Android and Me |
- Android 4.3 paves the way for big changes in notifications
- Google Glass updated with more voice commands, web browsing
- Skype for Android shows proprietary design and Holo can be friends
- Sony “Honami” system dump shows 20-megapixel camera and more
- ASUS rep releases alleged specs for Nexus 7 successor
- Should Google release betas for new Android versions?
- Sceptre’s newest 2.1 sound bar runs Android, turns your TV into a smart TV
- Top 10 most popular Android apps from last week
- Leaked image shows off HTC One for Verizon
| Android 4.3 paves the way for big changes in notifications Posted: 01 Jul 2013 02:00 PM PDT As it currently stands, in order for accessories like the Pebble smart watch and apps like Light Flow to utilize your Android device’s notifications, there needs to be a little tinkering done. With Android 4.3, that looks to be changing in a big way. According to a recent tear down of a leaked Android 4.3 ROM, Google is going to allow developers to, as Ron Amadeo of Android Police puts it, “replicate the notification panel.” In layman’s terms, devices like smart watches will be able to act as your notification panel, complete with notification actions and all. This is huge news for accessory makers, and it opens the door to a world of possibility. It shows that Google not only cares about accessory developers, but that it may have ideas of its own coming in the near future. As far as how this changes things for apps like Light Flow, things are just going to be easier to implement. No more hacks or workarounds will be necessary to take full advantage of notifications. This may, in turn, lead to more experimentation and faster updates for already existing apps. But don’t expect anything too drastic to occur in this area. Another interesting aspect of the changes to the notification panel are what this means for replacement notification bars. While all the necessary parts aren’t present quite yet, this may very well be the first step in Google allowing Android users to download and select their own notification panel from Google Play. With the stock Android keyboard already available, all you’d need is an official stock launcher and notification app to get the stock Android experience on any phone. Are you excited to see what else Android 4.3 brings to the table? As of right now, it’s looking like 4.3 will be another refinement release, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some notable features on the way. With the way leaks have been happening left and right, we expect to see the update any time now. |
| Google Glass updated with more voice commands, web browsing Posted: 01 Jul 2013 01:51 PM PDT Google Glass is still in testing, so it’s getting frequent updates with many new features along the way. Starting out as a basic wearable accessory, Google Glass is quickly turning into a far more functional device that eliminates the need to take out your smartphone for basic tasks. With a release date somewhere in 2014, Glass has plenty of time left to get even better. The latest update brings a lot to the device, including more voice commands, which further eradicate the need for your smartphone. For example, you can answer texts by saying, “Okay, Glass. Read aloud.” followed by “Okay, Glass. Reply.” You can also do the same for phone calls. “Okay, Glass. Answer call.” Also, the favorite contact limit has been lifted. It was a little ridiculous that you could only access 10 contacts, so now you can access all of them. They will be selectable via profile photos. (Hopefully your important contacts have them). And lastly, Google Glass now has the ability to browse the web from search results. Hitting “view website” will take you to a web browser with some unique controls. To scroll, slide a finger on the touchpad. To zoom, slide two fingers on the touchpad. To look around the page, hold two fingers on the touchpad and move your head around. While this isn’t ideal for public situations, it’s a pretty cool way to navigate around a page. And to click, you just tap when you have the screen centered on what you want to click on. If you’re lucky enough to own a pair of Glass, it’ll update to the newest software automatically. You’ll get to enjoy all of these new features within the next couple of days as the update rolls out to everyone. Tell us how you like it, and if you don’t own a pair, tell us what you think of Google expanding the device’s functionality. |
| Skype for Android shows proprietary design and Holo can be friends Posted: 01 Jul 2013 11:30 AM PDT Back in the Android 2.3 Gingerbread days, the Android UI was quite ugly. The giant gray tabs at the top were especially off-putting. But with Ice Cream Sandwich came the new Holo UI (thanks to Matias Duarte). It slowly evolved into what it is now: an incredible, beautiful and, most importantly, versatile user interface design. For the last year and a half, the Play Store has been flooded with apps adopting the Holo UI styling, and we couldn’t be happier about that. Beautiful apps that look like they belong on the OS is something Android users always wanted. So, why not have beauty paired with already existing functionality? A lot of these apps were built using Holo UI guidelines, but what happens to the apps that have a signature style? They had nothing to worry about; Holo is incredibly versatile. That’s why it’s so amazing. You can make an app look unique while still retaining familiarity and unity with the OS. For example, the music player doubleTwist had a signature style, yet the developers behind it updated their app with Holo UI and made it look far better while retaining a familiar look. Lately, big companies have finally come to realize this. One of the first companies to do so was Twitter. Twitter redesigned its app around Holo, and while it looks pretty similar to how it looked like before, it melds with Android far better and is more attractive. Vine for Android was also released sporting the Holo UI, making it an app an Android fan would be proud to have on their device. What about the big boys that refuse to adapt? Look at Instagram. It has a strange UI, but its layout isn’t a far cry from Holo styling. An update to bring it up to spec would be so easy (I’ve personally seen some beautiful Holo mock ups that retain that classic Instagram look), yet they don’t do it. Facebook is another example. They have thrown in some Holo elements here and there, but their app still feels disjointed from the rest of the Android operating system. The newest large corporation to update their app to Holo UI is Microsoft. To celebrate 100 million installs, Microsoft redesigned the Skype for Android app with Holo UI in mind, bringing it into a beautiful state. It has sliding tabs, an action bar at the bottom and everything a Holo app needs while retaining a classic Skype feel. It perfectly shows off the versatility of Holo UI, and we thank Microsoft for doing a good job (and Google, for making such a brilliant user interface design that can be adapted by nearly anyone). Hit the source link to check out Skype’s blog and visit the Play Store to grab the newest version of Skype. The new UI will be present on all phones and is coming soon to tablets. Do you like what Microsoft did with Skype? Should companies continue embracing Holo UI? |
| Sony “Honami” system dump shows 20-megapixel camera and more Posted: 01 Jul 2013 10:38 AM PDT There are all sorts of rumors swirling around Sony’s next flagship phone, codenamed “Honami.” Now a system dump from a Canadian carrier device with the model number C6906 has popped up, and it’s believed to be either the Honami or another of Sony’s next-gen devices. With either option, you’re still getting an incredible list of specs that bests any smartphone currently on the market. We’re seeing a Snapdragon 800 processor as well as a mind-blowing camera set-up. The camera is set to have a 20-megapixel sensor with Super Resolution algorithm, the ability to record 4K video, a new SteadyShot feature, ISO range up to 12,800, Timeshift mode (similar to burst mode), new effects and a cool new API that’s supposed to allow developers to create add-ons for the camera. That’s some serious camera shiznit right there. An augmented reality app made by Sony is said to be bundled with this phone, and it will take advantage of the beastly camera. The entire Sony user interface got a bit of a refresh. The launcher has been tweaked, and other elements of the UI have received slight changes to help keep the device up to speed. Also included in the system dump was a look at a redesigned Walkman app that should include one of the most requested features for Sony phones: unlimited music streaming through the Walkman app. One interesting note about the Walkman app, though. The design language almost seems to be a hybrid of Android and Windows Phone. That doesn’t mean much, but it does make for an interesting look. I’ll include a gallery with more pictures below for your viewing pleasure. Whatever this new phone is, it’s shaping up to knock the socks off the competition. Does the Honami pique anybody’s interest? Let us know!                   |
| ASUS rep releases alleged specs for Nexus 7 successor Posted: 01 Jul 2013 10:21 AM PDT The ASUS-built Nexus 7 has been on the market for a long time, and the hardware is definitely showing its age. It was announced last year at Google I/O, and at this year’s Google I/O, a successor was absent from the show. Since then, we’ve been waiting to hear more official information. We’ve seen a mysterious device called the ASUS k009 before, often being labeled as a Nexus device. It went through both the FCC and Bluetooth certification, showing off specs like a Snapdragon 600 processor (a departure from NVIDIA Tegra chips). But it’s been awfully quiet from ASUS. Contacting support, one user happened on an ASUS rep that seemed to be very knowledgeable about the k009. Claiming to have obtained some internal specs that were not meant for the public, he described them to a user. Here is what he said:
Gallery
If these specs are legit, they’re pretty darn nice for a cheap tablet! We just hope that Google can retain a sub-$250 price point, because the Nexus line is one of the only series of devices that provides high-end hardware at a low-end price. Maybe Google is saving 4.3 until the announcement/release of the Nexus 7 successor. Maybe Google is just waiting for the hell of it. Tell us, what do you think of these specs? Would you buy a device like this? And do you think this is real? |
| Should Google release betas for new Android versions? Posted: 01 Jul 2013 08:36 AM PDT Months before the release of a new iOS version, Apple releases betas to developers. When installing a beta, many apps will simply be broken and won’t work. But that’s the point: as it’s only available to developers, they will use it to fix their apps. When the official update rolls out, people won’t have nearly as many issues. Not only that, but Apple gets feedback from real users and can fix bugs and issues with its software. It’s a valuable way of gathering testers without paying them a penny. And people love being beta testers. How does Google’s approach to new Android versions stack up? When Google releases a new version of Android, it’s only available to a small fraction of Android users. So if stuff is broken, it’s not that bad. However, every Android release comes with some big bugs and many apps just won’t work with it. Nexus users have to wait weeks or even months for everything to be ironed out. How long did we have to wait to get December back in Android 4.2? What if Google released betas of its new versions of Android? The company could release experimental ROMs for Nexus devices and allow people to play with them and submit feedback through a source other than the official bug tracker. Nexus users would be ecstatic to try out the latest version of Android before it’s officially released. Plus, Google seems like the perfect company to do such a thing. Most of its products are in beta as it is, so why not release test versions of Android to their loyal crack flashers? Google has the means and won’t need to take responsibility for any problems with said test versions. And it would make a lot of people happy. If this were the case, a lot of the bugs people experience with the Nexus devices would be gone. If a test ROM was released a month before Android 4.2 was officially rolled out, it would have been released with working Bluetooth and all twelve months intact. You can be sure that users would find these bugs in a heartbeat, and Google would have plenty of time to fix them. It honestly seems like Google has a pretty bad testing department, so outsourcing it to the people to do it for free would be a fantastic idea for us all. Offloading a significant amount of work to the Android community could allow Google to make Android even better. Android gets better with every update, and we’re greatly looking forward to Key Lime Pie. But if Google could provide loyal Nexus owners with a beta ROM or two, we would be grateful and would gladly help with bug fixing. Hell, our developers fix Google bugs as it is. Another huge advantage of this is that developers can fix their apps before the official update. When the updates roll around, a lot of apps break and become unusable for days or even weeks. With an experimental ROM, developers could get their apps working with the new version of Android before release. It would save a lot of people some serious headaches. I know many of you don’t like taking a page from Apple’s book, but no one can deny that Apple got a lot right. This is one of those things: providing its developers with the opportunity to both report bugs and fix their apps before release. |
| Sceptre’s newest 2.1 sound bar runs Android, turns your TV into a smart TV Posted: 01 Jul 2013 08:19 AM PDT Smart TVs are incredibly useful, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu Plus and YouTube straight to your television without extra hardware. But if you don’t have a smart TV, you have a few options available to you, like a Roku, a Google TV box or even some Android powered boxes. Google is rumored to be developing a successor to the Nexus Q, a media device that will stream content from the Play Store to your TV. Unlike the Nexus Q, this new device should be cheaper and more accessible. But has Sceptre beaten them to it?
The Sceptre SB301524W Speaker Sound Bar 2.1 is a simple sound bar with a twist: it comes with built-in WiFi and Android Ice Cream Sandwich. An HDMI cable will allow you run apps like Netflix, YouTube and certain games, if they’re playable with the optional remote control that emulates a keyboard and mouse. The device thankfully comes pre-loaded with the Play Store, so you’ll have access to all of your favorite apps instead of the limitations of a proprietary smart TV setup. And with both SD and USB input, you’ll be able to access a lot of media. Maybe the USB ports even support USB controllers? We can hope. But we can’t forget that this is first and foremost a sound bar. It comes with a built-in 35W subwoofer with a passive radiator and SRS WOW HD audio technology at a $299.99 price point. The device can be purchased now at retailers like Newegg, Walmart, Amazon and more. Is this the type of device Google is striving to make (hopefully with something newer than ICS)? The Sceptre sound bar can be used as a full multimedia device, streaming movies, music and other content from a variety of sources. Google’s Nexus Q successor will have to either include some amazing features or be priced very competiviely to succeed. Do you like the idea of this device? What do you want to see from Google’s Nexus Q successor? Show Press ReleaseCity of Industry, CA – June 27, 2013 – Sceptre, superior manufacturers of world class LED and LCD HDTVs and PC displays, unveils the SB301524W Speaker Sound Bar 2.1 with built-in subwoofer, Android platform and Wi-Fi connection to turn your ordinary HDTV into a smart TV through plug and play technology, enabling users to access movies, music, apps and games. Sceptre's newest Sound Bar 2.1 includes Android's interactive media operating system to create the perfect entertainment atmosphere with the support of Wi-Fi and Android Platform. With the Android OS, users can access the Google Play™ Store to download thousands of songs, games, movies and apps to enhance their TV experience. The SB301524W Sound Bar 2.1 incorporates a variety of technologies and components to produce room filling surround sound, including a 35W subwoofer with passive radiator, SRS WOW HD™ audio technology and dual front facing speakers. SRS WOW HD, developed by DTS technologies, improves the audio by widening the sound field, raising the vertical sound image and retrieving lost audio information during the mixing process to create a more natural surround sound experience. Elegantly designed to complement HDTVs 42-inches and above, the SB301524W sound bar features a trendy touch sensor control panel to easily adjust volume, preset modes or sound sources, an auto-dimming LED screen that displays current settings and a remote control compatible with multiple Sceptre HDTVs. It is also the ideal replacement for expensive and bulky surround sound systems, eliminating unsightly wires, expensive adaptors and the need to have a separate subwoofer. "The Sound Bar 2.1 with built-in subwoofer and Android Platform turns your traditional HDTV into a Smart TV at a fraction of the cost," said Cathy Chou, Sceptre's vice president of operations. "Our newest addition to the family of sound bars not only enhances your HDTV experience, but also brings people closer by giving you access to the same applications as a computer, including Skype, Facebook, Instant Messenger and more." Description: S:\Clients\Sceptre\Product Info\Sound Bar SB301524W\Sceptre SB301524W Remote.jpg To enhance the overall experience, Sceptre offers an optional smart remote control that replicates the functionality of a traditional mouse and keyboard. The SB301524W sound bar can be easily wall-mounted using only two screws and is currently available for $299.99 at Walmart, Amazon, Tiger Direct, Sears, K-Mart and NewEgg. For more information please visit www.sceptre.com |
| Top 10 most popular Android apps from last week Posted: 01 Jul 2013 07:55 AM PDT Every week we cover new Android apps with Fresh Meat on Wednesday followed by Android Gaming on Thursday and Top 10 app updates on Friday. Now every Monday we will look back and see which ones were the most crowd-pleasing among our audience. Read on for the 10 most popular Android apps among your peers from last week. 1. Taskbar – Windows 8 Style
Taskbar – Windows 8 Style is a nifty app that brings the familiar Windows taskbar to your Android device. There are several customization options such as selecting the location of the “start” button and choosing which applications appear in the start menu. Anyone looking for an app to replicate the Windows interface will appreciate Taskbar – Windows 8 Style. 2. DashClock Widget
The DashClock Widget is a great way to get a quick look at data that is important to you. You can set up DashClock to display missed calls, texts, emails and many other bits of information. The growing number of plugins for DashClock is a good sign of the popularity of this app and another reason check it out. 3. Floating Notifications
Remember when Facebook introduced ChatHeads to the public to make it easy to chat with your friends? The team behind Floating Notifications has taken that idea and applied it to app notifications. Once configured, notifications will also show up as an icon on your screen. Tapping this icon presents you with the dialog relating to the notification. 4. Twilight
Research shows that exposure to blue light prior to bed can inhibit you from much needed rest. Twilight attempts to solve this problem on your device by filtering out the blue spectrum and giving you a relaxing red hue to your device. I would advise those of you who have trouble falling asleep to try Twilight and see if it helps. 5. LEGO® STAR WARS™
There are currently many LEGO® games available on the Play Store, but most of them are geared towards children. LEGO® STAR WARS™ is the first LEGO® game on Android I’ve seen that I’m interested in playing. Our Top 10 list confirms many of you have the same sentiment. 6. Boomerang
Boomerang was just released and it’s already in your Top 10 apps list this week. One feature that I enjoy about Boomerang is the option to schedule delivery times for emails. 7. JAY Z Magna Carta |
| Leaked image shows off HTC One for Verizon Posted: 01 Jul 2013 05:19 AM PDT A render of the Verizon HTC One has surfaced, revealing a very familiar looking device. Save for Verizon’s 4G LTE logo next to the signal meter and the September 5 date on the screen, the image above is practically identical to previous leaks of the HTC One by @evleaks.
On more than a handful of occasions, the on-screen date of HTC handset renders has corresponded to an announcement or retail launch date, but we’re not quite ready to make that assumption. While Verizon’s announcement that the HTC One would be available “later this summer” was a bit vague, we’re truly hoping the device will be made available long before September rolls around. How much longer are you willing to wait for the HTC one on Verizon? |
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