Sunday, February 24, 2013

Android Authority

Android Authority


HTC OpenSense SDK now includes Infrared API. Better remote controls, anyone?

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 08:07 PM PST

htc-one-left[aa]

Infrared is so 1990′s. I remember IR being a premium feature on my old Nokia phones. Even up to the mid-2000s, my E-series Nokia featured an IR transceiver for data exchange. Well, who would’ve known that IR would be back in fashion? HTC, in introducing its latest flagship HTC One, has included an IR blaster in the phone’s power button. The company is now looking for developers to build apps on this technology with the inclusion of the IR API its OpenSense SDK.

See also: HTC One hands-on – first look! [video]

Out of the box, the HTC One already has all the capabilities of a universal TV remote through Sense TV, which is part of Sense 5. The TV guide is updated with local content for watching and browsing programs. The API lets the phone “learn” key codes from other remote controls. HTC says that the API goes beyond television sets, as the infrared blaster can also be used to control other devices like digital SLR cameras, and the like.

Sense TV

IR is not dead, after all. Granted, infrared does have limitations as compared to other short-range communications technologies like Bluetooth and even Wi-Fi. But given the potential for legacy applications, such as controlling TV sets and photographic equipment, IR may still be relevant, and HTC is making sure the technology still has support from the developer community.

Hey, maybe someone would build an app for communicating with the old-version Furbies, which “talked” with each other through infrared.

It’s finally official: Say hello to Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8.0, the definition of a phablet

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 06:27 PM PST

note8 Image Credit: AnandTech

Yesterday we saw a photo of it at Samsung’s booth, and today the press release has finally gone live. Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the newest member of the Galaxy family, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0.

Design wise, you’re looking at a jumo Galaxy S3. Sure, the Note 8.0 has a stylus like all the other Note devices, but the bezels around this thing are way too wide for us to say the Note 8.0 looks like a Galaxy Note II.

As for what’s under the hood, the rumors were right: Exynos 4 quad clocked at 1.6 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, HSPA+ 21 megabit per second cellular radio, an incredibly large (non-removable) 4,600 mAh battery, and it runs Android 4.1.2. When will it get updated to 4.2? We don’t know.

The worst part about this thing, which we’re saving for last, is the screen. It pushes 1,280 x 800 pixels. That would have been fine in 2011, but come on now! Rumor has it that the sequel to the Nexus 7, which will also be made by ASUS, will have a full HD screen. Why then would anyone want the Note 8.0? Because it makes phone calls?

Yes, you read that right, you can hold the Note 8.0 up to your face to make a phone call. This writer used to think that talking on a tablet was ridiculous, but then he saw enough people doing just that in Asia that he no longer feels it’s “weird” or “out of place”.

Now for the two most important questions: How much is it and when can I buy it? Forget about the price tag, because we have no idea. As for timing, Samsung says Q2, but doesn’t specify which countries will get it first. As soon as we know something, we’ll let you know.

And make sure to come back here in a day or two for some hands-on coverage!

Further Reading: Anand Lal Shimpi’s hands-on with the Note 8.0.

New Asus MWC teaser features Christopher Columbus [video]

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 02:26 PM PST

asus-mwc-2013-new-world

A few days ago Asus released a teaser for its upcoming announcements at Mobile World Congress that was… well, weird. Now they have released a second teaser that is just as confusing, featuring none other than long-dead explorer Christopher Columbus.

The video itself doesn’t offer much in the way of clues, other than the fact that Asus is going to be announcing something. The video description, however, offers a clue, reading “Join us on Feb. 25, when Pad and Phone come together.” So, it’s easy to assume that the video is teasing something involving the Fonepad or Padfone. If you’d like to scour the video for clues yourself, look below.

Stay weird, Asus.

What do you think Asus will be announcing at MWC that is worthy of such a strange series of teasers? What would you like to see them announce? Let us know in the comments below.

Google Glass will have 3G or 4G tethering

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 12:18 PM PST

Google Glass Press (3)

Things are progressing quickly with Google Glass lately. The Glass Foundry events were a boon of information and ideas from some very bright developers, and the recent hash-tagging contest only promises to bring more genius.

One of the larger questions about Glass is, well, how it will do all that cool stuff we see on the official website. With the non-disclosure agreement signed by Glass Foundry attendees, not much has been mentioned about just how Glass will do anything. In reading The Verge’s take on Google Glass, we now know the following:

The device gets data through Wi-Fi on its own, or it can tether via Bluetooth to an Android device or iPhone and use its 3G or 4G data while out and about. There's no cellular radio in Glass, but it does have a GPS chip.

Google Glass will have the ability to tether while out an about, meaning more of what you want to know will be available to you in real time. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities, and actually makes Google Glass much more useful. Some may consider the tethering to be a hindrance.  but if we consider that a smartphone is much more powerful that Glass is, or may ever be, we have a whole new realm of possibilities. With such new and forward technology like Google Glass, it can be hard to really imagine the possibilities, as we  tend to assume it will be a standalone device. Now that we know how it accesses information, we can begin to dream.

We’re curious, though… what would you use Glass for? What functions would you like to see from the promising new device?

HTC brings Dashwire back

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 11:45 AM PST

dashwire02

Do you remember Dashwire? Probably not, but it was a great service designed to make device setup easier. The cloud storage service was meant to make all of your settings and preferences portable to any device, making for a truly cohesive experience.

So, what happened to it? HTC bought it, and shelved it. Perhaps HTC had plans for it all along, or maybe they revisited the concept and realized it had a ton of potential. Either way, the return of Dashwire is a welcome addition to the Android landscape. While we don’t know much about what HTC intends for the service to be, it’s worth noting that they plan to make it available to “leading” Android device makers.

If a service that ports all your info and settings to other devices sounds like heaven, you’re not alone. The device setup process has long annoyed users who simply want to turn the device on and get going. We don’t want to fiddle with settings and make all new folders of apps… we just want to get on with life. Dashwire solves much of that frustration, so we look forward to seeing just how HTC implements it.

Then again, we’re due for an Android update soon, and a feature like this is one Google is hopefully thinking about. Something like Dashwire being implemented straight into Android would be heaven for those of us who like getting new devices fairly regularly. Will the Android faithful be rewarded with such riches in Key Lime Pie? Only time will tell.

Spy photo confirms Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 announcement at MWC

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 07:13 AM PST

Someone who doesn’t want to name themselves for obvious reasons has taken a photo of Samsung’s booth at Mobile World Congress before it officially opens to the public. Smack dab in the middle of said booth is an ad for the Galaxy Note 8.0. The photo confirms everything we suspected about the device. It looks like a gigantic Galaxy S3, and it also appears to support phone calls, though we have to wait for some confirmation before saying that for sure.

What do we know about the Note 8.0 so far? The rumors, and we want to stress, these are just rumors, say the new tablet will have the same processor as the Galaxy S3, and that the screen will push 1280 x 800 pixels. Kind of “meh” considering that we’re going to see an epic amount of 1080p phones hit the market, but hey, we suspect the Note 8.0 will sell for less than 400 Euros. That’ll make it an extremely competitive product for people who aren’t exactly sure if they want to buy a new smartphone or buy their first tablet.

Are there going to be any other important tablets announced at the show? The rumor mill says Sony will show off a 6.44 inch 1080p phablet, which if true, will mean it’s going to be the most exciting device for large screen lovers until Samsung announces the third generation Note. That device is rumored to come out during the second half of the year and it’s supposed to have a 6.3 inch display.

Back to the Note 8.0, is it a tablet or is it a phone? Different people have different definitions, but for us there’s a very simply test: Can it fit in your pocket? If yes, it’s a phone, if not, it’s a tablet. Some of you guys have large pockets, we understand that, but we’re talking about normal (translation: not morbidly obese) people. This writer has a size 34 waist and likes to wear semi-skinny jeans. His second generation Note barely fits inside them.

Google preparing a music streaming service, Pandora and Spotify should be worried

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 03:10 AM PST

Google Play Music

Google owns YouTube, the largest video streaming site in the world by a huge margin, and Play Music, the service that lets users download songs from a catalog of over 13 million of tracks. It makes perfect sense for the tech giant to move into the music streaming business, and, according to the Financial Times, that is precisely what Google is doing.

The move will put Google in competition with established music streaming services like Pandora and Spotify. When Apple was rumored to weigh in an entry in the sector, Pandora's stock tanked, so I am wondering how the markets will react at the news of Google getting into streaming. Larry Page’s company has a reputation of offering free or cheap services, which would put even more pressure on a competitive and notoriously difficult industry.

As The Next Web notes, Google already announced plans to roll out paid subscriptions on YouTube. From there, the move to paid music subscriptions is logical and quite reasonable to envisage. Google certainly possesses the infrastructure required for the venture.

Also, Google's Music Match service is similar to a streaming app, albeit without the paid subscription. With Music Match, Google scans the users' drives for music, which it then proceeds to match with cloud-stored versions. Users of the service (limited to the US and some European countries) can then listen to up to 20,000 tracks directly from the cloud, from any Internet connected device.

My bet is Google will integrate the new streaming service into its current Google Music offering. As for when the new service is expected to launch, we have no information, but Google I/O would certainly make a great launch venue.

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Samsung officially announces the Galaxy Note 8.0

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 06:15 PM PST

The folks at Samsung have taken it upon themselves to officially announce the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0. The tablet is a continuation of the original tablet side of this line which started with a 10 inch variant. It’s quite the perfect intermediate device to go between the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 — a phone — and the aforementioned larger slate. So what, exactly, can we expect from this bad boy?

It obviously has an 8 inch 1280×800 Wacom-enabled display that can take input from Samsung’s S Pen, a 1.6GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor, 2GB of RAM, between 16 and 32GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot for expansion up to 64GB, a 5 megapixel on the rear accompanied by a 1.3 megapixel camera on the front, a 4,600mAh battery, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz, and more.

The usual Samsung bits will be injected, including multi-view for using two different apps at once, Samsung’s AllShare media software, Samsung’s various hubs for entertainment and education, and more. The S Pen will enable the use of AirView, a technology that allows you to hover the pen over the display to get a quick preview of what’s inside certain menu items, list items, notifications, or galleries. S Note, S Planner, Paper Artist, Page Buddy and more all around out the experience.

It’s not the most groundbreaking release by now, but Samsung’s Note strategy has been working quite nicely since 2012 and this new 8-inch variant will only help by giving users a more portable option over the 10-inch slate. The device is expected to launch starting Q2 in Europe, Korea, North America, China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, and Latin America, and there will be a cellular model available. Read on for full press details.

INTRODUCING THE GALAXY NOTE 8.0,
A NEW ERA OF PORTABILITY AND EVERYDAY PRODUCTIVITY

SEOUL, Korea [February 24, 2011] – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and
digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the 8 inch tablet, the GALAXY Note 8.0; a
new era of intelligent Note technology set to re-ignite the mid-size tablet category that Samsung established
in 2010. Providing unrivalled multimedia performance within a compact one-hand-grip screen, the GALAXY
Note 8.0 has the power and advanced technology to evolve the tablet experience and ensure you achieve
new levels of efficient multi-tasking while benefitting from superb voice call functionality*. Furthermore, the
intelligent S Pen brings together the latest innovation and the ease of using a traditional pen and paper;
creating a sophisticated mobile experience that will enhance life on the go.

"Back in 2010 the launch of the first Samsung GALAXY Tab with 7 inch screen opened a new chapter in
the mobile industry. Now almost three years later, Samsung continues to evolve the sector that meets the
demands of modern life." said JK Shin, President of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung
Electronics.

"The GALAXY Note 8.0 breaths fresh life into the category as it delivers the perfect fusion of portability and
everyday productivity – the result is a pioneering, pocket-sized solution that enhances and enriches our
everyday lives, whether at work or play," added Shin.

At the core of the GALAXY Note 8.0's innovative solutions are beneficial functions, including multi-window
options to split the portable 8inch screen and allow optimal access to a number of live applications; a new
generation of Samsung's intelligent S Pen with advanced usability; access to a suite of S Note templates and
tools that allow you to create, edit, manage and share everyday documents; the Samsung "reading mode"
technology to enjoy e books with optimized resolution, video and voice calls*. In addition, a suite of exciting
new content and services are pre-loaded for users at no additional cost including, for the very first time on
Samsung GALAXY tablet, the innovative Flipboard, and Awesome Note.

A smart diary for life on the go
Slim and compact enough to become the perfect on-the-go work and play companion, the GALAXY Note 8.0
brings powerful performance and functionality to support even the most demanding of lifestyles. Designed
to store and manage your personal and professional data efficiently, the new era device gives users the
perfect pocket-sized hands-on organizational tool. Practical S Note templates and S Planner feature help
to manage everyday tasks, including meeting notes, to-do lists and even personal diary entries. All content
can be entered and updated with the finest of detail thanks to the evolution of the intelligent Samsung S Pen.
Enhanced precision is offered with Handwriting-to-Text conversion and advanced Productivity Tools that
support formula and shape recognition are now available at the touch of your S Pen.

New content and services
GALAXY Note 8.0 is packed with pre-loaded content and apps specifically for the value maximizing,
mass multimedia consumer. Upgraded Chat-On provides easy instant messaging and group chatting in
multiple formats – images, video, voice, contacts – for simple, enjoyable communication. Awesome Note,
an integrated application that is introduced in android tablet for the first time with NOTE 8.0, is capable of
unlimited note-taking uses including Memo, Diary and Must-remember lists. With Flipboard, your news,
social network and other feeds come together in one stylish, flippable format so you can enjoy all your
news and life's great moments in one place. Flipboard developed a customized version of its application
exclusively for Samsung that allows users to take the S Pen's hover feature and preview article headers
beneath Flipboard’s main screen tiles. Finally, Smart Remote, gives you a universal remote control and
electronic programming guide allowing you to manage TV and video watching seamlessly.

A new age of S Pen intelligence
Optimized to aid personalized creativity, the Samsung S Pen has evolved to increase everyday usability

and enhance creation expression. Embedded within the tablet, the S Pen is an extension of the GALAXY
Note 8.0. Removing the S Pen from the device will automatically launch innovative features such as Pen
Detection that will suggest adapted menus that it thinks you'll need and Page Buddy, a feature that will
intuitively activate your most recently adapted S Note home screen.

S Pen technology is now so advanced that it doesn't even have to touch the screen. With Air View, the S
Pen needs only to hover over the screen to see previews of videos, emails, photos and appointments on
SPlanner without opening the file or application in full. S Pen Gesture allows images and content to be easily
edited and cropped, whilst Paper Artist and Photo Note allow photos to be artistically personalized.

In addition, for the very first time in GALAXY NOTE category, you can use S Pen to control the physical
menu/back buttons on the device with WACOM technology.

Maximizing mass multimedia consumption
Creative multi-tasking with the GALAXY Note 8.0 is effortless due to innovative Dual View feature, two
multi window options that seamlessly allow you to facilitate multi-screen usage. Dual View's split screen
accommodates optimal operation of different apps, such as launching the S Note on the web browser screen
and allowing content to be resized, dragged and dropped as required.

Multi-tasking is extended to phone calls*. Pop Up Note allows you to access S Note at any time to keep track
of key actions and Pop Up Video ensures you can keep surfing the web whilst chatting – content windows
can be easily resized by pinching to enlarge or reduce.

Perfect info-tainment partner
Packed with features to engage, entertain and excite, the GALAXY Note 8.0 supports your practical
everyday needs. Reading Mode transforms the GALAXY Note 8.0 into an e-Book reader, provides the
optimal reading conditions to ensure you can curl up and enjoy a good book. You can even turn it into a
universal remote control with Smart Remote, to seamlessly manage TVs, set-up boxes, DVD & Blu-ray
players.

For further information, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com.
For ChatOn Vr 2.0, please visit http://youtu.be/jjRmbglgUWA

Notes to Editors

The GALAXY Note 8.0 will be available from 2Q of 2013 worldwide (EUR, KOR, NA, SEA, SWA, MEA, CHN,
TW, LA).

GALAXY Note 8.0 Product Specifications

Network

Processor

Display

OS

Camera

HSPA+ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100

1.6GHz A9 quad-core processor

8" WXGA (1280×800, 189 ppi) TFT

Android 4.1.2 (Jellybean)

Main(Rear): 5 Megapixel Camera

Sub(Front): 1.3 Megapixel Camera

Video

Audio

S Pen Optimized
Features

Sharing Features

Content Features &
Services

GPS

Connectivity

Sensor

Memory

Dimension

Battery

Codec: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV, DivX, (1080p Full HD video @
30fps)

Codec: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, AC3, FLAC3.5mm Ear Jack,
Stereo Speaker

S Pen Experience
- S Note, S Planner, Email with hand-writing integration
- Quick Command, Easy Clip, Photo Note, Paper Artist

Air View

Popup Note, Popup Video

Shape Match, Formula Match, Idea Sketch

Samsung AllShare Play
Samsung AllShare Cast(WiFi Display) – Mirroring & Extension
Samsung AllShare Framework

Samsung Apps

Samsung Kies /Samsung Kies Air

Samsung TouchWiz / Samsung L!ve Panel

Samsung Hub
- Game Hub
-Learning Hub / Readers Hub / Music Hub / Video Hub/ Media Hub(US
only)

Samsung ChatOn mobile communication service (version 2.0)

Smart Stay, Direct Call

Page Buddy/ Tag Buddy/ Word Buddy

Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude
Google Play Store, Google Play Books, Google Play Movies
Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk,
Google Places, Google Navigation, Google Downloads

Awesome Note

Flipboard

A-GPS + GLONASS (3G Version)

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 & 5 GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, AllShareCast, BT4.0,
USB2.0

Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Proximity

2GB (RAM), 16/32GB
microSD (up to 64GB)

210.8 X 135.9mm, 338g (3G Version)

Standard battery, Li-ion 4,600mAh

*The availability of voice call function may differ by country

*The availability of each Samsung Hubs and Google service may differ by country.

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the
benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or
obligation.

*Android, Google, Android Beam, Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude, Google Play Store, Google Play Books,
Google Play Movies, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Places, Google Navigation, and Google Downloads are trademarks
of Google Inc.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people
everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions,
smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices,
semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales
exceeding KRW 201 trillion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

Android and Me

Android and Me


Samsung announces the Galaxy Note 8, available Q2 ’13

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 06:00 PM PST

Samsung has taken the world by storm over the last several years, with a big helping hand from their unique brand of Galaxy Note products. Utilizing Wacom technology to create the most advanced touchscreen pen-enabled experience available, every device to bear the name “Note” so far has...

Visit our site to read the full article.

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums


Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 seen in the wild at MWC ahead of official launch

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 03:25 PM PST

samsung-galaxy-note-8-spy

MWC officially begins tomorrow, but today images of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 were spotted ahead of Samsung’s official press conference announcing the device. Various pictures were leaked of people holding the device as well as what looks like an official poster from Samsung about the device. It looks just like previously leaked images, but this time we get to see the S Pen. Not much else is known at this point so stick around with TalkAndroid for all the news to come at MWC. A video of some models sporting the device surfaced as well, so hit the break to see it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: engadget


Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 seen in the wild at MWC ahead of official launch

Motorola reorganizes its device update page, promises Jelly Bean for Droid RAZR in Q1

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 10:05 AM PST

motorola_android

We’ve seen Motorola release some time frames for updates to its device before, but more often than not, they’ve failed to keep those promises. Motorola’s Punit Soni did promise to make some changes to that behavior recently, and I think we’re starting to see some results from that.

Motorola has redone their device update page, which now allows you to sort out your device by country, carrier, and device. Once you’ve found your device, you can easily when it’s slated to receive an update, and when the last update was rolled out. Pretty handy, and significantly better than the huge page of cluttered information that it used to be. You can also sign up for emails to be notified when your device is set to receive an update.

And good news for Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX owners, the new update page firmly states that both devices are set to receive Jelly Bean in Q1. We’re coming to the end of Q1, so you shouldn’t have to wait too much longer on the update, but we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as it becomes available.

source: Motorola


Come comment on this article: Motorola reorganizes its device update page, promises Jelly Bean for Droid RAZR in Q1

Google looks to launch a full music streaming service

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 09:53 AM PST

google_play_music

Google Music is one of our favorite music applications for Android, and Google is aiming to make it just a little bit better. According to reports, Google is in talks with major music companies to launch a music service similar to Spotify, which would allow you to listen to any song you wanted, on-demand, without needing to buy and store all of your music somewhere. Personally, I think the service would integrate nicely into Google Music, similar to what Samsung does with their Music Hub application.

It’s expected that this music streaming service would launch with a free and paid subscription option, and it would give Google the leg up on Amazon and Apple, the two closest competitors who haven’t moved into music streaming yet. It would put Google in competition with companies like Spotify, who have a strong grip on the market already. It’ll be interesting to see how this one plays out. Hit the source below to find out a few more details.

source: FT.com


Come comment on this article: Google looks to launch a full music streaming service

Google posts I/O registration for March 15th at 10 AM EST

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 11:12 PM PST

google-IO

 

Google formally announced their Google I/O last December and told us registration for the event would be revealed in February. Thanks to some leaked pages earlier from Google, we’ve got the details on when you can sign up.

The registration will open at 10 AM EST on March 15th, and the tickets will run $900 bucks for general admission and $300 for academic attendees. And, if it’s anything like last year, those tickets aren’t going to last long, even at those prices. Google recommends setting up your Google Wallet account ahead of time to pay for the tickets, and to keep an eye on their Google Plus page for more details leading up to the event.

Google I/O will take place in San Francisco from May 15th to May 17th, and we’re sure to see some really cool products from Google. Keep an eye out for our coverage on the event as we get closer to May.

source: 9to5 Google


Come comment on this article: Google posts I/O registration for March 15th at 10 AM EST

HTC adds IR API to OpenSense APK so developers can create IR apps for the HTC One

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 07:16 PM PST

HTC_Sense_TV_02

With the announcement of the HTC One still fresh in everyone’s mind, the mobile giant has decided to keep the hype going by announcing the release of their IR API in their latest OpenSense SDK. HTC is hoping to attract developers that can start utilizing the IR blaster in the HTC One for more real-world applications other than just changing the channel on your TV. There are some great applications that can be made to fully utilize the IR such as, controlling a DSLR camera, unlocking real estate lock boxes, or even controlling a toy helicopter. This looks to be a promising development for the HTC One and might just give the aging IR technology the boost it needs to become more than just a form of communication between your remote and TV.

Source: HTC


Come comment on this article: HTC adds IR API to OpenSense APK so developers can create IR apps for the HTC One

Android Central

Android Central


Another big-time Twitter app hits big wall: Falcon Pro can take no new users

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 03:01 PM PST

Falcon Pro

Twitter's 100,000 user cap strikes again, which should surprise no one

Falcon Pro, one of the most popular third-party Android Twitter clients, has hit the infamous 100,000-user token limit. This means that unless you've already used and authorized Falcon Pro, you're not going to be able to log into Twitter from the app.

That, in a word, sucks. But neither should it surprise anyone.

Before you go and start leaving one-star reviews and whining on Google Play, you need to understand what happened, and who is at fault. Last August, Twitter announced it would be updating its API. Two major changes from that update come into play here. The first is that every call back to Twitter requires authentication, and that the number of tokens used to authenticate would be capped at 100,000 for new applications. If an existing application already has more than 100,000 users, its cap is set at double its existing user base. It sounds complicated, but what it means is that if someone were to build a Twitter client (like let's say, Falcon Pro) only 100,000 users could log into Twitter using it. Twitter can grant an exception, but they haven't yet as far as anyone is aware.

That's the why, now a look at who to blame for it. It's not the application developer's fault. Twitter makes them jump through hoops, and the folks building Twitter apps like Falcon Pro do a good job working inside Twitter's strict parameters. But the 100,000 token (read: user) limit can't be worked around. Twitter puts it there so no one third-party client can become dominant, or more popular than their own lackluster app. The cause of this one all lies at Twitter's feet.

What can we do, you ask? Well the first thing you'll want to do is release any tokens you're not using. This makes them available to someone else, and every little bit helps. After that, there's not much we can do about it. There's a petition going around about Falcon Pro hitting the limit, but Twitter isn't going to change policy over a petition. You've got two choices: find a different Twitter app, or stop using the service and vote with your feet. 

I'm doing the latter.



Slingshot Racing brings one-touch steampunk bobsledding to Android

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 02:32 PM PST

Slingshot Racing for Android

An absolutely fantastic racing game called Slingshot Racing hit Android today, and I couldn't wait until our next Apps of the Week to tell you guys about it. Players are thrust into steampunk-style world where, for some reason or another, bobsled racing is a big thing. Instead of manually steering as one usually does in racing games, players have to instead tap, hold, and release the screen to deploy grappling hooks to the nearest spinning pivot point and slingshot around the bend. Timing is critical, and with competitors muscling for rank, it can get pretty intense. The best part about the control scheme is that it enables four people to play locally on the same device, which is a ton of fun. 

All sorts of game modes are available, including the standard time trial, another where you have to collect cogs, and one where you have to flee for as long as possible from a nasty chomper. The graphics in Slingshot Racing are full of character, and there's no shortage of replayability. Pick this one up for a mere $0.99 - trust me. 

read more



Republic Wireless offers unlimited everything for $19 a month, but is it too good to be true?

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 12:02 PM PST

Republic Wireless

Republic Wireless has been kicking around in beta form for about a year now, and they have recently me to spend some time with their phone and their service. I'll admit, I went into it all a bit skeptical. I understand the phone choice (the lowly Motorola Defy XT) is far from ideal for an Android power user, but that's not what had me scrutinizing things so closely. It was the whole idea of unlimited calls, texts, and data for just 20 bucks a month using a Wifi connection when available, and how well things would work when one wasn't.

Republic is doing something that I love to see -- shaking up the status quo that the carriers in the United States have worked so hard to build. Delivering something different is important, and if it turns out to be more consumer friendly then we all win. I really wanted this to be a worthwhile service that provides an alternative for the value conscious smart phone buyer. Hit the break and see what I think.

read more



Apps of the Week: Ski TrailMaps, The Simpsons Tapped Out, Nexus 4 Display Control and more!

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 10:49 AM PST

Apps of the Week

It's a short month so this is going to end up being our last Apps of the Week column for February, but we think we've got a good set of app picks for you to make up for it. Even though we have folks in the air on their way to Barcelona for MWC, we've still got a full set of picks for your enjoyment from the Android Central team.

Read on with us after the break and see how we did with this week's picks.

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ZTE reveals competitive pricing on Grand S LTE in China

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 09:03 AM PST

ZTE Grand S LTE

ZTE is looking to launch its flagship Grand S LTE in mainland China at a competitive price, based on statements by executives. With a svelte design concealing a 1080P 5-inch display, Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and 13MP camera, you might expect its price to fall in line with other high-end devices. Instead, head of ZTE's mobile division He Shiyou estimates the Grand S will hit mainland China in the range of ¥3,000 to ¥3,500 (or $480 to $560).

In our time with the device at CES 2013 we came away impressed with the step up in quality from what ZTE has offered in the past. The price may still have to come down a bit more to entice users away from other handsets though, especially considering the price sensitivity of the Chinese market. As for the U.S. market, we don't have any notable information on pricing or availability.

Source: Engadget



Pwn Pad is a Nexus 7-based network hacking machine

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 06:48 AM PST

Pwn Pad

Security tools company Pwnie Express is making a network hacking-focused device, based on the Nexus 7, called the Pwn Pad. This certainly isn't a tablet meant for the mainstream, but instead is a purpose-built hacking device for users that are interested in tinkering with networks. Unfortunately a completely custom build of software doesn't overcome some limitations of the hardware, and users will have to take advantage of the included OTG cable and wireless adapter on it to support packet injection. The upside is a 10-fold increase in possible Wifi range on the Pwn Pad.

The Pwn Pad is set to debut at the RSA security conference in San Francisco next week, and the price is set at a smooth $795. That's a pretty penny, but this is a full-on custom job with additional hardware attached to it. For those of you without an extra $800 to spend, Pwnie Express is releasing source code for the devices for others to work with on their own.

Source: Wired



Google looking to launch subscription music service later this year

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 07:26 PM PST

Google Play music

According to sources of the Financial Times, and corroborated by The Verge's own sources, Google has been talking to music labels about licensing deals for a subscription music service to launch in the third quarter. Play Music (then Google Music) has only been around since May of 2011, and only received notoriety when several major music labels finally signed on to sell music in the Play Store. If these new deals pan out, Google could be looking to offer a montlhy paid subscription music service for users that would prefer not to purchase individual tracks, with a free tier that offered unlimited play but with advertising.

If Google was able to extend its existing licenses to a subscription streaming model, it could take the likes of Spotify and Rdio head-on, furthering the amount of compelling content available in the Play Store. Details on the deals are sparse at this point, with the launch window still up in the air. The best indication right now is the third quarter of this year, but things could certainly change.

Source: Financial Times; Via: The Verge