Monday, August 19, 2013

Android World Update # Android Community

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Paranoid Android HALO 2.0 arrives with multitouch and more
Aug 19th 2013, 17:42, by Robert Nelson

Paranoid Android first came available in beta form back in early-June. Since then we have seen some updates and changes, however it appears as if things have just been updated to v2.0. This is being shown as the first public preview of HALO 2.0 and it is arriving with v3.97 of the Paranoid Android ROM. And in addition to the HALO update, PA3.97 also brought some other changes.

paranoid-android-halo-540

First things first though, HALO 2.0. The folks over at Paranoid Android have said there are “tons” of improvements and details with this update. In fact, they go on to mention how there were “too many to list right now.” That aside they did cover some of the HALO 2.0 highlights which include getting the actual notifications. Simply put, HALO 2.0 will now display the actual notification as opposed to plain text.

These notifications also support multitouch which means you can interact with the notifications while still interacting with your current task. As was pointed out, this may require some extra fingers or even an extra hand, but it can be done. Think multitasking with multitouch. While there were some nice additions with this update, the basics remain the same and that means accessing the notification is as simple as tapping the floating window.

Aside from the HALO 2.0 addition, the other changes that can be expected with Paranoid Android v3.97 include the following; a quick settings option to use floating window, an option dealing with MMS to switch on screen automatically and some OTA bug fixes.

Otherwise, this ROM comes with some updates to the Google apps. There is the latest version of the Google+ app as well as v4.3.11 of the Google Play Store. With all that comes the warning — this is an early release and it hasn’t been tested on a wide variety of devices just yet. To that point, it was said that “this is a major shift from the original code-base so screw-ups could happen.”

SOURCE: Google+

AirCast app released by Koush, Chromecast streaming expanded
Aug 19th 2013, 17:35, by Cory Gunther

Ever since Google announced the Chromecast streaming dongle we’ve been waiting for developers to start releasing apps that can truly take advantage of the little device. Koush, the dev behind ClockworkMod and ROM Manager has been working hard on multiple options for the device, as you know, and today has just released Beta 2 of his app which is now called AirCast.

Screen Shot 2013-08-19 at 10.21.11 AM

Chromecast allows users to instantly stream YouTube, Google Play Music, Movies and TV, Pandora, Netflix and more, but the option are a little limited for now. Koush has been teasing tons of other easy ways to stream anything you’d like from your phone, not just Google’s few options, and now we get to try it ourselves.

Aircast will allow you to instantly share and “cast” videos and music from your smartphone or tablet gallery, DropBox, Google Drive or other cloud apps all with ease. Using the standard “share” option in Android you simply share to Koush’s app Aircast, and let the magic happen.

The app is currently in a limited beta, and Koush dropped the first version this weekend over on Google+. This afternoon however beta-2 has arrived with a few fixes, and sadly will only work for 48 hours. He can’t release the full app quite yet, as per the Chromecast developers rules, but soon enough it will be in the Google Play Store for all.

If you have a Chromecast and love to tinker, you’ll want to hit the via below and head to Google+ and get the new Aircast app from Koush, then start streaming whatever from wherever. Enjoy!

VIA: Koush Google+ (2)

Barnes & Noble release NOOK Video app for Android
Aug 19th 2013, 16:51, by Robert Nelson

Barnes & Noble has announced a NOOK Video app for Android. The app is already available in the Play Store and it brings the ability to rent or buy movies and television shows from Barnes & Noble. There is also support for those who happen to have a collection of UltraViolet titles.

nook-video-android-01

Anyway, the Barnes & Noble NOOK Video app is available for free. The app doesn’t require any subscription, however you will need to pay for the content that you rent or buy. Once you have the content set, you then have the option to watch while streaming or to download for times when a constant connection is not going to be possible. Simply put, NOOK Video looks like an option for frequent fliers to consider.

The streaming will work over WiFi as well as with a 3G or 4G connection. Otherwise, the NOOK Video app requires Android 2.3 or later for use, but will run on both smartphones and tablets. One perk for those switching between devices, you can stop a stream on one device and pick up in the same spot on another device. This brings another point to the NOOK Video app.

nook-video-android-02

Aside from the availability of NOOK Video for Android, Barnes & Noble has also released an app for iOS and Roku. Plus there is also video support on the NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color devices from Barnes & Noble. If you happen to have a NOOK device on hand you may want to check the locker as the “specially designed” app should be available some time today.

That all being said, the Barnes & Noble NOOK Video app can be found in the Google Play Store.

SOURCE: Barnes & Noble, NOOK for Android

LG Nexus 5 image leaks as specs begin wavering
Aug 19th 2013, 16:50, by Cory Gunther

This afternoon we are seeing our first look at the upcoming LG Nexus 5 smartphone, as long as recent rumors and the tipster both are correct. We’ve heard a Moto Nexus 5 is coming, from a very reliable source, but before that it was all talk about LG. The folks from TechTastic, who have been accurate with many Samsung and LG rumors in the past are delivering the first photo today.

Schermafbeelding-2013-08-19-om-12.24.56

TechTastic was one of the first ones with accurate details about the backside buttons on the LG G2, not to mention countless other leaks, but we’ll still be taking this odd photo with a grain of salt. Before we dig in, lets rewind.

We can’t confirm LG is making the Nexus 5, but it could be based on the G2 just like last year was based on the original LG Optimus G. We’ve heard countless rumors and “confirmed” leaks stating it will be, so it’s only a matter of time til we know. Second, the rumors have continued to go back and forth between having the same specs as the G2, and lower specs to hit that Nexus $299 price point. This states the latter of the two.

Screen-Shot-2013-08-16-at-10.57.29-AM-540x419

Apparently the image above comes from an LG tester and the description for the device reads “Nxs5″, so we’re just going to assume here. The rear battery cover appears to not be on all the way, suggesting a removable back, which the previous Nexus didn’t offer. And our last leak states the camera will be in the top corner, again, like the Nexus 4 and new Nexus 7.

So far it sounds like leaks and reports are all over the place, with specs still wavering as well. It looks like a G2 and has the same bottom speaker grills, but there’s not enough info here. What do you guys think? For now we’ll just have to wait for more information, which surely is coming soon. And again this leakster states it will arrive with Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, but we’ve heard that before.

VIA: TechTastic

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Android World Update # Forget the Chrome browser, try casting videos from your desktop to Chromecast with Fling

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Forget the Chrome browser, try casting videos from your desktop to Chromecast with Fling
Aug 19th 2013, 17:20, by Robert Nazarian

Leon_Nicholls_Fling_Chromecast_Desktop_App

Yesterday was a big day for Chromecast development. We had Koushik Dutta’s AirCast release, and then late last night we had a desktop application released from Leon Nicholls. Since the Chromecast supports casting from the Chrome browser, many of you have been trying to cast local video from your desktop/laptop. However, the results aren’t usually anything to brag about.

Well Leon Nicholls has been demonstrating a lot of cool stuff in regards to the Chromecast on his Google+ page, and he is now giving us a chance to join in on the fun. Fling is a desktop application that will “fling” videos from your desktop/laptop to your Chromecast. It is written in Java and should work on any OS as long as you have JRE installed. You will also need the latest version of VLC installed (preferably 64 bit) since it handles the transcoding.

Just open the Fling app on your desktop/laptop. After it finds your available Chromecasts, select one of them and drag and drop any video onto the app. Depending on the transcoding settings, it might take 10 to 15 seconds for the video to start playing. You will have pause and stop controls as well the ability to tweak the transcoding settings to suit your needs. I have tried it with AVI, MP4, and MKV videos, and most have been successful. It will even work for audio files as well. Be sure to hit the post link to get in on the conversation and help Leon continue to improve Fling.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: +Leon Nicholls / Download Fling

 


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Android World Update # Panasonic KX-PRX150: a landline & smartphone in one?

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Panasonic KX-PRX150: a landline & smartphone in one?
Aug 19th 2013, 16:44, by Loie Favre

At a first glance, the Panasonic KX-PRX150 looks like a smartphone from the early Android years. But behind its archaic-looking chassis hides an innovative combination: a landline phone and a smartphone in one. I tried the the hybrid to see if it really stands a chance in today's market. 

panasonic prx150 1
© AndroidPIT

(This is a preview - click here to read the entire entry.)

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Android World Update # Timely is a great new alarm clock app, available now in the Play Store

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Timely is a great new alarm clock app, available now in the Play Store
Aug 19th 2013, 16:01, by Nate Swanner

Timely Clock app

As alarm clock apps go, there isn't much excitement. Fonts change, colors are different, and maybe the alarm is a voice rather than a melody. All pretty gimmicky, and all easily ignored or quickly forgotten.

Timely is a new addition to the Play Store, and could change your perception of how an alarm clock should work. The interface is gorgeous, and the functionality sublime, making Timely a true standout. Setting an alarm is done by choosing your desired time on a timeline, which sits on the side of the screen rather than the scrolling wheels or typed input we're all used to.

The interface is gorgeous, and the functionality sublime, making Timely a true standout.

The alarm features Smart Rise, which softly begins before your alarm time (at a start time you choose), and slowly gets louder until it's time to wake. Rather than being jolted out of bed, your wake pattern will be much more natural. It can also be set to rely on gestures to know you're up; the volume gets gentler as you pick the device up, and snoozing can be done by turning the device over. You can also customize the duration of the snoozes, and just how often you'll be reminded to get up.

The stopwatch and timer are exactly what you'd expect, they're just a bit more pleasant to use versus what we've been shown in other apps. The theme designer is fun and comprehensive, showing you in real-time what you're doing, and how it looks on the screen.

Interestingly, Timely syncs across your devices, so you never have to worry about making changes to alarms. If you set an alarm for noon on your tablet, it'll be there on your phone as well.

Timely is clean, simple, and immersive. The widgets are beautiful, and the app is a joy to use. It's free to use, but the various paid options stay with Timely's customization theme: pay for and use what works best for you. Their "Premium" option is currently discounted to $2.99, so take advantage while you can!

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Android World Update # AT&T announces the exclusive HTC One Mini, Samsung Galaxy Mega for August 23rd

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AT&T announces the exclusive HTC One Mini, Samsung Galaxy Mega for August 23rd
Aug 19th 2013, 16:55, by Quentyn Kennemer

AT&T has announced that the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 and the HTC One Mini will launch August 23rd. Come find ou thow much it will cost to own two devices on completely opposite sides of the size spectrum.

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Android World Update # Samsung Galaxy Mega officially released to U.S. market

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Samsung Galaxy Mega officially released to U.S. market
Aug 19th 2013, 17:00, by Jeff Causey

Galaxy_Mega_6.3

Yesterday we saw a leaked image of the 6.3-inch Samsung Galaxy Mega sporting AT&T branding, so it should not be a major surprise that Samsung has finally issued their official confirmation that the device is coming to the U.S. market. The Galaxy Mega has already been released to a few markets around the globe since it was officially unveiled, but official word on the U.S. market was lacking until now. According to Samsung’s press release, the Galaxy Mega will be available beginning this month on AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular. The device is only available in Nova Black and Polaris White, but it will be up to each carrier to decided which of those two colors, or both, it will offer.

Sprint has followed up on Samsung’s statement with their own indicating buyers can take advantage of a Sprint Unlimited Guarantee to lock-in unlimited talk, text and data for the life of the line of service. Meanwhile, AT&T indicates the device will be available starting August 23rd for $24 per month with AT&T Next of $149.99 with a standard two-year agreement.

You can read Samsung’s full announcement after the break.

Samsung Brings the Galaxy Mega to U.S. Consumers

6.3-inch HD screen combines a tablet experience with the functionality of an everyday smartphone

Dallas, TX – August 19, 2013 – Continuing its commitment to provide choice to consumers, Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) today announces the Samsung Galaxy Mega™ for the U.S. market. The 6.3-inch Galaxy Mega is the ideal hybrid mobile device for those who want to experience smartphone portability with the immersive experience of a tablet.

"We continue to bring innovation with our Galaxy family of devices, with the Galaxy Mega representing a manifestation of consumer's enthusiasm for our thin, large screen designs," said Nick DiCarlo, vice president of product planning and marketing at Samsung Mobile.  "The Galaxy Mega combines exceptional features from the Samsung Galaxy smartphone family with a 6.3-inch screen, making it an optimal device for movies, books, music and games."

Superior Galaxy® Features

The Galaxy Mega allows users to enjoy many of the benefits of Samsung's latest flagship device, the Galaxy S® 4, on an even larger screen. The Galaxy Mega's big-screen experience enhances everything you do on a smartphone – whether it's watching a video, browsing web pages or composing an email.

  • Air View™: Explore information and content on your Galaxy Mega without ever touching the screen. Simply hover your finger an inch above the screen to preview emails and photos, initiate speed-dial and even magnify text.
  • Multi Window: Multi Window split screen multitasking allows users to seamlessly run multiple apps on one screen simultaneously, and is now better than ever on the 6.3-inch HD screen of the Galaxy Mega. Watch a movie on Samsung Hub™ and check email at the same time, all by dragging and dropping apps on the same screen.
  • WatchON™: Control your television using the Galaxy Mega as a remote control. Discover a rich TV viewing experience with the Integrated Infrared (IR) controller that makes Smart Remote functional with any IR capable TV or Set Top Box. Users can share content from the Galaxy Mega to a TV effortlessly, as well as channel surf in a smart, new way that lets you browse by genre, search by title or receive recommendations based on your interests.
  • Easy Mode: Helps smooth the transition for first-time smartphone owners by simplifying the home screen layout, camera, calendar, messaging and the internet browser to make the settings menu easy to navigate. Once a user is more comfortable with their Galaxy Mega, they can easily switch back to the standard home screen interface.

Captivating Camera

At 8-megapixels, the Galaxy Mega rear-facing camera has zero shutter lag to capture life's memorable moments without delay. The Galaxy Mega is equipped with the easy-to-navigate Galaxy Camera™ user interface which supports numerous shooting modes such as Beauty FaceBest PhotoSound & Shot,Panorama and more to enhance photos taken by even the most novice photographer. Galaxy Mega users can also create photo albums on the fly with Story Album™ - a unique way to group content by event or date. With the spacious display and a variety of filters and editing tools, smartphone photos have never looked better.

Powerful Performance

The Galaxy Mega has 6.3 inches of screen real estate with a HD Super Clear LCD (720×1280) display that beautifully showcases photos, e-books and magazines, or PowerPoint presentations. Wide viewing angles mean that users can maximize productivity and never sacrifice their experience.

The Galaxy Mega runs Android™ 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), powered by a 1.7 GHz dual core CPU and 1.5 GB of internal RAM. Users can store large libraries of photos, music and videos with expandable storage of up to 64 GB of memory with an external microSD™ card.

The Galaxy Mega is also SAFE™ (Samsung for Enterprise), allowing users to work and play with confidence that their photos, emails and contacts are protected. Built with enough power to get you through the longest work days, the Galaxy Mega is powered by a removable 3,200 mAh battery for extended use on a single charge.

Protect the Galaxy Mega with an assortment of cover options, such as the S-View Flip Cover, a specially designed flip cover with a clear window to answer or reject a call and view battery status. The traditional Flip Cover provides similar functionality without a viewing window, and the Protective Cover + fits snugly around the Galaxy Mega to protect against bumps and falls. Sold separately, the S-View Flip Cover, Flip Cover and Protective Cover + come in a variety of vibrant colors to add personality and style, all while protecting the Galaxy Mega.

The Galaxy Mega comes in Nova Black and Polaris White color options and will be available beginning this month. AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular will carry the device – each carrier will announce their specific availability, colors and timing.


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Android World Update # AT&T: HTC One Mini arrives on August 23

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AT&T: HTC One Mini arrives on August 23
Aug 19th 2013, 16:14, by Scott Webster


htc_one_mini_720

AT&T announced on Monday that the HTC One Mini will join its smartphone roster on Friday, August 23. Priced at $99 with a two-year service agreement, the handset is a slimmer and more compact version of the flagship smartphone of 2013.

Details for the HTC One Mini include a 4.3-inch 720p LCD display, a dual-core 1.4GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, an UltraPixel Camera with backside illuminated sensor, and more. Indeed, all of the great HTC features that make for one of the best smartphones of all time are present here.

AT&T

 

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Android World Update # Put the phone down! Doctor warns excessive smartphone use can lead to eye problems

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Put the phone down! Doctor warns excessive smartphone use can lead to eye problems
Aug 19th 2013, 14:50, by Harrison Kaminsky

Nearsightedness

Remember the days when your grandmother used to yell at you for standing too close to the TV? You never listened, thinking that her logic was clearly flawed. Well as it turns out, there certainly was some truth to her advice, as eye surgeon Dr. David Allamby has recently coined the term “Screen Sightedness.”

However this condition doesn’t refer to televisions— this time, it’s the almighty smartphone. “Screen Sightedness” applies to those that develop nearsightedness from staring at computer displays. Adding to this, according to a recent study, smartphone-related vision issues are on the rise.

Allamby has predicted that around 40-50% of 30-year-olds will be near sighted by 2033 as smartphones and touch displays become even more commonplace around the globe.

The issue stems from multiple factors. First of all, people spend way too much time looking at their smartphone each day, and second, people hold their smartphone much more closer to their faces than they would, say, a book or magazine.

We’re certainly an evolving race, but unfortunately, biological factors do not change as fast as the technology we use each and every day.

Source: TechnoBuffalo


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Android World Update # Beats Audio ready to sever relationship with HTC

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Beats Audio ready to sever relationship with HTC
Aug 19th 2013, 16:41, by Jeff Causey

beats_wood_iovine_dre

A report out today indicates Beats Electronics, LLC, best known for their Beats Audio brand and headphones, is looking to buy out the remaining stake that HTC has in the company. The move comes as Beats is ready to court a new investor that can provide a new source of funds for planned growth into other areas like speakers, car audio systems, consumer electronics, and possibly an online streaming music service. HTC currently owns a 25% stake in Beats, half of what it owned after taking a controlling stake in Beats in 2011 for $300 million.

As part of the original deal, HTC incorporated audio software from Beats into their smartphones and other phones came bundled with Beats headphones, a move intended to raise the bar relative to Apple’s earbuds. Last year HTC provided Beats with a one-year $225 million loan secured by Beats’ assets. A new loan was put in place this year that will mature in July 2014.

During the two years the partnership between HTC and Beats has been in place, the financial position of Beats has continued to grow while HTC’s position has declined sharply. Despite their growth record, Beats has been unable to secure debt-financing that would let it buyout the HTC stake in the company. According to the report, Beats now has a new investor interested in the company and willing to provide debt financing in exchange for a minority position in the company. No details about the possible investor have been revealed.

HTC has not commented on whether it would sell its stake in Beats.

source: Wall Street Journal


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Android World Update # Samsung Galaxy Note 3 reported ship in early September

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Samsung Galaxy Note 3 reported ship in early September
Aug 19th 2013, 14:54, by Scott Webster


galaxy_note_720

The yet-announced Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will reportedly ship in early September, says SamMobile. The phone, which is expected to make its formal debut on September 4 at an Unpacked event, is slated to start shipping in week 36 (September 2 – September 8).

It’s pretty rare that Samsung would announce a device and then ship it almost immediately; the previous big releases have at least a few weeks between introduction and availability. However, with the next-generation of iPhone expected in the week following IFA, Samsung might be trying to get a head start on potential buyers.

The good thing is that we only have a couple of weeks to go before we find out if this rumor is true!

SamMobile

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