| Nextdoor neighborhood-based social app arrives for Android Aug 21st 2013, 17:49, by Robert Nelson Nextdoor is an app that iOS users may be familiar with. This is an app that originally launched only for iOS, however as of today the app has arrived for Android users and can be found in the Google Play Store. For those not familiar with the name, Nextdoor is a neighborhood-based social networking app. 
The app usage is based on your address. In fact, the first person in your area is required to setup items such as the boundaries. That first person also names the neighborhood and can provide a little background as to why they want to use the app and also invite some neighbors. Another step in the process is creating an online Nextdoor account. Obviously the use cases can vary widely, however the folks behind the app offer suggestions such as being able to send urgent reports about suspicious activity, crime activity, to report lost (and found) items and also warn neighbors about construction or other activity. Basically, it seems to be up to the user and/or neighborhood. But if nothing else, this seems like a good way to stay in contact with the neighbors without having to share more personal details such as your telephone number or email address. Otherwise, while the Android app is brand new, Nextdoor as a service has been around for some time now. The iOS app launched in May 2013 and the service itself has been around for even longer. The service was founded back in 2010. Anyway, at this point it looks like Nextdoor is being used in more than 18,000 neighborhoods around the country. VIA: The Next Web SOURCE: Nextdoor |  | Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch tipped to arrive late Sept in 5 colors Aug 21st 2013, 17:22, by Cory Gunther The details surrounding Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Gear smartwatch are coming in at a steady pace these days, and we only have a few more weeks before the company unveils it. Set to be announced on September 4th alongside the Galaxy Note III, the Galaxy Gear will be Samsung’s first Android smartwatch. Today we’ve learned about 5 color variations, and more details on the release date. 
According to SamMobile, who’s been quite accurate and hot on the Galaxy Gear trail, the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch will hit shelves in week 39, which is at the tail end of September. Yesterday we reported a similar date, with the Note III arriving around the second week of the month. The leakster revealing the end of September date has also confirmed the smartwatch will arrive in 5 fashionable color options. Four on launch, and a 5th “white gold” edition will land a week later, and probably cost quite a bit. The four colors are white, black, orange, and grey, although surely they’ll have nifty names just like the colors of Samsung’s smartphones. If all goes as planned (if these rumors are accurate) Samsung will launch their new smartwatch the last week of September and into October, just in time for people to start getting ahead of their holiday shopping. And wow, it’s already nearing that time of year. There’s been a lot of talk, hype, and rumors about this watch, and we hope it isn’t so mild that it disappoints after all these high flying rumors. Stay tuned as we’ll be there live with the details on September 4th. | | Google Glass Field Trip app arrives for a new-style virtual tour Aug 21st 2013, 17:09, by Robert Nelson The Field Trip app has been available for Android for a while now, though it doesn’t seem to attract much attention lately. That is not to say the app isn’t maintained and updated, in fact Google updated the Field Trip app just a few days earlier. While the Android app remains, it seems Google Glass users also have a Field Trip app available. 
Anyway, while most think of Field Trip as being a smartphone app these days, it was originally created with glass in mind. John Hanke, a vice president of product at Google recently spoke about how the mobile (Android) version of the Field Trip app was intended to simply spread the word about the app. After all, Google Glass has a limited user base at the moment. That should have the Glass Field Trip app fitting in rather nicely. Similar to how Google Now feeds you information, the Field Trip app will do the same. Just in this case that information will be about nearby sights. Unlike Google Now which seems to be beneficial regardless of where you are, Field Trip seems like it would be more beneficial when you are traveling (as opposed to wandering around your home town). If you have used the Field Trip app on a smartphone you likely have a good understanding of how this all works. And that statement is only more accurate if you also happen to have experience with Google Glass. Needless to say, given many have yet to see or use Google Glass at this point — Google has released a video showing how Field Trip works on Glass. And as a spoiler, if you happen to like venturing into new locations and checking things out — this will likely make you want to buy Glass when it comes available. VIA: Engadget | | HTC One update in Europe brings support for the Mini+ remote Aug 21st 2013, 16:49, by Cory Gunther While many are still waiting for Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, or even 4.2.2 to arrive for the HTC One smartphone, today we’re seeing an update hitting devices across Europe. The HTC One is receiving a rather small 32MB update which is adding a few new features, as well as official support for the Google Keyboard. 
According to a few tweets from Paul O’Brien the HTC One in EU is getting the update, and the main feature here is full support for the currently unreleased (but available for pre-order) HTC Mini+ remote accessory. It’s like a mini phone that doubles as an extension for your current phone, and much more. The HTC Mini was announced earlier this year, then the Mini+ for Europe. This little device is essentially an NFC and Bluetooth-equipped old style phone with the standard 10 key dial pad and a small monochrome display. It acts as an extension to your HTC Butterfly (and now HTC One) and allows you to read messages, see and even answer an incoming call, and make a call should you choose. It’s like a bridge to your device. Weird, we know. 
Alternatively it has an IR blaster and can act as a remote when your phone is connected to an HDTV, or even the remote for HTC’s Media Link accessory. It does a few things. It’s available for pre-order in the UK now, and will probably be announced and available soon. The changelog also mentions support for Google’s keyboard, for those who don’t like the standard Sense option, and surely there’s a few other changes hidden in there somewhere. We’ll report back when we know more, and let us know in the comments below if you’ve received the update. | |
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