Sunday, July 7, 2013

Android Community

Android Community


Weekend Gaming: Slydris – a puzzle game with a twist

Posted: 06 Jul 2013 01:09 PM PDT

For your gaming this holiday weekend we wanted to find something a little unique, and fun, that you can enjoy for hours and hours. We stumbled across Slydris, a highly entertaining Tetris-like game for iOS. The popular iOS developers RadianGames have begun bringing their awesome titles to Android, and this is their latest one. If you love a good puzzle game, it’s worth checking out.

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At one point Slydris was rated the #1 Puzzle game on iOS last year, so it certainly sounded promising. It will run you $1.99, but after hours of gameplay the past few days we feel it’s worth the quick pennies. The last few weeks we’ve features explosive action games, so this week wanted something a little more casual.

Slydris is a tetris-like puzzler, that will have you thinking and taking your time instead of trying to beat the clock with falling bricks. The touch controls were the best aspect, aside from pretty nice and simple graphics, and makes the entire game just easy to play and enjoy. For a quick look at gameplay, and to see their title work on old small Android smartphones, all the way to 1080p HD tablets take a peek below.

As you see above Slydris offers a tetris-like experience where the user can slide to maneuver the tiles on the bottom of the display. You can slide them around to create combos, drop em when ready, and get bonus points and more. It’s a casual puzzle game, that’s for sure. There’s tons of specials and levels ups, three different game modes, and they even offer a dark background theme to preserve battery if you’d like.

Again, Slydris will run you $1.99 and it’s available from the link below. If you’ve been looking for a good puzzle game on Android, give it a try today.

unnamed unnamed1 unnaed

VIA: Play Store

Moto X leaks again with custom white front panels

Posted: 06 Jul 2013 11:48 AM PDT

The details on Google and Motorola‘s Moto X smartphone are still a bit of a mystery. While the information continues to leak out, we’re still left wondering exactly what the internal specs are, and what exactly Google has planned. However, this week we learned a lot from Motorola’s own sign up page, and the leaked rear custom color plates.

moto-x-leak-04-resized

We know the Moto X will be highly customizable. Rumors with that detail have been seen for months. Motorola confirmed their “Made in the USA” completely customizable smartphone will be available soon, but we’re still left wondering when. This week we learned they’ll offer custom engravings, up to 16 different pastel colored rear panels covering the battery, and special color trim options as well.

However, now today another round of leaks is giving us a look at the front fascia of the Moto X. We’re seeing it in both white and black, with and without the Motorola logo. Likely the Moto logo we’ve been seeing is only for internal testing, and the front will be absent of any logo as we see in the image above.

The jury is still out on the final specs, but latest details that have followed these leaked images states a 1.7 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro. As a reminder that’s a slightly faster Galaxy S III. So still a powerful and speedy device, just not top-tier. Moto X should have a 4.7-inch HD display, and it appears that Google and Motorola are going for the mass market with this well rounded smartphone.

We should be learning more soon, and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for additional leaks and information. Latest reports suggest a July 11th reveal.

moto-x-leak-04-resized moto-x-leak-02-resized moto-x-leak-01-resized

VIA: GforGames

Android Authority

Android Authority


Google pays AdBlock Plus not to block its ads

Posted: 07 Jul 2013 01:36 AM PDT

Adblock-Plus-Website-on-Mevvy.com_

Ever look for an ad filtering browser plugin to keep annoying, obtrusive advertisements off of your computer screen? Chances are you ended up installing Adblock Plus, a free product with millions of users. What you probably didn't know, though, is that Adblock doesn't function as indiscriminately as you might expect; though the program hides a number of advertisements by default, ad giants like Google can and do pay Eyeo, the company behind Adblock Plus, to keep their advertisements on the company's Acceptable Ads whitelist. By default, display ads from those who pay are visible even when Adblock is enabled.

The policy isn't exactly new. Eyeo implemented the Acceptable Ads whitelist back in 2011, in part to prevent depriving small websites of valuable ad revenue. The move was also pragmatic: per the Frequently Asked Questions section on the Abdblock Plus website, managing a list of whitelisted ads can be expensive, and so charging larger properties to participate keeps the Acceptable Ads initiative viable.

The inclusion of a whitelist in ad blocking software may seem disingenuous, but Eyeo co-founder Till Faida thinks of it as a way to promote positive change in the online advertising sphere. In an interview with Digital Trend’s Molly McHugh, Faida suggests the company's philosophy is more about reaching a happy compromise between internet users and advertisers than shutting advertisers out altogether. Less in-your-face ads are a start, apparently: the Acceptable Ads policy mandates advertisements be nonintrusive.

Considering (1) the number of small internet publishers that rely solely on ads for income, and (2) the services companies like Google provide at no charge, Eyeo's policy seems fair. Adblock Plus's current approach allows legitimate ads while discouraging harmful ones, and in doing so helps to shape the online advertising landscape for the better. Greater transparency is warranted, granted – knowing exactly how much Eyeo charges certain advertisers would be a great start –  but the balance Eyeo's struck between internet users and ad companies looks reasonable.

    


AA Asks: Would you buy Android Authority Gear?

Posted: 07 Jul 2013 12:40 AM PDT

aa-asks-2

Welcome to the very first edition of a series we call AA Asks! It’s where we ask you, our loyal viewers and fans, about questions we have, so we can create a better site for you.

Android Authority exists only because of you, our fans. We work everyday around the clock to provide great video, awesome event coverage, timely news, commentary, in-depth reviews and device comparisons, and much more.

We’re insanely passionate about mobile technology! But, at the end of the day, it’s for you, our fans and readers, that we aspire to cover the rapidly changing world of mobile technology and Android!

We want to improve

From time to time, we’ll reach out to you, to ask you questions about what you want from us in terms of coverage, content, and more. It’s with this information that we can work diligently to improve and produce the content that you, the boss, will want to see!

In this first episode, we are going to ask you about Android Authority gear. See, we often get asked for Android Authority T-shirts, stickers, or even coffee mugs. A few of the guys on the AA team all have these, and we thought, if there was enough interest, we could make them available.

Is this something  you would be interested in, if we made it? We know a lot of you like “Mr. AA”, our humble mascot here at Android Authority. Please answer the short survey to the best of your ability. Thanks!

 

    


Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs Sony Xperia Z Ultra: By the numbers

Posted: 06 Jul 2013 04:21 PM PDT

Galaxy Note 2

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has held its own against some stiff competition in the past, but with its successor still a few months away, a rather large shadow has loomed upon it. The Sony Xperia Z Ultra might just be the Galaxy Note 2's biggest competitor yet, and in more ways than one.

So after pitting the Note 2 up against the LG Optimus G Pro last time, the Galaxy Note 2 has returned to go up against the Xperia Z Ultra in a "by the numbers" smackdown.

1,152,000 pixels

That's how many more pixels the Sony Xperia Z Ultra has, when compared to the 720P display on the Galaxy Note 2. While the Xperia Z Ultra carries a Full HD Triluminous display, packing over 2 million pixels, the Galaxy Note 2 clocks out at just under a million with its 720P Super AMOLED.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra press (4)

0.9 inches

The difference in screen-size between the Xperia ZU and the Note 2. While the Note 2 has an already quite large 5.5-inch display, the Xperia Z Ultra contains a 6.4-inch display inside of its waterproof shell. The Xperia ZU is a gargantuan of a smartphone that makes even the Galaxy Note 2 look relatively small.

77 PPI

That's the difference that the extra million pixels on the Xperia ZU make when looking at pixel density. While the Xperia Z Ultra has a much higher resolution display, its larger screen limits it to just 344 pixels per inch. The Galaxy Note 2 on the other hand, has a pixel density of 267 PPI.

galaxy note 2 [aa]

28.3 mm

You didn’t expect the Xperia Z Ultra to fit a much larger display into the same size shell, now did you. Something's got to make room for that 6.4-inch screen, and as a result the Xperia Z Ultra is a full 28.3 mm taller than the Galaxy Note 2. So if you thought pocketing the Galaxy Note 2 was hard, just wait till you try this.

Xperia Z Ultra

31 percent

Where the Xperia ZU lacks adds in height, it makes up for in its thin frame. The Xperia Z Ultra is razor blade thin, coming in at just 6.5 mm thick, while the Galaxy Note 2 is a little bit chunkier, as its 9.4 mm frame suggests. That makes the Xperia ZU 31% thinner than its rival.

29 grams

The Xperia ZU's tempered glass front and back mean it tips the scales at a hefty 212 grams.

That’s how many more grams the Xperia Z Ultra weighs. While the Xperia Z Ultra is thinner, it can't quite repeat the wizardry with its weight. The tempered glass front and back certainly don't help it keep its weight down, and this means that the Xperia Z Ultra tips the scales at a hefty 212 grams. The relatively light weight plastic construction on the Note 2 however, allows it to come in at just 183 grams.

600 mhz

The difference in clock speed between the Note 2 and the Xperia Z Ultra. While the Note 2 is nearing its first birthday, the Xperia Z Ultra has just been announced and it takes advantage of the new Snapdragon 800 SoC that's been blazing a trail through the benchmarks ever since it was unveiled.

The Galaxy Note 2 utilizes the Exynos 4 Quad clocked at 1.6Ghz, and the Xperia ZU has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, clocked at 2.2Ghz. Based on preliminary benchmarks, expect the Xperia Z Ultra or any smartphone that uses the Snapdragon 800, to destroy the competition.

BayTrail and Snapdragon 800 Antutu Benchmarks

1.5 metres

How deep underwater the Xperia Z Ultra can go without being damaged. Thanks to its IP58 rating, the Xperia ZU can be plunged underwater for 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 metres and remain functional. The Galaxy Note 2 on the other hand, does not feature such capabilities so for those of you who like to take bathroom snaps, please keep your Note 2's away from any water basins.

50 mAh

While it's not looking too good for the Xperia Z Ultra on the battery side of things, we'll leave the full judgements until after a full review.

That's how much bigger the battery is on the Galaxy Note 2. The 3050 mAh battery on the Xperia Z Ultra might make power users struggle to get through a full day of use. The Galaxy Note 2 is renowned for its great battery life, and not only does the Xperia ZU have a slightly smaller battery, it's also got a larger, more power hungry display.

While it's not looking too good for the Xperia Z Ultra on the battery side of things, we'll leave the full judgements until after a full review.

Wrap up

One thing we didn't mention above is that the Xperia Z Ultra features new capabilities which allows pens, pencils, even paintbrushes to be used as a stylus. The Note 2 features the ever present S-Pen which has become the hallmark of the Note brand. It's also a Wacom digitizer, meaning it can detect up to 1024 levels of pressure.

Keep in mind that while the Note 2 seems a little outclassed when compared to this year's competition, the Galaxy Note 3 is only a few short months away and is expected to be announced at IFA 2013 this September.

We'll be sure to get a review out for the Xperia Z Ultra as soon as possible, but in the meantime check out the written review for the Galaxy Note 2 by clicking here, or watch the video review below.

Which do you prefer: the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 or the Sony Xperia Z Ultra?

    


Astrid announces that it’s shutting down on August 5

Posted: 06 Jul 2013 12:02 PM PDT

astrid

It's been two months since Yahoo announced its acquisition of popular task management service Astrid, and like after every acquisition by a major company, we began to wonder when Astrid would find itself on the chopping block.

Astrid's doomsday has finally been set after emails began to roll out to notify users that it would cease to exist from August 5th and onwards. That means you'll lose all your data unless you head over to the dedicated export page, so that you can export your data.

The Astrid team have also been helpful enough to offer a few alternatives like Wrike, Wunderlist, Sandglaz, and Any.do (some have even set up dedicated web pages for Astrid users, links are in the source below), allowing you to easily import your data, ensuring that your transition from Astrid is a smooth one.

Unfortunately for those who enjoy the service (like myself), they'll have to find other alternatives to stay productive.

Have you found an alternative to Astrid yet?

    


Purported low-cost iPhone model spotted; Jelly Bean knockoff packs Snapdragon 600 CPU, sells for $199

Posted: 06 Jul 2013 11:47 AM PDT

 Low-cost iPhone - Basic Bear

Low-cost iPhone-based Basic Bear knockoff | Image Credit: Techdy

The low-cost iPhone has reportedly been spotted, with a peripherals maker revealing design details for the device in an in-house produced video – but there's a twist: an Android-running smartphone has already been adapted to fit inside that iPhone chassis.

According to Techdy, which had access to actual hardware, the low-cost iPhone that Apple is supposedly going to launch later this year looks like the device shown in the image below (also see video below). The handset seems to match a device spotted in similarly leaked photos that have been recently posted by a different publication.

Low-cost iPhone

Purported Low-cost iPhone | Image Credit: Techdy

We're apparently looking at a 4-inch device that resembles more or less the iPhone 5. A Lightning port is also present, but the case is not made of aluminum. Instead, it's plastic, with the company showing a white version of the device. According to Techdy, the device doesn't feel cheap, although it's too early to see this particular iPhone design confirmed.

The low-cost iPhone is rumored to be available in a variety of other colors once it launches, including red, green, blue and yellow – or at least these are the colors that appeared in a different leak, alongside a white version.

But Techdy went a step further, building an Android handset inside this leaked low-cost iPhone case. The resulting handset is called Basic Bear, which will retail for just $199 unlocked. The low-cost iPhone is rumored to sell for over $300 off-contract.

The low-cost iPhone-based handset will feature a 4-inch display with 1136 x 640 resolution, 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, 2-megapixel front-facing camera with 1080p HD video recording, 2300mAh battery, Qi wireless charging support, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean running the show. Since we’re at it, we’ll also remind you that you’ll be able to customize Android in order for it to look like iOS 7.

A Bear Pro looking like the HTC One is also listed on the site and packs a 4.7-inch display, microSD card support and pretty much the same specs found in the Bear Basic version. But it retails for $249. Both models will start shipping on July 31 according to the company.

    


HP Slate 7 price drop: competitive edge or staving off failure?

Posted: 06 Jul 2013 10:08 AM PDT

hp slate 7 The HP Slate 7 was built for a very specific purpose and that was to compete in the cheap Android tablet market. When it first came out, it was worth $169 and, according to our own Josh Vergara, you’re essentially getting what you pay for. Is it anything groundbreaking? Definitely not, but for $169 it’s hard not to call it one of the better options in the Android tablet market. Now, the deal has gotten even sweeter as the tablet drops in price to $140.

Finding the price drop is easy. Pretty much everywhere has already slashed the price to $140 from HP’s official site to Best Buy. That’s a fairly good price for a tablet with a 1.6GHz, dual core processor, 8GB of storage with an SD card option, and, unlike the Nexus 7, has a back facing camera.

Now here’s the question. Why is there a price drop? The HP Slate 7 was released just a few months ago so it’s hard to imagine why they’d already be dropping the price. There are a lot of reasons why an OEM would drop the price on a product. After all, a number of countries celebrated holidays over the last week. Including the United States’ Independence Day and Canada’s Canada Day. Holiday sales are always popular, right?

There’s every chance the product may not have been doing so well. We saw a dramatic price drop with the HTC First right before HTC threw in the towel on it. Similarly, we all remember HP’s last experiment in the tablet market, the HP Touchpad. A tablet that was killed not once, but twice for being unpopular and still managed to be the highest selling non-Apple tablet of 2011.

However, there is a third option. Maybe they’re just trying to be more competitive. HP did not release a tablet that could compete with the front runners. This is no Nexus 7 or even an Amazon Kindle Fire. For $200, there are far better options than the HP Slate 7. So why not undercut the competition by so much that it suddenly makes the tablet worth it? Let’s a take a quick look at the specs.

  • 1.6GHz Dual Core A9 processor
  • Mali-400MP4 GPU
  • 1GB RAM
  • 8GB storage with SD card slot
  • Android 4.1
  • 3,500 mAh battery
  • Back and front facing cameras

So where does the HP Slate 7 fit into the tablet market now?

Now, admittedly, we can’t see anyone wanting to pay $200 for the HP Slate 7. Even at $170, it’s a little uncertain. However, at $140 this tablet suddenly starts looking like a much better option. When you get down in the cheapest tier of the Android tablet market, you get a lot of OEMs that people don’t really know (iView, Mach Speed, WilTronic). The HP Slate 7 is a little more expensive than all of those, but the difference is that people know HP. They’ve been a trusted electronics brand for a long time.

Many bloggers, like GigaOM’s Kevin Tofel believe that this is HP still trying to compete with the Nexus 7 and openly state they’d rather pay $60 more for a Nexus 7. We can’t disagree with that stance, but there’s another way to look at it. Sure everyone would pay an extra $60 more for a Nexus 7, but would you pay $40 more to upgrade to the HP Slate 7 from the iView-900TPCII? We know we would. So is the HP Slate 7 still in the same tier as the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire? Heavens no, but it’s now the king of the bottom rung and considering people want to spend less on Android tablets, that may still turn out well for HP.

So what do you guys think? Is this HP trying to make a few bucks off of a potentially failing tablet, or a clever marketing scheme to go after the super cheap, often terrible offerings at the bottom rung of the Android tablet market? We’d love to hear your opinion.

    


Paul O’Brien working on one click Switch between stock Android and Sense 5 for HTC One

Posted: 06 Jul 2013 02:51 AM PDT

HTC One Google Edition

Famed Android developer Paul O'Brien is working on a project called Switch, which would allow HTC One users to quickly switch from AOSP Android to Sense 5, and back.

Dual booting, or having two separate operating systems on one device, has been the dream of many users torn between the clean and stylish interface of stock Android and the extra features offered by overlays such as Sense and TouchWiz.

Now Paul O'Brien, a leading Android developer and creator of the MoDaCo custom ROM, is working on a way to let HTC One users switch between Sense 5 and stock Android, and vice versa. The ultimate goal is to offer users a simple way to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Dubbed Switch, the project is currently a work in progress, and, as you would imagine, is no easy task. O'Brien said he's working on the HTC One now, but a Galaxy S4 version cannot be ruled out in the future.

switch

Switch will give users the chance to enjoy stock Android without giving up features like BlinkFeed, the IR blaster, or Zoes. The details are not clear for now, but we'll keep you posted on this exciting project.