Android Phone Fans |
- HTC One M8 vs Samsung Galaxy S5 vs LG G Pro 2 vs Sony Xperia Z2 [CAMERA FACE OFF]
- Will the Verizon HTC One M8 work on AT&T/T-Mobile/global networks? [FROM THE FORUMS]
- Google bans erotic apps from the Play Store according to new developer policies
- ICYMI: HTC One M8, Office for iPad, Google on Windows Phone & more
- Download all 18 HTC One (M8) Wallpapers
- Mobile Roar Podcast 38: The Great M8
- Plants vs. Zombies 2 gets new levels, plants, and zombies as part of Far Future update
- And you thought Philips Hue lighting was expensive before…
- The official ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ game now available on Google Play
| HTC One M8 vs Samsung Galaxy S5 vs LG G Pro 2 vs Sony Xperia Z2 [CAMERA FACE OFF] Posted: 28 Mar 2014 06:57 PM PDT
The HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S5, LG G Pro 2, and Sony Xperia Z2. What do these devices have in common? Well, they all tout new, cutting edge cameras tech as their claim to fame. We’ve gotten our hands on many of these devices during our time at Mobile World Congress. It’s true, in well lit or daytime environments, most smartphone cameras will perform about the same. But some would say the real test lays in how well these cameras perform in less ideal conditions. They’re the biggest heavy weights of the year, and they’re about to go head-to-head in a low-light camera battle royale. In one corner we have the HTC One M8. HTC claims the 4MP UltraPixel camera captures more light, helping the phone shoot better in dimly lit situations. Of course, this comes at the cost of having a higher MP count, something that could give its competitors an edge. In the other corner lays the Samsung Galaxy S5. This phone features Samsung’s own in-house 16MP ISOCELL camera that is capable of lightning quick auto focus, and higher dynamic range. We got a chance to see it first hand during MWC, and can vouch for the optics in brightly lit scenes, but what about during night time shots? Across is the LG G Pro 2. LG’s latest phablet, the G Pro 2 features a 13MP camera with optical image stabilization, as well as a fancy new LED flash for more accurate color rendition. But how well is the image quality when the flash is off? We’ll soon find out. Finally, there’s the Sony Xperia Z2. Featuring Sony’s 20MP camera, the Xperia Z2 has the highest resolution shooter of the bunch, and comes with Sony’s camera expertise to back it up. This might just give the phone the advantage it needs to come out on top. The folks at ePrice were nice enough to put together this camera comparison, snapping photos with all 4 smartphones under a variety of night time, and dimly lit scenes. All cameras featured their default/auto settings for shooting, so your results may vary. HTC One M8 top left, Samsung Galaxy S5 top right, LG G Pro 2 bottom left, Sony Xperia Z2 bottom right (click for full size images). Cool? Let’s get ready to rumble!
Having looked over all the images, it’s interesting to see there aren’t really any clear winners here. Each camera behaves differently, but none are really consistent. That being said, which camera out of all these devices do you think performed the best? If anyone is looking for the non-collaged full versions of these images, you can grab them in our Google Drive folder here.
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| Will the Verizon HTC One M8 work on AT&T/T-Mobile/global networks? [FROM THE FORUMS] Posted: 28 Mar 2014 04:46 PM PDT
Earlier this week, we watched as Verizon Wireless became the sole US carrier to offer the HTC One M8 immediately after the phone became official last Tuesday. As one of the most highly anticipated devices of 2014, we watched as our HTC One M8 forum became flooded with new threads about the device. Some general discussion, some looking for feedback from new users, others with just regular ‘ol questions about the phone. Will Verizon HTC One M8 overseas? We dived in and found an interesting question from an Android Forums member inquiring about the Verizon Wireless HTC One M8′s “global-readiness.” TectonicPenguin asks:
We decided to find out for ourselves and after doing a little digging, we came across Verizon Wireless’ “Global-Ready” device page, where sure enough, the HTC One (M8) is listed. According to Verizon, all of their Global-Ready devices can be used overseas without the need to unlock them first. For added measure, we reached out to HTC who assures us the HTC One M8 is, in fact, GSM unlocked and will work fine overseas. Will Verizon HTC One M8 work on AT&T? Because Verizon’s 4G LTE devices use SIM cards, that means many of them (the global-ready ones, anyway) are compatible with the regular 3G/2G GSM bands used everywhere else in the world (no LTE, however). When traveling, simply pop in a prepaid SIM card, configure the APN settings with the network you’ll be using the phone on, and boom. You’re up and running on 3G. Same goes for AT&T in the US (again, no LTE because of incompatible bands). Verizon HTC One M8 on T-Mobile? T-Mobile is where things get a little tricky, with the phone only receiving 2G Edge data speeds unless your areas is one of T-Mobile’s recently re-farmed 2G areas. These are areas where T-Mobile’s 1900MHz Edge network once lay, If so, then it’s 3G all the way. You can find a good list of cities/areas on T-Mobile’s page here. So why should this matter to you? Well, the HTC One M8 not only makes a great travel companion, but should you have a family member with an upgrade on Verizon they aren’t going to be using anytime soon, you could technically use the Verizon HTC One M8 on Straight Talk with an AT&T SIM. Neat, huh? | |||||
| Google bans erotic apps from the Play Store according to new developer policies Posted: 28 Mar 2014 04:08 PM PDT
Call it a crack down, or just a little spring cleaning, but in an effort to keep the Play Store safe for users of all ages, Google is giving Android developers a heads up about some new changes arriving in their Google Play Developer Program policies. The changes (which Google sent to developers via email) may sound small, but should have a big impact on many of the apps you come across on Google Play. Google’s always had a strong stance against sexually explicit material in the Play Store (it’s strictly prohibited), but today Google is stretching their definition to include even “erotic” content. You know. Like all those “Sexy Babes Wallpaper” apps that are always topping the free charts. End of the world, right? Guess they’ll have to find a new home in the Amazon Appstore because Google ain’t having it. Besides the banning of smut, Google is also introducing an entirely new policy they’re calling “App Promotion.” Here’s the new policy as found on the policies page:
According to this new policy addition, if you’re a developer and your app shows up in a sketchy ad — no matter if it’s your fault or your ad network’s — your app could find itself removed from Google Play. Harsh? A little bit. But it seems Google’s finally had enough, and they’re now trying to clean up the Play Store’s image of being a safe haven for spam, spyware, or other junk. In regard to in-app purchases, we recently saw the new badge (right below the app’s title) disclosing when an app contains in-app purchases. Google is taking it one step further by requiring that developers disclose in their Play Store listing when a particular feature (multiplayer for instance) requires an in-app purchase. Nice. There’s also a lot of new stuff in there regarding ads and some new additions to their spyware section that addresses surveillance and tracking apps. Google warns that any new apps published to the Play Store after today will be immediately subject to these new policy changes, with apps already on Google Play having 15 days to comply with the update or face removal. If you’re a developer looking for more information, you can view the Google Play Developer Program Policies page here. | |||||
| ICYMI: HTC One M8, Office for iPad, Google on Windows Phone & more Posted: 28 Mar 2014 04:06 PM PDT The tech world was set ablaze this week by a ton of interesting happenings, the biggest of which was the launch of the all new HTC One M8 in New York City. There were a ton more, though, so let’s dive right into a convenient recap in case you missed any of it! HTC One M8 launch
This device debuted to mixed feelings by the Phandroid faithful, but the HTC One M8 is still one of the hottest devices we’ll see this year. It improves on the original HTC One in many ways, including a beefy Snapdragon 801 processor, a 5-inch 1080p display, louder BoomSound speakers and a secondary rear camera that gives you some interesting post-snap focus features. Missed any of our live on-scene coverage? Here’s a quick rundown of everything for your perusal:
And with the device in not only our hands, but everyone else’s at this point, there’s sure to be more to follow. Amazon event next weekAmazon has an event going down next week, and they’ve already revealed it’s all about video. Recent rumors say we could be seeing some sort of multimedia set-top box or an HDMI dongle that can plug into the back of your TV like a Chromecast would.
We imagine the main focus would be to allow you to watch your Amazon Instant Video content on the big screen, and perhaps give you access to other third-party services such as Netflix and Hulu. Amazon could also be looking to prep some gaming features, with rumors swirling that the online retailer has been looking to dabble in the interactive entertainment arena. The 30-day Android Fitness Challenge!
It’s Spring time, folks, and we’re sure a lot of people are looking to get fit after some winter hibernation. That’s why we thought you might enjoy a nice 30-day fitness challenge where we attempt to discover the best Android apps that can help you lose weight. We invite you guys to join in on the fun and suggest some great apps of your own! Other big Android stories on PhandroidThere was much more going on this week around the Android world. Here’s but a small taste of some of the most interesting stories you might have missed this week:
Be sure to check out all of those great stories and more right here on Phandroid.com! Elsewhere in mobile news…
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| Download all 18 HTC One (M8) Wallpapers Posted: 28 Mar 2014 10:37 AM PDT
We know that you Android fans love to customize your phones and tablets. And, just because you didn’t buy the HTC One (M8) doesn’t mean that you can’t reap some of the benefits. Here are 18 gorgeous wallpapers extracted from HTC’s latest flagship.                   We’ve also uploaded all 18 wallpapers in a nicely packaged zip file for your downloading pleasure. Enjoy and happy customizing!
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| Mobile Roar Podcast 38: The Great M8 Posted: 28 Mar 2014 08:38 AM PDT
The guys can finally talk about the HTC One (M8) officially. Did it live up to the hype? Will it be destroyed by the Galaxy S5? Also, Facebook bought Oculus Rift, but you shouldn’t worry too much about it. Other topics include Google I/O, millions of iPhones, Windows Phone 8.1, and Edgar selling his beloved G2. Thanks for listening! Big News Quick Hits
Wins/Fails
App Picks
Follow Us
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | |||||
| Plants vs. Zombies 2 gets new levels, plants, and zombies as part of Far Future update Posted: 28 Mar 2014 06:55 AM PDT Plants vs. Zombies fans who have been yearning for more brains can get their fix with the new Far Future update. The expansion pack brings a total of 24 additional levels, 10 new zombies, and 8 new plants. The update also marks the return of the Zen Garden, a popular feature from the first Plants vs. Zombies. Keeping with the time traveling theme of PvZ2, Far Future flings our heroes ahead into a world where bioengineered, genetically superior crops and plants are finally acceptable, if not necessary in the war against zombies. New plants available for defending your keep include the Laser Bean, Infi-Nut, Magnifying Grass, and Blover. They'll get to square off against new enemies like the Jetpack Zombie. Making its return in the Far Future update is the Zen Garden, a mini game of sorts that allows players to collect and grow plants to earn in-game rewards. A new Zen Garden Bee can aid in the process. Plants vs. Zombies 2 is available now as a free-to-play download from the Google Play Store. For those that have the game installed, the Far Future update is ready to go when you are. [via Google Play] | |||||
| And you thought Philips Hue lighting was expensive before… Posted: 28 Mar 2014 06:30 AM PDT
Philips has announced a selection of new lighting options that take what many already considered premium pricing and rocket it into the stratosphere. The Philips Hue Luminaries are a collection of smartphone-controlled LED lamps featuring complex, 3D-printed designs. They sell on the low end for $3,500. The lamps, designed by firms WertelOberfell and Strand+Hvass, are as much objects of art and attention as they are fully functional lighting sources. Let's be real though: you are paying for the funky designs made possible, apparently, only by the advent of 3D printing. These designs are inspired by light in nature, such as the way photons glint off a bug's compound eyes or the sun shimmers through spaces in a bare tree. Did we mention that pricing starts at $3,500? We are convinced these lamps exist for primarily only one reason: to make the standard Philips Hue bulb seem cheap by comparison. We kid, but Philips did introduce a new, cheaper version of their standard LED bulb dubbed the Hue Lux. It more or less replicates the features of the last generation of Hue bulb, including the ability to turn on/off, change color, and program via either Philips official app or third-party apps like IFTTT. If, however, loading up an an app seems too difficult, Philips also announced a new wall-mounted switch dubbed the Hue Tap. The kinetic-powered switch needs no batteries or external power and can trigger up to four lighting presets. The Hue Lux will retail for $40 for a bulb or $100 for a started kit that includes a WiFi hub (far cheaper than those Luminaries). The Tap is priced at $60. Both devices will be available later this year. Pre-orders for Hue Luminaries lamps begin March 31st. | |||||
| The official ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ game now available on Google Play Posted: 27 Mar 2014 07:26 PM PDT
Captain America: The Winter Solider is set to hit theaters next Friday, April 4th. If you were looking to get down and dirty with the Cap before then, Gameloft’s official movie tie-in game is now officially available on Google Play. Players step into the shoes of Steve Rogers, reprising his roll as Captain America as he — along with the help of SHIELD — goes up against iconic villains from the Marvel universe. Masterminds like King Cobra, Taskmaster, Puff Adder, and eventually, the Winter Soldier, all make an appearance. Graphically, the game looks great. CA:TWS features cell-shaded visuals for a comic feel, along with lifelike shadows and fuzzy depth of field bokeh. Not bad for a mobile game, and it looks great in 1080p. What’s interesting is the game is played in portrait mode, not the usual landscape mode which some players may find can take some getting used to. Nothing we couldn’t handle, however.
Gameplay is more along the lines of an MMO where tapping on enemies will order the Captain to attack, along with his Strike Team of SHIELD agents following suit. We should mention that there are manual movement/attacking controls, but it’s obvious that it simply was not how the game was designed to played… at all. Of course, the Captain’s trusty shield is always available to helping get him out of trouble, and can be thrown by swiping over enemies on screen. When things get really hairy, you can always call in the Black Widow or Falcon — two of the worse super heroes characters ever — to come in and lend a helping hand. Both Captain America and his SHIELD agents can have their abilities upgraded, adding an RPG like depth (and the chance for Gameloft to earn coin with additional in-app purchases for the impatient). There’s even a multiplayer mode where you can battle other rival players, adding a ton more value to the title. The game doesn’t actually spoil anything from the movie, with an original story co-written by comic writer Christos Gage. Just keep in mind only the first 2 levels are free ($3 after that), and Captain America: TWS does require an initial download of 87.71MB of data, along with a constant data connection to keep playing. Download link provided below along with the trailer. Oh, and for those watching the movie next Friday, keep an eye out for the HTC One making a cameo appearance in the hands of none other than Samuel L-mutha-flippin’ Jackson. Cheers.
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