Sunday, October 13, 2013

Android World Update # Android logo, from bathroom signs to open source – how it’s made

Android Authority
Android News, Reviews, How To 
Photoshop - Beauty Retouching

Learn how to improve your photoshop retouching skill and knowledge in 21 easy techniques! Take this course for just $25.
From our sponsors
thumbnail Android logo, from bathroom signs to open source – how it's made
Oct 13th 2013, 17:22, by Chris Smith

Android

The Android logo needs no introduction anymore, as Android is probably one of the easiest brands to recognize out there – at least to smartphone buyers – but not everybody knows its story.

That little green robot has been Android's logo since the beginning – well, since Google acquired this particular startup and decided to turn it into what it is today, which is when it gave the logo design job to one of its employees, Irina Blok.

According to the New York Times, Blok received the Android logo job back in 2007 when she was working at Google.

The company wanted a logo for the mobile software platform that "consumers could easily identify." Google also wanted the logo to "involve" a robot. So Blok researched robots by looking at toys and space movies, but ultimately she was inspired by public bathrooms:

[…]the pictograms of the universal man and woman that often appear on restroom doors. She drew a stripped-down robot with a tin-can-shaped torso and antennas on his head.

Now that the design was finalized, Blok and her team decided that the logo should be open-sourced, just like the operating system it represented. That way, anyone interested in customizing it could do so whenever and however they wanted.

Android 4.4. KitKat

However, Blok, who no longer works at Google, is not as famous as the Android logo:

Blok can think of only one incident when she garnered the public's attention for designing it. In 2010, she and her 6-year-old daughter were in a movie theater waiting for "Alice in Wonderland" to begin when an Android logo flashed on the screen. Her daughter, Blok recalls, suddenly stood up and yelled, "My mommy invented that!" Everyone in the row in front of them turned around to stare. Blok was so embarrassed, she says, that she sank down behind her tub of popcorn.

The rest, as they say, is history, as the Bugdroid quickly became a very famous Droid, and one that has seen many customizations since being designed. In fact, Google has just customized the green robot for its upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat release, in which the robot is made of KitKat chocolate.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 getting near, as “final” firmware leaks – build I9505XXUEMJ3

Android Authority
Android News, Reviews, How To 
Ready to move beyond the basics?

Enroll in this advanced DSLR course to explore more creative scenarios, image editing, and videography.
From our sponsors
thumbnail Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 getting near, as "final" firmware leaks – build I9505XXUEMJ3
Oct 13th 2013, 16:32, by Chris Smith

Galaxy S4 vs Moto X

A new Android 4.3 test build for the Galaxy S4 has been leaked, and it's available for download, as the release of the official ROM is said to be scheduled for the following weeks.

Sam Mobile posted a short tweet a few hours ago in which it revealed the Android 4.3 update for Samsung's flagship smartphone should arrive in "1/2 weeks.” Later, it posted the new leaked build on its website, further confirming that roll out window for the Galaxy S4′s Android 4.3 update.

#BREAKING Android 4.3 update Galaxy S4 is close. 1/2 weeks

— SAMMobile (@SamMobiles) October 12, 2013

According to the publication, build I9505XXUEMJ3 is "one of the final builds," although we're still waiting for Samsung and its carrier partners to officially announce the update.

Sam Mobile also says that after testing the firmware for two days, it hasn't noticed any major changes, but that there are "minor improvements here and there" – we'll note that the same publication has posted a similar leak for the same GT-I9505 Galaxy S4 version.

Various reports have recently revealed that the Android 4.3 update for the Galaxy S4 will arrive at some point in October.

That said, we'll remind you that we don't encourage you to install unofficial ROMs, and everything that happens with your handsets and tablets during such processes falls under your responsibility. In case you do want to test the new Android 4.3 leak, make sure you follow closely the instructions posted by the publication.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # Hale Dreamer dock with SmartSilence for Android review

Android Central - Android Forums - News - Reviews - Help and Android Wallpapers
Android Central 
Book your hotel early for a discount!

You can reap the rewards with great discounts at participating Pullman, M Gallery, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, ibis and Formule 1 hotels.
From our sponsors
Hale Dreamer dock with SmartSilence for Android review
Oct 13th 2013, 16:45, by Jennifer Stough

Android CentralSleep in peace knowing that the Hale Dreamer with SmartSilence will intelligently screen your calls to make your snooze as uninterrupted as possible.

If you've kept an eye on the blog the last few weeks, then we're sure you saw our entry on the Hale Dreamer dock for Android with the SmartSilence application and how the developers were looking for backers on kickstarter. Well, for those of you who showed interest, you'll be glad to know that we are back this week with a review on the pre-release hardware and software.

read more


    






You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # Must read Android: top 13 stories this week

Android Authority
Android News, Reviews, How To 
Ready to move beyond the basics?

Enroll in this advanced DSLR course to explore more creative scenarios, image editing, and videography.
From our sponsors
thumbnail Must read Android: top 13 stories this week
Oct 13th 2013, 15:34, by Bogdan Petrovan

This week, the first curved phone landed, two new Chromebooks launched, we feasted on Kit Kat leaks, we finally saw a Mini flagship phone, we learned about Android TV, and we heard some more rumors about the Galaxy S5.

Curved phones are real

samsung galaxy round flexible display curved screen (4)

Finally, curved phones are a reality. However, as it usually happens, reality is nowhere nearly as exciting as our expectations.


Nexus revealed

Next Nexus 5 leak (2)

A leaked service manual confirmed the specifications of the Nexus 5. Google could go ahead and release it now.


Kit Kat leaks torrent

nexus-5-android-4.4-kitkat-launcher-33

The floodgates are open: Android 4.4 Kit Kat leaked extensively this week, with the first credible images of the homescreen and information on several new features.


New Chromebooks

hp-chromebook-11

Google's other operating system continues its steady march to mainstream. This week, HP and Acer released two affordable and attractive Chromebooks.


Behold, the mini flagship

xperia z1 f mini press

We've been clamoring for a true Android flagship with a smaller screen for months, and Sony is finally set to deliver it. The Xperia Z1 f (Z1 Mini) launched in Japan this week.


Android TV

Google-IO-2013 Google TV logo 1600 aa

Compelling evidence surfaced that Google TV will be rebranded as Android TV in the close future. Android everywhere!


More Galaxy S5 rumors

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung is said to be having trouble selling the Galaxy S4, so it's now preparing to release the Galaxy S5 early next year. How early? Rumors say as soon as February.


What's the biggest story in Android this week? Tell us in the comments.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # See the HTC One Max in all its gigantic glory

Phandroid
Android Phone News, Rumors, Reviews, Apps, Forums & More! 
Earn an MBA degree

Advance your career with an MBA Only $325 per credit hour
From our sponsors
See the HTC One Max in all its gigantic glory
Oct 13th 2013, 15:21, by Raveesh Bhalla

This image has no alt text

htc one max

The number of times we’ve seen the HTC One Max leak, you’d almost be forgiven to assume that the manufacturer’s CEO, Peter Chou, is the one putting them out. In the latest round of images (and by far the most detailed) we get to see virtually every nook and cranny of the 5.9″ phablet.

The fingerprint sensor at the back understandably garners most of the attention, with the rest of the device nearly identical to the normal-sized sibling (barring the power button, which is on the right with the volume buttons). The Beats logo is gone too, after the two companies ended their partnership with HTC selling back their stake. Since the screen isn’t turned on, the device could very well be a dummy unit. However, the announcement shouldn’t be too far off, and we should know all the details sometime this week.

htc one max backHTC One Max side

For all the images, head to this Chinese website.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # TalkAndroid Weekly Recap for October 7 – October 13, 2013

Android News, Rumours, and Updates
The latest in android news, rumours, and updates, including device news and apps! 
Many wonderful memories are captured in black and white.

With digital photographs, the art is now in creating black and white images. This course will teach you how to use Photoshop techniques to create beautiful images.
From our sponsors
TalkAndroid Weekly Recap for October 7 – October 13, 2013
Oct 13th 2013, 13:03, by Robert Nazarian

TalkAndroid_Weekly_Recap

We had another busy week at TalkAndroid so here’s a recap of all the top stories. We had a lot of Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 Kit Kat news this week. We got a really good look at Android 4.4 from leaked screenshots, and just yesterday, a 7 minute video leaked showing off the phone along with an older version of Android 4.4. A few developers seem to think that both the Nexus 5 and Kit Kat will be announced this coming Tuesday. Speaking of Tuesday, it’s confirmed that the HTC One Max will be unveiled on the same day and the fingerprint scanner does a few more things than we thought it did. Samsung took the wraps off of the first smartphone with a flexible display, but is anyone excited about it? Kudos to Sony for coming out with a “mini” phone that has flagship specs, and Verizon is back to their marketing shenanigans again. It’s time to get caught up and get ready for another exciting week.

Guides

Top 5 photo and video gallery replacement apps for Android [October 2013]

LG G2 software features walkthrough

How to setup and use Guest Mode on the LG G2

How to multitask on the LG G2 using QSlide apps

How to control your home theater with Quick Remote on the LG G2

How to use Text Link on the LG G2

How to use Slide Aside on the LG G2

Reviews

LG G2 review: Is this LG's breakout phone?

Motorola DROID Ultra quick review: A Moto X in a bigger body

Accessories

Cruzerlite Androidified Nexus 5 cases already on sale

Spigen releases image of Nexus 5 with their case

Apps – New

AnTuTu releases Benchmark X Edition, promises to be manufacturer-manipulation free, fight "score fraud"

Where's My Water? 2 splashes down in the Google Play store

Tablet version of Twitter for Android launched, only for Samsung devices at first

'Runtastic Six Pack Abs Workout' now available in the Play Store

Apps – Updates

All DROID devices with ICS or higher can now share photos with DROID Zap

Several HBO shows are now available for purchase on Google Play

Leaked screenshots suggest SMS/MMS support for Google Hangouts is close

Instagram Update Allows Android Users to Straighten Photos

Cameras

Samsung develops new 13MP camera with OIS, better low-light capabilities

Carriers

AT&T's 4G LTE service arrives in 13 new markets, expanded in 15 more

Samsung Galaxy Mega headed to MetroPCS

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 lands on Sprint on October 11

Samsung Galaxy S 4 Mini for Sprint leaks in Black Mist and White Frost

Sprint now taking pre-orders for LG G2, will ship by November 8

Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 leaks in new image for Sprint

Leaked photos show T-Mobile branded Sony Xperia Z1

T-Mobile unveils 'Simple Global' which brings international unlimited data plans for customers

Carrier Battle: Fight for coverage becomes race for speed

US Cellular's Moto X set to receive OTA update

Leaked photo of Galaxy S 4 mini leaks, carrier suggested to be Verizon

Chromebooks

HP announces Chromebook 11, includes Pixel-like design and IPS display

Acer announces C720 Chromebook, pre-orders starting today

Chromecast

Amazon now shipping the Chromecast Internationally

Amazon puts a stop to international orders for Chromecast devices

Contests

Nominate someone who makes "your web amazing" and they could win the HP Chromebook

Gaming

Mad Catz finally announces specs and price for M.O.J.O. console

GamePad 2 from Archos officially announced, will ship in Q4 to U.S. for $200

Google

Google Search will now give episode information for TV shows

Google Shopping now shows local results and product listings

New Google Maps finally adds multiple destinations, other features announced

Google to make improvements to tablet version of Play Store on November 21st

Designer explains how the Android logo was conceived

Google Glass

Google Glass adds public transit directions in latest update

Samsung to make their over version of Google Glass

Google TV

Google TV being phased out and merged with Android

Hardware

Disney Research creates touchscreen capable of communicating textures

Phones – HTC

HTC One Max appears in highest quality photo shoot we've seen yet

HTC One Max to be announced in China on October 15

HTC One Max full specs list leaks, confirms previous reports

HTC One Max with huge screen surfaced again in new leaked photo

Extra features planned for HTC One Max fingerprint scanner

HTC teases a trio of "One" devices in new infographic

HTC making ridiculously priced limited edition 18-carat HTC One

Phones – LG

LG officially announces mass production of flexible OLED displays for smartphones

Not so fast LG: Samsung says they are already producing flexible displays

LG announces the affordable G Pro Lite phablet

Sprint now taking pre-orders for LG G2, will ship by November 8

Phones – Motorola

Motorola to offer a phablet called Xplay and the DROID Quantum in 2014

Best Buy offering Moto X for $99.99 on-contract for Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T

US Cellular's Moto X set to receive OTA update

MotoMaker possibly heading to a Best Buy store near you

Motorola DVX to offer dual-SIM capability and to be $250 off contract

Phones – Nexus

Nexus 5 and older version of Android 4.4 shows up in 7 minute hands on video

New images of the Nexus 5 and Kit Kat reveal 'Tap & Pay' and new location settings

More screenshots of the Nexus 5 with Android 4.4 leak

Nexus 5 receives Bluetooth certification bringing it one step closer to release

Google to offer battery size options for Nexus 5, pricing leaked

Nexus 5 release date and pricing leaks in Japan

Nexus 5 won't utilize mems|cam module after all

Google Launchpad devs say Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 to be released on October 15

Phones – Pantech

Pantech launches Vega Secret Note phablet with fingerprint scanner

Phones – Samsung

Not so fast LG: Samsung says they are already producing flexible displays

Samsung makes the Galaxy Round official, sports a curved 5.7 inch screen and 3 GB of RAM

Samsung Galaxy Round makes first video appearance, Galaxy Note 3 comes along for the ride

Will the Galaxy S 5 get released in January?

Waterproof and dustproof Samsung Galaxy Note 3 variant could be available soon

Galaxy Note 3 was originally designed to utilize a fingerprint scanner

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Developer Edition to come to Verizon, leaked on Samsung's website

Samsung releases 'The Developer', another Galaxy Note 3 / Galaxy Gear short film

Samsung releases new Note 3 / Galaxy Gear commercial

Samsung Galaxy S 4 sales are missing internal targets

Samsung Galaxy Mega headed to MetroPCS

Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 leaks in new image for Sprint

Samsung preparing another clamshell smartphone

Samsung Galaxy J officially announced in Japan

Samsung Galaxy S 4 Mini for Sprint leaks in Black Mist and White Frost

Leaked photo of Galaxy S 4 mini leaks, carrier suggested to be Verizon

Phones – Sony

Sony Xperia Z1 f officially announced in Japan

Leaked photos show T-Mobile branded Sony Xperia Z1

Sony stalling with plans for the smartphone market in the United States and China

ROMs

Koush, Cyanogen Inc. developer, shows off AirPlay mirroring on Android in new video

Security

Eric Schmidt on Android security: 'It's more secure than the iPhone'

Smartwatches

Yet Another Smartwatch coming to market?

Samsung releases 'The Developer', another Galaxy Note 3 / Galaxy Gear short film

Samsung Galaxy Gear runs full Android apps by sideloading through ADB

Samsung releases new Note 3 / Galaxy Gear commercial

Tablets

Lenovo semi-unveils new hybrid 10.1 inch Android tablet/laptop

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 lands on Sprint on October 11

Samsung preparing Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 Hello Kitty Edition

Updates

New images of the Nexus 5 and Kit Kat reveal 'Tap & Pay' and new location settings

More screenshots of the Nexus 5 with Android 4.4 leak

HTC's Sense 5.5 leak shows BlinkFeed toggle and new camera features

Android KitKat may bring refreshed Downloads app

[Rumor Mill] KitKat to Feature New Launcher Called Google Experience

Miscellaneous

Samsung denied relief from sales ban in U.S. by Obama administration

Microsoft also asked Samsung and Huawei to put Windows on Android tablets, dual-booted Galaxy Tab coming?

Beats Music service to launch in next few months in U.S.

Fox News is using 55-inch tablets in their new set

HTC Chairwoman Refutes Rumors of Take Over, Denies Other Rumors as Well

Lenovo seeking to acquire HTC, talks ongoing since August

Manufacturers to rethink "Mini" phone strategies after poor sales, according to report


Come comment on this article: TalkAndroid Weekly Recap for October 7 – October 13, 2013

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions