Saturday, June 8, 2013

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Google Android News Android Forums

Larry Page confirms that the U.S Government doesn’t have direct access to Google servers

Posted: 07 Jun 2013 01:24 PM PDT

Big_Brother_Is_Watching

Right now the biggest story is regarding our phone calls and if the government is watching and listening to our every move. It all started with the news that the National Security Association had secretly ordered Verizon to hand over all their call logs. Then it got crazier when it was reported that a government agency called PRISM has free access into a slew of internet companies such as Google, Facebook, YouTube and others.

Well Google CEO Larry Page along with Google Chief Legal Officer David Drummond took to the official Google Blog to make a statement and to tell us the truth. The blog post clearly states that Google not only has nothing to do with PRISM, but they never even heard of the agency until yesterday.

“First, we have not joined any program that would give the U.S. government—or any other government—direct access to our servers. Indeed, the U.S. government does not have direct access or a "back door" to the information stored in our data centers. We had not heard of a program called PRISM until yesterday.”

They went on to say that they only provide user data to governments based on the law. Each request is reviewed by the legal team and many times they will push back a request if it’s too broad or it doesn’t follow the correct process.

“Press reports that suggest that Google is providing open-ended access to our users' data are false, period. Until this week's reports, we had never heard of the broad type of order that Verizon received—an order that appears to have required them to hand over millions of users' call records. We were very surprised to learn that such broad orders exist. Any suggestion that Google is disclosing information about our users' Internet activity on such a scale is completely false. “

They closed by talking about the need for a more transparent approach. Google was the first company to post statistics about the data requests they receive on their own site.

“And, of course, we understand that the U.S. and other governments need to take action to protect their citizens' safety—including sometimes by using surveillance. But the level of secrecy around the current legal procedures undermines the freedoms we all cherish.”

So what do you guys think about this fiasco? I personally could care less if anyone is looking at my call log. I am just one person among millions, and if these types of actions make us all safer, than it’s fine with me. However, I do think that doing something like this in secret is wrong and should be shared. Let us know what your thoughts are.

sources: Official Google Blog / Google Transparency Report

 


Come comment on this article: Larry Page confirms that the U.S Government doesn’t have direct access to Google servers

Photos reportedly taken by Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 reveal 20.9 megapixel sensor

Posted: 07 Jun 2013 01:21 PM PDT

galaxy_camera_2We have more information on the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2. We already informed you that it might be able to make phone calls, something the original Galaxy Camera could not do.  Today, Techtastic got their hands on photos that appeared on Google+ that seem to have been taken with a Samsung Galaxy Camera 2, or model number EK-GN120.  Of the pictures, the largest was 5472 x 3080 resolution, suggesting at least a 20.9-megapixel sensor on the new device. The original Galaxy Camera, if you recall, is 16.3-megapixels.

We don’t know much more about the rumored device, but if we’re lucky, we’ll see more at Samsung’s event on June 20.

source: Techtastic
via: Sam Mobile


Come comment on this article: Photos reportedly taken by Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 reveal 20.9 megapixel sensor

Wish your Galaxy S 4 had a slide-out QWERTY keyboard? There’s an accessory for that

Posted: 07 Jun 2013 12:21 PM PDT

samsung_galaxy_s_4-slide-out_bluetooth_keyboard_case

I remember loving my original DROID”s slide-out keyboard and thinking that I would never buy a phone without one. Well things changed, and more importantly screen sizes have gotten big enough that touch typing isn’t an issue anymore. Still, there are some that love having a QWERTY keyboard, but also want the latest and greatest high end phone. Now you can have both with this new case for your Galaxy S 4.

This case features a full slide-out Bluetooth QWERTY keyboard. It’s backlit so you can still type in the dark, and has dedicated buttons for Home, Search, and Play/Pause. The keyboard can even act as a kickstand when you want to watch movies. The 280mAh battery will give you 8 hours of typing or 45 days of standby time. The good news is that it can be charged with the same micro USB cable as your phone. It’s priced at $79.99 and is available now.

Hit the break for the full list of features and specs along with the link for ordering.

Features:

  • Backlit Keyboard
  • Specialized keys (Home, Search, Play/Pause Buttons) to enhance user-friendliness
  • Adjustable Stand Function Conveniently Adjust from 0 – 90 degree
  • Detachable Hard Shell Case
  • Form-fitting shell design ensures perfect fit
  • Full Coverage Protection
  • Excellent Key Sensitivity
  • Tilts upright

Specifications:

  • Bluetooth Version: v3.0
  • Operating Voltage: 3.7v
  • Battery Capacity: Lithium 280mAh
  • Charging Time: 2 hours
  • Working Time: 8 hours
  • Standby time: 45 days
  • Transmit Range: 3 meters
  • Product Size: 5.46in x 2.87in x 0.86in

Package Contents:

  • Bluetooth Slideout Keyboard
  • Micro USB Charging Cable
  • User Manual

source: hypercel


Come comment on this article: Wish your Galaxy S 4 had a slide-out QWERTY keyboard? There’s an accessory for that

Mad Catz to unveil Project M.O.J.O. android gaming micro console at E3

Posted: 07 Jun 2013 12:00 PM PDT

Mad_Catz_Logo

Well it looks like 2013 is going to be the year of Android gaming consoles. We already have the OUYA and the soon to be released GamePop, and it looks like Mad Catz is about to join the party. We really don’t have much information about it other than it will be shown at next week’s E3. The only reason we know that it exists is because Mad Catz CEO Darren Richardson referred to it in their latest earnings report:

“At next week's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles we will unveil the keystone product in our GameSmart initiative, Project M.O.J.O., an android micro console configured to harness the maximum gaming horsepower from an android device. The Project M.O.J.O. android micro console is being designed to interact seamlessly with our GameSmart controllers, mice, keyboards and headsets. With our long history in the gaming industry, Mad Catz has the technical capability, product breadth, global distribution, and developer and publisher relationships that uniquely position our company to embark on this ambitious initiative. We believe the GameSmart initiative fits perfectly with our long-term strategy of designing innovative products for passionate gamers and our strategy of expanding into emerging markets.”

The big question is if there is room for another Android gaming console? Mad Catz does have its name going for them, but lets hope they have something really compelling to show us next week.

source: Mad Catz financials
via: Android Police


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MOGA controllers with Boost technology coming soon, will charge your phone while you play

Posted: 07 Jun 2013 11:39 AM PDT

MOGA_Family_Android_Controllers

PowerA is will introduce two new controllers next week at E3 that sound pretty exciting. They already offer two of the best controllers for Android phones in the MOGA and MOGA Pro. These new controllers will be based on the same designs, and will feature what they are calling Boost technology. In a nutshell, these new controllers will charge your phone while you are playing so you can play longer. I would assume they will have a pretty large battery in the controllers, but they didn’t specify the size.

Both controllers will have support for multiplayer gaming on the same screen, better ergonomics, improved Bluetooth radios, support for more than 100 MOGA Enhanced and HID compatible games, and the MOGA S.M.R.T. Lock arm for securing phones to the controller. Those few people using a Windows Phone 8 device will be happy to know that they will now be able to use these controllers. For Android users, the MOGA controllers are compatible with Android 2.3 and higher.

You can expect to be able to buy these bad boys in the fall. Full presser after the break.

MOGA™, The Industry Leading Cross-Platform Mobile Gaming System, To Introduce Its Latest Game-Changing Controller Series At E3

The New MOGA Power Series Featuring MOGA BoostTM Technology Ushers In Huge Innovations For The Mobile Gamer

WOODINVILLE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

MOGA™ will again set the new standard for mobile game controllers at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, June 11-13, 2013. MOGA today announced that its new MOGA Power Series of mobile game controllers will be available this fall.

No more worries about phone battery life. The two next generation MOGA products bring something never before seen in a mobile game controller, MOGA Boost technology. MOGA Boostactually charges the user's mobile device while they play. This allows gamers to play longer without concern for running down their phone’s battery.

“With this next generation of MOGA mobile game controllers, MOGA firmly establishes itself as the leader in the industry,” said Eric Bensussen, President and Co-Founder of PowerA. "Defining innovation and leadership, the MOGA System is always evolving to complement and align with key trends. With our world-class hardware, an extremely easy to use SDK and top retailer distribution, MOGA continues to attract world-class developers and publishers to our platform. When addressing the real needs of mobile gamers, nothing else comes close to MOGA.”

Both controllers include support for multiplayer gaming on the same screen, improved ergonomics, improved Bluetooth radios, seamless support for its growing library of more than 100 MOGA Enhanced and HID compatible games, The MOGA S.M.R.T. Lock™ arm to secure phones to the controller and more.

Like the recently released MOGA Pro, both Power Series controllers will be cross-platform compatible. MOGA officially supports more installed devices than any other mobile game controller on the market. Not only is MOGA the only mobile game controller system that works with Android devices all the way back to version 2.3, but it will now include support for Windows Phone 8. The MOGA SDK for Windows Phone 8 is available to over 400 active MOGA developers.

The smaller, more portable of the two Power Series MOGA controllers has been completely redesigned and now features clickable analog thumbsticks, shoulder buttons, a D-pad and an improved form factor.

About MOGA

MOGA mobile game controllers offer precision controls, portability and great games. All MOGA controllers feature dual analog sticks, shoulder buttons and action buttons, and connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to transform Android phones and tablets into precise mobile gaming systems. The original MOGA Pocket features a slim and sleek set of controls making it the most portable and economical MOGA available. The MOGA Pro features rechargeable batteries and console-style design that is based on the award-winning FUS1ON Tournament Controller by PowerA. The MOGA system includes Pivot, a free-to-download app that helps users discover the huge library of MOGA Enhanced games that are available. Pivot also syncs MOGA controllers to mobile devices and helps organize the MOGA Enhanced games already installed on a user's phone. MOGA's vast and growing game library consists of more than 100 high-quality games, and more than 400 top developers have received the free MOGA Software Developers Kit (SDK) available atMOGAanywhere.com/developers.

The MOGA controllers support Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and higher mobile devices. The pocket-sized MOGA ($39.99 MSRP) and the full-sized MOGA Pro ($49.99 MSRP) are now available at major retailers and carrier stores. They are also available through Amazon andwww.MOGAanywhere.com.


Come comment on this article: MOGA controllers with Boost technology coming soon, will charge your phone while you play

Insider: Google will bring 3 Google Edition smartphones, one Motorola X phone this year

Posted: 07 Jun 2013 10:54 AM PDT

Sony_Xperia_Z_Talk_Android

 

We told you before that there would be an onslaught of Nexus HTC and Samsung Google Edition bad boys, as well as the imminent arrival of the sweet MOTO X phone, but now it’s looking like there’s more that’s on the way after all. According to sources close to the gang at Android Authority, Google is in talk with at least one additional hardware partner to develop a Google Edition flagship device. Sure this might sound a little surprising to hear and one could speculate the number of potential candidates out there, but it’s not too hard to identify which manufacturer and smartphone will join the ranks of the unofficial Nexus family. If you recall just earlier this week, we’d mentioned to you that Sony is quietly working on a special Xperia Z variant that’s due in the immediate future, though Sony (and Google for that matter) has decided to stay mum for now.

Oh and that isn’t all folks. The same unidentified source believes that the upcoming X brand is only going to be limited to one device this year, not a line of devices that was previously thought before. So for now, it appears that we will not see an allotment of sweet smartphones for now, but who knows— maybe we will see a new line of cool devices next year and beyond.

source: Android Authority


Come comment on this article: Insider: Google will bring 3 Google Edition smartphones, one Motorola X phone this year

Intel demos Bay Trail-T reference platform, boots both Windows 8 and Android 4.2.2

Posted: 07 Jun 2013 07:17 AM PDT

Bay_Trail_T_Silvermont

This week at Computex 2013 Intel unveiled their next-gen processor for mobile devices in the form of Atom micro-architecture, codenamed Silvermont. Intel recently demonstrated their new SoC in their new Bay Trail-T reference platform— a 10-inch, 2560 by 1440 tablet, weighing in at 611 grams and is about as thick as the 4th generation iPad. The device boots both Windows 8 and Android 4.2.2— this is good news, because it means that Intel is planning to enter the Android tablet market. Battery life and performance specs haven’t been released yet but Intel has promised that both will be good.

Source: AnandTech

 


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AT&T all set to quietly revamp its GoPhone prepaid plans for customers

Posted: 07 Jun 2013 06:51 AM PDT

att_gophone

 

Those of you AT&T GoPhone customers are about to have a few less options when it comes to your data plans in the near future. The wireless carrier recently confirmed to CNET said that it will eliminate a few of its more affordable data plan options from June 20, while following up with “additional plan options” instead:

“We’re making some changes to our AT&T GoPhone prepaid plans to simplify our offers and better align with what customers are choosing and telling us they want. We’ve begun letting customers know about the changes in advance, and we’ll have more information on new, additional plan options soon.”

So as it stands, there will be a $25 monthly plan which includes unlimited text messages and 250 minutes of voice calls, but will only include a $5, 50MB data plan— not exactly appealing. So unless AT&T comes out and highlights its “additional plan options”, it appears the only other option will be a $65 unlimited talk/text + 1GB of data plan.

Here’s hoping this upcoming change for GoPhone users won’t be too bad.

source: CNET


Come comment on this article: AT&T all set to quietly revamp its GoPhone prepaid plans for customers

Official Samsung wireless charging kit released for Galaxy S 4

Posted: 07 Jun 2013 06:41 AM PDT

Samsung_Galaxy_S_4_Wireless_Charger

Samsung has made wireless charging possible on the Galaxy S 4 with their new wireless charging cover and pad. The cover costs 39.99 but is QI-standard compatible, so if you already have a charging pad working on this standard, you should be good to go to use the new charging cover. If you don’t have a pad, Samsung’s version goes for 49.99. It’s a bit pricey but if you’re into this kind of technology, this might just be the product for you.

Sources: Samsung Charging Cover and Samsung Charging Pad


Come comment on this article: Official Samsung wireless charging kit released for Galaxy S 4

Sony ‘Togari’ confirmed to be Xperia ZU phablet, expected to launch on June 25

Posted: 07 Jun 2013 05:07 AM PDT

Sony_Togari_Xperia_ZU

Last week we shared a leaked photo of what looked like the upcoming Sony ‘Togari’ phablet— today we have some confirmation that this phone is very real and is coming very soon by the name of the Sony Xperia  ZU.

Unfortunately, the device will not feature a 13MP camera as rumored, but instead an 8MP shooter due to shortage of said modules. The phone will pack a 6.44-inch 1080p Triluminos color display, the X-Reality Engine which enhances the color and contrast of your images and videos, and is water resistant.

The Xperia ZU will also come with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 SoC clocked at 2.3 GHz. This phone is looking like it’s going to be an absolute beast and we can expect to see it officially announced at Sony’s mobile event in Germany on June 25.

Source: VR Zone

 

 


Come comment on this article: Sony ‘Togari’ confirmed to be Xperia ZU phablet, expected to launch on June 25

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