Android Phone Fans |
- LG G3 partners with McAfee to prevent unauthorized factory resets and rooting
- Android 4.4.3 reportedly coming to the Samsung Galaxy S5 and S4, rollout begins this month
- YouTube is quietly testing 1080p option for their Android app
- Mobile Roar Podcast 49: Metal & Bezels
- Microsoft is considering bringing Cortana voice assistant to Android and other platforms
- Microsoft’s updated terms of service is a direct shot at Google
- OnePlus One gets dunked into a puddle of water, how did the $300 phone hold up? [VIDEO]
- Pebble launches a beta Android app with tons of new features
- Google Now begins suggesting events based on your emails
- The mythical OnePlus One has started shipping
- The Daily Show hilariously mocks Google Glass “discrimination”
- Hands on: Samsung Galaxy Tab S
- Google Fit is Google’s play to track health data for Android apps
| LG G3 partners with McAfee to prevent unauthorized factory resets and rooting Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:46 PM PDT
Losing your brand new smartphone is never fun. While it’s true you can use apps like Google’s own Android Device manager to track down your phone, you’re pretty much screwed once the new “owner” factory resets the device. LG knows this, which is why they’ve partnered with MacAfee Mobile Security for the upcoming LG G3. According to the joint press release, the MacAfee antivirus app will come pre-installed on the LG G3 and will not only protect your device from harmful malware (ie, cracked apps downloaded from the darkest parts of the internet), but features a few new security tricks as well. Aside from the Kill Switch that will essentially wipe your phone clean (Android Device Manager does the same thing), MacAfee can actually block others from factory resetting your LG G3, in the event that someone wants to make your stolen phone theirs. There’s even an option to block rooting should someone decide to go that route. All this combined with McAfee’s tracking, and you have a solid security app at no cost to you. Smartphone security is no joke and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of losing something so costly (and with so much personal information stored on it). It’s nice to see LG and McAfee have your back. |
| Android 4.4.3 reportedly coming to the Samsung Galaxy S5 and S4, rollout begins this month Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:02 PM PDT
The race is to Android 4.4.3 is on. As a good portion of Android devices have recently settled into their Android 4.4.2 updates, we watched as “stock” Android devices like the Moto X, Nexus 5, and Google Play edition devices all got a small numerical bump to 4.4.3. Now, we weren’t sure if manufacturers who use their own custom user interfaces would be jumping on the bandwagon, or if they’d possibly wait around until the next major firmware release.
According to a leaked Samsung document, it appears at least one Android OEM is planning on pushing out Android 4.4.3 to their current (and previous) flagship devices, and sooner than you might think. The leaked document, obtained by AndroidGeeks, gives us a June time frame for Android 4.4.3 on the Samsung Galaxy S5 — SM-G900F (Snapdragon) and SM-G900H (Exynos) — and July for the Samsung Galaxy S4 (LTE-A). As always, keep in mind that these models aren’t necessarily tied down to any specific network, meaning variants in the US are still subject to the lengthy process of carrier approval. Still, the fact that Samsung is committing to bring Android 4.4.3 to their their flagships is another reason why some Android fans choose the OEM in the first place. Gotta love that software support. |
| YouTube is quietly testing 1080p option for their Android app Posted: 13 Jun 2014 02:49 PM PDT
You may remember the big hoopla that was made after the folks at Google finally updated the YouTube app for Android with the ability to choose an actual 720p HD stream. We know many of you were surprised to find that after all this time, you actually weren’t watching YouTube videos in the full HD resolution, even when phones with 1080p displays are now pretty much commonplace. Well, praise the Google gods that be, it seems they’re finally addressing this issue in the backend. According to some Android users, they’ve reported seeing the option to stream in 1080p popping up on their devices (480p too). This lets us know that Google is, at the very least, already testing the feature. It’s not 100%, and you wont see the option appear for every video, but shout out below if you’re seeing the new 1080p option on your phone. |
| Mobile Roar Podcast 49: Metal & Bezels Posted: 13 Jun 2014 01:33 PM PDT Joe and Chris hold down the fort this week while Kevin is away at a Samsung event. The guys talk about the infamous Samsung Galaxy F and Samsung’s continued battle with LG. They also talk about “Quantum Paper” and Google’s plan to unify the internet. Hopefully next week we will be back at full strength for episode 50! Thanks for watching/listening!
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| Microsoft is considering bringing Cortana voice assistant to Android and other platforms Posted: 13 Jun 2014 01:12 PM PDT
While Google Now is great for bringing you the information you need before you need it, for some, there’s still a need (or want) to interact with a voice controlled “personal assistant.” This is partly the reason Siri has grown into a sassy pop icon she is today, and why Microsoft introduced their own in-house personal assistant dubbed Cortana. Only available via a developer preview for Windows Phone 8.1, Microsoft is preparing the service for a worldwide debut later this year. As a major selling point to help get more consumers on board with Windows Phone, you’d think Microsoft would be hoarding Cortana all to itself. But in an interview with Search Engine Land, it appears Microsoft is actually open to the idea of bringing Cortana to rival platforms like Android and iOS. In an interview with Search Engine Land, Windows Phone Group Program Manager Marcus Ash mentioned,
Ash also hinted at the possibility of Cortana arriving on desktops and vehicles, but because Cortana is still finding her identity on Windows Phone, it’s unlikely we’ll see her making a trip on over to the Google Play Store any time soon. With rival services being offered by Google and Siri, we have to admit it’d be nice to see a little competition in the personal assistant space. After all, options are good. |
| Microsoft’s updated terms of service is a direct shot at Google Posted: 13 Jun 2014 12:29 PM PDT
Microsoft and Google don’t exactly get along. We’ve watched as the “Scroogled” campaign went from moderately funny to just plain pathetic, and we’ve seen Google repeatedly refuse to support Microsoft platforms. The Scroogled campaign is the most interesting thing to come out of their strained relationship. Microsoft knows that Google’s quest for data makes some people uncomfortable, and they are trying their best to exploit that. Today Microsoft is sending out emails to address a change in their terms of service. The changes seem to be direct shot at Google. It’s almost as if the “Scroogled” campaign has leaked over to Microsoft corporate identity. In plain English for all to see, Microsoft has boldly claimed to be the anti-Google. Here it is:
The first section is the most obvious shot at Google. Microsoft has made several videos in the past that aim to shed some light on how Google “reads” user emails. The video below is just one example. Just today we wrote about Google Now reading emails to add events to you calendar. Google also reads emails for flight information, shipping status, and more. Most people who use Google services have opted into these things willingly, but there are those who don’t like Google rifling through their mail. Microsoft is hoping to gain the trust of those users. Here are some bullet points from Google’s privacy policy for comparison:
You can see how vastly different the two policies are. Microsoft is talking about what they don’t collect while Google is talking about how they collect it. We’re sure most of you (including us) have no problem with Google’s policy, but Microsoft is betting on the average consumer being afraid. With all the news about the NSA and companies stealing data, this is probably a wise move by Microsoft. Microsoft, in general, has taken a very safe approach to user data recently. Their new Google Now-esque personal assistant, Cortana, for Windows Phone comes with a “Notebook” feature. The Notebook allows Cortana to know only what the user wants her to know. Google Now, on the other hand, knows an amazing amount about you. There are ways to control this, but it’s not completely obvious, and you won’t get the full functionality of the app. Are you concerned about Google collecting your information? Should they be playing it safer, like Microsoft? Do you regularly read privacy policies of companies before signing up for their services? |
| OnePlus One gets dunked into a puddle of water, how did the $300 phone hold up? [VIDEO] Posted: 13 Jun 2014 11:22 AM PDT
While many of you are still anxiously awaiting your opportunity to pick up a OnePlus One, others are still a little leery about the phone. Top notch specs, sure. But as a smartphone built by a relatively unknown company, build and quality control issues are a reasonable concern. As OnePluses begin trickling out to customers, one lucky owner was willing to put his device through a stress test of sorts, simply to satisfy his curiosity (or blood lust). YouTube content creator GadgetGuruHD decided to take his OnePlus One out in the rain, operating the device as water droplets began gathering on the display. Unsurprisingly, the phone was still fully functional, operating normally as if it were dry. That’s when the YouTuber felt daring enough to fully submerge the OnePlus One in a dirty puddle of what. The results — described as “legit crazy” — was the phone, once again, came out unscathed. Now, we know. One of the most basic quality control tests manufacturers put their hardware through is ensuring a phone can handle some light rain or moisture. But full water submersion? In a phone with a removable back no less. Now, we’re not sure about any long term effects the OnePlus One will face after the water dunk, but it seems safe to say that in the event you drop your phone in a puddle of water (or heaven forbid, a toilet), the phone should be operational. Nice work, OnePlus. |
| Pebble launches a beta Android app with tons of new features Posted: 13 Jun 2014 09:57 AM PDT
The Pebble app for Android could use a lot of work. They are slowly improving it, and it has come a long way since launch, but it could be better. They are working hard to improve it, and now they are giving users early access to new features. The folks at Pebble have created a new beta app and community for Android users. To be a member of the beta and try new features before everyone else you have to join the group. Head on over to the Google+ group, opt in to the receive the beta, and download the app. You will now get more updates than the regular app. Here are some of the features you can get right away:
Hit up the link below to join the group and start getting new features! [via Pebble] Thanks everyone! |
| Google Now begins suggesting events based on your emails Posted: 13 Jun 2014 09:53 AM PDT
Google is making another push to make your life easier with Google Now. The latest update adds the ability to offer event suggestions based on the content of your emails. Before you freak out about Google reading your emails, remember that they have been doing this for a while for flight information and shipping updates. You don’t have to opt-in to this. Google Now has been suggesting events based on your location, but now it will make those suggestions more personal. If someone invites you to a party Google will ask if you want the event in your calendar. This functionality is currently rolling out to users. To activate this card you can find it in the “Everything else” section of the Now settings. Do you allow Google to go through your emails for information? There is a lot of awesome stuff that Google can do with that info, but some people are wary of it. Calendar events is just the latest in a long list of features that require your email information. Should Google branch out to read things like Hangouts and Google+? Do you prefer privacy or cool features? [via AP] |
| The mythical OnePlus One has started shipping Posted: 13 Jun 2014 09:08 AM PDT
Earlier this week we wrote about the OnePlus One being delayed again due to software issues. A lot of fingers were pointed, but it seems they have resolved the issues. We’ve been seeing a lot of reports from lucky recipients that OnePlus has finally started shipping handsets. OnePlus has recieved a lot of flack for their delays, but it has been less than 2 months since the One was announced. The most recent delay was due to new OpenSSL bugs. OnePlus and CyanogenMod decided to address the issues and get them fixed before shipping out the phone. They figured it’s better to be late and safe. Unfortunately, consumers have not been so patient. If you are a lucky recipient of the OnePlus One you should be getting an email very soon. If you want to #NeverSettle you have to be ready to wait. [via OnePlus] Thanks Sam! |
| The Daily Show hilariously mocks Google Glass “discrimination” Posted: 13 Jun 2014 08:00 AM PDT If you watched The Daily Show last night, you would have seen a handful of brave Google Glass Explorers who volunteered to appear in a segment called “Glass Half Empty.” The skit focused on the recent trend of Google Glass-wearers being asked to leave certain establishments, and the “discrimination” they face. The skit starts out like a report on discrimination, but quickly falls off the tracks when the interviewer realizes these people were simply asked to remove Glass. The interviewer asks numerous questions about why they choose to wear Glass, what it does, and why a regular smartphone is not enough for them. It’s very accurate commentary on how the world sees Google Glass Explorers right now.
At one point the interviewer tosses a verbal barb and then boils it down to a legitimate question “Let’s put aside that these glasses are just f***ing stupid. What is it about this (interviewer looks down at his phone) that’s too much for you?” Most people would agree with the interviewer in that a regular smartphone is more than enough. Explorers, however, are not most people. When you are on the bleeding edge of technology you will always run into detractors. Let’s not forget this is the same exact show that poked fun at the camera phone back in the day.
Google Glass is fighting to be accepted, just like every new technology has had to do at one time. One of the Explorers in the video, Cecilia Abadie, even went to court for wearing Glass while driving. We were there to report on her great victory. Some states are already banning Google Glass while driving, while others have ruled it’s fine. Airlines are also up in the air about allowing Glass on flights. At the end of the day The Daily Show is just trying to be funny. We’re sure many of the writers would agree that Glass will soon be a normal thing. Right now, however, it’s not, and they will surely poke fun at that. What do you think about the skit and Google Glass in general? |
| Hands on: Samsung Galaxy Tab S Posted: 13 Jun 2014 07:56 AM PDT
After years of Galaxy Tab this and Galaxy Tab that, Samsung has finally unified their flagship S lineup between smartphone and tablet with the introduction of the Galaxy Tab S. The device, available in 10.5 and 8.4-inch variants, is remarkably similar to the Samsung tablets that came before, but it offers enough refreshing features to feel new at the same time. The first thing you will notice about the Tab S is it's Galaxy S5-inspired design cues. It features a dimpled faux-leather back, that unmistakable home button, and all the essence of its smartphone counterpart. It also sports the same updated TouchWiz interface, but more on that later. The Galaxy Tab S is remarkably thin and light, measuring in at only 6.6mm thick regardless of screen size and weighing in 200 or 400 gram range depending on model. But this is still Samsung, and that means the build still retains a flimsy quality thanks to its deployment of plastic as a primary material. The big draw of the Tab S is its use of a Super AMOLED display at QHD resolution, and it's about time we got this on a Samsung tablet. The Super AMOLED has been a staple of the Galaxy S lineup for years, and it fits right in with the Galaxy Tab. The Galaxy S5's Super AMOLED display was praised as one of the best ever on a smartphone, and we get the feeling the same might be said of the Galaxy Tab S. The display does look pretty spectacular.
Is it as earth-shattering as Samsung made it sound in their launch presentation? We might question that a bit. It was interesting to see Samsung attempt to dress up Super AMOLED as a new, exciting technology despite the fact that some variation of it has been on the market for years. Samsung was also quick to point out the appeal of certain AMOLED features including bright, rich color saturation and deep contrast. In our experience, this can also be a weakness of the Super AMOLED, producing images that appear less realistic (albeit more visually stunning) than other displays. But here the Super AMOLED does a fine job, as does a compliment of specs that Samsung didn't spend a second of time overviewing on stage. This includes the presence of either an Exynos 5420 or Snapdragon 801 chipset (depending on region), 3GB RAM, and 8MP/2.1MP cameras. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Galaxy Tab S, however, was its SideSync capabilities. This feature not only allows the user to send and receive calls via their Galaxy S5 through the Galaxy Tab S, but it also allows them to remotely access and control their smartphone. In our hands-on time, the feature was easy to set up and worked remarkably well. It's not a totally new concept, but the execution was impressive for Samsung. If that's not a killer feature, consider the pricing. The 10.5-inch Galaxy Tab S will retail for $499 while the 8.4-inch variant will start at $299, a familiar pricing that no doubt targets Apple's 10-inch iPad Air and 8-inch iPad mini. Ultimately, the GalaxY Tab S, while introducing many new features, looked and felt like a typical Samsung tablet refresh — not bad, but not earth-shattering either.     |
| Google Fit is Google’s play to track health data for Android apps Posted: 13 Jun 2014 06:53 AM PDT
Google I/O is just two weeks away, and the leaks about what we might see are getting hot. The latest leak comes from the folks at Forbes. They are reporting that Google is ready to unveil a new health and fitness tracking platform called “Google Fit.” Like most Google services, all of the data that is collected will be accessible through the cloud. The goal is to standardize health and fitness data on Android. Google Fit will be similar to Apple’s HealthKit. It’s a collection of APIs that can be used by developers to aggregate health data. Anyone that makes an app can easily plug in some code and get access to powerful health and fitness features. Obviously this will be a big part of Android Wear. Google Fit will likely be an integral part in what Android Wear devices can do. We don’t know much more about Google Fit, but in just a couple of weeks we will learn a lot more. Are you interested in Google Fit? Do you want health and fitness tracking in your smartwatch? |
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