AndroidGuys |
- Duolingo – Comprehensive language-learning in your pocket
- Huawei hopes for Google Edition of Ascend P6 smartphone
- BlueStacks announces the GamePop Mini, a ‘Netflix for games’ service
- Songza introduces ad-free experience with Club Songza
- WSJ: Google working on Android-based game console
- Flash Android 4.3 on the Samsung Galaxy S4 [GT-I9505]
- Big Android BBQ ’13 tickets on sale now!
- Android 4.3 spied on Samsung Galaxy S4
- Facebook kicks off Facebook beta program for Android
- Google introduces new Android device management features for BYOD crowd
| Duolingo – Comprehensive language-learning in your pocket Posted: 28 Jun 2013 10:15 AM PDT Duolingo finally brought their web-favorite language-learning software to Android, and it is easily the best way to start learning a new language on the go. Duolingo brings all its web features to our smartphones including broken hearts, trophies, and a sleek interface.
It is no secret that learning a new language takes a lot of practice, memorization, and time as languages are subtle, loaded with nouns, verbs, and adjectives to memorize, and can completely take you out of your element. Duolingo’s service offers a scientific way to study words, their meanings, and the multiple ways a language uses them in and out of context. There are plenty of barriers to stop you from learning a new language, but Duolingo attempts to break down the most-pressing issues like price and availability. I have used Duolingo on the web previously to learn German so syncing up my profile was a priority. Fortunately, Duolingo’s sign up and sync were easy, and I was able to quickly get started where I had previously left off. You can finish levels on your computer then get started on the next level almost instantly. This was a necessary feature, and it pays off brilliantly. Starting a lesson or a language is just as simple. In the top banner, Duolingo has a semi-holo interface where a drop-down menu allows you to select the language you want to learn on the right side or, on the left side, you can look at your profile or practice within your selected language. As you finish levels, more are unlocked, and you can choose which levels you want to learn before others, which lets you tailor your lessons depending on if you are ordering food or buying clothes. Levels include listening, writing, speaking, and reading. As you progress, these will become intertwined, but the first few levels are fairly easy. The listening aspect is difficult on a mobile device as you want to give it your full attention, but outside sounds may influence what you hear. The same can be said for the speaking aspects as your voice may be drowned out. I still find it a little strange to speak to my phone when not on a call so I would like to be able to pause or skip these sections for a later time. Reading and writing, on the other hand, are accessible and surprisingly quick despite having to read and judge your answers while having pictures and other options on the screen. Writing is as easy as reading a sentence and translating it, though I would have liked the additional characters in a language to be on-screen instead of you having to find them within your keyboard. Reading is similar to writing, although there are multiple-choice quizzes as well to help you visualize the vocabulary. Duolingo is great, useful example of gamification. Like the browser version of Duolingo, the mobile version gives you tokens and points for completing levels. You also have to complete levels within five attempts or your hearts will break, and you will have to start the level over. This idea of positive reinforcement with a bit of a challenge can be a great motivator in finishing a challenging level. Duolingo is great, useful example of gamification. If you are at all interested in learning a language, Duolingo is the first place you should look. Not only does it create a challenging but rewarding atmosphere, but Duolingo adds the ability to learn on your computer and on your smartphone so that you will never have the excuse that you cannot get to your lesson. The Duolingo mobile app is excellent in every way, and for being free, you really have no excuse not to brush up on your high-school Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, or Italian. What we liked
What could be improved
Download Duolingo (Google Play) The post Duolingo – Comprehensive language-learning in your pocket appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Huawei hopes for Google Edition of Ascend P6 smartphone Posted: 28 Jun 2013 10:05 AM PDT
Huawei hopes to join Samsung and HTC at the big boys table with a Google Edition of their own, reports Pocket-lint. The model in question is the super-slim Ascend P6 announced barely one week ago. According to Huawei, discussions have started with Google as the company hopes to bring about a stock Android version of the world’s thinnest smartphone.
Oddly enough, Huawei recently said the complete opposite was going on and that they were happier with their Emotion UI. As they (chairman Richard Yu) claimed at the unveiling of the Ascend P6, Huawei wouldn’t be interested in a Google Edition model. We figure we’ll learn more once the two sides of Huawei can agree on the same message. The post Huawei hopes for Google Edition of Ascend P6 smartphone appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| BlueStacks announces the GamePop Mini, a ‘Netflix for games’ service Posted: 28 Jun 2013 08:54 AM PDT Lately it seems that the inexpensive gaming console market has been growing at quite the rapid rate. Ouya, Project Mojo, GameStick, and Google are just a few companies developing Android-powered game consoles with the hopes of gaining your attention. As of this morning, we can now add BlueStacks to the ranks as they announced their newest console, the GamePop Mini.
The GamePop Mini is described as a console that’s bout the size of a pack of bubble gum, and free for users who commit to a 1-year subscription to its online gaming service — which is also called GamePop. When The Verge talked to BlueStacks’ CEO Rosen Sharma, they received a pretty simple answer to why the console is free: “We’ve said it before, but we’re working really hard to build a Netflix for games. We can’t do that if we don’t get subscribers. And we think people will be more inclined to give us a shot if they don’t have to pay for the console itself.” The GamePop Mini will run both iOS and Android games, however official ship dates have not been released quite yet. Details on hardware and other key factors are still a mystery, but we expect to hear more in the near future. So far all we know for sure is that the GamePop Mini will be available for pre-order beginning Monday, July 1st.
Source: The Verge
The post BlueStacks announces the GamePop Mini, a ‘Netflix for games’ service appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Songza introduces ad-free experience with Club Songza Posted: 28 Jun 2013 08:42 AM PDT
Songza, on of our favorite apps and services for listening to curated playlists, has a new ad-free experience rolling out. Called Club Songza, it costs a mere $.99 per week and provides even more (double) skipping through the website, mobile apps, and SONOS. If you’ve yet to try out Songza we definitely recommend you give it a shot. You’d be surprised at how good the playlists are and the Concierge feature really understands time/day and contextual situation stuff quite well! The post Songza introduces ad-free experience with Club Songza appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| WSJ: Google working on Android-based game console Posted: 28 Jun 2013 08:00 AM PDT
Google is in the process of developing an Android-based gaming console, reports the Wall Street Journal. Presumably tied to the Google Play Games announced at Google I/O, the console is said to be one of multiple pieces of hardware slated for Google’s roadmap. The others? An Android-based smartwatch and a successor to 2012′s Nexus Q.
Google has been eyeing the development of consoles such as the OUYA, a $99 game console that also runs Android. Apple, for its part, is also said to be prepping something that plays games through televisions as well. Looking down the road a year or so we should see a number of gaming devices and smartwatches from the familiar players in the mobile space. The post WSJ: Google working on Android-based game console appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Flash Android 4.3 on the Samsung Galaxy S4 [GT-I9505] Posted: 28 Jun 2013 06:42 AM PDT
So now that you know there’s a working version of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean out there, the next thing you want to know is how to flash it on your Samsung Galaxy S4. Great news! You can, and it’s not all that difficult. The not great news? It’s only working on the standard GT-I9505 (with Snapdragon CPU) and Google Edition Samsung Galaxy S4. In fact, this is actually ported from the latter device.
The guys over at SamMobile have detailed the process which is rather simple, especially for those who are familiar with flashing ROMs on devices. Keep in mind, however, that doing things like this will void your warranty and that you may run into issues. If you’re not keen on messing with that brand new Samsung Galaxy S4 then just leave it alone for now. Again, this is not the U.S. models we’re talking about here; only the I9505 model works so far. System details: Neither Google nor Samsung has yet to say anything official about Android 4.3 so it’s still considered an unannounced build. With that in mind, it won’t be long before it begins rolling out to Nexus models and other Google Edition phones. That is… hopefully. To get the complete walkthrough, head to SamMobile! The post Flash Android 4.3 on the Samsung Galaxy S4 [GT-I9505] appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Big Android BBQ ’13 tickets on sale now! Posted: 28 Jun 2013 06:27 AM PDT
Listen up Android fans and developers, tickets to the annual Big Android BBQ are on sale now! If you’ve been to the show in the previous three years then you pretty much know what to expect: awesome fun centered around our favorite mobile platform. October 10-12, 2013As was the case with last year’s event, the Big Android BBQ takes place at the Hurst Conference Center in Hurst, TX . Unlike last year, however, we’ll have Ray Walters in the BBQ pit running things once again. Indeed, this was one of the core pieces of the three-day show that you guys missed in the 2012 BBQ.
If you’ve never been to a Big Android BBQ then here’s what you might look to see:
Is this more of a developer conference? Maybe. Will the average person have a lot of fun nonetheless? Of course. It’s a really low-key, relaxed time with a bunch of people you likely know through the internet. Only difference here, however, is that it’s gathered around great food and actual conversations!
Tickets start at $55 for the three-day show so book now, they will go fast! In fact, 94% of those polled from last year’s BBQ indicate a desire to return to this year’s show. While you’re at it, be sure to download the official Android app which features a handy widget that counts down the days until the Big Android BBQ kicks off! We look forward to running into you guys and gals down in Texas during the weekend of October 10-12! The post Big Android BBQ ’13 tickets on sale now! appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Android 4.3 spied on Samsung Galaxy S4 Posted: 28 Jun 2013 06:03 AM PDT
The new Android 4.3 Jelly Bean build has been spotted on a Samsung Galaxy S4 and looks to be fully functioning on both the standard model as well as the Google Play version. Thanks to a bit of porting from the SamMobile team, the build appears to be a slightly modified take on the Jelly Bean experience that we’re already familiar with. Details in the 4.3 release include a refreshed camera interface, more obvious sharing options and button, and a general design tweak.
Still no official word from Google or Samsung on the Android 4.3 business so it’s a matter of waiting until it’s rolled out to devices. Presumably, Nexus models get this first, followed by the Google Editions of the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4. After that, however, it’s anyone’s guess. Let’s hope that the early access indicates quick deployment across handsets and tablets! The post Android 4.3 spied on Samsung Galaxy S4 appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Facebook kicks off Facebook beta program for Android Posted: 27 Jun 2013 12:38 PM PDT
Facebook announced on Thursday that a new Beta Testers program has opened up for any and all Android users. If you’re the type of person who likes to get involved with shaping the direction of an app then this is as about as big as it gets. A blog post from Facebook tells us that the program will see monthly updates with new and upcoming features.
To get started in the Facebook for Android Beta Testers Program:
The beta program should help cut down on broken updates or app versions that don’t work well across all devices. You know, the whole “update to patch the last update” problem that Facebook has seen over the years.
Keep in mind that things are subject to get messy in a beta program and that you may run into issues. That’s where Facebook needs your help; report your experiences to them, good or bad. The post Facebook kicks off Facebook beta program for Android appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Google introduces new Android device management features for BYOD crowd Posted: 27 Jun 2013 11:48 AM PDT
Google this week announced new features for Google Apps for Business, Government, and Education which provide admins with additional tools in the “bring your own device” (BYOD) environment. Available immediately, these features are some of the most top requested items from customers.
As a reminder, Google recently introduced a new Admin app for Android which also helps keep things moving along quickly and efficiently. No longer tied to the desktop or web experience, admins can make changes, reset passwords, and other settings from Android devices. The post Google introduces new Android device management features for BYOD crowd appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
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