Android Phone Fans |
- WhatsApp CEO “sets the record straight” in company blog post
- AT&T kicks off new ad campaign featuring a quirky pair of network engineers [VIDEOS]
- Facebook Messenger launches beta program, become a tester here
- First trailer featuring Angry Birds Epic gameplay is now live [VIDEO]
- LG to begin training for G3 launch in June, using B2 as codename
- Amazon Appstore celebrates its third birthday with deals on apps and games
- Heads up: Hangouts is being weird today (other Google services too)
- OnePlus One camera revealed to be a 13 megapixel Sony Exmor sensor that can shoot 4K video
- Sprint 4G LTE reaches 20 new markets
- Use Cast Store to easily find apps that have Chromecast support
- Google announces “game gifts” for Google Play Games at GDC 2014
- Pocket Casts 4.5 update adds Chromecast support
- HTC Tech Translation #4 features Zoe; new HTC Sense 6.0 video leaks
- Chromecast could launch in the UK this Wednesday
| WhatsApp CEO “sets the record straight” in company blog post Posted: 17 Mar 2014 06:30 PM PDT When Facebook announced back in February that they’d be acquiring popular messaging service WhatsApp for $16 billion in cash and stock, there was a fair number of users worried about what this buyout would mean for their privacy. After all, Facebook have the best reputation when it comes to user privacy. Earlier this month, 2 privacy advocate groups — The Electronic Privacy Information Center, and the Center for Digital Democracy — filed a formal complaint with the FTC, asking them to halt the sale of WhatsApp pending an investigation. The complaint argued that Facebook’s ever changing privacy policies would end up conflicting with WhatsApp’s strong pro-privacy stance. Facebook, on the other hand, maintained that the 2 companies would continue operating separately from one another (something mentioned in the original press release), with WhatsApp honoring commitments to privacy and security. But it was last week that WhatsApp once again came under fire after an alleged “security flaw” was discovered in the app. The vulnerability made it possible for other malicious applications to read WhatsApp messages backed up to a user’s SD card (this was an option provided in the app). WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum shrugged off the security flaw, urging users to only download legitimate applications from the Google Play Store, while mentioning that his company essentially has no control over viruses and malware. Unfortunately for WhatsApp, privacy concerns continued to snowball around the net. It’s this reason WhatsApp is once again addressing these concerns with a post made on their company blog today to “set the record straight,” once and for all. CEO Jan Koum provides users with insight on exactly what made him such a privacy nut, giving his own personal account of his life in USSR, specifically about how he and his mother were forced to restrict phone conversations over fears of KGB eavesdropping. It’s because of this, Koum says, he moved to the US in the first place, and the reason why privacy is “coded into” WhatsApp’s DNA. When it comes to data collection, he goes onto to note how WhatsApp really knows very little about the millions of users who’ve downloaded the app. Unlike a host of other applications found in app markets across iOS, Android, and Windows Phone, WhatsApp doesn’t require names or email addresses, has no idea where you live, what you “like,” and/or what you’re searching for on the internet. It’s a valid point, and one Koum says he has no plans on changing. In fact, if joining up with Facebook meant WhatsApp would have to compromise its privacy policy in any way (or make any changes to their values), Koum assures users that he simply wouldn’t have taken the deal in the first place. It’s these fundamentals Koum attributes to WhatsApp’s success, and the reasons why he says so many users have chosen the messaging service over the vast amount of other options available. |
| AT&T kicks off new ad campaign featuring a quirky pair of network engineers [VIDEOS] Posted: 17 Mar 2014 04:27 PM PDT With Leap Wireless now officially under their belt, the nation’s #2 largest wireless network is getting back to business, officially kicking off a new ad campaign debuting yesterday across the country. The new ads are a departure from what we’ve been seeing from competitors like T-Mobile, who haven’t exactly been shy about attacking the competition. This time around, AT&T is taking the more subdued/funny approach with the “Network Guys,” letting the country know about the progress they’re making with their network (talking about small cells and distributed antenna systems), without getting too technical. You can check out AT&T’s first 2 commercials below. It wasn’t too long ago AT&T was airing their “It’s not complicated” ads, showcasing an AT&T spokesman talking with kids in their classroom. The commercials would later become the focus of zany T-Mobile CEO John Legere who, during press briefings, would poke fun at the ads (even recreating the ads with a set filled with creepy dolls instead of real children). Here’s the ad spots we’re talking about. After you watch, tell us if you like the direction AT&T is going with their new ads, or if they shoulda stuck with the cute kiddies. |
| Facebook Messenger launches beta program, become a tester here Posted: 17 Mar 2014 03:25 PM PDT It’s been nearly a year since Facebook first announced that they’d be making available beta versions of their Android app, for those looking to live on the bleeding edge of mobile development. The beta program allowed participants to test new versions of the app, sometimes months before it became available to the public. Today, Facebook has announced that they’re once again opening up their beta program, this time for their standalone messaging app, Facebook Messenger. Instructions on signing up are easy peasy, just keep in mind that early versions of the app might not be as stable as public versions.
Facebook mentions that beta testers will have access to new sharing tools in Messenger, and asks that beta testers submit bug reports should they find them. And here we thought we’d seen the last of Messenger, after Facebook went and bought WhatsApp for $16 billion a few weeks ago. Guess they have other plans for the messaging service. [Facebook] |
| First trailer featuring Angry Birds Epic gameplay is now live [VIDEO] Posted: 17 Mar 2014 01:20 PM PDT Rovio has just released the the first real trailer for their upcoming RPG spin-off Angry Birds In the trailer, we see the familiar feathered fowl we’ve been slingshotting all these years, now outfitted in traditional medieval/fantasy garb. While at first we weren’t sure if Epic would feature more Battleheart-like real-time gameplay, it’s now clear from the trailer (as well as the new landing page) that turn-based is the name of the game, with Angry Birds bustin’ off magic attacks by dragging them onto enemies patiently awaiting their turn. Only 2 character classes were revealed on the site, showing a knight and mage each with their own unique stats. Like everyone else, we’re a bit leery over Rovio’s likely freemium business model. With the new RPG formula, it’s fairly easy to see how a developer could get carried away with in-app purchases, especially when the Epic’s gameplay will involve lots of crafting and armor upgrades. Also worth considering is — in a videogame genre usually home to a complex story line — how well Rovio can drive a narrative without characters that can actually talk. But perhaps Rovio has other plans for keeping gamers engaged. Looks great so far, but still no word on when we can expect this stateside. Angry Birds Epic is soft-launching today in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. |
| LG to begin training for G3 launch in June, using B2 as codename Posted: 17 Mar 2014 12:34 PM PDT It appears LG is rounding up the troops for a big new launch, one that has the company’s marketing team sending out invites to a big training event beginning in June. The invite, which only refers to a device under the moniker “B2″, is clearly referring something else. What could that be? Well, with the recent leaks we’ve seen these past few weeks, it doesn’t seem too far fetched to believe this will be the upcoming LG G3. Lines up pretty well with rumors that LG wouldn’t wait until the end of the year to release their next big flagship, at the same trampling on the rumor about a May release. We’ve watched as LG released the Optimus G in November, then the LG G2 a little sooner in September. Launch event training is said to begin June 17th through the 18th, so we’re thinking the actual launch could follow soon after that. With the LG G2 being one of our favorite Android devices of 2013, we can’t wait to see what the manufacturer brings with its sequel. Leaked screenshots point to a 2K resolution display, and we expect other specs in-tune with the recently announced LG G Pro 2. Anyone else hyped? [via Geek] |
| Amazon Appstore celebrates its third birthday with deals on apps and games Posted: 17 Mar 2014 12:12 PM PDT More birthday wishes are headed out to more digital apps marketplaces this week. This time, Amazon is celebrating the third birthday of the Amazon Appstore (which takes place March 22nd), and you had to guess they would commemorate the event with some apps and games being on sale. Amazon is offering premium apps and games up to 60% off for titles like Wheel of Fortune, Terraria, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown. Amazon is also offering 50% back on in-app purchases for select games like alt 8, Animal Voyage, Kingdoms of Camelot, The Hobbit, Sonic Dash, World at Arms and Despicable Me: Minion Rush. The “cash back” will be credited to you in the form of Amazon Coins, which can be used to buy more games and apps and in-app purchases. Amazon says they’ll be running promotions over the next two weeks, though we’ll have to wait to see what they have in store each and every day between now and then. You can check out all of the current deals at Amazon’s site by heading right here. |
| Heads up: Hangouts is being weird today (other Google services too) Posted: 17 Mar 2014 12:01 PM PDT Google Hangouts is down, we repeat: Hangouts is down. Just a quick heads up, for those noticing some weird activity with Google Hangouts (also known as Google Talk). Google has posted to their social accounts — as well as their Google Apps Status Dashboard — that they’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties, and Hangouts is down for a good sum of users. But that’s not the only Google service having trouble this St. Paddy’s Day. Google Sheets and Google Voice outages have also been reported by users, so don’t go blaming your phone or custom ROM. We’d expect Google’s best men are on top of the issue, let’s just hope they’re fairing better than Andy in the picture above.
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| OnePlus One camera revealed to be a 13 megapixel Sony Exmor sensor that can shoot 4K video Posted: 17 Mar 2014 09:27 AM PDT The OnePlus One is shaping up to be quite the phone with each and every passing day. Pete Lau continues OnePlus’s onslaught of information with details about the camera sensor, which has been revealed to be Sony’s 13-megapixel Exmor IMX214 module. This is an f/2.0 element that has been custom-fit with six lens pieces to provide great low-light performance, color and sharpness without having to deal with visual distortion at the edges of photos. Furthermore, the sensor will have optical image stabilization, can shoot 4K video, and can shoot 120fps slow motion video at 720p HD resolution. We also learn OnePlus has decided to add a 5 megapixel camera to the front, which should definitely suffice for the purpose of holding video calls and taking those all-important selfies. Previous specs outed to date have been the Snapdragon 800 processor, as well as the device’s 5.5-inch 1080p HD display. We also know that the device will house a nice 3,100mAh battery. OnePlus also revealed a feature that will allow you to use voice commands without having to touch the device. Unfortunately we have yet to see any shots of the device itself, though some newly leaked sketches over the weekend give us a taste of what we could expect once Pete Lau and company are finally ready and confident enough to show it off. We weren’t sure what sort of device we could expect after hearing OnePlus had a price tag of under $400 in mind, but this thing is shaping up to be quite the monster that we wouldn’t mind dropping that much money for. Be sure to keep it tuned to all of our OnePlus One coverage by hitting this link, and look out for the device’s launch in the second quarter of this year. [via OnePlus] |
| Sprint 4G LTE reaches 20 new markets Posted: 17 Mar 2014 08:14 AM PDT All aboard the 4G LTE train: passengers in 20 new markets will be hopping on board for Sprint’s 4G LTE network starting today. The list doesn’t include many well-known cities, but Sprint has already hit much of those places with the signal, and making sure the surrounding smaller markets are covered is tantamount to building a network everyone wants to be on. Here’s the list in full:
That brings the amount of cities up to 402 in all, and puts Sprint well on their way to their goal of covering 250 million people by the middle of the year. It’ll take a bit longer for all of these cities to get the latest Sprint Spark network upgrades, though, which brings faster and more reliable 4G LTE coverage on Sprint’s 700MHz spectrum. To date, only 18 different markets have coverage, though Sprint is regularly adding more as time rolls on. As for today’s launches, be sure to fire up your 4G-capable phone to test out the new network if you’re in any of these markets. [via Sprint] |
| Use Cast Store to easily find apps that have Chromecast support Posted: 17 Mar 2014 07:44 AM PDT While most people have been finding Chromecast apps by simply searching for the word “Chromecast” in the Google Play Store, one developer thought it necessary to make an app dedicated to finding and highlighting all the apps with Chromecast support in the Google Play Store. Cast Store is its name, and it’s quite simple in its approach. Users will be able to sort by games and apps, and will be able to drill even deeper with specific subcategories beneath those. Beyond that, users can also note which apps are their favorite, and can suggest new apps that the developer might not have picked up on. Lists are sortable by newest, name and rating in both ascending and descending order. There’s a search feature if you’re looking for something specific. You’ll also get a quick look at the apps’ ratings and descriptions, so you won’t have to jump to the Google Play Store each time you want to learn something new about it. All in all, the app is pretty good for its purpose, and should be getting even better in the weeks to come as the developer looks to introduce more features. It is ad-supported, though there will soon be an option to get rid of the ads through an in-app premium purchase. Be sure to give it a whirl and see if you can’t find that perfect app with Chromecast support that you’ve been looking for. |
| Google announces “game gifts” for Google Play Games at GDC 2014 Posted: 17 Mar 2014 06:58 AM PDT Game Developers’ Conference 2014 is kicking off today, and Google seems to have been the first one to make an announcement at the annual event. It all has to do with Google Play Games, natch. Firstly, Google is announcing the ability to gift in-game items to friends and family in your Google+ circles. They’re calling this “game gifts,” and it sounds flat-out awesome. They’ll also be enabling the ability for players to send multiplayer invites to friends directly, as well as introducing 18 new game categories in the Google Play Store to make it easier for folks to find what they’re looking for. Next up, Google announced forthcoming support for iOS. While that may not seem noteworthy for those of you without an iOS device, it actually is. Google will be updating their Unity tools to allow easy cross-platform multiplayer, so you could eventually be playing your favorite games with your iPhone and iPad-owning buddies as if you had one yourself. Other news was more for developers, with Google announcing improved statistics and ad analytics. Google says most of these new tools will be available starting tomorrow, though users probably shouldn’t expect their favorite games to implement anything and everything right away. Whether it takes a week or a few months, we’re definitely excited to see all of this stuff implemented in the latest games moving forward. [via Google] |
| Pocket Casts 4.5 update adds Chromecast support Posted: 17 Mar 2014 06:32 AM PDT Podcast apps have been sort of a sore spot on Android for a long time, but one of the best options — Pocket Casts — is getting a pretty nice upgrade that should add a highly sought-after feature. Version 4.5 brings us Chromecast support, meaning you can listen to all your favorite podcasts (like the MobileRoar podcast) through your TV simply be streaming it to your Chromecast HDMI dongle. Simply start playback of whichever episode you’re listening to and hit the Chromecast button that can be found at the upper right of the Now Playing screen. Other changes in today’s update brings some nice, subtle changes to the app’s visual flare. Specifically, colors of certain app elements will now automatically change to reflect the artwork of whatever you’re listening to. For instance, if a podcast’s logo is mostly red, you might find that the color of buttons and controls will also be some tint of red. Lastly, Pocket Casts 4.5 adds the ability to easily rearrange items in your playlist. It all sounds great from here, so make no delay in heading to the Google Play Store for the download. And in case you needed some motivation to spend that $4 to buy it, just know this: there simply isn’t a better option out there. Go ahead and grab it here. |
| HTC Tech Translation #4 features Zoe; new HTC Sense 6.0 video leaks Posted: 17 Mar 2014 06:01 AM PDT We’re just about a week away from HTC’s unveiling of the all new HTC One (also known in the tech community as the HTC M8), and the company has released what should be the final “Tech Translation” teaser leading up to its announcement. Previous technical translation videos featured the device’s build quality, BoomSound speakers, and the camera. This one? It focuses on HTC Sense’s Zoe mode. Zoe, if you don’t remember, is a feature in HTC’s camera software that takes your clips and photos and allows you to make a short highlight reel, of sorts. It’ll automatically piece together clips and photos, give you a theme, and spit out something ready to share with your family and friends. It’s not some super amazing killer feature or a powerful video editor capable of producing a blockbuster hit, but it’s there. Of course, how this all plays out on the all new HTC One wasn’t revealed, with the video doing everything in its power to mask any details about the new features or the phone itself. We’ll just have to wait for March 25th to roll around for a taste of what’s toe come. In other news, HTC Sense 6 was leaked on video, though there weren’t many surprises to be had. We got a look at all of the options for HTC’s Motion Sense feature, which allows you to wake the phone up by using display gestures. Double Tap to wake the phone up is prominently featured alongside swipe left to wake the phone up into the widgets panel, swipe right to wake the phone up into BlinkFeed, swipe up to unlock the phone to the home-screen or the last app you were using, and using volume buttons in portrait mode to unlock the phone to the camera. Unfortunately it seems like all of these gestures have to be performed while the phone is in your hand in portrait mode, so there is a bit of difference compared to LG’s KnockOn feature (which allows you to double tap the display to wake up no matter where it is). Beyond that, everything else looks like more of the same that we got on the HTC One, except now we have software buttons for navigation in lieu of hardware ones. [via Reddit] |
| Chromecast could launch in the UK this Wednesday Posted: 17 Mar 2014 04:56 AM PDT Google seems to be making nice on their promise to get Chromecast spread around the globe soon, as the first details of a launch outside America have been made public. According to a leaked Google product document, one of Google’s biggest products of the year should be heading to the UK starting this Wednesday, March 19th. The document didn’t specifically mention Chromecast, though the HDMI dongle’s name has been in the news in recent weeks regarding worldwide availability. Android Chief Sundar Pichai himself mentioned they were looking to finalize plans for a more global rollout back at SXSW, and recent leaks also mentioned the Chromecast was being prepped for a UK launch. Also revealed at SXSW was that Chromecast sales have been in the “millions” range, so it definitely could be classified as one of Google’s biggest product launches of the past year. The device will apparently run you £30 whenever it does drop, though that’s only a rumored price and anything could change between now and then. We’ll be on the lookout for an official announcement from Google later this week if this is, in fact, true. Any of you UK folks planning to grab one of these? [via ChromeSpot] |
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