure all Evernote accounts have been updated before you begin the process. The Evernote team has said once you have made sure all the apps you use have been updated you can head to the Evernote Web Account Settings page to begin the setup process.    Moving on and we come to the access history, which is just as simple as the name suggests. This one is available to all users and means you will be able to see a running list of every time your account has been accessed. This list goes back 30 days and includes details such as the location and IP address. You can see an example of how this will look in the image sitting below.
Last up for this Evernote security update and we have the authorized applications. This is also available for all users and means you will be able to revoke access to any version of Evernote from your Evernote Web Account Settings page. Basically, revoking the access means the next time you, or someone else, attempts to login using that device (application), they will be promoted for the passcode. SOURCE: Evernote Blog |
| Waze v3.7 update brings Facebook Events integration Posted: 30 May 2013 07:16 AM PDT There has been plenty of chatter dealing with a possible acquisition of Waze. We have heard a few possible company names being thrown around, one of which is Facebook. And while this latest bit of Waze news isn’t dealing with an acquisition by Facebook, we are seeing news that involves Facebook. Basically, Waze v3.7 has been released and part of the update includes integration with Facebook Events.
Moving forward, Waze users will begin seeing their Facebook Events in the navigation menu. The listing will appear in Waze 48 hours before the event and they will be found by heading to the Navigate section in the main menu. For those new to Waze, this is where you will have your Home and Work locations set. Not to mention, the list of places that you have previously travelled to using Waze. A single tap of the Facebook event in the Navigate menu will be enough to get you on your way. That is not where the connection stops though. In addition to providing easy access to directions, you will also be shown which of your Facebook friends are on their way. The Waze app will show your friends using their Facebook image and the app also marks the first person to arrive. Additionally, if the person who created the Facebook event took the lazy approach and didn’t include a full address, you can add that using the Waze app. The one catch here, you will need to make sure your Facebook account is connected to Waze. Otherwise, Waze v3.7 also brings other goodies to include a three-state mute button in the main menu and the ability to checkin using Foursquare from the report menu. There was also support added for the JVC App Link Mode and other unspecified fixes. A remove button has been added to the history section. Lastly, the Waze update also touched on local offers and road alerts. In this case it was said that road-alert pop-ups and local offers are now “sleeker” and will take up less room on the screen. The ads are said to have been optimized to display what is ahead on the route while “remaining as relevant as possible.” These alerts can also be moved out of the way with nothing more than a siple swipe. SOURCE: Business Wire, Google Play Store |
| Alcatel One Touch Idol pre-orders arrive for the US market Posted: 30 May 2013 06:33 AM PDT Alcatel has announced the US availability of the One Touch Idol smartphone. For now the handset is only available for pre-order, however those shipments will begin soon enough. According to details coming from Alcatel, the One Touch Idol pre-orders will begin shipping on June 15th. The handset is selling unlocked (contract-free) and is available for $299.99 by way of the Alcatel website.
Given it has been some time since we last mentioned the One Touch Idol a recap on the specs seems to be in order. The handset will be running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and with hardware to include a 4.7-inch qHD IPS display along with a dual-core 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, 1800 mAh battery, 2 megapixel front-facing camera and 8 megapixel rear-facing camera that is capable of shooting HD quality video. Alcatel is also billing this as the “lightest smartphone in its category.” Basically, that is to say the One Touch Idol will weigh in at 3.88 ounces. Additionally, the handset is on the slimmer side with a thickness of just 7.9mm. Alcatel has this model equipped with a microSIM card slot and support for GSM networks.
That means those in the US looking to make a purchase will need to choose either AT&T or T-Mobile for a carrier. Alternatively, something along the lines of Straight Talk could be a good option to consider. Other perks with the One Touch Idol include an “all-over splash-proof water protection” as well as pre-loaded anti-virus software and a scratch-resistant display that also has what Alcatel refers to as an anti-finger print coating. Looking back to April and we saw details about how the One Touch Idol was going to be featured in Iron Man 3. Well, that connection still applies today as the handset will ship with a free merchandise pack with some Iron Man 3 goodies. All that being said, while this is not a high-end device, it does seem like a decent option to consider by those choosing to go the prepaid route. SOURCE: PR Newswire |
| Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini revealed with 4.3″ display and 8MP camera Posted: 30 May 2013 01:35 AM PDT It’s hardly been unexpected, but Samsung has finally taken the wraps off of its Galaxy S4 Mini, the shrunken Galaxy S 4 which was expected to debut at the June 20 “Premiere 2013″ event. Slimming the display down to 4.3-inches and qHD resolution, the Galaxy S4 Mini also has a more humble processor, with Android 4.2.2 and TouchWiz running on a 1.7GHz dualcore.
That’s paired with 1.5GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, though only around 5GB of that is available to the actual user. A microSD card slot can be used to expand it by up to 64GB. The Galaxy S4 Mini measures in at 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.94mm and 107g. Under the hood, there’s WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and – on the LTE version, at least – NFC. The phone also gets an IR blaster, which can be used with the preloaded WatchON app to turn the Galaxy S4 Mini into a universal remote. The usual sensors (accelerometer, digital compass, GPS, GLONASS, etc.) are also onboard.
In total, Samsung will have three main versions of the Galaxy S4 Mini, with the key difference being cellular connectivity. The basic 3G model will have quadband HSPA+ for up to 21Mbps downloads, network depending, and there’ll be a dual-SIM version of that for those wanting a pair of accounts active. Then, there’ll be a 4G model, which will have up to 42Mbps HSPA+ and LTE support for up to 100/50Mbps downloads, again depending on the network you’re using. Samsung is yet to announce which regions will get which variant.
Software-wise, Samsung is sticking to most of the apps and features we’ve seen from the full-sized Galaxy S 4, which means various camera enhancements – Best Photo, Beauty Face, HDR, etc – and Group Play for media sharing. There’s also S Voice and S Translator, along with Samsung KNOX for secure enterprise use. No word on release date, nor pricing, but Samsung will tell us more next month at the “Premiere” event.             |
| Motorola to launch hero Moto X contextually-aware smartphone this summer Posted: 29 May 2013 08:48 PM PDT At today’s D11 conference, Motorola‘s Dennis Woodside talked about the company’s ambitious plans to reinvent itself via the launch of a handful of smartphones, starting with a “hero” device called the Moto X. Such a device will be contextually-aware of its surroundings via low-powered sensors, enabling it to respond in ways that Woodside says isn’t available on current smartphone offerings.
The Moto X is being hailed as the first smartphone assembled in the United States, with the company using a 500,000 square-foot facility in Texas that was previously used for Nokia handsets. Word originally had it that the phone would be launching by October, which is the month the other handful of handsets are slated for, but according to a press release the company has published, the hero smartphone will actually be hitting shelves sometime this summer. Responding to an initial round of questions about the hero handset, Woodside responded with a few details: “It is going to be broadly distributed. There are a couple things we're going to be doing differently … Motorola has always been good at managing ultra-low power sensors, such as the gyroscope and the accelerometer, and keeping those on all the time so the device knows different use states. The [Moto X] knows when it is in my pocket, it knows when I take it out of my pocket. I might want to do something, I might want to take a picture, so it fires up the camera." That doesn’t mean the handset will always fire up the camera when removed from a pocket, Woodside clarified, just that it will instead be aware of what the user wants to do based on the context around it, and based on that awareness will take action to facilitate that desire. To move from the camera example and provide a different idea of what the sensors and contextual awareness will do, Woodside said: “Imagine when in the car, the device will know it is going 60MPH and it is going to act differently so you can interact with it safely. Those are the kinds of things we're doing with fundamental technology." Motorola says it chose to produce the Moto X domestically for several reasons, one being that it offers business advantages since its designers and engineers will be closer to the factory. Such a reality will result in “a leaner supply chain,” the ability to mobilize towards new trends and such quicker, and more. No word on specs yet, but Motorola promises more details will be coming soon. SOURCE: SlashGear |
| AT&T boosts 4G LTE network in 16 new cities Posted: 29 May 2013 04:45 PM PDT Today, in an effort to keep up with the growing demand (and push from Verizon) the folks from AT&T have announced a slew of new locations and cities that will be getting their blazing fast 4G LTE network upgrade. Not only has AT&T announced 11 new cities today, but they’ve confirmed an additional 5 will be seeing major expansions and improvements. Read on past the break for the full details.
Verizon recently announced that they have nearly 497 markets completely blanketed with 4G LTE services, but AT&T is hot on their tracks with their own improvements. Parts of Oregon, Virginia and more have all seen major improvements today. Just in time for someone to snag a new GALAXY S 4 and enjoy those fast new 4G LTE speeds. According to AT&T, users will be seeing 4G LTE get the green light and be fully enabled in 11 new cities. Those being: Salem, OR; Dover, DE; Shelton, WA; Longview, WA; Leonardtown, MD; Asheville, NC; Culpepper, VA; Goldsboro, NC; Ocean City, MD; Roanoke, VA; Port Townsend, WA all starting today. If you happen to live in any of those cities and rock an AT&T 4G LTE device, you should start seeing some seriously improved speeds. Then of course we also have some expansions today from the carrier. These cities already have LTE but are getting improved and they are: Casa Grande, AZ; Linglestown, PA; Fredericksberg, VA; Schenectady, NY; and Calvert County, MD to name a few. They all will be seeing broader network reach and faster, more stable speeds. Enjoy folks! SOURCE: AT&T |
| Google Calendar updated with custom colors and UI tweaks Posted: 29 May 2013 04:16 PM PDT Today the folks from Google are on a roll in the updates department. This entire week actually, with updates to Gmail, Google Music, Chrome beta and stable, and now Google Calendar. We’re getting some much needed features today that should help all those busy folks clean up their calendar and more. Read on for the changelog and additional details.
The entire Google Calendar is for the most part the same, but many different aspects now have a completely new UI during certain steps in adding new tasks with dates or times. The changes are pretty minor, but also pretty spiffy and a nice change of pace compared to the previous version. The important stuff here though is the new customizable colors. There’s a pleasing new UI where you can select and completely customize the colors for adding new appointments to the calendar, which we’ve been wanting on mobile for some time. Now with Android phones and tablets you can simple choose from any of the above, as you can see from their image. It certainly isn’t anything major, but should seriously improve the overall experience of Google Calendar. Not to mention give us an idea on what to expect from future updates on other Google apps. I’m personally liking the new event repeat option, as that’s something I use often. All the details and more can be found at the Official Google Blog. SOURCE: Play Store |
| Google Play Music updated with delete options and more for Android Posted: 29 May 2013 03:58 PM PDT Google Music recently received a pretty big update with an entirely new user interface to go along with their new “All Access” music streaming service, but sadly the app needs some work. Today Google’s busy updating multiple apps, and Play Music just got some much needed new features. Mainly the ability to delete a track, which surprisingly wasn’t available before.
Today Google is updating the Play Music app with a few new features, but so far the update isn’t showing up for everyone and is a staged rollout. The update will allow users to delete tracks, as well as add or remove songs to/from the library, and even share songs. Those my access songs can blend in with everything you’d always had in Play Music, but you weren’t able to delete any of them on mobile devices. Instead of having to open up a web browser and search for the song, then delete it, we now can quickly and easily do so on mobile. We’re not sure how this managed to get passed up on the initial release, but at least they were quick with an update. Right? * Added option to delete tracks That’s the entire change log above. The Now playing screen has more options in the settings menu too, as stated above. You can instantly add or remove the song from your library, or share it with all your friends. Friends that Google hopes are on Google+ when you share the music. The Play Store says the update is available today, May 29th, but many still aren’t seeing it. This is a part of their new staged rollout process, and you should get it momentarily. Enjoy! SOURCE: Play Store |
| Did Google just show us the new Nexus 7? Posted: 29 May 2013 02:42 PM PDT Today Google shared some news and details about their ever expanding Street View project. Taking their cameras and eye-level views through parts of New York City that most might never be able to visit. Things like Central Park and the 9/11 Memorial. While we don’t want to take anything away from them for that, we did notice an interesting device in their video.
There has been tons of talk and rumors around Google’s next Nexus tablet to deliver Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. We’ve been hearing reports of a second-gen Nexus 7 for more than a few months, specs have leaked with ASUS attached as the manufacturer, but we really don’t know at this point. This could just be a random device, of course, but it looks like an HTC-made Nexus tablet if you ask me. Oh what we’d give for an HTC Nexus Tablet. The Nexus One is still one of my favorite devices to date, and something I wish I would have kept. What you see above was shown off and featured in a video released and published today by Google. The video highlights Street View in New York City, but at about 0:53 seconds in this new slate makes a cameo and has many readers all hot and bothered. Myself included. Take a peek below. It’s an interesting looking device, that’s for sure. We really don’t know what to think or believe at this point. A few weeks ago another random device was spotted in one of Google’s videos that many thought was the new Nexus, so we’ll just take this all with a grain of salt for now. Previous reports have Google revealing the next version of Android on June 10th, and we could be seeing a brand new tablet at the same time. We’ll let you guys all decide for yourself, but let us know what you think in the comment section below. |
| Google adds historic Central Park and 9/11 Memorial to Street View Posted: 29 May 2013 02:27 PM PDT Google Street View just keeps getting better and better. While we already know the first-person look with Street View has already walked nearly every street of New York City, today they published a few new areas that are historic to everyone. Not only that, but these iconic locations show the heart, spirit, and strength of our nation and the greatest city in New York.
Today Google revealed new Street View imagery of three stunning locations of the Big Apple. Those being the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, and the neighborhoods that were devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Not only can you walk down the streets and see the mess from Hurricane Sandy, but for those wanting to virtually visit the 9/11 Memorial can now do so as well. Google added a wonderful moving tribute to the World Trade Center site and memorial, with stunning panoramic views of both the north and the south pools. Using their technology they also got so close that Street View users will be able to see and read victims' names that have been engraved along both pools, to pay their respects. It’s a wonderful site and tribute, so thanks Google. Then, for those who haven’t been lucky enough to enjoy New York City and Central Park, Google has you covered with that too. Taking the street view Trekker through the park and down paths most visitors would never normally go. The video above is a nice little preview (oh and check out 53 seconds) of the entire park. They have lesser known areas covered too. From Central Park and the 9/11 Memorial, all the way to the Galapagos Islands Google’s been hard at work with Street View, and we love it. See more at the link below. SOURCE: Google Blog |
| LG aims for unified design and improved hardware in 2014 Posted: 29 May 2013 01:56 PM PDT There has been a lot of talk lately from media and consumers alike about build quality and materials in their smartphones, tablets, and any other electronic device. The outcry for Samsung to use something other than cheap plastic in their flagship phones is one, and we’ve seen plenty praise HTC for their all aluminum and cutting-edge designs on the HTC One. Where does LG fit in? Read on to find out what they have planned.
With plenty of behind the scene changes already taking place, next year LG will be delivering some quality products all with an improved and unified design. LG’s aiming big, and hope this will take them to the next step. At least according to new reports. During a press conference in South Korea the companies design manager had some interesting comments about their future, and their “design philosophy” moving into next year and 2015. According to GforGames LG’s about to do a major overhaul for the better. And not just on smartphones and tablets, but their lineup as a whole. Design Lab manager, Joon Ahn, revealed that they’ll have a unified and completely improved design language and philosophy that will be so new, fresh, and recognizable that their products will be instantly recognized as an LG device.
Their plan is a new design language that will be common among many of their products from smartphones to TVs and refrigerators. All unified into one beautiful product line that will be their trademark design. A huge part of this will obviously be on mobile, since that’s where technology is headed these days. We’re expecting a radical shift in the look and feel of their smartphones and upcoming tablets, and hopefully excellent build quality too. It sounds like LG will be establishing a new name for themselves as they move forward, but we shouldn’t expect to see the fruits of this overhaul until sometime in mid to late 2014. Obviously we’ll need to see it to believe it, or to be convinced, but the future is looking bright for LG if they can keep it up. Don’t just follow Samsung or others, innovate! |
| Google Admin app launches for Android Posted: 29 May 2013 01:43 PM PDT Google has released a new app this afternoon, called Google Admin. The app is intended for those who are managing Google Apps accounts and is available for Android devices by way of the Play Store. Google mentions how the Admin app will allow you to take care of the “most common tasks” which includes everything from adding new users to handling password resets.
The Google Admin app will also allow for group management, user suspensions, the ability to view domain setting changes and if needed, contacting support. You will also be able to directly call and email individual users. Specifically, the app is available for those who are super admins of Google's Enterprise products. Those products include Google Apps for Business, Education, Government, Google Coordinate and Chromebooks. Anyway, given the nature of what this app can do towards the overall security and setup of your account, Google offers the following warning; “Prior to installing this app we recommend that you set a strong lockscreen password on your device.” Of course, that sounds like a good suggestion for anyone that has anything even remotely sensitive on their device. Otherwise, the app is available for free and for those with a device running Android 2.3.3 or later. The other catch deals with use of the API. Google has said use of the Google Admin app requires API access to be enabled. Those with the need and access sufficient for use will be able to find the app in the Play Store. Given the app has only recently come available for download the user ratings and reviews are rather limited at this time. The overall rating is high, however the comments seem to be a mix of “about time” and “nice start.” Bottom line here, Google has provided an app that should be helpful for the admin who is always on the go. SOURCE: Official Google Enterprise Blog |
| GALAXY S 4 Active and Zoom specs leak ahead of June 20 event Posted: 29 May 2013 12:50 PM PDT We previously heard details about Samsung’s June 20th event. This is the ‘Samsung Premiere 2013′ event and earlier reports were suggesting the GALAXY S 4 Mini would be announced. As of today though, it is looking like two other GALAXY S 4 devices are going to join the Mini. Those others are the Active and the Zoom and in addition to word of a June 20th announcement — the specs for both devices have since leaked.
We have seen bits and pieces of the specs for both the Active and Zoom in the past, however today brings what appears to be nearly complete specs for each device. Beginning first with the GALAXY S 4 Active, this is the handset that is expected to arrive as both water and dust-resistant. Previous leaked images for the Active have shown the handset sporting a red exterior. As far as the specs go, the list is as follows;
Next up is the GALAXY S 4 Zoom, which as the name would imply — is the smartphone with the focus being on the camera. It was said the GALAXY S 4 Zoom will look more similar to the GALAXY S 4 Mini as opposed to the full-sized model. Aside from looks, the spec list breaks down as follows;
It appears as if some of the camera related highlights have yet to leak for the GALAXY S 4 Zoom, though the 16MP camera and 10x optical zoom appear to have things off to a good start. Of course, this all comes with a reminder that these are still unconfirmed and therefor should be considered rumor until June 20th arrives.
All said and done it looks like the June 20th event is shaping up to have quite a few handsets unveiled. So far there is talk of the three Galaxy devices including the Mini, Active and Zoom, however the original event invitation also mentioned the ATIV which means we will likely see something Windows Phone announced. VIA: unwired view SOURCE: Hi-Tech mail.ru |
| Verizon HTC One tipped for late June by analyst Posted: 29 May 2013 12:14 PM PDT The talk and rumors around Verizon getting their own version of the HTC One flagship smartphone haven’t slowed down one bit. In fact, we keep hearing little bits of information all leading us to believe an announcement is coming any minute now from Verizon and HTC. Today some analyst reports from Taiwan clearly point towards a late June release from Verizon.
After initial reports suggested the phone would be coming a few months after the other carriers, that story then got changed and reported as a no, Verizon won’t be getting the new device. With all leaks, tips, and rumors pointing to the contrary we really don’t know what to believe. Our insider sources claim it was set to be announced last week, but for whatever reason wasn’t. Instead we got Viva Movil by JLo and Verizon Wireless. Today some new reports from FocusTaiwan have our interest piqued yet again for an HTC One on Verizon, as well as a few other things. Laura Chen, an analyst at BNP Paribas Securities Taiwan Ltd, went on to talk about HTC having a strong second quarter with the hard times behind them, and explains why the rest of 2013 will be good news for HTC. Most of that being Verizon’s HTC One, the largest US carrier, as well as 3 other devices we’ve been talking about.
Chen then goes on to mention the HTC device codenamed M4 is also coming soon, which could be an HTC One Mini. She also confirms the earlier reports that HTC has a phablet in the works, possibly enjoying a 5.9-inch display, which will get announced later this year. Then ends by mentioning the new and improved HTC Butterfly and DROID DNA. Is it just us, or does this Chen seem to know all of HTC’s plans? As long as her reports are true and Verizon drops an HTC One here shortly, we’ll be happy. It looks like June could be a big month for HTC with the One on Verizon, a “Senseless edition” and a few other phones. Stay tuned! |
| Twitter update improves image sharing and adds richer notifications Posted: 29 May 2013 12:05 PM PDT The latest Twitter app update has landed in the Play Store. This update has arrived as version 4.1.0 and with improvements to image sharing and notifications. Anyway, while there are a few changes in this update, it seems the key change is the one dealing with the image sharing. When launching the updated app things will initially look the same, however tapping the tweet button will show you the changes.
From here you still have your Twitter avatar along with your real name and user name up top, but things look a bit different towards the bottom. Specifically, the location and image sharing icons have changed. Those looking to share an image have two options to consider — use the camera icon to snap a new picture or the gallery icon to grab an existing image. Either process is simple and appears to have been improved over the earlier version of Twitter. Take the gallery image sharing for example, this launches a view of the gallery at the bottom of your screen and a swipe up expands that gallery to show more images. Of course, once the gallery has been expanded, it then scrolls down through all your previous images. Once you find the image you want to share, tap it and then make any necessary edits. From this point you tap done button (in the upper right hand corner) and you will return to the tweet window where you will see a full preview of that image.
At this point you can add any text you want along with the image and adjust your location sharing settings. A tap of the location sharing icon (towards the bottom left) will launch a map with a “turn on location” button. Alternatively, you can later turn that off by tapping the “turn off location” button. Otherwise, this update also made it a bit easier for those who tweet from multiple accounts. With this users can select the appropriate account by tapping on your avatar in the upper left hand corner.
Lastly, there were also some improvements to the notifications. This portion of the update means the notifications will now contain more detailed information. The notifications will expand with a swipe and they will now include avatars as well as details about the tweet such as whether it is a favorite, retweet or reply. Bottom line here, if you were at all disappointed with the process of sending tweets on the earlier version of Twitter for Android, this update may have solved your problems. SOURCE: Twitter Blog, Google Play Store |
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