Android Phone Fans |
- Motorola exec posts 1080p screenshot, could it be from the Moto X+1?
- Google Search filters ingredients for popular dishes, doesn’t show the Nexus 6
- SanDisk 128GB microSD card now only $100 [DEALS]
- T-Mobile announces The Underground, new site offering exclusive devices for the ‘true enthusiast’
- HODOR hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor [hodor]
- Aereo brings broadcast television and cloud-based DVR to your Chromecast
- Tinder introduces Snapchat-like photo messaging, pretends it’s no longer a dating app
- Phan Favs: What are the best Android apps for kids? [VOTE]
- Best Android Tablets [June 2014]
- We sure hope this isn’t how the Nexus 8 will look
- Google’s Project Tango tablet revealed with Tegra K1 inside
- YouTube now lets you select your video quality up to 720p
- Hitman Go for Android now available for puzzle fans
- Fieldrunners, Frozen Synapse and Ittle Dew added to Humble Bundle PC and Android 10
- Google tricks out Google Maps Street View for the 2014 World Cup
| Motorola exec posts 1080p screenshot, could it be from the Moto X+1? Posted: 05 Jun 2014 05:59 PM PDT
A quick history of Motorola devices will tell you they have yet to release a smartphone with a full HD 1080p display. Tell us why then — when talking about their new Android 4.4.3 feature that allows users to disable the carrier name from being displayed in the status bar — Motorola VP of Product Management Punit Soni posted a screenshot of a phone with a 1080×1920 resolution display? Weird? Not really. We’ve heard rumors that the upcoming Motorola Moto X+1 would arrive with a more up-to-date full HD display. While nothing is confirmed, it’s highly unlikely Soni would be using some other Android device to show off a new Motorola feature, so this could be our confirmation that the Moto X+1 will, in fact, feature a 1080p display. Anyone surprised? Relieved? After checking out current flagships, this Android blogger has his money on the Moto X+1 as his next smartphone purchase. Let’s hope Motorola doesn’t hold back much this time around. [Google+] |
| Google Search filters ingredients for popular dishes, doesn’t show the Nexus 6 Posted: 05 Jun 2014 05:42 PM PDT
Google’s Android Twitter page tweeted an interesting hidden feature in Google Search that many of you probably didn’t even know existed. The next time you get the hankering to do a little home cooking and are looking for recipes online, Google Search can make that process easier with their ingredients checklist. Only available on Google Search web at the moment, you click the “more” drop down in the upper right and then select the “ingredients” option to filter recipes by ingredients. It’s nothing too major and despite @Android hashtagging #OkGoogle, this actually can’t be done in the Google Search app for Android — only the browser. Weird, but maybe they’re planning on adding this in the near future? Who knows. But in the meantime, give it a go and let us know if you think something like this could be helpful, or if it’s simply a waste of time. Oh, and before anyone gets any weird ideas, no that is not a Nexus 6 slip pictured above. It’s nothing more than a generic smartphone mockup. [Twitter] |
| SanDisk 128GB microSD card now only $100 [DEALS] Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:25 PM PDT
This year we watched as more and more Android manufacturers began offering memory card slots in their latest flagships devices. A trend sparked by the feedback of Android’s most vocal smartphone fans, now might be a good time to invest in some hefty storage to slip inside your shiny new Android. If you hurry on over to Amazon, you can find an insanely large 128GB Class 10 UHS microSD card with a 30MB read speed, marked down to a newly discounted $100. This should give you more than enough elbow room to store your entire library of… cat videos, along with games and whatever else you drum up. Keep in mind older Android devices likely wont take full advantage of all the storage, but if you have something more recent ( Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One M8) you should be fine. The SD card is Prime eligible which means you can have a 128 gigs on your doorstep by Saturday. The card is also a Best Buy deal of the day, so you can always go that route, should you choose. Link to both listings provided below. |
| T-Mobile announces The Underground, new site offering exclusive devices for the ‘true enthusiast’ Posted: 05 Jun 2014 03:18 PM PDT
Amidst rumors of an incoming T-Mobile/Sprint merger, Magenta is dropping hints of some sort of new program they’ll soon be offering dubbed “Underground.” Details are sort of scarce at the moment, but from what T-Mobile is telling us, they’ll soon be offering “performance-centric” devices in limited quantities — not found on their regular site. Geared towards the “true enthusiast,” T-Mobile mentions accessories will also be added to the mix, but exactly what they’re planning is anyone’s guess. Following the link they posted on Google+, it takes you to a landing page showcasing the limited edition Samsung Galaxy S5 in gold. What other devices will be added? The OnePlus One? ZTE blah, blah? No one knows for sure. We expect more details to be revealed, at the latest, during their June 18th Uncarrier 5.0 event in Los Angeles. |
| HODOR hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor [hodor] Posted: 05 Jun 2014 03:13 PM PDT
Hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor HODOR hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor HODOR hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor
HODOR hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor HODOR hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor hodor |
| Aereo brings broadcast television and cloud-based DVR to your Chromecast Posted: 05 Jun 2014 02:20 PM PDT Originally aiming for a May 29th launch, Aereo — a service that can stream live broadcast television to a variety of mobile devices — has finally updated their Android app with Chromecast support. This finally breaks Aereo free from the confines of your tiny smartphone or tablet display, and onto the biggest screen in your home.
But streaming is only half of it. Aereo also allows users to record their favorite TV shows, giving users a cloud-based DVR. While you debate on signing up for Aereo service ($8 a month), the company is currently locked in a brutal Supreme Court legal battle with television broadcasters. Here’s hoping everything works out.
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| Tinder introduces Snapchat-like photo messaging, pretends it’s no longer a dating app Posted: 05 Jun 2014 01:55 PM PDT
We first told you guys about Tinder — an app centered around creating matches with people you found interesting/attractive — when it first debuted on Android only almost a year ago. Since then, we’ve seen the app get a full visual makeover and in a new update rolling out now on Google Play, the app is attempting to break away from its previous stigma as being solely about dating/flirting with others. All new is a feature Tinder is calling “Moments.” Essentially, they’re Snapchat-like temporary photos that can be sent to all your matches and expire after 24 hours. Pretty neat for dropping a simple hello in the form of a selfie (please, guys — no dick pics), these photos can be edited with filters or even drawn on just like on Snapchat. Your matches can then like or unlike your photos (just like in the main part of the app), after which you’ll be able to see all the activity in a whole new tab.
Because not everyone is comfortable with downloading a “dating” app, Tinder sees their new picture messaging as a great way to spark a conversation with matches and even hints at a future update that will help the service further move away from its dating roots. Yes, because I need an app to help me find new “friends” based solely on their looks. Right…
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| Phan Favs: What are the best Android apps for kids? [VOTE] Posted: 05 Jun 2014 12:58 PM PDT
Phan Favs is a recurring feature that turns the tables and asks you, the readers, about the best apps and games. It's your turn to drop some knowledge on us! Read more. We’re back with another edition of Phan Favs! This time we are asking about apps that some of you may have no experience with: apps for kids. Any parent or babysitter knows how much kids love to play with smartphones and tablets. There is something about a touchscreen that seems so magical to young kids. That, or they just like to touch everything. Either way, there are tons of great apps in the Play Store for kids, babies, and toddlers. We are currently working on a list of kids apps, but we also wanted to get some input from you. If you have kids, or have experience with kids, we’d love to know which apps they enjoy. These can be educational, stories, creative, or just plain fun. Let us know! How to vote
It's as simple as that. Next week we will release our list of best apps for kids with some of the suggestions from you. In order to get a good sample size we need your help in sharing this poll. Please share this poll with any parents you know, or just anyone that has experience taking care of kids. Thanks, and happy voting! |
| Best Android Tablets [June 2014] Posted: 05 Jun 2014 12:29 PM PDT
May proved to be a slow month for tablet releases, and as such, there hasn't been much change at the top in our latest roundup of best Android slates. Still, the extra time to reflect and releases on the horizon have provided reason to reconsider our overall rankings. Read on to see our picks for the top Android tablets as of June 2014. 5. Nexus 7
The original Nexus 7 laid the groundwork for the many sub-$250 Android tablets, and its 2013 edition held pace and hangs on to a spot on our list this month despite starting to show its age. The big upgrade with the second iteration of the Nexus 7 was the addition of a high resolution display, and the modestly specced tablet remains a go-to for those looking for a stock Android experience with quick updates from Google. It isn't out of the question to think this might the last month the N7 will appear as one of our best tablets — the Google I/O conference at the end of the month could introduce the next generation of Nexus devices. 4. Kindle Fire HDX
Equally affordable in comparison to the Nexus 7, the Android experience here couldn't be more different. Amazon's Kindle Fire HDX eschews a traditional Android skin in favor of easy access to the vast library of digital content offered by the online retailer. A gorgeous HD display for consuming said digital content is the highlight, but the HDX is powerful enough to act as a gaming device and, to a lesser extent, productivity tool. 3. Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
With a month to consider Samsung's latest budget-minded lineup of Android slates, we've bumped the Galaxy Tab 4 up two spots. These mid-tier outfits offer 720p HD displays and and otherwise modest spec sheet, but they do so with Samsung's ever-improving take on the tablet. Starting at $199 for the 7-inch version (8 and 10.1-inch models are also available), the Galaxy Tab 4 series features a portable, compact design and makes for a great option for the casual tablet user. 2. Samsung Galaxy NotePro
We've praised the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro as the best Android tablet for the past few months, but we are beginning to see its steep price tag and large display as a hindrance rather than a preference. While there is certainly a space for 12-inch tablets in the current market, few manufacturers seem willing to get behind the form factor. A trend towards cheaper slates also puts the NotePro in a precarious position. Still, the powerful tablet with included stylus input gives a best-of-both-worlds option that is equally equipped for work and play. 1. Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet
The Sont Xperia Z2 slides into the top spot on the strength of its design, but don't blink at the powerful hardware encased within its sleek outlines. A beautiful display, Snapdragon 801 processor, and 8.1MP camera could stand toe-to-toe with any other tablet on the market. You'd be hard-pressed, however, to find another that packages it in a frame that is only 6.1mm thick (and waterproof). Honorable MentionsOK, you want a few more options? The above are what we consider the best available, but here are other Android tablets to consider that barely missed our list.
Tablets to look forward toThis month's Computex show brought us a handful of new tablet options, and other manufacturers have kept busy as well. Here are just a couple recently announced tablets to look forward to in the coming months. ASUS Transformer Book V
A true 5-in-1, the recently announced ASUS Transformer Book V features a 5-inch Android smartphone that can dock into a hybrid Windows 8.1/Android tablet, which in turn can be docked with a keyboard as a hybrid Windows 8.1/Android laptop. We think they covered everything. The Transformer Book V features a 12.5-inch HD display, Intel chipset, and sports 1TB of storage in laptop mode. Expect ASUS' latest transforming Android device sometime in the second half of the year. LG G Pad 2014 lineup
Announced earlier this month, LG will be updating its G Pad, introducing two new sizes and revamped hardware. The G Pad 8.3 will be replaced by the G Pad 8.0 along with a G Pad 7.0 and G Pad 10.1. LG hasn't revealed the full details on what to expect when the tablets launch in Q2 of this year, but we hope it includes the revamped UI found in the recently announced LG G3. Rumor MillThe following tablets haven't been announced yet, but that hasn't kept them out of the headlines. Surprise, surprise, we can expect yet another slate from Samsung. Samsung Galaxy Tab S
Still a rumor by definition but no secret by any means, Samsung is expected to reveal the Galaxy Tab S at an event scheduled for July 12th. What we know so far? Specs include a 10.5-inch Quad HD display, Exynos 5420 octa-core chipset, and Galaxy S5 inspired design. As the name implies, the Tab S is expected to be positioned as Samsung's flagship tablet for 2014. Don't expect this thing to come cheap. Nexus 8
We continue to see mentions of long-rumored the Nexus 8 alongside the Nexus 6, and it seems logical that Google's next tablet could be revealed later this month at Google I/O. Regardless, not much is known about this mysterious tablet but it could be an HTC-produced slate currently being developed under the code name Flounder. An updated Nexus 7 is also a possibility with a second device code named Molly also found floating around the Android code database. What say you?We get the feeling Samsung's tablet announcement this month and Google I/O could see our list looking very different next month, but here's where we are as of June 2014. Agree? Disagree? Agree to disagree? Let us know what you see as the best Android tablet in the comments below! |
| We sure hope this isn’t how the Nexus 8 will look Posted: 05 Jun 2014 12:05 PM PDT
Word has it the images you see above and below are that of the Nexus 8, the next (and possibly last) tablet in the storied Nexus line. It’s said to be made by HTC, and if it turns out looking like anything like what we see in these images I’ll definitely want to steer far clear of it.
Can you say “holy bezel?” The idea of making 7-inch and 8-inch tablets is to make them more comfortable to carry around and hold, but when you put an 8-inch display into a 10-inch chassis that kind of defeats the purpose. That said, it’s important to take a step back and ask ourselves a couple of things:
Regardless, if HTC is, in fact, the manufacturer of the next Nexus Tablet then we’re sure it’s in pretty good hands (if we’re judging by the HTC One M8′s beauty, anyway). Guess we’ll have to wait for Google I/O later this month to find out for ourselves. [via MyDrivers] |
| Google’s Project Tango tablet revealed with Tegra K1 inside Posted: 05 Jun 2014 09:56 AM PDT Murmurings of a tablet version of Project Tango have been swirling about for a few weeks now, but those murmurings have just been converted into official word — the Project Tango Tablet has been officially unveiled. If you’re not sure what Project Tango is, it’s a project Google is using to develop compact, portable devices with image sensors that can understand depth and map 3D surroundings like no device in its class has been able to do before.
You can pretty much think of it as the same technology being used in Google’s self-driving vehicles, except in tablet and smartphone form. We’re not sure what their ultimate vision is for these devices just yet, though we imagine Google will want developers to help shape that vision.
That’s why this device isn’t necessarily meant for consumers. It’s a developers’ kit — one that costs $1,024, funnily enough — and comes packed with a suite of specs that we wish we could have in today’s flagship tablets and / or smartphones. Here’s what developers will be looking forward to inside the body of this thing:
Again, this is for serious developers who want to help Google decide how this technology can fit into modern society and help change the way our devices work for us. You can sign up for a chance to receive a kit at Google’s site right now, though if you’re going to Google I/O later this month we hear these will be up for grabs as part of the annual freebie parade. Let’s hope Google gives us a better sense of how these devices can help us when they take the stage in San Francisco June 25th. |
| YouTube now lets you select your video quality up to 720p Posted: 05 Jun 2014 09:12 AM PDT
A great new YouTube update has been released that will allow you to fine tune streaming video quality. You’ll now get to specify whether you want your video to play in 144p, 240p, 360p, or 720p. Of course, an automatic mode will be available if you’d rather let the YouTube app decide based on network conditions. Unfortunately we don’t get access to 1080p, which is a shame considering many high-end phones and tablets support the resolution. This is a good start, though, and we’re sure Google’s weighing their options for further improvements to this much needed feature in the near future. You can grab the update from Google Play right here. |
| Hitman Go for Android now available for puzzle fans Posted: 05 Jun 2014 08:26 AM PDT Yearning for a good puzzle game to keep you preoccupied? Hitman Go definitely deserves your attention despite its hefty price tag. The cost of entry is $5, but you’re getting a board game-style puzzle game that has you sneaking around mansions, gardens and more as Agent 47 himself. Your goal is to get from point A to point B without alerting the guards or getting caught. There are size objectives if you want to tackle them, such as collecting all the briefcases, finishing a mission in a limited amount of moves and more. The game features props that you can pick up and throw to distract your enemies in order to find the fastest and safest route to your goal. You can use disguises to trick the enemy into thinking you’re one of them.
And what’s a Hitman game without those silverballers we all know and love? As someone who has spent an insane amount of time on this game on iOS already, I implore everyone to go download it if you’re looking for something fresh and new to play on your phone or tablet. Find it right here in the Google Play Store. |
| Fieldrunners, Frozen Synapse and Ittle Dew added to Humble Bundle PC and Android 10 Posted: 05 Jun 2014 07:49 AM PDT
Last week’s Humble Bundle PC and Android 10 brought some great games for low coin, including Fieldrunners 2, Breach and Clear, Metal Slug 3 and Skulls of the Shotgun. More games are typically added about a week later for those who opt to pay more than the average, and sure enough they’ve been revealed. New to the roster is the original Fieldrunners, which features top-down shooting fun with great graphics and unique weapons. You’re also getting Frozen Synapse, a turn-based strategy game that’ll test your tactical thinking, and Ittle dew, an adventure game with great puzzles, charming graphics and a pretty enjoyable story. All of it is available if you pay at least $4.91 (as of the time of this writing). You’ll be getting downloads for all major PC platforms (Windows, Linux and Mac) and Android, as well as soundtracks for each respective game if you’re into that sort of stuff. You only have about 5 days to get in on it so be sure to check it out right here before it’s too late. |
| Google tricks out Google Maps Street View for the 2014 World Cup Posted: 05 Jun 2014 07:06 AM PDT
We’re about a week away from the commencing of the big tournament known as the FIFA World Cup, and Google is preparing in a couple of different ways. Aside from forthcoming Google Now scores and schedules functionality and new Chromecast apps, they’re giving us a look at Brazil and the inside of several World Cup stadiums in all their glory through Google Maps Street View.
More than 100 locations in Brazil have been tricked out with indoor maps to make sure you can always get around, and if you aren’t lucky enough to attend you can get a first-hand look of it all as if you were there (but nothing beats actually being there, of course). It’s all available on either mobile or desktop, so be sure to check it out if you needed yet another reason to get hyped about kick-off. [via Google] |
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