Monday, April 29, 2013

Android Community

Android Community


CyanogenMod brings hands-free and voice shutter camera to Android

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 11:06 AM PDT

For the hundreds of thousands of you using the popular custom ROM CyanogenMod, we have an awesome new feature to share with you all today. We recently learned that voice shutter modes would be arriving in CM10.1 from those awesome developers, and now the latest nightly builds have both hands-free and voice shutter options for the camera, and it works like a charm.

device-2013-04-29-131336

CyanogenMod recently announced this was coming soon and the video below will give you a short look at how the voice actions work, but then we have screenshots of all the additional settings too. It’s simple. Don’t want to use your hands to take a photo just set a timer. Want to use voice actions? Say a few and it will snap the photo for you. It’s quite nice and now we don’t need pesky and buggy 3rd party apps to do this. It’s baked right into CM10.1 nightly builds.

Snap a photo from a distance by saying a trigger word: You can use ‘Cid’, ‘Whisky’, and of course ‘Cheese!’

Running the latest CyanogenMod nightly build for devices like the Nexus 4, or Galaxy Nexus you’ll be able to enjoy this awesome feature. Just open your camera and make sure “persistent hands-free” is enabled in camera settings. Then the quick settings menu is where the magic happens. Tap the “Cid” (Android head logo) and you’ll get all the settings you need. From none, voice, and multiple time durations. Even one minute delays to set up that camera and get in position for a group portrait. Smile!

So far it appears that each time you want to use a delay you’ll need to select the time amount before hitting the shutter button or saying cheese, as it doesn’t stay put. Which makes sense as these features won’t be used extremely often. Now those self portraits or group photos will be much easier on your mobile device. As long as you’re running CyanogenMod of course.

Thanks to a few awesome CM10.1 KANGS by Euroskank, we’ve been enjoying this on our own Galaxy Nexus running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean for a few days already. Get the latest Euroskank CM10.1 build for your device, or head to CyanogenMod and get their latest nightly builds too. Enjoy the new camera features folks!

device-2013-04-29-131458 13 - 2 device-2013-04-29-131336

– Thanks to @Fitsnugly and @mtw4991!

Player FM app launches for Android with focus on podcast discovery

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 10:35 AM PDT

It looks like Android users now have another podcast listening app to choose from. This latest is called Player FM and it has recently come available in the Google Play Store and is currently sitting at version 1.0. For those not familiar with Player FM, this is a podcast listening app. The key here, Player FM brings a big focus on discovery and is featuring 300 topics that will help get you started.

player-fm-03

Launching the app has you signing in (of which you can do so with your Google account) and then picking three categories that you are interested in. The nice part here, you can always update those categories at a later time. In fact, you can also add additional categories later on. At least initially though, Player FM will have you set up with three. The nice part is these topics are live channels which are always updating. By starring one, you then have easy access from the menu.

The app itself is free, though there are some limitations in place. You are limited to 50 starred topics and 20 subscriptions. While that should be enough for even the most dedicated podcast listener, you can earn more subscriptions by inviting friends to use the service. A pro account is said to be in the works, but not yet available. Putting the pro account aside, lets focus on the inviting of friends as this brings another main focus, the social side.

player-fm-04

New users will have a public profile by default. This means others will be able to see what you are subscribed to. Of course, for those feeling self conscious, there is the option to go private. Other features of the app include being able to view show notes and descriptions, browse the full history of a series and the ability to stream or download episodes. The app also has a homescreen widget and a web counterpart. You see, your subscriptions live in the cloud, which means you can head directly to the Player FM website and have access even without your Android device in hand.

We took the app for a little spin, you can check out some of the screenshots here to get an idea of what the app will look like should you choose to install it. As for us, we liked it, however we are not entirely convinced we should ditch our current setup and make the move to Player FM. But we say that as someone who already has a set list of podcasts and is not really in discovery mode at the moment. If you are the type who is always looking for new podcasts, Player FM should be worth checking out though. Those looking for the Player FM app can find it in the Google Play Store using this link.

[via GigaOm]

player-fm-01 player-fm-02 player-fm-04

GALAXY S 4 metal bumper cases will cover up that cheap plastic

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 10:26 AM PDT

Have you been anxiously waiting to pickup a shiny new GALAXY S 4, but want something to protect the smartphone should you drop it? We know many of you love (and hate) the plastic hardware Samsung has decided to use in nearly all of their devices. While it keeps things lightweight and that battery replaceable, some aren’t big fans. Today we have some beautiful aluminum bumper cases for you to check out.

$(KGrHqJ,!r!FEzmPkg,EBRdOr!6oLw~~60_3

There’s always a few good things to be found on eBay. Along with complete replacement battery covers that are all aluminum, we wanted to show off these bumper cases today. Since replacing the entire battery door might cause you some issues with that 4G LTE signal we all desire. They come in multiple colors, look well built, and will wrap around the edges and front fascia of your S 4 for ultimate protection.

So, if you like making your smartphone different from the rest, this is certainly a good move considering they are only 10 bucks each. Once Samsung’s GALAXY S 4 hits all carriers and they start selling by the millions – which they will – this should help yours be original, and beautiful. There is a cut-out for all sensors, buttons, charging, and even the IR-blaster. So you’re all set.

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The folks from Droid-Life found a few full replacement covers, but we’ve heard they cause some serious issues with your signal, so the bumper cases featured above might be a better approach for your classy protection. As a reminder, the GALAXY S 4 is available today from AT&T and T-Mobile – so get it while it’s hot – then all you on Verizon don’t be too mad as you wait another month for it to arrive May 30th. Check out our GALAXY S 4 review below.

$(KGrHqZ,!rIFF0LUFzzMBRdOtuJlk!~~60_3 $T2eC16d,!wsE9suwywz,BRdOtsnnUQ~~60_3 $(KGrHqJ,!r!FEzmPkg,EBRdOr!6oLw~~60_3
Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Galaxy S 4 (Qualcomm)
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier : AT&T T-Mobile
    Announced Date : March 14, 2013
    Release Date : April 24, 2013
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 5 Inch
  • Resolution : 1080x1920
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.37 Inch
  • Width : 2.748 Inch
  • Depth : 0.31 Inch
  • Weight : 130 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 2600 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.2.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 600 APQ8064T
    CPU Clock Speed : 1900 Mhz
    Core : 4
    Ram : 2000 MB
    Internal Storage : 16 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 13 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    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
  • 802.11ac
    Bluetooth:
  • A2DP
  • Bluetooth 4.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

HTC One camera enhancement update hits the UK – start snapping photos

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 09:55 AM PDT

Last week we told all you proud owners of the HTC One that a software update was in the works aiming to fix a slew of things while improving that camera experience. After it initially started a limited rollout to select users across Europe, we can now confirm the same update has hit the UK, and is rolling out to other regions as we speak.

htcone_androidcommunity_review10-540x29832

The update you’ll be receiving will bring your international unlocked HTC One to software version 1.29(xx) and along with it comes some pretty good changes to enhance your entire device, but mainly the camera. We’ve been calling it an Ultrapixel enhancement suite, but there’s also some other tweaks and beats audio improvements in there as well.

The Ultrapixel camera will be better especially when you're using HTC Zoe, and they’ve improved the sound. It also improves noise reduction when you're doing a slow motion video capture. Over-exposure in non-HDR images was reduced and this improves color reproduction and dynamic range in various conditions. Also if you manually adjust the ISO settings, the correct ISO info will be displayed in the EXIF information.

There’s also something called camera “parameter tuning”, tweaks to Beats Audio to beef up that already stellar sound quality, as well as some location and GPS fixes in there. Sadly we’re still on Android 4.1.2 and you’ll be waiting a little longer for that 4.2 Jelly Bean update. Now we just need this same tweaks for the AT&T and T-Mobile version here in the US. Stay tuned folks.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : One
    Manufactuer : HTC
    Carrier : AT&T
    Announced Date : February 19, 2013
    Release Date : March 29, 2013
    Also Known As : HTC M7
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
  • Resolution : 1920x1080
  • Screen Type : TFT
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.41 Inch
  • Width : 2.68 Inch
  • Depth : 0.36 Inch
  • Weight : 143 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 2300 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.2.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 600
    CPU Clock Speed : 1700 Mhz
    Core : 4
    Ram : 2000 MB
    Internal Storage : 32 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 4 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
  • 802.11ac
    Bluetooth:
  • A2DP
  • Bluetooth 4.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

Samsung talks GALAXY S 4 design process

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 09:41 AM PDT

Samsung has recently opened up on the design process behind the recently released GALAXY S 4. The story behind the design comes by way of a Samsung released YouTube video measuring in at a little under four minutes in length. The video kicks off with talk of having decided to go deeper into people’s lives and asking the question of how they can change people’s lives for the better. Basically, this is Samsung trying to build up some hype.

Screen-Shot-2013-04-23-at-3.00.32-PM-540x314

The curious part here is how they have one person saying the GALAXY S 4 is “not a radical difference, but more of an evolution” with the very next comment being “like nothing you’ve ever seen before.” Getting past that and we move into some of what we have seen before, such as how the mobile phone is more than something you just get information from, how it has become something that is party of everyday life. Or as Samsung has previously said, it is a “life companion.”

Samsung goes on to talk about how the GALAXY S 4 form factor was “designed with a more rational approach” and about how they were inspired by elements in nature. Anyway, the video continues with some Samsung speaking highly in regards to the GALAXY S 4 and the design process that created it. The video is basically what you would expect, sort of heavy on the hype and ends with the tagline of “for a richer, simpler and fuller life.”

Anyway, while handset promo videos can be interesting to see, perhaps more important is where and when purchases can be made. Well, for those who are interested anyway. In this case, the handset came available with AT&T over the weekend and with T-Mobile this morning. Verizon Wireless also began accepting pre-orders last week. That all being said, those who are looking for a bit more detail on the GALAXY S 4 may benefit from reading our hands-on review.

LG Optimus F5 global rollout begins today

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 08:51 AM PDT

LG announced the Optimus F Series of smartphones back in February during Mobile World Congress. The F Series consists of the F5 and the F7 and LG has said these handsets were designed to bring a "premium user experience and the speed of 4G LTE to a mass audience." On that note, the Optimus F5 global rollout has since been detailed and it looks like those in Europe will get first access beginning today, April 29.

LG_OPTIMUS_F5-051

The European availability of the LG Optimus F5 will begin first in France. In addition to France (and Europe in general), LG also has plans to release the Optimus F5 for those in South and Central America as well as Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) during the “next several weeks.”

The Optimus F5 will arrive running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and with key features to include a 4.3-inch IPS display (at 256 PPI), dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, 2150 mAh battery, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera. In addition to the hardware, LG will also have some (of what they describe as) advanced UX features.

These include QSlide, Live Zooming, Video Wiz and QTranslator. While some of these sound as the name would imply (such as QTranslator), lets mention one that doesn’t — QSlide. This app allows the user to open multiple apps in full screen mode. To make these all usable, you will also be able to change the size, position and transparency of the windows. With that, while LG has announced the global roll-out of the Optimus F5, they didn’t offer anything in terms of pricing. Of course, that is something we would expect from the local carriers as availability begins.

[via LG Newsroom]

GALAXY S 4 incompatible with current line of Samsung NFC TecTile tags

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 08:26 AM PDT

The Samsung TecTile tags are not a terribly expensive item, however it looks like those who are using the tags and also upgrading from a Galaxy S III to a GALAXY S 4 will need to buy some updated tags. Basically, the GALAXY S 4 is not compatible with the currently available NFC TecTile tags. This comes due to the bit about Samsung using a different NFC chipset in the GALAXY S 4.

samsung-tectile-540

These updated tags will hit the market as the TecTile 2 and based on a statement from Samsung, they will allow users to “further incorporate NFC into their daily lives and to use with the latest Samsung Mobile products and services, including the GALAXY S 4.” The disappointing news here comes in with the availability. Samsung has said these will be released sometime in the next few weeks.

With that in mind, there is some potential good news for those who have previously been enjoying the convenience of TecTile tags and have already upgraded to a GALAXY S 4. It seems some compatible tags have already been found available online. These new tags have not been seen marked specifically as a TecTile 2, however if you can find tags that are NFC Forum Type 4 you should be in luck.

Basically, GALAXY S 4 users want tags that aren’t labeled as MIFARE. Otherwise, while the GALAXY S 4 does require new tags, it seems that current generation devices will be able to read these new TecTile 2 tags. In fact, Samsung has said TecTile 2 tags will work with “existing Samsung Mobile NFC-enabled Android smartphones currently in market.” Finally, no word on pricing here, however we expect these to be the same as the current line of Samsung branded NFC tags, which is about $15 for 5 tags.

[via AnandTech]

Evernote Food 2.0 update brings new ways to explore and save recipes

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 07:53 AM PDT

Those using the Evernote Food app on an Android device — you now have an update ready and waiting to be downloaded. This update will bring the Food app up to v2.0 and along with the new version number comes some new features. These new features deal mostly with recipes and touch on exploration, saving and browsing.

Screenshot_2013-04-23-21-30-55

Beginning first with the exploring. Evernote Food will now allow you to explore what they are referring to as “thousands” of recipes from your favorite sites. Some of those favorite sites will now include international partners. According to details coming from the changelog, these will include Rimi from Korea, iCook from Taiwan, Douguo from China and Rakuten, EC Biglobe, Excite, Gurunavi from Japan.

Shifting over to the browsing and adding of recipes and we move into the My Cookbook feature. Here you can now browse recipes that you have clipped in Evernote Food and collected in your regular Evernote account. This change also touches on manually adding new recipes. With this you will be able to add recipes from Evernote to the My Cookbook section of Evernote Food. This will be done using a pre-specified notebook or tag from your Evernote account.

In addition, this update also deals with discovery of new restaurants. Evernote Food 2.0 allows you to not only discover new restaurants, but perhaps more important — it will let you save them for future reference. Basically, Evernote Food will allow you to create a wish list of restaurants. Those looking for Evernote Food 2.0 can use this Google Play Store link.

[via Evernote Blog]

Screenshot_2013-04-23-22-01-55 Screenshot_2013-04-23-22-38-20 Screenshot_2013-04-23-22-42-33

T-Mobile GALAXY S 4 online availability kicks off today

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 07:21 AM PDT

Coming as was expected, T-Mobile has begun selling the Samsung GALAXY S 4 this morning. T-Mobile has the GALAXY S 4 available in the 16GB model and those considering a purchase will need to shell out $149.99 as a downpayment on the day of purchase. The GALAXY S 4 is available with the recently released UNcarrier Simple Choice Plans which means there will not be any contract, but there will be additional monthly payments for the handset.

t-mobile-galaxy-s-4-540

In the case of the GALAXY S 4, that will mean 24 payments of $20. That is of course, in addition to the price of your monthly service. These plans begin at $50 per month for a single line account which includes unlimited talk, text and data as well as 500MB of high-speed data. There are also options to get additional high-speed data, however the way it stands you would be looking at $50 for the plan and $20 for the device which would have you sitting at $70 per month (before taxes).

Alternatively, those willing and/or able to shell out the full retail price from the beginning — you would need to part with $629.99. Similar to having already known the pricing, the specs aren’t much of a surprise. In this case, those picking up a GALAXY S 4 with T-Mobile will get a handset with a 5-inch (1920 x 1080) display at 441 PPI, quad-core 1.9GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, 2 megapixel front-facing camera and a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera.

Other goodies here include a removable 2600 mAh battery along with HSPA+ and LTE connectivity. Speaking of T-Mobile LTE coverage, that can currently be found in seven markets with more promised for later in the year. The existing seven markets include Baltimore, Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Jose and Washington, DC. Future coverage is expected to include 100 million users by mid-year and 200 million by years-end.

[via T-Mobile]

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Galaxy S 4 (Qualcomm)
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier : AT&T T-Mobile
    Announced Date : March 14, 2013
    Release Date : April 24, 2013
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 5 Inch
  • Resolution : 1080x1920
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.37 Inch
  • Width : 2.748 Inch
  • Depth : 0.31 Inch
  • Weight : 130 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 2600 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.2.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 600 APQ8064T
    CPU Clock Speed : 1900 Mhz
    Core : 4
    Ram : 2000 MB
    Internal Storage : 16 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 13 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    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
  • 802.11ac
    Bluetooth:
  • A2DP
  • Bluetooth 4.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

LG Optimus GK detailed ahead of South Korean launch

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 06:49 AM PDT

LG has come forward with details on their latest Optimus branded smartphone. This one is arriving as the LG Optimus GK and it has specs similar to that of the Optimus G Pro. Well, similar, but on a slightly smaller scale. To begin with, the Optimus GK is sporting a 5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display (as opposed to the 5.5-inch display on the Optimus G Pro) and is powered by a quad-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 processor.

500_gk

For now it looks like LG will only be releasing the Optimus GK for those in South Korea. Of course, that isn’t to say they will not switch things up a bit and maybe have this one roll-out globally with a different name and some varying specs at a later date. Putting that thought to the side, lets shift back to the specs for the LG Optimus GK as it stands.

The handset will have 16GB of internal storage along with a microSD card slot (with support for cards up to 64GB in size), 2GB of RAM, 2.1 megapixel front-facing camera and a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera. Other points include a 3100 mAh battery, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC. The Optimus GK will also have 3G HSPA and 4G LTE connectivity.

Those picking up the handset will find the usual array of colors, which is to say black or white, which LG has dubbed as Platinum White and Indigo Black. The handset will weigh in at 156 grams and perhaps most important for some — it will arrive running Jelly Bean. Specifically, LG will be launching the Optimus GK with Android 4.1.2.

[via LG Newsroom]

Sony Xperia Tablet Z pre-orders open for US market

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 06:21 AM PDT

Sony has kicked off Xperia Tablet Z pre-orders for those in the US market. Sony has the tablet available in a 16GB and 32GB model and also an option to choose between black or white. There has yet to be a final shipping date revealed, however Sony has said these pre-orders are estimated to begin shipping on May 24, 2013. And coming as a bonus for those who order before that date, Sony will be including a freebie.

sony_xperia_tablet_z_hands-on_ac_0-540x396

First things first, the 16GB Xperia Tablet Z is selling for $499.99 and the 32GB model is sitting $100 higher at $599.99. As far as those colors go, the 16GB model is available in black and the 32GB model is available in black or white. That freebie offer is for those who purchase the Xperia Tablet Z in white, which means the 32GB model for $599.99.

Those who pick up that model will get a free cradle if you place your pre-order before May 24, 2013. Otherwise, as Sony was pretty forthcoming in terms of specs and details when they first announced the Xperia Tablet Z, there wasn’t all that much in terms of a surprise today. The tablet is running Jelly Bean and sporting a 10.1-inch Full HD Reality Display with a thickness of just 0.27 inches.

The tablet weighs in at 1.09 pounds and also has a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM, NFC, HDMI and is both dust and water resistant. In fact, Sony has said the tablet will be able to withstand complete submersion in up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes at a time. All that being said, we also spent some hands-on time with the Xperia Tablet Z, which you can see in the video sitting above.

[via Sony]

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Xperia Tablet Z
    Manufactuer : Sony
    Carrier : NA
    Announced Date : January 21, 2013
    Release Date : TBA
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 10.1 Inch
  • Resolution : 1920x1200
  • Screen Type : TFT
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 10.47 Inch
  • Width : 6.77 Inch
  • Depth : 0.27 Inch
  • Weight : 495 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 6000 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
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 : APQ8064
    CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz
    Core : 4
    Ram : 2000 MB
    Internal Storage : 16 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
  • 720p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
    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:
  • GPS
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

New Nexus 11 tipped on 2013 Samsung tablet roadmap

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 05:24 AM PDT

Samsung has already announced one new tablet today called the Galaxy 3. Undoubtedly, this one new tablet announced today isn’t the only device Samsung plans to launch this year. Rumors also surfaced today hinting at three additional tablets that Samsung will be rolling out in 2013.

GALAXY-Tab-3-7-inch_003_WiFi

One of the three new tablets tipped in the leak includes the Galaxy Tab 8.0. As the name of the tablet suggests, it will feature an eight-inch screen. The rumor claims that screen will use AMOLED technology and offer full HD resolution.

The rumor also claims that the tablet will feature a quad-core ARM A9 Exynos 4412 processor and an undisclosed amount of RAM. The tablet is also tipped to include a five-megapixel rear camera. The second new product included in the rumor is the Galaxy 11. The screen is indicated to use Super PLS TFT technology with an undisclosed resolution.

The tablet is also said to feature an ARM Cortex A15 processor along with the eight-megapixel camera. The third of the new tablets included in the rumor is a variant of that Galaxy 11 called the Nexus 11. The Nexus 11 is said to be the same as the Galaxy 11 with one notable exception. The Nexus 11 is tipped to include the octocore Exynos processor from the Galaxy S 4.

[via SlashGear]

Laser Mountain devs show off Android-powered laser tag

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 05:12 AM PDT

I’d wager that you’re probably familiar with laser tag even if you’ve never played it. At the Disrupt NY Hackathon developers from a company called Laser Mountain showed off a new laser tag system using Android smartphones as game servers. Those Android smartphones were attached to Nerf guns.

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The Android-powered smartphones were used to create a real-time game score server. The smartphones are used to track the player movement using built-in gyroscopes and transmit the data captured to a Node.js server. The developers made use of the microphone built into the Android-powered smartphones to determine when players were firing their weapons.

The smartphone microphone listens for the sound of the Nerf gun firing to register when the trigger is pulled. If you’ve ever played with Nerf guns, you know that the noise it makes when you fire is very loud. If you’re intrigued by the idea of Android-powered laser tag using nothing but Nerf guns and Android smartphones, you aren’t alone.

Naturally, the developers are holding back on a lot of the details of exactly how their system works. However, they do say that they will be putting their system up on Kickstarter. One of the coolest things about this very interesting Android-powered laser tag system is that the developing duo built the product in only 24 hours.

[via TechCrunch]

Samsung debuts Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch tablet

Posted: 29 Apr 2013 04:58 AM PDT

Samsung has announced a new tablet offering to be added to its line of Android tablets called the Galaxy Tab 3. The new tablet has gone on a diet and is thinner than its predecessor and Samsung is offering it in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi plus 3G versions. The display for the tablet measures seven-inches and has a native resolution of 1024 x 600.

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The svelte tablet measures in at 111.1 x 188 x 9.9 mm and still manages to pack in a burly 4000 mAh battery while tipping the scales at 302 g. Samsung will launch Wi-Fi only version of the tablet first and it’s expected to land in May. The tablet will be available globally once it launches. The Wi-Fi and 3G version of the tablet will come later and weigh a bit more at 306 g.

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Currently the estimated loss for the 3G version of the tablet, supporting quad band HSPA+ is expected to happen in June. At this point, Samsung hasn’t said if that 3G version of the tablet will be available globally. Whichever version of the tablet you end up getting, both will have a three-megapixel rear camera and a 1.3-megapixel front camera.

Both tablets also support 802.11n wireless networking on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bandwidths. It also supports Wi-Fi Direct. Other hardware features include Bluetooth 3.0, A-GPS, GLONASS, and a microSD card slot. Both versions of the tablet will be available with one of two storage capacities, including 8 GB or 16 GB. Samsung hasn’t confirmed pricing on the tablets so far.

[via SlashGear]