Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Android Authority

Android Authority


Best of 2012: 10 Apps Google+ Users Can’t Live Without

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 11:26 AM PST

2012-Fireworks

 

A few days ago we showed you the 2012 best apps on Google Play, at least according to Google. According to Google, these apps really make Android shine. They are some of the best apps available for your favorite Android tablet or smartphone.  While some have launched over the past year, others received updates that offered great utility, beauty and accessibility. Sure, these apps are great, but what about apps that you simply just cannot live without? Your daily drivers. I took to Google+ and asked users just that. The results aren’t too surprising. It seems Google’s “best” and what users can’t seem to go without produce quite a different list.

1: Google+. This makes sense, as we did ask on Google+. No surprises here, I only saw Facebook listed once.
Google+

2: Google Now. While technically, this is Google Search, everyone seems to love automated information at your fingertips.
Google Search / Google Now

3: SwiftKey. Will we see the same in 2013 or will Google’s own gesture typing be a thorn in SwiftKey’s side next year as Android 4.2 rolls out to more devices?
SwiftKey

4: Gmail. Android users use Gmail? Shocking!
Gmail

5: Evernote. This one made Google’s best of the best list. It’s a great note taking application and so much more.
Evernote

6: Google Play Music.  While not available everywhere, Play Music is a great service. In 2012, Play Music’s content grew leaps and bounds.
Google Play Music

7: Google Chrome. Many users still prefer the stock Android browser as it renders some web pages faster. However, the tab syncing ability makes Chrome shine.
Chrome

8: Spotify. If you’re not drinking the Google kool-aid, Spotify is a great alternative.
Spotify

9: Dropbox. The Dropbox application is top dog when it comes to file sharing. As Google fans, we hope in 2013 Drive gets some of these features.
Dropbox

10: Flipboard. Last, but not least, we have the social news reader which just came to Android this past year.
Flipboard

How’s this list stack up for your daily apps? Did any of your apps not make the cut? Let us know in the comments.

 

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9 new irresistible games of December (2/2)

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 05:00 AM PST

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Everyday is Christmas day on the Google Play Store as we are about to open our newly packed gifts from Google’s toy shop. Present time is not yet over for we are about to introduce some of the newest games for the second half of December.

These 9 new irresistible games will have you:

  • Exploring the world as a monk, 8-bit graphics style;
  • Fighting against aliens with the use of machines;
  • Combine puddings to create the ultimate pudding monster;
  • Preparing people, resources, and equipment to fight a war;
  • Stopping pesky ducks from stealing your pumpkins;
  • Conquering asteroids and planting trees to increase your units;
  • Slipping, sliding, and dashing your way while escaping the wrath of an angry volcano;
  • Helping out an alligator that loves to shower and a platypus that solves puzzles; and
  • Rocking out with Santa Claus and his reindeer.

So sit back, relax, and open your new and irresistible gifts on your Android device.

Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery

Travel in a mystical and magical world in Capybara Games’ Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery. This is an action adventure RPG game with 8-bit graphics and outstanding sound effects. Using your headphones while playing the game is advised so you can truly appreciate the game’s sound effect. In this game, you play as a monk and explore a mysterious world. The game is primarily focused on tapping to interact with objects around you. Your handset’s orientation will also vary in the game. Holding the device in landscape lets you travel and interact with your surrounding. Turning into portrait will unsheathe your sword and do battle against mythical creatures. Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery is currently on sale. You can now travel a mysterious and magical world for only US$2.04.


Anomaly Korea

Baghdad was just the beginning. The machines have once again invaded Korea in 11 bit studios’ Anomaly Korea game. This is just like any defense game, but you are placed on the attacking force. You must strategically plan your route and fight against the machines, waiting along your course. Your troops alone cannot fight against the heavy fire of the alien force. You must use your power-ups to increase your firepower, conceal your troops, replenish your troop’s health, and many more. You can also hire troops and upgrade them to survive longer in the war. What’s even best is that the game is on sale. You can get the Anomaly Korea game for only US$2.83.


Pudding Monsters HD

Oh no! The puddings are being eaten. It’s time for the little puddings to combine and create monsters with ZeptoLab’s Pudding Monsters HD game. Your primary goal in this game is to combine all puddings on the table. You can do that by sliding one pudding into another. But, you have to be careful because you might slide off the table. You can use objects on the tablet to help you reach the other puddings. For more fun, try obtaining all stars in each round. Slide and form pudding monsters with Pudding Monsters HD for US$1.00.


War 2 Victory

WISTONE Entertainment puts you at the head of a war in War 2 Victory. Just like any war, before you can go out to the front lines, you’ll need to prepare your resources. Start by building houses to attract people into moving into your city, and then start building factories to produce your resources. Once you have enough people, turn them into factory workers and soldiers. Finish missions to earn yourself more resources that you can use to build your army, strengthen it, and gain an advantage over your enemy. Download War 2 Victory from the Google Play Store for free today!


Duck vs Pumpkin

Halloween may have come and gone but no one likes pests in the garden. Stop those pesky ducks from stealing your pumpkins in Duck vs Pumpkin by Amazing Games. You need to protect three of your precious pumpkins from waves of ducks. Show them who’s boss by shooting them with your shotgun. Be careful, because you might run out of bullets. Reload quickly or else the ducks will carry your prized pumpkins away. Ducks vs Pumpkin is free to download from the Google Play Store but you will see ads in the lower left corner of the screen.


Eufloria HD

Omni Systems Unlimited’s Eufloria HD is an ambient strategy game that puts you at the head of a galactic colonization. Conquer asteroids and plant trees to birth more of your seedling units. But, as you expand your empire throughout space, you come across asteroids stricken with the gray sickness. Get to the bottom of this while cultivating seedlings that are strong, healthy, and fast. Eufloria HD is a perfect game to play on tablets and phones with large screens. Zoom out and you can see your slow but sure conquering of asteroids but zoom in and really see the action as it takes place. Complete with a soothing ambient soundtrack, Eufloria HD can be played at a relaxed pace or fast and furious. Purchase Eufloria HD from the Google Play Store for $4.82.


PITFALL!

Loved Temple Run and Agent Dash? If you can’t get enough of these running games, PITFALL! by Activision Publishing, Inc. is a must-have game app. Relive this classic game as Pitfall Harry makes his way across cliffs and death-defying obstacles, hoping to escape the wrath of the angry volcano. Jump, slide, tilt your device to get treasures, and use Pitfall Harry’s whip to help you clear the obstacles. The game is so much fun to play because of its graphics and challenging obstacles. Get PITFALL! for free and play this classic remade for Android today.


Where’s My Holiday?

Although we had already celebrated Christmas, there’s still more to celebrate about as Swampy and Perry tie up in Disney’s Where’s My Holiday?. Where’s My Holiday? features the same gameplay that requires fast-thinking to have water flow to Swampy or Perry. This game houses 12 exclusive Christmas-themed levels in both Swampy’s and Perry’s stories. If you enjoyed both Where’s My Water? and Where’s My Perry?, you’ll definitely love this game with a bit of a Christmas twist. Where’s My Holiday can be yours for free. Get it today and help Swampy and Perry this holiday season.


Santa Rockstar

Who would’ve thought that Santa Claus had a killer body and can pull off wicked guitar riffs? If you don’t believe me, then download Santa Rockstar by Yuisy. Help super bodybuilder Santa Claus deliver gifts around the world with the power of Rock music, together with the Reindeer Band. Make sure you hit the colored notes well so you can obtain boosts to increase your score. You’ll get to play rock versions of classic Christmas tunes in this game and unlock other characters like Rudolph the Rock Lord, Genny the Gingerbread Guitar Legend, and more. This fun game is absolutely free. Don’t skip this chance to help super hot Santa shower the world with gifts and spiking rock music.


The month of December is almost ending but great games will still be flocking the Google Play Store for the coming new year. To end this month, we have eagerly collected nine awesome games in one list for you to have fun with as we anticipate the ushering in of the year 2013. Start the year with great Android games and you are sure to find greater ones the whole year round. If you have taken a liking to some of the games in this list, show your love by voting for them in the poll below. Are there games you found entertaining but we failed to include in this list? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

(with contributions from Alvin YbaƱez and Dan Evans; banner image courtesy of Shutterstock.com)

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini ships with Android 4.1.2 in Asia

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 03:42 AM PST

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If you've read our Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini review, you'd know that the phone doesn't hold a candle to its bigger brother when it comes to specs. Nevertheless, the Mini scores big on usability factor and the fact that it looks a lot like the Galaxy S3 – albeit smaller. As we’re about to ring in the New Year, Samsung has a surprise for those who are planning to get the phone.

Initially, the Galaxy S3 Mini "only" shipped with Android 4.1.1 onboard, but now we're hearing via Unwired View that the phone will come with Android 4.1.2 out of the box – as reported by users in Vietnam and Indonesia.

The problem is we're quite sure that the Galaxy S3 Mini hasn't been officially released in Indonesia, where it's only expected to arrive in January 2013, possibly with more color options. We'll find out soon enough if that'll be the case.

The Android 4.1.2 firmware (I8190DXALL3) is already available online for folks who want to have a taste of the newer Jelly Bean version early. You will want to back up everything on your phone before flashing the ROM. And as always, proceed only at your own risk.

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Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


12 Android Predictions for 2013

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 03:46 PM PST

The year 2013 is just hours away, folks, and another crazy year of excitement and fun should keep us on our toes. We like to do a bit of foreshadowing, though, so the team went ahead and came up with a list of what we think might transpire in the unpredictable land of Android this coming year. Read ahead, and remember that these are just predictions with a dash of wishful thinking — we’d be delighted to see half this list come true. Without further ado… read on!

Battery buster: out with the thin, in with the new (Rob Jackson)

A lot has changed since the first Android devices. The Motorola Droid’s 3.7-inch screen was once considered enormous. Tablets in general were seen as a luxury and 7-inch tablets viewed as a niche market. Hardware keyboards have all but gone the way of the dodo, replaced by responsive 4.5-inch+ touch screens that have rendered keyboard phones endangered.

But one common complaint has transcended almost all of these form factors: poor battery life. Rather than relying on “thinnest phone in the world” type marketing, manufacturers will offer more phones with slightly added heft but incredible battery life. Combined with improvements in battery technology, the typical Android user will finally go a full 24-hours without considering it a miracle.

Google TV gaming controller (Edgar Cervantes)

Google TV has a good year coming and better gaming will come with that. There are many gaming controllers out there, but none are dedicated to Google TV. In 2013, we can expect other third-party manufacturers coming out with gaming controllers to use with Google TV. These may come in different shapes or forms, and more than likely they will also double as a remote for the TV (at least in some ways).
It is a great time for manufacturers to get in the Google TV gaming market. At some point, we might not even need TV consoles like the OUYA. Actually, Google TV devices come with OnLive cloud gaming compatibility, and they can use the OnLive wireless controller with that app. The only issue is that the controller does not work with other Android games compatible with Google TV. We need a Google TV-dedicated controller, and we will more than likely see it this year.

Android and Chrome OS merge for ultimate PC OS (Quentyn Kennemer)

We’ve been dreaming of Android-based computers for quite some time now. Some smaller companies partially fulfilled those dreams as early as 2009, though Android was rough around the edges for anything other than phones. It still had us wet at the tongue as we longed for a day where Android could become a viable PC operating system. Google had a different vision, obviously — that vision turned out to be Chrome OS.

The search giant wanted a netbook OS that could rely on the cloud and web-based apps to satiate those who might miss typical apps, but the reality is that only gets you so far. Trust me, being told that I can’t use an “app” because I don’t have an internet connection is frustrating. Yes, it’s true that we often have access to a WiFi connection at places where we tend to whip out portable computers out, but web-only solutions can’t satisfy the need of everyone.

I predict Chrome OS will continue to struggle to break ground, and Google will finally look to merge it with Android. There’s no good reason why it couldn’t happen. For starters, there’s already a Chrome app on Android. While that implementation of the browser might not fully support plugins and web apps we imagine it can’t be that hard to let the two live in harmony inside some sort of sandbox.

Technical feasibility aside, the marriage of Android and Chrome OS can only help Google realize their dream of being on literally any type of device it wants to be on. You get the backing of the familiarity that comes along with Android and the Google Play Store and a multi-window experience we’ve always longed for, all the while still providing an excellent browser that delivers ad dollars right through Google Search — why not?

Google and Samsung make a Nexus TV (Rob Jackson)

An awful lot has been said about Google’s lack of dedication to Google TV, an Android based platform with tons of potential that has yet to catch on. Most critics blame Google for an absence of effort, and the abrupt launch and demise of the Nexus Q home entertainment device in 2012 added a mysterious uncertainty to the Google TV saga.

In 2013 all of that will change when Google announces the Nexus TV by Samsung at Google IO, made available in time for the holidays. Launched simultaneously with peripheral accessories based on Android Open Accessory, a redesigned UI, and new content partnerships, Samsung will offer a Galaxy inspired TV experience that will quickly lead the new age of internet connected television.

Google fails to release Android@Home light bulbs… AGAIN (Edgar Cervantes)

As a kid, I always wanted one of those small battery-powered Jeeps. I would see the other kids taking all the little girls in the block for rides. Riding around with their plastic sunglasses purchased at the local 99 cent store – I just really wanted one too. I kept asking for one, but Santa, the 3 Wise Kings, the Tooth Fairy and every deity in the world decided to bring me something else… year after year. I find myself feeling the same anxiety with Google’s Android@Home lightbulbs.
Google was all about Android@Home during I/O 2011, with the main attraction being the Android-controlled LED light bulbs. They said these awesome light bulbs would be out by the end of 2011. That didn’t happen. Then 2012 went by, and unless they plan to release them in the coming hours, that didn’t happen either. For 2013, I predict these won’t be coming again. And sadly, there is no reason they shouldn’t, the technology was almost ready to head out the door.
We now have other options, like LIFX, with much more features and Android apps. They work, probably even better, but Google had this idea before them and they should have ran with it. Google would have more than likely given us a much more affordable price, too. But oh well, we can do nothing but complain and go with the competition at this point.

Google and Rayban bring Project Glass to retail (Chris Chavez)

With the first wave of Google Glass landing in developers’ hands in 2013, I think Google will have some time on their hands to focus on the other portion of Glass most consumers are most worried about — design. Sure looking like a Trekkie is fun for — oh, I don’t know… 5 minutes — but once you’re out and about in the real world, nobody wants to look like a total doofus. That’s why I think Google will be working on a fashionable version of Google Glass paired with Rayban that allows the eye wear to almost completely blend in Google Glass, possibly even integrating with it. Couple this with Rayban’s ad team, and they’ll maybe even be able to sell a pair or two.

RIM throws in the towel on Blackberry (Rob Jackson)

The downfall of the Blackberry brand has been well documented: an outdated OS, an archaic internet experience, and disastrous mismanagement have brought a once proud brand to its knees. The company’s remaining gasps of breathe exist in reliable security and their related success with corporate and government entities that can’t or won’t afford the cost of switching.

With value quickly diminishing, RIM will seek a buyer in 2013, hoping to bail out stock holders and management alike. Noting the failed HP purchase of WebOS, rivals Apple and Google will stay on the sidelines. Instead, Microsoft will acquire the company in an attempt to regain enterprise market share, but the purchase will fail to move the needle until 2014, when it’s looked back upon as a success.

Nokia ends Microsoft partnership to embrace Android (Chris Chavez)

Nokia came out the gate swinging this year with a handful of sexy, well designed handsets. There’s only one problem: they’re playing for the wrong team. As much as Nokia’s CEO pretends Windows Phone is the superior mobile OS (he’s either getting paid to say that, or he’s delusional) dismal sales in 2013 will force the once great handset OEM to make some changes, one of those being Android. Say what you will about Elope, he makes some beautiful devices — ones that would look even better with Android running on them.

Google Wallet dies at the hand of ISIS (Quentyn Kennemer)

Google Wallet was poised to be the end-all, be-all solution for the future of mobile payments, but one thing stood in its way: a band of very powerful carriers. Sprint was the only American carrier to get on-board with Google for the NFC payment service, but the other three biggies stateside had other plans.

When Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile banded together to support ISIS they made it clear that they believed Google didn’t hold the answer to the future of payments. Why? We can’t say for sure. Some believe the resistance is due to Google not willing to give carriers a big cut of the pie for payments made. ISIS allows the carriers to scrape a more generous amount off the top, and since business is always about money that is likely the biggest factor.

Google’s done really well to start out as it eventually supported all major credit cards and has some very big names on its partners list, but the mobile payments scene is still fresh enough for ISIS to make an impact and I don’t know if Google can withstand the heat. After all, the biggest carrier in the mix — Verizon — is actively blocking Google Wallet by denying access to the secure element of its devices, and that is perhaps the most damning thing of all.

WiFi Charging will finally take off (Edgar Cervantes)

CES 2010 was quite eventful, but one of the most exciting things for me was hidden in a booth no one ever goes too. It was the RCA Airnergy power system, a new technology that allowed batteries to take WiFi signals (waves) and harvest them for power. Yes, this little gadget allowed batteries to be charged, not only wirelessly, but by simply being around WiFi hotspots. One did not even need to be signed into the network. It wasn’t too slow either, being able to charge a blackberry in about 1.5-2 hours.
I knew then that this was going to be big for the future of battery technology. It never quite took off, but I still believe this technology will make an epic comeback. What better year than 2013? Manufacturers can’t do much more than simply giving us larger batteries, if they want their devices to last longer. And in a world where thinner is always better, the best idea is to follow new technologies.
RCA even mentioned that they planned to build the whole system into cellphone batteries (as opposed to having to carry around the secondary dongle). I believe this is the year these nifty batteries make it to the market. With WiFi hotspots being in every restaurant, home and business, some of us will never have to plug in our devices again.

Google WiFi: Free Hotspots Everywhere (Quentyn Kennemer)

As the world looks to become more connected than it already is (is that even possible?) Google will most certainly look to capitalize on a nice opportunity. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them strive to build the first major network of public WiFi hotspots that can be accessed for the low, low price of “free.” Public WiFi access is nothing new, per se, but the few options out there are government-built, as slow as molasses and offer spotty services, at best.

Attaching its name to a wide-scale (I’m talking about national) collection of free, reliable hotspots would only help Google solidify its already-dominant position in the world of web technology. Google doesn’t stand to gain much at first glance, but if you look a bit deeper you might find it’s something it would actually benefit from.

Google’s MO has always been to encourage and enable everyone to hit the ground running with Google Searches no matter where they are and what devices they have. Some people are more cautious about doing any of that on their phones thanks to the advent of capped data, and many people would love to use their WiFi-only tablets while they’re out and about but loath having to pay for overpriced hotspot options from their carrier of choice. I predict Google will solve that problem, and they’ll be paid back by the thousands of ads you’ll view over your new public access points.

ASUS and Google concoct the Nexus Padfone (Chris Chavez)

Besides quad-core phones finally hitting the mainstream in 2012, one of the best ideas to hit Android was the convertible ASUS Padfone (and its successor, the Padfone 2). With specs soon hitting a ceiling (what’s next after 1080p phones, 4K?) I think Google will snatch the opportunity to shake the tech world upside down, making the next Nexus a Padfone. Consumers will go nuts, everybody will win. Well, except Apple that is. They’ll be left sitting on their hands, looking for more basic ideas to patent.

What about you?

Like we said before, these are just predictions — they’re not meant to be taken as gospel. We just think some of these things have a pretty decent chance of going down in the new year, though we wouldn’t be surprised if this list was more hit or miss. As unpredictable as the world around us is it’s fun to just sit back and daydream every now and then. Why not join in on the fun with us by giving your predictions in the comments section below? Perhaps we can revisit this post on December 31st, 2013 and see just how insane we all turned out to be. Have a happy new year!

Street Fighter 4 drops LG exclusivity, now available for Android devices in Japan

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 01:45 PM PST

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After finding itself as an LG exclusive for almost a year now, the fighting game classic Street Fighter 4 is now finally available for download in the Google Play Store for a handful of other devices. The only problem is most of these devices are unique to Japan where the game is only available (for now). At $3.48 cents by current exchange rates, this is about as close as you’re going to get to having a true Street Fighter 4 experience on your mobile device.

According to Droid Gamers (which has an awesome new redesigned site), the Japanese Street Fighter 4 for Android also has an English option which gives us hope that it’ll be arriving stateside in the near future. The game currently weights in at hefty 1.3GB, so you might wanna start clearing out some old apps in the meantime. We’ll keep you updated.

[Street Fighter IV on Google Play]

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 shows up in new color options (for real this time)

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 12:16 PM PST

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It was last Friday we saw what appeared to be the Galaxy Note in a brand new color option: black. Many of you were pretty jazzed at the idea, myself included. Unfortunately, the blacked out Galaxy Note 2 was nothing more than a concept, although that’s not to say a black version will launch at some point down the road (if fact, we’re kinda betting on it). It’s definitely not uncommon for a handset manufacturer to release new color variants after its initial launch. Gives the device another opportunity to create some new buzz.

Today the Note 2 is back again and yes, in new color options. This time around, we have something a little more official than a render — a magazine ad from Korea. The ad shows the Note 2 in “Garnet Red” and “Amer Brown,” just like its Galaxy S3 sibling. While there’s no guarantee we’ll see the new color options launch outside of Korea (remember the pink Note?), it’s safe to say that they’ll come to the US eventually, especially given the fact the same colors launched here on the S3 a few months ago.

What do you guys think? Out of grey, white, red, and brown — which is your favorite?

[via UnwiredView]

Falcon Pro 1.4 adds YouTube API integration, UI tweaks and more

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 10:43 AM PST

One of our favorite third party Twitter apps — Falcon Pro — has been steadily improving since it hit the Google Play Store, and New Year’s Eve brings us yet another nice upgrade. The list of changes is quite big, and many of you will want to get your hands on all of them. So just what can we expect from version 1.4?

For starters, there is now YouTube API integration. This will allow you to watch YouTube videos within the client itself — no more needing to be kicked to the browser or the YouTube app to watch that silly 30 second clip your friend sent to you.

Other features include the ability to double tap on Tweets for more options, a logout button, the ability to hide the keyboard when doing a native retweet, the ability to report a tweet for spam, mute management settings, hashtag auto-fill for searching tweets, a slider mechanism for adjusting refresh rates, a tweaked design for the “More Actions” dialog, enhanced conversation view for private accounts and more.

Don’t forget that you can download the regular Falcon app if you want widgets to go along with this great Twitter experience. It’s a shame that Twitter is limiting API calls for third party developers because that unfortunate hindrance is the only thing hurting the otherwise quality experience that is Falcon Pro. Give it a shot if you already haven’t in the Google Play Store.

In-depth overview of the OUYA [VIDEO]

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:33 AM PST

The OUYA console started reaching developers’ doorsteps late last week if you haven’t heard, and those lucky souls are excited to get their hands on the Android-powered gaming console that OUYA hopes will become a staple in many-a home. One developer — the guy behind Code Zombie Games — was excited (and generous) enough to give the world in in-depth rundown of the console.

We’ll be getting a look at pretty much everything, from what you get in the box and how to hook it up to your television, to what the user interface looks like and how the setup process is. Of course, there will be no games pre-installed on the device or available from download from OUYA’s store so we won’t get a look at how all that works just yet.

OUYA’s interface looks decent enough in the early-going, but there’s no doubt it could do with a bit of polish before these are set to ship to consumers early next year. For starters, the areas of the operating system where you’re kicked to native Android seem to look like and behave as Android smartphones.

With Google TV and Android tablet UIs readily available it’s odd that OUYA’s implementation comes “phone-ified.” Again, we’re a bit early in this journey so things might very well change once the device fully launches.

The developer did sideload a game of his called Deadly Dungeons just for laughs. The game had rough support for controllers and the OUYA supported a bit of that out of the box, though it should be noted that games without controller support would likely need to be reworked as touch controls will not be ideal for gameplay. In fact, it was painful enough seeing the guy just trying to navigate the game’s menu with the controller’s built-in trackpad.

Also worthy of note is the the letter-boxing that comes with portrait-only games, but we figured that would happen with games without landscape support. It will be up to developers to figure out how to tackle that issue, but we imagine it won’t be much of a problem. Be sure to watch all these videos above and below, and get excited as developers begin hammering away at this mini console’s future.

Samsung finally reaches one million Galaxy Note 2 sales in Korea

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 07:59 AM PST

Samsung has reached another milestone in its Samsung Galaxy Note 2 endeavors, but it may not seem all that significant compared to some of the others. The South Korean manufacturer has finally reached one million units sold for the “phablet” line in its home country.

For comparison’s sake, it didn’t take the Samsung Galaxy S3 nearly as long to reach one million (in fact, the device sold 2.5 million units in just 100 days in Korea) but it’s hard to compare the two due to their different circumstances.

First of all, you have to wonder whether or not more people in Korea prefer the size of the Galaxy S3 line over that of the Note 2. The market has shaped up that way for the entirety of the world, too — the Samsung Galaxy S3 reached over 10 million pre-sales worldwide leading up to its launch, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, as of late November, is just over 5 million.

Secondly, smartphone culture in Korea might be a lot different than what us “westerners” are used to. A lot of people the world over tend to stick with the smartphones they fall in love with a lot longer than most, so perhaps they just haven’t been compelled to upgrade for one reason or another.

Without access to more trends and numbers I can’t say why, exactly, the Note 2′s growth hasn’t been as explosive as the Galaxy S3′s, but I’d still wager to guess that size is the most significant factor. If rumors regarding the Samsung Galaxy S4 are true we should be seeing the next smartphone in Samsung’s flagship lineup come with S Pen support, and the performance of such a device (we imagine it’ll be around that 5 inch range but not quite as big as the Galaxy Note 2) will help further determine which factor has folks favoring the Galaxy S line a great deal more than any other.

[MK News via SammyHub]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 receives CyanogenMod 10.1 nightlies

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 07:10 AM PST

Some of the first CyanogenMod 10.1 nightlies for tablets are rolling out this morning, and it’s Samsung’s classic Galaxy Tab 10.1 line that is getting the love. The base Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, the WiFi variant, the Verizon variant, the T-Mobile variant and the revised Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v are all invited to this party.

It’s great to think that we’re close to 2013 and these 2011 devices are still receiving ample support from the great development community surrounding Android. CyanogenMod 10.1 features the absolute latest version of Jelly Bean in Android 4.2, and with that we’ll be getting new things like user accounts, a new settings toggle function, lock-screen widgets and more.

Most of the files are right around 156MB, though the 10.1v variant will be a little easier on bandwidth at about 121MB. Before you dive in and die in Jelly Bean heaven, be sure to remember that nightlies are not meant to be perfect. Often times than not they’re stable enough for most people to be daily drivers, but until these ROMs hit release candidate status nothing is guaranteed to work.

As such, the CyanogenMod team doesn’t like it when you report bugs at this stage, and it definitely doesn’t like it when you ask for an ETA on more stable versions. As long as you know that your device is your responsibility and that there is a chance you’ll run into some critical bugs then don’t hesitate in getting the download from the ROM’s official mirrors. Find it at the source link ahead.

[CyanogenMod Downloads, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

AndroidGuys

AndroidGuys


Huawei Ascend leaks, just in time for expected CES announcement

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:57 AM PST

Want to see more of the Huawei Ascend Mate? The device, a massive 6.1 inch black slab phone, has leaked out some more photos, just ahead of its expected unveiling at CES. In these photos, we’re also seeing another device we’re hoping to see unveiled, the 5 inch D2.

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huawei_ascend_mate

MyDrivers published the leak, and the expected specs include 2GB RAM, a quad-core 1.8GHz CPU, a 13MP camera, a 4000mAh battery, and a thickness of just 9.9mm. Keep in mind, though, that this is all still speculation at this point.

via mydrivers


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Samsung giving free flip cover and tectiles for registering your device

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:27 AM PST

If you’ve got a Samsung Galaxy S3 or Note 2, listen up. Samsung has a promotion going on right now over at their Facebook page, where you can get a free flip cover and a set of 6 TecTiles, just for registering your device. All you have to do is click the link (below) to go to the Samsung Facebook page, click the “Holiday Offers” button, and register your device. This is while supplies last, so make surer to get yours in quick. Link found below.

via facebook


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CyanogenMod 10.1 nightlies come to Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 – T-Mobile, Verizon, 10.1v, and wi-fi versions

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

If you’ve got a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, you know that you can feel a little, well – alone in the development department. However, cheer up, and get ready for flashing, because CyanogenMod has released the 10.1 nightlies for the Sammy 10.1. This means that the stock 4.2 Android experience is yours to have, along with all the major improvements that naturally come with the CM 10.1 release. Remember, however, that a nightly version is a bleeding-edge, slightly untested version of a ROM, so proceed with caution.

Be sure to hit the links below for your download. As always, AG is not responsible if you brick, damage, create a black hole with, or accidentally implode the universe with your device.

download – p4wifi | p4vzw | p4tmo | p4 | p3

via androidpolice


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Samsung looking to expand with two new facilities in California

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 08:05 AM PST

Samsung isn’t looking to adhere to any stops this next year. The mobile giant is planning to open two new U.S. facilities, both in California, in 2013. One facility is planned to e a massive 1.1 million square foot building in San Jose, and will house their display and semiconductor end of business, and will be used for SSI’s R&D and sales teams.

After that, the Samsung Information Systems America R&D center will also be moved to San Jose in two new 6-story facilities, totaling about 385,000 square feet on almost 9 acres of land.Samsung expects the facilities to be finished in 2013, and have full occupancy in 2014.

Be sure to hit the break for the full press release.

Continue reading: Samsung looking to expand with two new facilities in California


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