Android Phone Fans |
- You can now cast Google Play Movies and Play Music from the web to your Chromecast
- Black HTC One Max headed for Hong Kong, when will it arrive in the states?
- Cover the smart lockscreen is no longer invite-only, now available on Google Play
- Blue accent colors make triumphant return in latest Google Keyboard update
- Lenovo comes to town with a couple of new smartphones
- Gmail for Android inline images will automatically load in 2014; try it out on desktop today
- Write for Phandroid: we’re seeking contributors!
- This is what the HTC One sequel (HTC M8) could end up looking like [VIDEO]
- Amazon now lets you gift Amazon Coins for the Amazon Appstore to family and friends this holiday season
- Instagram Direct brings photo and video messaging to image sharing platform
- Sprint’s Moto X now getting Android 4.4 KitKat (13.11.3Q2.X-69-3-8)
- SwiftKey 4.5 beta update brings support for emojis, optional dedicated number row and more
- Android 4.3 upgrade begins for the Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE
- Plants vs Zombies 2 update brings new foes, a new map and new features
- Oppo begins teasing Oppo Find 7 with Snapdragon 805, 3GB of RAM and more
| You can now cast Google Play Movies and Play Music from the web to your Chromecast Posted: 12 Dec 2013 06:39 PM PST
We can’t for-the-life-of-us figure out how Google managed to overlook this when launching the Chromecast back in July, but for whatever reason, casting from the web was a uniquely YouTube feature, made possible through the Google Cast Chrome extension. Starting today, that familiar casting icon has arrived on the rest of Google’s compatible services on the web, namely Google Play Movies & TV and Google Play Music.
Most of you probably didn’t even notice their absence given the Android apps were probably doing a good job at tiding you over since day 1. But for those times when your Android tablet or phone isn’t available, casting from your computer is the next best thing. |
| Black HTC One Max headed for Hong Kong, when will it arrive in the states? Posted: 12 Dec 2013 04:58 PM PST
The HTC One Max is everything you love about the HTC One only bigger. When it was first announced, we had a good feeling HTC was planning to release additional colors for the device at a later date (as they so often do). Guess our hunch was right, as an all new black HTC One Max has just been unveiled over on HTC Hong Kong’s product page. Global availability for the black version is still up in the air at this point, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that we can expect a full gamut of colors will arrive in the very near future. Word on the street is a red version is already headed for Taiwan… [HTC Hong Kong | via Unwired View] |
| Cover the smart lockscreen is no longer invite-only, now available on Google Play Posted: 12 Dec 2013 04:02 PM PST
It was back in October when we gave you guys the whole spiel on Cover, an upcoming contextually aware lockscreen app for Android devices — available only by invite. Today, Cover is making its Play Store debut, giving all Android users (4.1 and up) the ability to make their lockscreens “smart”. Cover hopes to do this in 4 unique ways:
Still a work in progress, this is made evident by the use of the “beta” tag in the Cover’s title. So far in our experience with the app, we found it works out quite well. We love the idea of a lockscreen that changes based on location, but at the same time, icons that were always shuffling around (based on frequency of use) proved difficult to adjust to when it came to quick muscle memory. If only there was a setting to turn off that specific feature, we’d love the ability to pick and choose our own favorite apps to be displayed on the lockscreen manually.
Also, there were some strange performance and graphical glitches. Some apps — like Hangouts pictured above — would display a loading toast notification while it opened. Not exactly the seamless app jumping shown in the concept video. It also appears that cover needs to be better optimized for Android 4.4 KitKat, specifically when dealing with the transparent home and nav bars which show everything going on behind the lockscreen. There’s still plenty of room to grow, and we’re sure the Android-only developers from Cover will accommodate for some of these concerns and more in future updates. There’s no denying there’s a lot of potential here, and we’ll be following Cover’s progress closely. Cover is available for free for Android 4.1+ users in the US, Canada and Europe. The download link can be found just after the video below. Don’t forget to chime in and let us know what you think. Is it everything you expected? Any features you’d like to see in future updates?
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| Blue accent colors make triumphant return in latest Google Keyboard update Posted: 12 Dec 2013 02:42 PM PST
A few weeks back, we can’t say we ever noticed much of a commotion made over Google’s decision to update their official “stock” keyboard app with KitKat’s more muted (read: boring) white color scheme. But we did notice a few of you expressing your disapproval. Good news! It looks like someone at Google was listening and back by popular demand are the Google Keyboard’s famous blue color accents. Well, for those that do a little digging for it. It’s buried within the app’s sub menus under “Advanced settings – options for experts”. Those of you clamoring for a return of the blue know what to do — it’s time to update.
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| Lenovo comes to town with a couple of new smartphones Posted: 12 Dec 2013 12:16 PM PST Lenovo never blossomed into the major Android player we’d hoped they’d become, but they’re still at it. The company has announced two new Android handsets for the near future. Neither will blow your mind, but they should prove to be decent pocket-friendly options in the regions which be available.
The first is the Lenovo S930, a 6-inch phablet that looks to take on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Mega. That display is only tricked out with 720p resolution — not too bad, but at this screen size it won’t look nearly as good as a 1080p panel would. Here’s how the rest of the device reads:
Coming right behind that is the smaller Lenovo S650, a 4.7-inch device with a qHD display, a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek processor, 8GB of internal storage and a 2,000mAh battery. It’s might lighter at 126 grams, so this is billed as the “normal,” more pocketable offering for those who aren’t necessarily into big phones. The devices should launch in limited regions later this month, with Lenovo S650 coming in at around $366 and the Lenovo S930 at about $427. [via GSMArena] |
| Gmail for Android inline images will automatically load in 2014; try it out on desktop today Posted: 12 Dec 2013 10:50 AM PST
If, for whatever reason, you’re not cool with having to click a button to have your images automatically load whenever you open an email, Google’s finally going to solve all that. An upgrade to Gmail in early 2014 will allow you to have images load automatically. Google typically warns users about loading images because of the threat of image-based malware, but the company will look to implement an automatic checker that will scan the files as the email comes through. If everything checks out, you’ll be able to open the email and see the image as if you were loading any old webpage. Don’t like giving up control? Google says this will be optional, and will be customizable under the General tab in Settings with the “Ask before displaying external images” option. Desktop users will be seeing this new functionality starting today, while the mobile app will be getting it in “early 2014.” [via Google] |
| Write for Phandroid: we’re seeking contributors! Posted: 12 Dec 2013 10:42 AM PST The wild ride on the mobile tech market continues and despite having a very competent team of authors and editors, we’re always looking to bring new talent and perspectives to our team and ultimately, to our readers. As we approach a new year – one that we’re highly anticipating to be our best yet – we’re hoping some of you can help make that happen. That's right… we want YOU to be on our team. The tech community is filled with passionate, educated enthusiasts with loads of insight and knowledge to share. Think you got what it takes? Consider this your invitation to apply as a Contributing Author on the Phandroid team. What positions are we seeking?
What is a Contributing Author? The contributor position is an unpaid position, but does have some perks. It provides a great opportunity to be published on a reputable news source. It's a resume builder, opportunity to "get your name out there", and allows you to engage in an open dialogue with a vibrant tech-loving community. At times we’ll have advanced access to apps and games, accessories to test, new phones/tablets/hardware to review, to which contributors may have access (among other things). What are the expectations of a Contributing Author? Contributing Authors will be expected to publish a minimum of 1-3 articles each week. They'll communicate closely with the editorial team via E-Mail, Skype, and other means, passing back and forth story ideas that could be either time sensitive or open ended. Maybe you already spend your time digging through tech sites and social media and would love to bring the information to our readers with your own spin. Maybe you've always wanted to create videos, write tutorial articles, or compose full blown reviews of the newest apps and games. We're looking for a diverse set of contributors who can help take Phandroid to the next level. How can you apply?
TAKE YOUR TIME So… whaddaya say?
Good luck! |
| This is what the HTC One sequel (HTC M8) could end up looking like [VIDEO] Posted: 12 Dec 2013 09:52 AM PST Yay, new concept renders! We always love a good fake phone, and this time we’re treated to a look at what one group imagines the next HTC flagship will be (otherwise known as the HTC M8). Right away, you can tell that this definitely follows HTC’s new favorite design language that was introduced with the HTC One. Rumors already state the HTC One sequel will likely end up with that same sort of design. It’s the specs that we’re especially interested in, though, with the concept artists throwing out a nice list of changes that would be on this phone (if it were actually real):
Everyone’s obvious wish is to have the best of the best in every category, but there’s no guarantee HTC will look to push the limits with the HTC M8. We’ve already seen the company electing to go with a slightly weaker Snapdragon 600 inside the recently-launched HTC One Max instead of bumping it up to Snapdragon 800 like Samsung did with their Note 3. We’ll have to wait until HTC is ready to unveil their latest creation — something that could happen at CES or Mobile World Congress — before we’re given a look at the real deal. Let’s just hope that it can stack up to the beaut you see in the video above. |
| Posted: 12 Dec 2013 07:59 AM PST
‘Tis the season to give and give, so Amazon is giving you a new way to give to others. The online retailer has announced that Amazon Coins can now be gifted to your family and friends, giving you the perfect gift for someone who’s looking for new apps and games on their Amazon Kindle Fire device (or who just happens to like using the Amazon Appstore on whatever other Android device they might have). Coins can also be used for in-app purchases in apps and games like Candy Crush Saga and iCookBook. To kick things off, Amazon is offering customers 20% off any purchase of Amazon Coins through January 5th, so you should have plenty of time to take advantage of these savings before the holiday festivities die down. "Customers love using Amazon Coins in the Amazon Appstore and on Kindle Fire to purchase apps and games," said Mike George, Vice President of Apps and Games at Amazon. "We know that during the holidays finding that perfect gift can be hard.So, we're making it easy for you to give the game-playing kids or app-savvy friends and family in your life just what they want – great apps and games to use on their phones and tablets. And remember, if you are a Kindle Fire owner, we automatically deposited 500 Coins in your account. So, if you haven't used them yet, happy shopping." Amazon Coins are worth $.01 per coin, so 500 coins would equal $5. Do the simple math to find out how much you need, and head here to get started if you know someone that these will be perfect for. |
| Instagram Direct brings photo and video messaging to image sharing platform Posted: 12 Dec 2013 07:31 AM PST Instagram announced new features for their image sharing platform at a small press event this morning. Dubbed Instagram Direct, the service now allows you to share images privately to up to 15 people at a time, giving you and your friends a private look at the joys, laughs, cries and sorrows of life. Instagram Direct messages can show up between all the content in your main feed, and users will be able to like and comment on photos and videos just as they would on a public post. Users can control who is allowed to share photos with them, so you won’t be getting any inappropriate pics from that immature friend you don’t trust. It’s not the biggest, most unique thing in the world, but if you already have your photo-sharing life wrapped up in Instagram we’re sure you’ll come to love these features. The upgrade should be hitting the Google Play Store at some point today. [via Instagram] |
| Sprint’s Moto X now getting Android 4.4 KitKat (13.11.3Q2.X-69-3-8) Posted: 12 Dec 2013 07:12 AM PST Sprint’s Moto X seems to be receiving an upgrade today, but it doesn’t look like your typical bug fixer and maintenance release. We’re hearing murmurings that this thing is full-on KitKat, with all the great changes folks have been enjoying on other versions of the Moto X for a few weeks now. Sprint’s Moto X already received the upgrade in the form of a Soak Test, but that went out to a very limited group of users.
The following changelog should be familiar to those of you who have been following the KitKat OTA news for the Moto X as of late, but here it is anyway in case you aren’t in the know:
Users are reporting that this is going out as version 13.11.3Q2.X-69-3-8, so be on the lookout for it. This might be a staggered rollout process, so you might not be able to find it right away. We’ll await more information from Sprint, but for the time being be sure to head to Settings > About Phone if you want to see if you’re ready to pull this down. You know the drill: WiFi, charge battery, and have fun! [Sprint, Thanks Richard!] |
| SwiftKey 4.5 beta update brings support for emojis, optional dedicated number row and more Posted: 12 Dec 2013 06:59 AM PST SwiftKey fans are in for yet another big treat today, as a new beta update is now available for those who like being on cutting edge software. This is version 4.5, bringing with it over 500 new emojis for users to sink their teeth into. Almost anything you could think of will be represented here, and it’ll be accessible to you in a way that only SwiftKey could bring it.
They’ve leveraged their powerful suggestion and prediction engine to help you find the emoji you need, when you need it. For instance, when you’re typing the word “pizza” in, a pizza slice emoji will show up in the suggestion box, allowing you to insert it right there if you want to express your thought in a more fun way.
SwiftKey offers up the following warning for folks, as different devices might produce different results:
Beyond all that, SwiftKey now offers an optional, dedicated number row for folks on bigger devices, so you won’t have to hunt and peck just to type in a number or two anymore. All these settings are optional, so if you aren’t an emoji person you won’t have to be bombarded with suggestions to use them around every turn. It shouldn’t be long before this thing graduates to the Google Play Store, but if you want it now you can grab it by heading to the SwiftKey beta site. |
| Android 4.3 upgrade begins for the Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE Posted: 12 Dec 2013 06:39 AM PST The upgrade to Android 4.3 has been going out to folks all over Galaxy land, but Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE owners have been left out… until now. SamMobile is reporting that the upgrade is now rolling out for that smartphone. Folks on the international unlocked version will obviously be first in line, but it shouldn’t be terribly long before carrier-branded versions to follow.
Even still, you’ll want to remember that rollout schedule can differ from region to region and carrier to carrier. The Android 4.3 upgrade brings a lot of changes specific to Samsung devices, with the most notable being Samsung Galaxy Gear smart watch support, new camera features, Samsung Knox security features, a move-to-SD feature, support for TRIM and a ton more. You can find the full list at the tail-end of this post. As usual, you can use KIES to receive the upgrade over a hard line, or you can opt for it over-the-air by checking Settings > More > About Device > Software update > Update. This one should be quite hefty, so charging your battery up and getting onto a WiFi connection is a good idea before attempting to pull it down. Read on for the full changelog.
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| Plants vs Zombies 2 update brings new foes, a new map and new features Posted: 12 Dec 2013 05:53 AM PST
While we’re anxiously awaiting the first 3D Plants vs Zombies release — Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare — the folks at EA have given us a little something to tide us over. Plants vs Zombies 2 is getting an upgrade that should add a lot of cool new additions. Take a look:
Oh, and apparently someone forgot to watch the “gargantuars” while the upgrade was being worked on, so it seems a bit of them have sneaked into this upgrade, as well. Plants vs Zombies is a fresh take on the defense genre, with you — as the plant master — being tasked with keeping those hungry zombies out of your beautiful garden. We’ve never known zombies to be herbivores, but we’ll roll with it! The app itself is free, but you’ll obviously be urged to spend some real coin to get some fake in-game coin. Microtransactions are alive and well, folks. The game still offers loads of content without spending a dime, though, so if you are interested then it’s worth a download. Find it here in the Google Play Store. |
| Oppo begins teasing Oppo Find 7 with Snapdragon 805, 3GB of RAM and more Posted: 12 Dec 2013 05:33 AM PST
While the Oppo N1 might currently have everyone’s attention, what with it launching earlier this week and all, the Chinese company has more goods to bring us in the very near future. Oppo has started teasing the next smartphone in their flagship Find lineup. It’s the Oppo Find 7, and while we don’t have any “official” details about this thing just yet, rumors suggest this’ll be one to watch for. The Oppo Find 7 is rumored to be packed with the latest high-end chipset from Qualcomm — the Snapdragon 805 — as well as 3GB of RAM. That not enough to whet your appetite? How about the 5.7-inch 2560×1440 it’s rumored to have? Or perhaps you’re more excited about the 13 megapixel rear camera and the 5 megapixel front sensor. 4G LTE and a 4,000mAh battery are rumored to round this tale of the tape out.
This device reads like a super heavyweight no matter which way you turn, and we’d love to see it launch worldwide like the much-acclaimed N1 did. There’s no solid word on when that will happen, but it should launch in time to steal an inkling of thunder from the early launches of the big boys (Samsung, HTC, et al) at some point in 2014. |
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