AndroidGuys |
- Add a bit of Google Play design to your homescreen with PlayBar UCCW
- Google+ for Android version 42 features released
- New details trickle in for Verizon’s XFON
- First video call from peak of Mt Everest made on an HTC One
- Review: Rocksteady XS portable micro Bluetooth speaker
- Images provide first look at ruggedized Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
- Samsung slip outs Galaxy S4 Mega
- Rumors: HTC “Senseless” edition may be coming this summer, Android 4.2 finally coming to the HTC One?
- Potential Nexus Q successor spied in FCC docs
- 5-inch Sony Xperia UL introduced for Japan
| Add a bit of Google Play design to your homescreen with PlayBar UCCW Posted: 20 May 2013 10:01 AM PDT Want to change your home screen up just a smidge? Here’s a great app we just discovered called PlayBar UCCW. As the title suggests, it is a pack of pre-designed widgets that work within Ultimate Custom Widget (UCCW).
The bundle features access to a handful of the most common apps and settings, including camera, Twitter, Google+, and Music. What we liked most about these is that you could totally strip out your home screen and replace it with a few of these shortcuts or simply add one or two to your current layout. Perhaps the best aprt is that a few of them offer notifications.
Please note that you need to download and install UCCW first, however that’s a free and easy-to-use application!
And, as if this wasn’t cool enough, the creator has shared a PSD file for anyone who wants to create their own widget. All this for the always-attractive cost of nothing! Download PlayBar UCCW (Google Play)
The post Add a bit of Google Play design to your homescreen with PlayBar UCCW appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Google+ for Android version 42 features released Posted: 20 May 2013 09:34 AM PDT The most recent post on the Google Plus development blog is showing off the latest version of G+ for android, version 42. The update includes major improvements to photo handling, such as:
There’s also new location sharing with specific circles, which will allow you to view someone’s location (as long as they’ve shared it with you) on their profile, which gives way to the new “locations” section of the app. If you go to Locations, you’ll be able to see the locations of those friends who have shared it on a map. There’s also improvements to the stream itself, including hashtags in the mobile app. These tags will show on the top-right of the individual posts, and tapping the hastag will show other relevant posts about the topic. While the new release isn’t available yet, you can head to the play store (link below) and grab it now, and you’ll get the update when it’s available. The post Google+ for Android version 42 features released appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| New details trickle in for Verizon’s XFON Posted: 20 May 2013 08:44 AM PDT The picture grows a little bit clearer today for the Verizon edition of the so-called X Phone/XFON as new details have surfaced. Thanks to the team at Droid Life we now have an understanding as to what model number and basic specs to look forward to seeing.
According to their source, the XFON will likely bear the model number of XT1060 and feature a MSM8960CDMA processor. A bit of general processor knowledge tells us that we should anticipate a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 (likely Pro) chipset. The blog posits that this should be the 1.7GHz processor with the Adreno 320 GPU, much like the AT&T (XT1058) variant. Things seem to be inching along on the XFON front and we suspect the floodgates will soon open up.
The post New details trickle in for Verizon’s XFON appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| First video call from peak of Mt Everest made on an HTC One Posted: 20 May 2013 08:32 AM PDT British explorer Daniel Hughes accomplished a tremendous feat – climbing to the top of Mt. Everest. So, what’s such an adventurer to do once he’s hit the top? Whip out his HTC One and make a video call, of course. His video call to BBC was part of his effort to raise money for the Comic Relief charity, which is “a major charity based in the UK which strives to create a just world free from poverty”. Daniel even sported their signature red nose on his climb, as shown in the video. He was noted as saying:
The call was made using Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Area Network service. Despite how awesome this was, his climb raised only about £40,673 – leaving quite a way to go to reach his goal of raising £1,000,000 (about $1,537,099) for Comic Relief. The post First video call from peak of Mt Everest made on an HTC One appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Review: Rocksteady XS portable micro Bluetooth speaker Posted: 20 May 2013 08:11 AM PDT
Let me introduce the Rocksteady XS from Killer Concepts, a portable micro Bluetooth speaker designed for use with any audio source. It has buttons for everything, including play/pause, skip, volume and the super secretive "mode." It also includes an audio port for a line in, and a full-sized USB port for audio in and device charging as well. Don’t let the small size of the XS fool you. The design of this compact speaker is quite smart since the main speakers face out the two sides of the unit, as well as extra port holes on the top. This gives the RockSteady XS a huge advantage over other speakers I've used, with a 100db roar that surprises even the most educated user. Durability As far as durability is concerned, the Rocksteady XS is made of brushed black aluminum, making it tough yet light (only weighs 19.2oz). There is a removable battery located on the bottom (a basic BL-5C that lasts an average of 10 hours,) and as nice it is to be able to remove it, it is also a feature you will probably need to use. In my 4 weeks of testing, I sadly had to replace the battery quite a few times since it has no battery-saving sleep mode. After noticing this was a missing feature, I quickly got the hang of turning the device off when not in use (button is on the back of the speaker.) Users can purchase more batteries from Killer Concepts however, making this a good option for someone like me who needs longer than one battery's worth of life. Another neat addition to the unit is the varied colors of LEDs used for different charging stages which is easily noticeable on the bottom of the device. Sound When it comes to sound, there's quite a bit of good news. When I had it hooked up via Bluetooth, the sound remains clear and distortion free. It took quite a few times to get it to connect, but once it was established it was easy. This is awesome for listening at the pool, beach, or any other outdoor activity. The sound itself is fairly well-balanced, but there is a slight “tinny” sound that can easily be heard at higher volumes. The 100db sound that comes from such a small device will honestly surprise you at first use and is definitely one of the best-sounding speakers in its class.
Tech Specs:
Size:
What I like Overall, the Rocksteady XS is an amazing speaker for the price. At around $99, it is a portable and very well priced device that can be used in a variety of situations. If you are looking for a speaker that produces immense sound, includes a range that helps drown out any environmental noise, and works well outdoors, the XS is absolutely perfect. Honestly, if loud is what you want you won’t be disappointed. I also love that as stated before, you have the option to listen via Bluetooth, a USB stick, or line in, giving users flexibility in use (as well as the ability to charge devices.) What I would like to see improved The battery. At an average of 10 hours of use before needing charged, there is no problem with duration time. Problem: if you leave the device on, it does not sleep and next time you come to use it you'll find it dead. Another small issue is the mode switch. When you switch the device on, it's waiting for an input from the jack socket. To switch to Bluetooth, you need to press the mode button. To get to USB input, you need to press again. The Bluetooth mode will sound a chime, but only after a second or two. And as the other two are silent, you need to press and wait for a second every time. Sound confusing? It really is. After a few uses, you get the hang of it, but let me warn you, there may be a few curse words thrown around the first couple of times you try to use Bluetooth mode. Where to buy For more information on the speaker and where you can grab one for yourself, check out Killer Concepts website. They are currently on Amazon’s website for just $87.98, a real bargain!
The post Review: Rocksteady XS portable micro Bluetooth speaker appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Images provide first look at ruggedized Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Posted: 20 May 2013 07:57 AM PDT
The first images of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4 have leaked online, giving us a look at how the device might look for the rugged smartphone. Photos, obtained by GSMArena, show the handset as having three hardware buttons as well as a stronger, reinforced shell. The specs for the Samsung Galaxy S4 are expected to include a quad-core 1.9GHz processor with Adreno 320 GPU as well as the 4.99-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display found in today’s current model. We get the sense that Samsung could be ready to announce the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active in short order as the recent Samsung WatchON update confirms its existence. The post Images provide first look at ruggedized Samsung Galaxy S4 Active appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Samsung slip outs Galaxy S4 Mega Posted: 20 May 2013 07:16 AM PDT
A recently updated Samsung WatchON Android app update may have accidentally leaked three upcoming smartphones. As you can see from the accompanying image, the short term future could reveal a Samsung Galaxy S4 Mega, S4 Mini and S4 Active. While the Galaxy S4 Mini and Galaxy S4 Active have already crossed our paths a time or two, this is the first we’re hearing of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mega. Presumably, this is in line with the Mega 5.8 or Mega 6.3 that launched some weeks ago, but with specs that fall closer to the Samsung Galaxy S4. As to the other two, rumors agree that the S4 Mini will be a 4.3-inch qHD device with an 8-megapixel cameraand the S4 Active is expected to be the same as the original S4 but with water and dust protection. With so many leaks floating around, those devices should definitely get official soon. The post Samsung slip outs Galaxy S4 Mega appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Posted: 20 May 2013 06:55 AM PDT
As expected, HTC One users have been begging for an update, and thankfully their wish may be granted sooner than they thought. Over the weekend, a source known for providing insider information on HTC devices tweeted that the HTC One could get an update in as little as 2-3 weeks. What would Android 4.2 bring to the HTC One? The most significant updates are the ability to have widgets in the lock screen, a quick-settings panel in the notification drop-down, and a swipe-based keyboard. The HTC insider (@LlabTooFeR) also included a tweet that referred to a "Senseless" HTC One that may be released as early as this summer. The device would be a similar version of the One, running stock Android (just like the Galaxy S4 "Google Edition" unveiled at I/O.) This may definitely all be speculation, however @LlabTooFeR has a stunning reputation when it comes to leaks of HTC’s handsets. He/she correctly predicted the HTC First, as well as the specifications of the HTC M4, which is rumored to hit the market as the HTC One Mini. Of course this is still all rumor and no confirmations or dates have been set. As soon as we hear more we will make sure to update you with all the details. Until then let us know, are you comfortable with your One running 4.1, or will you be excited to have Android 4.2 on board?
Source: Android Authority
The post Rumors: HTC “Senseless” edition may be coming this summer, Android 4.2 finally coming to the HTC One? appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Potential Nexus Q successor spied in FCC docs Posted: 20 May 2013 06:48 AM PDT
A potential Nexus Q successor was recently spotted in FCC documents suggesting that Google could be making headway in the Google Play-centric device. Listed as an “H840 Device”, the H2G2-42 was found to feature Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n) support, a USB port, and separate power supply. Documents show that the unit was tested by hooking up to a 24-inch Dell monitor.
Considering the ways in which the Google Play experience has evolved in the last year and how Google Play Music All Access is getting started, we might expect some more chatter around the Nexus Q successor. Would you be open to a standalone device that connects to your Google Play Music account? What if it were hooked up to YouTube directly? How much would you spend for such a product? Or would you? FCC via Liliputing The post Potential Nexus Q successor spied in FCC docs appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| 5-inch Sony Xperia UL introduced for Japan Posted: 20 May 2013 06:21 AM PDT
Sony announced on Monday that Japanese carriers will soon offer the Xperia UL, a 5-inch 1080p HD experience. Specifications include a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2GB RAM, a 2300mAH battery, 16GB internal storage, a 13-megapixel rear camera, and front-facing 3.1-megapixel camera. As is the case with many of Sony’s models of late, the Xperia UL is waterproof and dust proof. Offered in three different colors (black, white and pink), the handset will be available through KDDI and NTT Docomo in the coming weeks. The post 5-inch Sony Xperia UL introduced for Japan appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
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