Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Minuum Sets To Revolutionize The Mobile Keyboard, Almost Triples Funding Goal

Posted: 19 Mar 2013 12:07 PM PDT

Minuum

There are many mobile keyboards and Minuum sets to make typing even better. Unlike keyboards which use the multiple row QWERTY format, Minuum has managed to condense everything down to a single row while keeping the QWERTY format we’re familiar with. At first glance, it seems very unlikely to be able to type accurately and efficiently. However, Will Walmsley, CEO of Whirlscape, reveals just how wrong that assumption is in a video showing the keyboard in action. An Indiegogo campaign was started to fund the project and a stretched goal of $60,000 has been added to build a wearable development kit. As of writing this, they’ve managed to raise nearly $30,000 with 30 days left on the fundraising campaign. Originally, the goal was to raise just $10,000.

Minuum will work with multiple languages and is even capable of being utilized on multiple surfaces thanks to sensors and motion capture. Here are some of its features:

  • Recovering more than half of the usable touchscreen space you lose when you type on traditional virtual keyboards
  • Allowing you fast text entry when your typing is sloppy
  • Providing you with letter magnification for precise typing—especially useful if you have large fingers
  • Giving you the benefit of smart auto-correction
  • Respecting your familiarity with the QWERTY keyboard so you don't have to re-learn the keyboard layout
  • Providing convenient access to everything you'd expect in a keyboard (such as, punctuation, space, backspace, and enter) without stealing your screen space
  • Letting you type anywhere—with a keyboard you can move around your touchscreen

You can check out the video below which shows how Minuum works and the philosophy behind it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Source: The Minuum Keyboard Project


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Verizon Galaxy Nexus Receives Android 4.2.2, Update Rolling Out Today

Posted: 19 Mar 2013 11:24 AM PDT

Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners have something to cheer about with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean rolling out starting today. The update brings new features such as Photosphere for 360 degree panorama photos, photo filters, borders, more photo customization, and Gesture Keyboard that allows you to slide your finger from letter to letter similar to Swype. Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners will also be able to add widgets directly to the lockscreen, making it easier to get a quick glance at information that matters most to you. Verizon says the Android 4.2.2 update will roll out in phases and didn’t include a time frame. Let us know in the comments below if you’ve received the update.

Source: Verizon Wireless News


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Featured Android Game Review: Jetpack Jinx [Arcade & Action]

Posted: 19 Mar 2013 10:56 AM PDT

Jetpack_Jinx_Splash_Banner

Jetpack Jinx is one of those games that will appeal to everyone of all ages since it’s not complicated. In fact, it’s very easy to play, just not easy to conquer. Jetpack Jinx was created by BubbleGum Interactive and it’s a vertical scroller. The premise is that the mischievous Jinx has crash landed on a mysterious planet and he needs to get back to his starship before his boss, Lord Shadowbot, finds out he’s gone. Your job is to keep Jinx soaring as high as you can without running out of power in his jetpack. How do you do that you ask? You collect jewels, but it’s not that easy since you have to avoid falling enemies and hazards. If you don’t collect enough gems in time, you will head right back to the bottom to start over.

Each level is based on the amount of distance you have climbed. For example, you will unlock the second level once you reach 1,000M, as in miles I assume. You can reach level three once you hit 3,000M, and so on. It’s fairly easy in the first level, but things get hard quickly. Unless you’re really good, you will have to grab power ups such as helmets or rockets with either the coins you earn in the game or with your hard earned dollars. Other than playing the game itself, you can also earn coins from rating the app in Google Play and sharing it via Facebook and Twitter. Purchasing coins isn’t too expensive, but power ups as a whole are not my cup of tea. I just like to play without getting involved with all that, but Jetpack Jinx is very hard to beat without those power ups. The good news is that most of the younger generation is used to this type of play, plus if you have kids in the house, you can set a password so that they can’t make purchases unless you approve them.

If there is an issue with this game it would be with the controls. You move Jinx by tilting your device, and I found that the sensitivity wasn’t all that great. I also found at times that I had to over tilt my Nexus 7 forward to keep him climbing. Nevertheless, everyone has a different take for things like that, so I encourage you to download Jetpack Jinx if you’re looking for something simple to play when you have some time to kill. It’s colorful, fun, and addicting. It’s Free to try so you have nothing to lose. Check out their trailer video below and hit one of the download links below to get started.

Features

  • Play for FREE!
  • Epic Levels of Insane Fun!
  • Outrageous Obstacles!
  • Wicked Upgrades and Super Sidekicks!
  • Awesome Power Ups!
  • Unlock Achievements and rewards!
  • No ads!
Jetpack_Jinx_01 Jetpack_Jinx_02 Jetpack_Jinx_03 Jetpack_Jinx_04

Click here to view the embedded video.

QR Code generator

Play Store Download Link


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LG Claims Samsung’s Galaxy S 4 May Infringe Its Eye-Tracking Patents

Posted: 19 Mar 2013 10:18 AM PDT

LG

The Galaxy S 4 was unveiled last week and already Samsung is facing patent infringement accusations. LG believes the S 4 may be infringing its eye-tracking patents which are utilized in such new features as Smart Scroll and Smart Pause. LG’s Optimus G Pro utilizes eye-tracking technology (and related patents) for its Smart Video feature. Samsung denies any patent infringement and LG also plans to find out if the South Korean giant infringed other eye-tracking patents dating back to as far as 2005. No lawsuit has been filed yet, although this wouldn’t be the first time either company has went after each other in court regarding patents.

Via: The Verge
Source: Yonhap News


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ZTE and Intrepidus partner on smartphone security issue

Posted: 19 Mar 2013 09:33 AM PDT

zte-grand-memo

You may have noticed in recent months that there is a big push on the part of smartphone manufacturers to sell the “security” of their devices. This is needed to obtain greater acceptance in the corporate world and to encourage consumers to use their devices for secure transactions. The latest manufacturer to join the frenzy is ZTE, the world’s fourth largest smartphone producer. Today ZTE announced a partnership with Intrepidus to evaluate the security mechanisms of ZTE devices. Intrepidus is a security testing company that specifically focuses on mobile devices, applications, systems and networks.

According to their press release, ZTE is partnering with Intrepidus to identify vulnerabilities, conduct penetration testing, perform reverse engineering, and review source code. ZTE is pursuing this course because “the need to protect personal information becomes more important each day.” You can check out the full press release after the break.

ZTE and Intrepidus Announce Partnership to Ensure Smartphone Security

RICHARDSON, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of mobile handsets, telecommunications equipment and network solutions, today announced a partnership with leading provider of mobile application and device security services, Intrepidus, an NCC Group company.

ZTE is the world’s fourth largest smartphone manufacturer and partners with all of the major US carriers. The company has seen tremendous growth in the United States in the past few years and continues to invest heavily in the US market. ZTE has long been regarded as a leader in international standards; in partnering with Intrepidus, ZTE now seeks to become a leader in smartphone security.

As part of the agreement, Intrepidus will evaluate the security mechanisms of ZTE-manufactured smartphones. This evaluation includes identifying potential vulnerabilities; conducting penetration testing of ZTE device management interfaces and ZTE device features; and performing reverse engineering and source code review. The security testing will enable ZTE to deliver a wide range of smart, stylish choices for smartphone users with the added peace of mind that their device is secure.

“Our work with Intrepidus stands as an important milestone in handset security,” said Lixin Cheng, CEO, ZTE USA, and President, North America Region, ZTE. “With the increasing number of transactions carried out on smartphones, the need to protect personal information becomes more important each day. At ZTE, we have always been committed to making world-class technology accessible to everyone; now our work with Intrepidus will ensure that our customers can continue to connect in meaningful, innovative and affordable ways without questioning the security of their smartphones.”

This is the first step in a series of actions the company plans to take regarding smartphone security. ZTE hopes to work closely with carriers, app developers, policymakers and industry organizations to raise awareness among consumers about best practices and guidelines for handset security.

About ZTE USA

ZTE USA is a subsidiary of ZTE Corporation (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a leading global provider of mobile handsets, telecommunications equipment and network solutions. ZTE USA is dedicated to making quality communications technology accessible to all. The company draws on more than 25 years of experience and research investment to deliver smart, affordable, quality choices for infrastructure and mobile data device customers nationwide. For more information, visit www.zteusa.com.

About ZTE

ZTE is a publicly-listed global provider of mobile handsets, telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every sector of the wireline, wireless, service and terminals markets. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to over 500 operators in more than 140 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while achieving continued revenue growth. ZTE’s 2010 revenue led the industry with a 21% increase to USD10.609 billion. ZTE commits 10 percent of its revenue to research and development and takes a leading role in a wide range of international bodies developing emerging telecoms standards. A company with sound corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZTE is a member of the UN Global Compact. ZTE is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer, publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.

About Intrepidus Group

Expert US security testing company Intrepidus Group, works with organizations to pinpoint and eradicate security flaws in mobile devices, applications, systems and networks.

A leader in the field of mobile security research, testing & advice, Intrepidus assesses mobile applications, trains developers to code defensively, and evaluates the security mechanisms of cutting edge telecommunications products and smart phone devices.

Intrepidus was established in 2006 and is part of leading global information assurance organization NCC Group plc.

For more information, please visit www.intrepidusgroup.com


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HTC Trolling Samsung Unpacked Leads To ‘One On The Street’ Video

Posted: 19 Mar 2013 09:29 AM PDT

HTC One

HTC caused quite a stir last week in New York City where they were showing off the One outside of Samsung Unpacked, and giving away branded cans of Pringles. To no surprise, a video was uploaded to YouTube which shows off the HTC One and gets people’s reactions. Both HTC and Samsung are going head to head with the upcoming release of their next flagship smartphones, and HTC has a lot of work moving forward if they want to recapture Android market share. You can check out the video below and let us know what you think in the comments.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Source: HTC Blog


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No CM support for Galaxy S 4? Not so fast says CyanogenMod team

Posted: 19 Mar 2013 09:17 AM PDT

Samsung_Galaxy_S_IV_TA_Hands_On-630x354

Earlier today we reported on some members of TeamHacksung expressing an unwillingness to develop a ROM for Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy S 4 smartphone. The news certainly set the ‘net abuzz, but it appears the comments may not be as “official” as originally thought. The CyanogenMod Team has posted on their Google+ page a statement indicating no official position had been established regarding the Galaxy S 4 and that one would not be established until the device was available for retail purchases.

In the posting, the CM team reminds folks that announcements regarding support for devices will be communicated via their official channels on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, or their blog. The CM team also points out the comments from this morning posted by XpLoDWilD were just the opinions of four members of TeamHacksung who do not speak on behalf of CyanogenMod.

Those looking forward to getting CM running on a Galaxy S 4 can breathe a little easier for now.

source: +CyanogenMod


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HTC One component shortages are real, HTC ‘no longer a tier-one customer’ for component suppliers

Posted: 19 Mar 2013 07:35 AM PDT

HTC_ultrapixels-sensor

We already heard that the HTC One was going to have supply issues because of component shortages related to the UltraPixel camera, and shortly after, the phone was delayed by two weeks in the UK. According to the Wall Street Journal, several retailers have been informed of the delay, including Vodafone and Best Buy. Best Buy stated that the plan was for a release in the 3rd week of March, “but the date has been pushed back.”

HTC executives did confirm the UltraPixel was the culprit, but also mentioned some shortages with metal casings. Previous reports indicated a production issue, but now we are hearing the problem lies with last year’s dismal performance. ”The company has a problem managing its component suppliers as it has changed its order forecasts drastically and frequently following last year’s unexpected slump in shipments,” said an HTC executive. “HTC has had difficulty in securing adequate camera components as it is no longer a tier-one customer.”

Unfortunately when it rains it pours, so the big question is how much of a delay are we really going to see? Unfortunately we don’t have an answer, and even when they do officially launch the device, will there be enough supply? At the event in February, they stated that the HTC One would be available in more than 80 countries through more than 185 carriers by the end of March, but right now it’s non existent.

I don’t have to tell you how bad this is for HTC since they are coming off a 3 year low in sales. What’s most interesting is the UltraPixel camera is the culprit, and it’s my opinion that consumers aren’t going to buy into the “lesser pixels” argument. So the phone is delayed for what HTC believes will be a big reason why they will sell more units this year, but “that reason” might actually hurt their sales.

source: WSJ


Come comment on this article: HTC One component shortages are real, HTC ‘no longer a tier-one customer’ for component suppliers

AT&T set to introduce expanded Mobile Share Plans, aiming its bullseye at business users in the process

Posted: 19 Mar 2013 07:15 AM PDT

AT&T Data Share

 

Sure it’s taken some time for us to fully embrace AT&T’s Mobile Share Data Plans, but now that it’s fully implemented— AT&T is now looking to expand the option for business users. Beginning this Friday, March 22nd, AT&T is expanding the Mobile Share Data Plans to include 30GB  for $300/monthly, 40GB for $400/monthly and 50GB for $500/monthly— all with unlimited talk and text as part of plan. Naturally AT&T is also offering a wider range of devices that can be attached to the data plans with the number going anywhere from 15 to 25 devices. And for those of you businesses out there that need data sharing for more than 25 devices will have AT&T’s Business Pooled Nation for Data options, which includes data options from 300 MB to 10 GB and monthly prices from $20 to $80 for eligible devices.

Expanded flexibility and options never sounded sweeter.

source: AT&T


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Google Flight Search now available for Europe

Posted: 19 Mar 2013 06:57 AM PDT

Google_Flight_Search_Mobile

 

Those of you living in Europe are about to find it just a little easier to search for flights thanks to Google.  The Mountain View giant has released its Flight Search service to those of you living out in the UK, France, Italy, Spain or the Netherlands will be able to utilize the awesome service to not only search for flights, but quickly find, compare and book flights originating from each of these countries to any airport in the world. Additionally, the service will utilize English, French, Italian, Spanish, Basque, Catalan, Galician and Dutch, giving some added ease for most users in that region. Oh and best of all, the service utilizes Google’s simplistic, yet clean and easy-to-use interface— so it should be easy for folks to pick up and start using in no time.

As previously mentioned, the service is now live for those you of living in Europe, so head on down to google.com/flights and give this service a try today. Trust us— you’ll be glad you did.

source: ITA Software by Google


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