Monday, 9 June 2014

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

New Glassware: Shop X for Google Glass helps make grocery shopping a pain-free experience

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 06:35 PM PDT

Shop X Glassware Google Glass

As somewhat of a niche product, there are a few things that Google Glass can do exceptionally well. One of those is being able to display information — right front of your face — leaving your hands to do other tasks. Like push a shopping cart full of kids through your local grocer.

New to the Glassware store is an app called Shop X and as the name suggests, looks to make your grocery shopping just a little easier. After enabling the Glassware, you can create a shopping list purely by voice. Speaking “Ok Glass, take a note” then speaking out your shopping list will get things started (or you can create a list online via their site).

Your shopping list is synced online and can be viewed on your Google Glasses. From there, Shop X will intelligently organize your shopping into category cards, allowing you to either pin cards or check them off your list by tapping the touchpad. Simple, but functional.

Shop X is fresh out the Google Glass Glassware store, and as always, it’s completely free to enable on your headset.

[Shop X Glassware]

Rock a sweet pornstache with Netflix’s own ‘Orange Is The New App’ for Android

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 05:20 PM PDT

oitnb group shot

There’s no doubt Netflix knocked it out of the ballpark with the release of their exclusive new show, Orange Is the New Black. We’re sure by now you’ve heard all the hype. A intricate drama/dark-comedy about life for a woman in the big house, the 2nd season aired only a few days ago.

To help capitalize on the show’s success, the folks at Netflix have released their very first app outside of the official Netflix app, with “Orange Is The New App” now available on Google Play. Really, the app doesn’t offer much outside a few photos to ‘shop yourself into the show. We would have loved to see some 2nd screen functionality of some sort, but Netflix is keeping things simple, allowing fans of the show to promote the show on their social networks and get people talking.

OITNB Orange is the new app screenshots

For fans of the show that haven’t finished the second season, we’d recommend holding off. Apparently there are a few small spoilers so if you’re a stickler about that sorta stuff, wait until you’re finished binge watching the entire season in a single sitting (my girlfriend can attest to this). Cheers.

Download on Google Play: Orange Is The New App

Facebook slips and launches Slingshot prematurely, their new app to take on Snapchat

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 02:56 PM PDT

Facebook Slingshot

After reportedly failing to secure Snapchat for $3 billion, it appears Facebook will soon fire back with a competitor of their own: Slingshot. The app, which landed in the Apple App Store earlier today, seems to have launched prematurely, with Facebook promptly removing the app while they prepare a formal press release no doubt. Before it was removed we were able to get a sneak peek at what the app will be about when it does launch, offering a unique take on sending photos and videos to friends.

Like Snapchat, you’ll be able to share or broadcast images or videos to a group of friends, only in order for them to view your media, they’ll first have to send you something in return. After unlocking your photo/video, they then have the opportunity to “react” to said message using a handy button in the app. This is a great way to check in with friends and is a fresh way of saying, “Hey, what are you up to right now?”

The real question is whether or not Facebook is planning on bringing this to Android as their slip up this morning was only for the iOS version of the app. As we await a formal announcement, tell us: do you think Slingshot has a chance at competing with a giant like Snapchat?

[TechCrunch]

Alleged Samsung Galaxy F passes through the FCC, confirms dimensions in the process

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 02:13 PM PDT

SM-G906x_fcc_2 Galaxy F

Over the weekend, we got another good glimpse at what could be Samsung’s plan for a more premium Galaxy variant, the higher-end Samsung Galaxy F. Today, the alleged aluminum clad Galaxy passed through the FCC carrying the model numbers SM-G906S, G906K, and G906L — all of which are believed to be the still unannounced Galaxy F for South Korea. Further confirming the regional variant are bands unique to South Korea along with the usual NFC, Bluetooth, and WiFi communications.

While that doesn’t really tell us much about the device, the reported dimensions do. According to the paperwork, this Galaxy F (or Galaxy S5 Prime) measures 72.5mm x 142mm — the exact same height and width as the Samsung Galaxy S5. Rumors point to a slightly larger 5.2-inch display on this bad boy, so it’s interesting to see the actual device’s dimensions haven’t changed from the S5.

Of course there are those that will be slighted by a phone that is for all intents and purposes, a higher-end, more premium Samsung Galaxy S5. No matter what Samsung chooses to call it.

[FCC | via SammyToday]

Secret Dens wants you to anonymously dish on school and workplace gossip [COMING SOON]

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 12:25 PM PDT

Secret Dens screenshots

If you and your friends weren’t already badmouthing the company you work at the watercooler, the anonymous social network Secret is now hoping you’ll bring that conversation to their app. In a new feature dubbed “Secret Dens,” Secret is looking to provide users with an easy way to limit their Secret network to only a specific circle, namely one for the workplace, school, or other organization.

We can’t help but wonder if Secret has actually ever seen what their users are posting to their app, but they seem to be under the impression this will be a fun way to share lighthearted inside jokes, even going as far as saying any company would love having a den of their own. Uh.. we’re not so sure.

Right now, the Dens feature is being internally tested, with a few invites going out to lucky testers. How it’ll work is you’ll need to add a secondary school or work email to your account — that’s how Secret will know which Den you belong to. After that, appending a simple @yourorganization to the end of a status update will post that secret to your specific Den.

Secrets in Dens can’t be publicly shared like a normal secret, and although you wont know specifically who is in your Den, you can block or kick someone out by adding their work email in the settings. This is a good way to ensure your boss isn’t eavesdropping in your den.

Secret recently saw an explosion of new users since expanding their app to Android users a few weeks ago. Since then, we saw a massive drop off in new Secrets being posted. The app is only as fun as the amount of friends, and the dirt being exposed. We think Dens could be a fun new way to get more users actively involved. Nothing quite like workplace gossip now.

If you’d like to signup your workplace or school for Secret Dens, send the developers an email at dens@secret.ly.

[Secret]

Moto G now receiving Android 4.4.3 and Motorola Alert

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 12:21 PM PDT

moto-g-13

Motorola is once again showing how quick they can update their devices. The latest version of Android, version 4.4.3, is now being pushed out to the Moto G. Devices purchases in the US or Brazil should be seeing the update. The changelog for 4.4.3 has never been made official, but we do know a few new features.

The Phone and People apps have been updated slightly, and for the Moto G they added the Motorola Alert app. This is the app that can help you in emergencies. If you have the Moto G you can check for the update now. We love how speedy Motorola has been with updates lately. Hopefully they continue this in the future with the Moto X+1.

[via Android and Me]

AT&T giving $50 Google Play gift cards with new Android devices

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 11:04 AM PDT

att deal

A new phone is pretty useless if you don’t have any apps on it. AT&T is making it easier to get great apps on your Android phone with their latest promotion. For a limited time they are giving away $50 Google Play gift cards with the purchase of a new Android phone or tablet. Plenty of money to buy some new apps, games, movies, and music.

In order to snag this deal you need to buy a phone through AT&T Next or with a new two-year contract before June 17th. After you activate the device they will send you the redemption code which needs to be entered by July 31st. The credits will be available in your account until May 15, 2015. The only thing these gift cards can’t buy from the Play Store is physical devices and accessories. Head on over to the AT&T website to take advantage of this deal.

AT&T

Thanks Nick!

 

Google Glass is coming to an AT&T store near you [UPDATE]

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 09:10 AM PDT

Chris Chavez Google Glass watermark

Update: A Google spokesperson has reached out to us and said: “We have no plans to sell Glass in AT&T stores.”

Google has been slowly inching toward an official release of Google Glass. They opened it up for random one day sales, and right now anyone can buy into the Explorer program if you have $1,500 to spend. When Glass does finally become officially available many people have wondered where it will go on sale. @evleaks may have the answer.

Many Google products are only sold online through the Play Store, with Chromebooks being the exception. Google Glass will most likely also be sold this way, but also in at least one major retailer: AT&T. @evleaks says “AT&T USA will be one of the first retail locations to offer Google Glass for sale to the public.” No release date or pricing was given.

We have to imagine that Glass will be cheaper and more refined when it does go on sale to the public. Right now it’s a bit odd-looking and battery life could be much better. It’s still an extremely cool and futuristic device. The potential for Glass is off the charts, as long as the Glassholes don’t ruin it. Will you be buying Google Glass when it goes on sale?

Metal-clad Samsung Galaxy F spotted again in the wild

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 08:42 AM PDT

galaxy-f-light

Last week we got our first look at a press render of an alleged Samsung Galaxy device with a metal body. This device has been called the Galaxy F and Galaxy S5 Prime. Later in the week we saw the device again in some real-world photos that clearly show a brushed aluminum back. Today another photo of the device in the wild has surfaced, once again showing what appears to be a metal back.

The rumors suggest that this back is indeed aluminum, but it could also be yet another faux texture from Sammy. The new photo also gives us a great look at the bezel on the front of the device. There appears to be almost no bezel on the sides of the display. Samsung has always been pretty good at minimizing bezel, but this looks even better. The Galaxy F is also said to have a new quad HD display and possibly an upgraded processor.

The big question with the Galaxy 5 is “why now?” The Galaxy S5 is still very new and fresh. Why release a better device so soon? Won’t S5 owners be upset? If Samsung does release this improved device so soon after the launch of their flagship will you be upset?

[via PhoneArena]

HTC Gallery update adds new features for One M8 and Sense 6 devices

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 08:04 AM PDT

htc one m8 wm_3

HTC has begun pushing out an update to the One M8 for the Gallery. This update allows users to adjust UFocus intensity, which is sure to make M8 owners very happy. UFocus is notoriously strong with the bokeh effect, but now you can adjust it to your liking with a new slider bar. One M8 users are not the only ones to get new Gallery features.

All Sense 6 devices can now use Dimension Plus and Pan 360. With Dimension Plus you can add minor 3D effects to your photos, and Pan 360 is HTC’s version of Photosphere. You can also expect bug fixes and performance improvements in this update. If you have a HTC One M8 or Sense 6 device you can get the update for HTC Gallery in the Play Store at the link below.

HTC Gallery (Playboard) | HTC Gallery (Play Store)

64GB Moto X now available in the US through Motomaker

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 07:43 AM PDT

64gb moto x

Storage misers rejoice, the 64GB version of the Moto X is finally available in the United States through the Motomaker website. Previously you could only get 16GB and 32GB models of the device. Since the Moto X doesn’t have a SD card slot like the Moto G and E, the extra storage options are very important. Hopefully the Moto X+1 comes in the same three sizes.

The 64GB version of the Moto X is available for $449.99. For $100 more than the 16GB version you get four times the storage capacity. Everything else about the phone is exactly the same. With so many great cloud storage services available the need for a lot of storage on phones has decreased. Still, some people prefer to do things the old-fashioned way. It’s cheaper, doesn’t require an internet connection, and just plain works. Head on over to Motomaker right now to pick up this beefy phone.

Is anyone planning on buying this storage-rich device? Do you need 64GB of storage with your phone?

You can now send a text message with a hoodie

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 07:18 AM PDT

smart-hoodie

Wearables are all the rage these days. It seems that every company is working on something to slap on your wrist or head. Smartwatches and Google Glass don’t even scratch the surface of what a “wearable” can do. Clothing is another industry that is being infused with technology. The latest creation allows you to text your mom with a your comfy hoodie.

New York University grad students have integrated a cellular-equiped Arduino board and switches into a hooded sweatshirt. Why? So you can send text messages through discreet movements of your body. For example, you can cover your head to text your mom, or roll up your sleeve to post on Facebook. This could come in handy in dangerous situation where you need to request help, but don’t want to draw attention.

Would you be interested in clothing that allows you to send messages through body movement? Do you want technology in your clothing at all? Check out the video below to see the smart hoodie in action.

[via Engadget]

Despite power-hungry specs, LG G3 still top in battery life

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 06:53 AM PDT

LG G3 IMG_5371

One of the best and most overlooked specs of the LG G2 was its incredible battery life. When the LG G3 was announced with monster specs some people were worried that battery life would suffer. Thankfully, it looks like LG has managed to maintain great battery life in the G3, despite the power-hungry specs.

In PhoneArena’s battery life tests the LG G3 came out on top of other flagship Android devices. The G3 lasted 8 hours and 50 minutes while withstanding a test that is meant to replicate “typical real-life usage.” The Samsung Galaxy S5 lasted 8 hours and 20 minutes in the same test, followed by the Sony Xperia Z2 at 8 hours 10 minutes, and the HTC One M8 at 7 hours 12 minutes. How has LG managed to get such good battery life out of this beast?

lg-g3-battery-life-tests-phonearena-1

In testing the G3 the publication mentions that the optimizations LG claimed to make during the announcement event are working as described. If battery life is your #1 concern it looks like the G3 has won this round of flagship devices. Samsung and HTC have also scored “Excellent” in the tests, but if you’re looking for a little extra boost the LG G3 is your phone.
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