Android Phone Fans |
- Google IO 2014: Sponsoring the Big Android Meat and Greet
- Sony Xperia Z2 gets exclusive ‘Live on YouTube’ app, a feature not even found in the official app
- Get a Moto Stream for $25, that’s 50% off using this promo code [DEALS]
- 250 all new emoji introduced in Unicode 7.0 including the long requested middle finger, here’s the full list
- The Transportation Department wants to regulate navigation apps like Google Maps, auto industry agrees
- 90% off Xtreme Guard’s tempered glass screen protectors using this coupon code [DEALS]
- AllCast user interface adapted for the big screen in its latest update
- Galaxy Tab S United States presales begin tomorrow
- Make it rain on tons of smartphones with Geohot’s new root tool [VIDEO]
- Autobirds and Deceptihogs do battle in Angry Birds Transformers
- Report: Galaxy S5 with 3GB of RAM, Snapdragon 805 and LTE-A to be announced this week
- This third-party retailer says they’re now shipping the OnePlus One… with a catch
- Verizon Xperia Z2 might not be here until the middle of the next quarter
- AT&T customer data compromised thanks to inside job
| Google IO 2014: Sponsoring the Big Android Meat and Greet Posted: 16 Jun 2014 06:35 PM PDT
Next week, thousands of press, enthusiasts, and developers will make a pilgrimage to San Francisco for Google IO 2014, Google’s annual developer conference. Besides getting the details on the latest advancements with Android, Chrome, and other Google services, conference attendees the can partake in various area events aimed at providing IO goers with evening activities – read parties. For the very first time, the minds behind the Big Android BBQ are bringing their show to Google IO, providing mouthwatering BBQ, locally brewed beers, and a chance to network with various like minded folk from around the Android community. Phandroid is proud to announce that we’re sponsoring the first ever Big Android Meat and Greet at Google IO 2014. The Big Android BBQ is one of the top events that we attend and we’re extremely excited to help bring this special event to Google IO and the Android community this year. Rob Jackson, Steve Albright, and I will be at the BAMG event next Thursday, June 26th, between 5pm and 7pm at Wearable World in San Francisco doing what we do best – party and geek out. Thanks to our friend Josh Muñoz at Android Etch, all BAMG attendees will receive a specially made laser etched Phandroid pint glass. Who doesn’t love free swag? Last fall, Android Etch was born thanks to a successful Indiegogo campaign where Josh announced his goals to create Android swag and goodies for fellow Android enthusiasts like you and me. Since then, Muñoz has been using lasers to etch various Android themed logos on pint glasses, shot glasses, coffee mugs, and coasters. Josh is hard at work making Phandroid pint glasses for our swag giveaway next week. Check out his video below to watch him unbox glasses through Google Glass and etch the very first Phandroid branded pint glass. Let us know what you think of the finished product and we’ll see you at Google IO next week.
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| Sony Xperia Z2 gets exclusive ‘Live on YouTube’ app, a feature not even found in the official app Posted: 16 Jun 2014 05:31 PM PDT
While those of us in the US are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Sony Xperia Z2 (a leak suggests a “special” version is being prepared for Verizon), Sony continues supporting the device with exclusive new applications. The latest is a Live on YouTube app which offers a handy feature not even the official YouTube provides, giving users the ability to broadcast a live streaming event straight from their Xperia device. Somewhat of a handy tool for bloggers covering live events of some sort, we’re not entirely sure how useful this will be for the everyday-man. Still, you can never have too many options and we’re sure someone out there wouldn’t mind sharing their life with loved ones be it a concert or other event. Just make sure you bring a portable battery charger, this is sure to suck up a considerable amount of battery life over long periods.
Those of you already with an Xperia Z2 in your possession can get started right now but first, you’ll need to enable the “Live events” setting in your YouTube settings here. While you can find the Live on YouTube app on Google Play, those that prefer to sideload (perhaps you’re running an Xperia Z2 ROM with another device) can find a direct download to the apk here. [via XperiaBlog] |
| Get a Moto Stream for $25, that’s 50% off using this promo code [DEALS] Posted: 16 Jun 2014 04:10 PM PDT
We know, you’ve probably just finished throwing down a chunk of change for the Xtreme Guard deal we told you about earlier today. Well, it’s time to pull out the wallet yet again, as we’ve come across another crazy good deal (insert wacky inflatable arm flailing tube men gif here). When we first told you guys about the newly released Moto Stream, we noted that while it looked rather stylish and has a few good features under the hood, ultimately its $50 price point was just a little too much for what was being offered. Today, the folks at SlickDeals posted one helluva deal for the NFC enabled Bluetooth streaming device. How does $25 for the Moto Stream sound? That’s exactly how much you’ll be spending after entering in this promo code at checkout: PC7!3!RAK More than a reasonable asking price for the Moto Stream, you might want to act fast. We’re not sure how long this promo will be in effect, but you can find it via the accessory’s listing below. [Buy: Motorola Moto Stream] |
| Posted: 16 Jun 2014 02:46 PM PDT
We weren’t expecting Unicode Standard 7.0 until next month, but it looks like it’s arrived a bit early. Available starting today, the update, which introduces 2,834 new characters, is bringing something far better than historic scripts or extended support for written languages across the globe (who needs all that junk, right?). Say hello to a whopping 250 all new emoji. Because sometimes there’s nothing that quite gets your point across like flipping someone the bird in pictograph form. Everything from various hand signals, to new smileys is being added. Just keep in mind that platforms like Android and iOS will need to be updated to support the new standard, so don’t expect to find many of these new emoji until later updates. If you’re curious to see which new emojis made the cut, the folks at Emojipedia have provided us with the full list. Check it out below.
[Source: Unicode 7.0 and Emojipedia | Via: The Verge] |
| Posted: 16 Jun 2014 12:25 PM PDT
In what is supposedly a battle to help curb distracted driving, the Transportation Department is now asking Congress for help in regulating any and all navigation aids, including the ones found on your smartphone. The proposed transportation bill would give — in writing – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration full authority to regulate apps like Google Maps or Waze, setting restrictions and ordering changes to features they feel are too dangerous to drivers. In a surprise to no one, that automakers are supporting the bill, but not because this might finally put their costly navigation service plans on an even playing field with free apps like Google Maps or Waze — they’re just looking out for everyone’s well being. A spokesperson for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said in a statement:
Aside from the manpower or budget needed to oversee all the many navigation aids offered by the auto industry and company’s like Google, the measure faces other problems. Two years ago a man fought — and won — a ticket he received after a police officer ticketed the man for using a navigation app while driving. The matter reached an appeals court who later reversed the conviction. With the ever changing technological landscape, it’s clear our laws have some further catching up to do. The highway agency says that once passed, changes to smartphone apps wouldn’t occur anytime soon. Their central focus would, at least for time being, remain on in-dash automotive software. And while it’s unclear exactly what changes, if any, would hit apps like Google Maps, apps like Waze which feature much more user interaction could see many of their social features — like police sighting reports — stripped away (or disabled while driving). With updates to these apps requiring approval from the transportation department, well, it’s easy to imagine these becoming much less frequent. [NYT] |
| 90% off Xtreme Guard’s tempered glass screen protectors using this coupon code [DEALS] Posted: 16 Jun 2014 11:16 AM PDT
Ever since the first “tempered” glass screen protectors started hitting the market, we have to admit — we were intrigued. Unfortunately, their steep pricing always kept us admiring from afar. It’s a good thing we came across this awesome deal from Xtreme Guard and their line of “Spartan Shieldz” real tempered glass screen protectors. Normally priced at $40, these screen protectors can be yours for only about $4 using their special 90% off promo code: Huge90off2. Keep in mind you’ll need to add at least 2 items in your cart to get the discount.
Typically, we’d opt for those cheap, 99 cent plastic screen protectors because any form of protection is better than nothing. The only problem we found with plastic screen protection is that they can quickly and easily become scratched up, requiring another purchase after only a few months of use. Now, we can’t vouch for the quality as we’ve never tried this brand, but this is simply a deal we couldn’t afford to pass up. What’s more, you can purchase Xtreme Guard’s traditional plastic screen protectors complete with back protection for next to nothing. The choice is yours but if you’ve always wanted to see what the tempered glass hype was about, now’s your chance. Link below. |
| AllCast user interface adapted for the big screen in its latest update Posted: 16 Jun 2014 10:54 AM PDT
The latest AllCast update has just hit the Play Store, and it brings some exciting new changes that users have been dying for. The biggest change is a new tablet-optimized user interface, so you won’t have to deal with a stretched out phone interface when you’re trying to find your way around all your content. There are some other interesting changes as well, including a feature that will automatically pause playback on an incoming call, a refined user interface for browsing and viewing photos, and more. Oh, and a staunch declaration that Hodor should be named King for 2016. |
| Galaxy Tab S United States presales begin tomorrow Posted: 16 Jun 2014 09:27 AM PDT
Our European friends got first crack at pre-ordering the Samsung Galaxy Tab S tablets that were announced last week, and now it’s the United States’ turn. Samsung has announced that pre-sales for the devices will begin starting tomorrow, June 17th. The WiFi-only 8.4-inch and 10.5-inch editions are $400 and $500 respectively, and should be up on Samsung’s site by the time you wake up tomorrow morning. Samsung is also planning to sell the tablet at Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, PC Richard & Sons and more, so check with those retailers to see what their respective pre-sale plans are. As for the 4G LTE models for all four major carriers? Those won’t be available to buy just yet, though we’re sure each carrier will share availability information as soon as they’re ready. Look for the WiFi models to arrive in July, and if you need a taste of what you’re in store for you can check out our video hands-on straight from Samsung’s unveiling event. [via Samsung] |
| Make it rain on tons of smartphones with Geohot’s new root tool [VIDEO] Posted: 16 Jun 2014 08:16 AM PDT George Hotz — the mastermind developer who made Sony so mad with his PS3 hacking antics that they pursued legal action — has returned to the scene with another huge development. This is Towelroot, a root tool that targets a vulnerability found in older versions of the Linux kernel. The vulnerability is said to be in every kernel before the June 3rd patch, so many older phones (and even a ton of newer phones) that have yet to get the latest kernel update might be in for a treat. The exploit has only been officially tested on a handful of devices so far, with the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 being the main benefactor. That said, the exploit is also found to work with the AT&T Galaxy S5, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (with KitKat) and more. Some users have even reported success with the Sony Xperia SP C5303. Some devices it reportedly hasn’t worked for is the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 with the latest KitKat update, as well as the Moto X with the latest KitKat update. Geohot (the hacker’s nickname) has invited folks to give it a try on their smartphone if they’ve exhausted all other avenues. It doesn’t hurt to try to give it a shot if you’ve been itching for root on your smartphone. The XDA thread with all the information and download link you need is right here. Fingers crossed that it works out for you! [TowelRoot, Thanks to DroidModderX!] |
| Autobirds and Deceptihogs do battle in Angry Birds Transformers Posted: 16 Jun 2014 07:01 AM PDT
Angry Birds has already been fused with popular franchises such as Rio and Star Wars, and now the the ancient war between bird and pig will reach another new height. Rovio and Hasbro have announced Angry Birds Transformers, which will see a team of vigilant Autobirds taking on a horde of evil Deceptihogs. There isn’t a ton to know about the game at this time, though Rovio tells us this partnership with Hasbro is more than just the game. Licensed merchandise, which we imagine will include toys and apparel, will also spawn from this interesting mash-up. Our first look at the promotional material shows the birds tricked out as Transformers I can’t identify (because I’m not cool enough to possess deep knowledge about Transformers lore). Of course, those three are being chased by a couple of hasty pigs dressed up in menacing attire. The game should be on its way “soon,” though an exact release date will have to wait until Rovio and Hasbro are ready to share more. [via Rovio] |
| Report: Galaxy S5 with 3GB of RAM, Snapdragon 805 and LTE-A to be announced this week Posted: 16 Jun 2014 06:31 AM PDT
The murmurings of a more powerful version of the Samsung Galaxy S5 are about as old as the phone itself, and it looks like Samsung could finally be readying the rumored device for launch. According to Yonhap News in South Korea, Samsung will introduce a version of the Samsung Galaxy S5 equipped with LTE-Advanced radios this week. But faster data isn’t the only thing this device will have over the original, if the promotional material above is to be believed. SammyHub says the graphic lists the device as having the following specs beneath the hood:
That lines up quite nicely with all the rumors we’ve been hearing. It’s not unheard of for Samsung to bring an upgraded version of their flagship a few months down the line. The Samsung Galaxy S4 got upgraded from a Snapdragon 600 processor to a Snapdragon 800 processor when its LTE-A version launched. The only issue is that the original upgraded Galaxy S4 wasn’t available everywhere. Korea was its main market, and if you wanted one in most of North America and Europe you had to import it. Let’s hope the same won’t be true for the beast that’s said to be revealed at some point this week. |
| This third-party retailer says they’re now shipping the OnePlus One… with a catch Posted: 16 Jun 2014 05:54 AM PDT
While OnePlus is still trying to get OnePlus One invites out to consumers through giveaways and contests, one retailer says they already have some in stock and ready to ship right now. That retailer is Oppomart, who — as their name suggests — sells all things Oppo. Oppo has natural ties to OnePlus, so to see Oppomart carrying the device isn’t all too surprising. What is surprising, though, is that they have some in stock (which should seem normal considering OnePlus announced it was officially “shipping”). Getting your hands on one won’t come without any catches. They only have the 16GB Silk White version, for starters, and its $400 price tag is $50 more than what the phone officially retails for. If that’s not enough, their stock doesn’t ship with CyanogenMod 11S. Instead, you’ll be getting Oppo’s ColorOS, though we’re assured the phone can be flashed to CyanogenMod with ease. Wondering if OppoMart is a safe place to buy? They’re pretty reputable from what our findings show, though reputability and reliability are two different things. If you don’t mind taking a risk on a little-known retailer and don’t mind the snags mentioned above, then by all means order one. Otherwise, keep your fingers crossed that the invitation circus OnePlus has been putting on is put to an end soon. [Thanks Joel!] |
| Verizon Xperia Z2 might not be here until the middle of the next quarter Posted: 16 Jun 2014 05:21 AM PDT
There’s plenty of evidence supporting the notion that Verizon will be getting their own variant of the Sony Xperia Z2 in the near future, but if you’re wondering why we have yet to see it after the original model has been out for so long @evleaks may have shed some light. According to them, the reason Verizon’s model is taking so long is because their variant is being hooked up with LTE-Advanced radios (Verizon XLTE) that require more testing and certification. So when’s it coming? The latest info says the middle of next quarter, which would mean August if said information is accurate. That’s quite a bit of ways away, and it’ll be hard for Sony and Verizon to entice folks as the LG G3 would likely be out by then. That gives the Sony Xperia Z2 three huge 2014 smartphones to compete with ( HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S5), as well as the always-valiant iPhone 5S. Verizon will apparently name their model the Sony Sirius Viv and slap it with model number D6503. We’re not sure if there will be any other differences compared to the original Z2, but we imagine Verizon won’t be doing a ton to change things up (save for some oddly-placed logos and a few custom apps). Anyone still looking forward to its arrival? |
| AT&T customer data compromised thanks to inside job Posted: 16 Jun 2014 05:03 AM PDT AT&T customers have reason to be alarmed as it has been revealed that they’ve been subject to some information theft. According to reports from IDG, AT&T has started notifying customers of a breach that occurred between April 9th and April 21st. The breach allowed some no-good souls to get away with social security numbers and names.
It’s said the information was used to spoof customer accounts so that the offenders could illegally activate phone service and unlock phones. So how did this happen? Well, it wasn’t due to shoddy security being exposed by skillful hackers. A group of a few people from one of AT&T’s contractors used unauthorized methods to gain access to the information. This effectively makes the incident an inside job. For their part, AT&T says they do not share customer data with contractors outside of a strict set of protocols and policies they adhere to. That’s reassuring, though it doesn’t do much for those whose information was accessed. We’re not sure how they’ll handle things from here, but we’re almost certain customers affected will be hooked up with some free identity protection. AT&T has also mentioned that they are reviewing their operations and getting law enforcement involved to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Be sure to check your email or snail mail to make sure you weren’t part of the bunch that was affected. The full statements lie straight ahead. AT&T Statement to Consumers:
AT&T Statement to Press:
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