Android Phone Fans |
- Redesigned nav buttons spotted on Google Design page and we’re not talking about the weird shapes from the Android L Preview
- Official Android Wear companion app hits Google Play along with new page listing all supported apps
- Soofa is a solar-powered smart bench now available throughout the city of Boston [VIDEO]
- Wear Calc for Android Wear released so you don’t have to yell at your wrist to do math
- HTC Volantis tipped with a Snapdragon 810, 5GB RAM, 64GB storage, BoomSound, and more
- Nova Launcher Beta update brings Android L goodies to casual devices [DOWNLOAD]
- OnePlus Tab leak suggests a tablet is in the works, but will it settle on the same invite system?
- Best Android Tablets [July 2014]
- VLC for Android beta is now available for folks in the US
- NIVIDA SHIELD Tablet shows up in Global Certification Forum database
- We’re living in a Material world and I’m a Material Duarte [VIDEO]
- Premium-built Samsung Galaxy F breaks cover again in latest leaked press render
- You can now apply to test Microsoft Office for Android ahead of its release
- Android 4.4.4 starts hitting HTC’s Google Play devices
| Posted: 02 Jul 2014 07:00 PM PDT After seeing Android L’s newly redesigned triangle/circle/square navigation buttons, let’s just say we’re excited at this latest discovery that suggests they may not be the final design. We dug through Google’s Design page last week to show you guys some of the redesigned Google apps arriving later this year. Given it was a design page, we weren’t entirely sure what was nothing more than a quick mockup, and what could have been a legit screenshot. KitKat navigation buttons vs Google Design page (click to play GIF) After digging through that same design page, one eagle-eyed Reddit member found refreshed navigation buttons in one of the screenshots and wouldn’t you know it — they are not those odd shapes found in the Android L Developer Preview. While this could mean any number of things (at worst, this is nothing more than a quick mockup), it appears these more traditional nav buttons were designed with Android L in mind. You’ll notice the back and home buttons have been slightly slimmed down, but it’s the multitasking button that mirrors the new 3D recents found in Android L. It’s clear not everyone is a fan of Android L’s new nav buttons and we’re crossing our fingers that these more traditionally styled nav buttons will be what we see on non-Nexus stock Android devices that debut in Android Silver later this year. [Google Design | via Reddit] |
| Official Android Wear companion app hits Google Play along with new page listing all supported apps Posted: 02 Jul 2014 05:21 PM PDT Even if the first Android Wear smartwatches don’t ship out until early next week, Google is doing users a solid by dropping the official Android Wear companion app onto the Play Store. While an Android Wear smartwatch already works with your Android phone (4.3+) out of the box, the app will help new users choose default apps for say, taking a note, voice action preferences, or configuring for new devices. Handy for when, you know, you actually get your LG G Watch or Samsung Gear Live next week. There’s also a new page especially for apps with Android Wear compatibility, where you’ll find a growing list of apps (around 25 so far). Everything from IFTTT, to Fly Delta and Duolingo make the cut, including favorites like Evernote Wear and Hangouts. You can check out all the apps here. |
| Soofa is a solar-powered smart bench now available throughout the city of Boston [VIDEO] Posted: 02 Jul 2014 04:57 PM PDT It’s probably not the first place that comes to mind when you think of a technologically advanced city, yet Boston’s latest public amenity is leaving us to wonder why our own city isn’t providing the same for its citizens. Now available in public parks throughout the city are “Soofas,” new smart benches featuring USB ports for charging mobile devices while out and about. Because sapping the city’s resources wouldn’t be the best idea, the benches actually feature solar panels and a battery for storing the sun’s energy throughout the day. If that doesn’t sound “smart” enough for you, how about this: Soofa’s actually tap into Verizon’s 4G network, letting visitors on Soofa’s website know when and where an available smart bench can be found. Pretty handy if you’re looking for a comfy spot to write your memoirs. Soofa says future benches might come with wireless inductive charging, so you could leave your USB cable at home. Let’s just hope, unlike Starbucks, they choose the correct wireless charging standard. If you’re in the Boston area and would like to see a Soofa make its way somewhere near you, you can submit location ideas via their website here. |
| Wear Calc for Android Wear released so you don’t have to yell at your wrist to do math Posted: 02 Jul 2014 04:52 PM PDT Those of you rockin’ an Android Wear smartwatch from either Samsung or LG will be happy to know that you no longer have to act like a barbarian and yell at your wrist to do simple math equations. Until now, the only way to do math equations on Android Wear was to say ‘ok google’ followed by the equation you’re looking to solve. Google’s built in functionality works quite well as long as you have a data connection and you’re in a position to speak to your smartwatch. Wear Calc is a simple calculator for Android Wear that runs natively on your wearable, solving these minor pain points with a simple touch interface. To get started you’ll want to hit the widget below and install Wear Calc on your Android phone that’s paired with your smartwatch. Wear Calc will then magically be installed on your smartwatch, no additional steps required. It’s worth mentioning that I was unable to launch the application by saying ‘ok google start wear calc’ as Google kept confusing wear with where. If you run into this issue, just say ‘ok google start’ and select Wear Calc from the list of applications or head into the touch menu, scroll down to start, and select Wear Calc from there. |
| HTC Volantis tipped with a Snapdragon 810, 5GB RAM, 64GB storage, BoomSound, and more Posted: 02 Jul 2014 03:40 PM PDT Rumors of a new HTC-made Nexus Tablet — codenamed HTC Volantis — began to escalate recently after a mysterious tablet (picture above) appeared in Google’s official Material design images. Carrying a nondescript form factor, the only standout feature we noticed was what appeared to be a large front facing speaker towards the top, something HTC is all too familiar with in their devices. Despite initial rumors suggesting this HTC Volantis (Nexus 9?) would launch carrying rather modest specs, along came @evleaks today throwing everyone for a loop. Mr. Leaks revealed a rather unbelievable assortment of specs and even more puzzling “leaked macro image” of the tablet, showing half a camera and some watermarks, one of which reads “Android Silver OS Alpha 1.4.” For the processor, the Volantis prototype is allegedly using a Snapdragon 810 CPU during its testing phase, with the final model switching over to a 64-bit NVIDIA Tegra K1 in the future. There’s also mention of a aluminum unibody design, 5GB of non-final RAM (overkill?), and an 8.9-inch 2560×1600 display (prototype is using a 1680×1050 display), 64GB of internal storage, and a 5MP camera (although it could ship with an 8MP shooter). Of course, HTC’s trademark BoomSound stereo front facing speakers were mentioned and while the image above looks pretty official, @evleaks mentions earlier renders being “fake.” It’s a pretty big pill to swallow. If @evleaks “leaked” specs hold true, this tablet could be one of the most powerful 9-inch tablets to ever hit the market, easily rivaling the best from Apple, Samsung, or any other manufacturer for that matter. Can’t wait to see how this one develops. Anyone thinking this might be their next Android tab?
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| Nova Launcher Beta update brings Android L goodies to casual devices [DOWNLOAD] Posted: 02 Jul 2014 02:01 PM PDT TeslaCoil developer Kevin Barry is back with another update to the world famous Nova Launcher Beta. Announced on the app’s Google+ Community page, Barry lists off some of the new features now available in the Nova Launcher 3.0.2 Beta 1 update, many of which bring a few Android L goodies to us non-Nexus users (as well as better compatibility for those running the Developer Preview). Here’s the short list:
This should help those of you without the gall to run the new Android L Developer Preview, which really isn’t meant to be used on a primary Android device (although we found it to be more than stable). You can either join the Nova Launcher Beta community to get in on the latest betas as they arrive in Google Play, or download direct from the developer here. |
| OnePlus Tab leak suggests a tablet is in the works, but will it settle on the same invite system? Posted: 02 Jul 2014 01:05 PM PDT If the process of buying a OnePlus One wasn’t frustrating enough, how ’bout trying your luck at one of their upcoming tablets? Still not official, @evleaks posted a screen grab of the OnePlus website, showing a link for a OnePlus Tab, right next to the link for their hard-to-get smartphone. While there’s no details provided just yet, we’re sure OnePlus will once again use their grassroots marketing and rock bottom low pricing to lure in prospective buyers. If you guys had to build the perfect tablet — one that didn’t “settle” — what kind of hardware would you like to see? [Evleaks] |
| Best Android Tablets [July 2014] Posted: 02 Jul 2014 12:22 PM PDT The launch of several new tablets this month has led to a bit of a shakeup at the top of our Android tablet rankings. Where do newcomers like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S and a refreshed LG G Pad lineup land? Read on to find out. 5. Nexus 7Despite persistent rumors, last month's Google I/O conference came and went without the introduction of a new Nexus Tablet. With no proper successor, the N7 maintains a place on our list almost by default. It's hard to argue against the tablet's affordable pricing, solid hardware package including HD display, and direct-from-Google software support (likely including a quick upgrade to the recently previewed Android L). Chances are a refresh is still in the works, but for now Nexus 7 makes a perfectly sensible choice of Android tablet. 4. LG G PadLG's G Pad refresh is on sale this month, starting with the currently available (in Europe) 7-inch model. Over the coming weeks LG will also introduce the G Pad 8.0 and G Pad 10.1. All three models feature a similar hardware complement, including a 720p display and quad-core processing. The tablets strike a balance between affordability (the smallest model sells for about $150), portability, and utility, and share many software features and enhancement in common with the highly praised LG G3. This includes a simplified user interface and the ability to unlock the slate with a so-called "Knock Code.” 3. Samsung Galaxy NoteProSamsung's tablet strategy is a bit all over the place. It seems that one stellar slate isn't good enough, resulting in devices like the Galaxy NotePro being pushed to the wayside as even newer tablets are announced only months later. The NotePro reigned at the top of our list for some time, but its high price and potentially unwieldy size are beginning to look less and less appealing. Despite this, the NotePro still offers unique stylus input and high-class hardware that will appeal to a certain niche of users. 2. Sony Xperia Z2 TabletWe're still amazed at what Sony managed to cram into the 6.1mm-thick frame of the Xperia Z2 tablet. You get a Snapdragon 801 processor, beautiful display, and more in just about the classiest package to ever call itself an Android tablet. Its waterproof design means you can take the Z2 Tablet with you practically anywhere you go. 1. Samsung Galaxy Tab SSamsung's latest tablet is one of their best to date. The first to feature a Super AMOLED display — and in the process the first to earn the flagship S designation typically associated with the Galaxy smartphone line — the Galaxy Tab S is a media machine. Regardless of whether you go with the 8 or 10-inch models, the Tab S is equal parts entertainment and productivity device. With competitive pricing, the Galaxy Tab S should be considered right up there with Apple's iPad line. Honorable MentionsThe presence of a couple new tablets on our top 5 means some other great options have migrated to our honorable mentions category. In many cases, deciding between one of the tablets below and one from our main list is a matter of mincing hairs. Here are five more Android slates to consider.
Tablets to look forward toThe summer months have brought us several great tablets, but the fun ain't done yet. Here's a look at what you can look forward to during the second half of the year if you can't hold off on making that tablet purchasing decision for just a bit longer. ASUS Transformer Book VFive devices in one might seem like a bit of overkill, but ASUS pushes those limits with their upcoming Transformer Book V. While it isn't a tablet exclusively, the mode will likely be the preferred method of interaction for many users. The Transformer Book V can also act as an Android smartphone or notebook as well as a Windows tablet or notebook. Rumor MillWhile the below tablets don't have solid release dates on the docket, the rumors say they will eventually become a reality. While you shouldn't put too much stock in these devices showing up any time soon, here is a look at what folks have been buzzing about. NVIDIA Shield TabletRumors of a new gaming-oriented tablet from NVIDIA are fairly fresh and quickly denied, but a recent sighting at the Global Certification Forum leaves us with little doubt as to the slate's authenticity. The Shield was NVIDIA's bold attempt at creating an Android-based gaming device, but it saw little success after launch. Transitioning the concept to a tablet form factor is a wise move that could greatly expand the target audience for the device. Nexus tabletsAs mentioned previous, Google I/O brought no news of a refreshed Nexus tablet lineup, but the team behind Android isn't done with the line of pure Google devices. Buzz persists and it's almost a guarantee we will see a Nexus 8 or similar slate launch at some point this year. The next likely opportunity would coincide with the public release of the recently previewed Android L. What say you?Does the newly released Galaxy Tab S earn its place at the top of our rankings? Did we leave out a tablet you think deserves more attention? Let us know your picks for top Android tablets of July in the comments below. |
| VLC for Android beta is now available for folks in the US Posted: 02 Jul 2014 09:52 AM PDT As a huge fan of VLC Media Player on my PC I was extremely excited to hear that the app would be making its way to Android two years ago. If you’re not sure what VLC is, it’s a media player that plays pretty much everything without fail, and without you having to go hunting for obscure codecs and plugins. Unfortunately for those of us in the United States the VLC for Android beta was not immediately made available while the rest of the world got immediate access. Yes, yes — for once, America is last! Thankfully us yanks won’t have to suffer anymore as the app now appears to be available in the Play Store (thanks to the attentive folks at Reddit for the spot). The app also seems to be available for any Canadians who didn’t already have access, though it sounds like not many of the guys up north had any trouble getting it up to this point. VLC for Android promises to handle most audio and video filetypes like a champ, and even goes beyond that by supporting DVD ISOs, network streams and more. The big glaring issue in its current beta status is that hardware-based decoding only works with a very limited set of hardware, but that’s why we call these things betas. For now it should prove to be just as useful as anything you have on your phone if you’re tired of having to convert everything you download to a compatible format. The download is available for free in the Google Play Store so check it out by hitting the link below. |
| NIVIDA SHIELD Tablet shows up in Global Certification Forum database Posted: 02 Jul 2014 08:42 AM PDT If NVIDIA’s mistaken listing of a “SHIELD Tablet” last month wasn’t enough evidence to suggest they’re working on bringing another powerful gaming device, perhaps today’s certification at the Global Certification Forum will. There still isn’t a ton of information about this thing right now, though today’s certification does reveal that the device will be outfitted with 3G and 4G radios when it does make its way to market. The SHIELD Tablet is rumored to be equipped with a 7.9-inch 2048×1536 display, a Tegra K1 processor with a 192-core GPU, a 7 megapixel rear with a 4.8 megapixel camera, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, as well as possible game-centric controls on extended bezels. The “tablet” at the end of its name also tells us it might not be a clam shell form factor like the original SHIELD, though the fact that separate rumors say an NVIDIA SHIELD 2 is coming should be enough to believe that. This all comes at a time where NVIDIA has decided to refocus their efforts on providing silicon for “extraordinary” devices instead of trying to compete with Intel and Qualcomm to get their chipset inside any phone or tablet they can. We’ve seen this with NVIDIA’s Tegra line being the preferred hardware for most set-top gaming boxes, as well as many of the Android TV boxes and televisions set to launch later this year. For now, though, we’re just hoping to get Tegra K1 inside of their own products before the holiday season rolls around. [via Notebook Italia]
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| We’re living in a Material world and I’m a Material Duarte [VIDEO] Posted: 02 Jul 2014 07:32 AM PDT Google’s new design language, dubbed Material, is simple, elegant, and clean. It’s also a part of a popular 80′s song by Madonna. Watch Matias Duarte, Director of Android User Experience, act as the Material Girl in this fan video below.
Move over #holoyolo, it’s time for #materiyolo to unify all platforms, in all it’s glory. |
| Premium-built Samsung Galaxy F breaks cover again in latest leaked press render Posted: 02 Jul 2014 07:14 AM PDT
It’s odd that Samsung isn’t opting to make this part of their Galaxy S lineup considering how powerful it is. It houses a Snapdragon 805 chipset, Quad HD display, 3GB of RAM and the like if recent rumors are to be believed. The press render confirms the return of the heart-rate sensor Samsung has grown a liking to, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see a fingerprint coming along for the ride (especially considering the lower-class Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini happened to get one of its own). It’s understandable for users to feel upset about Samsung releasing a phone that’s supposed to be top of the line only to one-up it in the months to follow. That said, perhaps there’s no reason to fret — just as the Samsung Galaxy S5 LTE-A likely won’t travel far outside of South Korea, there’s a possibility you won’t even get the option of buying the Samsung Galaxy F whenever it’s officially revealed. If that rationale isn’t working for you then let’s just hope this is some sort of “test” for Samsung’s metal build for future iterations of their flagship smartphones. |
| You can now apply to test Microsoft Office for Android ahead of its release Posted: 02 Jul 2014 06:44 AM PDT Microsoft has been taking their sweet time to make sure Office for Android is just right. If you aren’t satisfied with the current lackluster experience or alternatives like Google Drive and its suite of document editing apps, then you’ve had your eye on Office for quite some time. Thankfully it appears we’re not far from seeing a full release. Microsoft has started inviting people to try out Office for Android through their SharePoint registration site. Users can sign up for either home or business, and can expect access to the following wide range of Microsoft apps and services (should they have the appropriate subscription, anyhow): Microsoft recently made their phone-bound Office apps free to download and use, though functionality was limited to just viewing and editing Word, Excel and Powerpoint documents. It also doesn’t provide a neat interface for tablets. The new Android apps (which you’ll need an Office 365 subscription for) should closely mirror what iOS users are enjoying right now, which would be a clean and smooth touch-friendly user interface that makes it easy to whip around documents on a decent-sized tablet. If you’ve been jonesing for this release and wouldn’t mind giving it a try you can head to Microsoft’s site right here to apply. It’s no guarantee, but you might as well give it a shot and see if Microsoft can’t hook you up before they deliver the goods to everyone else. [via The Verge] |
| Android 4.4.4 starts hitting HTC’s Google Play devices Posted: 02 Jul 2014 05:44 AM PDT Owners of the Google Play Edition HTC One M8 and HTC One M7 should be waking up to a new upgrade this morning. Before you get excited — no, it isn’t Android L. It’s the much less exciting Android 4.4.4, a simple maintenance and security upgrade to shore up the already-solid KitKat build. The main changes in this round of updates address the scary HeartBleed vulnerability that was the talk of the town weeks ago. The update should be making its way to your device over-the-air shortly, though if you find you’re an impatient being and want to check for yourself you can always head to Settings > About phone > System updates to check for it. As always, you’ll want to make sure you’re on WiFi and have a decently charged battery before going forward. Let us know how it’s treating you once you successfully pull it down. [Thanks Ralph!] |
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