Android Community |
- Instagram web embeds arrive for your filtered images and videos
- CyanogenMod 10.1.1 update arrives with “Master Key” fix
- Motorola DROID ULTRA and MAXX ad reveals August 8th release date
- AT&T LG Optimus G Pro value pack update adds eye pause and dual recording
- HTC M8 expected to arrive as 2014′s flagship
- Skype listens to user-feedback, adds “easier way to sign out”
- Samsung and HTC tease ZigBee home automation support
- Recon Jet Pilot Edition glass shipments set to begin in December
- Bluebox Security app scans for Master Key vulnerability
- Google Maps v7 detailed: Latitude killed, Offline maps hidden
- Google Maps update for Android 4.0.3 and higher rolling out over “next few weeks”
- ZTE U988S, rumored as first Tegra 4 smartphone, revealed in leaked image
- Samsung GALAXY S 4 Active now available in UK
- Verizon HTC One clears the FCC, release date coming next
- Google adds voice calls to Gmail and Hangouts
- LG G2 leaks in full photo gallery ahead of August 7th event [UPDATE]
- Samsung Galaxy S4 getting software updates on AT&T and Verizon
- GlassUp glasses launching as a second screen for your smartphone
- AT&T sending out ‘get ready for what’s next’ teaser on July 16th
- Moto DROID RAZR HD and MAXX HD update arrives with security patches
| Instagram web embeds arrive for your filtered images and videos Posted: 10 Jul 2013 11:17 AM PDT This seems like a feature that should have always been available, but up until today Instagram users were not able to embed images on other sites. That said, the Instagram team has announced just that and moving forward you will be able to embed images and video from your Instagram feed. The process is simple and involves just a few clicks to get the code.
Once on the Instagram image (or video) that you want to share, you will need to click the share button that sits on the right-hand side. The share button is the one with the arrow and sits just below the favorite and comment buttons. Anyway, a click of that button will bring a pop-up with the embed code and from here you just click the green “Copy Embed Code” button and add paste it where you need. The embeds are done using iFrame and have the images sitting at 612 wide by 710 high. Perhaps more important here though, the embed will show the image (or video) as well as the key details including the username and avatar, comments and number of likes. Also, this may be as one would expect, but the image has to be set as public for it to be available for embed on other sites. Bottom line here, while nice to have available, we have to consider this more of a catch up feature. Plenty of other sites offer the ability to embed images and as a result of what we have seen from those other sites — we suspect we may begin seeing more and more Instagram images around the web. SOURCE: Instagram Blog |
| CyanogenMod 10.1.1 update arrives with “Master Key” fix Posted: 10 Jul 2013 10:49 AM PDT The latest CyanogenMod update has come available. This update will bring your handset up to version 10.1.1, but instead of arriving with a changelog full of new features, this one arrived with a few key bug fixes. More specifically, some security related bug fixes — including a fix for the “Master Key” exploit that has recently been brought to light by Bluebox Security.
This CM10.1.1 update will fix the Master Key exploit, which is also known as bug 8219321. And in addition to this being fixed in CM10, this issue was also patched for those using CM9 and CM7. The other items in the CM10.1.1 update include the following;
There was also mention of some unspecified “general device” bug fixes. Along with news of the update being available, the folks at CyanogenMod are encouraging users to update as soon as their respective build is available. A quick check of the Verizon Galaxy S III we have running CM10.1.0.3 shows the update as being available and ready. In fact, the update is being downloaded and installed as this post is being written.
While it is a bit early comment on any issues or side effects that may come as a result of this update, we can say that is has taken care of the “Master Key” issue. We ran the Bluebox security app and are now showing the the Patch Status as being Patched. Simply put, it looks like that is one less issue that CM users have to worry about moving forward. That said, CyanogenMod users can navigate to the settings and then into About phone -> CyanogenMod updates and hit the refresh button in the upper right to look for the update. SOURCE: CyanogenMod |
| Motorola DROID ULTRA and MAXX ad reveals August 8th release date Posted: 10 Jul 2013 10:32 AM PDT There has been countless leaks over the past week surrounding Motorola and their upcoming lineup of phones. We’re halfway into June and they’ve released nothing new this year. However, things are about to change as the Moto X is coming soon, and the DROID ULTRA and MAXX for Verizon are coming too. The latest leaks even show August 8th is the official release date for the new line of DROIDS.
The DROID ULTRA has already leaked in the flesh, and this morning the usual Twitter leaksters are even showing press images of the entire lineup. That being the DROID Mini, DROID ULTRA, and DROID MAXX. So when will will you be able to buy one? According to multiple leaks found by Android Central, Verizon is planning their usual TV assault of “DROID DOES” commercials for the new handsets. They received a copy of both ads, in paper form, and as you can see from the image the bottom line reads, “Only on Verizon 8-8-13″
Then of course the DROID MAXX will be like previous devices, and come with a ridiculously huge battery. That ad spot states 48 hours of worry free battery life. “When it matters, it matters” and we even see hints of voice actions and a few other things. With these showing the devices being released and available to the public on August 8th, we have a feeling an official event and announcement is coming any day now from Verizon Wireless. Stay tuned. |
| AT&T LG Optimus G Pro value pack update adds eye pause and dual recording Posted: 10 Jul 2013 10:08 AM PDT This afternoon LG has just confirmed that their Optimus G Pro smartphone over on AT&T is getting a pretty major software update starting today. The highly anticipated “value pack” update has a slew of new features, tools, and customizations that makes the 5.5-inch smartphone even better. Things like eye tracking to pause video if you look away, dual recording, and much more.
Now we know what you’re thinking. Aren’t all of those features that are readily available from the Galaxy S4? Yes, yes they are. However, LG patented the eye-tracking features first, but that really doesn’t matter. What is important, is that the AT&T Optimus G Pro is getting some stellar new features today. The upgrade is rolling out starting today from AT&T and it’s quite big. After updating you’ll enjoy some new features such as: Smart video, which will track the users eyes and pause video if you look away, then resume when you return your eyes to the display. Being able to take images with both the front and rear camera at the same time, picture in picture while recording and more. Then pause live video recording, and resume while keeping it all one file. Take a peek below. LG has also improved the Quick Remote to support more devices and TVs, and added a new text input method so searching for Netflix videos will be a breeze to input. Lastly, one of my most favorite new features is the ability to customize the notification LED on the home button. It’s RGB, so supports a wide array of colors. You can customize alerts and colors, and even add select colors to contacts and more. Not bad LG and AT&T. The update is rolling out as we speak so check for updates and give it a run. Enjoy those new camera features folks. VIA: AT&T |
| HTC M8 expected to arrive as 2014′s flagship Posted: 10 Jul 2013 09:43 AM PDT The HTC M7 went on to arrive as the device we now know as the HTC One. And moving forward it looks like chatter may be on the HTC M8. Details are still on the light side, however it looks like the M8 will be arriving as the 2014 flagship for HTC. The key here though, it was said that HTC is using different codenames in an effort to keep some of the leaks from being pieced together.
While the M8 is expect to be the 2014 flagship, it is also looking like HTC may have an updated version of the One coming later in 2013. Similar to the limited details available for the M8, the updated version of the One remains mostly a mystery. What we have seen is coming by way of unnamed sources from Pocket-lint who are reporting that “plans could be changed.” Basically, it looks like it is still very much early days in terms of the HTC M8. Otherwise, assuming HTC follows typical patterns we suspect the updated version of the One could see bumps in terms of the camera and maybe the processor. Possibly even taking the bump and appearing with a Snapdragon 800 processor. In other HTC related news, it is looking like the One may finally be arriving with Verizon Wireless. The carrier has yet to update their earlier statement confirming the handset, however the handset has recently stopped by for a visit with the FCC. That filing had the model number listed as being HTC6500LVW with the ‘VW’ at the end as being for Verizon Wireless. And if there was any further doubt, the filing also had support for CDMA and LTE. With that, the official word from Verizon remains as “later this summer.” SOURCE: Pocket-lint |
| Skype listens to user-feedback, adds “easier way to sign out” Posted: 10 Jul 2013 08:39 AM PDT Skype rolled out the v4.0 update for Android users back on July 1st. That update came with news of how the app had topped the 100 million install mark and with details about how the app would have what was called a modern design that put conversations first. Well, in an effort to bring that modern design, it looks like the company had buried the option to log out.
As it stands you are able to log out, however you have to tap your profile image (in the upper right corner), then tap the menu option and select sign out. Not a difficult process, but one that was not all that convenient. Anyway, in what the folks at Skype are touting as a “minor update” they have listened to user feedback and made the process of signing out a bit easier. Moving forward you will be able to sign out by hitting the menu key from a number of screens including Recent, Favorites, People and Profile. Aside from the ability to sign out from a few additional screens, this Skype update also had a few other changes and tweaks. The next few items deal with bugs that popped up when users moved from v3.2 to v4.0. These include two items;
Otherwise, this update also improved the dialog translations for a few languages including Russian, Brazilian Portuguese and Traditional Chinese. With that, this latest Skype for Android update will be available in the Google Play Store as of today. SOURCE: Skype |
| Samsung and HTC tease ZigBee home automation support Posted: 10 Jul 2013 07:57 AM PDT Home automation seems to be a growing topic these days. There are some available third-party options that are able to be controlled using your smartphone or tablet, however it looks like Samsung and HTC may be working on something with ZigBee. The ZigBee Alliance has a standard set of protocols and they include being able to control items such as switches, lights and heating controls.
That said, while some may not recognize the ZigBee name, that is the technology used in the Philips Hue lightbulbs. Samsung also has some ZigBee products. In fact, Samsung introduced a set of ZigBee capable LED lightbulbs earlier in the year. Anyway, while there are already options to have some home automation control from your smartphone, the options seem to be spread out and also often require the use of more than one app (or in some cases, more than one remote). The key with the ZigBee support coming from Samsung or HTC would be a single app setup to control various products and items around your home. So far we have yet to see any timeline as to when either Samsung or HTC may have one of these ZigBee-capable smartphones available. Instead what we have is coming by way of unnamed sources who have shared details with Pocket-lint. According to some of the details provided, HTC is looking at the RF4CE support which ties in with home entertainment devices Otherwise, it also looks like Samsung is working on a dongle. A move like that could help Samsung have a product on the market before HTC, but it also gives Samsung the opportunity to have support for older devices in addition to any new devices that roll-out with built-in support. In the meantime, we are hoping both of these companies begin using larger batteries because it sounds like our smartphones are going to be getting more and more use moving forward. SOURCE: Pocket-lint |
| Recon Jet Pilot Edition glass shipments set to begin in December Posted: 10 Jul 2013 07:15 AM PDT Recon Instruments unveiled the Recon Jet glasses back in May during Google I/O. They were pushing these as being similar to Google Glass, but more for the active lifestyle. The key with that, while they unveiled the glasses during I/O, it wasn’t until much more recent that we learned about those other important details. You know, the pricing.
The price was announced back in late-June and it coincides with the Tour De France. Basically, the Recon Jet glasses are launching for $499 and that price will remain in effect through July 21st (the end date for the 2013 Tour De France). After that point those considering a purchase would need to shell out an additional $100 for a purchase price of $599. While there is still about 10 days left on that introduction price, it looks like the folks at Recon Instruments have come back with a status update in terms of the inventory. And perhaps more important — in terms of when these initial orders will begin shipping. Details on the Recon Instruments website show the black model Recon Jet glasses as being 90 percent sold out. Though, while 90 percent sold out, they haven’t talked about specific numbers so we have yet to see what they actually means in terms of sales numbers.
Otherwise, those moving forward with a purchase can expect the shipments to begin in December 2013. Further details tell the story about how the orders will also be shipped on a first come first served basis. So basically, it is looking like the deliveries may soon be pushing into next year. With that, Recon Instruments are pushing these as being the “world’s most advanced wearable computer” and talking about how they are able to provide details on everything from navigation to weather alerts and social media updates. These glasses are also able to provide digital coaching and have GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, an optical touchpad and ANT+ integration. SOURCE: Recon Instruments |
| Bluebox Security app scans for Master Key vulnerability Posted: 10 Jul 2013 06:40 AM PDT Bluebox Security began talking about the Master Key exploit recently and it seems to be a popular topic amongst Android users. The original reports are saying this could have affected about 900 million devices. The exploit had been around for several years now, dating back the release of Android 1.6 Donut.
But more to the point, Google has already addressed the issue and there is now an app to see if your handset is vulnerable. The app is available by way of the Google Play Store and is called Bluebox Security Scanner. The app is free to download and works quickly and easily. In fact, once the app has been installed you will know if your handset is patched or unpatched in a very short time. In our personal testing using a few phones found on our desk, an AT&T Galaxy S4 Active was found to be patched and a Galaxy S III running CM10.1.0.3 was found to be unpatched and vulnerable. In addition to the quick test of the patch status, the Bluebox Security Scanner also looks to see if your handset allows for non-Google installs and performs a scan for malicious apps.
The app begins the scan at launch and a tap of the menu button offers the option to rescan. That said, the app is simple, to the point and does just what it says it does. On the flip side though, despite finding that one of these two handsets are vulnerable at the moment — there isn’t all that much we can do about it. Basically, we know and we will remain waiting. Of course, knowing the handset is vulnerable should mean you proceed with a bit of caution if you are installing any third party apps from outside the Google Play Store. Otherwise, looking towards the follow-up news that had arrived from Google and we see this issue has been taken care of — now that just means the manufacturers will have to roll this fix out as a security update. SOURCE: Google Play Store |
| Google Maps v7 detailed: Latitude killed, Offline maps hidden Posted: 10 Jul 2013 03:44 AM PDT Google has officially detailed Google Maps for Android v7, and while there are are some useful new features, some of the most appreciated aspects of the app have been hidden or removed altogether. Spotted in the Play Store earlier today, the new app refreshes the design based on what Google did over on iOS previously, with a new Explore section that auto-predicts places to eat, drink, or stay in Google Now style cards as you type.
There’s also a dedicated tablet interface for Android slates, while the reviews system has also been improved. Now, alongside Zagat reviews, there are five-star ratings from other users and your friends to help you choose a place. Offers, from participating vendors, are also embedded directly into the map itself now.
Meanwhile, traffic has also been given a boost. Now, in addition to showing routes where there’s heavy congestion with color-coding, Google also offers more in-depth information on each incident by tapping it on the map.
Driving directions can also flag up a new route which is potentially faster based on upcoming congestions, similar to what we’ve seen from connected standalone PNDs from TomTom and others. Google Maps now offers to reroute in order to bypass incidents, if the alternative will be quicker. However, the app has some changes that users may not appreciate so much. My Maps support is gone, for instance, though Google says it will return in a future version. Latitude, SlashGear notes, is being axed altogether. As of August 9, 2013, Latitude will be shut down completely, and friends lists deleted. Instead, Google suggests, Latitude addicts should jump over to Google+, which already supports check-ins and location sharing. The other big change is the burying of offline maps. Whereas at first glance the feature is apparently gone altogether, the option to cache a section of the map missing from the settings page, in fact it’s merely accessed in a different way. Panning the map to a part you wish to cache, and then typing “OK Maps” into the search box, saves the section for later use.     |
| Google Maps update for Android 4.0.3 and higher rolling out over “next few weeks” Posted: 09 Jul 2013 11:51 PM PDT The newest Google Maps update, which we saw leaked – and later officially demo’d – back in May has officially begun rolling out to users running Android 4.0.3 and higher. It could be awhile before some users see the update come their way, however, with Google saying that the updates will be coming out over the next couple of weeks.
The change log is available for viewing on Google Play now, but the update hasn’t been made available there yet. With it comes an “enhanced navigation” experience that includes incident reports, dynamic rerouting, and updates on live traffic. There’s also an enhanced exploration feature for browsing locations, such as checking out inside of certain buildings. As we saw on its official unveiling, reviews are now brought to the forefront for users to see, and there’s a new 5-star rating system for places. There are now categories to help find new locations, such as places to eat and locations to shop. Those who are in the Google Maps beta program will already have seen many of these changes on the desktop. Google advises that not all of these features will be available to users in certain countries, and those running versions of Android 4.0.3 will need to check out Google’s help files to find out what version they can run. Google currently has a link up on Google Play for these individuals, but it leads to a 404 page at the moment. SOURCE: SlashGear |
| ZTE U988S, rumored as first Tegra 4 smartphone, revealed in leaked image Posted: 09 Jul 2013 07:55 PM PDT The ZTE U988S surfaced not too long ago with alleged specs indicating that it could be the first smartphone to harbor a Tegra 4 processor. Shortly after, some renders surfaced around the web purported to be of the handset, and now a leaked image has been published said to be an image of the actual phone in all its bright-red goodness.
The image was acquired by the folks over at Phone Arena, and it looks very similar to the renders that surfaced online earlier this week. The photo itself doesn’t reveal too much about the phone, but we do see a 13-megapixel rear camera with a flash, as well as a front-facing camera. The sides show a volume rocker, power button, and perhaps a camera button. Rumor has it the ZTE U988S will be the first smartphone to feature a Tegra 4 processor, which is said to be clocked at 1.8GHz alongside 2GB of RAM and an unknown storage capacity. There’s also said to be a microSD card slot, so storage expansion will be possible regardless of what the internal capacity is. Reportedly, the front camera is 2-megapixels. The display is said to be a solid 5-inches, which it certainly appears to be in the image, with a full HD resolution at 1080p. The entire device reportedly measures in at under 9mm in thickness, and it is said to be running Android 4.2.1. The folks at Gizchina have elaborated on the spec rumors a bit with some additional information, however. The dimensions are reported by them as being 144 x 71 x 9 mm, with the weight coming in at 148 grams; in addition, they purport that it will run Android 4.2.2 rather than 4.2.1. The price is said to be be 1999 Yuan, which is about $320 USD. As such, it will be launched as competition to the rumored flagship handset by Chinese maker Xiaomi. SOURCE: Phone Arena |
| Samsung GALAXY S 4 Active now available in UK Posted: 09 Jul 2013 06:13 PM PDT The Samsung GALAXY S 4 Active has gone up for sale in the UK with the sim-free variety being found for about £465, with the price varying based on the retailer. Some retailers are showing a 1 week delay in shipping times, however, so some might find themselves having to wait a bit to nab it from their preferred store.
The GALAXY S 4 Active was first announced back in the early part of June, and it was demo’d at the Samsung Premiere event in the same month. In case you missed it, we got our hands on the smartphone, and have since given it a complete review, including a nice water bath, which you can see in the video below. The Samsung GALAXY S 4 active features a 5-inch full HD display with Corning Gorilla Glass to give it that extra bit of protection, something especially necessary given the semi-rugged market to which Samsung is pushing the handset. The Active variation of S 4 is both waterproof and dustproof, so a trip through the desert or accidental drop in the pool won’t harm it. Inside, users will find a 1.9GHz quad-core processor alongside 2GB of RAM, as well as 16GB of internal storage space with expansion possible up to 64GB via a microSD card slot. As far as dimensions go, the smartphone measures in at about 140 x 71 x 9 mm, and is available in Dive Blue and Urban Gray. The Active runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with the TouchWiz user interface. Around back, the Active sports an 8-megapixel camera rather than the 12-megapixel offering on the regular variety. There’s also a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and different shooting modes, including Auto, Best Face, Continuous Shot, Sound and Shot, Eraser, and Aqua mode to go along with it waterproof nature. SOURCE: Android Authority |
| Verizon HTC One clears the FCC, release date coming next Posted: 09 Jul 2013 04:32 PM PDT Well, look what we have here. After months of waiting it looks like Verizon Wireless may finally be ready to announce and release the HTC One on their network. The latest word from Verizon themselves is the device would arrive “later this summer” and we’ve been patiently waiting for more details or a sighting in the wild. Well, today it cleared through the FCC.
Actually the only word from Verizon is that it was coming later this summer. It was mentioned once in some emails and confirmed by their Twitter account, and that’s all she wrote. Verizon has been completely silent regarding the smartphone, but we might actually finally be getting somewhere. Today, according to Blog of Mobile, the Verizon HTC just cleared the FCC and now all we need is to wait for the announcement from big red themselves. We can clearly see the CDMA and LTE radios mentioned in the filing, and of course the VW at the end of the model number was all we needed. It’s listed as HTC6500LVW.
Today the stock Google Play edition HTC One started shipping to buyers, so Verizon was beat by all carriers and Google themselves. For whatever reason they have no desire to get this out quickly, and the same could be said about them taking over a month longer than the rest with Samsung’s Galaxy S4. We know the device is coming this summer, and we’re nearly two weeks into July already, so hopefully an announcement and release date is coming any day now. Rumor has it the reveal is coming next week, and retail availability probably won’t arrive until very late July or the first week of August. Thanks for making us wait Verizon, real cool. VIA: Blog of Mobile |
| Google adds voice calls to Gmail and Hangouts Posted: 09 Jul 2013 03:59 PM PDT Soon you’ll be able to make phone calls in the US and Canada completely free thanks to Google. Previously we were able to make calls in Gmail from our browser, but when Google Talk became Google Hangouts the feature was removed. Today Google confirmed they’ve added it back to Gmail, and over the next few days they’ll be rolling out phone calling for Hangouts as well.
All the details and information was revealed today over on the official Google Gmail Blog. When this finally goes live later this week, calls to the U.S. and Canada will be free from "all countries where Hangouts calling is available." Then of course international calling will still be quite cheap, if you need that option. While we’ve been waiting Google took the opportunity to improve the experience too. You’ll now be able to have conference calls with multiple phone numbers, or videos all in the same call/hangout. You can add or remove as you’d like, and all those effects to video or audio sounds like applause and more will be included.
Then as you see above, when in Gmail there will be a new Phone icon for instant free calling. And of course Hangouts will have a new “call a phone” choice in the dropdown tag shown above. Now all we need is Google Voice and SMS messages to be added to Hangouts and we’ll have the complete picture. Who needs BBM when Google can just add it to Hangouts. That’s the plan. More details available from the Google link above. |
| LG G2 leaks in full photo gallery ahead of August 7th event [UPDATE] Posted: 09 Jul 2013 03:23 PM PDT The rumors surrounding LG‘s upcoming G2 flagship smartphone have been coming in at a steady pace. Most of the leaked photos have been blurry and cut off, but now we’re getting the best look yet. Today an entire gallery of images showing nearly all the hardware has leaked, and confirms the back will feature touch-controls instead of a volume rocker on the side. Take a look at this ultra thin device below.
This is out best look yet, as all previous leaks were simply blurrycam photos of the front. Thanks to Engadget we have the full picture here. The device looks like a fine blend between the LG Optimus G, the Nexus 4, and an iPhone. Well that’s what we think at least. Complete with speaker grills on bottom, a 13 megapixel camera, and a pretty sleek overall package. According to the tipster, the screen is in fact 5.2-inches instead of 5.5 and we’ll be working with a 1920 x 1080p full HD display. The nearly edge-to-edge display means this won’t take up too much space in your hand, and could come in similarly sized or smaller than the Galaxy S4. Then of course we have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core at 2.3 Ghz, reportedly 2GB of RAM, and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean on board.
There is no carrier branding present, but just like the Optimus G were expecting at least AT&T and the Now Network, and possibly others to follow. The bezel sure looks pretty thin here, and the bottom speakers are a nice edition, but gives it that iPhone look. It looks like the rear buttons will do more than just volume up/down, as we see a button. What do you guys think of this idea, and what else could that button be? [Update] 4Leakz has posted a short LG Optimus G2 hands on video on Youtube, the G2 size is about 5.46-inch height x 2.80-inch width. The device in the video has a model number LG-D803, the NFC icon on top also confirm that NFC sensor will be built in as well. Watch the video below! As a reminder, the device will fully be unveiled August 7th in NYC, and we’ll be there live for all the details and hands-on coverage. Check it out below.    VIA: Engadget |
| Samsung Galaxy S4 getting software updates on AT&T and Verizon Posted: 09 Jul 2013 02:19 PM PDT There are plenty of updates making the rounds today from Verizon and AT&T. From the RAZR HD, Kyocera Torque, and now the Galaxy S4. We’ve just learned that both AT&T and Verizon have issued software updates for the top dog Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone. They are rolling out as we speak, and we have all the details below.
Verizon’s update oddly enough isn’t available over the air, as usual, but could arrive that way later this week. For now we’ve learned that Verizon’s PC and MAC desktop installer has the update reading and waiting. However, those on AT&T can update over the air as usual to receive the latest and greatest. For Verizon users it’s called Software Upgrade Assistant and you can get it by following along these instructions. The update comes in around 350 MB for Both Verizon and AT&T. The update adds support for KNOX suite, and even includes the option to move apps to the SD card. This should help free up some space on those Galaxy S4 devices that are running low. Considering out of 16GB only 8 or so is usable out of the box. We’re also hearing new camera firmware is included with HDR video, and a transparent status bar. So far we have no changelog from AT&T or Verizon. The updates are quite large and could also have the latest security patches from Google we’ve been talking about lately. On a bit of bad news for enthusiasts. This update will break root access, and no rootkeeper app will save it. It appears Samsung has also swapped out the bootloader for both Verizon and AT&T. This means you won’t be able to use any previous exploits to unlock, or gain root access. If you’re planning on rooting your Galaxy S4 and running some CyanogenMod or other ROMs, this update will cause you some problems and stop you from achieving that goal. We should have more details soon, and feel free to drop us a comment if you accept the update and notice anything new. |
| GlassUp glasses launching as a second screen for your smartphone Posted: 09 Jul 2013 02:04 PM PDT A big item of discussion lately seems to be focused on getting details of incoming messages from your smartphone without having to remove it from your pocket. We have seen plenty of smartwatches, which are essentially serving as a second-screen for your phone. And well, it looks like we now have a similar setup being done with a pair of glasses. These are called GlassUp and have recently launched as an Indiegogo offering.
The GlassUp glasses are said to be able to offer alerts for incoming emails, text messages, directions and more including your heartbeat and even translations. Further details also talk of “any other info selected by the relevant apps on your smartphone.” A bit different from your standard incoming message alerts, the GlassUp details also show these being used as a teleprompter for public speaking and as an aid for the hearing impaired. These glasses will pair with your smartphone over a Bluetooth connection and while these are not necessarily the same as what you would get with Google Glass — there is the obvious comparison being made. Some of the differences here include the lack of a camera on GlassUp. Some of the other differences include the GlassUp glasses projecting the information close to the center of vision (as opposed to the upper corner like with Google Glass). The GlassUp glasses will also have a longer battery life and the information will be projected in monochrome. The present color is green, but it was said that amber may also be an option. Touching back on the battery life and while real-world use may vary for person to person, they are touted as having “one day of battery life.” Some of the other features of GlassUp will be sensors to include an accelerometer, compass, ambient light sensor and precision altimeter. The glasses will weigh in at around 65 grams (based on current prototypes), have a 320 x 240 display and lenses that will be slightly tinted. There will also be a classic and sporty look with options to have these fitted with your personal prescription. The GlassUp glasses will also have touchpad controls on the side.    All that being said, as this is an Indiegogo offering there are a few options in terms of pricing. The Super Early Bird pricing begins at $199 and the prices go up based on feature and option availability. Those interested will also be able to grab a model with a camera for $399. At this time the Indiegogo campaign has 30 days remaining and they have raised just over $11,000 towards a goal of $150,000. The shipments are then expected to begin arriving in the early part of 2014. SOURCE: indiegogo |
| AT&T sending out ‘get ready for what’s next’ teaser on July 16th Posted: 09 Jul 2013 01:47 PM PDT The folks from AT&T have something up their sleeve for later this month, and they’ve just started sending out press invites and teaser images telling us to “get ready for what’s next in wireless.” Stating that we’ll learn all the details on July 16th, but that’s all they had to share. The invite has just hit our inbox this afternoon.
AT&T confirms that they have some really big news coming on July 16th, and we’ll want to stay tuned. And that’s all we have to go on folks. The invite goes on to mention “what’s next in wireless” which leads us to believe this is not hardware based, and instead will be all about AT&T and their network. They’ve been extremely busy rolling out and improving their wide reaching 4G LTE network, and it’s blazing fast to say the least. Expanding to other markets every other week or so, they might be ready to announce they’ve reached their rollout goal for 2013 a few months early. That’s just a guess though. The invite talks about AT&T having the fastest 4G LTE network, mentions getting awarded the highest overall carrier performance, and even mentions higher overall average data speeds compared to all other carriers. So while we could be seeing the HTC One Mini, that rumored HTC One MAXX, or something else, this will likely be all about the carrier. AT&T could announce upgrades to their network, the details on their LTE-Advanced network for next year, or even VoIP. We’ll have to see come July 16th. What do you guys think? |
| Moto DROID RAZR HD and MAXX HD update arrives with security patches Posted: 09 Jul 2013 01:05 PM PDT Last week Motorola started sending out invitations for beta testers of an upcoming software update for the DROID RAZR HD and MAXX HD, and now it appears to be ready for the big leagues. Today Verizon has confirmed the update is on the way, posted the full changelog, and sadly it’s only bug fixes. No Android 4.2.2 quite yet guys.
The Motorola DROID RAZR HD and MAXX HD update looks to mainly address bugs, adds a few upgrades to pre-installed apps, and tons of Google security fixes. The discussion recently about the Android Master Key exploit being patched by Google comes to mind, and that’s likely included in this update. According to the Verizon changelog you see below there isn’t anything new in terms of software features, and mostly just bugs. Many were hoping for Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean from Motorola and Verizon, but I guess we’ll have to wait for another day to get that.
Motorola improved GPS reliability, fixed some random restarts, improved bluetooth connections, and fixed a slew of SMS related bugs. Usually once Verizon posts the details, we see the update hit smartphones over the next few days or by the end of the week. And yes, this will likely kill your root access. Let us know once you get it by dropping a comment below. VIA: Droid-Life |
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