Android Phone Fans |
- February’s Android platform distribution numbers are in: Jelly Bean on the rise, KitKat makes a modest climb
- VSCO Cam 2.1 update now available for Android devices [DOWNLOAD]
- Tell Google what you’re passionate about for a chance to win a Red Nexus 5
- HTC forced to modify handsets after Nokia picks up another patent win in Germany
- Official Captain America: The Winter Soldier game coming soon to Android devices [VIDEO]
- ASUS announces compact ChromeBox for your desktop
- Verizon’s Moto G now receiving Android 4.4.2 KitKat
- Bright red Nexus 5 now available on Google Play
- Sony SmartWatch 2 now coming in silver, Brazilian colors for FIFA World Cup
- AT&T’s LG G Flex ships February 5th; order online now
- Where to pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy TabPro and NotePro tablets
- Pylon uses NFC to allow guests to easily connect to your WiFi network [KICKSTARTER]
- AllCast updated to support Chromecast; took all of 20 minutes [VIDEO]
- LG G Pro 2 to have “OIS+” camera sensor that can record 4K video
| Posted: 04 Feb 2014 05:15 PM PST
It’s the time of the month when the Android Developers dashboard updates us on the current state of Android (current version numbers, that is). Typically, this data is meant for app developers to use when weighing out which Android versions are worth targeting. For the rest of us? Well, we just find it fun to keep track. Keep in mind these numbers do not account for Chinese knockoffs, or any other Android devices running alternative app stores, only those with Play services and devices that have recently pinged the Google Play Store. For the week ending on February 4th (today), here are the quick stats as compared against the previous month’s. January 2014 -> February 2014
Alright, so not much change on the Android front. Gingerbread is still on the decline (most likely due to hardware failure), with Ice Cream Sandwich also dropping. Given that Jelly Bean is still on the rise, we’re hoping this means a few extra ICS handsets were finally upgraded to Jelly Bean, but there’s no way to be sure. Also, it’s not really fair to lump Jelly Bean together, as any diehard Android fanboy will tell you, there’s a big difference between Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. KitKat numbers are also trickling on in, and although it’s not much right now, we expect that number will make a big jump once 2014 flagships from HTC and Samsung finally hit the market. |
| VSCO Cam 2.1 update now available for Android devices [DOWNLOAD] Posted: 04 Feb 2014 04:08 PM PST
Fresh off the Google Play Store is an update to one of our personal favorite (mobile) photo editing apps: VSCO Cam. All new version 2.1 went live yesterday, adding the ability for photogs to import even larger photos into the app than previously available (this is a pretty big deal). This should especially come in handy for those that prefer snapping photos with their clunky WiFi enabled big-boy cameras, only to later edit in VSCO Cam and upload to their favorite social networks. VSCO mentions that minimal image scaling could occur, depending on the amount of available memory in your device. Also new for 2.1 are a few extra privacy settings creeping into the app, allowing users to turn off location data when uploading pics to the Grid), and general performance improvements have been made throughout. Maybe it’s just placebo, but hot damn this thing flies. You can download the VSCO Cam 2.1 update via the link below.
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| Tell Google what you’re passionate about for a chance to win a Red Nexus 5 Posted: 04 Feb 2014 04:00 PM PST
As we approach Valentine’s Day, Google wants to know what you’re passionate about. Google is holding a contest with chances to win a Red Nexus 5 + accessories bundle, a Red Nexus 5 without accessories, or $25 in Google Play credit. All you have to do is submit a picture of a person, place, or thing that you love the most.
You must be over 18, a US resident, and submit a qualifying image. Head on over to the official contest page for the full terms and conditions and to submit your entry. Be sure to share you photo on your favorite social media site with #iheartred. Good luck! |
| HTC forced to modify handsets after Nokia picks up another patent win in Germany Posted: 04 Feb 2014 02:48 PM PST
HTC is walking away from a German courtroom bruised and broken after the Taiwanese manufacturer was found guilty of infringing yet another Nokia patent. Because of the ruling, HTC will be forced to modify existing handsets if they hope to continue selling them in Germany. The patent in question was EP1579613, a non standard essential patent dealing with a smartphone’s backward compatibility with older networks, a technology HTC calls “redundant.” HTC said they’re already investigating modifications to the handsets in question, and that it would only provide a “minimal disruption” while the smartphone maker works on an appeal. Nokia, on the other hand is very pleased with the ruling and marks the company’s 4th patent win against HTC in Germany against, the most recent over HTC’s use of Android Beam in their devices. |
| Official Captain America: The Winter Soldier game coming soon to Android devices [VIDEO] Posted: 04 Feb 2014 01:22 PM PST If Sunday’s Super Bowl trailer for Captain America: The Winter Soldier got you all hot and bothered, you might soon find your release when Gameloft’s official movie-tie game hits Android devices in the near future. A trailer for the upcoming game was released today (above) and while Gameloft made no mention of an actual release date, we’re expecting the game to launch well in advance of the movie’s April 4th theatrical release. In the trailer, we get a good glimpse of some of the gameplay which looks a traditional solid beat ‘em up featuring comic book-styled, cell shaded graphics. We’ll have to wait and see what Gameloft is planning for pricing, but we’re expecting the usual freemium fare. Oh, and for those that missed the Super Bowl trailer for the movie, you can find that below. |
| ASUS announces compact ChromeBox for your desktop Posted: 04 Feb 2014 12:42 PM PST
ASUS seems to be taking another crack at a desktop Chrome OS machine as the company has announced their new ChromeBox for 2014. It reads out like a pretty decent machine for just $179, though that’s a bit understandable considering you’re not getting a fully featured computing experience here:
The price likely drives up a bit for the Core i3 and i7 models. The advantage of the latest Haswell chipsets is that they support 4K video, so you’d be able to get a nice, crisp experience on whatever monitor you’re using. Then again, we imagine if you have the cash to drop on a 4K monitor at this point, then you would probably look for a more serious computer to use it with. Let us know if you’ll be snapping one of these up once they’re available this coming March. [via ChromeSpot] |
| Verizon’s Moto G now receiving Android 4.4.2 KitKat Posted: 04 Feb 2014 12:19 PM PST
We’ve been following the Moto G for quite sometime (ever since we discovered its trademark back in October). In our travels, we watched as the budget device launched on Verizon Wireless — for $100, no less — and with a promise that it would soon be receiving Android 4.4 KitKat. Today is that special day for Moto G users, as 4.4.2 KitKat is reportedly rolling out to the device. This brings the Verizon Moto G up to speed with its GSM counterparts and users can expect the usual KitKat treats (improved phone dialer, photo editing, restyled status/navigation bars, etc.), along with Motorola’s recently updated apps available on Google Play. To manually check for the update, see instructions below.
There’s just no denying the value in an off-contract device for $100, running on KitKat, and operating on Verizon’s superior wireless network. Anyone else enjoying their update? Source: Twitter |
| Bright red Nexus 5 now available on Google Play Posted: 04 Feb 2014 10:47 AM PST
Heads up, folks. The red Nexus 5 is real, and currently live on the Google Play Store. We’ve been following the red colored variant since it first leaked back towards the end of last month. Since then, we saw it appear in and outside its packaging, followed by semi-official press images and finally, tipped to launch on the 4th. Looks like those rumors held true as the red Nexus is now available for the same great price, same beautiful stock Android experience. Direct link below. |
| Sony SmartWatch 2 now coming in silver, Brazilian colors for FIFA World Cup Posted: 04 Feb 2014 09:51 AM PST
Sony’s introducing a couple of new color options for their SmartWatch 2. The first is a new silver-plated metal option that resembles a typical stylish watch. The second — a FIFA World Cup 2014 edition — is a take on Brazil’s vibrant colors as the 20th quadrennium rendition of this huge sporting event will be taking place over there. We’re not quite sure of the material just by looking, but it looks like some sort of thick cloth. Other than that, though, these are the same SmartWatch 2 devices that have been available for quite some time, featuring a 1.6 inch LCD display, Bluetooth 3.0, NFC, 3-4 days of “normal” usage with 7 days of standby time, and more. It’ll be popping out of the oven this March for the UK, and it can be yours for just £132 including VAT. Clove has the goods for you over at their website if you’re interested. We’ll be reaching out to Sony to see if they have plans to bring either of these options across the pond. [via Clove] |
| AT&T’s LG G Flex ships February 5th; order online now Posted: 04 Feb 2014 08:36 AM PST
Wondering when AT&T’s LG G Flex will be available to purchase? Wonder no more: it’s available to purchase right now over at AT&T’s website, and you won’t have to wait long to receive what you’ve paid for as AT&T is listing this thing as shipping February 5th (that’s tomorrow by my count). AT&T’s pricing options include $300 for a two-year contract, $25 per month for 24 months with $0 down on AT&T Next, or $694.99 to buy it outright. The G Flex’s 6-inch 720p display might not be quite as sharp as the 5.2-inch 1080p display on the G2, but this phone still packs a powerful enough punch to make us take notice. Its specs include a 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13 megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, 32GB of RAM, Bluetooth 4.0 LTE, 4G LTE and more. The device features rear-facing buttons and LG’s KnockOn feature for easily powering the display on. It’s also virtually indestructible with a self-healing back. Take a look at AT&T’s full listing here. |
| Where to pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy TabPro and NotePro tablets Posted: 04 Feb 2014 07:18 AM PST
Yesterday, we were made privy to early pre-order opportunities for Samsung’s latest tablets — the Samsung Galaxy NotePro 12.2 and the Samsung Galaxy TabPro 12.2, 10.1 and 8.4. Samsung has announced the details with a formal press release, though, and we now have a more clear idea of where you’ll be able to find these things once they ship February 13th. (Note: this is for all versions of the tablets except the TabPro 12.2, which Samsung says will be here in March). Here’s the full list:
Samsung has also mentioned that Verizon will be the first to offer the NotePro 12.2 with 4G LTE connectivity, though they didn’t have anything to share outside of “later this quarter.” We’ve also gotten official pricing for all these devices and their variants:
That’s a steep price to pay for some of those, but there’s some pretty hardcore technology at work here. The NotePro, for instance, features 2560 x 1600 resolution, 3GB of RAM, Exynos octa-core processor, 8 megapixel camera, S-Pen, a 9,500 mAh battery and more.
The TabPro lineup is a bit more reserved with a Snapdragon 800 processor and 2GB of RAM, but still enjoys the same resolution and camera sensors as the NotePro. We’ll be looking to track down pre-order links for each of the above retailers, so check back periodically. [via Samsung] |
| Pylon uses NFC to allow guests to easily connect to your WiFi network [KICKSTARTER] Posted: 04 Feb 2014 06:32 AM PST Ever get tired of having to ask your friends for their WiFi credentials so you can make sure you aren’t guzzling on your mobile data? They often don’t remember their SSID, and the passwords are so obscure that they sometimes have to reset it just to allow you to hop on. One group is trying to eradicate that issue, and they’re hoping to do so with Pylon. Pylon is a combination of a base station, an NFC sticker and an app that will allow people to connect to your home’s WiFi network with the single tap of a button. The base station hooks up to your modem or router, and the sticker is placed wherever is most convenient for you (typically by the main entrance). The solution also works with non-NFC devices, with the accelerometers inside the base station and your phone being used to determine when a “bump” happens. It’s not about simply connecting to a WiFi network, though. Pylon aims to give the owner of the network total control over who accesses it. You can give your visitors free reign if you want, but you can also set a time limit for each and every person that hops onto your network. For instance, you can add your friends and neighbors to a “party” group and set that entire group to have access for just 3 hours (because, you know, those neighbors are totally going to keep stealing your geebees after they go home). You can even kick someone offline entirely whenever you so choose. Pylon could also be great for businesses, and the team has stated that they’re already working on solutions that make more sense for businesses such as displaying offers and deals on a user’s phone whenever they hop onto the network.
So how much? When? These are all questions bound to be pouring into your head by now. The cheapest you can grab one right now as of the time of this writing is with an $85 early bird pledge. There are only 63 of those left, so get in on it while you can. Beyond that, the cheapest normal price is $100 for the base and sticker (and the free app download that comes with them). The team is also offering package deals with beacons to allow your guests to easily connect to your connected speakers, as well as several solutions for businesses. Pylon says they’ve been working on perfecting this technology since 2011, and are finally ready to release it to the masses. All they need is the cash to deliver to the manufacturers who are already lined up and ready to create these bad boys once the project is funded. They’re quite shy of their $60,000 goal with just $8,100 pledged, but they have until March 1st to make up the rest. Be sure to spread the word if it’s something you want to see succeed, and pledge a few bucks if you want one of your own. The fist deliveries are expected in June. [via Kickstarter] |
| AllCast updated to support Chromecast; took all of 20 minutes [VIDEO] Posted: 04 Feb 2014 05:46 AM PST Yesterday, Google announced some very good news for fans of Chromecast, the $35 media streaming dongle that helps folks easily get their photos, video and music onto their TVs wirelessly and efficiently. That news was that Chromecast’s public SDK is final and now available to any developer wishing to add Chromecast support to their apps. You had to guess Koushik Dutta would be one of those apps. Koush has updated his AllCast app in the Play Store to finally support Chromecast again, a process which the renown developer says took just 20 minutes thanks to how the APIs have been built. If you don’t remember, AllCast was one of the first apps that implemented Chromecast outside of Google’s bubble, but was quickly shut down after Google disabled the API calls it was using in order for it to function. Koush suggested Google did this to intentionally block third party development, which did have a bit of truth to it. Google says they didn’t want to give developers early access because of the simple fact that APIs weren’t ready, and reassured everyone that they would eventually open Chromecast to all. We’re glad to see Google held up their promise. The latest upgrade to AllCast can be found in the Google Play Store, but note that you’ll need Google Play Services 4.2.34 in order to use the Chromecast features. That version of Play Services is rolling out to everyone in a staggered fashion, so you’ll have to be patient if it hasn’t shown up yet. [via Google+] |
| LG G Pro 2 to have “OIS+” camera sensor that can record 4K video Posted: 04 Feb 2014 05:20 AM PST
LG is currently pulling off one of the strangest device reveals we’ve seen in recent years with the LG G Pro 2, with the company releasing details bit by bit as we lead up to what should be a marvelous Mobile World Congress unveiling. Today, LG is dropping the beans on the camera, telling us what type of technology we should expect for our image snapping and video recording affairs. To start, the camera sensor (which seems to be a 13 megapixel shooter) is said to be coming with optical image stabilization “plus” technology which combines hardware and software techniques to help create even better images. Beyond that, LG also says we’ll be able to shoot video 1.4 times slower than normal for smooth slow motion recording, continuous burst mode shooting with up to 20 photos, and 4K video recording (which is 3,840 x 2,160 resolution). You can expect a typical 2.1 megapixel sensor on the front for webcams and selfies.
As we all know, these numbers alone don’t mean much. It definitely sounds like a beast of a camera, but we’ll have to see how it performs in testing before getting too excited. LG has gotten a lot better with image quality over the years, though, so we suspect there isn’t much to worry about. There isn’t much else to be known at this time, though previous leaks have suggested this device will feature rear-facing buttons ala the LG G2 and the LG G Flex. It’s also rumored to employ a Snapdragon 800 processor, a 6-inch display and more. We’ll have to wait for other details to arrive via LG leading up to their late February reveal, so be sure to keep checking back as they peel off more and more layers. [via LG Korea] |
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