Android Phone Fans |
- HTC plans to release a wearable later this year, good chance it could be a smartwatch
- Was this morning’s HTC M8 leak just a really good Photoshop job?
- Download the new Google Search 3.2 app and rebranded Google Now Launcher
- HTC M8 allegedly pictured in the wild, this time with a clear look at the front
- Samsung’s updated S Health and S Voice apps leaked, shows more minimal design likely to debut on the Galaxy S5
- HTC M8 could feature a 5MP front facing camera for selfie addicts
- Creepy new Google Glass app can identify whoever you’re looking at [Update]
- Talon for Twitter 1.3 brings Twitlonger, Tweetmarker and a list of other features too long to handle
- Scam Alert: Unknown calls from Caribbean islands could unknowingly cost $20 to return
- Samsung Galaxy Gear gets $120 price cut in India, other regions could be on the way
- HTC M8 leak shows familiar design, two rear cameras
| HTC plans to release a wearable later this year, good chance it could be a smartwatch Posted: 05 Feb 2014 06:33 PM PST HTC Watch concept Seems like everyone wants a piece of the budding wearables market. Look no further than last month’s CES where we saw just about every manufacturer under the sun showing off the latest tech trend in some form or another. But sitting amongst all the Fitbits and Pebbles, we might soon find an HTC smartwatch on store shelves. This latest bit of news comes from a Bloomberg interview with HTC’s Cher Wang. In the interview, Wang casually mentions HTC may have addressed common “consumer-centric problems facing the segment today, namely, LCD lighting and battery life. Although the word smartwatch wasn’t specifically uttered, HTC did mention they would were planning on releasing some kind of wearable before the end of the year. This echos a similar statement made by HTC CEO Peter Chou back in October, in which he called wearables a “critical segment” for his company. Despite a lackluster 2013, HTC remains optimistic about 2014. Wang mentioned HTC’s renewed focus on marketing, admitting that in the past, the company never placed too much importance when it came to advertising their products to consumers (despite signing a $12 million contract with Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr.). Let’s hope they put his talents to better use this year. [via The Verge | Concept images by Hasan Kaymak] |
| Was this morning’s HTC M8 leak just a really good Photoshop job? Posted: 05 Feb 2014 05:24 PM PST Early this morning we got what many believed to be a rare glimpse at the back of the upcoming HTC M8 ( HTC One 2, One Plus, or whatever you’d like to call it). The photo, which began making the rounds on popular tech sites, showed what appeared to be dual-rear facing cameras, lining up with rumors that HTC’s upcoming flagship could use a second camera for either higher-resolution stills, or post process focusing (ala Lytro). It wasn’t long after the photo went public that HTC Netherlands’ “Regional Director HTC Benelux” posted a mysterious subtweet mentioning all the Photoshopping going around these days. While this morning’s HTC M8 “leak” was never specifically called out (that’s kind of how subtweets work), many are left wondering if this guy doesn’t know a little more about the M8 than most. Here’s the tweet: So, does this mean one of today’s leaks was just a really good ‘shop job? There’s no saying for sure, but it shouldn’t be much longer before we find out. Thanks, Gerdardo! |
| Download the new Google Search 3.2 app and rebranded Google Now Launcher Posted: 05 Feb 2014 04:26 PM PST A handful of Google apps found themselves updated in the Google Play Store today (Hangouts, Google Search, Google Drive, Google Maps, Cloud Print, Newsstand). We’re sure you’ve already received the notifications and while all the updates bring minor new additions and obligatory bug fixes, it’s the new Google Search app that we found the most interesting. Apparently, Google added a handful of new features — including English UK and Canadian voice actions — even going as far as rebranding the Google Experience Launcher as the “Google Now Launcher” when installed on your device. What’s more is for non- Nexus 5 devices, there’s also a handy tutorial that pops up after updating, asking if you’d like to copy the icons from your previous launcher over to the newly branded Google Now Launcher. It’s this change that makes us wonder if Google isn’t planning on releasing the Google Now Launcher into the Play Store in the near future, to be downloaded by all. While Google is still contemplating that decision, we’ve got both the newly updated Google Search app and the Google Now Launcher ready to download and install via sideloading. Of course, if you’ve already updated your Google Search app (currently rolling out in waves), you can simply download the launcher by itself to get up and running. Both app downloads linked below.
via +Derek Ross | +Ron Amadeo |
| HTC M8 allegedly pictured in the wild, this time with a clear look at the front Posted: 05 Feb 2014 02:58 PM PST Earlier today, we got what appeared to be a fairly good look at the back of the HTC M8 (aka One 2, One Plus), dual cameras and all. While the jury is still out on that particular photo’s legitimacy, some new pics of the M8 were posted on a Russian site, this time giving us a clear look at what could be the front of the M8. And really, that’s all she wrote. All we can say is this is pretty much how the M8 — which is said to look strikingly similar to the original HTC One — appears in our dreams. But is it real? We should point out the fact that in one image, the device shows the rumored display buttons. Checks out. But wait — in the other pic, from a slightly different angle, you’ll notice they aren’t present. So, how the heck does HTC think we’re going to quickly access back, home, and multitasking on the homescreen if they disappear? Makes us question if this “leak” is legit, or simply another elaborate hoax. What do y’all think? [Mobiltelefon.ru | via Phone Arena] |
| Posted: 05 Feb 2014 02:13 PM PST A mysterious Samsung device carrying the model number “SM-G900H” have some speculating that it could be the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5 (or at least some kind of a variant). While we’re still not entirely sure which Samsung device it could launch as, some screenshots of a few of the device’s updated Samsung apps were leaked — namely, S Health and more recently S Voice. What we found particularly interesting from the screen grabs is a refreshed new app design, taking a much more minimal, “flat” approach to the previous versions’ skeuomorphism. It’s not too apparent in S Health, but a heap ton more obvious in S Voice. You’ll also notice S Voice giving us a quick peek at what might be the bottom of the Galaxy S5, carrying a wider look and possibly smaller bezels (but the same ‘ol home button). We’re wondering if this is the design change might have had something to do with Google’s recent visit to Samsung to talk about Sammy’s run away train that is TouchWiz. If this is a hint at what we can expect from the S5′s new version of TouchWiz — which we may have gotten a glimpse at in previous leaks — Samsung just might be onto something here. We’ll keep our fingers crossed. Shouldn’t be too much longer before we find out what Samsung has been up to. The OEM’s “Unpacked 5″ event is currently scheduled for February 24th, and although the Galaxy S5 wasn’t specifically mentioned in the invite, we have a good idea what they’re hinting at. |
| HTC M8 could feature a 5MP front facing camera for selfie addicts Posted: 05 Feb 2014 11:12 AM PST I’ve oft wondered how long it’d take for a smartphone manufacturer to up the resolution and quality of their front facing cameras. As someone who spends far too much time on Instagram, I’m forced to look at grainy, blurry, and horribly noisy images from ladies who insist on using their mediocre front facing cameras, simply so they can frame that perfect selfie. With the upcoming HTC M8 (aka One Plus, One Two), HTC could usher in the age of the glorious high-resolution seflie. According to ROM developer @LlabTooFeR, HTC could be upgrading the front facing 2.1MP camera of the original HTC One to a whopping 5MP. I always thought Apple would be the first to go this route, but I have to admit, it’s definitely nice to see yet another Android OEM get the jump on them. Of course, this is still unconfirmed mind you, but LlabTooFeR has a pretty good track record about this kinda stuff. Tell the ladies, the HTC M8 might be their pick for 2014. |
| Creepy new Google Glass app can identify whoever you’re looking at [Update] Posted: 05 Feb 2014 09:51 AM PST [Update]: Google has reached out to remind us that it’s against their developer policies (section C.1.e) to approve Glassware that has any sort of facial recognition technology, and as such they will not be distributing the app through official channels. It could still be possible for the developer to distribute the app themselves and have users sideload it, but there is little chance such an app would get wide distribution. We’ve seen our fair share of creepy apps, but this one probably takes the cake. It’s called NameTag, and in Robocop-like fashion, the app can scan a person’s face and compare it to a records database consisting of millions of people. If NameTag successfully finds that person, it spits back tons of information about them, including their full name, their relationship status, what school they went to, their current occupation, their interests, and more. It’ll even tell you if that person has a criminal record. It does all of this by searching various online social networking profiles for that person and pulling details from the profiles they may have filled out. It also pulls information from public records database, such as online court records in your city and state. Upon gathering these details, they upload them to FacialNetwork.com‘s database without your permission. Don’t want your information made available? NameTag gives you the ability to opt-out, though we’d contend that something like this should be strictly opt-in. Legal and moral issues aside, NameTag says that their goal isn’t to invade user privacy:
Except it should be up to that person whether or not they want to make their details known to strangers who happen to be wearing Google Glass and using this app. I know I’m not necessarily interested in talking to and meeting every single person I come across while I’m out and about. If they need to know more about me for whatever reason, they can come up to me, introduce themselves, and ask like normal human beings are supposed to. NameTag’s angle is to enhance people’s social lives, but one might think up a few other cases where it might be useful. Perhaps you want to know if someone is registered as a sex offender before engaging them or allowing your children to be near them. That would be a noble use-case scenario, though some would contend that people should have a reasonable level of privacy no matter what they may have done in their life. To be fair to NameTag, using public records and social networking profiles to craft reports about an individual are nothing new. Spokeo allows you to do this with as little as a name or email address, and gives you even more intimate information than NameTag claims to. That said, it’s not often that these types of services maintain their own database and use images to initiate a search for someone instead of their name or other details you might have access to. We’re excited for the future of Google Glass, but apps like these will continue to come around and make us take a step back every now and then as we ponder how far is too far. Sure, our phones have cameras and would be capable of doing this with the right app (in fact, NameTag is planning on making iOS and Android apps of their own). Still, it’s a lot more obvious when it’s being done with a smartphone, and there’s something about a camera that sits on your face that may or may not be taking your photo at any given time that makes something like NameTag a bit more uneasy to swallow. How do you feel? |
| Talon for Twitter 1.3 brings Twitlonger, Tweetmarker and a list of other features too long to handle Posted: 05 Feb 2014 09:14 AM PST Klinker apps is continuing to impress those who felt Talon for Twitter was worth spending a couple of backs on. The latest upgrade – version 1.3, FYI — brings an absolutely ridiculous amount of new features, changes and fixes. The biggest of the bunch will be support for Twitlonger and Tweetmarker, pull to refresh on searched trends, uploading with Twitpic, the ability to remove retweets and more. Take some time to peruse the full list:
Whew. And the best part is that Klinker is nowhere near done. We’re told to stay on the lookout for another big announcement that they’re working on for the app, and you can be sure they’ll have our full and undivided attention once that happens. In the meantime, grab the latest upgrade to Talon right from the Google Play Store. Don’t forget to consider joining the Talon community and signing up for beta updates, as you could be treated to these new features before it hits the Play Store for everyone else. |
| Scam Alert: Unknown calls from Caribbean islands could unknowingly cost $20 to return Posted: 05 Feb 2014 07:42 AM PST Scams come and go, and some are so obvious and easily avoidable that we often don’t think twice about them. But if you’re not careful, the latest big phone scam could end up costing you unauthorized charges on your smartphone bill. It’s being called the “one ring scam,” and it’s so big that the Better Business Bureau has taken notice and is starting to issue warnings to people to prevent them from falling victim to it. So how does it work? Victims will usually receive a phone call from a strange number ranging from the following areas:
You will likely only hear the ring once, as they will immediately hang up. This would typically prompt a dial back from most folks as they try and figure out who it was (as it may be some sort of emergency). The danger isn’t in the incoming call, but in the act of calling back — giving them a ring will somehow allow them to authorize charges on your monthly phone bill. BBB reports that an initial charge of $19.95 is made for an international call fee, and users will then be charged $9 for each minute they stay on the line. How to avoid it The simple and most important answer is to refuse to answer or call back numbers you don’t recognize, especially if they are out of state. As long as you don’t initiate the call to any of these malicious numbers, you should be fine. There are some other general things to keep in mind, though:
And those are just the basics. You shouldn’t just be taking protective measures for this specific scam, though. General tips to avoid any phone scam I tend to be overly cautious no matter what. My personal routine consists of not answering ANY unknown numbers or blocked numbers, even if they’re from within your state or area. If the subject matter of the call is important enough, they’ll leave a voicemail, identify themselves and give you the reason for their call. Once you assure yourself that they’re legit and have some important matters to discuss with you, give them a ring back (but again, not before Googling the number to see if any reports have been made about it). In the event that a caller does seem legit, it’s still worth taking the safe route. If they claim they’re a local entity, tell them that you’re only willing to do business with them in person. If they aren’t, tell them that you’re only willing to do business via courier mail services. Demand that they send official documentation and letters in regards to whatever matter they’re calling from with the official masthead for that company. It may sound like a lot, but anyone is subject to being scammed — I have siblings whose credit reports took forever to fix as a result. What about you? I’ve dodged plenty of scams (as well as generally annoying calls from telemarketers) over the years using these methods, and have yet to miss out on an important call as a result. Give it a try if you don’t already take measures to protect yourself, and be sure to let us know if you do anything differently in the comments section below! [via iSource] |
| Samsung Galaxy Gear gets $120 price cut in India, other regions could be on the way Posted: 05 Feb 2014 05:53 AM PST There have been many reports suggesting the Samsung Galaxy Gear, Samsung’s smart watch, hasn’t done well in sales since it’s been made available. Samsung’s own lack of noise about sales seem to indicate that as well, as the company loves to boast big numbers whenever they’ve achieved them. Another indication that the smart watch might not be doing well is a recent price drop in India (and this isn’t some $20 discount that you’d be likely to overlook). Reports indicate the device has been discounted by $120, and that this is a permanent price adjustment. So now we’re left wondering: will Samsung be doing the same for other regions? Many folks already believed $300 was far too steep of a price to pay for the Galaxy Gear, especially considering the limited functionality this first release had. It also didn’t help that the device could only be used with select Samsung products (and even then, only after they got upgrades to newer firmware to support the watch). A price drop would also indicate that Samsung is looking to launch the second version of the Galaxy Gear alongside the Samsung Galaxy S5, which we believe will be announced at Mobile World Congress later this month. It’s no secret by now that Samsung rushed the Galaxy Gear out to market, so such a quick turnaround to the sequel isn’t all that surprising. As for the current model, let’s hope we’re in for the same price drop that 0ur Indian friends have gotten at some point in the near future. [Samsung India via PocketNow] |
| HTC M8 leak shows familiar design, two rear cameras Posted: 05 Feb 2014 05:16 AM PST With an upcoming announcement of the HTC M8 expected to be made soon, the leaks should start pouring in. The latest comes from @htcfamily_ru. We’ve gotten a couple of new shots of the device said to be the successor to the HTC One (which we still don’t have a market name for just yet). The image shows us a couple of different interesting things. For starters, it looks quite similar to the HTC One. In fact, if not for the secondary camera it has alongside dual-LED flash, we’d probably mistake this for the 2013 flagship. And yes, I did say secondary camera. While many have assumed that the second hole at the top of the HTC M8′s rear chassis is for the fingerprint scanner, a recent Bloomberg report suggests HTC is using a secondary camera to facilitate post-snapshot focusing. It doesn’t sound all that different from Lytro, though we’d have to see just how well this would work for ourselves. That bit of detail joins long-standing rumors that the HTC M8 will come with a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 5-inch 1080p display and on-screen buttons. We’re hoping HTC will launch this thing at Mobile World Congress later this month, though there’s been no indication that they will. Either way, it shouldn’t be long before we see the M8 unveiled once and for all. [via The Verge] |
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