Android Authority |
- Walmart is offering the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 for only $168
- Why is everyone making a smartwatch?
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 arrives in Canada
- Jelly Bean update in final stages of testing for several Xperia handsets, Sony promises more details next week
- HTC Mini: a glorified Bluetooth headset or the answer to all our phablet woes?
- First Google Glass users share their experiences
- The Friday Debate: Do you even want a smartwatch?
- Next-gen keyboard Minuum raises over $87,000
- Boulder Dash reboot Boulder Dash-XL, developed by Herocraft and First Star Software, launches on Google Play
- OUYA hits 10,000 developer mark, continues to attract new developers
| Walmart is offering the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 for only $168 Posted: 20 Apr 2013 02:20 AM PDT By now we have a pretty good idea of just how Samsung and the carriers plan to introduce the Samsung Galaxy S4 into the U.S. market. To recap, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint are all shipping the Galaxy S4 before the end of April, with Verizon dropping the S4 sometime during May. AT&T is offering the Galaxy S4 on preorder for $199.99 on a 2-year contract, but you might want to consider heading over to Walmart Wireless. Walmart is offering the opportunity to preorder Galaxy S4 on a 2-year commitment with AT&T for the low price of $168, saving you a cool $31.99 for what is essentially the same product. Not only that, but this applies for both new customers and folks who are already on the network. So what's the catch, you ask? There is a rather small one in that, although AT&T has a confirmed shipping date of 30th of April, Walmart on the other hand, have no confirmed shipping date. However, we haven't been led to believe there will be a major wait for the phone and shipping should be keeping in tune with AT&T's schedule. Is being the first kid on the block with a GS4 worth $32? Are you still even considering the Galaxy S4? Let us know in the comments |
| Why is everyone making a smartwatch? Posted: 19 Apr 2013 05:03 PM PDT News has come to light recently that Microsoft is working on a smartwatch. If you're keeping tabs, that's Apple, Samsung, Google, and now Microsoft… all working on a smartwatch, or we at least have strong indicators that they are. This would make sense if the smartwatch had a proven history of success… but they don't. Not only do they not have a strong lineage, they don't even have a device to tout as a benchmark. Smartwatches have historically fallen flat on their face, never achieving any kind of commercial success. Even those, like the Motorola MOTOACTV (which was pretty good), were dismissed by consumers. If we're not keen on wearing a smartwatch, why is everyone trying to make one? GlassThe reason manufacturers are trying to put something on your wrist is right in front of your face. Literally. Google Glass is next generation technology, meant to connect you to information on a very different level. If anything, it's meant to keep you connected to the right things, at the right times. If successful, we'll not only be ushered into a new era of technology, but information as well. We've given up on having some sort of Android following us around as a personal assistant, but not on Android being our personal assistant. If Glass comes through, and it looks like it will, we'll be on the precipice of a whole new era. The WatchGlass is one thing, so where does a smartwatch fit in? I've long made the assertion that a watch and Glass have a potential symbiotic relationship, but if we're to think of why companies are creating smartwatches in general, that argument can't really be heard. I really doubt Apple or Microsoft will jump on the Android bandwagon to create something to work with Glass. So we consider the two technologies separately, and can realize they have similar potential. A watch, like Glass, can provide timely updates. If Google Now, which is heavily ingrained in Glass, comes in the form factor of a smartwatch, then the two technologies share functionality. At that point, the decision becomes whether or not you want to get updates in your face, or on your wrist. The differenceThe similarities stop there, unfortunately. Glass is a capable of so much more, where the smartwatch is limited. Those limitations are inherent, and cannot be readily overcome. If I want to shoot video with Glass, I just look at something. If I were to have the ability to take pics or video with a smartwatch, the action becomes clumsy. I'd have to point my watch at stuff, and it would just look silly. There are a variety of ways in which a smartwatch is limited versus Glass, much less a smartphone. If a technology is a proven failure, and can't conceivably stand up to the competition, why is everyone interested? The answer is as simple as it is confusing. TrendingAll indications are that wearable technology is the newest trend in mobile, despite it's checkered past. Companies like Microsoft or Apple can get into the game relatively easily, too. They'll probably attempt, in one way or another, to pare down their current OS into something that works on a smaller screen. It's an easier method that Glass, and provides a more immediate reference point to their place in the market. In terms of hardware, a smartwatch can be a very limited version of a smartphone. Though it lacks things like radios or a robust processor, it has other features we're accustomed to. Things like a screen, a touch interface, or even hardware buttons are all familiar to us, and make it more approachable to use. This is also the only real hope for manufacturers other than Google for success, building an intuitive OS for a device we can find approachable. With wearable tech, Google Glass picks up where the smartwatch fails… but that game really only works for Google. Nobody else has a Glass alternative, and we have no reason to think they'll attempt one. ConclusionSmartwatches have a dismal past because nobody considered the future. Wearable technology has, until now, been considered a novelty item. Only since the advent of Google Glass have we all begun to consider it a real alternative, if not the next step. That's perhaps the most troublesome aspect, too. It seems as though Google is the only one of the lot who is intent on wearable technology being a success. Nobody else has sunk the time or effort into their wearable tech as Google has with Glass, which will probably be followed up by a smartwatch. Even Apple, who is notorious for taking their sweet time developing tech, is rumored to be rushing their smartwatch. This leads us to believe everyone is in it for the short term gain, as with most trends. History has a way of repeating itself, and the smartwatch will probably be no different. Trends rarely stick, and the difference between a smartwatch and Glass is that factor alone. Glass has been positioned as the next step, and all feedback suggests that to be accurate. A smartwatch is trendy, whereas Glass could be timeless. It may be easy come, easy go for smartwatches once again. |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 arrives in Canada Posted: 19 Apr 2013 02:45 PM PDT Last week the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 arrived to the U.S. market, and now it is Canada’s turn to get the 8-inch slate. So what does the Samsung Note 8.0 bring to the table? The tablet features a 1280×800 8-inch display, an Exynos 4412 quad-core processor, 16GB storage, 2GB RAM, a stylus and a camera on both the front and the back of the tablet. As for the OS, you get the power of Android 4.1 with TouchWiz and stylus-optimized apps. According to Samsung’s official press release, the Galaxy Note 8.0 will start selling today through authorized retailers which include Future Shop, Staples and Best Buy. Unfortunately they are a bit coy on the pricing. All Samsung officially tells us is that "For specific pricing and details, please visit your nearest retailer." Luckily reports are already coming in stating the price at locations like Best Buy is in fact $429. For those keeping track, that’s a $30 premium over what those in the United States are paying for the same tablet. If you want to get a closer look at what the tablet has to offer, be sure to check out our hands-on preview video from MWC 2013. What do you think of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, interested in picking one up or not? MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 19, 2013 /CNW/ – Samsung Canada today announced the availability of the highly anticipated Samsung GALAXY Note 8.0. Small and lightweight, the GALAXY Note 8.0 brings a new era of intelligent Note technology to the mid-size tablet category. The compact one-hand-grip screen features an unrivalled multimedia performance and redefines the way users read, watch, play, listen, create and connect with family and friends. “We are very excited that Canadians can now experience the Samsung GALAXY Note 8.0 – the perfect tool for multi-tasking on the go,” said Paul Brannen, Vice President, Enterprise Business Group, Samsung Canada. “Due to the convenience and mobility, the demand for Android-based tablets continues to grow and Samsung is proud to continue to lead this charge with the announcement of the GALAXY Note 8.0.” Increase your productivity Loaded with exciting new apps and updated features, the GALAXY Note 8.0 is designed for productivity. Search, stream and game faster with the powerful quad core processor and 2GB of RAM. Become a multi-tasking dynamo with the Multi Window feature, which lets you run two apps on the same screen, at the same time. Bring your ideas to life with the innovative S Pen, which allows you to handwrite on your tablet. It also features Air View (take a peek at any file just by hovering over it), Easy Clip (allows you clip out your favourite images with precision) and Quick Command (helps you easily find what you’re looking for). Do more on the go With its compact 8″ design and a suite of exciting preloaded content and services, the Note 8.0 is the full creative arsenal that is small and lightweight enough to keep with you on the go. Master your ‘to do’ list with Awesome Note an integrated application available on an Android tablet for the first time. This application offers unlimited note-taking uses including Memo, Diary and Must-remember lists. Additionally, the S Note templates and the S Planner feature help manage everyday tasks, including meeting notes, to-do lists and even personal diary entries. Show your artistic side with Paper Artist, which helps users reach a whole new level of artistic expression with beautiful brushes to create stunning drawings, paintings, and illustrations. Centre of the home Become an all-star at home with AllShare Cast, which lets users beam photos, videos and even games onto the big screen. You can also connect and share seamlessly with other Samsung devices thanks to AllShare Play. Additional Device Features
The Samsung GALAXY Note 8.0 is available beginning today through authorized national retailers, including Best Buy, Future Shop, and Staples. For specific pricing and details, please visit your nearest retailer. In addition, you can find more product information at www.samsung.com/ca/galaxynote8. *All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. * Android is a trademarks of Google Inc. |
| Posted: 19 Apr 2013 02:11 PM PDT Have a Sony smartphone from last year and still patiently awaiting the upgrade to Jelly Bean? Sony took to Twitter today to reveal that several of their Xperia handsets should be seeing Android 4.1 very soon, as work on the updates have now reached the final stage. Specifically, Sony mentioned the Xperia P, Xperia Go, Xperia S, Xperia SL, Xperia Arco S and Xperia Ion. Unfortunately no word on exactly when the updates will arrive, though Sony does say they will have more details next week. There is a lot to love about Jelly Bean, and this is certainly a welcome upgrade. If you own one of the above handsets you will soon enter a world of improved notifications, Google Now, camera improvements and of course better overall speed thanks to Project Butter enhancements. While it’s a bit frustrating to wait for Jelly Bean on devices like the Xperia Ion – which has been out since last summer – we have to admit that Sony has done a lot to improve its image in the Android world as of late. They’ve certainly opened things of for developers as of late. Some examples of this change in attitude include their involvement with AOSP code and reports that they have even given sites like XDA free devices to help with projects. Hopefully we will have some solid information about Sony’s Jelly Bean update plans to report next week. |
| HTC Mini: a glorified Bluetooth headset or the answer to all our phablet woes? Posted: 19 Apr 2013 01:39 PM PDT In the year 2013 a smartphone is many things. It is a camera, gaming console, social media hub, television set, internet browser, planner and an all out miniature computer that fits in your pocket. However, it's all too easy to forget that a smartphone is at heart still a PHONE. There are those of us who claim that we look stupid holding our Galaxy Note 2's and other 5-inch+ behemoths to our heads to talk. They long for the days when you could completely wrap your hand around your Nokia and it would barely seem as if you were on the phone. Maybe it was easier to get away with talking on the phone while driving? Who knows? But hang on, you still want to be able to tweet, game, snap photos and browse the web on their smartphone? Well, HTC has heard your screams for help on those lonely nights. The company has created a device which they have quite aptly named the HTC Mini, designed to help you conquer your phablet problems. The HTC Mini is a product designed to act as what could be considered a Bluetooth headset replacement or rather as HTC put it "an enhanced Bluetooth accessory". A throwback to the old feature phone days, it is basically a phone for your phone. Hang on, before you dismiss this as a ludicrous idea and claim HTC have well and truly lost their marbles, it does more than make a simple phone call. It can search through your contacts on its tiny 1.6 inch screen, let you read and reply to texts, let you check your calendar, play music remotely and take pictures remotely. This would be especially helpful in removing that dreaded camera shake and to take timed shots and timelapse video. After taking the photos you can then remotely view them in a style reminiscent to Microsoft PowerPoint. Setting up the device is quite simple, since the Mini has NFC capabilities and with a simple tap it pairs with your smartphone through Bluetooth. With a range of about 10 metres, some would see it useful for use in an office environment while their phone is on charge. Others could see it as a solution to pulling their phones out of their exceptionally tight jeans to you or make calls and to reply to text messages. However, that is not recommended as the device has no touch screen and instead you must type on the alphanumeric keyboard provided. However, the ultimate blow to those who still shudder at the thought of raising a 5 inch smartphone to their heads, is that it is not sold as a separate device and is only available in China, free with a HTC Butterfly and on some telcos in Singapore. Not only that, but if you were planning on grabbing it as a companion device for your Galaxy Note 2 you'll be disappointed to know that you'll be limited to calling capabilities and without a SIM slot for itself the Mini would be nothing but a paperweight for those looking for a feature phone made by HTC. Is the HTC Mini the solution to your phablet woes? Would you consider buying it as a replacement for your Bluetooth headset, if it were available separately and sold in your country? Let us know in the comments. |
| First Google Glass users share their experiences Posted: 19 Apr 2013 11:54 AM PDT We're all pretty excited for Google Glass… but all this non-disclosure stuff is annoying! We want the details. What's it like? Do people freak out when you're wearing them? Are they comfortable? So many questions, and the only people with the answers haven't been able to talk. As Glass becomes more available, that NDA that swears those in the program to secrecy relaxes. As more and more of those people involved can talk, the fervor surrounding Glass grows. Hearing more about it makes us that much more excited for it. Even if you're like me, and not quite sold on wearable technology, it's important to understand that nobody has said anything negative about Glass. By now, you'd think someone would have been a contrarian and been negative about it… but no. All of the users in the program have actually gone the other way. Not only do they find Glass pretty cool, they consider it the next step… a place we'll all be going. That's a lot of praise for new technology, and leads us to wonder what it will be like to wear them day-to-day. Brandon Allgood, an early adopter of Glass, recently took to his Google+ page to outline out his experience. The Chief Technology Officer for a company specializing in pharmaceuticals, Brandon is a pretty smart guy… but not a day-to-day app developer. He seems to be approaching Glass for the same angle many consumers would, and that's one of use-case scenarios rather than the 'cool' factor. Using Glass for a few days has been a positive experience for him, and one he considers to change the way he goes about his daily activities. Though interacting with Glass is obviously different, and requires some habit transformation, Allgood doesn’t consider that an issue or hindrance. In fact, he seems to be enjoying it as a means of habit rather than trial. Google NowWe know Google Glass will rely heavily on contextual data, and Google Now is clearly the easy answer for getting you that data in the right way. Allgood reports the cards popping up is handy, rather than bothersome. The screen also doesn't seem to have an "always on" affectation, meaning Glass is truly a companion device to your life, not an obnoxious information feeder as some were concerned it may be. Of course, Glass will do much more than simply pop-up some Google Now cards, but that function carries the bulk of the info that Glass gives you. Things like GMail or Google+ notifications seem to be available as well, perhaps mimicking the Chrome notification center… or vice versa. Perhaps Google is going to HOLO everything! IssuesGoogle Glass is definitely not without issues, and really… how could it be? If nobody is really quite sure how to proceed efficiently with Glass, the technology will have issues. That's all part of the growing pains any new technology has. Glass, however, has a unique set of them. Allgood notes a few interesting hurdles Glass will have to navigate. Things like bold text in an email not appearing properly, and the readback option not being as smart as it could. Even joining a WiFi network had to be done via a physical keyboard, which makes sense… but also shows how Glass isn't a standalone device right now. The WiFi issue makes me think of that odd patent we saw regarding the projection keyboard a while back. Perhaps the team at Google X Labs knew it was a big issue, and are working on a solution. If Glass is ever going to be our only device, things like this will need to be addressed. ConclusionIn daily use scenarios, it seems Glass is a lot less pervasive than many assumed. Users are reporting people are interested in the device, and rarely shy away from it for fear of being recorded. That is perhaps the more promising news, as the bad press Glass was getting is troubling. In an interview with eWeek, one thing Allgood said stood out from the rest. In noting his experience with Glass, he made a very telling statement. An objective guy, who gave both positive and negative points about Glass, called the technology "transformative". Maybe more than anything else I've heard, that excites me the most.
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| The Friday Debate: Do you even want a smartwatch? Posted: 19 Apr 2013 11:54 AM PDT We are all mobile geeks, here at Android Authority. We love everything with a power button. We like to comment the latest news and endlessly argue over which phone is better. On the Friday Debate, we pick a hot issue and proceed to discuss it. Join us! Smartwatches. Everyone’s building one, it seems. Let’s see, we have rumors or statements from Apple, Google, Samsung, LG, and, the latest, Microsoft. With Google Glass becoming available to the first Explorers and talk about wearable computing growing in intensity, it seems that wearable devices, including smartwatches, are the inevitable next paradigm in computing. But do you even want a smartwatch? Would a wrist-worn computer turn your computing fantasies into reality? Or is it much ado about nothing? We ponder the problem in this Friday Debate. Joe Hindy Smart watches are simply not advanced enough to be truly useful right now. Other smart watches right now are little more than companion devices. This isn’t a bad thing but it’s hard for me to justify spending what will like be a pretty penny to purchase what is essentially an accessory to my current Android devices.That said, I would reserve my final judgement until these watches have a finalized feature list. If the next generation of watches are capable of more than just sending notifications and other simple tasks, then I would surely consider buying one. Nate Swanner |
| Next-gen keyboard Minuum raises over $87,000 Posted: 19 Apr 2013 11:33 AM PDT Maybe you’ve heard of Minuum, the mobile keyboard that condenses all letters into a single row, allowing you more precious screen real estate. Now, almost 10,000 Indiegogo supporters later, it has raised over $87,000. Originally, the goal was to raise $10,000, which was almost quadrupled in two days. From there, they added a stretch goal of $60,000. After another few days, that goal was also met. At first glance, great accuracy with Minuum may sound impossible. In the video below, CEO of Whirlscape and lead designer Will Walmsley, demonstrates just how accurate it really is. Here is how Minuum sets to improve typing:
Interestingly, the keyboard can also be utilized with wearable devices on different textures, as well as game controllers. Android supporters of Minuum will receive beta access in June, while iOS developers, and those interested in the wearable development kit, can expect access later this year. |
| Posted: 19 Apr 2013 11:05 AM PDT
Boulder Dash-XL has completely revamped graphics while also making sure that the core of the game is identical to the original Boulder Dash, which release in 1984 on the NES. Players have to collect as many gems as they can while taking down enemies and avoiding hazardous traps. The reboot will allow players to use characters Rockdash or Crystal to explore 100 different caves. The game has five game modes, including a retro one that will let users switch out the graphics for something a little more reminiscent of the classic game. All in all, Boulder Dash-XL is a fun reboot of the original game for Android. It won’t provide endless hours of gameplay, but it sure is a treat for those who are familiar with the original game. If you’re interested in a Boulder Dash reboot, it’ll cost you $2.99 on the Google Play Store. |
| OUYA hits 10,000 developer mark, continues to attract new developers Posted: 19 Apr 2013 10:41 AM PDT The idea behind the OUYA is a simple one: to bring great game experiences to the living room without costing costumers a fortune. Unfortunately, making that idea a reality is a lot more complicated. In order to succeed at its goal, OUYA needs to win over both developers and customers. The good news on the developer front is that the OUYA now has more than 10,000 developers signed on for the micro-console. The news comes by way of OUYA’s new head of developer relations, Kellee Santiago. She reports that the company is very happy with the progress they’ve made on the developer front and says that the number of developers signing on "continues to grow at such a rapid pace". We have to admit that 10,000 developers is certainly a great start, but quantity isn’t nearly as important as quality. What we’ve seen for games isn’t exactly what you’d call triple-A content, and then there is even early complaints about the OUYA’s hardware and software. Luckily the team behind OUYA seems committed to working out software and hardware issues, and equally addresses the ‘problem’ of low-quality games.
As Santiago points out, things are still early for the OUYA, both as a system and a company. Santiago further asserts that while the OUYA isn’t perfect, what’s important is that the company is dedicated to creating a great experience for both users and developers that will improve with time.
What do you think of the OUYA and other micro-consoles like the Gamestick? Just a fade or something that can truly revolutionize the way games are played in the living room? |
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