Friday, May 24, 2013

Android Community

Android Community

Google Glass expected to use Samsung OLED displays

Posted: 24 May 2013 10:54 AM PDT

We still have some time before Google releases Glass for consumers, however it looks like the display technology may have been decided. Based on details coming out of a recent[...]

HTC One with a larger 5-inch display coming soon

Posted: 24 May 2013 10:35 AM PDT

Due to being what many would consider the perfect size coming in at 4.7-inches the HTC One is a popular smartphone, but for those wanting something a little bigger, apparently[...]

New Nexus 7 reportedly shipping now, launching next month

Posted: 24 May 2013 10:00 AM PDT

As we all know, Google I/O this year didn’t have any crazy new hardware announcements or a change in the Android OS version. With speculation of a new Nexus 7,[...]

Sherpa digital assistant app coming to Google Glass

Posted: 24 May 2013 09:56 AM PDT

Sherpa, for those not familiar with the name, is a virtual assistant app for Android. The app had been available for those in Spain and Latin America and back in[...]

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean spotted on a Nexus 4 in the wild

Posted: 24 May 2013 09:20 AM PDT

We’ve been hearing a lot about Android 4.3 Jelly Bean lately, not 4.5 or 5.0 Key Lime Pie, and today over on XDA is possibly the first leaked images of[...]

Nokia seeking HTC One US import ban

Posted: 24 May 2013 09:06 AM PDT

Nokia appears to have stepped up in their patent dispute against HTC. This latest move involves an additional patent complaint that was filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC) on[...]

OPPO Find 5 European availability beginning next week

Posted: 24 May 2013 08:13 AM PDT

OPPO announced the Find 5 smartphone back in December and at that time there was a launch promised for early 2013. And well, it looks like the time has arrived.[...]

Sony Xperia Tablet Z shipping date slips

Posted: 24 May 2013 07:15 AM PDT

Sony offered some details on the global release of the Xperia Tablet Z a short while back. Basically, Sony had said the tablet would soon be coming available for purchase.[...]

Google said to be bidding against Facebook for Waze acquisition

Posted: 24 May 2013 06:28 AM PDT

Waze acquisition rumors continue to flow with the latest touching on Google. Those looking back may remember we heard talk of Apple acquiring Waze back in January and more recently,[...]

Chrome Beta updated with Translation bar and fullscreen tablet support

Posted: 23 May 2013 03:47 PM PDT

Google has been keeping busy with updates to their Chrome Browser for Android, on both the BETA and regular version, and today we’re getting another to add to the list.[...]

HTC One ‘Senseless Edition’ could arrive this summer

Posted: 23 May 2013 03:29 PM PDT

Here we go again. After Google announced the GALAXY S 4 Google Edition at their developer event last week, rumors have been flying through the wires daily about HTC doing[...]

HTC One sales are strong as it passes 5 million mark

Posted: 23 May 2013 03:07 PM PDT

With all the talk lately regarding trouble at HTC, today we’ve learned some details about just how well their new flagship smartphone, the HTC One, has actually been doing. The[...]

Verizon and AT&T GALAXY S 4 Developer Edition coming soon

Posted: 23 May 2013 01:47 PM PDT

Today Samsung’s GALAXY S 4 flagship smartphone was finally released for Verizon Wireless, about a month later than the rest of the US carriers, and now we’ve learned they’ll also[...]

Huawei Ascend P6 image leaks ahead of June 18th ‘Beauty’ event

Posted: 23 May 2013 01:42 PM PDT

There has been a handful of Huawei P6 leaks in recent history, most of which were touching on the thinness of the handset. One of the more recent leaks arrived[...]

Cricket Wireless to launch the Samsung Admire 2 and Galaxy Discover

Posted: 23 May 2013 12:57 PM PDT

Cricket Wireless recently announced the upcoming availability of the GALAXY S 4, however it looks like that will not be the only Samsung smartphone joining the lineup. The GALAXY S[...]

Google Glass gets ClockworkMod Recovery as the hacking continues

Posted: 23 May 2013 12:48 PM PDT

When the folks at Mountain View released Google Glass to developers it was quickly discovered that the wearable computing glasses were extremely easy to hack. This wasn’t by accident, and[...]

Fast & Furious 6: The Game arrives for Android

Posted: 23 May 2013 12:26 PM PDT

We had seen the teasers, however as of today, Fast & Furious 6: The Game has officially arrived for Android. The game is available for free and currently sitting in[...]

Google adds the beautiful Galapagos Islands to Street View

Posted: 23 May 2013 12:03 PM PDT

Have you ever wanted to explore the beautiful Galapagos Islands and see the world’s largest tortoises, clear-blue waters, and stunning landscape? Well soon you’ll be able to with Google Street[...]

HTC First Google Edition: when Facebook fails

Posted: 23 May 2013 11:31 AM PDT

HTC has been in the news a lot lately regarding their failed attempt at a Facebook Phone, again. We’ve also been hearing a lot of rumors about an HTC One[...]
Posted by at 11:51 PM 0 comments

Android and Me

Android and Me

Raining.fm: I paid two dollars to listen to the rain, and I don’t regret it one bit

Posted: 23 May 2013 12:16 PM PDT

There are few things in this life I find more relaxing than a thunderstorm. There’s nothing quite like the rhythmic pounding of rain on your roof accompanied by the low rumble of thunder in the distance. Unfortunately, I have yet to master the art of summoning the weather at my leisure, so when I’m craving the soothing sounds of rain, the new Raining.fm app is the next best thing.

Raining.fm is a website that exists for one purpose: to serve you with the sound of rain. It’s incredibly simple, and works incredibly well. The website is clad in neon-pastel colors, and easy to understand buttons. You can adjust the amount of thunder and lightning sounds, use a built-in break or sleep timer to automatically regulate the rain and use the image button to enable background scrolling, or pause on an image you like.

Released just this week on Android (and iOS), the Raining.fm app is a perfect translation of the website into app form. The same colors, backgrounds, options, features and icons are used, keeping things simple and consistent across platforms. While it may have a bit of an iOS look to it, with buttons across the bottom, the way it functions (with vertically-sliding panels) works well, and fits in nicely on Android.

Raining.fm for Android is $1.99, but it’s well worth it. My favorite part about the app is that it plays in the background, and with other audio tracks. Paired with Google Play’s new All Access Music, Raining.fm is a relaxation machine. Just last night, I was lulled to sleep by the sound Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata over a gentle storm (more rain, less thunder and lightning). I can’t think of a better way to end a hot, muggy spring day.

If you aren’t sold on the app, visit the website and let the rain wash over you. You can come back and use the download widget below when you’re done.

Download App in the Android Market PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Gallery

thunderstorm rainingfm rainingfm2 rainingfm3

    

Top 10 Android games released this week: Blip Blup, Fast & Furious 6, Combo Crew

Posted: 23 May 2013 09:23 AM PDT

Welcome back to Android Gaming Weekly, our weekly recap to focus on new releases. We still plan to cover upcoming releases and games we're playing, but this column is dedicated to new games you can install and start playing right now. Check out our top picks and let us know if you have any suggestions for next week in the comments below.

Blip Blup

Description: BLIP BLUP is an addictive conundrum of coloration that will consume your thoughts and occupy your dreams. You must carefully consider each move in order to fill every tile with color – 120+ perplexing puzzles await your brainpower! Adapt your thinking to overcome 9 different packs of challenges. Compete with your friends to see who can three-star every level and climb the leaderboards to become the BLIP master.

Blip Blup Freeustwo PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Tetris Blitz

Description: Race against the clock in a two-minute blitz to clear lines and rack up as many points as possible before time runs out! With all-new features, stunning visuals, and innovative controls, this twist on the world-famous puzzle game is a must-have on your Android phone or tablet.

TETRIS® Blitz FreeElectronic Arts Inc PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Combo Crew

Description: In a world where a fist to the face is a perfectly viable solution, Mr. Boss has it all. Now he wants to break the greatest fighters ever! Trapped in his giant tower, you must fight your way to the top to take him down! Inspired by classics like Streets of Rage, Final Fight, and Street Fighter, Combo Crew is pure rumble with no virtual buttons to mess up your moves.

Combo Crew $2.3The Game Bakers PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Fast & Furious 6

Description: Step into the world of Fast & Furious 6. Earn cash and the respect of the "Fastest" drivers as you drift and drag through the London street scene. Join the Fast & Furious crew as they prepare to take on a series of jobs in an all new heist mode. Fast & Furious 6: The Game takes the mobile racing genre to greater heights with stunning graphics, new game modes, addictive challenges and intense full-throttle missions that dare you to exceed all limits.

Fast & Furious 6: The Game FreeKabam PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Arma Tactics THD

Description: Arma Tactics is a turn-based close-combat strategy game, where the player takes control of a four-member Special Forces team. There are no given strategies, rails to move on, or paths to follow; it's up to the player to decide how he will play through both the story-driven missions and generated missions with randomized objectives. Whether using stealth or a more direct approach, players will need to use their strategic thinking and use both basic and advanced weaponry while facing many different opponents – ranging from unorganized local militia to smart and skilled mercenaries.

Arma Tactics THD $4.92Bohemia Interactive a.s. PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Eyelord

Description: The overloading, eye-popping, heavy rocking pop ‘em up! It’s ear-splitting loud, retina-burning bright, and finger-breaking frantic. The soundtrack is outrageous heavy rock opera recorded just for this game, and the power-ups are some of the most megalithic ever! Our lightning strikes THREE TIMES! (Take that, you wimpy, wussy, regular lightning bolts!) There is also boost gear that makes you rock even harder, and power-up upgrades to take destruction up to eleven.

Eyelord FreeSecret Exit PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Race Illegal

Description: Finally the true street racing experience has arrived on your phone. Starting your career as a rookie; you need to earn respect out there before you can challenge the best, work your way through an intense and engaging storyline to prove yourself top dog. With 20 tracks to race, 9 cars to choose from and a whole host of customisations there's plenty here for the petrol-head to tinker with. Real driving physics, insane drifts and nitrous boosts and some of the most visually stunning locations to drive around, Race Illegal has it all.

Race Illegal FreeHeroCraft Ltd PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Men’s Room Mayhem

Description: Take toilet gaming to a whole new level with this frantic line drawing game! Warning: contains punch in the face gameplay and some serious swiping action! In Men's Room Mayhem you're hired as the janitor of your very own chaotic men's room. You're responsible for directing patrons, keeping everywhere sparkling clean and steering patrons away from trouble!

Men's Room Mayhem $0.86Ripstone Ltd PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Jump Out!

Description: They are captured within 4 walls! Their only hope is the cap they are holding onto, as if trying to catch a straw in a hurricane! Surrounded by cunning traps, they look ahead and see… the exit. These bugs have nothing to fear; they always look dangers in the face and keep on crying Jump Out!

Jump Out! ® FreeTapTapBoom Games PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Diner Dash

Description: Play the world's #1 hit time management game for FREE on your Android! Love it? Upgrade within the game for more levels of fun! Help spunky Flo grow her signature diner from a greasy spoon to a five-star restaurant. Delight eager customers by seating, serving, and clearing tables quickly to earn big tips. Soothe impatient guests before they get angry and skip out on the bill. Seat and serve your way to the top of the restaurant ladder in this worldwide hit game!

Diner Dash FreePlayFirst, Inc PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Finding Teddy

Description:

A little girl was sleeping peacefully with her Teddy bear, when suddenly, a monster popped out from her cupboard then stole her favorite plush. When closing the door, the little girl awoke then got inside the cupboard. She’s projected in a magical world, full of monsters and oddities where she has to discover the place and help their beings and find back her Teddy. Still one question remain : will she be able to go back to the real world ?

Finding Teddy $2.3LookAtMyGame PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Pocket Rally

Description: Pocket Rally is an attempt to combine the best of both old school rally racing games and smart device experiences. Stunning visual graphics, realistic yet fun to drive car physics, all in the palm of your hand. Take the rally racing anytime, anywhere with you! Carefully tuned car physics to be both realistic and fun. Multiple ground surface properties including tarmac, gravel and grass. Each car has unique driving characteristics, and will evolve through the winning of races.

Pocket Rally $0.99Illusion Magic Studio PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

COMING SOON

    

HTC One sales reach 5 million as Samsung Galaxy S4 clears the 10 million threshold

Posted: 23 May 2013 08:47 AM PDT

According to the Wall Street Journal, an unnamed HTC executive has revealed that the company has sold roughly 5 million units of the HTC One since the device went on sale in late March. At this time, orders for the HTC One still exceed HTC’s production capacity, but that issue is expected to be resolved by the end of May.

Orders are pretty good so far and are still more than what we can supply. This is partly due to the shortage of components. When the issue is resolved next month, we will have a better idea if it's doing really well or not,Unnamed ExecutiveHTC

Shipping 5 million HTC Ones may sound impressive, but we expect Samsung is unimpressed. The Korean manufacturer has announced that they have already shipped 10 million Galaxy S4s, breaking the 50 day record it took Samsung to ship the same number of Galaxy SIIIs. To celebrate this grand achievement  Samsung will be launching the S4 in four new colors later this summer (Blue Arctic, Red Aurora, Purple Mirage and Brown Autumn).

It’s obvious that HTC and Samsung are in different leagues, but we are left wondering where sales of the HTC One would be right now if HTC hadn’t run into component issues which forced a staggered global release cycle. We expect sales of the HTC One to pick up as we move into the summer, but it would be nearly impossible for HTC to gain the momentum that Samsung currently has.

Show Press Release

Samsung GALAXY S4 Hits 10 Million Milestone in First Month
(SEOUL–Korea Newswire) May 23, 2013 — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that global channel sales of its GALAXY S4, a life companion for a richer, fuller, simpler life, has surpassed 10 million units sold in less than one month after its commercial debut. Launched globally on April 27, the phone is estimated to be selling at a rate of four units per second.

The GALAXY S4 sets a new record for Samsung, generating sales quicker than any of its predecessors. Sales of the GALAXY S III reached the 10-million mark 50 days after its launch in 2012, while the GALAXY S II took five months and the GALAXY S seven months to reach the same milestone.

“On behalf of Samsung, I would like to thank the millions of customers around the world who have chosen the Samsung GALAXY S4. At Samsung we’ll continue to pursue innovation inspired by and for people,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

The GALAXY S4 was developed to enhance the meaningful moments in our lives through its innovative features and superior hardware. It has the world’s first Full HD Super AMOLED display that showcases images at their very best on a 5-inch screen with 441ppi. Equipped with a powerful rear 13MP camera, the GALAXY S4 also boasts a Dual Camera function that allows simultaneous use of both front and rear cameras. The GALAXY S4′s new and innovative software features include Air View and Air Gesture for effortless tasks, while it also keeps users up-to-date with information about their health and wellbeing using S Health.

Samsung GALAXY S4 is available in more than 110 countries and will gradually be rolled out to a total of 155 countries in cooperation with 327 partners.

Samsung is planning to introduce more color variations to meet various consumer tastes and preferences. In addition to the currently available White Mist and Black Forest, new color iterations will be added this summer, including Blue Arctic and Red Aurora, followed by Purple Mirage and Brown Autumn.

    

Internal turmoil spells bad news for a struggling HTC

Posted: 23 May 2013 06:42 AM PDT

Insider reports and public displays of displeasure from recently departed employees are pointing towards a growing rumor that HTC is coming apart at the seams. According to The Verge, all is not well at HTC. Peppered between supply issues, underwhelming sales of the One. a disastrous launch of the First and stiff competition from Samsung, employees are flocking en masse to greener pastures; or so they would have you believe.

Recent departures from the Taiwanese manufacturer include HTC’s Chief Product Officer, Kouji Kodera, vice president of global communications, Jason Gordon, global retail marketing manager, Rebecca Rowland, director of digital marketing, John Starkweathe, and product strategy manager, Eric Lin.

A source speaking with The Verge has said that, “Anyone who’s heard of them in Seattle doesn’t want to go work for them right now. They’re like T-Mobile two years ago. … They’re in utter freefall.” After leaving HTC, Eric Lin echoed words from The Verge’s source, taking to Twitter to say, “To all my friends still at HTC- just quit. Leave now. It's tough to do, but you'll be so much happier, I swear.”

With HTC’s future on the line with the One, this couldn’t come at a worse time. By all accounts, the HTC One is an absolutely great device. It certainly trumps the Samsung Galaxy S4 in terms of sheer build quality, but Samsung’s momentum seems to be unstoppable right now. Anyone with an appreciation for competition and options in Android today is undoubtedly rooting for HTC to pull through this — regardless of whether or not you buy their products.

    
Posted by at 7:50 AM 0 comments
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