Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Apple found guilty of infringing Samsung patent, select iPhones and iPads facing ban in the US

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 03:21 PM PDT

The US ITC has found Apple guilty of violating a Samsung-owned 3G patent. They've issued a limited exclusion order and C&D order dealing with specific iPhone and iPad models.

Google gives us a peek into the lives of 5 real life interns right before The Internship hits theaters this Friday

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 02:51 PM PDT

Google gives us a look at what it's like to be a real life intern (Noogler) at Google's campus in Mountain View. The video is released just before the movie The Internship with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson hits theaters this Friday.

Warmly wants to wake you up to the sound of bacon and eggs in the morning [VIDEO]

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 01:43 PM PDT

Looking for a beautiful new alarm clock to wake you up in the mornings? Warmly wants to be that trusty companion. Find out why this app is asking you to pay $2 to wake you up in the morning.

HTC sees 48% revenue increase for May, loses COO in the process

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 01:26 PM PDT

HTC's earnings report for the month of May is showing a 48% increase in revenue thanks, no doubt, to the success of the HTC One. Despite the good news, HTC's COO has reportedly stepped down from his 3-year long run with the company.

Report: Samsung, Jay-Z to ink $20 million deal

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 12:39 PM PDT

Getting big celebrity endorsements for your tech brand is all the rage these days! Samsung is reportedly joining the fold with new rumors that the South Korean company will ink a $20 million with rap superstar and entrepreneur Jay Z at some point next week.

White Nexus 4 shipments being intercepted, and no one knows why

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 12:02 PM PDT

Folks who ordered a white Nexus 4 are distraught to find out that their packages may not be getting to them as soon as Google promised. Some are receiving notifications that their shipments are being intercepted for one reason or another.

Falcon Pro update to bring new themes, flatter design, and multiple accounts

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 09:57 AM PDT

The folks behind the beautiful Falcon Twitter client for Android got over a major hurdle when Twitter drastically changed its terms of service, and they're still chugging along with new upgrades all the time. The developers have started teasing version 2.0

Wikipad gaming tablet release date set for June 11th

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 09:21 AM PDT

It's been a long time since we heard about the Wikipad. It was supposed to launch as a Gamestop exclusive a while back, but that launch date came and went, and the release date was delayed indefinitely

Mid-range Sony Xperia M announced

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 07:41 AM PDT

Sony has announced another (yes, another) new smartphone for the masses to embrace. This one is the Xperia M, and its dual-SIM aspirations in the mid-range sector make it a device that shouldn't come with a high price tag.

Final Fantasy 4 launches in the Google Play Store

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 05:50 AM PDT

Square Enix has released Final Fantasy 4 for Android! If you weren't around for the original 16-bit classic then you'll definitely want to check out this 3D remake. Be prepared, though: the price isn't pretty.

Yandex.Shell 3D launcher made free for everyone

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 04:55 AM PDT

Yandex Shell, one of the most expensive homes-creen replacements we've ever known, is now available for free. With that comes a log of great new updates, as well, so check it out and see what to expect.

Toshiba unveils new Excite tabs featuring Tegra 4 CPU, 2560×1600 high-res display, Wacom pen, Android 4.2.2

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 07:30 PM PDT

Toshiba announces their new line of Excite tablets. High-end Excite Pro and Write tablets feature Tegra 4 CPU and 2,560x1,600 resolution displays. Affordable Excite Pure featuring Tegra 3 CPU for $300.

AndroidGuys

AndroidGuys


Get this look for your Android: CA.N

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 12:22 PM PDT

dandylion

We’re huge fans of changing the home screen around a bit and creating a new user experience for our Android. So much so that we present this weekly series of Get This Look posts.

In a nutshell we show you a new look for your Android handset and tell you which apps you’ll need if you want to mimic the feel. Some of these are a little easier to create than others and many of them can be tweaked to no end. The following details are but the ingredients to which you can create your own delicious Android dish; your results will vary. Which is awesome!

If nothing else, this is a great way to discover new apps, widgets, icons, and more!

ca.n by dandylion

WHY WE LOVE THIS LOOK:

Simple. Easy. Clean.  Those are three words that come to mind when we look at how this one is put together. Using a template wallpaper image for the background, the design is nothing more than a few well-placed widgets.

Don’t care for that winter grey-scale image at the top? Replace the upper third with whatever image you fancy and watch how things pop. We tried it with a number of our own wallpapers and photos and it works very well.

Given the simple design and placement of widgets we venture to guess you’ll be swapping things and moving them around in no time. This is a wonderful template for those getting started with modifying and tweaking the home screen.

You”ll spend a few bucks to achieve this exact look but the possible tweaks and personal settings is pretty much endless. If you like to tinker and rearrange your screen, these are a great start!

Check the archives for even more inspiration!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

What else:

The post Get this look for your Android: CA.N appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Yandex.Shell goes free for global audience

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 10:32 AM PDT

yandexshell_720

Yandex.Shell, the home launcher with a 3D carousel interface, is now available for free to a global audience. Previously known as SPB Shell 3D, the developers were scooped up in late 2011. Indeed, this is the launcher that at one time cost users $15 to install.

Yandex.Shell, a home launcher and organiser for Android phones, is now available for free. Any Android smartphone user in the world can now download Yandex.Shell to transform their home screen into a 3D space. The free version of Yandex.Shell features a new dialer and address book. It is offered with a customized installation package and a default layout configuration, including a new widget panel, instant search function and exciting opportunities to manage the content on the phone's home screen just with one tap.

Also of note, the B2B edition which launched at Mobile World Congress this year will remain in play with  OEMs, phone manufacturers and mobile operators. The end user version, however, will stay free going forward!

Click to view slideshow.

Replace the home screen experience of your Android today with Yandex.Shell.

Yandex Shell (Google Play)

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Years later, Gingerbread still leads all versions of Android

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 09:20 AM PDT

developer_dashbpard_android_figures_june4

Some 2.5 years after its initial debut, Android 2.3 Gingerbread still accounts for 36.5 of all active Android devices. The developer dashboard figures, which update monthly, show that Android 4.0+ releases are slowly gaining traction with Jelly Bean (4.1, 4.2) holding 33 percent of the pie. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich commands 25.6 percent of the platform while the older builds (Eclair, Donut, Froyo, Honeycomb) pulling up the rear.

Google

The post Years later, Gingerbread still leads all versions of Android appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Sphero releases latest augmented reality game, The Rolling Dead

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 08:50 AM PDT

The lovable little orb, Sphero, is now your sidekick in the fight against the undead. The Sphero team announced on Tuesday that a new augmented reality game is available to play for those of you who purchased the smartphone-controlled robot. It’s called The Rolling Dead and it’s a cute and fun way to get your zombie fix anywhere and everywhere.

Using Sphero as a fireball-shooting warrior, you must battle against virtual zombies as they spawn out of the ground. Shoot them with fireballs, collect flaming power ups, and roll away to stay alive.In this exciting twist on the zombie craze, the world becomes a video game and you choose the surroundings.

FEATURES:

  • Destroy endless hordes of zombies using the power of augmented reality.
  • Look through the camera on your device, find Sphero, and see the mayhem unfold before your eyes.
  • Play anywhere and watch zombies spawn right out of the ground.
  • Gain zombie-destroying ammo simply by driving Sphero around.
  • Gain a fiery power-up that turns Sphero into a flaming ball for maximum zombie destroying potential.

To learn more about Sphero, or to order one for yourself, head to GoSphero.com. The Rolling Dead is but one of nearly two dozen titles that come free with the robot.

Those of you who own a Sphero, you can download The Rolling Dead here.

The post Sphero releases latest augmented reality game, The Rolling Dead appeared first on AndroidGuys.

After bumps in road, Wikipad finally arrives June 11

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 08:05 AM PDT

It may have taken a bit of time, some minor product changes, and a few hurdles, but the Wikipad is finally ready for its retail debut. The 7-inch gaming tablet experience will arrive on June 11 with a retail price of $249 in the United States; a global rollout is expected later this summer.

Built with mobile gaming in mind, the Wikipad features a 7-inch display, 16GB internal storage (microSD expansion), a front-facing 2-megapixel camera, and HDMI output. Powering things along is NVIDIA’s quad-core Tegra 3 processor and an NVIDIA GPU.

Click to view slideshow.

In terms of pre-loaded software, the Wikipad runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean has access to Google Play Store, TegraZone, and even Sony’s PlayStation Mobile titles.

For those who don’t want to always be playing graphic-intense first-person-shooters, the gaming controller can be detached for a more traditional 7-inch tablet experience.

First retailers will be Wal-mart.com, Bestbuy.com and TigerDirect with additional retailers and launch dates for other markets outside the US coming after E3 wraps up.

WIKIPAD GAMING TABLET TO REDEFINE THE PORTABLE GAMING EXPERIENCE – AVAILABLE JUNE 11th, 2013 IN US 

(LOS ANGELES, CA – June 4, 2013) — Wikipad, Inc. today announced its 7" Wikipad tablet will be available on June 11, 2013 at a retail price of $249 in the US, with an UK and global launch planned for this summer. Thanks to its award wining and patented interchangeable game controller, Wikipad redefines the mobile tablet experience bringing together the console quality experience with the functionality and portability of a premium tablet.

"The launch of the Wikipad 7 tablet signals a transformative turning point in the direction of the mobile gaming industry. Wikipad's tablet combines the latest range of features found in a premium Android tablet together with the unrivaled console video game experience only available with a gamepad," said Matthew Joynes, Chairman of Wikipad Inc.

"There is no other mobile device on the market that possesses Wikipad's unique functionality and versatility and all available with full warranty and customer support at an entry level price point," said Fraser Townley, President of Sales at Wikipad Inc.

The Wikipad is the only tablet to possess both the unique combination of a console quality gaming experience with the functionality and portability of a tablet thanks to its award-winning and patented detachable dual-analog controller. Wikipad offers a multi capacitive 7 inch touch screen, 16 GB memory with an additional micro SD slot to support a further 32 GB of storage, together with micro USB, GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope. The tablets ultra-light and thin chassis is powered by the NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core mobile processor that’s optimized for cloud gaming with a 12 core Nvidia GPU. With an aspect ratio of 16:10, a 2-mega-pixel front facing camera the Wikipad tablet offers true widescreen HD display and HDMI out.

Consumers will have instant access to entertainment and videogame content of over 700,000 apps from Google Play from Google Mobile Services, PlayStation®Mobile games from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., and TegraZone – NVIDIA’s free app that showcases the best games optimized for the Tegra processor. When the gamepad controller is detached, Wikipad's sleek design and full Android 4.1 Jelly Bean functionality make it a powerfully versatile tablet for surfing the web, emailing, enjoying all the latest films, books, magazines and music, conversing via Skype or experiencing the latest apps at home or on the go.

"PlayStation®Mobile is a global initiative to bring the PlayStation®-like game experiences to a wide-reaching community of tablet and smartphone gamers.  We're excited to bring PlayStation Mobile to the Wikipad tablet which provides a portable gaming experience that is fun and compelling," said Ronald Schaffner, Director Business Development, and Sony Computer Entertainment America.

 

"Wikipad’s dual-analog gamepad controller transforms our mobile games such as the multiplayer Shadowgun: DeadZone and the action FPS Dead Trigger into entertaining AAA console-like experiences,” Tomas Slapota, Vice President, MADFINGER Games

 

We are excited to be a launch partner for the innovative Wikipad gaming tablet that provides a brand new platform for our cloud-based, interactive streaming product, Big Fish Instant Games," said Jina Heverley, vice president and general manager of PC, Mac and Cloud for Big Fish. "Using the cloud-optimized Wikipad platform, casual game players will be delighted when they turn on their tablet to find more than 250 casual games from Big Fish available on their new device. The Wikipad is the perfect platform to introduce Big Fish games to a new, vibrant gaming audience."

For a full list of retailers, product specs, a comprehensive support page, technical forums, retailers and video games that take full advantage of the Wikipad's dual-analog stick controller, please visit: http://www.wikipad.com/

PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

The post After bumps in road, Wikipad finally arrives June 11 appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Xperia M joins Sony’s smartphone portfolio

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 07:38 AM PDT

xperia_m_full

Sony announced on Tuesday that the Xperia M and its dual-SIM variant, the Xperia M dual, will be available globally starting in Q3 2013. Details for the smartphone include 4-inch (854×480 pixel) display, dual-core 1GHz processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB internal storage, and microSD expansion.

The entry-level smartphone runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean but, for reasons unknown, the dual-SIM model employs 4.2 Jelly Bean. Both also feature a 5-megapixel rear camera, NFC, screen sharing, Sony’s WALKMAN app, and more.

Look for the Xperia M in black, white and purple later this year; single-SIM version also gets a yellow option.

Sony

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Three days only: Buy a Cruzerlite case, get a free plushie!

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 07:04 AM PDT

plushie_case

Our friends at Cruzerlite are throwing another great promotion this week, this time in the form of a quasi-BOGO deal.  The gist is this: buy any Cruzerlite case through the Amazon store and you receive a free APK Plushie.  That’s nearly $20 in free Android collectible just for buying a case you should have already considered.

plushie

To take advantage of the promotion simply add the promo code APKPLUSH. Note that you will want to add both your case and the plushie to your cart to get the code to work properly.

Hurry, the promotion ends at 11:59PM EST on June 6.

The post Three days only: Buy a Cruzerlite case, get a free plushie! appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Toshiba bows refreshed Excite tablet line

Posted: 03 Jun 2013 08:09 PM PDT

Toshiba announced on Monday that a trio of new Excite tablets (Excite Pure, Excite Pro, and Excite Write) will roll out starting from June 25th. Each runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, features a 10.1-inch display and NVIDIA processor, and can be paired with a protective 2-in-1 keyboard cover.

Excite Pure pricing starts at $299.99 and includes a 10.1-inch AutoBrite display (1280 x 800), NVIDIA Tegra 3 mobile processor, 1GB DDR3 memory, 16GB internal storage, and a 3-megapixel rear camera. Additional details include stereo speakers with DTS Premium Voice Pro, Micro HDMI, Micro USB ports and a Micro SD slot.

Excite Pro is priced at $499.99  and includes a 10.1-inch PixelPure display (2560 x 1600), NVIDIA Tegra 4 mobile processor, 2GB DDR3 memory, 32GB internal storage, and an 8-megapixel rear camera. Rounding things out are Harman Kardon stereo speakers with DTS Premium Voice Pro, and Micro HDMI, Micro USB ports and a Micro SD slot.

Click to view slideshow.

Excite Write runs $599.99 and boasts a 10.1-inch PixelPure digitizer display (2560 x 1600) with Corning Gorilla Glass 2, and a pressure sensitive Toshiba TruPen and TruNote application. Also powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 4 mobile processor, the tablet packs 2GB DDR3 memory, 32GB internal storage, and an 8-megapixel rear camera. Additionally, you’ll find Harman Kardon stereo speakers with DTS Premium Voice Pro, and built-in Micro HDMI, Micro USB ports and a Micro SD slot.

While we’re glad to see Toshiba continue with the Excite line of tablets we have to wonder about the price points. We’re talking about devices that run as much, if not more, than the likes of the Nexus 10 and iPad.

Do you think any of these tablets sound your next device? What’s your thoughts on the Galaxy Note-like experience in the Excite Write? Leave a comment below with your opinion!

Toshiba

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Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums


Redbox Instant by Verizon arrives on Google TV

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 04:36 PM PDT

redbox_instant_verizonIn March of this year, streaming service Redbox Instant was launched in a partnership with Verizon to rival Netflix. Starting today, Redbox Instant is supported for Google TV. The app offers a full Redbox Instant experience, including movie streaming and the ability to rent and purchase movies through Google TV. You can even reserve movies at your local Redbox kiosk through the app.

However, at this point, there’s only support for second generation Google TV devices. If you have a compatible device, go try out RedBox Instant by downloading through the Google Play Store. There’s a one month free trial if you sign up now.

source: Google TV Blog


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NVIDIA DirectStylus for Tegra 4 allows increased capabilities without a digitizer

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 04:06 PM PDT

nvidia_directstylusAs smartphones have evolved, stylus-powered devices have become more and more obsolete. NVIDIA is trying to revive the popularity of styluses with their DirectStylus for Tegra 4 tablets. The DirectStylus is different because it uses a fine-tip point and allows users to draw lines of varying widths on the screen. It works along with the Direct Touch 2.0 technology that comes with the tablets that supports up to 300 scans a second to display detailed movement of the stylus.

The NVIDIA DirectStylus also uses image-processing capabilities of the Tegra 4′s GPU to determine the difference between your stylus, finger, eraser, or palm. The result is thin, passive, pressure-sensitive styluses that can draw different widths. The opposite end can even be used as an eraser, even without being active. Active styluses, for those that aren’t familiar, already have the ability to draw different widths, but they are usually quite expensive since they require a digitizer.

This technology, which will be extremely helpful for users in the Asian market where characters are drawn with different widths and lengths, should be available later this summer.

Source: NVIDIA Blog


Come comment on this article: NVIDIA DirectStylus for Tegra 4 allows increased capabilities without a digitizer

Patriot unveils the Fuel+ line of mobile recheargable batteries for power on the go

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 01:33 PM PDT

FUEL 9000_left

Now that more and more phones are starting to offer non-removable batteries, portable power is becoming more popular. One of the leaders in high-performance memory, Patriot, just announced the Fuel+ line of mobile rechargeable batteries. There are seven models to choose from with the main difference being how many mAh each one offers. The Fuel+ 1500mAh is strictly for iOs devices with it’s lightening connector, but the remaining six models all provide USB ports. The Fuel+ 2200mAh (pictured below) and 3000mAh offers one USB port, while the 5200mAh, 6000mAh, 7800mAh, and 9000mAh models (pictured above) sport two USB ports, and one of them has 2.5 amps of power. All models should be available by mid-June and will carry a 2-year limited warranty. Pricing wasn’t specified.

FUEL 2200_left

Patriot Unveils New FUEL+ Mobile Batteries For Reliable Portable Power While On The Go
Take It, Charge It, Fuel Up. Patriod, a global pioneer in high-performance memory, NAND flash, storage, and mobile accessories today unveils the next evolution in its ever expanding mobile products ecosystem, the FUEL+ family of mobile rechargeable batteries.

FREMONT, CA (PRWEB) June 03, 2013

Take It, Charge It, Fuel Up. Patriot, a global pioneer in high-performance memory, NAND flash, storage, and mobile accessories today unveils the next evolution in its ever expanding mobile products ecosystem, the FUEL+ family of mobile rechargeable batteries.

As mobile devices have exponentially grown in popularity as a means to consume and share content digitally, staying charged has become a major concern across many different devices and usage behaviors. Patriot's new FUEL+ line of mobile rechargeable batteries have been specifically designed to address this concern providing the best and most convenient solution so mobile users will always have power to express and entertain themselves while on the go.
Providing a number of different output options to fit a wide variety of charging options, the FUEL+ product family includes seven different power capacities to meet the needs of almost every mobile user.

Fully MFi certified, the FUEL+ 1500mAh features an integrated Lightning™ connector and is specifically engineered for use with iPhone® 5, iPad® Mini, 5th Generation iPod® Touch, 7th Generation iPod® Nano.

Best for smartphones and mini tablets, the FUEL+ 2200mAh and 3000mAh capacities are the perfect mobile power support to make sure ultraportable devices stay charged and ready for use.

For those power hungry users looking to charge up to two devices simultaneously, the FUEL+ 5200mAh, 6000mAh, 7800mAh, and 9000mAh batteries feature two USB out ports, with one port offering 2.5 amps of power. This increased output port offers the fastest available charging and is perfect for large tablets.

Patriot's FUEL+ mobile rechargeable batteries are engineered and built with the same high quality components found in name brand laptop batteries. With built-in protection to safeguard against over-charge, short-circuit, and under-discharge, FUEL+ Batteries ensure reliable, efficient, and safe charging cycles. Patriot's FUEL+ batteries also provide power pass through technology that enables output charging to devices while the battery is plugged in to a power source and charging.

"As tablets and smartphones grow even more popular and users take their digital lives mobile, keeping these devices powered will be an ever increasing challenge," said Mike Kroll, Sr. Director of Product Management at Patriot. "With this in mind, we've created the full line up of FUEL+ mobile rechargeable batteries to meet the needs of a wide range of mobile usage models to ensure users will have power when they need it most."

The full Patriot FUEL+ mobile battery line will be available mid-June and come backed by a 2-year limited warranty.


Come comment on this article: Patriot unveils the Fuel+ line of mobile recheargable batteries for power on the go

Samsung shows off a practical use of one of their Galaxy S 4 features in new YouTube ad

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 12:37 PM PDT

samsung-galaxy-s4-smart-pause-01

TouchWiz is notorious for having dozens upon dozens of features that most say they would never use and turn off anyways. In Samsung’s recent ad on YouTube, they show off how their Smart Pause feature could be used in a surprisingly useful way. How are you Galaxy S 4 users liking the features of your device?

Click here to view the embedded video.


Come comment on this article: Samsung shows off a practical use of one of their Galaxy S 4 features in new YouTube ad

Featured Android App Review: Buzz Launcher [Personalization]

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 11:35 AM PDT

Buzz_Launcher_Splash_Banner

I’m not big on launchers. It’s not that I don’t think they are cool, but I usually just don’t have time to screw around with them. Well I just came across a new launcher that is not only a game changer, but one that I am happy to say that I am using full time. Have you ever seen pictures of other user’s home screens and wished you could duplicate it? I see them all the time, but I always sigh because I just don’t have the time to set things up. Well Buzz launcher is changing all of this with a very unique take on launchers. It’s one thing to download a launcher, but imagine being able to completely change the look of your home screen on the fly. In no time you will have some of the coolest looking home screens with minimal effort thanks to its huge database from other users. Buzz Launcher allows you to download other user’s cool looking home screens so you don’t have to spend a ton of time setting things up. Before you go thinking that there will probably only be a handful of choices, does over 10,000 sound like enough to you? At the same time, if you do have time and create something cool and unique, you can share it to the world as well.

Just like most launcher replacements, Buzz Launcher has a lot of settings and customizations, but it isn’t as daunting since most of the configurations are set up already. Each home screen has its own Homepack that you will download from the Homepack Buzz Service. Although you don’t need to, you will want to set up an account so you can share your creations. I used Google+. Once you account is set, you can head to the Homepack Buzz store to check out all the different home screens. Unfortunately, you can’t search by keyword, but that is coming soon. Thankfully they do offer 17 categories which include music/video, sports, photography, brand, education, and so on. They also offer staff picks, what’s hot, and what’s new to quickly find some cool stuff. Once you see a home screen you like, select it to find out more about it. This will give you a chance to see what apps are needed in order to make the home screen fully functional. Don’t worry if you don’t use them all because you can still make your own adjustments. If you like what you see, click download to apply it as a new home screen or append it to your current screen as in add more pages to your setup.

Once it’s set as your home screen, it will prompt you to download apps or widgets that you don’t already have installed on your device. You can also customize it to your needs as well. For example, if the home screen points to Instagram from one of the icons or pictures, but you don’t use Instagram, you change it to something else like Dropbox. You can also use any image you want for icons. As to widgets, Buzz Launcher is compatible with the Buzz Custom Widget add on (separate download), Minimalistic Text, Zooper Widget Pro,  and Battery Widget Z. You don’t have to worry about downloading these right away because if a certain home screen requires any of them, you will be prompted to download.

Changing apps or icons is just one aspect of the modifications you can make. You can change grid sizes for both home screens and the app drawer, manager folders, change wallpapers for each screen, add widgets, or just about anything you can think of. The best part of it is that you can save any of your configurations so that you can easily revert back with minimal effort. If you want to share your creation, you can do so as well. Since it’s unlikely that a home screen is going to suit your needs 100%, you will probably find that there will always be something you need to change. This is exactly what happens for a lot of users in the community so expect to see multiple versions in the Homepack Buzz Store. As of right now, they aren’t grouped together so it can be a little annoying and inefficient when trying to find new home screens. This is something the developer is working on and will change soon. As of right now, the app is considered Beta, so expect a lot of improvements. At the same time, just because it’s Beta, don’t expect a lot of bugs because trust me when I tell you that this app is ready for primetime.

This is one of those apps that is hard to describe in text so I put together a hands on video showing you many of the features. Buzz Launcher is absolutely Free and one of the coolest apps I have come across in a while. If you like to change the look of your phone often, you need to check out Buzz Launcher today. I guarantee you that your friends and family will look at your phone and say, “Wow, you’re home screen looks cool, how do you do that?” Check out my video below as well as their trailer video and download links. Definitely let me know what you think.

Key Features

• MULTI-WALLPAPER SCREEN
you can select different wallpaper images from your gallery for each screen

• MY ICONS
an icon editing tool is provided so you can edit and resize icons on your own. Transparent icons are also supported (Theme icon pack is to be supported)

• MULTI-GRID
you can designate different grids for each screen (up to 12×12)

• MANAGE FOLDERS
you can make folders in app drawers/Home screen, modify folder image, and resize folders

• MANAGE APPS
features for viewing most frequently used apps, recently installed apps, and hiding apps

• MANAGE APP DRAWERS
screen concept is applied to app drawers so you can manage apps by screens

• GESTURE SUPPORT
Glide up, Glide down, Double tap and more.

**Available from Android 4.0.3+ (ICS or Above)** and **Now Available on the Nexus 7**

Buzz_Launcher_01 Buzz_Launcher_02 Buzz_Launcher_03 Buzz_Launcher_04 Buzz_Launcher_05 Buzz_Launcher_06 Buzz_Launcher_07 Buzz_Launcher_08

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

QR Code generator
Play Store Download Link


Come comment on this article: Featured Android App Review: Buzz Launcher [Personalization]

Featured Android Game Review: Space Eon 3D [Arcade & Action]

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 10:18 AM PDT

Space_Eon_Splash_Banner

Space Eon 3D is the first offering from Grim Genie Game Development. I will forewarn you that it’s not the most polished game as far as graphics go, but it’s one of the best games I have played that uses the accelerometer for controls. I have played a number of games in which the accelerometer controls your vehicle or spaceship and most of the time the sensitivity is always out of whack. Space Eon 3D’s controls are just right.

Space Eon 3D is a futuristic shooter game which has the typical storyline. You’re a pilot with no memory stuck in a warzone, and a General seems to know what’s going on and guides you. Lets face it, the storyline is secondary, so you will find yourself hitting skip. The premise is to fly through missions by shooting the bosses or other enemies. Within gameplay you can quickly boost your health or get a temporary shield by flying into the floating heart or shield. You will gain money with each mission that you can use for powerups as well. Powerups include longer lasting shields and stronger firepower. You can even hire helper ships. There are 9 achievements that will allow you to unlock 4 additional planes for your hangar.

There are 20 regular missions along with 10 extreme missions. You will find 3 unique bosses in 6 different boss battles. The menus and gameplay is as simple as it gets. Just hit the arrow keys to select Missions to play, buy powerups, buy upgrades, the hangar for selecting your aircraft, achievements, settings, or high scores. You control your ship by tilting your device, and for shooting, you tap your thumb (or any finger) on the screen. You will see a gauge for your health at the top as well as the gauge for the bosses strength. During missions, you can tap the powerup icon to pause the game and apply any powerups.

Space Eon 3D is available now in the Play Store for $1.93, but there’s a Free version also available. It limits the missions to 5, the bosses to 1, and the number of unlockable ships to 2. Because the achievements unlock the ships, you will only find 5 of them as opposed to 9 in the full version. Check out my hands on video below as well as the trailer video and download links to get started. As always, let me know what you think.

Features

  • 20 Missions Including 10 Difficult Extreme Missions
  • 3 Unique Bosses in 6 Epic Boss Battles
  • 4 Unlock-able ships
  • Difficult Enemies
  • Upgrades, Power Ups and new Abilities
  • Helper Ships for Hire
  • 9 Achievements
  • Unique 3D Battles and Accelerometer Controls
  • Saves to External SD Card
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Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Play Store Download Link - Free

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Play Store Download Link - Paid

 


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Best Android apps for transferring files over WiFi [June 2013]

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 09:45 AM PDT

android-wifi-files

Recently, we did a guide on how to move files onto your Android device without using cables. We had quite a bit of feedback on what apps you thought were best suited to file transferring, so in this guide, we’re going to narrow down the topic and talk about the best apps for moving files from your PC to your Android device (and vice versa) through a WiFi network.

AirDroid

AirDroid was one of the most recommended apps for moving files across networks, and for good reason. AirDroid comes fully equipped to essentially use your phone without actually touching your phone and isn’t just limited to file transfers.

The initial set-up and connection is simple: when you first run the app from your phone, you’ll be asked to either sign in or register. You can use your email as a primary sign-in option or use a convenient Google, Facebook or Twitter alternate sign-in instead. After that initial set up, you’ll have a screen that shows two links to go to on your desktop: the AirDroid site for accessing your device over a same WiFi network or a specific IP address for accessing it remotely. For the sake of this guide, we’re mostly going to discuss being able to transfer files through WiFi, but if you ever need remote access away from home, AirDroid has you covered (although it does cap you at a 500 MB monthly limit of transfers).

Over WiFi though, there’s no limit to the amount of files you can transfer. AirDroid supports moving files from your PC onto your phone’s internal storage or SD card, but can also pull music, photos, ringtones, or anything else off of your device onto your PC. The speed is dependent on your router, but for most file transfers, it’s much quicker than going through the internet as a middleman.

At some points, it almost seems like AirDroid does too much. Your web browser page turns into a mini-homescreen for your device where you can text, play music, change ringtones, and even make phone calls (Phone calls require a premium key). From your computer, you can add shortcuts to specific contacts, upload files onto your device from web URLs,  and take screenshots of your phone’s display. It’s ridiculously powerful, incredibly well designed, and for WiFi transfers, it’s free. For a well-rounded utility app, AirDroid is hard to beat, especially for how easy it is to set up.

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Play Store Download Link

Wifi file explorer

WiFi File Explorer is similar to AirDroid with its network transferring capabilities, but it lacks all the other bells and whistles that AirDroid has. On one hand, it can be tough to recommend WiFi File Explorer over AirDroid because it lacks those features, but if you’re just looking for a light application to handle moving some songs and photos onto your device without all the extra fluff, WiFi File Explorer is arguably the better app.

Similar to AirDroid, after installing the application, it gives you an IP address to connect to on your computer’s web browser. This gives you full access to the files on your device, including internal memory and the SD card. From here, it’s easy to copy pictures from your phone to your computer, or move some music from your computer onto your device. There’s also a few small gauges to give you an idea of things like your WiFi strength and free space on your phone. Best of all, the app runs as a service, so you can keep doing anything else on your phone while files transfer.

There is a free and pro version of WiFi File Explorer, with the Pro version adding a handful of extra, handy features like copying multiple files at the same time.

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Play Store Download Link (Free)

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Play Store Download Link (Pro)

solid explorer

When thinking about transferring files to your device, file explorers aren’t generally the first things to come to mind, but some file explorer apps do support file browsing on a local network. Apps that do this basically allow you to browse your computer’s hard drive across a WiFi network as if it was an extra SD card in your phone, which is extremely quick and convenient.

Solid Explorer is one such file explorer that allows network connections by using an FTP connection. In SE’s menu, there’s a file sharing option. Selecting that will allow you to set up an FTP server and give you a corresponding address to connect to in either a web browser or a file explorer on your computer. The cool thing about that type of connection is that you can set up a bookmark in Windows Explorer that always connects to that one connection, so you can always access your phone’s storage just like you would access a music folder on your hard drive. It isn’t as pretty and it isn’t as simple, but if you want something that integrates into your existing PC setup, using Solid Explorer as an FTP connection on your WiFi network is an excellent option.

Solid Explorer isn’t the only option in the Play Store, but it scores some extra points for its root capabilities, holo theme, and the awesome dual-panel view when using the app in landscape orientation. The free application gives you a 14 day trial, but the app is only $1.99. It’s an excellent deal for a powerful file explorer.

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Play Store Download Link (Free)

es file explorer

Sometimes, you’re not going to want to use your PC to do all of your file management. For moving files onto your device using your phone as opposed to your computer, ES File Explorer has a relatively easy to set up feature that will allow you to browse your computer’s hard drive directly from your phone.

Setting up this type of connection is pretty quick, but it’s not automated. First off, you’re going to need to find the IP address on your computer. There’s a handful of ways to do this, but on Windows, the easiest way would be to go to your Network and Sharing Center, clicking your current network, then click the Properties button on the box that pops up. It’ll show a list of properties about your current network, but all you need is the IPv4 address that’s listed. Then, on ES File Explorer, you can tap the fast access button on the top left of the app, then select LAN connection from the Network drop down list. Tap the New button on the bottom left, type in your IP address from earlier in the Server box, then your PC’s user name and password. Click okay, and voila; instant access to any file on your computer hard drive. You can copy and move things around between your PC and your phone’s memory or SD card. ES will also make a shortcut that you can name to have quick access to your PC in the future.

The biggest advantage to using ES File Explorer like this is that you’ll be able to manage PC files from your phone instead of managing your phone’s files from your PC. Generally, most users would need to have access to their PC to get files moved around anyway, but in a pinch, ES is extremely useful to have.

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Play Store Download Link

samba_logo

Setting up a Samba server was one of the methods of file transferring we went over in our earlier guide, and compared to some of the other items on this list, it does have some advantages.

Samba Filesharing is the best app to set up a dedicated server on your phone, but it does require root to fully function. If your device is rooted, this app is worth a look. Samba Filesharing can be set to automatically run whenever your device is connected to a WiFi network, (or a particular WiFi network, if you only want it to run on your home network for security) so you can set it and forget it. Once it’s running, you can access your Android device like any other network drive. It’s extremely simple but still has plenty of power-user functions, such as WiFi white listing, web browser and Unix support if you’re using something like a Chromebook instead of a traditional Windows computer, and a handful of other features. Overall, the app is very simple and won’t bog you down in menus and settings to get up and running.

Samba Filesharing is available as a free app.

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Did we miss any of your favorite apps for moving your files across a WiFi network? Let us know in the comments.


Come comment on this article: Best Android apps for transferring files over WiFi [June 2013]

HTC releases strong May 2013 revenue numbers

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 09:36 AM PDT

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After watching HTC struggle financially during the past couple years, we have news from them today showing a nice rebound during the month of May. Unaudited revenues rose to NT$29.0B ($969M USD), following up the month of April 2013 when unaudited revenues were NT$19.6B ($655M USD). That is a 48% increase month to month. To add some context, during the first quarter of 2013 revenues for HTC were only NT$42.8B ($1.43B USD), which means HTC has already generated more revenue in just two months of the second quarter than they did during the whole first quarter of the year.

During their last conference call, HTC indicated they expected sales to rebound to the NT$70B ($2.3B USD) range during the second quarter. If sales during June are able to just maintain the levels of May, they will exceed that figure handily as they are only NT$20.2B ($676M USD) off the mark after the first two months.

The results show just how important the HTC One was to the company and their financial viability. Questions now include whether the HTC One’s popularity can continue to produce brisk sales primarily against competition from the Samsung Galaxy S 4 and whether HTC can follow-up the success of the HTC One with another highly desirable device.

source: HTC


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Intel executive: lack of LTE support is the reason why Intel-based devices haven’t become more popular in the U.S.

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 09:33 AM PDT

Intel

 

Intel may be making headwaves by rapidly penetrating the Android world, but it certainly realizes that it has a long way to go before it wins the hearts of the general public in the world. According to Intel executive vice president of sales Tom Kilroy, the “absence of LTE is the reason” is the sole reason for why Intel hasn’t been able to fully gain much traction here in the U.S. Kilroy also adds that “we can’t get ranged by U.S. carriers without LTE, so once we have multimode LTE coming to market later this year, we have an opportunity to compete in that business.” The good thing is this: Intel has finally realized this and has begun developing multimode processors with LTE technology built in since 4G LTE continues to grow and grow at an extraordinary rate. Oh and don’t under-estimate this either direction either it should put a scare into competitors like Qualcomm and even NVIDIA, since each company certainly adopted LTE integration into its chips for some time now. So the overall hope is that with Intel’s new direction, we should see not only faster and more power-efficient chips, but who knows— we may even see a new wave cost-effective devices.

source: Fierce Wireless


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Multiple user accounts coming soon to Falcon Pro

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 09:29 AM PDT

falcon pro multiple accounts

Falcon Pro, the excellent third-party Twitter client, has always lacked one important feature; multiple account support. According to a picture on Twitter from Falcon Pro’s developer Joaquim Vergès, multiple user accounts are coming soon in a Falcon Pro 2.0 update. In the screenshot, the feature looks ready for primetime, so hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to see that update go live on the Play Store. If you haven’t already used Falcon Pro, now’s a great time to check it out. It’s easily one of the best Twitter clients available, and it’s head and shoulders over the official Twitter app.

source: Twitter


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