| Google+ Hangouts rumored to get SMS integration soon Oct 8th 2013, 00:49, by Juan Carlos Torres Early this year, Google set out to consolidate some of its real-time messaging services under one name: Google+ Hangouts. Now it seems that the company is seeking to further bring in other communication channels too, as users will soon be able to send and receive SMS and MMS via Hangouts. 
Back in May, Google launched Google+ Hangouts to reduce the number of fragmented and confusing services that the tech company has so far been offering. The service encompassed not only one-on-one and group video chat but also included regular instant messaging, thereby deprecating the Google Talk service and app in the process. It felt logical that Hangouts would, at some point, also gobble up that other major real-time messaging system: SMS and, by extension. MMS. And indeed, the scaffolding seems to already be in place as early as May, allowing users to receive Hangouts messages via SMS when idle. Now we’re seeing some signs that a deeper SMS integration in the service which would allow users to receive and send SMS directly within the app itself. Messages will be marked with “via SMS” in order to differentiate messages coming from various sources. This would be on par with what the Facebook Android app already does, letting users set it up as their SMS app. Additionally, it would seem that Hangouts would also gain the ability to share videos via SMS. 
There is no leaked information yet when this will roll out to users, but if screenshots are already available, then maybe it won’t be too far away. When it does happen, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to expect Google to also assimilate both Google Voice and regular phone calls into Hangouts, making it the one real-time communication app to rule them all. VIA: Android Police |  | AT&T U-verse app now shows live TV Oct 7th 2013, 23:53, by Nate Swanner AT&T has announced they're bringing live TV to their U-verse app for Android. Of course, this has a few catches, which may not thrill some. For those who are already involved in the world of AT&T, this may prove a welcome update. 
First, the live TV will only be available to U-verse subscribers, with no free or preview option available. While more than 100 channels will be available for viewing, AT&T says only about 20 will be available while on the go. They also note they'll continue to add channels on an ongoing basis.
In a statement, AT&T's Chief Marketing Officer Mel Coker said; "By making live TV content available across devices we're enabling our customers to watch TV on their terms when and where they want it. U-verse has always been about delivering a TV experience built around our customers, and this enhancement gives them even more flexibility and control."
AT&T also points out the app has a full featured U-verse remote, DVR controls, and access to On Demand content. This update offers a nice addition to current AT&T subscribers' service, but will probably not do much to lure new customers. To qualify, you'll need a U-family or better package, and this still leaves a majority of U-verse channels inaccessible when not at home. The app will begin updating today, and will gradually roll out out all users over the coming weeks. VIA: CNET
| | Samsung said to be planning a 'Google Glass' competitor Oct 7th 2013, 23:20, by Nate Swanner Samsung is reportedly entering the world of tech headwear. Via Twitter, Russian technology blogger Eldar Murtazin reports that Samsung is planning to release the Gear Glass in 2014. Tipped for a possible April launch, the headwear could end up in a head-to-head battle (pun intended) with Google Glass. 
While this is all speculative, it wouldn't be much of a surprise. Many point to Samsung as being the manufacturer of the Glass display for the consumer model, suggesting Google will move toward an OLED display for the consumer model. If Samsung does make the display for Google Glass, it's possible they have some insight as to how — and why — that device works so well for enthusiasts.
If this turns out to be true, we'd like to see a more focussed approach than what we've seen with the Galaxy Gear. Samsung's smartwatch — expensive and limited in functionality — needs a lot of help. Useless without a Note 3 (though future Samsung models will embrace the watch), it is little more than a notification center. For $300, it should do a lot more, and we hope it will in short time. For what it is, the Gear leaves us with a bad sense of what Samsung can do with wearables. Then again, it's reasonable to consider that Samsung will be making the consumer version of Glass. Their "Gear Glass" model is tipped to be launching about the same time as Google Glass, and they produce the display we hear may be in the consumer version. They have the ability to produce smaller devices, as the Gear demonstrates, and Sundar Pichai notes Samsung is an important partner for them — yet they haven't done much together lately. Rather than two headsets, we may have just found who will make the consumer version of Glass.
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