Saturday, April 6, 2013

Android Community

Android Community


Facebook Home privacy concerns are addressed in Q&A

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 07:46 PM PDT

Excited about Facebook Home but wondering what the privacy aspect of it is looking like? Facebook has published a Q&A-format response to the most common questions that have been asked so far, addressing things like what information Home will gather and what it can see. We’ve got a full run-down of the privacy information, which you can check out after the jump.

Facebook Home

First things first, Facebook says not to worry: you don’t have to use Home if you don’t want to, and can instead continuing to use the regular Facebook app as if nothing has changed. In addition, if you install Home or purchase a device on which it is preinstalled, only to discover that you don’t like it, you can turn it off under “Settings” or remove it from your lockscreen, whichever you prefer. Home “is a new way to experience Facebook,” not a replacement for the current method.

That aside, those who do elect to use Facebook Home will find that privacy remains consistent with what is already present with Facebook. For example, Home will collect data when it is used to, for example, comment on a friend’s status. The app will also pull some other information about how it is used, such as apps that are added to the Home launcher. It will also show app notifications and thus acquire certain pieces of data, none of which includes content from within, for example, the notification. Identifiable data is stored for 90 days.

Likewise, Home is limited to “seeing” only the ways in which you interact with it, but not specific information. Because of this, the things you do in other apps – such as searching for an address in Google Maps – will not be available to the platform, although it will know that you opened Maps. Of course, apps that you have authorized to share information with Facebook is different, but that is something that pre-dates Home and hasn’t changed. For more information, you can check out Facebook’s Data Use Policy.

[via Facebook]

Robird Twitter client brings Holo UI, push notifications and more to Android

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:20 PM PDT

As you all know, there is no shortage of popular Twitter clients for Android. In our quest to find some of the better options available we’ve stumbled on a new Twitter client called Robird. It was available in beta on XDA for a few months but lately has hit the Play Store full of features, push notifications, and is getting updated at a rapid pace. We’ve been loving Robird for the past week so check out our video review below.

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 1.09.54 PM

It’s hard to find a really good yet simple Twitter client for Android. Some try too hard, some don’t have enough features, and we can’t forget the ridiculous 100,000 token issue thanks to Twitter being greedy. Those aside meet the all-new Robird for Android. It offers a Holo-inspired user interface, two theme colors, tons of custom settings, and something every app should offer – push notifications.

While Robird might not have as many features as some, it has most of the important ones and has seen two updates this week alone. So far the list is pretty comprehensive and will be getting fuller by the day. We have push notifications, multiple image upload, Tweetsync and Tweetlonger support, auto-save drafts, Dash clock support, username auto-complete (still needs work) and tons more. They have themes, custom settings for text and font size, and expect to bring multi-user accounts in the next update. Take a peek at the video below to see Robird in action.

Pretty nice right? The developers have been working hard on adding new features and promise more options and settings, multi-user accounts, tablet UI, and more in upcoming updates. Which means the $1.99 investment should certainly pay off as this becomes your daily Twitter app. I’m personally loving the simple and elegant design, all the settings for changing font size, and of course the dark theme. Oh and as a hot tip just tap the header button on your main news feed to instantly scroll to the top!

Now for a few downsides. The icon could use some work, it’s a little scary. The compose pop-up is said to be getting polished and wider in a future update. And hopefully they improve the auto-complete feature so we can scroll through the suggestions. Then occasionally the DM page doesn’t refresh unless you refresh it manually. Those few things aside I haven’t noticed any tweets missing, push notifications work amazingly well, and the entire app is blazing fast.

Again, Robird is available now for Android smartphones at the link below, but will run you $1.99 so we wanted to post a video to give you a better idea of what to expect. Let us know what you think in the comments below, and go give Robird for Android a try today!

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 1.10.30 PM Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 1.11.14 PM Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 1.09.54 PM

[via Play Store Link]

OUYA consoles shipping at full speed, expected to be complete by May

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 02:25 PM PDT

Today the folks from OUYA took a moment to inform all of their loyal fans, buyers, and backers that production has continued to pick up the pace and starting next week will hit full steam. After getting a few initial shipments and developer units out lately today they’ve confirmed starting next week they’ll be producing, packing, and shipping OUYA consoles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ouya-online-multiplayer-to-launch-by-end-of-the-year

This is excellent news for the nearly 63,000 backers of the program. Being one of the most successful kickstarter campaigns to date everyone’s been watching OUYA, and this is certainly good news. Today they confirmed the standard shipping grey console and single controller production will be first to hit full steam 24/7. Then the custom models will be next.

That isn’t all either. OUYA also took this moment to share details about how they will update their fans, and their customers. Starting today OUYA will update the kickstarter page (and blog) each Friday with details and status updates on production and shipments of the console.

OUYA also confirmed that they’ll now begin sending out shipment notices a week prior to devices actually shipping. So customers know their unit is in queued up and will be coming soon. They expect all kickstarter backers consoles to be completed and shipped by May, then in stores by June. Things are starting to pick up and look good. Don’t forget to hit the links below for details on all the games available!

[via OUYA]

Google Fiber headed to Texas – can my town be next?

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 02:12 PM PDT

Reports are beginning to surface this week that Google’s blazing fast gigabit internet service is headed to Texas, and we could be getting the official details as soon as next week. Reports are claiming Austin Texas is up next, and I’m just wondering when Vegas will get it. That’s all I need to know. For more details on Google Fiber read on past the break.

gfiber

Google Fiber first settled down in Kansas City, but now they are aiming for a bigger city and a much broader audience with Austin, Texas. According to VentureBeat Google has been issuing a few special invites, as has the city of Austin, for a “very important announcement” and most rumors are swirling back to Google Fiber. Here’s part of the invite.

“On Tuesday, April 9, at 11 a.m., the City of Austin and Google will make a very important announcement that will have a positive impact on Austinites and the future of the city. We anticipate more than 100 community leaders and elected officials to be in attendance to celebrate this announcement. The event invitation is attached for your convenience. Although we cannot share the details of the announcement with you in advance, we know readers will want to learn more, so we encourage you to join us on Tuesday.”

While we can’t say for sure yet, Google Fiber looks to be taking that next step and hopefully this is the first of many coming soon. We can’t really think of a better and more connected tech-city like Austin, which is the home to SXSW each year. Too bad it wasn’t available this year, but it could be providing all the bandwidth in years to come.

Texas is also the host to some major technology companies such as Samsung, Intel, and others so this could be another good place for Google to bring their service on a larger scale. If everything works out we could see Austin, Texas, getting Google Fiber soon. Stay tuned and we’ll report back when we learn more details.

[via SlashGear]

HTC M4 looks to be the HTC First, but without Facebook Home

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 01:51 PM PDT

The HTC First, the phone that is going to come pre-loaded with Facebook Home was announced yesterday. This handset is going to be available for pre-order next week and will be selling for $99.99 on a two-year agreement with AT&T. The catch here, while the HTC First is a low priced device, given the Facebook Home aspect, it is aimed only at those who cannot live without Facebook. This is where the HTC M4 may come into play though, as another low priced HTC device, but one without the deep Facebook integration.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

This thought comes by way of the recent resurge of the M4 leaks. We mentioned this earlier in the day and those leaked specs are looking pretty similar to the HTC First. Well, similar enough in that they at least both seem aimed at the same markets and price points. Keeping in mind the First has been officially announced and the M4 has yet to be acknowledged. That said, they both look to have a 4.3-inch 720p display, dual-core Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage space.

The interesting side of this comes in with the looks. We know what the First looks like. But based on the previously leaked image of the HTC M4, that handset is looking quite a bit like a handset that was previously released in China. That handset is the HTC e1, which while not exactly the same, once again is sharing some similar specs. The HTC e1 also has a dual-core Snapdragon 400 processor and 4.3-inch 720p display.

htc-603e-tenaa-540x370

Basically, judging from the specs, it is looking as if the HTC M4 will be the non-Facebook Home variant of the HTC First. Some of the differences between the First and the M4 include the camera. Both look to have a 1.6 megapixel front-facing camera, however the M4 is now expected to arrive with an UltraPixel camera on the back. The First has a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera.

Needless to say, while the M4 is shaping up to be the non-Facebook Home variant of the HTC First — that doesn’t guarantee we will see it here in the US market. Or at all for that matter. Based on the unknown, we certainly wouldn’t suggest anyone wait for the M4. Not to mention, if you really like the HTC First, but cannot get over the deep Facebook integration, we have recently offered a PSA about how to switch back to stock Jelly Bean.

PSA: HTC first is a stock Jelly Bean phone with one simple tap

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 12:30 PM PDT

Yesterday Facebook and HTC finally announced their joint venture into another Facebook Phone, although this time it truly is more of a Facebook Phone than the previous failures. We’ve been seeing mixed feelings and reports on the entire idea, and it’s safe to say we have our own doubts. However, there is one awesome fact about the HTC first. It runs stock Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean under the Facebook Home launcher.

home-off

In the end Facebook Home is only a launcher! If there is one thing we and many others will really like about the HTC first is the hardware and build quality. HTC is no stranger to building some durable and fancy phones. Myself, it’s the software that ruins it for me. I have a confession or two to make. I’m not the biggest fan of HTC Sense, even the new Sense on the HTC One. I’m also not much of a Facebook user. Twitter and Google+ are my go-to social sites.

In the world of Android smartphones I know there’s hundreds of you readers (myself included) that have always wished manufacturers would offer their custom skins as an option. Don’t like Samsung’s TouchWiz? Disable it! Sense UI isn’t your cup of tea? Just go back to stock Android. This is something many wish we had in this day and age, but sadly it isn’t an option – usually. That being said, the HTC first is HTC’s first stock Android 4.1 Jelly Bean phone. All it takes is a quick tap in the settings menu.

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 11.39.41 AM

We haven’t seen this mentioned much, so figured a PSA was in order. You can completely remove Facebook Home in seconds just by heading into settings and disabling it on the HTC first. What lays underneath? Stock Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in all its glory. For those looking for a vanilla Google experience on a pretty excellent mid-range phone. The HTC first for $99 might be a good move. It has Qualcomm’s absolute latest 400 series dual-core processor, a 720p HD display, 4G LTE, and if you’d like to get social you can.

What this means is come April 12th for just $99 you can get a pretty impressive HTC smartphone with completely stock Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. This is as close as we’ll get to the HTC Nexus One for now folks. Check out the full specs on the device below, then let us know in the comments if this changes your mind about buying one. While we’re here I’ll say it one more time. Google, please make the HTC Nexus 5.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : first
    Manufactuer : HTC
    Carrier : AT&T
    Announced Date : April 04, 2013
    Release Date : April 12, 2013
    Also Known As : HTC Myst
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.3 Inch
  • Resolution : 720x1280
  • Screen Type : TFT
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 4.96 Inch
  • Width : 2.56 Inch
  • Depth : 0.35 Inch
  • Weight : 123.8 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 2000 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : 437 hours
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.1.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • 3GP
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
  • WMV
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
  • IM
Hardware
    CPU : Snapdragon 400 series 8930AA
    CPU Clock Speed : 1400 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 16 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 5 MP
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
  • 720p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • GSM
    GSM Band:
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • A2DP
  • Bluetooth 4.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

Samsung infringed on Apple’s text-selection patent

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 12:20 PM PDT

Samsung and Apple and more patent talk. This particular case stems back to mid-2011 when Apple accused Samsung of infringing on several patents. This complaint originally included seven patents, however one was quickly dropped from the group. Of the six remaining, it was determined that Samsung infringed on four of them. On the flip side, that meant Samsung did not infringe on those remaining two patents.

iphone_5_galaxy_s_iii_2-580x435-540x405

Anyway, that ruling arrive as a preliminary decision back in October and was handed down by ITC Judge Thomas Pender. Since then it looks like some of this has been looked at once again. In this case, we now have word on two patents. The ruling for this latest look was handed down back in March and unsealed this week. In short, it looks like Samsung has infringed on one, but not the other.

This latest ruling has Samsung guilty of infringing on a patent dealing with text-selection and as being not-guilty on a patent dealing with the microphone jack. The microphone jack patent touched on the device being able to detect if a microphone or other device is plugged into its microphone jack.

While we have these decisions, this is still not the final outcome of this case. As of now a final decision is expected to arrive in August. Basically, the commission now has to determine whether to uphold or overturn the judge’s ruling. And if upheld Samsung could face an import ban on several handsets.

[via Reuters]

Gamestop expands electronics trade-in program to allow more smartphones

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 11:26 AM PDT

In case you guys haven’t heard or noticed, Gamestop has been getting into a lot more than just games as of late. Last year they started options like tablet sales, trade-in programs and more. This week Gamestop has confirmed their consumer electronics trade-in program has been greatly expanded and now you’ll have even more in-store credit to buy your favorite games.

ecb38bdab8b28df8651423780b4172d6

Gamestop started selling Android tablets back in October of 2011, they have a robust trade-in program, and will even start streaming games sometime this year. One thing that isn’t widely known is you can trade in an old Android smartphone to get credit towards that purchase for Bioshock Infinite, or even when getting a new Xbox console.

Last year Gamestop started a trade-in program for a select amount of consumer electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, but this week they’re opening up the program to allow tons more. For some odd reason Samsung phones weren’t allowed before, but now they’ll gladly take that old Galaxy S II and put the cash towards your purchase of a Nexus 7 or a new game.

Gamestop will now take “popular handsets” from Motorola, Samsung, Blackberry and of course those iDevices. They also have some new incentives where you’ll get extra credit if you chose to take the entire trade-in as in-store credit. Anywhere from $10-$50 extra depending on the amount will be rewarded free if you take the entire trade for in-store credit. They want you buying games folks! More details can be found at their site linked to below.

[via Gamestop]

Android Authority

Android Authority


Android Authority On Air – Episode 58 – Nexus 4 Charging Orb Giveaway and Facebook’s New Home

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 05:45 PM PDT

Android Authority on AirThe big hitters this week on Android Authority on Air was all things Facebook Phone. We covered the new HTC First, a mid-low range phone shipping with Facebook’s launcher built in and Facebook Home. The HTC First isn’t a bad device for the price and if you’re a Facebook fan you’ll probably love it. The same goes for the standalone launcher, Facebook Home. If you’re heavily addicted to Facebook, it’s not the worst choice in the world until you consider the advertisements and the privacy issues. Tune in to find out what we really think.

Onto other hardware news, rumors put a Nexus 7 refresh to rock a 1080p display and a Snapdragon processor dropping sometime this June or July. You know that report that said the Exynos 5 Octa supports 20 LTE bands? Well, not really. The Hisense Pulse received Google TV update 3 this week enabling voice search, Amazon Instant Video and more.

Onto app news, some of our favorite apps received updates this week including Google Search, YouTube, and Google Sound Search.

Carriers continued to LTE all the things this week with AT&T rolling out 14 new markets. T-Mobile also made headlines announcing the first quarter in 4 years that they gained subscribers. We guess the ‘Uncarrier’ strategy is working.

And last, but not least, patent wars reared their ugly head this week. Apple’s bounce-back patent is finally invalidated. Yay!

All this and more on Android Authority On Air.

The giveaway

We recently reviewed the Nexus 4 Charging Orb. You can check it out here. This week on Android Authority On Air, we’re giving you the chance to win your very own Nexus 4 wireless charger. All you have to do is visit this post and drop a comment with the #androidauthority tag. Let us know why your love your Nexus 4. Once all the entries are tallied, we’ll randomly choose a winner and notify them.

Miss the show? Watch or listen below.

Additional ways to tune in: Stitcher |iTunes | Miro | RSS

The post Android Authority On Air – Episode 58 – Nexus 4 Charging Orb Giveaway and Facebook’s New Home appeared first on Android Authority.

Lost in translation: HTC First apparently runs stock Android under all that Facebook Home

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 05:04 PM PDT

HTC First Facebook Home 2

After being officially unveiled during a special media event, the Facebook Home user interface and the HTC First handset were thoroughly analyzed by the media, but it looks like one particular feature of the handset was overlooked, the operating system underneath the new user interface.

As Phandroid found out during its hands-on time with the device, it looks like the HTC First runs a stock Android version underneath the Home user interface, which makes it the first HTC handset after the G2 to come with stock Android on board, even though it's not comparable to the kind of stock Android you get with Nexus devices:

So, what does this mean exactly? Well, I should start out by saying that when I say "stock Android," I'm not talking about pure AOSP with direct updates from Google. Only Nexus (and for a short time, Sony) devices get those kinda privileges. What I mean by "stock" is a version of Android that simply isn't skinned and comes with stock Android apps like messaging, camera, gallery, stock notification bar, etc., but may or may not have some of the underlying software tweaked.

Facebook and HTC may have tweaked the OS to allow a deeper Home integration on the HTC First – the first handset in the world to have Home preloaded – but Home can be disabled on the device. In fact, Facebook answered various privacy-related questions in a blog post earlier today, making it clear to potential users that Home can be disabled at any time on the devices it is installed on.

For a pure Android experience, you can always purchase the latest Nexus model, but did the HTC First also get sort of interesting now that you hear you can run Android on it without any UIs in the way?

The post Lost in translation: HTC First apparently runs stock Android under all that Facebook Home appeared first on Android Authority.

Facebook Home privacy explained by social network

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 04:26 PM PDT

Facebook Home Android Screenshots (19)

Facebook on Thursday announced its brand new Android initiative, Facebook Home, a user interface filled with custom Facebook apps that take over the lock and home screens. But what about Home privacy?

We have already shown you all the features of Home and the HTC First handset that will come with Home preloaded (it's actually the first Android smartphone to pack it,) and we have shared with you our opinions on Home.

But it's only now that we can offer you more details about the privacy settings in Home, a day after the company announced the new product.

Facebook is still to regain the complete trust of its users, after the various privacy-infringing actions it took over the years. So, naturally, privacy is an important matter when looking at Home. And one would think that the company would address such concerns right off the bat, but Facebook didn't do during or after the event.

In a blog post on Friday, Facebook answered some questions regarding Home and privacy:

Home doesn’t change anything related to your privacy settings on Facebook, and your privacy controls work the same with Home as they do everywhere else on Facebook.

The company said that users won't have to install Home on their Android device to use Facebook. Home is optional, and the Facebook for Android app will work independently, so you won't lose access to Facebook in case you don't like Home.

Once installed, Home can be turned off from Home Settings. Alternatively, users can turn on the Home lock screen feature if they don't want Facebook to take over the lock screen as well. While it's not specifically mentioning HTC First, Facebook does seem to say that you can use the handset without Home on it.

Facebook Home Android Screenshots (23)

As for location services, Home doesn't collect location data "in anyway that's different from the Facebook app" for Android, and location services can be turned off whenever you want from the phone's settings.

What's more interesting for Android handset users is the kind of information Home collects, including data from non-Facebook applications. Here's what Facebook had to say about its Home data collection practices:

Q: What information does Home collect?

A: Like other parts of Facebook, Home collects information when you interact with the service, such as liking or commenting on a post or sending a message. Home also may collect other information about how you use it. For example, Facebook maintains a list of the apps that you have in the Home app launcher. We store this information in identifiable form for 90 days and use it to provide the service and improve how it works.
For devices that come with Home preinstalled, Home can display system notifications, meaning that it will show notifications from apps on your phone. Since these notifications appear in Home, Facebook collects information about the notification (such as which app is generating them) but not the content of the notification itself. We remove identifying information from this data after 90 days.

Q: Does Home collect information about what I do in non-Facebook applications?

A: No. Home will only see how you interact with Home itself. For example, Facebook could see that you launched a map application using the app launcher, but Facebook would not receive information about what directions you searched for or any other activity within the app itself. Of course, some apps already are Facebook-enabled so that you can share your activity within the app back to Facebook. This kind of integration existed long before we launched Home, and apps that have it will tell you if it is available.

What do you think about Facebook's Home and privacy? Do you trust the social network with your data?

The post Facebook Home privacy explained by social network appeared first on Android Authority.

OUYA to improve software, build quality for June launch

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:48 PM PDT

OUYA-console

The first OUYA consoles have already shipped to early backers, but the Android console does appear to have some issues, which the company will try to fix until the June 4 launch.

As Engadget points out, OUYA backers have found both hardware and software issues with their brand new consoles. For starters, some OUYA buyers received the controllers with the "removable faceplates already removed, having slipped off during shipment." But what could be more annoying for OUYA users is the reported lag "between input and on-screen response" that could affect gameplay.

The good news is that OUYA is listening to complaints and says it will continue to improve the console both when it comes to hardware and software, with an increased focus on the latter.

The company wrote on its blog that a "software (r)evolution" is coming. The responsiveness of the console will be improved, but new features will also be added in time for the June launch including:

  • External storage for games
  • Simpler game install process
  • More metrics for developers
  • Controller support for video players
  • More payment options

Meanwhile, OUYA expects early backers to continue to provide feedback to the company about their OUYA experience. And on that note, we're looking forward to hear more details about how your OUYA console is treating you.

The post OUYA to improve software, build quality for June launch appeared first on Android Authority.

Google Fiber reportedly coming to Austin, Texas after press conference next week

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:36 PM PDT

google-fiber

Google Fiber has been met with great success in Kansas City, so much so that the service could be expanding. According to VentureBeat, Google and the City of Austin are sending out invites to a press conference next week for “a very important announcement."

As Slash Gear mentions, since Google is collaborating with a city government body, it is assumed that one of the things that could be in the works is Google Fiber. This has not been confirmed, of course, but it seems that it is highly possible considering that Austin, Texas is a tech-based city.

Google’s announcement will take place on April 9 at 11 a.m, and "more than 100 community leaders and elected officials to be in attendance to celebrate this announcement." Unless Google is handing out a pair of Google Glass’ to all of the elected official, it seems that all the signs point to a Google Fiber rollout.

Regardless, the announcement is only less than four days away, so it won’t be long until we hear something official. Let’s just hope this isn’t some mean and delayed April Fools day joke.

The post Google Fiber reportedly coming to Austin, Texas after press conference next week appeared first on Android Authority.

YouTube Android app update comes with easier access to subscriptions

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:17 PM PDT

YouTube Android app update

A YouTube Android app update has been made available by the video streaming service (that recently passed the one billion monthly users mark) and, while it doesn’t bring any huge changes, it does include some pretty useful new features.

The Android app allows users easier access to the latest video uploads from channels they’re subscribed to, which is done through the “My subscriptions” feed. The new option, while it may not look like much, brings everything from your channels in one place, so you don’t have too look through all the separate channels. Users will be happy to hear that the new YouTube Android app update also fixes a bug that caused the app to sign out of some accounts at times.

The new update also caters to video creator channels, as it offers YouTube One Channel branding – YouTube’s method of branding channels and making them look similar on all devices, which also includes things like the possibility to have a channel trailer that’s only shown to non-subscribers.

Also included in this update are the customary bug fixes and stability improvements.

Do you think the My subscriptions option in the update will be useful to you?

The post YouTube Android app update comes with easier access to subscriptions appeared first on Android Authority.

The Room, developed by Fireproof Games, is now available on the Play Store

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:07 PM PDT

the-room

The Room, after making its Android debut on the Humble Mobile Bundle, is now available to purchase on the Google Play Store for $1.99.

As the name implies, the player is stuck in a room, except with a locked ornate safe. The Room is a difficult game, but players will find themselves intrigued until the very end.

The Room has also seen some great success as well. The game had a great run on Apple’s App Store, but also received the BAFTA Award for Best British Game. If you’re interested, be sure to check out the trailer below and head to the Google Play Store right after.

The post The Room, developed by Fireproof Games, is now available on the Play Store appeared first on Android Authority.

Unlocked 32GB HTC One available for pre-order from HTC

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:06 PM PDT

htc-one-in-hand

The HTC One is already available for pre-order in the U.S. from two of the three mobile operators that are going to carry it (AT&T and Sprint), but not all potential buyers will qualify (or want) to buy the handset with a new two-year agreement.

You could get the handset for T-Mobile, where it will cost just $99 off contract but with monthly installments, but the carrier does not offer the handset up for pre-order yet.

That's where HTC steps in, to offer those customers an unlocked 32GB HTC One for pre-order. The phone can be purchased straight from HTC's U.S. site and will cost $574.99. We're looking at the GSM version here, which means the device will only work with either T-Mobile or AT&T SIM cards.

Developers interested in the handset should check the 64GB HTC One developer edition model that's also available for pre-order and will treat you with an unlocked bootloader right out of the box. This model is also carrier-free.

Everyone else looking for a local HTC One deal should check out our HTC One buying guide. And while you wait for your HTC One delivery, make sure you check out our thorough review of the handset (the video review is available above).

The post Unlocked 32GB HTC One available for pre-order from HTC appeared first on Android Authority.

Android growth is leveling off in the US

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 02:24 PM PDT

chart-android-ios-market-share

As Android fans, we enjoy hearing success stories. Worldwide market share is dominant, and we like what Android has to offer over other platforms. It seems a new, amazing device is on offer weekly, and the customization is mind boggling.

A recent report from Business Insider made us all scratch our heads a bit. It seems Android activation is leveling off in the US, a trend we're not used to for prolonged periods. Even more concerning was the holiday season, which saw a downward trend, one that continues into 2013.

Of course, this allows for Apple and other operating systems to encroach on Android's territory. If the chart above is any indication, Apple is making up ground on Android. This levels the playing field a bit for everyone involved, but is it a problem for Google?

Perhaps this trend is due to Android leveling off a bit in terms of updates. Since Ice Cream Sandwich, nothing major has come from Android. JellyBean is an improvement, but ICS was a huge leap forward from Gingerbread, and even Honeycomb. The next iteration will be an improvement, we're sure, but also a natural progression rather than a leap forward.

Perhaps the world waits in anticipation. Google Glass is coming, and the rumored Motorola X line has a lot of grassroots hype. Over the holiday season, there were plenty of great deals to be had… but no great devices. The Nexus 4 wasn’t ready for the holidays, and Samsung hadn’t yet delivered their much anticipated Galaxy S4.

Do we have anything to concern ourselves with? Not really. This is currently worth attention, but not alarm. Overall growth remains strong for Android, but if this trend continues, we'll start to question it in detail.

 

The post Android growth is leveling off in the US appeared first on Android Authority.

Fast paced hovercraft racer ‘Repulze’ hits Google Play

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 02:08 PM PDT

Repulze

Are you a fan of fast-paced racing games that feature on-track weapons and power-ups to help you win the race? If so, you’re going to want to check out Repulze, which has just touched down on Google Play.

This fast-paced hovercraft racer should certainly appeal both to fans of games like Wipeout and F-Zero, and kart racing players as well. There are also quite a few interesting tracks to check out including a volcano setting and a desert canyon.

When it comes to control mechanics, the game supports both tilt-based action or the ability to use the touchscreen to control your hovercraft.

Is the game perfect? No. For one thing, there is no multiplayer. You can compare times through a leader board or even race against your own times in ‘ghost mode’, but that’s as far as it goes. Still, it is probably worth it if you don’t mind a ‘single-player only’ experience.

While many games seem to be going with the free-to-play approach these days, Repulze is $2.99, though it still manages to tack on some in-app purchases. The developer does state that these purchases aren’t necessary to fully enjoy the game though.

What do you think, interested in giving this one a try or not?

The post Fast paced hovercraft racer ‘Repulze’ hits Google Play appeared first on Android Authority.

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Leaked HTC M4 specs reveal hardware almost identical to the First

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 07:04 PM PDT

It was back in February some leaked images of the purported HTC M4 began making the rounds online. A device looking much like the tiny sibling of the HTC One, we weren’t quite sure what to expect other than “low-end specs.” Today some specs have allegedly leaked of the device and it looks like it [...]

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 with 4G LTE now available from AT&T

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 05:00 PM PDT

Right on schedule, the AT&T Kindle Fire HD 8.9 with 4G LTE is now available in retail stores across the country. Those looking to pick one up either the 32GB version for $400, or the 64GB version for $500 can get $150 discount with a 2-year data plan. Those who already have an AT&T Mobile [...]

The HTC First is the first HTC phone to run a stock version of Android since the G2, but nobody noticed

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:38 PM PDT

Seems like everybody was too busy philosophizing over Peter Chou and Mark Zuckerberg’s new “Facebook Phone” — er, HTC First — that most overlooked something much more epic with the phone: the HTC First will not only be the world’s first Android device tailored to run Facebook Home, but it’s also the first HTC device [...]

Game for Fame: Beat our Auralux level to win a $50 Google Play gift card [Contest]

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 12:26 PM PDT

It’s time for another round of Game for Fame!  Another successful week under our belt.  We would like to congratulate Phandroid.com reader Marc Silva on winning a ASUS Transformer Pad 300 and accessories as part of last week's contest. A quick review on the concept: we play and review an Android game and if you can [...]

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 launches in the UK, 16GB priced at £339

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 07:08 AM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is now available on a limited basis in the UK. The 8-inch model in the company’s popular Note line, the 16GB WiFi-only model will retail for £339. Currently, customers can only purchase the Note 8.0 at the Samsung Experience Store in Westfield Stratford City. Availability will spread over the coming weeks, [...]

HTC One Developer Edition also launching April 19th, now taking pre-orders

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 06:31 AM PDT

HTC announced that the developer edition of their One handset would be available after the device launches with US carriers With AT&T and Sprint announcing an April 19th release for the device, HTC has come clean with details on the launch of the unlocked, unsubsidized, 64GB version of the phone. The HTC One Developer Edition [...]

Watch the Google Glass SXSW presentation in its entirety

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 05:59 AM PDT

After much secrecy, Google has recently been opening up a bit more about Project Glass. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Google hopes to get their wearable computing device one people’s faces in the very near future. Maybe it’s just because Glass is finally refined and developed enough to warrant public [...]

Samsung announces WiFi-only Galaxy Camera availability and pricing, later this month for $450

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 05:39 AM PDT

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera, previously only available as a cellular-enabled device, will launch in a WiFi-only version later this month. The camera, which features a 16MP CMOS sensor, 21x optical zoom, and 4.8-inch LCD touchsreen will retail for $449.99. The device also features a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 8GB of internal storage. It is expected to [...]

PSA: HTC One now available for pre-order at Sprint

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 05:08 AM PDT

Today, Sprint began accepting pre-orders for the upcoming HTC One. The phone retails for $199 on a new two-year contract and will begin shipping April 19th. The date is a bit later than expect due to manufacturing delays, but reserving yours today will insure you will be among the first to receive the phone. The [...]

Android and Me

Android and Me


Top 10 Android game releases this week: Into the Dead, Epoch, Rockpocalypse, Ice Rage

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 08:31 AM PDT

Welcome back to Android Gaming Weekly, our weekly recap to focus on new releases. We still plan to cover upcoming releases and games we're playing, but this column is dedicated to new games you can install and start playing right now. Check out our top picks and let us know if you have any...

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HTC announces the HTC One Live Experience Tour is coming to 11 major US markets

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 07:37 AM PDT

The HTC One offers several unique features that don’t translate very well through pictures or text, so HTC is going to put their new phone in consumers hands with the newly announced HTC One Live Experience Tour. The roadshow will offer three distinct experiences including the HTC BoomSound...

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HTC One now available for pre-order in AT&T, Sprint, and unlocked versions

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 06:59 AM PDT

For those of you waiting to buy the HTC One, today is the day to get your pre-order in and secure your device. Customers can now reserve the HTC One for carriers AT&T and Sprint, and the unlocked developer edition. All three versions are expected to arrive by April 19th, so you could have [...]

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Facebook Home is only as good as your friends

Posted: 04 Apr 2013 07:58 PM PDT

The press photos of Facebook’s freshly announced replacement launcher Facebook Home look impressive. In fact, I wasn’t expecting them to look that good. Cover feed turns your home screen into a canvas, allowing your friends to paint it. Your home screen, and lock screen, is essentially...

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