Thursday, October 31, 2013

Android World Update # Google Updating 17 Different Apps. A Sign That KitKat is Fast-Approaching?

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Google Updating 17 Different Apps. A Sign That KitKat is Fast-Approaching?
Oct 31st 2013, 01:32, by Joe Sirianni

Google Play Android Kitkat Update_Talk Android 1

While we all know KitKat is around the corner, the question still lingers. How soon around the corner, right? Well, this could be an indication that the search giant is about to bring forth some KitKat goodness or it could just be one heck of a coincidence, that over the past few days 17 different Google applications have either received or will be receiving an update. We’ve seen Vic Gundotra intro some pretty cool stuff with Google + and Hangouts in what we hope to be for Android 4.4 accompanying the Nexus 5. As usual, we’ll have to practice extreme patience for an official word, if Google decides to give one.

At this point there’s some serious speculation that the company may just spring the device upon us with no warning at all. The speculation comes from the fact that Google has yet to release any kind of official invite or announcement of a press release for the new device and OS. And while we’re still in the dark as to when and where Google will make the announcement, the fact remains that 17 different applications have received an update within the span of a few days. I think it’s safe to lean towards the premise that it’s all for the sake of KitKat. Check out the list of apps receiving updates on Google’s roster. And while some of the apps aren’t major players, you’ll find there are few big hitters in the mix. If you haven’t received an update yet for any of these, don’t fret, they tend to roll out in phases. Feel free to add to the speculation in the comments below. At the very least, if all of the speculation is wrong and we’re nowhere near the new OS, you’ll still have a few new updates to play with.  

source: Reddit

via: Android Authority


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Android World Update # Android Community

Android Community
Tracking the Android Platform Revolution 
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Google Glass accessories make an appearance, support pages in place
Oct 31st 2013, 00:49, by Juan Carlos Torres

Google now seems to be shifting gears towards preparing a more consumer-friendly version of its Google Glass eyewear in preparation for an expected public release next year. Not only did the company announce an updated version of hardware, we’re now also seeing evidence of a couple of fancy accessories being prepared for the device.

google-glass-v2

A few days ago, we got news that Google is preparing some changes to its Glass Explorer program in preparation of rolling out a new version of the Glass hardware with still unknown updated specs. Then yesterday we got a glimpse of what the new hardware may look like, which included the presence of a single-ear earbud. We originally presumed that it would be part of the Glass itself, but now it turns out that it is merely one of a set of accessories intended for the device.

The mono earbud attach to Glass via a microUSB port on the right side of the eyewear for better quality audio. The earbud comes with four interchangeable caps in black, blue, red, and gray colors. There is also, of course, a charger accessory which comes with a USB cable that connects to the same microUSB port as well as a wall charger. There are also a few interchangeable shades and clear protective shields available for Glass, made in partnership with Maui Jim and Zeal Optics. There is also a handy Japanese micro-fiber travel pouch available that’s made of recycled materials.

google-glass-accessories-earbud google-glass-accessories-charger google-glass-accessories-shield google-glass-accessories-pouch

All these accessories will come with any Google Glass, but the shields are only available for devices purchased after the October 28 switch date. But the accessories will also be on sale for $50 each, except for the shields again, which cost $75 a piece.

SOURCE: Google (earbud), (charger), (shields), (pouch)
VIA: Androidheadlines

Google Wallet may change with Android 4.4, Nexus 5 hardware
Oct 30th 2013, 23:32, by Nate Swanner

Google Wallet has had its share of troubles. First carriers refused to include it, citing security concerns. Payment centers were hard to come by as well, with many point-of-sale terminals supporting NFC payments, but not Wallet. Now there is news that with the update to Android, Google Wallet may be shifting gears, or disappearing altogether.

google-wallet-card-540x332


With the Nexus 7's inclusion of Broadcom NFC hardware came the inability to use some legacy NFC tags. It also meant that Google Wallet was being left out, as Broadcom lacked the necessary element to store payment options, like credit card data. According to one Redditor who dug through the leaked LG service manual for the Nexus 5, the same can be said for the upcoming Nexus flagship phone.

It's doubtful that Google will drop Wallet support, considering they use it for Play Store purchases and have recently rolled out the ability to send money via email using Wallet. What isn't clear is how this will affect Wallet on mobile devices, moving forward. A recent update supports Wallet’s move from NFC with the secure element, but there is no indication it's being accepted by more retailers.

The security concern for carriers was that element present on the older NFC chips which stored the payment information. Now that it's gone, we wonder if Wallet will serve as a funnel for other services, or forge a new path in mobile payments. A recent patent filing by Google for mobile payments without the secure element suggests they're sticking with Wallet for the foreseeable future.

VIA: Android Authority

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Android World Update # ASUS Transformer Pad TF701T now available – Tegra 4 processor, 2560×1600 display, 2GB DDR3 RAM

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ASUS Transformer Pad TF701T now available – Tegra 4 processor, 2560×1600 display, 2GB DDR3 RAM
Oct 31st 2013, 01:09, by Chris Chavez

transformer pad tf701

During IFA 2013, ASUS announced a plethora of goods soon to be released unto the world. One of those special gadgets was their newly refreshed Transformer Pad convertible tablet. Last year we had the TF700T, and now comes the upgraded ASUS Transformer Pad TF701T.

The TF701T features all the top-of-the-line specs you’d expect from of a high-end Android tablet. ASUS has upgraded the screen resolution and processor to better compete in today’s market. Here’s the quick bullet list:

ASUS Transformer Pad TF701T 2560×1600

  • 10.1-inch 2560 x 1600 WQXGA IPS display
  • NVIDIA Tegra 4 quad-core processor
  • 2GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM
  • 32GB internal storage
  • 5MP/1.2MP cameras
  • Micro SD slot
  • Micro HDMI port
  • Miracast Wireless Display support
  • Optional keyboard dock w/battery and full-sized USB 3.0 port

 

 

This all new Transformer Pad already went up for pre-order a few days ago, but today it’s finally become available on Amazon. EXCaliber PC is selling the tab for $500, and $140 for the optional keyboard dock. According to ASUS you can get up to 17 hours of battery life using the combo, or a respectable 13 without. If you were looking to pick one up, direct links provided below.

[ASUS Transformer Pad TF701T | TF701T Keyboard Dock]

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Android World Update # Google Glass accessories show up on official Glass Shop website

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Google Glass accessories show up on official Glass Shop website
Oct 31st 2013, 01:15, by Derek Ross

Glass-Accessories

This past week, Google opened up the Glass Explorer program by allowing all current Glass Explorers to invite three friends to purchase Glass. The Glass Team also announced that hardware version 2.0 was well underway and would be available to all Glass Explorers in the future. What they didn’t tell us was that an official accessory shop for Glass would soon be opening.

The official Glass Shop contains most current Glass accessories (clear shield, charger, pouch) and adds the new and upcoming mono earbud. The earbud, according to the Glass Shop is specifically designed for Glass to provide high-quality sound for both video and phone calls.  At this time, the sunglasses attachment seems to be missing from the store. And, interesting enough, the clear shield listed is only compatible with Glass units purchased after October 28th.

Where’s a quick list of accessories, prices, and availability:

  • Extra Mono Earbud – $50 – Out of stock
  • Clear Shield – $75
  • Extra Charger and cable – $50 – Out of stock
  • Extra Pouch – $50
Glass-Shield Glass-Pouch Glass-Mono-Earbud Glass-Charger

If you’re a current Glass Explorer or recently received an invite from a friend, you might want to keep extra special care of your accessories. As you can see, replacing them is pretty costly. While most consumers were hoping to see an affordable consumer edition of Glass in the future, these accessory prices will definitely raise an eyebrow or two.

To visit the store yourself, head on over to the official Glass Shop.

[via LivingThruGlass]

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Android World Update # Google offering Spooky Savings for special Halloween game deals

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Google offering Spooky Savings for special Halloween game deals
Oct 31st 2013, 01:15, by Jeff Causey

eden_to_green_screen_01

If you are looking for something to do to pass the time in between visits from Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween, Google may have a special offer capable of filling the candy bag that is your Android device. Ranging from offers of free games to special discounts and cut-rate in-app purchase promos, the Spooky Savings deal on the Google Play store offers up savings on seventeen different titles including:

  • Hotel Transylvania Dash
  • Zombiewood – Zombies in L.A!
  • Despicable Me
  • Doodle Devil
  • Doodle Devil HD
  • Eden to Green
  • Fast & Furious 6: The Game
  • Slots
  • Nun Attack: Run & Gun
  • The Walking Dead: Assault
  • Bike Race Free
  • Dungeon Hunter 4
  • Zombies Ate My Friends
  • Dragons of Atlantis: Heirs
  • Shipwrecked: Lost Island
  • Dragon Story: Halloween
  • Into the Dead

If you are interested in grabbing any of these titles and taking advantage of the special Halloween savings, hit the source link for the Google Play offering.

source: Google Play


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Android World Update # Samsung Set to Step Up Its Game With GS5

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Samsung Set to Step Up Its Game With GS5
Oct 31st 2013, 01:02, by Anthony Muzonzini

Samsung has come in for a lot of criticism recently for being all talk and no action. Its most recent releases, the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Galaxy Note 3, have seens half baked upgrades at best and with companies like Apple, LG, Google and Sony nipping on its heels, the South Korean giant can ill afford to drop the ball this time. By this time we are referring to what should be the next major release in the Galaxy S5. It also seems as if Samsung is going to heed the call to really upgrade its phones this time if reports coming out of Asia are to be believed.

samsung galaxy s5
The Samsung Galaxy S5 is set to see some major upgrades under the hood in order to compete with recent releases from rival smartphone makers / © AndroidPIT

(This is a preview - click here to read the entire entry.)

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Android World Update # Android Q&A – How to protect from Viruses – Switching from iPhone – Effects of Rooting Your Phone

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Android Q&A – How to protect from Viruses – Switching from iPhone – Effects of Rooting Your Phone
Oct 31st 2013, 00:07, by Derek Scott


Question 1

Hi, if you could help me out with this I would really appreciate it! I was wondering, is it possible to get a virus from just browsing a website on my phone or from downloading an image? I have the Sony Xperia Z1 and am also using Norton Security so that should warn me if something is wrong, right?
Caelum Cunnane

Answer

Yes, but not in the way that you mentioned, you see some people have you fearing that an evil virus is waiting behind every corner. In reality viruses have not spread on mobile devices the way they once did on PCS. Let’s talk about where some real dangers lie:

  1. Sharing SD cards with your friends.
  2. Syncing your device with someone else’s computer or a public computer
  3. Do not download apps from untrusted sources, only download from Google Play or Amazon App store.

The best thing you can do it go to the Google Play store and download Lookout mobile security for your Android device to secure your device.


Question 2

Hello. Do you think its good to buy a HTC One now or wait for HTC to release a new version of it? I don't want the One Max. Thanks.
Mike

Answer

Are you really wetted to HTC as a brand or do you just want the best Android experience on a large screen? If it’s the latter, well you really want to wait for the Nexus 5, that’s going to be a significant hardware bump and you get vanilla Android.


Question 3

Hi! I want to switch to android from my iphone. So what phone should I by? Buy a samsung galaxy s4 or wait for the s5 or buy a note 3??
Ali

Answer

That really depends on how you use your phone. If user experience is a priority for you, I can’t really recommend Samsung here at all. I would recommend the Moto X it is far kinder to the average user and it’s been a big hit. But if you are a geek like me and you lust over the S4′s four cores then do you yourself a favor and buy the S4 from the Google Play Store if it’s available in your country.


Question 4

I have heard that performance of a phone decreases after rooting/or by installing custom ROMs. Is this hoax correct?
Emiliano

Answer

First we would give a word to the wise, rooting your phone carries real risk. The first being it can brick your phone. We say brick your phone instead of break your phone because if you fail at this, this is the only thing your phone will be good for, to be used as a brick. Rooting is for those of us who love to tinker a lot to get a little improvement. Fun for some, dangerous for others. So Emiliano there is some truth to this notion, many people who root their phones see a performance bump right away, some see no change whatsoever. But in many cases the phone will decrease in performance over time because rooting your phone makes it more vulnerable to malware attacks.


Question 5

Will Samsung Galaxy S4 get Android 4.4?
Mattias

Answer

Yes, eventually, touchwiz is considered such a top heavy use experience that it would greatly benefit from 4.4 KitKat. But hey, 4.3 just dropped this week, so we have a lot of waiting to do…


Don’t forget that this is fueled by your questions. If you don’t ask, we can’t answer!

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