Thursday, May 30, 2013

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Twitter updates to 4.1, gets richer notifications, new compose mode

Posted: 29 May 2013 02:06 PM PDT

screenshots_new_twitter

Until version 4.0, Twitter’s Android app seemed like an afterthought to the iOS version. 4.0′s overall was a welcome change, and 4.1 adds even more features, including rich notifications and simplified image sharing.

The folks at Twitter have taken advantage of Jelly Bean’s rich notification capabilities, and now notifications show profile pictures of those who have interacted with you, as well as a list of interactions if you have multiple. In addition, the compose window, which used to be a pop up, has been transformed into a real window. Image sharing is now incredibly easy through the new compose window, as you can now choose the photo you want to share straight from the app, without opening your phone’s gallery. Also the full preview is visible, instead of the cropped version that used to be shown. Twitter brags that you can now tweet a photo in under six seconds, and I just attempted and confirmed their claim.

Other tweaks in 4.1 include easier account-switching, removed borders for more reading space, and the ability to remove your location from individual tweets. You can read the full change log and download the updated app after the break.

What’s new in Twitter 4.1.0 –

The new Tweet composer makes it easier to share with quick access to your camera roll and clear previews of how your Tweets will appear. Also:
• Richer notifications now include details like avatars and indicate how people are interacting with you (reply, retweet, etc.) for devices running Android 4.0 and higher,
• Enjoy wider and taller timelines in all parts of the app including profiles, search, and Discover.
• Receive a notification when a friend has joined Twitter.

Play Store Download Link

QR Code generator

 


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New Google Play Store 4.1.10 update starting to roll out

Posted: 29 May 2013 01:13 PM PDT

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Some Android users have noticed an updated version of the Google Play Store has started to roll out today. The update takes the Play Store up to version 4.1.10. The previous version that was publicly rolled out, and which most people probably have installed, was 4.1.6. With such a small increment in the version number, this is likely just some bug fixes. Some early reports indicate it may address some location issues and some text layout problems.

If you want to give it a try, you can download the .apk using the link below and then manually install the new version. Otherwise, be patient and your device should update itself eventually.

Google Play Store 4.1.10 .apk Download


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Granny Smith Apple gets updated to bring leaderboard and achievements through Google Play Game Services

Posted: 29 May 2013 11:18 AM PDT

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The ever-popular Granny Smith Apple has just gotten a nice little update to make it even better than ever before. In addition to the already standard 57 levels and awesome Granny ups, the latest update brings the addition of leaderboards and achievements through Google Play Game Services. This means that those of you out there will be able to have de facto competitions against friends and family or just see how good you really are (or aren’t) in comparison to the masses out there in the world.

As usual, the game is available for all Gingerbread+ users— so if you’re an owner of an Android 2.3 (or higher) device, hit the Play Store link today in order to get in on all the updated fun.

 

Granny_Smith_QR_code

Play Store Download Link


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Gmail gets new tabbed inbox, Android update “available within the next few weeks”

Posted: 29 May 2013 10:10 AM PDT

gmail_update_screenshotOver the weekend we showed you leaked screenshots of a new Gmail interface. Today the new tabbed interface, which Google says “puts you back in control,” has been announced. The new design features five tabs – primary, social, promotions, updates, and forums – in which Gmail will automatically sort your incoming mail. This is just another step in decluttering and simplifying your email experience.

The tabs are pretty self explanatory, social is for emails from social networks, promotions is for coupons, updates is for confirmations and receipts, and forums is for messages from discussion boards and mailing lists. Primary is of course for everyday email that you don’t want sorted. You can tell Gmail to remember sort your emails differently by dragging messages to different tabs, and tabs can be removed, but for some reason they can’t be reordered.

If you look closely at the screenshot above, you can see that enhanced swiping support and a new navigation menu have been added to the Android app. The menu looks very “Holo,” and goes along with all of the other Google apps that have been updated in recent weeks.

This new inbox view is of course optional, just like the “Priority inbox” view has been for the last three years. Android and iOS versions will arrive in the next few weeks, but you can get a sneak peek at the desktop version by watching a “Configure inbox” option pop up in the settings menu in the top right of the interface.

Source: Google Blog


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Huawei CEO denies lowball price rumors for Ascend P6, defends quality of Chinese devices

Posted: 29 May 2013 09:50 AM PDT

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As if Huawei doesn’t have enough of a challenge breaking into Western markets with their smartphone devices, they have been dealing with an Internet rumor swirling around the price of their forthcoming Ascend P6 smartphone.  Although the Ascend P6 has not yet been released, reports surfaced indicating the device would be priced at about $330. Huawei CEO Richard Yu had some especially harsh words regarding the source of the rumors, which he posted to his Weibo account:

There were rumors stated that the Huawei Ascend P6 will be priced at RMB $1999 ($330). This is one of the tricks from western companies to strangle and damage the reputation of high quality devices from China. Please don't get cheated by those rumors.

Yu points to claims that industry experts  have pegged the value of the Ascend P6 as being somewhere between $490 and $570, more consistent with the quality and innovation he thinks the smartphone represents. The Ascend P6 will lay claim to being the world’s thinnest smartphone upon release. However, with a 4.7-inch screen running at 720p it will not be a top-tier phone from a screen display standpoint. The expected 2GB of RAM and quad-core processor running Android’s Jelly Bean operating system should make it a solid performer overall, perhaps a notch down from top of the line devices from other manufacturers. It doesn’t appear to be a bargain basement device that Yu claims Western companies are trying to make it out to be by starting a rumor about the phone having a low price point.

source: GSM Insider


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MediaTek back again with new, tablet-oriented quad-core chip

Posted: 29 May 2013 09:33 AM PDT

mediatek_chip

MediaTek has announced a new quad-core processor to be added to their portfolio that they hope will find its way into tablet devices. MediaTek is producing a new MT8125 chip to meet the needs of the fast-growing tablet market. The chip is based on a quad-core Cortex A7 cpu running at 1.5HGz and a PowerVR Series5XT gpu. MediaTek is incorporating MiraVision technology into the tablet’s SoC to be able to support high-end multimedia capabilities. The MT8125 will support full HD 1080p video playback and recording and will be able to drive screen resolutions up to 1920×1200. Along with the multimedia features, MediaTek says the chip can support 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and WiFi options, meaning tablet producers can more easily offer a variety of options for consumers. One of the first devices that appears headed to market with the new MT8125 is the Lenovo IdeaTab S6000.

You can read the full press release after the break.

MediaTek Introduces New Quad-Core Application Processor for Fast-Growing Tablet Market

The new Application Processor completes MediaTek’s multi-core processor product portfolio, delivering a significant difference in computing and multimedia performance

HSINCHU, Taiwan, May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — MediaTek Inc., a leading fabless semiconductor company for wireless communications and digital multimedia solutions, today announced the availability of the new quad-core application processor — MT8125 designed for the fast growing global tablet markets. The new tablet platform is an extension of the company’s highly successful quad-core portfolio. It integrates a power-efficient quad-core Cortex™- A7 CPU subsystem with speed up to 1.5GHz, PowerVR™ Series5XT Graphics that delivers compelling multimedia features and sophisticated user experiences. To simplify product design and speed time-to-market, the MT8125 supports 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and Wi-Fi versions, all of which are pin-to-pin compatible, allowing device manufacturers to easily expand their portfolios with a full range of tablets by leveraging the existing or planned design requiring no additional rework.

Inheriting MediaTek’s technology breakthrough of quad-core SoC platform and high-end multimedia capabilities, the MT8125 incorporates premium multimedia features, supporting up to Full HD 1080p video playback and recording, 13MP camera with integrated ISP and Full HD (1920 x 1200) displays. The new tablet SoC also delivers ground breaking visual quality powered by the leading picture quality technology — MiraVision™, derived from MediaTek’s extensive experience in the Digital TV market.

The MT8125 includes full support for MediaTek’s leading 4-in-1 connectivity combo that converges Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and FM, bringing highly integrated, best-in-class wireless technologies and expanded functionality to high-performance multimedia tablets. The MT8125 also provides support for Wi-Fi certified Miracast™ which makes multimedia content sharing between devices easier.

“During the last two years, application processors used in tablets have taken a fast evolution from single-core 1GHz to quad cores, clocking over 1.5GHz. Competition will force chipset vendors to maintain pace — by implementing more advanced features while reducing the system cost by increasing the level of integration*,” said Gartner Research Director Roger Sheng.

“MediaTek’s team has worked closely with Lenovo to integrate their solutions into our design process, helping us accelerate the development and introduction of new, innovative tablets. In turn, this allows us to fulfill our commitment to delivering the outstanding user experience our customers demand. The tablet market is moving fast, and Lenovo aims to be at the forefront of tablet innovation. MediaTek helps us do that,” commented Wayne Chen , vice president and head of mobile business unit for Lenovo.

“We’re confident that our comprehensive reference designs will be the industry benchmark, particularly benefiting the mid-to-high-end tablet market. It is an innovative, cost-effective and definitely faster time-to-market solution,” said Joe Chen , GM of Home Entertainment Business Unit, MediaTek. “By taking advantage of our strengths in the multimedia field, mobile communications and multi-screen technologies, we offer a complete multi-core processor family for smartphones and tablets, enabling a significant difference in performance and power efficiency – all while ensuring seamless streaming performance across the array of devices when users are consuming entertainment and information.”

The MediaTek quad core tablet SoC is now being widely adopted by MediaTek’s global customers including Lenovo IdeaTab S6000 series.

*Source: Gartner report “Competitive Landscape: Application Processor Providers for Tablets, Worldwide” Roger Sheng , Amy Teng , Mark Hung 19 April 2013


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[Deal] Grab a refurbished Nexus 10 32GB for only $380 through Woot

Posted: 29 May 2013 08:54 AM PDT

Nexus_10_TA_Back

If you’ve been itching to pick up Google and Samsung’s latest joint effort in the tablet space, Woot has you covered. They’re offering a refurbished 32GB model of the Nexus 10 for just $380, which is far less than the $499 Play Store price. It’s still about $20 cheaper than Google’s 16GB model, too. It’s not a brand new model, of course,  but that’s a great price on a fantastic tablet.

The deal is set to run for two days, or until Woot runs out of stock, so don’t wait too long if you’ve been looking to replace your tablet.

source: Woot


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Verizon Galaxy S3 slated to receive large update, includes multi-window and several other features

Posted: 29 May 2013 08:48 AM PDT

Verizon-Galaxy-S3

Verizon’s Galaxy S3 was a bit behind on features and updates, but according to a newly released support document, that’s about to change. The Verizon variant is slated to receive an update to build number VRBMD3. It’s a Jelly Bean update that (finally) includes multi-window functionality. Of course, it’s not only a multi-window update, as you’ll see other features such as S Beam’s Auto Share Shot, improved hotspot reliability, carrier billing in Google Play, the Best Shot mode in the camera, and a long list of other fixes and enhancements.

The update isn’t live yet, but since the support documents are up, it shouldn’t take too much longer. Hit the link below to check out the full changelog.

source: Verizon


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Lenovo unveils dual-sim S820, a female-oriented device for the Chinese market

Posted: 29 May 2013 08:23 AM PDT

lenovo-s820

Keeping with the trend of smartphones aimed at Chinese women, Lenovo has announced the S820, a sleek red device with soft curves and a smooth velvet finish. Unlike recent offerings from Oppo (namely the MeituKiss and the Ulike 2) this device is a bit more gender neutral than the previous S720, even if Lenovo are targeting it almost exclusively at women. Hit the break for a video of the phone in action and a gallery of its gorgeous body.

The device features a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 4.7-inch, 720p resolution IPS display. On the inside it will have a 1.2GHz quad-core MT6589 SoC with 1GB RAM and 4GB of expandable internal storage. Also included is a 2,000mAh battery and dual SIM slots (WCDMA 2100 and GSM 900/1800/1900). The device runs Android 4.2 Jellybean and is available for pre-order at the source below until June 2nd, starting at ¥1,999 (about $330).

s820-4 s820-3 s820-2 s820-1

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: Engadget
Source: Lenovo


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Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 passes through the FCC with AT&T LTE radio in tow

Posted: 29 May 2013 07:44 AM PDT

Samsung_Galaxy_Note_8.0_FCC_ATT_LTEIf a Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 with only WiFi isn’t good enough for you, the opportunity to buy an LTE version could be coming soon. The FCC just put their blessing on a version that is packing an 850 / 1900 GSM radio along with LTE Bands 2, 4, 5, and 17. These should work on AT&T’s network.

Now FCC certification doesn’t mean that it will definitely be released or that AT&T will announce a carrier version, but if you’re wishing for an LTE version, there is reason to hope.

source: FCC
via: Engadget


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