Saturday, February 23, 2013

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Report: Google Glass to get general consumer release by end of this year (and one user’s take on it from personal experience)

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 12:16 PM PST

It’s been a good month for Google Glass, it seems. Following seemingly successful rounds of developer workshops (the results of which are being protected under strict non-disclosure agreements), Google confirmed it would be expanding the Glass Explorer program to give lucky (and rich) users a chance to get the device in its early stages for $1,500. While most of us probably won’t be crazy enough to spend that much on it, new information suggests we’ll all have a crack at the device for a cheaper price much sooner.

CNet has heard it from a source that Google would carry out a consumer launch of Google Glass by the end of 2013. The original timeline was early-mid 2014 so this is even better than we expected. The device will apparently come to us for less than $1,500, though price has yet to be pinpointed just yet. We’re just keeping our fingers crossed that it won’t be in the range of thousands of dollars.

Other information gleaned from the source suggests Google Glass will be able to interface with both Android devices and iPhone devices, and will do so via Bluetooth. The device won’t have its own cellular radios so it’ll leverage the WiFi connection or cellular data from whichever phone or tablet it’s connected to. This makes a lot of sense, and to be quite honest we never expected Google Glass to be made with the idea that it could be used 100% independent of other devices.

In other news, The Verge’s Joshua Topolsky has had a go with the smart glasses for himself. As far as we know, this is the first user account of Google Glass out there, and it gives us a good idea of what to expect from a consumer standpoint before they officially hit store shelves.

Topolsky discusses design, potential, and his thoughts on whether or not Google Glass has what it takes to be the next big innovation in computing — long story short, he says it’s a matter of “when,” not “if.” Find that delicious story here, and let us know if you’re going to be in line for a pair of these if they do, in fact, drop by the end of this year.

YouTube for Android update brings Google+ profiles, new notification controls

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 11:49 AM PST

YouTube for Android has gotten even better with its brand new upgrade in the Google Play Store. With this latest version, users can now use their Google+ profiles within the app to +1 videos. Other forms of integration weren’t immediately obvious but we’re still poking around. Users can also look forward to new notification controls for TV playback.

You’ll be able to pause and skip to the next video in a queue without having to be within the YouTube app, a feature I personally wished for just yesterday as I watched SimCity Beta videos on my Xbox 360 while I was checking Twitter on my phone.

Finally, a bug fix for issues with full-screen playback has been issued. This is a pretty quick upgrade so get to it whenever you can. If, for whatever reason, you don’t have YouTube on your Android smartphone or tablet you can find it here in the Google Play Store.

T-Mobile offering Nexus 4 for free through Sunday [DEALS]

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 09:54 AM PST

If you’re a T-Mobile customer who’s looking for a new smartphone and doesn’t mind being tethered to a two-year commitment, then one awesome deal has sprung up that will last for this weekend only. Magenta is offering the Nexus 4 for free after instant discounts and a $50 mail-in rebate card. If you anticipate being with T-Mobile for the next two years and don’t think you’ll need a new phone within that time then you’d be a fool to pass this one up.

Still, some folks might find it more economical to grab the device from the Google Play Store instead, where El Goog is selling it for a minimum of $300 unlocked. That’s a great price for a phone of this magnitude that doesn’t come with any contractual obligations. Head here if you’d rather take that particular route, but if T-Mobile’s current offer is fine for you then make no delay in ordering one here.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Samsung Galaxy S4: case leaks give rough idea of phone’s shape, TouchWiz camera getting Photo Sphere-esque feature

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 09:42 AM PST

It’s been tough to get an early look at Samsung’s Galaxy S4 ahead of its official unveiling, but we might have some new information courtesy of accessory retailer MobileFun. According to a “trusted” Chinese accessory maker, the images you see below are cut-out to fit Samsung’s as-yet announced flagship device. There aren’t a whole lot of surprises here — it’s rectangular and has cut-outs for speakers, cameras, ports, and other odds and ends.

It’s hard to judge the shape of the nonexistent phone without actually seeing it, but these cases tell us to expect a device that’s a bit bigger than the Galaxy S3, with edges that are just a bit more sharp and pointed. Of course, the bigger size would come from the 5-inch 1080p display that is rumored to be going inside the thing. These cases would also seem to confirm recent rumors that the Galaxy S4 won’t be getting an S Pen, though that isn’t too surprising.

Going a bit further than that,  the cutouts for the rear camera seem a tad bit larger than we’re normally used to. We’re not sure if this means we can expect a bigger camera sensor or just a bigger area surrounding it, but the cutout is rather consistent across the two different designs seen above and below. The cutout to the left of that is likely the flash as the cutout on the right of one of the cases is separated by a plastic bar, a design which indicates the presence of a speaker grill there.

There’s not much else to take from these photos so enjoy them however you can. In related news, Samsung is rumored to be bringing a feature to its TouchWiz camera called Orb. This feature can be likened to the Photo Sphere feature that was introduced with Android 4.2, which gives you the ability to take 360-degree photos of your surroundings using a quick, easy and intuitive process.

Even more frustrating than not having an early look at the device is that we don’t even have a clear idea of when Samsung is looking to unveil this thing. The latest rumors peg March 14th in New York City, while an earlier, independent rumor said we would see it March 15th in the same city.

samsung-galaxy-s4-case-leak-4 samsung-galaxy-s4-case-leak-3 samsung-galaxy-s4-case-leak-1 samsung-galaxy-s4-case-leak-2

Since those two dates are in close proximity to each other we have a pretty light circle surrounding that stretch of time on our calendars. Let’s get through Mobile World Congress first, and then we’ll see if Samsung starts hyping up the next Next Big Thing soon after.

[via MobileFun, AndroidGeeks]

HTC BlinkFeed — there if you need it, not if you don’t

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 08:53 AM PST

If you have been living under a rock for the past few days, HTC introduced the HTC One this past Tuesday. Along with the HTC One, though we’ve gotten a new version of HTC Sense to sit on top of Android 4.1. The latest version is 5.0, and it introduced many great new features. The biggest change will be BlinkFeed, a home-screen feed which aggregates content from your social networks and over 1,400 different news sources to deliver the news and content you care about the most.

As great as it looks, we’re sure not everyone is going to like it. One of the biggest questions regarding BlinkFeed was whether or not it could be disabled. Folks fear BlinkFeed will take up valuable system resources and consume unnecessary network data, so they stormed HTC’s blog with questions to see what could be done about making sure it’s not interfering with their lives.

Thankfully, HTC responded, and we now have a more clear idea of what users can do to bypass BlinkFeed. For starters, BlinkFeed is your default home-screen, but you can specify your own default home-screen if you’re not fond of this behavior. Secondly, you can disable some or all elements of BlinkFeed if you so choose. In the case of disabling all of its elements, it sounds like you’ll be able to manipulate the home-screen it occupies by either deleting it or replacing it with another home-screen.

You can’t blame HTC for trying to innovate, but you can’t blame users for not being receptive to that innovation, either. Let us know if BlinkFeed is something you’re looking forward to or if you’ll be looking forward to disabling it the first chance you get.

[via AndroidForums.com, thanks EarlyMon!]

Motorola makes it easier to check the upgrade status of your Android device

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 08:37 AM PST

If you’re a Motorola device owner and you’re ever curious about whether or not your device will get the latest version of Android, you have never really had to pull teeth in order to get that information. Motorola has long had a place for users to go to check the update status of their device, but it has never been the most easy site to navigate.

Thankfully, that changes today. Motorola has upgraded its Android software upgrade site with a straightforward sorting system. Select your country, then your carrier, and then your phone. After that, Motorola spits out information about whichever device you’re looking for.

Taking it for a quick spin, I’ve learned that the original DROID RAZR is still slated to receive Jelly Bean 4.1 in the first quarter of this year. Sprint’s Motorola Photon Q is still on track for Jelly Bean 4.1, though an exact time frame hasn’t been given. If I owned the original Photon 4G or any other eligible device, I could upgrade to a newer Motorola phone using the $100 rebate phone. If my phone isn’t listed, then I can pretty much expect it to remain dead in water.

It’s a lot more than other manufacturers are willing to do, so even if you aren’t happy with the status of your device’s upgrade track you should be thankful Motorola’s provided this resource. Bookmark it here, and check your own phone from time to time if you’re ever curious.

Sprint announces rugged Kyocera Torque for March 8th, priced at $99

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 07:34 AM PST

Sprint has just announced the Kyocera Torque, a new rugged 4G LTE handset to launch March 8th. The Torque features Sprint Direct Connect and Smart Sonic Audio Technology, plus it is built to Military Standard 810G, a first for a touchscreen smartphone.

The push-to-talk handset will find a home with the likes of contractors, folks working in the field, as well as your everyday user looking for a sturdier smartphone. That includes Bear Grylls, who has taken on the role of spokesman for the Torque.

The Kyocera Torque runs Android 4.1 and offers up to 18 hours of talk time, which makes it pretty near perfect for someone who makes it a habit of getting lost in the woods with no supplies or rescue in sight. It features a 4.0-inch IPS display and 5MP rear camera with 1.3MP front-facing camera.

Kyocera Torque – the First Ultra-Rugged 4G LTE Android Smartphone
with Sprint Direct Connect and Smart Sonic Receiver Audio Technology –
Drops, Dunks and Spills into Sprint on March 8 for $99.99

Online Adventures from Ultimate Adventurer and Fun-Loving Dad Bear Grylls to Show
How Torque Can Survive the Extremes and Everyday Life

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Feb. 22, 2013 – Sprint (NYSE:S) and Kyocera Communications Inc.
today announced the March 8 availability of Kyocera Torque, the "live more, fear less" handset
built to survive extreme elements and everyday life.

The ultra-rugged, 4G LTE Android™ smartphone will be available in all Sprint retail channels,
including Web (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1), for $99.99 after a $50 mail-
in-rebate via reward card, with a new line of service or eligible upgrade and two-year service
agreement (pricing excludes taxes).1 Powered by Android 4.1, Ice Cream Sandwich, 4G LTE
speeds and up to 18.9 hours of talk time, this device will benefit from Truly UnlimitedSM 4G LTE
data, text and calling to any mobile device with no metering, no throttling, and no overages, all
while on the Sprint network.

Torque is built to Military Standard 810G (MilSpec) to withstand dust, shock, vibration, solar
radiation, humidity, blowing rain, low pressure, salt fog and extreme temperatures, along with
IP67 standards for dust, sprayed water and full immersion of up to one meter deep for up to 30
minutes. It features Sprint® Direct Connect® push-to-talk service and is America's first phone to
include Kyocera's award-winning new Smart Sonic Receiver technology, which transmits sounds
not only as traditional sound waves, but also as vibrations carried by body tissue directly to the
eardrum and inner ear for unparalleled sound clarity even in the noisiest environments. Torque
is designated Sprint Professional Grade, which ensures advanced security, device management
and Exchange Active Sync capabilities are protecting data on the device and over Sprint’s
nationwide network.

"The durability and sound quality of Torque are amazing for a 4G LTE smartphone," said David
Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. "Whether you're on a construction site, an
outdoor adventurer or a mom that worries about their kids breaking their phone, Torque can hold
up to those drops, spills or dunks. With Sprint's 4G LTE network and truly unlimited 4G data,
text and calling plans, it's a tremendous offer for business customers, busy kids and adventurers
alike."

In keeping with Torque's ability to tackle the extremes and everyday life, Kyocera has sought the
help of Bear Grylls – Everest mountaineer, former British Special Forces, star of television's "Man
vs. Wild," and the father of three active boys. See Grylls take Torque on a series of "adventures"
ranging from biting snow, spraying water and mud to a day of splashing in a water park full of kids
at http://www.youtube.com/kyoceramobilephones.

"Bear Grylls is the ultimate survivor, in both his extreme adventures and the challenges he
deals with day-to-day like the rest of us," said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general
manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications. "Most of us know him
as an intrepid adventurer, who has withstood the most extreme environments, but he's also a
businessman and a parent, and he appreciates the value of a smart, rugged device like Torque
that can seamlessly support those different sides of his lifestyle."

In 2012, Sprint added more coverage area to its Sprint Direct Connect push-to-talk service –
creating three times the push-to-talk coverage of its Nextel National Network – with the addition of
roaming and Sprint 1xRTT coverage areas.2 The expansion of the Sprint Direct Connect network
also marks another milestone for Network Vision, Sprint's nationwide network upgrade using the
newest, most advanced equipment in the industry. Sprint plans to consolidate multiple network
technologies into one seamless network with the goal of increasing efficiency and enhancing
network coverage, call quality and data speeds for customers.

Sprint introduced its all-new 4G LTE network in July 2012 and now offers service in 58
markets.3 For the most up-to-date details on the Sprint 4G LTE portfolio and rollout, please visit
www.sprint.com/4GLTE. For detailed 4G LTE maps, providing coverage information right down
to the address, please visit www.sprint.com/coverage. Customers are encouraged to check back
often, as the maps will be updated when coverage in these markets is enhanced.

For more information about the Kyocera Torque, please visit http://
www.kyocerasmartphones.com/torque or www.sprint.com/torque.

CloudOn version 4.0 brings another option to edit Microsoft Office documents

Posted: 21 Feb 2013 07:50 PM PST

The folks at CloudOn have announced version 4.0 of their office editing suite. CloudOn carries the distinction of being one of the only solutions in the market to offer full Microsoft Office editing, with an Office-like editing ribbon which changes based on whatever you’re doing and whatever you need. Now available for both phones and tablets, CloudOn 4.0 will bring a nice slew of features for the low, low initial cost of free. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Android Customized Ribbon: The Microsoft Office ribbon is tailored to the Android screen, so touch-based functions like selecting font size, turning on track changes or creating a table are dead simple for users across all editing options.
  • CloudOn FileSpace: A FileSpace is a place to add notes and view all activity on a single file, including edits, for real-time updates on documents.
  • Support for both Portrait and Landscape view: View documents in either portrait of landscape mode, for easy editing on the go
  • Accessibility:  Easily share files and view word, PPT or excel documents directly from your email, Dropbox, Box, Google Drive and SkyDrive.
  • Notes: Quickly and easily add notes to any Microsoft Office document on an Android. These notes can be shared and viewed by all collaborators.
Beyond all that, you’ll still be treated to the same standard experience of editing Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files on the go, with a built-in Adobe Reader PDF viewer, to boot. It’s not costing you a dime to at least give it a shot, so find it in the Google Play Store here to see if the app is up to your standards for a full-featured mobile editing suite.
Posted by at 8:38 AM

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