Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Android Central

Android Central


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Posted: 03 Jun 2013 04:48 PM PDT

 

Android Central

In addition to being available right here on Android Central, now you can also catch up on all the Talk Mobile roundtable videos via your subscription services!

The roundtable videos are the ones where Phil Nickinson of Android Central, Kevin Michaluk of CrackBerry, Daniel Rubino of Windows Phone Central, and yours truly, Rene Ritchie of iMore get together and, moderated by Cali Lewis and John P. of GeekBeat.tv, start the conversation about the issues in mobile that matter the most.

The videos will enter the feeds shortly after they go up in flashy new super features. Of course, we'd love for you to watch them right then, on the page and in proper context, along with all the supporting articles and videos. But, if you're on the go and need your quick fix, or at home with your feed up looking for a stream, we want you to have that option too!

So here they are! Subscribe now and leave a rating, it'll help us get featured and that means we'll all have the chance to continue the conversations with more awesome people just like you!

    


Zynga lays off 18-percent of workforce to focus on mobile

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 04:43 PM PDT

Zynga

520 employees to leave the company as it also closes three offices across the country

Gaming development behemoth Zynga is trimming down its workforce today by a dramatic 18-percent in order to refocus its efforts on mobile and touch screen gaming. In a company-wide memo obtained by Kotaku, CEO Mark Pincus explains that in order to focus in on Zynga's strengths the tough decision to cut jobs was necessary. While Zynga's original strategy of providing web games via platforms like Facebook took off initially, the company understands that the future is mobile. And although it seems tough on a large number of employees right now, Pincus explains that he is glad it is taking place "from a position of financial strength" rather than retreat.

You can call into question whether Zynga is actually financially strong at the moment, but the good side of this is that the company will be providing generous severance packages to the employees effected by this layoff. As for the future of Zynga, we can rest assured that it will continue to pump out some of the most popular games on mobile today. The full employee memo can be found at the source link below.

Source: Kotaku

    


Platform numbers for May 2013 are in: Android 4.x on 59% of devices

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 02:57 PM PDT

Versions

Jelly Bean climbs as older versions fall, continuing the trend we're used to

The platform version numbers for the month of May 2013 are in, and there are still a lot of versions of Android out in the wild. It comes as no surprise to anyone who keeps track of this sort of thing, but devices running versions of Android from 1.6 up to the latest 4.2.2 are represented, and the numbers of each are holding true to the trends they always have.

Jelly Bean's slice of the pie is slowing getting bigger, while the rest slowly get smaller, and when a new version comes out we get to do it all over again. But the important number -- devices running Android 4 or higher -- is showing up in healthy numbers.

These really only matter to developers, who have a different set of APIs to use based on the platform version. All the good ones, the ones users want as well as the ones that make for better apps, are for Android 4.0.3 and up. As of today, that means 58.6-percent of the 900,000,000 "official" Android devices ( that's a staggering 527,400,000 devices) have access to them. 

Of course, the flip side is that 41.4-percent of the devices don't have access to them. And that's a real problem, especially if you're one of the have-nots. Google has some great ideas to address this for the future, but it's going to take time to get rid of all those Gingerbread phones.

Source: Google

    


Feedly bringing search, better speed and new partners before Google Reader officially dies

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 01:49 PM PDT

Feedly cloud

Feedly aiming not only to be a Google Reader replacement, but to pick up where Google left off and make RSS better

In exactly four weeks (July 1) Google Reader will be officially dead, and Feedly is showing that they are determined to not only fill the void left behind, but to own the space. They're looking to pick up where Google left off, and using their user-voice site where users like you and me can express feedback, give ideas and get our questions answered they're doing it the right way.

Today they have announced their short term roadmap, filled with things that they say will be ready before Google Reader goes offline. Things like an online presence that doesn't require an extension or browser add-on, faster service from a new army of servers they've picked up, support for Windows 8 and Windows Phone and more. All excellent changes which will help everyone during the transition from Reader to Feedly. But what really caught our eye was their announcement of new partners.

Part of what made Reader so nice, especially on mobile, was that there were so many great apps to get to your content. Feedly plans to create the same ecosystem, and their free API will allow developers big and small to get on board. They've already been working "behind the scenes" with a list of partners: the developers of Reeder,Press, Nextgen Reader, Newsify and gReader. 

If anything, Google Reader showed us that sometimes, someone besides Google does it better. We're excited to see Feedly following the same path, as well as the way they are listening to users about future features and changes. And of course, we're relieved that the news will continue to flow as well or better than it always did with an exciting new service. 

Source: Feedly

    


New-look Gmail Android app rolling out now

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 01:18 PM PDT

Gmail for Android

Looks like we didn't have to wait too long after all for that fancy new Gmail app for Android. The new app -- Version 4.5 for you folks playing at home -- kills the action bar at the bottom and moves things up top, and introduces the left-anchored drawer for things like accounts and labels. You've also got the much-desired pull-to-refresh, and conversations how have a new look as well. 

Spend a couple minutes with the app and it you'll be quick to find that it's worthy update, though you will be stretching for the top of your phone when you're working with individual e-mails, instead of easily reaching the archive and delete buttons at the bottom. We'll have to see how much of an annoyance that is over time.

The update's propagating now, so head on into your local Google Play Store to snag it.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

    


Lenovo's Intel-powered K900 smartphone hits a couple new countries

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 11:15 AM PDT

Lenovo

Lenovo and Intel today announced that the K900 -- one of the few Android smartphones we've seen this year with an Intel processor -- is now available in Thailand and Malaysia. China picked it up a few weeks ago.

We got our first look at the K900 at Mobile World Congress in Spain in February, and this thing is quite the beast.

Eight more countries will get the K900 later this summer, Lenovo says.

Source: Press release

    


MiKandi's NSFW 'Tits & Glass' launches as the first Google Glass porn app

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 11:07 AM PDT

Tits & Glass

It was a matter of time, of course, before we saw the first porn apps come to Google Glass. And Android porn pioneer MiKandi, true to its word, has launched the obviously not-safe-for-work "Tits & Glass" app for Google Glass.

The app lets you do two things -- submit your own POV-style photos and videos (candid photography, nudge nudge, wink wink, know what I mean) and view photos and video. The app is preloaded with content that serves as a preview for what's in the decidedly adult MiKandi Theater. You'll be able to comment and vote on images -- and see them all floating in mid-air.

How hands-on an experience you have is, of course, up to you. Regardless, everyone around you will wonder just what the hell that person with the funny looking glasses is smiling at.

To get the app, you'll have to visit (again, folks, if we haven't made it abundantly clear, this is NSFW) TitsAndGlass.com and sideload onto your Google Glass.

    


Verizon finally announces it'll carry the HTC One

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 09:43 AM PDT

HTC One

'Later this summer' is all we've got to go by for now

In what really shouldn't be all that much of a surprise, Verizon has finally acknowledged that it will carry the HTC One at some point this summer. No word yet on how much it'll cost (figure flagship-level pricing), when, exactly you can get it ("later this summer" is as official as we've got) or what sort of tweaks Verizon could have had one. (Red, perhaps? We're not holding our breath, but this thing would be bad-ass in black with red accents.)

The HTC One marks the manufacturer's major release for 2013, with nearly identical versions on the other three U.S. carriers having been released for about a month now.

    


Can mobile gaming kill the consoles? - Talk Mobile

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 09:09 AM PDT

Five years ago if you'd told anybody mobile devices stood even the chance of challenging dedicated home gaming console, you'd have been laughed out of the room. After all, the state of the art of mobile back then included the Apple iPhone 3G, BlackBerry Storm, Palm Treo Pro, and HTC G1. Comparing them to the powerhouses that were the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360, as well as the not-powerful-but-still-enormously-fun Nintendo Wii would have been ludicrous.

Fast forward to today and the landscape's changed. A whole industry has grown up around mobile gaming, drawing the attention of incredible indies and the biggest of the big gaming studios alike. iPhone and Android have unseated dedicated portable gaming devices like the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS, thanks in no small part to their less expensive, more easily available content, better screens and processors, always-on connectivity, and the fact that it's just one fewer device to carry. Yet the consoles have endured.

So the question is, can mobile devices make the next generation of PlayStations and Xboxes and Wiis the last? Is the very idea as ludicrous today as it was five years ago, or can an argument be made that now, or in the near future, our phones and tablets could make the consoles obsolete?

read more

    


Vine launches on Android with exclusive features

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 07:14 AM PDT

Android Central

Six-second video app hits Google Play with new zoom feature

Twitter-owned video-sharing app Vine is launching on Android today, seven months after the initial iOS-only release. The app allows you to create and share six-second square-shaped videos and follow fellow Viners through your own tailored feed. Essentially, it's Instagram for video.

In addition to all the editing and social networking features of Vine for iOS, the Android version of the app is getting something unique -- zooming support. The Vine team also promises further updates in the weeks ahead, including front-facing camera support, search, mentions, hashtags and Facebook sharing.

After a brief delay, the app is now live on Google Play at the link above. You'll need a device running at least Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Anyone been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Vine on Android? How are you getting on with the Android version of the app? Shout out in the comments.

Source: Vine

    


Canada finally able to escape three-year contracts, caps data overages at $50/month

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 07:08 AM PDT

Android Central

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission today announced that starting December 2, 2013, those of us up north will be able to cancel our contract after two years without penalty, that domestic data overage charges will be capped at $50/month ($100 for roaming), and that devices will be able to be unlocked after 90 days (or immediately if bought outright). The new code also stipulates that buyers will have 15 days to return any device so long as it's within certain usage limits, have the power to accept or decline mid-term contract changes, and that they'll have a contract they can actually understand. These changes are all a result of public hearings that happened back in February. 

read more

    


Get the newest version of the Android Central App before anyone else

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 06:22 AM PDT

Android Central App

Join our beta test group and move yourself to the front of the line

We love beta testing. We love playing with things that might break, will break and need some testing. To that end, Google recently introduced proper beta testing of applications through Google Play, and we're going to start using it.

Want to get the latest version of the newest Android Central App before anyone else? Want to help us test things out and squash bugs? Here's how to order:

It's that simple. We'll start with the beta builds in the coming weeks. Thanks for your help!

    


Deal of the Day: LLOYD HD Screen Protectors for Samsung Galaxy S3

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 06:14 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The June 3 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the LLOYD HD Screen Protectors for Samsung Galaxy S3. These screen protectors are custom designed to protect your Galaxy S3's screen while giving you an ultra-clear, high definition look and feel to your device. Durable and scratch resistant, the TruTouch sensitivity gives these custom protectors a more natural feel on your touchscreen.

The LLOYD HD Screen Protectors are available for just $5.00, 75% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last!

Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

    


Huawei Ascend P2 now available on Three UK

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 05:44 AM PDT

Huawei Ascend P2

Free from £23 per month, or £299.99 on Pay As You Go

Three UK sends word that it's launched Huawei's latest mid-to-high-end handset, the Ascend P2. The data-centric operator is selling the Ascend P2 on-contract starting at £23 per month. That gets you unlimited data, 500 minutes and 5,000 texts on a 24-month plan. Alternatively, Three's also selling the P2 on Pay As You Go for £299.99 plus a PAYG top-up.

That money -- or monthly commitment -- will get you a reasonably speedy handset, powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core CPU, with a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 4.7-inch 720p display. On the connectivity side, the P2 supports Three's current 42Mbps DC-HSDPA, as well as 4G LTE, due to be rolled out by the operator later in the year.

The Huawei Ascend P2 is available now from Three's online store, and will be launching in brick-and-mortar Three outlets from tomorrow.

More: Three UK

    


Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 announced

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 01:47 AM PDT

Galaxy Tab 3 10.1

The 10-inch form factor returns, but the top-end Tab 3 is still a mid-range device

Samsung’s second Tab announcement today brings news of the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, which as you may have guessed is a 10.1-inch version of the Galaxy Tab 3 line. Spec-wise, there’s not much to separate the Tab 3 10.1 from the 8-inch variant announced alongside it. You’ve got a 1.6GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM (less than the 8-incher, oddly), 16 or 32GB of storage backed up by microSD expandability.

It’s also running the latest Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean along with the most recent iteration of Samsung’s TouchWiz interface. And you’ve got Wifi, 3G and 4G LTE connectivity options available, as well as Bluetooth 4.0.

Disappointingly, Samsung has opted to stick with a 1280x800 display resolution on the 10-inch Tab 3, meaning you’ve got the same pixel count as the Tab 3 8.0, only spread over a much larger area. So we’re dealing with a mid-range Android tablet here, and Samsung will likely choose to compete on price rather than specs when the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 reaches British shores later this year. There’s no word of any official release date or price just yet, however.

Check past the break for more images and the official spec sheet.

read more

    


Samsung announces 8-inch Galaxy Tab 3

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 01:28 AM PDT

Tab 3 8.0.

8-inch variant brings upgraded specs and a slightly larger screen

Not to be left out of the fun following this morning's ASUS tablet announcements, Samsung has taken the wraps off two new Galaxy Tabs this morning, the first of which is the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0. The device shares a lot in common with the earlier 7-inch Tab 3, with modest upgrades including the obvious boost in screen real estate.

The Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU with 1.5GB of RAM, runing on an 8-inch 1280x800 LCD display. Connectivity-wise, you’ve got Wifi-only, 3G and 4G LTE options alongside Wifi a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. Internal storage comes in 16 or 32GB flavors and is expandable via microSD. The specs point to a solid mid-range Android tablet, in a familiar Samsung-designed chassis.

When it comes to software, you’re looking at Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, up from 4.1 on the 7-incher. That also means you get the latest version of Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, as evidenced by the newer widgets in the promotional shots.

There’s no word on pricing for the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 just yet. A UK release is promised for “later in the year,” but that doesn’t narrow things down much. While you wait, you can check past the break for a few more photos and the official spec sheet.

read more

    


ASUS MeMO Pad HD7 announced: A slight upgrade to the low-end offering

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 12:54 AM PDT

ASUS Memo Pad HD7

Bumps in CPU, storage, display and camera with the same bargain bin pricing

As part of its Computex 2013 keynote presentation, ASUS rolled out a small but notable update to its recently announced MeMO Pad -- this time adding "HD7" to the name and making important improvements. While it retains much of the same design (and most of the same name), the MeMO Pad HD7 tweaks the design a bit to make it both thinner and lighter than it's predecessor -- down to 10.8mm thick and 302g in weight. On the display side ASUS bumps things to "HD" with a 1280x800 IPS display, up from the original 1024x600 panel.

On the inside, ASUS says the MeMO Pad HD7 is running an ARM Cortex A7 quad-core CPU, but didn't specify a clock speed or manufacturer. It did specify that the tablet will have both Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS, however, along with the addition of stereo speakers and a 5MP rear camera (keeping a 1.2MP shooter up front). Pinning this device at the low-end are some appealing prices too: 16GB for $149, 8GB for $129. The MeMO Pad HD7 will be released in a few different bright color options, with no specific sales dates given at this point.

    


ASUS Transformer Book Trio announced, runs Android and Windows 8

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 12:49 AM PDT

Transformer Book Trio

ASUS' latest dockable device boasts dual CPUs and three usage modes

ASUS has announced the latest member of its Transformer family, the Transformer Book Trio, at its pre-Computex press conference in Tapiei. The Trio is a dockable laptop/tablet hybrid device running both Windows 8 and Android "Jelly Bean." To take advantage of both operating systems, the Transformer Book Trio packs two CPUs -- a fourth-generation Intel Core i7 U4500 for Windows and an Atom 2580 for Android. It's also got two banks of storage available -- a 1TB traditional hard drive and 64GB of flash storage. Other notable specs include a 1080p IPS display.

Being a Transformer device, the Trio can be docked and used as a tablet or a laptop. But it also boasts an additional usage mode -- the docking station can be connected to a monitor to create a full desktop PC experience. So it looks like the Atom chip lives in the display, while the Core i7 likely resides in the dock.

No word on pricing or availability just yet, but considering you've essentially got a full-powered laptop PC along with an Android tablet, we imagine the Trio won't come cheap.

    


ASUS announces the new Transfomer Pad Infinity at Computex 2013

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 12:32 AM PDT

ASUS Transfomer Pad Infinity

A respectable bump in internals and design to the previous model

ASUS is currently giving its keynote presentation at Computex 2013 in Taipei where it has just rolled out the first of a few new Android devices, the refreshed and redesigned Transformer Pad Infinity. Although the device was only quickly flashed on-stage, it seems to fall in line with the same design as the original -- which makes sense as it shares a name with the previous version of the tablet. We're looking at a standard 10-inch tablet body with a keyboard dock that folds down in a clamshell like a laptop. As for the specs, here's the breakdown of what we know at this point:

  • 10-inch 2560x1600 IPS display with 178-degree viewing angle
  • 1.9GHz Tegra 4 CPU
  • 2GB of RAM
  • 32GB of storage, expandable by SDcard
  • 802.11a/b/g/n Wifi
  • USB 3.0 port
  • 4K video output over HDMI

The story here seems to be all about the serious bump up in specs from the previous version, and less about the external hardware. With specs like that we're not going to complain either. We'll be bringing you more information -- such as more detailed pictures -- as soon as they become available.

    


ASUS Fonepad Note announced with 6-inch 1080p display

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 12:27 AM PDT

Padfone Note

6-inch Intel-powered tablet unveiled at Computex

At its Computex 2013 press conference in Taipei, ASUS has just announced a new 6-inch smartphone/tablet hybrid device. The Fonepad Note is a 6-inch device with pen input, powered by an Intel Atom Z2560 CPU, with 2GB of RAM and a 1080p iPS display. Like the HTC One and many Samsung Galaxy Tabs,  the Fonepad Note has front-facing stereo speakers. It's also packing an 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.2

In terms of connectivity, it looks like you're topping out at DC-HSDPA (42Mbps) speeds. On the software side, ASUS is boasting customized pre-loaded apps that take advantage of the bundled stylus.

No word on availability just yet, but we imagine the Fonepad Note will be headed primarily to Europe and Asia in the months ahead.

    


We need your comments... Leave a bunch on this article for your chance to win the device of your dreams!!

Posted: 02 Jun 2013 03:49 PM PDT

We're testing out the new cross-site commenting system we're going to be using for Talk Mobile articles across Android Central, CrackBerry, iMore and WPCentral. This post is our first public test. Help us stress test it! Leave comments, help us find any bugs, and we'll reward you with the chance to win $600 towards the device of your dreams. Keep reading for all the details!

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