Android Community |
- Motorola XFON tipped for all major US carriers – including Verizon
- Shawnee, Kansas next in line for Google Fiber
- US Cellular to only offer the 16GB GALAXY S 4
- State Farm RightLane Android app launches in beta
- Verizon GALAXY S 4 pre-orders hit RadioShack
- ASUS MeMO Pad Smart 10 successor tipped for a summer release
- Google brings auto ‘add to calendar’ feature to Gmail
- Loewe Speaker 2go unveiled ahead of June release
- Acer Iconia A1 tablet unveiled with 7.9″ display and quad-core processor
- Bejeweled Blitz launches for Android
- AT&T ‘All In One’ prepaid plans tipped for a June launch
- AT&T now accepting LG Optimus G Pro pre-orders
- Samsung GALAXY S 4 approved for government and military use
- Samsung Galaxy S Advanced gets Android 4.1.2 update
- Toyota Plug-in Championship game app has nothing to do with cars
- Dextr e-mail client hits Android
- Reports suggest LG will make Nexus 5 for Google
- NOOK HD update delivers Google Play Store and all its content
- Google smartwatch patent reveals touchpad controls – like Google Glass
- Paranoid Android ‘HALO’ unified notifications get shown off
| Motorola XFON tipped for all major US carriers – including Verizon Posted: 03 May 2013 11:39 AM PDT Yesterday we finally received what could be our first look at the highly talked about and rumored Motorola X-Phone being jointly designed by Google. The always accurate @evleaks dropped a trio of images showing an unreleased mystery Motorola phone with a protective case hiding the design. And now, we have some additional details suggesting an arrival on Verizon, and others in early July.
We’ve heard tons of reports and rumors (most which sound too extreme) regarding the Motorola X-Phone. Yesterdays leak showed the device being branded as the XFON, and not the X-Phone, but at least someone got the name right. According to multiple sources it is codenamed “Ghost” by Google and Motorola, just like the Verizon Galaxy Nexus is Toro, and Nexus 4 was Mako. There’s also been rumors the Motorola Ghost would arrive on all carriers, so that could be exactly what we have here. So here’s the rumor. According to PhoneArena‘s “reliable source” the device leaked yesterday is indeed the Motorola “Ghost” XFON, and it’s headed to more than just AT&T. Their source claims it will be readily available on both Verizon Wireless and AT&T come early July, and will also hit all major US carriers. So while it isn’t a Nexus, it’s close.
@evleaks later released an image of the rear, showing a rather unique design. The tipster from above states that is indeed it, and that Motorola will be using a durable polycarbonate shell, and not the usual Kevlar. Previous rumors suggested the device will be available in over 20 different colors and customizations, and he reports that is accurate, and the XFON will be customizable and available across all carriers. Juicy right? So the matte black version we saw in March will be available, and the carbon-fiber looking model from yesterday will be too. It’s all customizable. Finally, their source claims the device will have a 4.7-inch (size not fully confirmed) full 1080p HD display, but demo units are currently 720p. It will also be completely stock Android, with a few Motorola customizations like their power management tools and hopefully that popular circle clock widget. We’re hoping these rumors are accurate, and this gets revealed at Google I/O with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean under the hood. What do you guys think? |
| Shawnee, Kansas next in line for Google Fiber Posted: 03 May 2013 10:58 AM PDT The city of Shawnee, which sits just outside of Kansas City and is described as being a “tight-knit community and a great place to do business” will be the next to get Google Fiber. The news comes as the Shawnee City Council has given their approval. While Google Fiber will be coming for those in Shawnee, the one catch is that a roll-out date has yet to be revealed.
In fact, as of now Google has said they still have “a lot of planning and engineering work” ahead of them. Basically, as of now there isn’t any estimate as to when Fiber will actually be available for those in Shawnee. Still, we suspect those in Shawnee have already begun dreaming about how nice the speeds will be once Fiber arrives. As to how or why Shawnee was picked seems to come down to how they already had a focus on digital and the internet. In the announcement Google talked about how Shawnee had recently modernized the city website and added everything from streaming audio of the city council meetings to crime maps and fiscal reports. As a result, Google said Shawnee is a “great example of how access to information via the web can help make communities stronger.” Otherwise, aside from the upcoming availability for Shawnee, Google Fiber has also been announced for Kansas City as well as Austin, Texas and Provo, Utah. Taking a look at the Kansas City pricing and we see Gigabit Internet available for $70 per month and Gigabit Internet + TV available for $120 per month. [via Google Fiber Blog] |
| US Cellular to only offer the 16GB GALAXY S 4 Posted: 03 May 2013 10:32 AM PDT When Samsung unveiled their shiny new flagship smartphone, the GALAXY S 4, many were excited to see it had options for 16, 32, and 64GB of internal storage and an SD slot. Sadly the situation regarding what carriers will have those options have been a mess. AT&T has the exclusive in the U.S. on the 64GB model, and we haven’t heard a peep from Verizon as to if they’ll even offer the 32GB flavor.
While we can’t base what we hear from one carrier for the others, it’s safe to say the 32GB model might be a bit hard to come by for most. US Cellular confirmed today that they in fact will only be carrying the 16GB model, which sadly only has around 8.5GB of usable storage out of the box. All those high-powered S-features take up more space than most. Samsung themselves even confirmed that the 16GB version will only have about half the internal storage available to the end user, thanks to those powerful new features they’ve included. So, if you need additional storage US Cellular might not be the best choice, or you’ll have to snag a micro-SD slot. Hey, at least this isn’t an 8GB Nexus 4 – that was just a terrible idea Google and LG. 16GB should be the standard minimum these days.
The folks from GottaBeMobile reached out to the carrier regarding device availability, and the quote above was received in return. They did make it clear that micro-SD slots were available. So it doesn’t look like they’ll have any different options. Then, AT&T only has the 16GB model available, and it’s starting to slowly but surely look like supply issues might cause a delay in the 32 and 64GB models, for most carriers. Device Info
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| State Farm RightLane Android app launches in beta Posted: 03 May 2013 10:23 AM PDT State Farm has had their Pocket Agent app available in the Google Play Store, however it looks like they have since launched another app. This new app is called RightLane and for the moment, it is clearly listed as being a beta. That said, State Farm is looking for beta testers for what they are describing as a new driving app that will collect information based on your driving habits.
Those willing to move forward will be committing to a 120-day test period, however State Farm has made it clear that you can remove yourself from the testing before that time period comes to an end. It was also said that you do not need to be a current State Farm customer to do the testing. Those considering joining the test phase will need a device with Android 4.0 or later and a car with factory-installed Bluetooth. Those testing will also need to drive a minimum of 500 miles over a 25 day period and you will have to complete a survey after that distance requirement is met. As for the app, this will automatically collect information through your Bluetooth connection. The collected data will include mileage and speed as well as latitudinal and longitudinal g-forces.
The details as to why haven’t really been mentioned, however it is believed that this will be the State Farm answer to what Progressive has with the SnapShot. For those not familiar with SnapShot, that is used to monitor your driving and can potentially reduce your insurance rates. Finally, a limited amount of beta testers will also get a $50 gift card for participation. Those looking for more information can check out the State Farm RightLane app using this Google Play Store link. [via Android and Me] |
| Verizon GALAXY S 4 pre-orders hit RadioShack Posted: 03 May 2013 09:52 AM PDT Interested in picking up the GALAXY S 4 on Verizon Wireless? Today the Verizon flavor of Samsung’s new GALAXY S 4 can be pre-ordered from one more retailer for those eager to get their hands on the smartphone. RadioShack has just announced that starting today, May 3rd, the Verizon S 4 is available to pre-order online and in store.
Best Buy was first to the plate with pre-orders for the Verizon bound GALAXY, then a few days later late last month Verizon officially started offering orders themselves. For those not wanting to take either of those routes, the nearest RadioShack should serve you just fine as well. RadioShack also confirms the Verizon GALAXY S 4 will begin shipping before the 30th, and the actual device will be available to purchase in stores and online on May 30th, just like from the others. Sadly the device will be arriving a month later than most US carriers, but it’s worth the wait for those with Big Red. With nearly 4,700 retail locations in the U.S. RadioShack might be the closest place for you to snag the new smartphone, so head down to your nearest store today and reserve your own. As a reminder, RadioShack also has a trade-in program offering up to $300 back for old devices, as well as plenty of accessories in stores as well. The wait for the GALAXY S 4 on Verizon is almost over, just a few more weeks. Check out our review below! Device Info
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| ASUS MeMO Pad Smart 10 successor tipped for a summer release Posted: 03 May 2013 09:49 AM PDT We haven’t seen all that much on the current generation MeMO Pad Smart 10 tablet since the US release date was announced back in late-February, however it looks like ASUS is already working on the successor. ASUS has yet to offer anything official, but the specs have recently been leaked. The leak has the tablet sitting with model number ME302KL and an expected release for this summer.
The specs are said to include a 4G LTE connectivity along with a 10.1-inch display at 1920 x 1080, a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and a yet-to-be specified version of Jelly Bean. Other items on the spec list include 16GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, 1GB of RAM, Adreno 320 graphics, 5050 mAh battery, 1.2 megapixel front-facing camera and a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera. Of course, the usual items such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB and GPS can also be expected. Aside from the general release timeframe of sometime this summer, we haven’t seen anything else. The pricing details were also left fairly generic. In terms of the price, it was said that this tablet will be set lower than that of the Transformer Pad Infinity. Looking at this model compared to the original (currently available) MeMO Pad Smart 10 and we see some improvements. To begin with, this new model will have the display going from 1280 x 800 up to full HD. The internal storage and RAM remain the same. The other change is on the processor, while both have a quad-core, this new model is expected to be Qualcomm where the currently available model is powered by an NVIDIA. [via techblog.gr] |
| Google brings auto ‘add to calendar’ feature to Gmail Posted: 03 May 2013 09:36 AM PDT Today we’re learning some additional details about a rather neat new feature Google has introduced and integrated into Gmail. Sadly the new feature isn’t on mobile, yet, but Gmail will now allow users to automatically add events and reminders to their calendar right from emails. Basically one click easy Google Calendar entries.
Starting today, Gmail now detects dates and times in emails and will underline and highlight said dates. Then users can simply click the highlighted text and get a nifty little pop-up asking them if the information is correct, then will seamlessly integrate the dates and schedule a reminder in your Google Calendar. Google announced the details recently on their Gmail blog, but sadly this feature appears to only be for their desktop client. Although we have a feeling this little shortcut will be headed to Android soon. So while this isn’t totally Android related, we all use Google and Gmail daily on our devices, and I’m sure many of you will love the new feature on desktop, and when it comes to mobile.
To be even more convenient, when you get the reminder or alert of the saved calendar entry, it will even have a link directing you back to the original email, should you chose to look. Google states this is rolling out over the next week to those who uses English in Gmail, and more languages will coming soon. Expect this to arrive in Gmail for Android soon too. Hopefully. |
| Loewe Speaker 2go unveiled ahead of June release Posted: 03 May 2013 09:02 AM PDT Loewe, a German based audio company, has announced their latest speaker system. This one will be arriving as the Loewe Speaker 2go and as implied by the name, this one appears to have been made for those who are on the move. The Speaker 2go is able to pair wirelessly and is described as being both compact and lightweight.
On that thought, the Speaker 2go will measure in at 24 x 10.5 x 5.1 cm. The speaker will connect to your smartphone or tablet using a Bluetooth connection, however pairing can also be done using NFC. Those with an NFC capable device, such as the GALAXY S 4, will be able to match up your phone with the touch point indicated on the speaker. From here, a Bluetooth connection will be made. And for those without NFC in their device, rest assured in knowing Bluetooth is all that is required. The NFC only makes the pairing process a little simpler. While size and pairing should be items to keep in mind, lets get into the real goodies — the actual speakers. With this, Loewe has said the Speaker 2go will have 2:1 stereo sound. The speakers will include a 20-watt woofer and a pair of combined midrange driver/tweeters which each have 10-watts.
The system will also have a bass reflex tube as well as three digital (Class D) amplifiers which will account for the total 40-watts of power. In addition to being a speaker to listen to music (or other audio), the Speaker 2go also sports a built-in microphone which will allow you to use it as a speakerphone for voice calls. That all being said, the Loewe Speaker 2go is expected to arrive in June and with a price point of £269. [via SlashGear] |
| Acer Iconia A1 tablet unveiled with 7.9″ display and quad-core processor Posted: 03 May 2013 08:24 AM PDT Coming just a few days after the leak, Acer has officially announced the Iconia A1 tablet. Much of the specs hold the same as what we saw from the leak, however we now also have a confirmed price and an expected release timeframe. To begin with, the Iconia A1 tablet will be sporting a 7.9-inch IPS display, which Acer will be pushing as a”full-featured one-handed tablet for everyone.”
That for everyone bit still needs to be proven, however Acer has said the 16GB (Iconia A1-810) will be available in June with a price point of $199.99. They have also said the tablet will be available in an 8GB model, however they have yet to offer any specifics in terms of price or release for that model. Aside from the internal storage, the Iconia A1 will also have a microSD card slot. The tablet will be powered by a quad-core 1.7GHz MediaTek processor and have a 7-hour battery life and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with the ability to capture 1080p video at 30 frames per second. Other features include micro-HDMI, micro-USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and a weight of 0.90 pounds.    The Iconia A1 will have Google Play Store access as well as a new Acer feature called Touch WakeApp. This is a gesture that means customers will be able to go from waking up to using their favorite apps with one-touch. Finally, shifting back to that 7.9-inch display. Acer has said this will be an IPS display with a 170 degree viewing angle, 4:3 aspect ratio and 1024 x 768 resolution. [Update] It looks like the 8GB Iconia A1 will be priced at $169.99 [via Market Wire] |
| Bejeweled Blitz launches for Android Posted: 03 May 2013 07:55 AM PDT Yesterday we saw the release of a Angry Birds Friends, which has a social connection to Facebook and as of today it looks like we have the release of another social-minded game. This latest is Bejeweled Blitz, which comes by way of Electronic Arts. The release of Bejeweled Blitz has the game joining the previously available Bejeweled 2.
While the two games are similar in that they both have you matching up gems, Bejeweled Blitz brings the social side. Not to mention, each round you play is just one minute in length. The game play is simple, you match and detonate as many gems as you can during that minute. Bejeweled Blitz for Android, similar to other platforms, will have the Detonators, Scramblers and Multipliers as well as Blazing Speed, Last Hurrah and the rare gems that will help to increase your scores. While Bejeweled 2 is priced at $2.99, Electronic Arts has released Bejeweled Blitz for free. Those downloading and playing on Android will also be able to pick up and begin playing on Facebook, though we have heard some say it is a bit more enjoyable on a mobile device where you can move the gems with your finger. That all being said, Electronic Arts is touting Bejeweled Blitz as having nearly 50 million players that have played for about 3.5 million hours. They also mentioned how 140 million Bejeweled Blitz games are being played daily. While we are pretty big fans of this game, there is a warning — its easy to pick up and hard to put down. Those looking for the game will be able to find it using this Google Play Store link. |
| AT&T ‘All In One’ prepaid plans tipped for a June launch Posted: 03 May 2013 07:18 AM PDT AT&T currently offers wireline services under the “All In One” brand and come this summer, the carrier may begin using that same brand for a new pre-paid wireless offering. The details have yet to be confirmed by AT&T, however it is believed that the All In One pre-paid services will be launching in June. These plans are expected to be priced from $35 per month.
According to a Fierce Wireless report, AT&T will have an All In One plan available for feature phones and another for smartphones. The prices will be $35 and $50 per month respectively. The feature phone option will include unlimited talk and text as well as a yet to be specified amount of data. The smartphone plan will also include unlimited talk and text, however they will also have 2GB of data. Additionally, there was mention of another smartphone plan that will include unlimited talk and text with 5GB of data for $70 per month. Of course, all this came with the warning that the “plans could change before they are launched.” While this pre-paid All In One service is expected to launch nationwide in June, it looks like AT&T will be doing some testing this month. A specific date for the test period hasn’t been mentioned, however the test markets look to include Florida and Texas. Otherwise, this does bring question as to what AT&T will do with the currently available GoPhone brand. Basically, it is up in the air as to whether this will run alongside or replace GoPhone. |
| AT&T now accepting LG Optimus G Pro pre-orders Posted: 03 May 2013 06:42 AM PDT AT&T announced the upcoming availability of the LG Optimus G Pro smartphone earlier in the week. And well, true to that announcement, the handset is now available for pre-order. There isn’t much in terms of surprise here, basically AT&T now has the handset available for those looking to move forward with a pre-order.
The one bit of good news here is the shipping date. It looks like those who go the pre-order route may actually have the device in hand a few days before the official release. If you remember back AT&T had said the Optimus G Pro would be available beginning on May 10th. Looking at the AT&T pre-order page and we see a shipping date of May 7th. Otherwise, the LG Optimus G Pro is priced at $199.99 on a two-year agreement. Alternatively, those looking to avoid the commitment can shell out for the full retail price, which in this case happens to be $549.99. The specs include a 5.5-inch (1920 x 1080) Full HD IPS display with a 400 PPI, quad-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 processor and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The Optimus G Pro will also have LTE and HSPA+ connectivity along with 32GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, 3140 mAh battery, 2GB of RAM, 2.1 megapixel front-facing camera and a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera. Those curious, but still looking for a bit more detail on the Optimus G Pro may benefit from our earlier coverage which included some hands-on time. [via AT&T] Device Info
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| Samsung GALAXY S 4 approved for government and military use Posted: 03 May 2013 06:22 AM PDT Reports from earlier in the week suggested that select Samsung devices were nearing approval for use by the US government. Those reports mentioned the GALAXY S 4, however the overall approval seemed hinged on the Samsung Knox security software. Coming this morning, we have received word from Samsung in regards to the approval and moving forward, the US government and military will be able to use Samsung smartphones and tablets provided they are running the Knox security software.
This approval follows a successful round of Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) testing and essentially grants approval for use on Department of Defense (DoD) networks. While Samsung has announced the approval, they have yet to offer much in terms of the upcoming steps. As of now they have suggested the GALAXY S 4 will be the first handset used. Based on details coming from Samsung, the GALAXY S 4 is the “first smartphone to be enabled with Knox.” Moving forward though, other handsets will arrive running Knox. On this Samsung hasn’t offered many specifics, instead simply noting that “going forward, Samsung's premium smartphones and tablets will feature Samsung Knox.” Aside from the DoD approval, Samsung is also working towards having Knox equipped handsets certified with additional international government certification bodies. Of course, given the DoD approval has come through for Knox equipped handsets, this could means we will eventually see these Samsung devices being used in other security minded markets. |
| Samsung Galaxy S Advanced gets Android 4.1.2 update Posted: 03 May 2013 05:17 AM PDT Samsung has announced an official Android software update for the Galaxy S Advance I9070. The smartphone update is currently only available in Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. The update will be rolled out to other European countries soon.
In the three countries where the update is available right now, users can download it to the Samsung KIES server. The update brings the smartphone operating system to Android 4.1.2. The software update is XXLQE and is unbranded and can be installed on any Galaxy S Advanced device with a few exceptions. The update won’t work on devices being used in China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong. Not only does the update bring an improved version of Android to the smartphone, it also brings improvements, fixes, and performance enhancements to the device. There is no indication of when the update will be available for other European countries. The update is only compatible with the model specified so we don’t recommend trying to install it on any other device. [via Ibtimes] |
| Toyota Plug-in Championship game app has nothing to do with cars Posted: 03 May 2013 05:03 AM PDT Toyota is one of the biggest automotive manufacturers in the world. The company is big on technology and produces some of the leading hybrid vehicles out there. Toyota has announced this week a new application for Android users that has nothing to do with cars.
The app is called Plug-in Championship and bizarrely challenges users to score points by plugging their phone into charge at exactly the right moment. Toyota wants players to compete against each other to see who can earn the highest score possible out of 1000. When the app is running, it has an arrow that lights up quickly and the goal is to plug the phone in when the arrow is at the top. A perfect scores 1000, and you can score as little as nothing. Toyota thinks that players will be excited to see who will score a perfect 1000 first. I think very few Android users will care in the least who scores 1000 points first. After you plug your device in and earn your score, the app will play an “exhilarating” video clip. The app creates anxiety around plugging your device into charge, which is surprising since the app also inevitably makes us think about plug-in Toyota vehicles. I wouldn’t think Toyota would want any anxiety focused on charging of electric vehicles. [via SlashGear] |
| Dextr e-mail client hits Android Posted: 03 May 2013 04:46 AM PDT If you typically check your e-mail on your mobile device using Gmail and you’re on a limited data plan of some sort, hordes of spam could be costing you money. Tons of spam on your mobile device also means you have to wade through a bunch of e-mail you don’t care anything about looking for those few messages that you do care about. A new e-mail client has landed for Android that might help you wade through some of the clutter.
The e-mail client is called Dextr and it operates as a standalone app, even though interfaces with Gmail. You sign into your Gmail e-mail account via the application and the app will then present a list of contacts on your device to you. From that list you choose your close friends, family, and associates that you want to get e-mail from. After you do that, the application will show you only e-mails from those contacts. Dextr will completely replace your normal Gmail inbox, but if you only want to know if specific people have sent you a message, it sure makes it easier than wading through everything in your standard e-mail box. There are some caveats to Dextr that will limit its usefulness for some people. The biggest is the fact that you can’t send attachments to your contacts via the application. However, you can view and download attachments sent to you. It also lacks threaded conversations and the app isn’t free. If you want to try Dextr you can download it from the Google Play store right now for $.99. [via TechCrunch] |
| Reports suggest LG will make Nexus 5 for Google Posted: 03 May 2013 04:29 AM PDT Rumors are circulating today out of Korea that claim LG will produce the fifth device to wear the Nexus name. The device is believed to be the Nexus 5 and so far very little is actually known about the product. The Nexus 4 only launched in November so a Nexus 5 device launching anytime soon would be very unlikely.
Nexus devices typically stick to a yearly refresh cycle, which would seem to indicate the earliest the rumored Nexus 5 will arrive would be November of this year. The big tip on the current rumor is the fact that LG has reportedly been contracted to produce the next device in the series. HTC produced the first Nexus device, followed by Samsung producing two devices. After the Samsung Nexus S and the Galaxy Nexus, LG produced the Nexus 4. If LG did in fact land the next-generation device, it would only be the second company to produce two Nexus products for Google in a row. While no details for the next generation Nexus device have been revealed, speculation is running rampant. With LG producing the device, it could be that the next generation Nexus 5 will be a larger screen phablet. It’s possible that the device could be based on LG’s Optimus G Pro, which rocks a 5.5-inch screen. Only time will tell if there’s any validity to this rumor. [via SlashGear] |
| NOOK HD update delivers Google Play Store and all its content Posted: 02 May 2013 09:00 PM PDT Tonight we have some excellent news to announce from the folks at Barnes & Noble. Just like Amazon, they took the approach of launching Android tablets with their own Nook Store for apps, but today they’ve changed their tune. Starting today, users will be receiving full access to the Google Play Store on the NOOK HD, and HD+ tablets. Now that $199 slate finally will have everything the others do.
Barnes & Noble announced that an over the air update will be arriving (and be optional) where owners of the slate can accept and receive the full Google Play Store, and all of Google’s other apps. This means Gmail, Google Maps, Google Chrome browser, YouTube, and everything else. Google Play Music and video, and all 700,000 and growing applications. Barnes & Noble confirmed this is a step to enhance and expand their growing catalog of options for their tablets, but in reality this should have been an option from the beginning. Amazon has a growing app store, but Barnes & Noble didn’t have quite the same success. However, now they’ll have even more to offer and be able to better compete with the Kindle Fire HD and more.
We’re being told this will be an optional update for current NOOK HD/HD+ owners, and starting tomorrow you’ll receive the optional update notification. Most likely everyone will want to accept this and get full access to everything Google offers, but if not, you don’t have to accept it. As always, the NOOK HD can be yours for just $199 at multiple retail locations, now with Google Play.
Does this make the NOOK HD something you’d consider buying now, or in the future. One of the best reading experiences how can be a full-out tablet like we all wanted it to be. Let us know below! Device Info
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| Google smartwatch patent reveals touchpad controls – like Google Glass Posted: 02 May 2013 04:13 PM PDT It looks like those Googlers up in Mountain View have more than just Google Glass in the works. Today we’re seeing some evidence and patent filings that reveal some potential information about an upcoming Google smartwatch. The dive into wearable computing is about to take off full steam. More details on what makes this stand out is available after the break.
The newly discovered patent filed by Google has some interesting artwork (not what you see above) revealing the smartwatch, and it also mentions all the usual hardware. Things like a display, processor, wireless radios and a battery. It’s the other aspects that are interesting here. We’ve seen patents by Google of touch sensitive controls for the backs of smartphones, and they have a touchpad for controls on Google Glass. This is also coming to their watch. If the watch is real, at least. The patent reveals that the sides of the digital clock and “watch” aspect has touch sensitive pads, and the actual wristband is also a fully functioning touchpad. This means you can input things like scrolling, selecting apps, zooming and more all with the touchpad wristband, and not the display.
That might seem backwards since we’re used to using touchscreens, but a small screen on your wrist has only so much room to share data and content. Why waste space with your fingers covering that small screen. Instead just a flick below the display and you’ll be sliding through Android menus. The idea is actually quite novel, and hopefully we learn more about Google’s potential smartwatch plans soon. [via Engadget] |
| Paranoid Android ‘HALO’ unified notifications get shown off Posted: 02 May 2013 03:28 PM PDT Earlier this week the news brought some exciting new developments in the world of Custom ROM’s for Android using a few of Facebook‘s latest features. Most notably, the Chat Heads messenger system. Many love the feature, but don’t want to use Facebook. That’s where Paranoid Android comes into play. We detailed this earlier today, and now have a video of their awesome new feature in action.
At first we thought they’d be bringing the multi-window and multitasking Chat Head feature for Android for messages, but they took the awesome design behind it and expanded it to everything. The more I watch this video the more excited I get to try this awesome new feature. They are calling it HALO, and it even has a nice HALO effect when notifications arrive. Essentially this is a notification box that works system-wide for everything. Regular notifications, email alerts, Twitter updates, Facebook messenger alerts, SMS, you name it. Everything is unified into one chat head and completely manageable. You can still access the notification pull-down bar, but why do that when you can get the little Chat Heads circle and popup window over what you’re currently doing. Respond and it goes away. Truly awesome multitasking. Watch and see: Like what you just saw? Yea, me too. This is our first official look at the brand new feature coming to the popular Paranoid Android ROM’s, and probably many other custom ROM’s in the very near future. They are calling it HALO, and we’re big fans already. As they say in the video this takes notifications and multitasking, blends them together, and puts them on steroids. Looking good so far, especially for an early beta version. We’ll update once this finally gets released to the public. Do you guys like it? [via +ParanoidAndroid] |
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