Friday, September 6, 2013

Android World Update # Desktop Apps for Chrome are here, and they’re wonderful

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Desktop Apps for Chrome are here, and they're wonderful
Sep 5th 2013, 19:25, by Nate Swanner

Chrome Desktop Apps

 

Today is an important day for Google, as it marks the fifth anniversary of Chrome. From very humble beginnings came the fastest, most popular web browser on the planet. From that browser came Chrome OS, which is changing the face of desktop computing in many ways.

To celebrate the occasion, the Chrome team has given us something we've long been anticipating, which could have the same effect the browser ended up having on web navigation. Right under the Collections tab in the Chrome Web Store lies For Your Desktop, which were widely knows as packaged apps before today. Those apps, like software for traditional operating systems, run independent of the browser, and don't need an internet connection. From the Chrome Blog:

Today we're unveiling a new kind of Chrome App, which brings together the speed, security and flexibility of the modern web with the powerful functionality previously only available with software installed on your devices. (Think apps designed for your desktop or laptop, just like the ones for your phone and tablet.) These apps are more powerful than before, and can help you get work done, play games in full-screen and create cool content all from the web. If you're using Windows or a Chromebook, you can check them out in the "For your desktop" collection in the Chrome Web Store (Mac & Linux coming soon).

I downloaded AutoDesk Pixlr Touch Up, and it worked flawlessly. The app opened independently of the browser, and worked with pictures I had saved in my Files App or Drive (which need to be marked for offline access) on the Chromebook Pixel, and allowed me to save pics to Files or Google Drive. I also tested it out on a Samsung ARM Chromebook, and it worked fine. The two Chromebooks are on Beta and Stable channels, respectively.

Chromebook PIxel logo AA

A line in the sand

While the Chrome Blog notes a host of upgrades, one that stands out is the Chrome Apps launcher for Windows. After the update, once users install any new app, a launcher will be placed on their taskbar. Again, from the Chrome Blog:

To make it quicker and easier to get to your favorite apps, we're also introducing the Chrome App Launcher for Windows, which will appear when you install your first new Chrome App. It lives in your taskbar and launches your apps into their own windows, outside of Chrome, just like your desktop apps.

For the uninitiated, this is a near clone of what Chrome OS is. An apps launcher, replete with a search bar to find apps within that launcher. I won't leave hyperbole alone on this one: Chrome is trying to take over your desktop. I'm not alone in this assertion, either.

Chrome everywhere, every time

In an Interview with The Verge, Chrome VP Brian Rakowski notes that the intent is to get these Chrome apps on every device. "We’re targeting the desktop as our first order of business because that’s where the majority of our users are. We want to nail that first. But our goal, eventually, is to get this to run everywhere that Chrome runs." For the default browser on the largest mobile operating system on earth, that's a necessary step in Chrome's quest to be as omnipresent across platforms as possible.

Chrome wallpaper

Long term

Let's not get ahead of ourselves, though: this is day one. Desktop apps are important, and some will mock the smattering of apps available, but don't overlook this one. This is not grist for the mill: desktop apps are a linchpin for Chrome, moving forward. From desktop to mobile, apps which operate independent of a web connection essentially give you the option of dual booting to an OS that was built on the foundation of the fastest, most secure browser around.

There are a lot of moving parts to this, and it's a small step forward. There aren't a lot of Desktop Apps, and what they can do is pretty rudimentary for now. Edit some photos, make a web page available offline — they're nothing fancy.

Then again, five years ago today, Chrome was nothing fancy. Where will we be in five years' time, this time around?

H/T to Jonathan and Eli

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Android World Update # Unlocked Galaxy Note 3 price for 32GB model to be 939CHF in Switzerland

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Unlocked Galaxy Note 3 price for 32GB model to be 939CHF in Switzerland
Sep 5th 2013, 20:27, by Chris Smith

Galaxy Note 3

Samsung on Wednesday unveiled its third Galaxy Note model, and while it offered an actual launch date for the handset, it didn't mention how much it will cost.

However, the company did reveal the starting price of the unlocked Galaxy Note 3 in a press release published in Switzerland. According to it, the 32GB version of the handset will retail for 939CHF (or approximately $995). A price for the 64GB model is not available.

The Galaxy Note 3 will be available in only two capacity versions, 32GB and 64GB, as Samsung decided not to launch a 16GB version of the handset.

On-contract Galaxy Note 3 prices for Switzerland aren't available at this time, but the phone will hit stores at the end of September in the region. After all, Samsung did say that certain markets will get the smartphone on September 25.

The Galaxy Note 3 will be available in the U.S. at some point in October, with Verizon ready to take pre-orders for the handset starting tomorrow.

Berlin / Zurich, 4 September 2013 – Premiere of the Samsung GALAXY Note 3 at the IFA 2013. Accrues daily tasks much easier to go with the new Samsung GALAXY Note 3rd Innovative features help to retain one's life always and everywhere. The Samsung GALAXY Note 3 provides a larger, improved screen for the perfect view and more room for multitasking.Also major improvements of the S Pen are clearly noticeable in everyday life.

GALAXY Note 3 for a wonderful day

, "In 2011, we launched the first GALAXY Note to the market and thus constitutes an entirely new product category. The undeniable success of the GALAXY Note strengthens our belief that consumers crave for high-quality features for smart devices that make their lives more comfortable, "says JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division Samsung Electronics. "The Samsung GALAXY Note 3 is a strong approach with the user, the stories of their lives from work and leisure can bring a dynamic and direct form of expression. With only one S-Pen button the user to open new display options, start feature, transform the average daily activities to create exceptional events and access to new experiences that are presented on an even larger touch screen 3. "

The Samsung GALAXY Note 3 comes with an even larger (5.7 inch) Full HD Super AMOLED display, yet provides a sleeker (8.3mm), lighter (168g) hardware design as well as a stronger battery with more endurance (3.200mAh) . The 13 megapixel camera on the back with Smart Stabilization and High CRI LED flash ensures that all users of their life stories can capture razor sharp – even in low light or moving subjects. Samsung GALAXY Note 3 works with the latest LTE technology; CAT4 Carrier aggregation supports a large number of different frequencies. Thanks to 3GB of RAM currently the largest on the market, the GALAXY Note 3 provides fastest and strongest performances.

Powerful and artistic design

In addition to the improvements in technology, the Samsung GALAXY Note 3 provides also a new "premium look and feel." As a sequel to the modern Samsung GALAXY design a cover was designed with delicate transitions that feels particularly good thanks to a fine surface structure and special. Serrated on the sides it is reminiscent of classic notebooks and diary. The new GALAXY Note 3 in the colors Jet Black, Snow White and Blush Pink available. In addition, Samsung will bring interchangeable covers in different colors on the market, so that the GALAXY Note 3 can be customized.

S Pen makes life easier, faster and more exciting

With the new S Pen classical detention of notes is invented from scratch. Everyday tasks can be completed with just one click. The improved S Pen is the perfect interface between the phone and users with important control features.

Is held during the S Pen on the screen at the same time – – With a simple push of a button opens Air Command and thus a selection of five practical features. It does not have to switch between different windows, noticed or information are sought in different folders.

Air Command includes the following core functions:

With Action Memo handwritten notes can be captured and automatically linked to a command or convert handwritten in a form accommodated, digital text. Action memo can cause a call, add a contact, make an address on a map locate, start Internet search, enter a task in the To Do List and much more.

Scrapbook organizes or takes content and information from various sources, including Internet, YouTube and Gallery and arranges them in one place. So you always keep track of the collected content. Be content for future secure, the source Scrapbook important information and URLs noted to fall back to the original information.

White Screen takes a screenshot of the current page and allows the addition of additional comments and notes.

With S Finder the device can be thoroughly searched – no matter what you are looking for. By entering keywords or filters such as date, location or content type, users can search for similar documents, events, news, profiles, and even the "Help" page search – all in one place. In addition, handwritten notes as symbols and formulas can be searched in the respective notes and memo applications as well.

With Window Pen S Pen can be used not only for sketches or handwritten notes, it can be opened for the ultimate multitasking app also has a small window. By breaking a window in any size, is drawn at any place of the screen, can be another window for example, YouTube, calculator, or open a web page, while the other, current application remains open.

The new S Note will also present a complete solution for easy writing, organizing, editing and scanning of notes with a pleasant interface and easy chart features. It can be synchronized with Evernote or a Samsung account. This is also possible on other devices access to their own notes. With the improved EasyClip user can select images from the Internet or from the GALAXY Note 3, cut and secure, so that in the end only the desired image section remains.

Bigger touch screen 3 – see more, do more

The Samsung GALAXY Note 3 provides more screen area. The optimized size comes hand in hand with better improvements. The 5.7-inch full-HD Super AMOLED screen delivers the best image quality of Full HD video, legible text and an inspiring canvas for the design of new content.

My magazine summarizes personalized content from the areas of news, social media, entertainment and news together. In cooperation with Flipboard content is presented in a modern, dynamic magazine layout.

The GALAXY Note 3 brings improved opportunities for multitasking, so users can fully take advantage of the larger screen area.

With the new multi-window user can easily switch between applications without having to close or open a new window or websites need. This creates more productivity and better networking across all programs. An application can even be shown in two windows. An example: users can read messages in one window while running Internet research in another, they can send a note to a friend on chaton, while they read the news of another friend.

In drag and drop mode content can be shared with the Multi-be Window feature easily cut and pasted into a text or image from another window.
With Pen Window from the Air Command feature multitasking is even easier: Users can simply start another window and it desired applications while running other tasks in parallel be done.

Video sharing is now available as a supplement to Group Play available. Group play was originally presented together with the Samsung GALAXY S 4. With this feature, multiple users can share the same listen to music, play games and share documents with each other. In addition, videos can then be shared and viewed in parallel. Up to five devices at the same time can even join together to watch videos in large format.

GALAXY Gear, the smart companion of the GALAXY Note 3

Together with the Samsung GALAXY Note 3 has also presented the GALAXY Gear. The new, smart device communicates via calls, texts, emails or alerts received on the GALAXY Note 3, and provides a quick preview an overview. Furthermore, the GALAXY Gear is equipped with an array of useful features. If an incoming message, for example, require more attention, can easily be changed for the Samsung GALAXY Note 3rd Thanks to smart relay feature the full content is displayed immediately on the screen.

The Samsung GALAXY Note 3 – equipped with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage and a microSD slot – from the end of September 2013 from CHF 939.00 (MSRP, 32GB) available in Switzerland.

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Android World Update # Android Community

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Evomail arrives for Android complete with good looks, gestures and snoozing
Sep 5th 2013, 21:04, by Robert Nelson

The Evomail email app was one that originally launched only for iOS. In fact, the original release of Evomail brought focus for the iPad, however as the app is now available for the iPhone — it has also come to Android. This is another productivity focused email app and it brings mention about how the developers “believe email isn’t broken, it just hasn’t kept up with the pace of change on the internet.”

evomail-android-540

Or in other words, the folks at Evomail are attempting to fix that. The app has landed in the Google Play Store and is available for free and with support for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or later. Evomail is current sitting at version 1.0. As for those attempts at fixing email, Evomail has features to include the ability to snooze your email. This should be good for those who want an empty inbox, but also may need to revisit some of those messages they are trying to clear out.

The app also takes advantage of the swiping gesture and allows the user to swipe to archive, trash and label messages. And for better of worse, Evomail for Android does have built-in push notifications. The app also has support for folders and labels which should make it easy to keep things organized and properly sorted.

Those using the app will also find some of the expected goodies dealing with customization. For example, you will be able to set a personalized avatar, set a signature and also specify reading preferences and triage gestures.

Evomail has arrived for Android with support for Gmail and Yahoo accounts. The app also has support for IMAP accounts. At this time it is lacking support for POP3 and Exchange, however those are promised to arrive in the “next few weeks.” In the meantime, the app does look good and is easy to use and easy to navigate.

VIA: TechCrunch

SOURCE: evomail.io

PocketBook e-paper case for Samsung Galaxy S 4 hands-on
Sep 5th 2013, 20:31, by Robert Nelson

Device accessories including cases are fairly common to see these days. But every once in a while there is one that has a stand-out feature. In this instance that stand-out feature just so happens to be an e-ink display. The case is is from PocketBook and for the Samsung Galaxy S 4. Basically, what you have is a flip-style cover that when opened, has a 4.3-inch e-paper display.

pocketbook_epaper_display_case_gs4_ac_0

This cover is similar to the official Samsung flip covers in that it has a replacement back cover for the Galaxy S 4. Otherwise, the hinge is made of fabric and again, similar to the Samsung flip covers, there isn’t anything that keeps the case closed. Needless to say, the idea is simple, you can use the PocketBook e-reader app to send text from the Galaxy S 4 to the case.

pocketbook_epaper_display_case_gs4_ac_6

This should be good for simpler text and perhaps key — it should also use a bit less in terms of battery life. Touching back on the PocketBook e-reader app. This one has a drop-down menu that will allow the user to send the text over to the e-paper display with a simple tap of the “display on eINK cover” option.

Once the text has been sent you can fold the case over the back of the phone and the regular Galaxy S 4 display will turn off. This is where the using less battery life aspect comes into play. To stop using the case you open it back up and from the drop-down menu, hit the “close document” option. One drawback to the case is the support, at present you can only send text using this official PocketBook app.

pocketbook_epaper_display_case_gs4_ac_3 pocketbook_epaper_display_case_gs4_ac_2 pocketbook_epaper_display_case_gs4_ac_4

That all being said, this looks like an interesting idea and one that could be useful for those who often find themselves killing their battery life by reading. As of this time we have yet to see any details in terms of pricing or availability.

pocketbook_epaper_display_case_gs4_ac_1 pocketbook_epaper_display_case_gs4_ac_7 pocketbook_epaper_display_case_gs4_ac_5

Wacom Cintiq Companion Hybrid hands-on
Sep 5th 2013, 20:17, by Robert Nelson

Wacom introduced the Cintiq Companion Hybrid during IFA and as such, we made sure to check it out for some hands-on coverage. This tablet is running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor. It will work with a Mac or Windows computer and will also serve as an Android tablet when unplugged from the computer.

ac_332

As such, Wacom has the Cintiq Companion Hybrid loaded with apps to include Creative Canvas and the ASTRO File Manager. The former will allow the user to get started on their work and the latter will allow the user to then easily find those files when they are back connected to a computer. Basically, this tablet should provide a good all around work experience.

ac_23463

The display size measures in at 13.3-inches and has a resolution of 1920 x 1080. The tablet also has an NVIDIA GPU with 72 graphics cores, 2GB of RAM and a microSD card slot. The internal storage is available as 16GB of 32GB and those are priced at $1,499 and $1,599 respectively. In addition to the tablet, this setup includes the Pro Pen with 2048 pressure levels and a latex-free silicone rubber grip.

ac_2346432 ac_firstaa ac_4623

The pen is cordless, has two side switches and ships with 9 standard extra nibs and a carrying case. Otherwise, we were told the 16GB model should have at least 5 hours of battery life with the 32GB model getting a bit more. Upwards of 8 hours for the 32GB model. The tablet has a set of buttons on the front that can be programmed for shortcuts.

Other goodies on the tablet include a 2.1 megapixel front-facing camera for video calling along with a power button, headphone jack, USB, mini-HDMI and microSD card slot on the side. Looking at the back and we find an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera. There are also some slots on the back that allow you to connect the tablet to a stand (which does come included with the tablet).

ac_43723

That all being said, make sure to check out our massive 6-minute walk-through video sitting below. And of course, be sure to stick around for the rest of our IFA coverage.

ac_2723432 ac_235634 ac_234732 ac_26432 ac_3234 ac_2727 ac_332

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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Android World Update # Android Community

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Xiaomi MiPhone 3 goes public, MiTV 3D Smart TV also revealed
Sep 5th 2013, 09:22, by Juan Carlos Torres

Xiaomi has just given the press a double whammy, announcing not only the much-awaited MiPhone 3 but also unveiling it’s newest contraption: the “MiTV” 3D Smart TV. Seems like the Chinese company, who recently came into the media spotlight, is ready to step up its game as it prepares to make a mark on the global market.

xiaomi-miphone-3-1

The Xiaomi MiPhone 3 is loaded with features that it’s hard to decide where to start. It’s 5.0-inch Full HD 1920×1080 display features an ultrasensitive touch screen that lets even those wearing gloves to use it. Mobile photography fans might be pleased with the phone’s 5 megapixel F2.2 aperture rear camera with a Sony Exmor RS 28 mm lens and Philips dual LED flash, while the front sports a 2 megapixel camera capable of shooting 1080p video. One version of the phone is available for China Mobile’s TD/SCDMA network, powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 4. Another version runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 reserved for China Unicom’s WCDMA and China Telecom’s CDMA2000 networks.

xiaomi-miphone-3-2 xiaomi-miphone-3-4 xiaomi-miphone-3-5 xiaomi-miphone-3-3 xiaomi-miphone-3-1

The MiTV is, like the MiPhone, also powered by Android, also running the MIUI Android interface customized for TV screens. The smart TV runs on a slightly lower 1.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 fitted with an Adreno 320 graphics chip, making it suitable for both viewing videos and playing games. The TV supports loads of streaming options including Miracast, WiDi, DLNA, AirPlay and others, as well as WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. The MiTV is able to support 3D technology and comes with two 3D glasses.

xiaomi-mitv-1 xiaomi-mitv-2 xiaomi-mitv-3 xiaomi-mitv-5 xiaomi-mitv-4

Xiaomi’s new devices are set to be available in China but no exact date has been given and no word on international availability. Those who will be lucky enough to get their hands on one will have to shell out $327 for a 16 GB Xiaomi MiPhone 3 or $408 for the 64 GB variant. The MiTV 3D Smart TV, on the other hand, carries a price tag of $490.

SOURCE: Xiaomi MiPhone 3, MiTV

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