Android Phone Fans |
- Google Experience Launcher heads to Google Play… but still only for Nexus/GPE devices
- Hands-on with the Jolla Phone and SailFish OS [VIDEO]
- Moto G is Motorola’s most successful smartphone yet; new Moto X due late summer
- Eyes-on: Blackphone and PrivateOS [VIDEO]
- Hands-on: Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10 HD+ [VIDEO]
- AT&T announces free unlimited international messaging; begins February 28th
- Hands-on: Huawei TalkBand B1 [VIDEO]
- Hands-on: HTC Desire 816 [VIDEO]
- Samsung details Knox 2.0 security
- Samsung Galaxy S5 imitators are already out and about
- Qualcomm Toq smart watch gets $100 price cut
- Get your Android news from the latest version of the Phandroid app on the Google Play Store
| Google Experience Launcher heads to Google Play… but still only for Nexus/GPE devices Posted: 26 Feb 2014 02:31 PM PST We were saddened to learn that the cool Google Experience Launcher that debuted on Android 4.4 KitKat wasn’t going to be a standard feature of stock Android, and was instead going to be a timed exclusive launcher for the Nexus 5. It looks like Google is changing that, though only for an exclusive club of people. The app has launched in the Google Play Store, though only those with Nexus and Google Play Edition devices running KitKat will get to download and use it. The app comes with support for translucency, a Google Now panel when swiping to the far left of the home-screen, and more. You can say “OK Google” while on the home-screen to launch a Google Search, as well, which is a cool little parlor trick that can come in handy when you need your hands free. Of course, many have figured out ways to get the Google Experience Launcher working on devices that don’t support it, but you’ll have to get your elbows a tad wet to get that going. If you’re lucky enough to have one of the devices that supports it, you can find the Google Experience Launcher as a free download in the Google Play Store. [via AndroidForums.com] |
| Hands-on with the Jolla Phone and SailFish OS [VIDEO] Posted: 26 Feb 2014 12:59 PM PST The Jolla smartphone has long been announced, but the project was revealed so early that the team didn’t even have any prototypes ready to show the world. All these months later, though, we’ve finally gotten a chance to see the thing in person. We caught up with Jolla at Mobile World Congress to take a look at what they hope will shake the smartphone world up a bit and attract people to try something new. What is Jolla?It’s a smartphone. That’s the easy answer. But Jolla’s team created the device with a set of values and ideals that they feel are important to the overall package. Jolla was built as a community “movement,” of sorts. They contend that the phone wouldn’t exist without real demand from the people who want to buy it. The developers who create apps for it are a major component. Designers who want to create unique Jolla cases will help the phone fit any user’s personality. Basically, Jolla is for you and by you. But what makes this phone special? Well, it isn’t quite the specs, as they read out like your average smartphone in this day and age:
The design and build quality are great, but even that doesn’t quite set it apart. It’s the sum of all of Jolla’s other unique parts. SailFish UI, a gesture-based system that does away with the need for navigation buttons. The “other half,” which can change your wallpaper, color scheme and other parts of your appearance depending on what back cover is attached. And did we mention it runs Android apps? SailFish UI and Android AppsSailFish UI is a Meego-based operating system that emphasizes beauty and gestures above all else. In fact, some might say that the beauty is in the gestures themselves. One of the first things you’ll notice about the phone is that there is no back button. There is no home button. There is no menu button. None of that is even on-screen, because you don’t perform these actions in typical fashion. Flipping between applications is as simple as swiping from the left or right edge of your display. Going between settings, recent apps and your home-screen is all done by scrolling vertically. You can even access quick functions for each application in the switcher. For instance, swiping right on the switcher icon for Messaging might open up a new message box.     Accessing menu items within applications is done by holding down on the item and pulling down on it. For instance, to edit a contact you’d just place your finger on their name and start pulling down. A set of options will appear at the top highlighting each of the actions you can perform — simply let go to select it. Having trouble visualizing all that? You can see it being demoed in the video above. It’s smooth, it works well, and it looks like a fresh take on the smartphone experience (because, quite frankly, the lines are beginning to blur). Meego encourages developers to build native SailFish apps, but they know it’ll be tough to attract a sizable crowd. That’s why they’re making it easy for developers to port their Android applications over using an Android runtime. It’s the same sort of setup you’ll find in Blackberry 10, and we certainly don’t mind it here. We’re not yet sure how the process for porting apps will be, but if it’s anything like other runtimes out there we imagine Jolla will take the time to make sure it’s pain-free, quick and easy. The Other HalfAnd then there’s this. What’s “the other half,” you ask? Well, it could mean a couple of different things here. One side of it is metaphorical — for most people, a smartphone is their other half. As sad as that may sound, it really is one of the most important devices in your life, as it keeps you connected to your world and the people you love. There’s another half to the other half, though, and that’s the unique ability for your backplate to change your device’s look and feel. So what is it, and how does it work? It’s a back plate — not unlike the ones you see on most smartphones — that serves as a cover to protect your battery, microSD card slots and SIM card ports. These doors have two sets of pins on them, though, that allow them to transmit data from tiny pieces of flash memory embedded inside the backplates.    One set of pins is for data transfer, which could facilitate things like changing your wallpaper or possibly installing apps. Install an Angry Birds case, for instance, and you’ll get a nice Angry Birds wallpaper to match. Installing a Phandroid case could have our winking mascot show up on your desktop. The phone’s user interface colors can also dynamically change based on the wallpaper, so your phone truly becomes yours and “your other half.” The other set of pins can facilitate cases for wireless charging. Jolla even gave us an example of a case that could come with a camera lens attachment and enhance your photos, though we couldn’t tell if that was just ambitious dreaming or something that could become reality. Either way, Jolla’s unique extensibility features will give consumers something to think about when they’re deciding if they should ditch the likes of Android or iOS for a journey into the unknown. Check out the video and photos from our hands-on time with the device above. |
| Moto G is Motorola’s most successful smartphone yet; new Moto X due late summer Posted: 26 Feb 2014 10:40 AM PST What do you get when you combine quality hardware, fast software updates and a super affordable price? A smartphone that nearly instantly shoots up to the top of your company’s list in terms of success. That’s exactly what Motorola got with the Moto G, as the company has revealed that the Moto G is their most successful smartphone yet. The Moto G isn’t amazing in the specs department, nor is it the most revolutionary device we’ve ever seen. But what it does provide is a very solid experience that doesn’t take many bills out of your pocket — only $100 from some places, and that’s without a contract. Its success proves there’s a market out there for these inexpensive devices that we usually take for granted, and that people are willing to buy a “less capable” product as long as you aren’t asking too much for it. It’s one of the reasons the Nexus line has become so popular over the years. We’re not saying other devices are way overpriced, but perhaps there’s something to be learned from Motorola’s success. Heck, the company doesn’t even lose money on each smartphone sold. We’re not sure how big the profits are, but even a slim profit on a product this cheap is amazing in and of itself. It’s funny to think about Motorola’s smartphones and think that something like the Moto G would be their most successful yet. After all, it was Motorola’s original DROID that took on the iPhone and pretty much carried the Android flag after the original G1 had run its course. But that’s the reality, and the Moto G now holds the crown at the top of this storied company. So what’s next? Well, we’ve already heard about Motorola’s plans to introduce a smart watch at some point this year. Motorola also happened to let word slip that a new successor to the Moto X would be coming our way at some point late summer. That wouldn’t have been hard to guess considering the original Moto X was a pretty big deal for Motorola, though things haven’t been as certain lately as they were when Motorola was still under Google’s umbrella. For starters, Google sold Motorola to Lenovo for about $2.9 billion. That may or may not have prompted CEO Dennis Woodside’s recent decision to step down. To top all of that off, Lenovo hasn’t fully, publicly detailed their long-term plans for the company. It sounds like Lenovo is staying true to their word and allowing Motorola to continue on the path they were pre-acquisition, though, so things still seem like business as usual for now. In the meantime, we’re sure they’re out in Chicago (or Barcelona) celebrating this one. [via Motorola] |
| Eyes-on: Blackphone and PrivateOS [VIDEO] Posted: 26 Feb 2014 10:05 AM PST We’ve been following the Blackphone since it was first announced back in January. A joint effort between Spanish-based Geeksphone and Silent Circle, the Blackphone promises to address consumers ever growing concerns over privacy and security by providing consumers with a locked down version of Android they’re calling “PrivateOS.” Essentially a suite of apps (provided by Silent Circle) and various system level implementations, the Blackphone does everything from encrypting text messages, to denying applications of individual permissions on an app-by-app basis. Something that should help even tinfoil hat types sleep well at night. When we found out Geeksphone would be showing off their upcoming device at this year’s Mobile World Congress, we decided to pay them a quick visit. Because no matter the range of services an Android phone offers, there’s always those that need to see some quick hardware specs. Here’s what the Geeksphone Blackphone offers. Blackphone specs
With that out of the way, Blackphone’s VP of Engineering David Puron provided us with a hands-on demo of the device, showing us exactly how all those secure apps and services work. Blackphone will be available in June for $630 unlocked, and is currently available for pre-order. |
| Hands-on: Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10 HD+ [VIDEO] Posted: 26 Feb 2014 09:46 AM PST Lenovo has been taking an interesting approach to mobile computing. Its new Lenovo Yoga line of devices have taken traditional form factors and evolved them into computers that can take on multiple form-factors and functionalities. The new Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10 HD+ is not an exception. Of course, it doesn’t have a keyboard, so nothing folds back. Instead, this device has a metal flap that swivels out and can be used as a kickstand. If you have seen the Lenovo Yoga 8, you will be very familiar to the design. Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10 HD+ specs
Where the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10 shines and lacksRight off the bat you can tell this Android tablet is not your top-of-the-line gadget. It sports a very modest Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, which automatically makes it a mid-end device. It does come with a very neat 1920x1200p display, though. Watching images, video and web browsing is a very pleasant experience. And the device isn’t necessarily slow either.
All specs aside, though, where the tablet shines is in its form-factor. The kickstand is very neat! Especially for a 10.1 inch tablet, which more often needs to be used in a dock. I was also very surprised by the build quality in this bad boy. The tablet feels very light, but solid. It is thin and well-built, mostly made of aluminum. This bad boy feels strong! Actually, Chris Chavez accidentally scratched the table with it and the plastic from the table peeled off a bit. The tablet stayed flawless. No scratches or dents. I also happen to like the wedge design Lenovo has adopted in these Yoga tablets. The side of the tablet allows you to easily grip the tablet without fear of dropping it. Feeling safe about holding your device is important. Especially for aluminum devices, which tend to be rather slippery. Price and availabilityThe Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10 HD+ will cost $340 US dollars. Its release date is not yet announced, but we should see this bad boy hitting store shelves soon enough. |
| AT&T announces free unlimited international messaging; begins February 28th Posted: 26 Feb 2014 09:23 AM PST AT&T was in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress this year, and for good reason. The company took some time out to announce free international messaging to both landlines and mobile phones, giving those with family abroad another viable means of communication without having to pay a megacrapton of money. So what’s the catch? There is no catch. No, really, for once there truly isn’t any other hooks to this nice deal. Whether you want to applaud AT&T for the gesture or applaud T-Mobile for being the likely cause of this move is up to you, but either way we are loving what this new fierce competition is doing for customers in the wireless industry. Beyond all that, AT&T also reduced the international calling plan to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean to just $5 per month at 1-cent per minute. Why? Because you shouldn’t have to take a mortgage out on your home to call loved ones who live just across the border. “We are always looking for ways to keep our customers happy," said AT&T chief Ralph De La Vega. ”The offer we have is better than T-Mobile's, because on ours it isn't just landlines, it includes mobile as well.” That AT&T name-dropped T-Mobile is a testament to Magenta’s impact on the wireless industry as a whole, and as consumers you should definitely be excited for what 2014 is going to bring. AT&T’s latest changes all take effect starting February 28th. |
| Hands-on: Huawei TalkBand B1 [VIDEO] Posted: 26 Feb 2014 08:53 AM PST This year’s tech conventions have been all about wearable smart devices. From glasses to smartwatches and rings, these accessories are meant to be with us at all time while they bring us improved functionality. Huawei is the latest to join the game with the TalkBand B1 – but what is it that makes it special? What does the Huawei TalkBand B1 do?The B1 is a bit of an odd device. In essence, it is a basic fitness watch that serves as a bluetooth headset and looks like a Samsung Gear Fit. The black part that carries the screen can be taken out of the band, pretty much turning it into a bluetooth headset. When wearing it, the B1 also keeps track of your steps, the hours you have slept and the calories you have burnt. CompatibilitySadly, this device is only compatible with one smartphone/tablet right now – the Huawei MediaPad X1. It makes a bit of sense, considering the MediaPad X1 is pretty much an over-sized phone. It would be ridiculous to put that 7-inch device up to your face every time you make a call, right? The TalkBand B1 makes for the perfect MediaPad X1 companion, allowing you to make calls without even taking out your device. At the same time, we hope Huawei doesn’t plan to keep this wearable compatible with only one device. It would be a huge mistake to limit it to Huawei devices, even. If they want it to be at least somewhat successful, they need to open it up to everyone. Price & availabilityThe Huawei TalkBand B1 will cost 99 Euros once it’s released. We have no confirmed release date yet, but it should be before the spring. First reactionI was actually left pretty impressed with the Huawei TalkBand B1. The device is very simple, yet helpful – I like it. It’s also a great way to always have your bluetooth device with you. Huawei is not overloading its smart watch with gimmicky features or complicated systems. This makes it a very intuitive wearable. I do feel like Huawei could have changed a few things for the better (and might in time for its release). For example, I didn’t like the rubber material the band is made of. As you can see from our pictures, the band gets dirty exceptionally quick after being handled. Imagine dirt mixed with sweat and oils, and you have yourself once nasty looking band.     It does have an estimated battery life of 7 hours (2 weeks in standby), which is not bad at all. This little guy will stay alive for a long time before you run out of juice. I also am pretty upset to see it only being compatible with one device for now. This is something that will probably change in the future, and hopefully it will come to non-Huawei smartphones as well. They will have to open it up to other users if they want the B1 to be successful. I know I am not buying a Huawei device anytime soon. And I am sure not many of you own one – it is not exactly the most popular of brands. |
| Hands-on: HTC Desire 816 [VIDEO] Posted: 26 Feb 2014 08:43 AM PST Even though HTC’s big reveal isn’t for a few more weeks, the Taiwanese manufacturer was still able to show off another sexy new handset for Mobile World Congress. Announced earlier this week, the HTC Desire 816 is the company’s latest weapon to attack the mid-range phablet market. With a gorgeous “polycarbonate” design, the Desire 816 features a large 5.5-inch 720p display, a 1.7GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB of RAM and 5MP front facing camera for ultra clear selfies. With HTC’s trademarked BoomSound front facing speakers, there really is a lot here to love, especially given the Desire’s lower price point. During our time in Barcelona, Spain for Mobile World Congress we were able to track down the Desire 816 where it was only being shown behind glass at HTC’s booth. After some gentle persuasion, we were given a quick “eyes-on” demo of the phone, showing off its handsome good looks for the camera. Because HTC’s KitKat build with Sense 5.5 still isn’t finalized, that means the phone remained off for the entire demo. After playing with it for ourselves, we decided to give HTC the honors of talking about their latest phablet in our video below. We have to admit, we were a tad disappointed to see HTC reserving this design solely for their new mid-range segment instead of their flagship line which, according to rumors, will keep the original One’s aluminum build quality. HTC says the Desire 816 will hit the European market during Q2 of this year. If you’re wondering exactly how much easier the 816 will be on the wallet, HTC says to expect “Moto X-like” pricing. No word on when or even if we can expect to see the Desire 816 hit US shores, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.       |
| Samsung details Knox 2.0 security Posted: 26 Feb 2014 08:19 AM PST Samsung allowed the storm to calm down a bit after announcing the Galaxy S5, but they’ve finally given us details on what the next version of Samsung Knox security will bring. It’s version 2.0, and the Samsung Galaxy S5 is predictably equipped to facilitate all of the latest changes Samsung has added to their security suite. A lot of this stuff is quite important for enterprise and businesses that want to give their employees freedom to bring their own devices to work. Here’s a quick list of all that’s new:
Other new features include single sign-on for mobile and web apps, a cloud directory service, a new marketplace for apps and services fit for KNOX, and more. Samsung says KNOX 2.0 will be headed to anyone with a KNOX-compatible device after they’ve received an upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat, one that is already starting to roll out for some users of the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3. |
| Samsung Galaxy S5 imitators are already out and about Posted: 26 Feb 2014 06:57 AM PST You might mistake the phone in the image below for a Samsung Galaxy S5 at a first, quick glance, but boy would you be fooled. That isn’t a Samsung Galaxy S5 at all (this is), but it damn sure looks like one. It’s actually the Goophone S5, the latest from a company that seems to take pride in completely ripping off other companies’ products. The company is even bold enough to call this “the next big thing.” The GooPhone S5 actually houses specs that come close to what the Galaxy S5 offers, though the use of a 2GHz octa-core MediaTek processor probably doesn’t excite you as much as an Exynos Octa-Core or Snapdragon 801 kit. Everything else reads off quite similarly, though:
Of course, it’s not all about the hard numbers. That 13 megapixel camera might be worse than some 8 megapixel cameras. The 5-inch 1080p display likely doesn’t have the same punch that an AMOLED panel does. It doesn’t come with a fingerprint scanner. And we doubt the fact that it houses Android 4.2 sits well with anyone. The one number that does matter — price — might pique your interest, though. It can be yours for $300, and you won’t have to be tethered to a contract to get it for that amount. Of course, you don’t get all the things that come with buying the actual real deal such as build quality, unique Samsung-crafted features, and the backing of a major electronics company that will go out of their way to support the device for its lifetime. But if you want to fake it until you make it, the Goophone S5 could be a decent investment. Take the plunge at their website if you’re feeling a little spunky today. |
| Qualcomm Toq smart watch gets $100 price cut Posted: 26 Feb 2014 05:28 AM PST Think Qualcomm might be feeling a little heat from all the great smart watches being announced this week? The company seems to have issued a permanent $100 price cut on the Toq, their first ever smart watch. Many different things can explain such a drastic price cut, with lack of sales surely to be near the top of the list. Stiffened competition also tends to lead to decisions like these — it isn’t easy to sell if you have the most expensive watch in the game. If any smart watch was deserving a high price tag, though, it’s the Toq. It introduces a lot of unique features and new technologies, including that beautiful 1.55-inch Mirasol display that allows you to get a color experience without the drain on battery life that typically comes with. You’ll need a phone with at least Android 4.0.3 to buy one, so if you have that and this new $250 price point is more your style be sure to order one from Qualcomm’s store without delay. |
| Get your Android news from the latest version of the Phandroid app on the Google Play Store Posted: 25 Feb 2014 08:19 PM PST We know that you Phandroids love apps and app updates, so we’ve been working hard to bring you just that. After many months of blood, sweat, and tears we’re proud to announce a major update to our Phandroid News app. With our app you can stay up to date with Android news, search our site for your favorite topics, find out what’s going on with the Mobile Roar Podcast, and leave insightful comments. Version 2.0 of Android News by Phandroid brought a lot of graphical changes as well as plenty of under the hood code additions. We know that Android fans have become accustomed to a thing or two regarding Android design guidelines, so our latest update adds some much needed #HOLOYOLO over our previous iteration.
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