AndroidGuys |
- Logitech Harmony Ultimate review
- When will Verizon launch HTC One?
- Find My Friends! – A family and friends locator that will inform (and scare) you
- Get this look for your Android: Big Red
- Google drops XMPP support in new Hangouts
- Updated RetailMeNot app includes location-based deals
- IDC predicts tablet shipments will overtake PC’s by 2015
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3 rumored to feature Snapdragon 800 CPU, 13-megapixel camera
- Redesigned Gmail app with “SmartLabels” said to launch Wednesday (tomorrow)
- LG: No Nexus 5 in the pipeline
- Moves for Android to be released this summer
- LG announces LG Nexus 4 White for coming weeks
- Google Play to get new shipping options May 28
- Verizon Motorola DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR M now available in blue
| Logitech Harmony Ultimate review Posted: 28 May 2013 02:00 PM PDT
Logitech introduced a pair of new remote control options back in April with the debut of the Logitech Harmony Ultimate and the Logitech Harmony Smart Control. Both devices take advantage of Logitech's Harmony Hub and Harmony smartphone app and bring a new level of convenience to your living room. We recently spent time reviewing the Harmony Ultimate. Setting up the Harmony Ultimate proved to be somewhat of a minor challenge for me. Maybe it was my Wi-Fi internet connection on the laptop, but I ran into some errors in the initial setup process. After unplugging and re-connecting the different devices, and logging out a couple of time, I found that the process ended up moving along much quicker. Truth be told, I imagine it was due to a wonky Wi-Fi signal. This, however, reminded me that the process was a touch easier for the first Harmony remote I used a few years ago, the Harmony One. Unlike the part model and its downloadable setup file, the Ultimate requires you be connected and logged into the Logitech website. Once I had gotten past the issue of a small firmware update, it was very easy for me to go through the remainder of the process and tell my remote setup which devices I owned. Without any problems, I was able to indicate which television model, DVR, and game consoles I had hooked up in the living room. All you need to know is the manufacturer and model number; Logitech’s massive database does the rest. Upon the final set up everything was synchronized between the remote and my Logitech account. One of the best features of the Harmony line of remotes is the ability to create actions such as ‘Watch TV’ or ‘Play Bluray’. A few minutes of set up is all it takes to tell the remote which devices will be used and on what input you need. Got a bunch of devices hooked up to HDMI, composite, and others? Presto. No more fussing around with changing channels and using various remotes. Tap the button that says ‘Play XBOX’ and watch it turn on the console and switch your TV to the right input. Within a matter of minutes I was turning on and off the television, telling it what channels to, go to switching inputs and more. It worked flawlessly and I was pleased at how responsive the remote control actually was. The physical hardware of the remote is very nice; I like the matte black finish, and the contours feel very comfortable in hand. The small touch screen is responsive and, overall, it is a pleasure to be able to slide up and down or left and right through menus. Also of note, the display provides quick access to favorite channels. Where’s the Android tie-in?
At $349 the Harmony Ultimate might be a bit expensive for most users to consider, but I would definitely recommend this or something similar from Logitech. For someone who has multiple remote controls in the house — who doesn’t– I would say this is a must-consider device. As an added bonus, the remote can even control your Philips Hue light bulbs, creating the perfect ambiance and lighting. Again, not for everyone. Keep an eye on Amazon to see if the price dips or if there are any promotions. I have used Logitech devices like this in the past and have always been impressed with the overall quality. I’m a fan of the keyboards, mice, webcams, and other electronic gizmos and have no qualms about recommending the Logitech Harmony Ultimate. As is the case with products like Sonos, it’s one of those “you can definitely appreciate it once you own it”. What's in the box:
What we liked:
Room for improvement:
The post Logitech Harmony Ultimate review appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| When will Verizon launch HTC One? Posted: 28 May 2013 12:13 PM PDT Sounds as though HTC may have finally played it’s hand correctly to get big red carrying the same model as other carriers. We’ll see if that holds or if they make the struggling handset manufacturer rename the One before it releases. Although I don’t think anyone would be too excited for a “DNA 2″
XDA Forum member criptix claims to have seen an HTC rep’s Verizon HTC One. That would be good news for HTC fans on Verizon and every other carrier with the release of the latest API. Just for the sake of confusion, clarification or rebuttal, we’ll add this recent bit of chatter out of @evleaks and Slashgear. Reportedly, the HTC One will hit Verizon’s doors before July… We’ll see, right?
Any Verizon users out there excited for this? Anyone willing to renew a contract with Big Red just to get the One? Let us know in the comments! The post When will Verizon launch HTC One? appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Find My Friends! – A family and friends locator that will inform (and scare) you Posted: 28 May 2013 10:30 AM PDT Find My Friends! (FMF) is a location-sharing app similar to Glympse, but it also adds police reports, check ins, and mugshots to give you an eerie look into what you may or may not know is going on around you.
However, for those people that can install the app and add you, FMF shows a great map after you open the app giving you your location along with police reports, hospitals, mugshots, check ins, and your family and friend’s locations. You can turn on or off what you see so if you do not need to see a criminals face in a mugshot, you do not have to. The main screen also allows you to send out a quick message to any of your family members and friends; though, you cannot attach your location, how far away you are, or any extra information. From the slideout menu, you can view messages from all your family and add specific places to notify you when one of your friends arrives or leaves at that specific place. This is incredibly handy, but it is limited to two places in the free app. …perfect for those situations where your family is at an amusement park or ball game and need to find each other. That brings me to the premium service which brings quite a few great features for $4.99/month. You get access to a 24/7 advisor for emergency situations, roadside assistance that uses your GPS to locate you, you can locate six non-smartphones (not so accurate), and a nice $100 phone insurance if your phone is stolen (not quite sure how well that works). Of course, you get unlimited specific locations as well. I had no problems with the GPS finding my location or using any of the features; although, FMF gives you a ton of information as soon as you open the app, it does not really guide you into navigating the app. While I do not think FMF is as simple or broad as Glympse was, it has its own set of features which makes it stand out. FMF is perfect for those situations where your family is at an amusement park or ball game and need to find each other. You cannot easily share your location with a specific person, but you can keep track of all your family members at one time if you need to. FMF is aimed more toward families and that is where it shines. What we liked
What could be improved
Download Find My Friends! (Google Play) The post Find My Friends! – A family and friends locator that will inform (and scare) you appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Get this look for your Android: Big Red Posted: 28 May 2013 10:22 AM PDT
Do you know what love to do with our Android handsets and tablets? We’re huge fans of changing the home screen around a bit and creating a new user experience. That’s why we present a weekly series of Get This Look posts. In a nutshell we show you a new look for your Android handset and tell you which apps you’ll need if you want to mimic the feel. Some of these are a little easier to create than others and many of them can be tweaked to no end. The following details are but the ingredients to which you can create your own delicious Android dish; your results will vary. Which is awesome! If nothing else, this is a great way to discover new apps, widgets, icons, and more! Big Red by JohnMcWho WHY WE LOVE THIS LOOK:This one is a bit different from some of the other GTL designs we’ve profiled here yet it feels familiar. It’s a flat color layout with minimalist grey icons set against whites. Maybe it’s the choice of red and grey, maybe it’s the crisp white. Either way, we like the way all of these things come together. We’re fond of the way home pages are portrayed here as they feel more like popup comic/graphic novel bubbles instead of separate screens. It’s a neat twist and seems to work well for the categories. All of your common apps, settings, and shortcuts are present; everything is easily accessible and seems to be one tap away. As much as we like the overall picture here, a quick tweak of the wallpaper can produce an entirely fresh result. Give it a shot and see how well the same look pops off of a green or blue. Check the archives for even more inspiration! WHAT YOU’LL NEED
What else:
The post Get this look for your Android: Big Red appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Google drops XMPP support in new Hangouts Posted: 28 May 2013 09:35 AM PDT If you’ve never heard of XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) before, it’s the industry standard protocol for instant messaging services and that used to allow Google Talk to reach outside of Google to exchange SMS with cellular phones and other short message services. What does this mean for Hangouts? Why is Google no longer supporting XMPP? What does this mean to you? Well, for now, using the Hangouts app, you won’t be able to exchange text messages. In the long run? Google will replace the XMPP with something more secure, probably that they’ve designed. The facts? The Hangouts app has the ability to send and receive SMS and MMS. Refer to the picture below
Brass tacks? We’re going to have a small interruption in the features which call for XMPP support, but once Google figures out how to fill the XMPP shaped hole, those features will be back and better than ever, turning Hangouts into the true unified messaging service it was meant to be. Anyone else looking forward to being able to replace your SMS with Hangouts? I know I am! Let us know in the comments below! The post Google drops XMPP support in new Hangouts appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Updated RetailMeNot app includes location-based deals Posted: 28 May 2013 09:11 AM PDT The RetailMeNot app for Android recently picked up an update which adds in some rather handy features. As the headline indicates, the 2.0 release offers users location-based deals and promotions across thousands of U.S. retailers.
Available for free in the Google Play Store, the new app provides the option of GPS-aware coupons that pop up in notifications when you cross a boundary line. Additionally, users can also plan ahead and search for in-store coupons, submit requests for stores, save coupons for later, and more. Download RetailMeNot for Android (Google Play) The post Updated RetailMeNot app includes location-based deals appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| IDC predicts tablet shipments will overtake PC’s by 2015 Posted: 28 May 2013 08:29 AM PDT According to a report released by the IDC this week, researchers estimate that tablet shipments will grow 59 percent this year to 229.3 million units. (That’s higher than its estimate for notebook shipments this year, the company said.) Even more significant, IDC predicts that tablet shipments will surpass the total number of notebook and desktop PC shipments in 2015.
Ryan Reith, program manager for IDC’s mobility trackers, said that ”tablets surpassing portables in 2013, and total PCs in 2015, marks a significant change in consumer attitudes about compute devices and the applications and ecosystems that power them.” The traditional computer industry has joined various other markets and fallen under tough times recently, hurt both by users change in spending habits and the rapid popularity of mobile devices. It is pretty simple really. Many people are opting for tablets instead of buying new PCs because they are more portable and easier to access. Another key advantage of the tablet market is price. The IDC also reports that the average selling price for tablets is dropping quickly. This year so far, the average sticker price for tablets looks to drop 11 percent (down to $381,) about half the average PC cost. Tablets with smaller screens are gaining popularity as well. In 2013, IDC predicts that 55 percent of tablet shipments will be in the smaller-screen segment. Apple’s first generation iPad, with its 9.7-inch display, was believed to be the perfect size for tablets. That was, until the 7-inch Android-based tablets came along. With the popularity of the Nexus 7 and companies like Samsung focusing on devices like the Note 8, we completely understand the jump in sales. Users are starting to notice that size and portability is key in today’s hectic environment. The post IDC predicts tablet shipments will overtake PC’s by 2015 appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 3 rumored to feature Snapdragon 800 CPU, 13-megapixel camera Posted: 28 May 2013 07:37 AM PDT
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3, presumed to launch in the coming months, may arrive with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. Previous rumors, however, suggested that handset would feature a Samsung octa-core Exynos Octa 5 processor. So what’s the deal? Most likely, we will see different processors for different markets, much in the same way that other handsets (Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4) have done. Additional details for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 are rumored to include a 13-megapixel camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and shutter functions. Reportedly, the camera could even employ a 3X optical zoom (we’re not so certain about this part) as well. Given that Samsung employs a 13-megapixel camera in the Galaxy S4 we should not be surprised to see something along those lines for the next-generation Note experience. We likely won’t see the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 until the second half of the year, perhaps around IFA. We might look for the phone come October or the anniversary of the current model. Other rumors tossed around include a 5.99-inch or 6.3-inch display and 3GB RAM. Sit tight, there could be a whole slew of speculation and conjecture thrown our way in the coming months. As if you expected anything else… The post Samsung Galaxy Note 3 rumored to feature Snapdragon 800 CPU, 13-megapixel camera appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Redesigned Gmail app with “SmartLabels” said to launch Wednesday (tomorrow) Posted: 28 May 2013 07:19 AM PDT Screenshots of a redesigned Gmail (Android) app were recently leaked, and thanks to ryan_socio of The Verge, as well as an anonymous tipster, we have confirmation that the rumors are in fact true. The new updated Gmail features are simple, but will generate quite the impact. The Android version of the update shows a slide-out navigation drawer and top-only action bar, just like what we saw at Google I/O. Gmail will also apply profile pictures in front of every email (so make sure your picture is worthy of everyone’s eyes.) The interface reportedly has five new tabs called “SmartLabels” - Primary, Social, Promotions, Updates, and Forums – in which incoming email will automatically be sorted. A feature users have been patiently waiting for. The tipster claims these images are from a draft of an official Gmail Blog post, which will be published this Wednesday at 4 PM GMT. So hold on tight, as we only have to wait until tomorrow to see if these images are really legit, or just a rendition of what users are longing for.
Source: Android Police The post Redesigned Gmail app with “SmartLabels” said to launch Wednesday (tomorrow) appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| LG: No Nexus 5 in the pipeline Posted: 28 May 2013 06:23 AM PDT
LG Mobile VP (Europe) says that the handset maker is not working on a Nexus 5 smartphone and doesn’t plan to bring such as device to market any time soon. Specifically there is no “Nexus 5″ on the horizon, however LG is open to working with Google down the road on another model. NOTE: I feel obligated to remind readers here that it’s what is being explicitly said that is often important. In other words, don’t look for something called Nexus 5 but perhaps something else. It happens all the time: Company A says we’re not working on Product X but announces something called Product Y which pretty much lines up with all the rumors. It’s in the name, silly. Speaking with Dutch tech blog All About Phones, Kim Won also said that they are not interested in offering a Google Edition of the current flagship handset. Why? Because without LG’s custom skins there is “no added value for” LG. So what else is on the horizon? From the sounds of it, we could soon see a new LG tablet. Reportedly, the hardware maker is “investing in tablets” although the landscape is to be considered “fairly segmented”. It has been a while since we’ve seen anything on the tablet front here in the U.S. but that doesn’t mean LG is not working on hybrid devices around the world. All About Phones Via The Verge (See Also) The post LG: No Nexus 5 in the pipeline appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Moves for Android to be released this summer Posted: 28 May 2013 06:00 AM PDT
There’s a multitude (a plethora, even!) of fitness apps available on the Android platform. These can range anywhere from full workout instructors to calorie counters to everything in between. For those looking for something a bit more simple, it can be rough wading through all of the options to find what you’re looking for. Moves is an app that quietly runs in the background, tracking distance and where you’ve been and displaying it to you in a simple format that’s gives you all of its information at a quick glance. One cool feature is it automatically figures out whether you’re walking, running, biking, or driving on the fly and keeps a running tally for you to keep track of throughout the day, including a map of where you’ve been. Moves has been on the iOS platform for a while, but due to the battery inefficiency in Android’s GPS handling, making the move over hasn’t been possible. With the new location API announced at Google I/O, the Moves team has announced that an Android version of their app will be forthcoming later this summer, giving us Android users a good option for simple distance, location, and steps taken tracking. Which fitness app do you use? What do you like and not like about it? Let us know in the comments! The post Moves for Android to be released this summer appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| LG announces LG Nexus 4 White for coming weeks Posted: 28 May 2013 05:50 AM PDT
After months of rumors and speculation, LG has finally announced the arrival of a white variant of the Nexus 4 smartphone. Aside from the color change, the details remain the same and include the 4.7-inch 1280×768 IPS display, quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.5GHz processor, and 2GB RAM. LG indicates that the Nexus 4 White will go on sale in Hong Kong starting May 29th and then on to “select markets” across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is unclear as to whether this new iteration will be made available through the Google Play Store or what its price will be. Also unknown is whether the June 10 date will prove accurate for the United States. The post LG announces LG Nexus 4 White for coming weeks appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Google Play to get new shipping options May 28 Posted: 28 May 2013 02:30 AM PDT If there’s one thing drab about Google Play, it’s their shipping options on devices and accessories – or, rather, lack thereof. Shipping is expensive, and doesn’t come with many shipping length options. However, that’s set to change. According to inside sources, here’s a rundown of changes set to be made:
The shipping options are set to roll out for the “Nexus 4 family” of products, possibly implying the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 will have 2-day shipping for the time being. This could also mean accessories. via droid-life The post Google Play to get new shipping options May 28 appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Verizon Motorola DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR M now available in blue Posted: 28 May 2013 02:15 AM PDT A small paint job always seems to give some users the extra push they needed to pick up a specific device. A few weeks ago, notable leaker @evleaks did what he does best, and – well, leaked a couple face lifts. The Motorola DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR M were shown off through @evleaks, and have now come to fruition. Take a look at the pictures below. First is the RAZR M, followed by the RAZR HD. It’s quite noticeable that the DROID RAZR M is getting a pretty decent color change here, while the DROID RAZR HD is getting more of a trim – quite literally. There’s hardly any blue on the RAZR, only found on the trim around the device a couple millimeters wide. The DROID RAZR M is currently free for new contracts, while the DROID RAZR HD comes in at $99.99. These are both two-year contract prices, while those with commitment issues can pick them up for $549 and $599 respectively. Be sure to hit the source links below to check them out and pick one up for yourself from Verizon. Verizon – DROID RAZR M in blue Verizon – DROID RAZR HD in blue The post Verizon Motorola DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR M now available in blue appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
After all of the heavy lifting was done (really, it’s quite simple) with the physical remote, I installed the 
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