| Samsung Galaxy Gear can run regular Android apps too Oct 10th 2013, 01:07, by Juan Carlos Torres It may or may not be common knowledge that Samsung‘s glorified wearable computer is truly an Android device in its own right, running Android 4.2.2. What may not be known, at least until now, is that the Galaxy Gear smartwatch is actually capable of running normal Android apps and even a normal Android launcher. 
All that it takes is enabling the USB Debug mode in the Galaxy Gear‘s settings and connecting the device to a computer via a USB cable on the smartwatch’s charging cradle. This will allow users to use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) program from the Android SDK to install apps from the PC to the smartwatch, provided they have the needed app APK on the PC. Users can also push files such as music and video via ADB. Once done, they can use an Android launcher of their choice, or Samsung’s saner launcher customized to take the Gear’s screen size into consideration, to access the sideloaded apps such as music and video players or even games like Candy Crush. 
Of course, there will always be limitations, aside from the display size. First is the fact that the Galaxy Gear runs on a 800 MHz processor with 512 MB of RAM, so one cannot expect blazingly fast speeds or responsive performance across the board, although the 4 GB internal storage might be adequate for a basic selection of apps and media files. Second, there is no way to gain root, at least for now, making it impossible to sideload Google apps such as Gmail, YouTube and the rest. But even if that were possible, it would be useless as the Galaxy Gear has no way to connect to the Internet on its own or even through tethering, making it a purely offline Android device. That said, the ability to install normal Android apps, bypassing Samsung’s extremely limited selection of blessed Galaxy Gear apps, might show a bit of potential for the wearable computer. It will probably be only a matter of time before we hear of some enterprising Android developer out there putting out a novel, creative use for the smartwatch. SOURCE: Ars Technica |  | Google Play Games services augmented with new developer tools Oct 10th 2013, 00:29, by Juan Carlos Torres Mobile gaming is serious business and things are probably about to get even more serious as we move towards games season. It’s no coincidence then that Google has now release three new features on their Google Play Games platform that will give game developers additional tools to help improve their masterpieces. 
Last May, Google launched the Google Play Games services as a means to help entice game developers to create games for Android and to combat the growing dominance of the iOS Game Center in the mobile gaming market. The collection of API and services offer the usual convenience features such as cloud-based game saving that sync across devices, achievement systems, leaderboards, and multiplayer features that will lessen the burden on developers so that they could instead focus on their goal of making a blockbuster game. Google has now added new features that will let developers monitor more closely user activities to aid them in tweaking the performance and features of their games. For example, game developers can now see in the Google Play Developer Console statistics such as Google sign-ins, achievements, and scores. The console also features new alerts that inform developers of possible errors in code or in processes and offer links to help solve the issue when applicable. And lastly, Google has also increased the allotted storage space for cloud saves to 1MB per user, per game, up from the original 512KB. 
All these new features are available on the Google Play Developer Console, although the increased cloud save storage won’t take effect until October 14. Google Play Games services is available not only for Android but for iOS and web-based games as well, helping developers make truly cross-platform games. SOURCE: Google | | T-Mobile set to offer data roaming free of charge in 100 countries Oct 9th 2013, 23:20, by Nate Swanner Several reports are suggesting T-Mobile will begin offering data without roaming charges for 100 countries. The third phase of the Uncarrier model T-Mobile promotes so heavily is said to essentially eliminate data roaming across much of the globe. 
According to iOS site iMore, you'll need a postpaid Simple Choice Plan. Starting at $50/month, the potential savings for travellers is huge. For those in the US, it means travelling to see family just over the borders may end up being a lot less costly.
T-Mobile's current — and soon former, we hope — charges on international roaming were costly. Like other carriers, the pricing would run upward of $15 per MB. Considering the amount of background operations we have on our devices, it can really add up. With international superstar Shakira helping out, and a "Don't miss it for the world" teaser, we're prone to believe the hype on this one. Great news for travellers, but we hope that's not all tonight's event holds for T-Mobile customers. 
UPDATE: The Verge is reporting that the above information on data roaming is accurate, and texting will also be included at no charge. The service will be available free for all Simple Choice plans. While T-Mobile didn’t disclose whether or not users would be able to enjoy the same service they get at home, T-Mobile is offering daily and weekly packages to those who wish to have the highest speeds possible. Additionally, users in the US who contact countries which offer a Simple Choice plan will be able to make lower cost calls to mobile devices. It will be $0.20/minute for mobile to mobile calls, and free for calls to landlines in over 70 countries. Texting is free, provided you’re doing so from the US. The add-on is $10/month for Simple Choice plan users. Additionally, T-Mobile is noting they now have nationwide LTE coverage. With service in 233 metro areas, T-Mobile says they service over 200 million subscribers. A far cry from the Verizon LTE juggernaut, but great for T-Mobile subscribers.
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