Friday, May 31, 2013

Android Community

Android Community


HTC M4 spied alongside a Sony Togari phablet

Posted: 31 May 2013 11:04 AM PDT

A seemingly innocent image recently appeared on Twitter. At first glance it would appear to be nothing more than a collection of smartphones, however with a bit of a closer look, there seems to be a few unannounced handsets sitting in plain site. The image is showing what appears to be an HTC M4 as well as a Sony handset currently sporting a codename of Togari.

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The image, which we have chopped in two for the purpose of this post has come by way of Twitter user @dahnyelperro with little more detail than he is based out of France. Also worth mentioning, but maybe not as important to the Android fans, the original intent for this image seems to have been to show off the Nokia Lumia 1030. Shifting back the HTC M4 and we see a device that appears to match the earlier leaked renders.

For those comparing this to the HTC One, which does bring a similar look, the handset in this image appears to have the narrower speaker grills as well as the white frame running around the display. Aside from the look we are getting from this image, previous M4 leaks have suggested a handset that will arrive with a 4.3-inch 720p display, dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a 1700 mAh battery and running Jelly Bean.

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Looking to the next image and we see what appears to be a first look at the Sony Togari. This one seems to have the stylings of an Xperia Z, but on a larger scale. According to the rumors, the Togari is sporting a 6.44-inch display which would have this sitting in the almost-a-tablet category. Aside from the size, the Togari display is expected to be 1080p.

That all being said, we do have to mention the obvious here. While the image appears to be the real deal, it almost seems a bit over the top to expect a picture with three unannounced smartphones. The other point to this image is where it has turned up — on a fresh Twitter account which at the moment has sent only 12 tweets and has just 19 followers. Then again, leaking an image like this on a new account may have been intentional.

VIA: Engadget, Blog of Mobile

SOURCE: Twitter @dahnyelperro

Verizon Galaxy S III update killing 4G LTE for some

Posted: 31 May 2013 10:49 AM PDT

Earlier this week on Wednesday the folks from Verizon Wireless pushed out a rather large update for the Samsung Galaxy S III. One that brought a host of improvements and new features. Sadly, we’re also hearing this update killed or severely weakened 4G LTE for many, and data speeds have slowed way down.

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You’ll be on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean still, and the build is listed as VRBMD3, and it started arriving Wednesday evening for many. If you haven’t received it yet you might want to hold off as we’re getting loads of complaints and tips about the new radio causing issues with data speeds and 4G LTE connectivity. Read on below for more details, and a potential fix.

So along with multi-screen, multi-window, best shot camera features, improved WiFi hotspots and much much more you’ll also be losing 4G LTE. That’s a drag. According to multiple tips flooding our inbox many people are barely getting 1-2 bars of LTE, and even when they do speeds are dead slow, or randomly really fast, but certainly no where near stable. Others are reporting no 4G LTE at all, with their devices being stuck on 3G continuously. Toggling airplane mode, rebooting, and even factory data resets hasn’t fixed the problem for many.

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We’ve also received praises from the update, with many having absolutely zero issues here, so we’re not exactly sure what to make of it. The latest update rolling out this week sets your network mode settings to Global by default (as you can see in the image above) when most US devices are set at LTE / CDMA originally.

We know global support was already available, but not enabled by default. A few tips in our inbox have suggested going into settings > more networks > mobile networks > and change the “network mode” to LTE/CDMA instead of global. This is getting 4G LTE back for many, but not everyone is having the same luck. That should pull it out of being stuck in global GSM (no 4G) roaming only mode.

It sounds like Verizon might have messed things up here, and hopefully this gets addressed asap. Let us know if you’re having issues in the comment section below. -Thanks for the tip Michael

White Nexus 4 arrives in the Google Play Store

Posted: 31 May 2013 10:18 AM PDT

T-Mobile announced the immediate availability of the White Nexus 4 earlier this morning and it looks like the handset has also arrived in the Google Play Store. The Play Store listing has the handset available in an 8GB and 16GB model and they are priced at $299 and $349 respectively. Or perhaps more important for those who have already made up their minds and are ready to move forward with a purchase — they are shown as being in stock and shipping in 1 to 2 business days.

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If the White Nexus 4 pricing sounds familiar, so will the specs. After all, aside from a change in color, this newly released White Nexus 4 is the same model that you have already come to love or hate. The one difference here, Google has the White Nexus 4 listed as being a limited edition. Those making a purchase will also get a free bumper. And for those worried, that bumper is white to match the phone.

Alternatively, those looking to bring a bit more of a zebra look to their handset, the Play Store also has black bumpers available for sale. It doesn’t appear that you can swap out the free white bumper for one in black which means the additional bumper would set you back $19.99.

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The handset is launching with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and given this is still a proper Nexus device — you can expect speedy updates moving forward. While that is a huge perk for many, you can also expect a 4.7-inch (1280 x 768) display, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 2100 mAh battery and an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera. The Nexus 4 has support for AT&T and T-Mobile including 3G and HSPA+ 42 connectivity.

Of course, as the Nexus 4 is contract-free you can pick the carrier of your choosing. That means you could also look towards Straight Talk, a carrier that has some low-priced plans available. While LG has only recently announced the handset, we have spent some hands-on time playing. And in addition, those considering a first-time Nexus 4 purchase may also benefit from our earlier review.

Android 4.3 coming in July for the HTC One Nexus

Posted: 31 May 2013 09:52 AM PDT

It has been a crazy few weeks in the world of Android. From Google opting to not drop a new version of Android at their annual developer event, to multiple hardware partners announcing Nexus-like devices running stock Android. Previous rumors have pegged Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (not Key Lime Pie) for June 10th, but others are stating it will arrive in early July.

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At this point we’ll just have to take everything with a grain of salt until the folks from Google announce the details themselves, but we like what we’re hearing. Yesterday HTC announced the HTC One Google experience device with stock Android, or the Senseless edition, and today reports are claiming Android 4.3 Jelly Bean will arrive very soon, and immediately get pushed to the new HTC One.

The trustworthy and usually accurate developer @LlabTooFeR confirmed the information this morning on Twitter. Claiming exactly what was mentioned above. The question however, is when exactly Android 4.3 Jelly Bean will actually be announced and pushed out by Google. And when it does, how soon after the announcement will the HTC One and Galaxy S 4 get the update?

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Also, does he mean it will get the update a few weeks after Android 4.3 is announced, or a few weeks after the HTC One is released? Which is June 26th by the way. This could mean that the new version of Android will drop soon, and then the HTC One will quickly be updated. It’s really hard to tell at this point.

From all the recent 4.3 sightings (linked to below) it’s safe to say the new OS is coming soon, but how soon is the question. Google could be announcing something in early June, and if so, we’ll be ready with all the details.

White Nexus 4 officially arrives with T-Mobile

Posted: 31 May 2013 09:37 AM PDT

Putting an end to what seemed to have become an endless stream of rumors and leaks, LG announced the white Nexus 4 earlier in the week. The global rollout was expected to take several weeks, however it looks like the handset has since come available for those in the US market. T-Mobile has announced the immediate availability, though they have made it clear this handset will only be available for a limited time.

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Anyway, as we had seen with the black Nexus 4, the carrier has it available with the Simple Choice plans. This plan ditches the standard two-year contract and instead has the user making a smaller downpayment with 24 additional monthly payments. In the case of the Nexus 4, those look to be $19.99 down with 24 payments of $17. Of course, that is for the group that T-Mobile considers to be “well qualified.”

The white Nexus 4 retains the same specs and features as we have seen with the black model. Basically, that is to say you can expect a device that is running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean along with a 4.7-inch (320ppi) display at 1280 x 768, quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 16GB of internal storage, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera.

Touching on the plans for a moment and we have an individual option priced from $50 per month. This includes unlimited talk, text and (regular-speed) data as well as 500MB of high-speed data. Additionally, those looking for greater amounts of high-speed data can include the 2GB or Unlimited add-ons which come priced at $10 or $20 per month respectively.

While you are considering a purchase, you can take a look out the time we spent hands-on with the handset. Plus, we have our earlier published Nexus 4 review. But in the end, the white Nexus 4 is the same handset as many have already come to love or hate. Of course, we suspect there are more than a few that had been waiting and hoping for this white model to come available.

CyanogenMod 10.1 RC3 drops ahead of ‘final’ release

Posted: 31 May 2013 08:27 AM PDT

CyanogenMod 10.1 RC1 dropped earlier in the month. The RC1 release brought an initial support for roughly 40 devices with talk about how it would be “one of (if not the last) milestone releases before a 10.1.0 is pushed out." With that in mind, CyanogenMod 10.1 RC2 ended up coming available about a week later and as of today, RC3 is available for download.

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The RC3 support looks to be about the same as what we saw with RC1. Those looking to update, or to join in one the CyanogenMod fun for the first time can hit up the get.cm website for the latest downloads. Alternatively, those already using an earlier 10.1 RC release can use the CM update app. That brings the question as to whether you should worry about upgrading from RC2 to RC3. Or alternatively, from RC1 to RC3.

The easy answer would likely come down to whether you are currently experiencing any issue. If you are having issues with your current build an upgrade may be the answer to your needs, but if things are running smoothly, you may be better served by waiting for the final 10.1.0 release. That said, the CyanogenMod Google+ posting did mention this is a “small incremental change over RC2.”

There isn’t a full changelog available, however details coming from that same Google+ posting point towards the following items being addressed with this CM10.1 RC3 release.

“addressing a few tens of issues all of you reported through Jira (including some global problems like the preview issues after using camcorder, bad launcher icon alignment in tablets, disappearing widgets, a crasher in the T9 launcher, and a ton of translation updates)”

Perhaps more important though, this just means we are now one step closer to seeing that final release. We do have to remember that the Cyanogen team doesn’t ever provide time estimates for upcoming releases. But with the way they seem to be running through these RC releases, one may be safe to think the final will be here sooner rather than later.

SOURCE: Google+

LG smartphone image leaks with hints of the Optimus G2

Posted: 31 May 2013 07:52 AM PDT

There is still some speculation in terms of LG and a Nexus 5 and while those details still need to be worked out, it looks like we are getting a new look at another yet-to-be-announced LG smartphone. The handset is the Optimus G2, which in addition to this sighting, an image leaked earlier in the month. This latest Optimus G2 image leak can be seen below and while a quick glance appears to have the handset showing nothing more than a kernel crash screen, it does contain one interesting detail.

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Looking closely at the text in the display and next to the number three we are seeing an email address of G2-SW-Stability@lge.com. Granted, this is nothing more than an LG email address that is seemingly used to collect crash reports, however that G2 tells the story of an Optimus G2. Remaining details would lead one to believe the SW stands for software. That said, it appears as if we have not gotten another look at the LG Optimus G2 smartphone.

This brings the possible connection to the Nexus 5. If you remember back to the Nexus 4, that handset was based off of the LG Optimus G. Following that pattern, the Nexus 5 could be based off of the LG Optimus G2. We have yet to see much in terms of specs for the Optimus G 2 though.

At this point we have seen rumors suggesting the handset will arrive with a 5.5-inch 1080p display and powered by a quad-core 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 series processor. If nothing else, the earlier leaked image did provide a look at what appears to be handset with a large display and a small bezel.

Also worth noting, that earlier image had the handset shown without any hardware navigation buttons. All said and done, there obviously still needs to be an official announcement, but in the meantime it looks like the Optimus G2 and Nexus 5 hype is going to continue to build until that official word comes. With that, make sure to hit up our LG Optimus G2 portal for some of the earlier coverage.

SOURCE: TechTastic

HTC 7-inch Android tablet tipped for a September arrival

Posted: 31 May 2013 07:12 AM PDT

There has been some recent chatter about HTC working on a new device. The stories suggested that would be a phablet style device. That is to say something with a display between 5 and 6-inches that could possibly compete with the Samsung Galaxy Note. While those reports still need to be worked out in greater detail, it is looking like HTC may also be planning to release a 7-inch Android tablet later in the year.

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As with the HTC phablet rumors, the talk of a 7-inch Android tablet remains unconfirmed at this point. What we have is coming by way of a recent Bloomberg report and “people familiar with the matter.” Simply put, it was said that HTC has “plans to sell a 7-inch tablet based on Android around the same time as the version with Windows RT is introduced.” As for that Windows RT tablet, that is expected to arrive around September or October.

While talk of a 7-inch Android tablet from HTC seems interesting enough, we cannot help but look back towards the past with models such as the HTC Flyer. That tablet did seem to have a bit of potential when it launched, however some may argue that was not the best time to be pushing a 7-inch Android tablet. That said, quite a bit has changed since HTC had the Flyer available and not only has tablet demand grown, but the software has improved dramatically.

Needless to say, for now this is all rumor and in fact, when asked, an HTC rep told Bloomberg that they will not comment on rumors or speculation. Otherwise, aside from the bit about the tablet running Android and sporting a 7-inch display, the remaining specs are still unknown. So how about it, anyone think now would be a good time for HTC to jump back into the Android tablet business, or should they continue the focus on smartphones and the One?

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On the topic of the HTC One, yesterday brought news of the Google Edition model. The Google Edition One will retain the same exterior stylings of the carrier branded One, however it will launch with a vanilla Android 4.2.2 installation and in turn, follow a Nexus-like approach with future updates. The Google Edition One is priced at $599 and will be available on June 26th.

SOURCE: Bloomberg

Samsung’s upcoming 10-inch Galaxy Tab 3 tipped to arrive with Intel

Posted: 31 May 2013 06:34 AM PDT

Earlier rumors and leaks had been suggesting that Samsung was looking towards Intel for the 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab 3. While Samsung has yet to come forward with an official announcement, there has been some follow up and this time around we are hearing about Samsung and Intel from both Reuters and the Korea Times. Granted, that doesn’t mean this is all official, but it certainly does lend some credibility to those earlier rumors.

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Based on what has been said thus far, Samsung will have the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 loaded with Intel’s Clover Trail+ mobile processor. Everything seems to be pointing towards Intel in terms of a processor and otherwise, Samsung is expected to come forward with an announcement during Computex. That show kicks off on June 4th and otherwise, we do know that Samsung also has an event planned for later in June.

That other announcement will take place in the UK on June 20th. Samsung is expected to announce some Galaxy phones and an ATIV device. Earlier rumors suggest Samsung will be announcing the GALAXY S 4 Active and the GALAXY S 4 Zoom. Otherwise, in addition to the Reuters report, the Korea Times is telling a similar story in that Samsung will be using Intel in the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1.

This report cites unnamed sources from within Samsung and Intel and mentions that “Intel has agreed with Samsung Electronics to provide advanced processor chips for the upcoming budget Samsung tablets.” Further details coming here include bits about how Samsung is looking to purchase processors in quantity to better compete on tablet pricing.

The report also touches on how Samsung is hoping to expand their tablet business two-fold in 2013. There are hopes that Samsung will sell 33 million Galaxy Tab tablets over the course of the year. Of course, while this all sounds good enough for Samsung, assuming these plans and rumors play out as expected, this could also be good news for Intel as it will give them more of a break from the PC business.

SOURCE: Reuters, Korea Times

Samsung GALAXY S 4 Mini gets video tour by Three UK

Posted: 30 May 2013 04:30 PM PDT

Samsung’s exciting GALAXY S 4 has a pretty big following, but it looks like the smaller sibling might too. Earlier today Samsung confirmed and announced the GALAXY S 4 Mini after weeks of rumors, leaks, and speculation. Many thought it would be announced in June at their event, but today they spilled the beans. We’ve seen it plenty, but now it’s time for a video tour.

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Today Samsung announced the handset and along with it we’re already seeing our very first look and promotional video for the mini phone from Three UK. It’s odd that we’re calling a device with a 4.3-inch display “Mini” these days, but that’s where the mobile marketplace has taken things. Thanks Samsung.

In case you missed it we’ll be working with a 4.3-inch qHD 540 x 960 resolution display, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, TouchWiz, a decent 8 megapixel camera and a 1.7 GHz dual-core processor. It certainly isn’t a flagship device, but will make a great mini-me. Take a peek at their introduction video below as well as a pretty good size comparison too.

"Some of you out there have told me that you don't want to carry around a 5-inch smartphone because it's simply too big. Well, the Galaxy S4 Mini brings the premium and the best features from the Galaxy S4 in an extremely pocketable size." – Three UK

Smaller isn’t necessarily a bad thing, even though the specs certainly can’t live up to the current flagship GALAXY S 4. We’re still waiting for Samsung to deliver the same internals in a smaller package. Can’t we have a top-tier flagship device that isn’t 5-inches? That’s just our thoughts, and we’re sure many would agree.

Imgur photo-hosting app for Android hits the Play Store

Posted: 30 May 2013 03:52 PM PDT

Get ready to easily and quickly upload all those kitty photos and funny GIF (not jif) images to the popular photo-hosting site Imgur with ease. While there’s been no shortage of similar apps in the Play Store, this is the official Imgur app for Android. It was released back in April for Australia only, but now everyone can get in on the action and easy uploads.

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Oddly enough when Imgur released the app back in April it was geo-restricted to Australia only, then later was updated with support for Canada and a few other locations. However today we’re hearing that anyone and everyone will be able to use this as their go-to photo app on Android.

You’ll be able to make galleries of cute kittens, take pictures of weird tings throughout the city and more and instantly upload them to Imgur for Reddit use and more. Again there’s plenty of 3rd party options available, but this comes from Imgur themselves.

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It isn't just about uploading and hosting photos either, because Imgur has one of the largest communities on the web that are amazingly quick with funny viral photos and more. So instead of just uploading images you can also keep up with the latest pictures, news, viral photos and more. So here's the features for those also viewing Imgur and not uploading photos.

• Browse the most viral images on the Internet
• Comment and vote on images
• Upload straight from your phone
• Manage your account
• Submit images directly to the Imgur gallery

I’m pretty sure the first photo I ever uploaded to Imgur was of my Goldendoodle puppy Chloe. What about you guys? Get it from the link below and go crazy.

SOURCE: Play Store, AP

Verizon GALAXY S 4 one-click root tool released

Posted: 30 May 2013 03:30 PM PDT

If you’re one of the many proud owners of the Verizon Samsung GALAXY S 4 and would love to root that 5-inch smartphone we have some good news. The device has already been rooted, bootloader cracked and more, but today an easy all-in-one simple one-click tool has been released to make your lives even easier. If you’re interested in rooting, read on past the break.

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If you want to be rooted and ready for the coming soon CM10.1 builds for the GALAXY S 4, and any other custom ROM’s or hacks this will be probably the easiest way for now. As usual those awesome developers over at XDA have packaged a little one-click tool that does all the work for you. It’s extremely simple but as usual, will void your warranty.

Again, this is only for the Verizon GALAXY S 4 (i545) and will root your device with ease. Then once Samsung and Google drop that Google Edition GS 4 you’ll already be rooted and waiting. A custom and completely stock Google Edition ROM will probably appear within a few days. So how do you root? Here’s how.

Instructions:
• Download zip file
• Unzip on desktop
• Connect phone with USB debugging enabled
• Click RUN_ME
• Pick option and go!!
• Have patience it takes a few for cpu to see phone after reboots and in Odin
• Don’t disconnect phone until process is complete

As the instructions say it really is that easy. Download the one-click file and unzip it on your Windows PC. Connect the GALAXY S 4 with USB debugging enabled and wait for those drivers to install (if they haven’t been installed automatically already) then just open up the newly extracted zip you downloaded and hit Go. It’s just that easy.

It also lets you choose between ClockwordMod or TWRP, for those who’d like one or the other, so give it a try today and let us know how it goes. Now all we need is Android 4.3 or that Google Edition to get to flashing some fun on our shiny new Verizon GS 4. Good luck!

SOURCE: XDA, Droid-Life

Fleksy keyboard beta hits Google Play

Posted: 30 May 2013 03:09 PM PDT

A new keyboard we first saw back in January has finally made it past the early development stages and is available starting today for all. Now that Google’s allowing beta testing through the Play Store, many developers are offering this option. Meet the new keyboard called Fleksy that is aiming to replace all the keyboards on Android.

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Whether or not this will actually pick up and replace popular options like SwiftKey remains to be seen, but they have a pretty powerful suggestion and gesture based typing engine and experience. It’s simple. If you misspell a word a quick swipe will bring up multiple suggestions, and it’s usually correct on the first try. You can then gesture through the options by swiping up or down to choose the correct word. That’s if it didn’t get it right to begin with, but it usually does.

It could take some getting use to, but once users get it down the entire typing experience could become rather quick and fluid. Misspell a word and quickly swipe to the right to not only replace it with the correct work, but Fleksy also adds in the space so you can just keep typing. Swipe forward twice and it fixes your typo and then adds a period, if you’re at the end of a sentence of course. It might be hard to understand, but their tutorial on first install is helpful.

The developers claim that once you learn their system users won’t even need to look at their phones to type, it’s that accurate. Those quick swipes to the right will ensure the right word no matter what as you type along, although I’d still double check before hitting send on any outgoing text messages or work emails.

Before you run to the Play Store or get mad that the link doesn’t work, you’re required to join their Google+ Community before downloading the keyboard. So hit that link and join the Fleksy keyboard community, then tap the Play Store link below it on Google+ (or at the bottom of this post) to try their latest beta today. Again this isn’t for everyone, and might take a learning curve, but we’ll gladly be giving it a try for the next few days.

SOURCE: Play Store

Sony Xperia Z headed to US carriers soon

Posted: 30 May 2013 02:41 PM PDT

Today during the D11 conference we learned some exciting news for all you Sony fans. The companies CEO Kaz Hirai took the stage and had a few things to say about their products, the Xperia Z, and even mentioned we’ll be seeing it arrive on US carriers soon. Sony’s been making some stellar smartphones, but sadly the US hasn’t been able to enjoy them but that will soon be changing.

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Sony’s current flagship smartphone is the impressive 5-inch 1080p Xperia Z, which by the way is waterproof, among other things, and soon enough you’ll be able to get it stateside. We’ve seen images leak with T-Mobile branding, and some odd FCC filings also give credence to the idea that AT&T might also carry the smartphone.

Sadly that’s about all we know at this point, as the comments were short and to the point. Sony’s CEO Hirai stated the Xperia Z is “expected to arrive on a US carrier shortly,” but didn’t share details on which one so we’re still left wondering for now.

The device went up for sale in the US unlocked earlier this month, and was also spotted at the FCC with T-Mobile 4G LTE, as mentioned above, so most likely they’ll be the first or only carrier on board. We’ve been expecting an announcement from both parties, but this will have to do for now until everything gets squared away. For all those who love a good Sony smartphone, get excited for the Xperia Z to likely hit T-Mobile this summer.

SOURCE: AllThingsD

HP Slatebook x2 reportedly hits Europe in July

Posted: 30 May 2013 02:04 PM PDT

The folks from HP have been trying to break into the Android tablet game lately. First with their not so impressive Slate 7 tablet, and now with their Slatebook x2. HP’s new Slatebook x2 has a pretty good shot at reaching the homes of many potential buyers thanks to the 10-inch full HD display and quad-core Tegra 4, and we’re now hearing it might ship early.

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Earlier this month HP officially announced the Slatebook, and we managed to get some quick hands-on time with it last week at CTIA. With a 10-inch 1920 x 1080p full HD display, stock Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and more all docking Transformer-style into a keyboard dock, this is one to watch out for.

The initial announcement from HP had us excited for the new device until we got to the bottom. Which states this Tegra 4 quad-core powerhouse wouldn’t arrive until late August. That’s just too long to wait these days especially for such an awesome sounding device. Micro-SD, HDMI out, stock Android, 16GB of storage and more all with front facing speakers. We want one already.

While the U.S. market might have to wait until late August to see this hit the shelves, it’s being reported that over in Europe it will be available in July. The device is supposed to hit the streets with options from 16 up to 64GB of storage, as well as the micro-SD slot, and hopefully HP also adds a 4G LTE model to their roster. We’ll be looking forward to a full review to test that Tegra 4.

SOURCE: UnwiredView

CyanogenMod may offer a “heavily privacy-focused” version

Posted: 30 May 2013 01:48 PM PDT

Nothing has been officially announced just yet, however it looks like the CyanogenMod team is considering another fork of the ROM. The details are coming by way of Steve Kondik who recently hit up Google+ with talk of security. The talk began with mention of the CYAN-28 issue, which dealt with the “revoke app permissions” feature that was found in earlier builds of Cyanogen. This particular feature was included back in the CM7 days and judging from the “Won’t Fix” closing this issue recently received, it looks like it will not be coming back anytime soon.

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With that in mind, Kondik didn’t just say that was not going to be reimplemented and move on. Instead this is where his Google+ posting came into play. The talk of security and the possibility of a forked release that is “heavily privacy-focused” and potentially for the users who really want anonymity. Kondik spoke about anonymity and noted that this issue shouldn’t be solved “by using a giant sledgehammer like data spoofing or code injection into apps or the framework.”

While the specifics of this potential forked release are not fully detailed, there was mention about how there has been quite a bit of research and quite a bit has come down to solutions that should be useful to the end user. Kondik has said they “need to consider the use cases and create things that actually solve the problems.” This is where the forked version would come in as this version of Cyanogen could include those “heavily privacy-focused” features.

The talk didn’t just stop there though and instead Kondik further spoke about how he wanted these features to be “useful to a broader audience.” From here the talk went to platform APIs which would be detailed and thorough, but yet still not allow the casual user any opportunity to break their system. It seems there is still plenty of ideas and potential flowing here and for now there was some further discussion based on different types of apps.

There appears to be all kinds of possibilities that could come. Kondik even pondered the question as to whether or not they would be able to build something that “detected packets of data flowing to another country which contained all of your contact data” and possibly the more important aspect of that, have it then “notify the user and block the connection.” Bottom line here, the talk of serious security and anonymity has risen within Cyanogen and it looks like this will be one topic worth monitoring as we move forward.

SOURCE: Google+ Steve Kondik

LG Nexus 5 prototype currently in testing phase

Posted: 30 May 2013 12:55 PM PDT

The waters are starting to get a little murky regarding Google’s plans for the next true Nexus. We’re not talking HTC One or GALAXY S 4 ‘Google Editions‘ but a true Nexus smartphone. Obviously they are hard at work with Motorola on the X, as confirmed last night, and even today confirmed the Nexus program is still fully under way. So what will we see next, and will it be the LG Nexus 5?

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Earlier this week LG denied Nexus 5 involvement, which was expected, but sources have apparently confirmed that at least some sort of Nexus 5 prototype has been finished and is in the testing phases by LG. This doesn’t mean the next Nexus will necessarily be from LG, but what they’d like to offer has been made, and is being shown to top Google execs like CEO Larry Page.

The information mentioned above is nothing but a rumor at this point, but the site has been correct in the past on multiple leaks from Korea. At least according to UnwiredView. According to them the next-gen Nexus 5 has been under testing for the past month, already shown to Google, and is picking up steam. However, there’s absolutely no other details that gives us a glimpse of hope or a release window.

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The device is under extreme security conditions, and leaks probably won’t be happening anytime soon of the new flagship device. The report goes on to mention that Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie will indeed be coming later this year, and we could see a release of both the Nexus 5 and Android KLP in October – a year after the Nexus 4 hit the streets.

We’ve seen an unknown LG device leak recently that could be their next Optimus G2, or the Nexus 5, but for now we’ll have to wait and see.

SOURCE: UnwiredView

NVIDIA SHIELD FCC filing arrives ahead of June device shipments

Posted: 30 May 2013 12:42 PM PDT

The NVIDIA SHIELD has recently been spotted in an FCC filing. The Tegra 4 powered handheld gaming console is sporting the original codename, which for those who might have missed that detail, was Project Thor. That bit aside, the filing unfortunately doesn’t reveal anything new. And while that may have been a nice way to discover some hidden functionality or the addition of a cellular radio — there is an upside here.

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The upside is simple, this filing just removes one of the final hurdles that could have stood in the way of shipments. Looking back, the SHIELD pre-orders began earlier in the month and while we are still waiting a specific release date from NVIDIA, those should be shipping soon enough. Previous details tell the story of shipments that are going to begin in early June.

shield-fcc-02

Otherwise, the FCC filing had the usual array of goodies including the POA, confidentiality letter, FCC ID labels and the test reports. Nothing in the way of a user manual, but then again we suspect most wouldn’t have read it anyway. Not to mention, we suspect most of those who are eagerly awaiting a SHIELD delivery already know just about all there is to know about the system.

Just in case, the SHIELD will have a 5-inch 1280 x 720 HD display with 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. We should also mention that it will be powered by a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor. The system will launch with easy access to the NVIDIA TegraZone for games and those who move forward with a pre-order will get Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode II, and Expendable: Rearmed for free.

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The system is priced at $349 and in addition to pre-orders fired with NVIDIA, those looking to make a purchase can also hit up several other retailers including Gamestop, Newegg and Microcenter. So how about it, anyone excited about the SHIELD? In the meantime, make sure to hit up our NVIDIA Tegra Hub to get a look at our previous SHIELD coverage including some hands-on videos.

VIA: Engadget

SOURCE: FCC

Root Explorer update overhauls Android’s favorite File Manager

Posted: 30 May 2013 12:13 PM PDT

An awesome update has just started arriving for the extremely popular file manager for Android, Root Explorer. The aging app is very popular with power users and is one of the best root file explorers available. I’ve been using it as long as I can remember, and can happily say the multiple tabs and Dropbox support has arrived, among other things.

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We’ve been waiting for another major update to Root Explorer for some time now, and with version 3 comes tons of improvements and changes. The user interface was revamped a bit, they added support for tons of cloud storage options, improved the UI in other areas and much more. Well done guys. Well done!

The multiple tabs for easy navigation and browsing is a welcomed change, as is the support for Google Drive and Dropbox. We also have better notifications as well, so that’s a plus. The entire app is getting better here, but the changelog below will give you a better idea of what to expect.

• Multiple tabs.
• Network (SMB), Google Drive, Box and Dropbox support.
• Concurrent, background processing of multiple operations with notifications.
• New action status with progress display and ability to cancel all long-running operations.
• Action bar and multi-select action mode support.
• Fully customizable list icons.
• For details of new permissions requested see the full app description.

Pretty packed update here, right? The background processing of multiple operations is nice. You can now search for that latest ZIP you seem to have lost while also doing something else all at the same time. Then of course the improved multi-select action will be nice. The system before was a bit of a mess, even though this was still our favorite app around for the job.

It’s still the best around and will cost you $3.99, but most would agree that’s certainly worth it. Get it from the link below and let us know if you like the new multi tab system.

SOURCE: Play Store

Gameloft releases UNO & Friends multiplayer for Android

Posted: 30 May 2013 11:54 AM PDT

Who’s ready for a little Draw 4 or reverse cards while playing UNO & Friends live with your buddies on Android? Today the popular game publisher Gameloft released UNO & Friends to the Google Play Store, and it’s full of multiplayer game action and more. Sadly it doesn’t use the new Google Games integration, and instead will be synced to Facebook.

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Back in March they released a teaser video that was pretty intense, but starting today you’ll be able to get and enjoy the real thing. It brings the same fun of UNO for Android they previously offered, only now it’s full of multiplayer action completely free.

While the game doesn’t take advantage of the new Google Games experience and leaderboards, you’ll be able to keep track of everything and play with friends from Facebook. This is a drag for Android users, but the big picture here is the game can be played anywhere. From your smartphone, tablet, or even the PC right from Facebook. It’s cross-platform and you can play with everyone.

If you wanted to see it in action, the video above is a quick glance at what we can expect from the new UNO & Friends by Gameloft. It’s time to gather up a few friends and play this classic card game, only we won’t be sitting around the fire, we’ll be able to play it anywhere and anytime. If you loved the original give the free multiplayer version a try from the link below.

SOURCE: Play Store

Android Authority

Android Authority


CyanogenMod 10.1 RC3 available for download

Posted: 31 May 2013 01:32 AM PDT

CyanogenMod 10.1 RC3In the push towards a stable release of CyanogenMod 10.1, the development team has published its third release candidate (RC) with a boat load of bug fixes including a fix for the preview issues seen after using the camcorder.

In software development circles release candidates are used for public testing and to squash bugs. The idea is that the software is functionally ready and a release candidate is created for testing. If serious bugs are found they are fixed and another release candidate is created and so on. This process normally only lasts for three or four iterations. Depending on the release strategy of the development team the final release will either be a relabeled release candidate with no changes what so ever (this is the safest methodology) or it will be a latest release candidate with some more bug fixes.

According to a CyanogenMod Google Plus posting other fixes in this release include a fix for a bad launcher icon alignment on tablets, various fixes for disappearing widgets, a fix for a crash in the T9 launcher, and a ton of translation updates.

Various popular devices are supported for CyanogenMod 10.1 including (but not exhaustively):

  • Sony Xperia Z
  • Sony Xperia Tablet Z
  • Google Nexus 7 (GSM and Wi-Fi)
  • Motorola Droid Razr
  • Amazon Kindle Fire
  • LG Optimus G (Intl)
  • Samsung Galaxy S III (Verizon, US Cellular, Sprint, Metro PCS, Cricket, T-Mobile and AT&T)
  • Acer Iconia Tab A700
  • Asus Transformer Pad Infinity
  • LG Optimus 4X HD
  • Google Nexus 4
  • HTC One X

For a full list of the available downloads visit: http://get.cm/?type=RC

    


Real Racing 3 for Android to get Dubai update soon

Posted: 30 May 2013 08:47 PM PDT

Real Racing 3
We last saw an update to Real Racing 3 for Android about a month ago, when new cars, events, and a bunch of other stuff got added to the game by EA. Now, in case any of you mobile racing game enthusiasts are hungry for more, there is yet another software update scheduled to arrive soon. This will no doubt get you excited just as all of the previous ones did.

Real Racing 3, which is tagged by its creators as something that sets a new standard for mobile racing games, is set to receive an upcoming “Dubai update” which will add twilight racing at the Dubai Autodrome, as well as even more new cars and new events to play. Right now, the game only lets players race in real world tracks located in Belgium, California, Germany, and the U.K. This will update is likely to make things much more exciting.

EA also posted the above teaser video for the upcoming Real Racing 3 Dubai update. It only really offers a quick glimpse at what’s in store for those who are looking forward to the update, but it’s easy to see why it’s something that’s worth looking forward to in the first place.

EA hasn’t promised an exact date of release for the Dubai update, but you can expect it to arrive not only for Android but for iOS devices too very soon.

    


Airpush SDK 6.0 released: Adds in-app banner ads, developer analytics tools, and more

Posted: 30 May 2013 08:01 PM PDT

airpush
Airpush, the second largest mobile ad network for Android developers, recently announced the release of Airpush SDK version 6.0. This brings a number of major changes to the platform that will benefit not just Android devs but Android end users as well.

One of the biggest changes to Airpush in the latest SDK release is the addition of in-app banner ads, which is expected to drive higher revenue for developers who may now use it on top of notification tray ads that get sent to user devices via push notification.

Another big change is the introduction of new and improved advanced developer tools, which now offer devs access to certain analytics tools that can only help them maximize revenue while increasing app user satisfaction.

Other Airpush SDK 6.0 highlights include push ad enhancements, which improve on the original Airpush push ad design, as well as SmartWall upgrades for rich media and video, which give developers more options for presenting users with ads as part of their apps.

The release of the latest SDK was also announced alongside info that Airpush is now being used in 90,000 apps, and that developers who have signed up to become part of the platform are now getting their share of a total of $4 million USD in monthly payouts.

I’m an Android developer. Should I be excited about this?

We did a couple of interviews with Airpush back in 2011 wherein it was explained why, if you’re an Android developer, you should keep a close eye on it as an advertising platform if not immediately sign up to become a part of it yourself. Since our last interview with them, the number of apps that are using Airpush has multiplied nearly ten-fold, and we’re almost certain that this number will only increase in the future.

The most relevant bit of news here for you is probably the addition of in-app banner ads in the latest Airpush SDK. Airpush started out eschewing the more common in-app banner ad format when it first launched, and that was part of its appeal. Now, developers that are part of the Airpush network can benefit from the use of not just the push notification ads, but traditional in-app ads as well.

I’m just a regular Android user. Should I be worried?

The fact that Airpush utilized push notification to deliver ads that appeared on a device’s notification tray seemed to make a lot of users angry in the beginning. It was seen as particularly annoying as the ads kept popping up even when a user was not using an app — and that was the point.

Now, as a user, you may encounter push notification ads and in-app ads too from the same application. Is this something to be concerned about? Airpush says no. The company already learned its lesson two years ago, and as such there is a universal and permanent opt-out option available for all push notification ads. This way, you can at least take care of half of the equation in case you feel the ads are intrusive.

And as for the use of in-app banner ads, you’re probably already used to seeing those by now, so it’s likely that you won’t be affected much by them. It will mainly affect developers, who now will have an extra option to monetize apps that they have made available to users for free.

What do you think of the latest changes to Airpush? Is there anything you love — or hate — about it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Airpush Hits Major Milestones of 90,000 Apps and $4 Million in Monthly Developer Payouts; Releases SDK 6.0 with New Ad Unit and New Developer Tools

In Less Than Eight Months, Leading App Monetization Solution Has Doubled Its Live Apps and Developer Payouts; Responds to Overwhelming Developer Demand With Advanced New Network Capabilities

LOS ANGELES (May 30, 2013) – Airpush, winner of the “Best Mobile Ad Network” at the 2012 Mobile Excellence Awards, today announced it has surpassed 90,000 live apps and $4 million in monthly developer payouts, representing more than 100 percent growth since August of 2012. As part of a major initiative to increase developer earnings and profitability, Airpush also is showcasing the newest version of its developer SDK at the SF AppShow in San Francisco and AnDevCon in Boston. Both shows are occurring simultaneously this week.

Airpush's SDK 6.0 includes an array of significant upgrades to its platform. These include the addition of in-app banner ads to its suite of innovative ad types, major improvements to its flagship push notification ads, the addition of rich media and video ad units to SmartWall, and new advanced developer analytics tools for every developer account.

The Airpush SDK is the industry's most powerful app monetization solution, providing developers with market-leading performance, the best eCPMs in the industry and free weekly payouts. Airpush developers consistently earn more revenue, using innovative ad formats that substantially outperform standard mobile banner advertising.

"The increasingly competitive mobile development landscape is creating unique demands on today's app publisher," said Asher Delug, CEO of Airpush. "We created Airpush with the goal of giving developers all the tools they need to grow their businesses and thrive. Developers can now generate unprecedented recurring revenue streams that are paid out weekly, while reducing complexity by using Airpush's SDK as their complete monetization solution. Our new advanced developer tools also give them the ability to create a complete picture of their business health, so they can reinvest intelligently and with confidence. SDK 6.0 takes us a huge step closer in becoming a strategic partner that developers around the world can rely on for all of their needs."

Airpush SDK 6.0 Highlights:

- *New In-App Banner Ads:* SDK 6.0 includes In-App Banner Ads that enable Airpush developers to drive higher revenue from their users – which combined with Airpush's innovative ads, drive revenue while the app is in use and even when it isn't. And as the only major ad network that pays developers weekly, Airpush now represents the most complete and comprehensive monetization solution available today.

- *Push Ad Enhancements:* SDK 6.0 includes dramatic improvements to Airpush's flagship ad format, the Push Notification Ad, which are now leading the industry in eCPMs and overall developer profitability.

- *Rich Media and Video *Upgrades to SmartWall:* SDK 6.0 SmartWall enhancements feature new optimized ad types including Rich Media, MRAID 2.0 and both full-page and inline Video Ads.

- *Advanced Developer Tools:* Airpush developers now also have access to advanced app analytics tools including funnel, cohort, audience segmentation, revenue and engagement analysis.

Airpush’s SDK 6.0 is available now on Airpush’s site, www.airpush.com. Current developers can quickly log into their dashboard for details and new developers can easily sign up for an account.

About Airpush

Named “Best Mobile Ad Network” at the 2012 Mobile Excellence Awards, Airpush is on a mission to redefine mobile advertising for publishers and advertisers. More than 96,000 apps and 5,000 advertisers rely on Airpush to deliver the industry’s highest performance, driven by exceptional ad formats and targeting technology. Founded in 2011 by mobile advertising veterans, the company has approximately 140 employees and offices in Los Angeles and Bangalore. For more information, visit www.airpush.com or follow us on Twitter @AirpushAds.

Media Contact

Ken Greenberg
Edge Communications, Inc.
(323) 469-3397
ken@edgecommunicationsinc.com

    


Raspberry Pi used to avoid Internet censorship in China

Posted: 30 May 2013 06:03 PM PDT

Raspberry Pi

In countries like China, government control looms large. As much of the rest of the world enjoys hassle-free Internet browsing, countries with less than open governments face censorship on a grand scale. Painting with a broad brush, The People's Republic of China is not friendly to outside influence, including those on the Internet.

Where there's a will, there's a Pi. A Redditor, going by JaiPasInternet, has found a nifty workaround for censorship on the go. Using a Raspberry Pi computer, this crafty Redditor has turned theirs into a remote VPN client, able to operate free of oversight.

While we tend to think of VPN as file hosting for our work related needs, it's a popular option for Chinese citizens to access the Internet we take for granted. The method for doing this via Raspberry Pi is relatively simple, and could catch on widely. From JaiPasInternet's Reddit post:

I set my Raspberry to automatically connect to my VPN server through OpenVPN, and then share the connection with a wifi dongle, using hostapd software. I use it on a daily basis with my iPhone and Android tablet (way better than the included VPN client) but the good thing is that, wherever I go, I just bring my Raspberry, plug it into ethernet and to any usb plug, and after a few minutes, I have my censor-free Wi-Fi hotspot.


The Redditor notes that it may take some time to connect to the VPN, but once established the connection is reliable. This little trick allows users to go undetected while China cracks down on VPN hosting services. As the government in China begins to identify and block access to various VPN clients operating in the country, this makes it nearly impossible to track.

    


Samsung may sell 80 million Galaxy S4 units this year

Posted: 30 May 2013 05:08 PM PDT

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Samsung's massive, glitzy advertising campaign pretty much ensured the Galaxy S4 would be a blockbuster hit, something the South Korean company preliminarily confirmed when it announced sales had exceeded 10 million earlier this month. Even with competition from HTC and Apple, market watchers RBC Capital Markets say the S4 is in no way losing momentum, and could potentially hit sales of 80 million units this year.

In comparison to Samsung's last major Galaxy S device, the S3, sales have been exponentially better, RCB analyst Mark Sue reported today in a note to clients. While the Galaxy S3 took nearly 2 months – 50 days – to achieve 10 million in sales, the S4 took only a couple of weeks. Sue said that, given the incredible demand at local retailers, the S4 is on track to cross the 20 million shipment mark by the end of this year's second quarter.

Sue said Samsung's future looks bright and rosy. He expects the company to launch the successor to the Galaxy Note II in September, and believes smartphone growth this year will be driven by mid-range and low-cost phones like the products Samsung continues to refresh. In other words, Samsung's poised to remain a market juggernaut for some time.

    


DARPA develops Android-based sensor for future use in UAVs and more

Posted: 30 May 2013 05:04 PM PDT

DARPA ADAPT sensor
DARPA, the U.S. Department of Defense’s famous research agency, put out a call for developers a few years back for help on a new mobile-oriented project that it started called the ADAPT program. ADAPT — which stands for Adaptable Sensor System — was said to be a way of seeking “novel techniques and processes to rapidly develop low-cost ISR sensor systems” through the use of manufacturing methods used by ODMs. In short, the aim is to build military sensor systems faster than the current method allows based on proven techniques for present-day mobile devices.

What DARPA didn’t mention when it sent out its original call to developers was that ADAPT was actually going to be based on Android. Today, it has finally revealed just that, saying in a press release that the core ADAPT hardware and software package has been developed with a modified version of the Android OS.

Rather than just write a bunch of technical details that may get very little attention in the mainstream media, DARPA has recorded a video of an actual ADAPT sensor — with a minimal amount of hardware and the customized version of Android and all — in action. It was fitted inside a small UAV which is shown on video to be capable of getting off the ground by using the newly-developed sensor framework.

The video demonstrates how a standard quadcopter can benefit from the use of a basic ADAPT core-based sensor called the UAG (unattended ground sensor). It is small, lightweight, and is expected to radically speed up the development of inexpensive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors that are easy to update.

For now, the device used in the video demonstration remains just one of many possible reference designs. Some airborne, sea, and undersea sensor designs may also be developed and released in the future, but even now, this new use of existing technology looks pretty promising already. Check out the full DARPA news release below for additional info.

Smartphone Technology Inspires Design for Smart Unattended Ground Sensor

Commercial smartphone processes to aid development of air, sea and undersea unmanned military sensors as well

DARPA's Adaptable Sensor System (ADAPT) program aims to transform how unattended sensors are developed for the military by using an original design manufacturer (ODM) process similar to that of the commercial smartphone industry. The goal is to develop low-cost, rapidly updatable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors in less than a year, a marked improvement to the current three-to-eight year development process.

The program has developed the core ADAPT hardware and software package using a customized Android Operating System (OS) to provide capabilities common to all ISR sensors. The program recently completed its first reference design and developed application-specific software for an unattended ground sensor (UGS) that uses the ADAPT core. This new UGS could provide users with a cost-effective ground sensing capability.

The UGS design is a very small cylinder. It features applications to remotely sense ground activity for a number of potential military applications. The sensor is self-powered and can wirelessly network with other sensors or user interfaces, such as a video monitor at an operations center.

"We're excited to have the first reference design for a small, adaptable ground sensor and look forward to testing a significant number of these new sensors in field scenarios starting this summer," said Mark Rich, DARPA program manager. "We believe that the ADAPT building block approach—where you take the ADAPT core and easily plug it into any number of ISR sensor reference designs—will transform how the military Services and the defense industry approach ISR sensor research and development. This method has the promise of being much more cost-effective, faster to the warfighter, and easier to refresh with technology upgrades."

DARPA may develop additional reference designs that integrate the ADAPT core and sensor-specific apps into airborne, sea and undersea sensor designs. Researchers recently removed the control interface of a small quad-copter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and replaced it with the ADAPT core. This successfully provided flight control input to the UAV and marked an initial step in applying the ADAPT core to other sensor reference designs.

    


Glu Mobile adding (real money) gambling to its games, starting with Deer Hunter Reloaded

Posted: 30 May 2013 04:34 PM PDT

Glu Mobile

Glu Mobile isn’t exactly raking in the dough, as the company hasn’t reported a profit since it went public in 2007. So what’s a mobile game developer to do? Add gambling into its games as a way to attract more users.

Glu Mobile has announced it is partnering up with San Francisco start-up Skillz to provide a technology that will allow them to add real-money tournaments to its games for users in the United States, starting with Deer Hunter Reloaded. The developer hopes to expand to other games by the second half of the year.

So how will this work? Basically the idea is that gamers will need to pay a small fee to enter into a competition, and if they achieve certain results, they will win cash prizes. Each player will be able to bet up to $3 per game, and both Glu and Skillz will get a total cut of 20% of the pot.

It’s certainly a bold idea, but not one without its own problems. For one thing, the laws surrounding gambling in the United States vary considerably from state to state.

How will you know if you are in a state that legally allows you to participate in the cash games? Skillz has a system that will poll your GPS location and send it to their servers. If you are in an area that permits gambling, you will be allowed to proceed.

Deer Hunter Reloaded is already available for download but don’t expect the real-money tournament features to rollout until a little later this summer. What do you think, will this new endeavor prove popular and profitable? If you are in a state that legally allows you to participate in real-cash games, would you?

    


Three UK releases first promotional video for the Galaxy S4 Mini

Posted: 30 May 2013 03:11 PM PDT

Galaxy S4 mini

Earlier today we learned that the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini was finally official, after months of speculation and rumors. Now we get a look at the very first promotional video for the upcoming handset from UK-based carrier, Three.

The video starts by showing off what the 4.3-inch S4 Mini looks like, and then compares it (size-wise) to the "rest of the family", namely the Galaxy Mega and Galaxy S4. For some reason the video doesn’t mention the Note 2, probably because it is considered from the "previous generation" and the Note 3 has yet to be announced, but I digress.

For those wondering why you should  possibly consider the Galaxy S4 Mini, Three’s Brendan Arndt answers with the following, "Some of you out there have told me that you don't want to carry around a 5-inch smartphone because it's simply too big. Well, the Galaxy S4 Mini brings the premium and the best features from the Galaxy S4 in an extremely pocketable size."

What Three doesn’t focus on is that you might get some of the features from the S4, but you also only get a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 1.5GB RAM, 8GB storage, an 8MP rear cam, 1.9MP front cam and 1,900 mAh battery. Still, the specs are more than capable of providing a good Android experience for most users and if you really feel the S4 is too big, it could be exactly what you are looking for.

How about it, excited for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini or not?

    


The Best Apps of the Month: May 2013

Posted: 30 May 2013 01:56 PM PDT

best android apps

Android is growing fast, and so is the amount of apps on the Play Store. Every month developers and big companies are releasing cool new apps for the Android community to try. With the amount of apps that are released, finding the good ones can be quite a challenge. So we’ve done all the work for you and put together a list of the best app releases of the month. As always, if you’d rather watch the video than read the article, just head to the bottom of the page.


 Kingdom Rush

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First on our list is Kingdom Rush, a game previously exclusive to iOS and the Chrome web store. It has made its way to Android with flying colors, and has become quite popular on the platform. Kingdom Rush is your standard tower defense game. You build up towers, the towers kill the enemy, and in return you’re rewarded with money to buy more towers.

Most tower defense players already know the drill with this genre, and for new players, it’s quite easy to pick up and play. Kingdom Rush is another fun, simple, tower defense game. Check it out, but be warned – it’s addictive!

Get it on Google Play


Next Browser

NextBrowser

Next Browser claims to be the next generation of browsing. We can’t confirm or deny that, but it’s definitely a very nice browser. It comes with your standard features — bookmarks, quick browsing, and even a customizable home page.

When it comes to general web browsing, it’s fast. Pages load quickly, but a lot of that has to deal with your Internet connection. During our testing, we couldn’t find any issues with the browser. It’s very clean and efficient, and while it’s a great browser, don’t expect to get the same out of it as you would with Chrome.

Get it on Google Play


Punch Quest

PunchQuest
Three words sum up the excitement behind Punch Quest. Laster breathing dinosaurs. It’s a free runner game where you basically pound on enemies until you finally die. So it’s essentially a runner game with a twist that keeps Punch Quest fun.

There are only two controls, punching the ground or punching in the air. The aforementioned laser breathing dinosaurs can be obtained as you progress through the game and find new special powers. Punch Quest is a fast paced game. It’s so enticing that you’ll often put it down and realize you’re late for a meeting! The game is definitely worth giving a look.

Get it on Google Play


What’s the Saying?

WhatsTheSaying

What’s the Saying is probably one of the highest rated new apps of the month. It’s a word game, so it’s only going to appeal to a certain group of people. It’s a really simple game, and it has some social network integration to get your friends involved.

Here’s how it works. You’re given a picture that has clues to figuring out the phrase. After that, you simply guess the phrase. If you’re not able to figure it out, coins can be used to solve it for your. You can even post it to your Twitter or Facebook to recruit help in finding it out.

Get it on Google Play


You Don’t Know Jack

YouDontKnowJack

For those of you who have never played, You Don’t Know Jack stands for a gibberish question. It’s an adult oriented quiz show game that first began in the early 1990′s. It’s a fun game, and it’s occasionally vulgar and hilarious. With various questions like dis or dat and gibberish questions, long time fans are able to relive the game yet again. If you’re into quiz games, this is very much worth checking out.

Get it on Google Play


Wrap Up

best android apps leaderboard

If you take a look at our leaderboard (image above) you can see how these apps compete with each other. These ratings are based on Google Play Store ratings, so there isn’t any bias on our part, as it is how you, the people, voted on them.

There are a massive amount of apps that are released on a monthly basis. So there’s obviously a few that we’ve missed. If you have a favorite app that came out in the month of May, be sure to let us know about it in the comments below!

    


HTC One “Google Edition” isn’t without some sacrifice: won’t support IR blaster, HTC Zoe or Beats Audio software switch

Posted: 30 May 2013 01:26 PM PDT

htc one google edition

Earlier today, Google’s Sundar Pichai revealed that the HTC One with “a Nexus Experience” is happening, despite the initial denials from HTC. The announcement of the HTC One Google Edition follows behind the Google I/O reveal of the GS4 GE.

What makes these Google Edition devices so exciting is that we can enjoy our favorite flagship phones without worrying about all the manufacturer bloat that normally comes with them. Of course the Google Edition handsets don’t come without some sacrifice.

Love or hate OEM skins and customizations, part of the what draws consumers to devices like the Galaxy S4 and HTC One are the special features you can’t find with stock Android. For the HTC One this includes HTC Zoe, Blinkfeed, an IR blaster, an FM radio app and Beats Audio software.

So that leaves the question, what happens to these features when you opt for a phone that doesn’t include Sense? Android Police reached out to HTC to clarify the situation, and learned what we’ve always suspected, none of these features will be present on the Google Edition handsets (at least as far as the HTC One is concerned), with the exception of Beats Audio – which apparently will be present, just without the software audio switch in the status bar.

It is worth mentioning that the capacitive button configuration on the HTC One will be exactly the same even with the Google Edition of the handset.

So is the Google Edition worth it, considering the loss of some of HTC’s special features? The answer to that is dependent on what you plan to do with your phone. If you love modding, hacking and absolutely can’t stand Sense, then sure it is. Not to mention that there are likely 3rd party modifications out there that will help you "put back" some of the features you lose, if you so desire.

For those that really don’t care about modding and don’t mind Sense, this phone probably isn’t for you.

What do you think of the HTC One "Google Edition", excited to get your hands on it or are you perfectly happy with the standard HTC One?

    


Android will soon overtake Apple in tablet shipments, says ABI Research

Posted: 30 May 2013 12:28 PM PDT

Google Nexus 7

Google Nexus 7

It seems Tim Cook's remarks about Apple's comparatively low market penetration couldn't come at a better time. ABI Research, a technology analytics firm that tracks the sale and distribution of mobile devices, said today that global Android tablet shipments will soon overshadow iPad shipments.

Apple dominated the tablet market in the first quarter of this year, shipping nearly 50 percent of tablets. That's a substantial amount of iPads, but still down from Apple's 69 percent of tablets shipped in the second quarter of last year, and a rate which ABI predicts is unsustainable in the face of stiff competition from low-cost Android tablet manufacturers. Developing markets like China and emerging markets – where demand for sub-$200 Android tablets is greatest – have propelled Android marketshare to incredible heights recently.

ABI maintains that devices running Android will soon represent a majority of tablet shipments, as smaller tablets become more popular and the price of tablets continues to fall. Research firm IDC reported earlier this week that 55 percent of tablets shipped this year will have screen sizes 8 inches or smaller, and that the average selling price of tablets should drop to $381 in 2013, a decrease of 11 percent.

It looks like Apple's reluctance to engage new markets with discounted products has come back to bite the company. We'll see if  it has learned its lesson when the next iPad is unveiled.

    


LG Optimus L4 II and L4 II Dual apparently on the way to Russia this summer

Posted: 30 May 2013 12:25 PM PDT

LG Optimus

We already knew about the LG Optimus L3 II, L5 II and L7 II, which were all unveiled back in February. But if a new rumor proves true, apparently the LG Optimus L4 II is also in the pipeline.

The news (and photos) of the L4 II comes from Russian website Hi-Tech.Mail.Ru, and according to the sites’ sources, the phone will be released in single and dual-SIM form this June. We can’t say for sure if or when the Optimus L4 II might make its way out of Russia, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the phone arrive to other parts of Europe and Asia.

So what does this budget phone offer? You get a 3.8-inch IPS display with a resolution of 320×480 and a 1GHz single-core Mediatek SoC with just 512MB RAM. Other specs include a PowerVR SGX531 GPU, 4GB RAM, a 3MP camera with a BSI sensor and LED flash, microSD, a 1,700 mAh battery and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

The specs on this phone aren’t exactly going to impress your friends, but nor do we expect that kind of performance out of a budget device. The L4 II Single is expected to cost around 5,490 RUB, or roughly $173. The dual model will be a bit pricier at 5,990 RUB, or around $189.

I understand that not everyone can afford quad-core super-phones, but it’s a bit disappointing to see smartphones still packing sub-4-inch displays and single-core processors – especially for a device that costs close to $200.

What do you think of the LG Optimus L3 II, does its specs seem worth the money, or not?

    


More sources confirm Sony Xperia L4 Togari, provide more details

Posted: 30 May 2013 11:58 AM PDT

Sony Xperia L4

Sony Xperia Z

The Sony Xperia L4, or “Togari” as it is also known, has been confirmed by two more sources, which have also provided further details about it.

Interestingly enough, Greek site Tech Blog has confirmed some interesting information about the future device, saying that it would have (as previously rumored) a 6.4 inch screen with a Full HD resolution, but that it would be a screen capable of working with any pen or pencil, not only a stylus or your finger.

Gizbot says that a “handset with an extra large display” was confirmed by Sony sources at a recent Delhi event. The sources said that the company was preparing a device with a larger screen, to counter the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, rumored for a July-August launch.

The rest of the information is pretty consistent with previous rumors, in the sense that it mentions an Xperia Z-like design and a better CPU — the Snapdragon 600 and 800 are mentioned, as well as 2 GB of RAM. The camera would be a 13 megapixel one, featuring an Exymor RS sensor. NFC (which Sony has been promoting in a cute TV ad recently) and an IR blaster are also mentioned as being part of the equation.

In terms of release date, Gizbot says that it would come out at IFA Berlin 2013 (September of this year) or at CES 2014 (January 2014). As you may remember, the initial rumors were mentioning a July release in China, with the device coming to international markets in August or September, which fits the timeline for release at IFA.

It’s too early to be making predictions, but the Sony Xperia L4 looks to be a pretty interesting device. We’ll just have to wait and see what the future brings.

Do you think Sony’s device will have what it takes to compete against the Samsung Galaxy Note 3? We want to know what you think!

    


5.9-inch Key Lime Pie-running HTC T6 to challenge Galaxy Note 3, report says

Posted: 30 May 2013 11:54 AM PDT

Key Lime Pie

A new report reveals that the rumored HTC T6 could be a Key Lime Pie-running 5.9-inch handset meant to compete directly against the upcoming Galaxy Note 3 from Samsung.

From the start we'll remind you that this is just a rumor for now, and we have no way of confirming anything at this time, so make sure you take it with a grain of salt.

The Unlockr has apparently learned that the HTC T6 – which we saw in a different report a few days ago – is an actual HTC smartphone. The publication already has a list of specs and features for this Galaxy Note 3 contender, which reveals some interesting details.

The handset will reportedly pack a 5.9-inch touchscreen display with 1080p resolution, a 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of memory upgradeable via microSD cards, an UltraPixel camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera with wide-angle lens, a 3300mAh battery and, most interestingly Android (5.0?) Key Lime Pie under the hood from launch.

That's right, it looks like the HTC T6 – which will presumably be a HTC One of the maxi variety – will not come with Jelly Bean on board but with KLP. The handset will reportedly launch in late summer or early fall, although it's too early to talk about availability dates at this time considering the device is not even official yet.

Galaxy Note 3 concept

Galaxy Note 3 concept

In addition to KLP, the HTC T6 will incorporate additional software features including a revamped Sense UI complete with a new BlinkFeed version ("more partners, more customizability and the ability to save content for offline consumption") and a stylus:

Note-faithful, take, um, note: HTC is looking to woo you away from the original phablet by hitting Samsung's star where it hurts — the pen. Great care is apparently being put into making the pen usage here a premium experience, so expect a nicely crafted stylus with an ultra-thin tip capable of a full suite of content creation and manipulation capabilities. It wasn't known whether Scribe, the company's pen suite for its short-lived lineup of (two) Android tablets, would be powering the T6 experience as well.

The HTC T6 would also pack a built-in fingerprint reader, which would be located on the back, allowing users to unlock the device as they "grip it naturally to begin usage." Also interesting is the HTC T6's rumored power jacket, a case that would also pack an extra 1250mAh battery.

Comparatively, the Galaxy Note 3 is rumored to arrive in July-August, and to also pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and a rear camera with OIS abilities. However, it's too early to tell what kind of software the handset would run, not that any of these rumored specs can be confirmed either.

Speaking of software, we'll remind you that Google will most likely release Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in the very near future. As for Key Lime Pie, we would expect it to be unveiled at some point in fall and we would expect Android 5.0 to be called KLP, although we can't back such speculation with any facts yet.

HTC T6 specs

We'll be back with more HTC T6 news in the near future, as we expect to see more leaks as we get closer to its launch.

    


Is Asus preparing to take on the Galaxy Note series with 6-inch Transformer?

Posted: 30 May 2013 11:48 AM PDT

n6-te-Asus-1

Computex 2013 is just around the corner, and that means now is the time when manufacturers start teasing us about what they plan to show off. For Asus, the teasing takes place in the form of an Android action-figure, which is teeming with hints of what is to come.

To find the biggest hints, you don’t need to look any further than the box. Right on the front of the box we see things like the model number, "N6-TE", as well as two arms that likely represent two key features for this Asus device: the ability to make phone calls and the ability to take notes, possibly with a built-in stylus.

Some of the other big hints include the words "We Transform" and the name "Droid Mark II". Last but not least, there is a big number "6" on the Android figure’s chest.

n6-te-Asus-2

Putting it all together, what does it mean? Only Asus knows for certain, but it wouldn’t seem crazy to think this is either some kind of 6-inch Transformer device. Then there is also the possibility that this could be a sequel to the Asus FonePad, hence the "mark 2" mentioning.

Whatever it is, we can pretty much bet it will come in a form factor that puts it directly in competition with large-display phones like the Samsung Galaxy Note series. Going with a 6-inch display also means the device will work well as a tablet but won’t seem as ridiculous when held up to your face, unlike the Asus FonePad.

For now, all we can do is speculate and geek out about great things to come at Computex. Luckily, we only have to wait until June 3rd at 3PM (local Taiwan time) to learn what Asus has up its sleeves.

What do you think, excited for Asus’ device unveiling or not?

    


Is Samsung’s success a problem for Android? Not according to Sundar Pichai

Posted: 30 May 2013 11:43 AM PDT

Sundar Pichai and Walt Mossberg

We opine about Samsung’s grip on Android quite a bit. Is it healthy for Android? What about TIzen? There are so many issues we concern ourselves with.

It comes from a good place, though. We love Android, and would really like to see a little levelling in the market. HTC makes fantastic devices, and the LG Nexus 4 is brilliant. Those two are, unfortunately, satellite manufacturers in the Android space. They make great devices, but rarely have the presence or impact Samsung does. Even Motorola, now owned by Google, has a limited foothold in a market they've been active in from the beginning.

Sundar Pichai doesn't Samsung's dominance as a problem. At all. In reference to Samsung, Pichai notes "they're a very close partner. We enjoy a very close working relationship. We actually owe a lot of success, in Android, to what they've done."

"Today, I see a pretty symbiotic relationship, and we intend to keep it that way." is how Pichai phrased the Android/Samsung success story. He went on to reference Microsoft and Intel working together, and how well it works when a software and hardware manufacturer work in unison.

In regard to the future of Samsung and Android, Pichai had the following to offer: "We are working on projects for the next twelve to eighteen months, and the collaboration is getting deeper. You will see that play out as we ship these devices."

While there are no indications of just what those products are, the collaboration between Samsung and Google has been wonderful. Both Samsung Nexus devices were really good, and the Samsung ARM Chromebook defined the genre. If we are set to get more of that, then there is little reason to concern ourselves with Samsung's success. We just hope Google doesn't lose a broader focus and forget the other manufacturers, who also have a lot to offer.

    


Chrome security features in Android? The boss, Sundar Pichai, says yes.

Posted: 30 May 2013 10:59 AM PDT

Sundar Pichai

When Sundar Pichai took over as Android chief, it led so many of us to wonder what it all meant. Our initial concern was that Google would combine the two services. We tried to wrap our head around it, and figure out how it would work out. A Chrome-Android merger… was it possible? Would it make sense?

After the initial dust-up, cooler heads prevailed. We realized it was more about a great leader in Pichai, and some functionality that can be shared between the two massive programs. Today, we get news of what some of that functionality may be.

All D11, the All Things D conference, Android boss Sundar Pichai spoke about Android security. He noted that with Chrome, there are a variety of security features that he'd like to see on Android. "From a security, child safety, etc. standpoint, Chrome OS lets you be a guest user. We’re working on things like that on Android." said Pichai.

We didn't hear a release timeframe for any of these developments, but that's no big deal. The mere fact that two programs, which we all love using, will be cross referencing each other is amazing. It goes to show that there is space for both in the mobile landscape, and that worlds can mesh rather than collide. The Chrome team has security figured out better than anyone, and as programs like "bring your own device" become more popular, Android security will be at the forefront of concerns. If the Android team can pick up some cues from the Chrome team, we may never have to worry about mobile security again.

    


Rumor: Despite what you’ve heard, an LG Nexus 5 prototype is in the works

Posted: 30 May 2013 10:38 AM PDT

LG-Nexus-4

Earlier this week, LG’s Kim Wong sat down for an interview where he revealed a bit about LG’s plans for the future. Wong also brought up the Nexus 5 and led most of the web to believe that LG wasn’t interested in making the next Nexus phone. LG later issued a statement saying that they weren’t working on a Nexus 5 right now, but that they wouldn’t turn down the opportunity in the future.

With everything seemingly cleared up, that should have been the end of LG Nexus 5 talk for a while. But the rumor mill keeps churning, never sleeping. The latest word is that LG is actively working on the Nexus 5, regardless of what we’ve heard.

The rumor comes from Korean site Daum.net, who has a history for leaking information that later proves correct. Duam reports that the next-gen Nexus has been in testing inside of LG for about a month now, under strict security conditions. Outside of those working closely with the device, apparently Larry Page is the only person to have seen the Nexus 5 prototype.

So who should we believe here?

Obviously we should take all LG Nexus 5 rumors with a grain of salt, but at the same time remember that LG hasn’t denied interest in making another Nexus device. All they said was they weren’t working on the Nexus 5 right now– you know, just like HTC said they weren’t planning an HTC One with a Nexus experience.

Even Wong’s comments never turned down idea of another Nexus, despite what the media might have you believe. Instead, he simply said, “The Nexus 4 was a great success despite the production problems for us and Google. However we do not need such a marketing success again.”

It’s true that the Nexus 4 really gave LG a strong shove forward when it came to positive marketing and reputation, despite some of the supply issues they ran into. But there are other reasons beyond marketing to get involved with the Nexus project, such as being the first manufacturer to get the next version of Android, (hopefully) Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie.

Being the first to the Key Lime Pie party would be a major win for LG, and would make working with Google on another Nexus well worth the trouble.

At the moment we really don’t know if LG is or isn’t involved with the next Nexus phone, but if it is, would you be interested in it? Or are you ready for Google to give someone else a shot at making a Nexus smartphone?

    


Samsung GT-P5210 passes through the FCC, is this the long awaited Galaxy Tab 3 10.1?

Posted: 30 May 2013 10:26 AM PDT

Samsung Logo aa 600px 2

These past few months have been a whirlwind of Samsung Galaxy rumors, leaks, announcements and FCC leaks. Today, the Samsung GT-P5210 took a trip through the FCC office, indicating that the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 is coming soon, but at the same time revealing very little information on specifications.

What we do know is that it has a 10-inch screen, a name that lines up with the rest of the Galaxy Tab 3 family (the Galaxy Tab 7.0's model number is GT-P3210), and that it is the WiFi-only version. We don’t know anything else about the device, including whether the processor inside is the rumored Intel Atom chipset.

Samsung already has an event lined up for the 20th of June, where we'll see Android and Windows devices. For now it looks like the Samsung GT-P5210 will be revealed on the event day, but don't be surprised if Samsung announces the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 a little sooner.

Galaxy Tab 3 10.1

Is this the long awaited Galaxy Tab 10.1?

    


How to install Adobe Flash Player on Android

Posted: 30 May 2013 10:23 AM PDT

galaxy-s4-android-youtube-aa

As you know, Adobe Flash Player was ditched in favor of HTML5 on Android. While that’s certainly not a bad thing, there’s still some faithful Adobe Flash Player users. So we’re going to show you how to manually install Adobe Flash Player on your Android device. It’s a fairly easy process.

As usual, if you’d rather watch the video, just head to the bottom of the article.

Installing

As I mentioned, installing Adobe Flash Player is very easy. First, head into your Android device’s Settings > Security and make sure to check the Unknown Sources box. This will allow us to install the Adobe Flash Player app from a source other than the Play Store.

Next, open up Google on your Android device and search for “Adobe Flash Player archives” (or just hit this link from your smartphone). After that, hit the first link on the page. Once the page is loaded, you’re going to want to scroll down until you see the Android 4.0 archives. When you find it, you’re going to want to tap the first version you see to begin the download, which is the version that Adobe still updates regularly.

galaxy-s4-adobe-archives-aa

After the download is finished, simply tap the notification and you can begin installing the app. Keep in mind that you can’t use the stock browser or Google Chrome with Adobe Flash Player, as they don’t support it. You’re going to need to use something like the Boat browser or Firefox.

Setting up Flash

If you have Boat browser installed, inside the browser head into Settings > Page Content settings, and make sure the flash plugins are enabled. After that, you can head on over to YouTube to make sure it works. Just make you’re using the desktop site and not the mobile page.

That’s it! Adobe Flash Player should now be up and running on your Android device!

    


Android chief Sundar Pichai says Google will continue leading Nexus development

Posted: 30 May 2013 10:12 AM PDT

Sundar_Pichai

There are a lot of interesting developments in Android hardware recently. We saw the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition at I/O, which led to a few moans and groans when the $649 pricetag was announced. Today, Android Chief Sundar Pichai revealed the new HTC One Google Edition phone, set to retail at $599 on the Play Store.

It led some to speculate as to whether or not Google was done making Nexus hardware. That's a fair question, considering we've not seen this kind of thing from Google before. Is it a sign of changing tides, or Google being smart about what consumers want?

According to the boss himself, the latter. Sundar Pichai notes during his D11 talk that Google will continue to head development on Nexus devices. Those devices, and Pichai points out, are not just about the newest version of Android. "The idea with Nexus is to push on hardware as well, so that will continue." said Pichai. He also noted that Google would continue to partner with manufacturers, offering more devices with stock Android in the future.

This is really wonderful news, all around. We now have access to the best hardware available, and can get the operating system we might prefer, without rooting. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is a nice device, but TouchWiz isn't for everyone. The same goes for the HTC One — great hardware, but a suspect OS skin for many. Now we have the best devices available, running pure Android. The price for both the HTC One and Galaxy S4 are fair for an unlocked device that isn't a Nexus device, so it's fair for everyone as well.

To top it all off, the Nexus program will continue laying the groundwork for Android. This is exactly what we've been asking for, and Google delivered for us. Let's be happy about it!

    


See the Motorola D11 talk about the X Phone here!

Posted: 30 May 2013 09:36 AM PDT

Motorola X Phone

Yesterday, we told you about the D11 conference in which Dennis Woodside of Motorola "accidentally" confirmed the X Phone. The device, which was in Dennis' pocket (though he was unable to show it), has achieved mythical proportions.

While we don't know a whole lot about the device, Motorola issued a press release shortly after the D11 talk to make it official. We like that it will be made in the USA, and are sure the specs will live up to the hype. In case you didn't see the talk, and Dennis' slip-up, check it out below.

    


Motorola shows off digital tattoos and smart pills, not afraid to think outside the box

Posted: 30 May 2013 09:13 AM PDT

motorola-tattoo

Yesterday at the D11 Conference, Motorola took the stage and revealed some truly epic news. Not only did we learn that the X Phone is in fact real, the company also unveiled its plans for unique authentication devices in the future.

The first of these technologies is a prototype electronic tattoo that Motorola’s SVP for advanced technology, Regina Dugan, wore on her arm. According to Regina, the tattoo could potentially replace traditional authentication methods for logging into devices like your phone or tablet. The tattoo would only need to changed out once a week.

Regina also commented on how wearable tattoos might be more exciting to younger people than devices like smartwatches. In her words, “teenagers might not want to wear a watch, but you can be sure they’ll wear a tattoo just to piss off their parents.”

motorola-pill

While the tattoo certainly is unique, it has nothing on the second prototype shown off by Motorola, a pill created by Proteus Digital Health.

That’s right, Motorola hopes to someday bring us a pill that you can ingest that basically turns YOU into an authentication token. The idea is that the pill’s electronics would be powered by the acid in your stomach and could create an 18-bit signal in your body.

According to Regina, the pill technology has been successfully tested and is even approved by the FDA. Just don’t expect either the tattoo or pill to ship anytime soon, as they are both still “works in progress”. The bigger take away is that Motorola isn’t afraid to try new things and is openly thinking about the future of wearable (and ingestable?) technologies.

Motorola might not be the biggest player in the mobile world, but I certainly wouldn’t count the company down and out. What do you think of these unique authentication methods, could you see yourself using either one of these?

    


“HTC One with Nexus User Experience” unveiled, will ship on June 26

Posted: 30 May 2013 09:13 AM PDT

htc one google edition

Google's Sundar Pichai just announced the long rumored HTC One "Google Edition" – the device will run Android 4.2.2 AOSP and will be available starting June 26.

Rumors about a stock Android HTC One version emerged almost the minute Hugo Barra announced the Google Edition of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Though HTC was quick to refute the rumors, today on the stage of the D11 conference in Los Angeles, Android boss Sundar Pichai made the "HTC One with Nexus User Experience" real.

On the hardware side, it's the same HTC One we've come to know and love. Inside though, it's all stock Android 4.2.2 AOSP. Just like the Galaxy S4 Google Edition, the One Google Edition will sell unlocked from the Play Store. The device will ship on the same day as the Galaxy S4 Google Edition, June 26.

As for the price of the device, it's $599 for the 32GB version, which is $50 cheaper than the similar Samsung device. However, while the Galaxy S4 Google Edition comes with 16GB of internal storage (expandable), the One has 32GB, though without the possibility to expand it via microSD.

The HTC One Google Edition – let’s use this unofficial moniker for now – will be equipped with Beats Audio, but we haven’t hear anything about the software of the much touted Ultrapixel camera.

    


GamePop Android gaming console by BlueStacks to cost $129 after free promo offer

Posted: 30 May 2013 09:06 AM PDT

BlueStacks GamePop
Remember the newest Android-based gaming console that we told you about earlier this month called Gamepop from BlueStacks? It’s still being sold in a pre-order basis, and as mentioned in our earlier report, it is still free as long as you purchase a year-long monthly subscription. Now, BlueStacks has revealed how much it plans to charge for the GamePop after its free promo offer finally ends next month.

The get-your-free-unit-with-a-monthly-subscription promo that BlueStacks is doing for the GamePop is scheduled to run right until the end of June. Buyers will be able to get themselves a GamePop without having to pay for the unit itself simply by paying an entire year’s worth of monthly subscription fees that cost $6.99 per month — about $84 USD in total. When the promo ends, the GamePop will then be sold separately: at $129 a piece.

According to BlueStacks VP of marketing and business development John Gargiulo, the Gamepop is “much better” than what people might expect, with the use of "new control paradigms that have recently been made possible.” The console, which is said to be on track for a Winter 2013 release, will support not just Android devices as controllers, but iPhones and possibly other iOS-powered devices as well.

BlueStacks also announced that it has already signed partnership deals with COM2US, the largest game developer in Korea, as well as Intellijoy and education developers with offerings that are currently present in Google Play.

There may yet be a future for a product such as the GamePop. At the very least, it looks very promising. Do you agree or disagree? Tell us what you think about it in the comments.