LG G Pad 8.3 revealed ahead of IFA, rolls out globally in Q4

Following up on its initial tease from earlier this week, LG has officially revealed the G Pad 8.3 ahead of IFA. The slate's positioned as the next step from its G2 smartphone, and the company claims it's the first eight-inch tablet with a 1920 x 1200 WUXGA (Widescreen Ultra Extended Graphics Array) full HD screen. The device features a 4,600mAh battery, and runs Jelly Bean 4.2.2 atop a 1.7 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor aided by 2GB of RAM. Despite all that, it's just 8.33m thick and weighs 338 grams. Software enhancements include QPair and QSlide -- the former lets you receive messages and calls from JB-equipped Android phones on the G Pad itself, while the latter allows for three apps to run on-screen at once. What's more, with KnockOn you simply tap the screen twice to wake it up. The G Pad 8.3 will be available globally beginning in Q4 in your choice of black or white with 16 GB of storage. No word on pricing just yet, but expect a hands-on once we catch it on the show floor.

Filed under: Tablets

Comments

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/31/lg-g-pad-8-3-revealed/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Mobile Miscellany: week of August 26th, 2013

If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought convincing signs that BlackBerry users are moving away from physical keyboards, along with a new budget Android smartphone for MetroPCS and a stumbling block that's holding up AT&T's acquisition of Alltel. These stories and more await. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore all that's happening in the mobile world for this week of August 26th, 2013.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

Comments

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/31/mobile-miscellany/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

CrunchWeek: iPhone Trade-Ins, The New New Foursquare, And Twitter's Blue Lines Problem

This weekend, summer is sadly coming to a close (in the Northern Hemisphere, at least.) But all is not lost! At least we still have CrunchWeek, the show that brings a few of us TechCrunch writers together to chat about the most interesting tech news stories from the past seven days.

This time around, Leena Rao, Anthony Ha and I discussed the ins and outs of Apple’s new iPhone trade-in program, the latest big update to the Foursquare app (and the rumors of a possible Microsoft investment), and Twitter’s latest redesign with lots of controversial blue lines.

Source: TechCrunch http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/cnVFAhXA_X4/

ASUS teases new Transformer Pad coming September 4th, confirms it definitely has bezel

As IFA starts to slowly edge its way over the horizon, the product teasers start to rain. We've already seen hints from Sony, an outright admission from Samsung, and speculation from HTC. The latest tidbit, comes via ASUS's Facebook, which suggests it plans to show a new tablet at the event. What can we say about it? Well, odds on it's another Transformer Pad, running Android, and if you're into numerology (and consistency), Tegra 4 inside. Coincidentally, an unknown ASUS tablet (pictured after the break) with model number K00C popped up at the FCC last week, revealing little more than the usual WiFi and Bluetooth radios, and a display somewhere around 10-inches. Though the description of it as a Transformer Pad could indicate that whatever its exact configuration, it's arrival in the US won't be that far out.

Filed under: Tablets, ASUS

Comments

Source: Facebook

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/31/asus-new-tablet-ifa/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Porn Habits Across the USA, Breathing Liquid, GIFs on Facebook, And More

Well this is it folks; summer is basically over. Take your final dip in our kiddie pool of summer-style stories. We've got the worst college football uniform designs, Facebook GIFs, humans breathing liquid, how to add a button to your Android phone, US porn habits and more. Dig in!

Read more...

Source: Gizmodo http://gizmodo.com/porn-habits-across-the-usa-breathing-liquid-gifs-on-f-1230067044

Alcatel quietly reveals One Touch Idol S, Idol Mini and Evo 8 HD tablet

Unlike babies that wail when they're born, the three new members of Alcatel's One Touch family have silently slipped into the company's website. The two handsets, the Idol S and the Idol Mini, follow the original trio revealed at CES this year, sharing similar elements despite the difference in size. Both run Android 4.2, can read microSD cards up to 32GB in capacity and support quad-band GSM, as well as some UMTS (3G) bands, depending on the model.

Idol S, the larger of the two weighs 110 grams, has a 4.7-inch 1,280 x 720-pixel screen and DC-HSPA data connectivity. It's powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, has 4GB of internal storage, 1GB of RAM and an 8-megapixel rear / 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. On the other hand, the Idol Mini has a smaller 4.3-inch 854 x 480-pixel display, weighs 96 grams and comes with HSPA+. It's equipped with up to 8GB of internal storage, 512MB of RAM and a 5-megapixel rear / VGA front camera.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile

Comments

Via: GSM Arena

Source: Idol Mini, Idol S, One Touch Evo HD

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/31/alcatel-one-touch-idol-s-mini-evo-8-hd/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Nikkei: KDDI plans 220 Mbps cellular network upgrade for summer 2014

Think 150Mbps LTE-Advanced data is quick? KDDI could offer far more bandwidth next year. Nikkei claims that the Japanese carrier plans to upgrade its cellular network to 220 Mbps data as soon as summer 2014. Service would reportedly launch with an Android smartphone, and rely on new wireless technology; it's not clear whether this entails a faster LTE-A variant or something new. KDDI hasn't confirmed the rumor, so we wouldn't consider moving to Japan just yet. If there's any truth to the claims, however, even NTT DoCoMo's upgraded LTE could soon feel downright pokey.

[Image credit: TAKA@P.P.R.S, Flickr]

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

Comments

Source: Nikkei (subscription required)

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/31/nikkei-kddi-readying-220-mbps-cellular-network/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

You might want to hold off on buying that Moto X.

You might want to hold off on buying that Moto X. According to the often reliable Evleaks, its price is going to drop to $100 on contract later this year. And apparently it'll have four new wood-back options too. If you're into that.

Read more...

Source: Gizmodo http://gizmodo.com/you-might-want-to-hold-off-on-buying-that-moto-x-accor-1231456606

Let the god games begin: 22cans' Godus beta available on Steam Early Access September 13th (update: iOS and Android release dates)

A collective effort pulled back Curiosity's curtain early this summer, and now it's nearly time to play god. On September 13th, 22cans and Peter Molyneux will make the beta release of Godus , the studio's latest "experiment" in god gaming, available via Steam Early Access for PC and Mac. The early release will cost eager overlords $19.99 and allow them to "sculpt every inch of a beautiful world," and, of course, destroy those worlds in multiplayer battles with other virtual gods. The Kickstarter-backed nod to Molyneux's Populous reached its funding goal in December of last year with the promise of PC, Mac and mobile compatibility and continued his focus on the video game as social experiment. Final release details are still under wraps but you can see an updated trailer after the break.

And for more Molyneux, check out our interview from E3 2013.

Update: We had a chance to catch up with Molyneux following his keynote at PAX and, among other things, he revealed release dates for iOS and Android versions of Godus: October 31st (Halloween) and November 14th (Day of the Colombian Woman), respectively.%Gallery-slideshow77099%

Filed under: Gaming, Mobile

Comments

Source: 22cans, Steam

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/22cans-godus-beta-available/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Ceton Echo Windows Media Center extender won't support Android after all

Around nine months ago Ceton unexpectedly announced plans to support the Android operating system and apps on its $179 Echo Windows Media Center extender, but now that's not happening. According to the company, Android is "up and running" on Echo hardware in its labs -- we saw screenshots back in February -- but early beta tests with home users showed a problem with an internal component. That flaw apparently causes a failure to update in some cases, and since efforts to find a workaround have been so far unsuccessful Ceton is shelving the project (presumably alongside its Q DVR). There's no question this is disappointing for Echo users that expected the feature, but the possibility of a bricked box seem worth avoiding. We haven't talked about the Echo much since it came out of beta with a fix for 1080i output issues -- if you're an owner, let us know if you were (still) waiting for Android, or if you've moved onto another solution like Roku, Ouya or Chromecast.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Comments

Source: Ceton Blog

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/ceton-echo-extender-android-support-cancelled/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Android Apps of the Week: Digg Reader, Dynamic Notifications and More

It's Friday, it's the weekend, it's Labor Day weekend — it's a good day to be alive. And for Android users who've been dying to get their hands on some sweet new apps all week, it's an especially good day. Check out the best of what's out there this week!

Read more...

Source: Gizmodo http://gizmodo.com/android-apps-of-the-week-digg-reader-dynamic-notifica-1228454464

J.J. Abrams and Jonathan Nolan teaming up for HBO 'Westworld' pilot

HBO is working on a television version of Westworld to be masterminded by Jonathan Nolan and J.J. Abrams. Variety reports that the network has committed to producing a pilot for the series, with Nolan directing and co-writing with Lisa Joy. Nolan is the brother of director Christopher Nolan, and has co-written films like The Prestige, The Dark Knight, and also serves as executive producer of the CBS series Person of Interest. Along with Joy and Nolan, the new Westworld project will be executive produced by Abrams, Jerry Weintraub, and Bryan Burk (Lost).

The 1973 film Westworld was written and directed by author Michael Crichton, and starred Yul Brynner as a renegade android in a futuristic theme park. The exact plot of the new version...

Continue reading…

Source: The Verge - All Posts http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/30/4677288/j-j-abrams-and-jonathan-nolan-teaming-up-for-hbo-westworld-pilot

Google Bought a Smartwatch Company

Google quietly acquired smartwatch maker WIMM Labs

Ok, so here's the deal: WIMM Labs was one of the earliest entrants into the smartwatch space, way back in 2011. While the Android-based WIMM One failed to set the consumer market on fire, it apparently caught Google's eye. In the summer of 2012, the company put a simple message up on its site declaring that it had entered an exclusive partnership with an unnamed entity for its technology and would thus be ending sales of its devices. Now it appears that partner was Google -- a Mountain View spokesperson just confirmed the acquisition to us.

The company's immediate plans for WIMM are not yet public but, according to GigaOM , most of the staff stayed on board and are now working with the Android team. The obvious use would be in developing Google's own rumored smartwatch product, which would likely incorporate many of WIMM Lab's SDKs and existing platform tools. However, it's worth noting that the company doesn't consider itself merely a maker of app-running timepieces, but a manufacturer of wearables in general. We wouldn't be shocked if some of WIMM's tech and experience was put to good use in Glass.

Filed under: Wearables, Google

Comments

Via: GigaOM

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/google-acquired-wimm-labs/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Google reportedly acquired Android smartwatch maker WIMM Labs

Google is said to have silently acquired the smartwatch manufacturer WIMM Labs last summer as part of an effort to bolster its own plans for wearable devices, reports GigaOM . WIMM Labs released its first smartwatch back in 2011, the WIMM One, which ran Android and included a platform for developers to code apps for it. We said at the time that the product had great potential, and now it looks like that potential could come to pass under the guidance of a bigger company.

WIMM Labs' employees are believed to be working under Google's Android team, reports GigaOM. That would be a natural fit given WIMM Labs' history with the platform and immediate eye toward building an app store that's open to developers. Last summer, after about three...

Continue reading…

Source: The Verge - All Posts http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/30/4677066/google-acquires-android-smartwatch-manufacturer-wimm-labs

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 reportedly landing on Three UK September 16th, Sony Xperia Z1 coming September 24th

The two most anticipated smartphones of next week's IFA show, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Sony Xperia Z1, haven't been officially announced, but neither manufacturer has made any secret of their existence. So, we aren't at all surprised to see that the two devices are starting to become common knowledge amongst the employees at various carriers. An anonymous tipster who claims to work for Three UK has sent us images of an internal doc which shows when the carrier will begin selling the pair of devices, with the Note 3 arriving on the 16th of September and the Z1 following on the 24th. Even if this is accurate, we still can't be sure Three will be the first to launch them -- nor can we account for any potential delays -- but it's at least a solid indicator that the phones will arrive sooner rather than later. We don't have much longer to wait before we find out, but it's something to chew on over the weekend.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, Sony

Comments

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/samsung-galaxy-note-3-sony-xperia-z1/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Editor's Letter: Color commentary

In each issue of Distro, Executive Editor Marc Perton publishes a wrap-up of the week in news.

There's a very good chance you're reading this on a tablet. Distro is, after all, first and foremost, a tablet magazine. There's also a reasonable chance you're reading this on a computer. Distro works on Windows 8; we have a platform-neutral PDF version; and most of what we publish in Distro also appears on Engadget. There is, however, almost no chance that you're reading this on a color e-book reader (no, not a color tablet; an e-paper reader). And that's too bad.

In this week's Distro, Sean Buckley tells the story of color e-paper, a once-promising technology that simply couldn't make it in a tablet-centric world. Despite years of development work and the tantalizing promise of high-resolution, daylight-readable, low-power displays, color e-paper was rendered an also-ran once the iPad began gaining popularity and low-cost Android tablets followed suit. Major e-reader makers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kobo, all released their own color tablets -- at prices below their $300-plus color e-ink competitors. That strategy wasn't without its fallout; B&N eventually got out of the tablet market, and Kobo continues to struggle to gain market share in the US. But color e-book readers fared even more poorly, and color e-paper's future is now tied to other devices, such as smartwatches.

Filed under: Misc, Tablets

Comments

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/color-commentary/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

BlackBerry Beta Zone app released for early adopters on BB10

Well, it looks as if Twitter isn't the only one announcing something beta-related today. BlackBerry has (quietly) released Beta Zone for BlackBerry 10, an application geared toward folks who are game to try stuff before it's ready for prime time. The firm's newly outed app gives members an easy-to-access hub where they can download the latest software arriving on the platform in beta. As you'd expect, Beta Zone for BB10 won't cost a dime to download, though you will need to have an account before being able to access any of those rough-hewn apps.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Blackberry

Comments

Via: N4BB

Source: BlackBerry World

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/beta-zone-app-blackberry-10/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Lockbox Raises $2.5 Million Seed Round To Help Encrypt Your Stuff

It’s hard to trust the cloud. With the NSA coming in one end and hackers coming in through the other, complete encryption is key. That’s what Lockbox is for. The company, founded in 2008, has accepted $2.5 million in seed funding to further roll out their Client Portal and iPad app.

Lockbox offers end-to-end encryption. The system encrypts and compresses files before accepting them into the cloud. These files can then only be opened by users who have the right key. At no point in the transfer can anyone read the file until it is decrypted. “The Client Portal compresses, encrypts, and digitally signs each file before it is uploaded into the Cloud. Files can only be decrypted and read by the invited recipients,” said Lockbox CEO Peter Long. “This makes the information inaccessible to everyone else – including the cloud storage provider and even Lockbox.”

The company has 6,000 paying users and has thus far sold to legal and financial clients. However, given the Internet’s predilection towards insecurity, it could be a good investment for the average Joe or Josephine. The team also built the Bouncy Castle framework that is used to secure Android devices. The company is using the cash infusion to complete their iPad app which allows for encrypted file sharing from iOS as well.

The system works by first encrypting files on your desktop and sending them to the Lockbox cloud. There they can only be read, on the desktop, by users with the right key. Long sees this as a solution for those forced by regulatory concerns to maintain a tight ship. “The Client Portal targets financial planners, accountants and insurance brokers who have a desire to use cloud, but have regulatory or business requirements for secure and private (encrypted) document exchange. Prior to the availability of Client Portal, alternatives were insecure, inefficient and expensive.”

Their Client product is the only one popularly available right now and may be an interesting tool if you’re looking to send sensitive – or not so sensitive – files to clients, friends, family, or the NSA.

Source: TechCrunch http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/dpOaoHXkQPA/

New faces of Android: the inside story of Google's management shuffle

One big loss at the world's most popular smartphone platform has been followed by another. Five months after Android founder Andy Rubin left his creation to work on unspecified other projects inside Google, head of Android product management Hugo Barra quit to take a job at upstart Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi. And while there are clear potential benefits for both parties in the move — having Barra as an ally inside the explosive Chinese market could prove hugely profitable to Google — he also leaves a void at Android.

Continue reading…

Source: The Verge - All Posts http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/30/4675746/new-faces-of-android-the-inside-story-of-googles-management-shuffle

11 Of The Best Android Apps Are Free Right Now

Amazon has been filling the free Android app void for a while now by offering a quality app at no charge each day, and today they've chosen ten of their "greatest hits" to remove the barrier to entry to. Grab the following for nothing or jump to the landing page here. [Amazon]

Read more...

Source: Gizmodo http://gizmodo.com/11-of-the-best-android-apps-are-free-right-now-1227585614

Engadget's back to school guide 2013: docks

Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! Today we're talking docks. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear, including some of the picks in our guides.

Plug and play... and then party in your dorm. That's how the kids do it nowadays, with their iPods, iPhones and Android devices connected to virtual libraries of stored and streaming music. But unless you're rocking an HTC One with BoomSound, the dinky speakers on your daily driver just aren't going to adequately pump out the late-summer jams. For those at-home boogie breakdowns, you're going to need some serious hardware. And lucky you, we're here to sort through the clutter and highlight the best back to school picks for any budget.

Filed under: Peripherals

Comments

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/back-to-school-guide-docks/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Huawei unveils outdoor-ready Honor 3 smartphone, MediaQM310 set-top box

Huawei's first two Honor smartphones were straightforward mid-range devices; with today's unveiling of the Honor 3, the company is going the semi-rugged route. The third-generation model is IP57-rated for resistance to dust and water, and its high-sensitivity touchscreen will recognize wet hands. There's also an HTC One-like infrared blaster to control TVs and home appliances. The Honor 3 is otherwise a modest upgrade, however -- it carries a slightly larger 4.7-inch 720p in-cell touch LCD, a mildly faster 1.5GHz K3V2 quad-core chip, a higher-resolution 13-megapixel rear camera, a 1-megapixel front camera and Android 4.2. The 2GB of RAM and 8GB of expandable storage haven't changed since last year, although they're acceptable when the Honor 3 is already on sale for just ¥1,888 ($309) in China.

The smartphone will soon have company. Huawei is teasing a new TV set-top box, the MediaQM310, that should offer both cloud services and China Network Television's online video. The media hub should be uncommonly powerful for its diminutive size with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 chip, Bluetooth and dual-band WiFi. There's no mention of a price just yet, although that should come when Huawei ships the MediaQM310 to China sometime in September. Check out a photo of the device after the break.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Via: Engadget Chinese (translated)

Source: Huawei (translated)

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/huawei-unveils-honor-3-and-mediaqm310/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Twitter debuts new Android beta tester program for interested bug catchers

Given the apparent backlash over Twitter's decision to add blue lines to its conversation view, we can't help but wonder if things could be different had the company implemented an open beta test program before pushing it out to the masses. Whether or not that particular situation was the impetus, it looks like the company is following in the footsteps of Facebook and Snapchat and is launching an official Android beta -- known simply as the Twitter for Android Experiment -- for any interested souls. After agreeing to sign up for a Google Group, the beta actually replaces your current Twitter app, and you're alerted each time a new build is available. As any good beta program should, there are plenty of opportunities for you to offer feedback on bugs; we're not sure if you can report blue lines as a "bug," but it's still great to know that our voices can finally be heard before new features roll out to everyone.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Google

Comments

Via: AndroidPolice

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/twitter-beta-android/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Samsung's Galaxy S4 Zoom with LTE launches in Europe

We can't say that we were bowled over by the Galaxy S4 Zoom when we gave it the review treatment last month. That being said, if you've decided that the 16-megapixel Frankamphone fits your needs, you live in Europe and have been waiting for the LTE version to arrive, then today's the day. Samsung's just announced the Zoom avec LTE is now available across Europe, and has named Deutsche Telekom, Tele2, Telia Sonera and Orange as some of the networks that'll carry it. The launch is particularly timely for the UK, which just yesterday saw two carriers flip the 4G switch and another announce when its speedy network will go live. Hit up your local LTE merchant for the finer details, like when you'll actually be able to buy the Android-powered cameraphone and how much your wallet is going to hate you for doing so.

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile, Samsung

Comments

Source: Samsung

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/samsung-galaxy-s4-zoom-lte-europe/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Nokia reveals Here Auto connected car navigation system

Nokia's no newbie to navigation, but its latest product raises its involvement to the next level. The Here Auto connected car platform is comprised of an application that can be embedded to a vehicle's navigation system, a mobile app companion and a cloud service. Any in-car navigator with the Here Auto software can offer voice-guided navigation with or without a data connection, along with 2D, 3D and street-level satellite maps. You'll need internet access to tap into the cloud service for real-time data, including traffic and weather updates, but previously downloaded maps work just fine even when you're offline.

The Auto Companion mobile app complements the software and the cloud service, giving you a way to pre-plan trips or find your car through a phone. Currently, it only works on Windows Phone devices, but Espoo's developing ones for iOS and Android. Nokia has partnered with Continental (the same parts supplier working with Google and IBM) to find carmakers willing to integrate Here Auto into their navigation systems. It might take a while before we see the system hit the market, but it'll be demonstrated at the International Motor Show in Germany on September 10th.

Filed under: GPS, Nokia

Comments

Source: Nokia

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/nokia-here-auto-connected-car-platform/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Pressy: the one-button Android controller so cool it was Kickstarted in under a day

If Kickstarter had a 24-hour funders club, Pebble and the Bolex Camera would be welcoming Pressy today. In under a day, the multifunction Android controller has more than doubled its $40,000 goal (raising $108,435 from 4,889 backers as of this writing) and with 45 days left to go, the numbers keep climbing. Perhaps its simplicity is what's making it such a hit. Pressy plugs into any Android device's headphone port (Gingerbread and above), and clicking its unobtrusive 0.7mm-tall button controls and automates any manner of your gizmo's functions. Through its app you can assign a given task to a sequence of clicks; it's up to you if it takes two short clicks to speed-dial your mom or one long press to snap an unobtrusive picture, for example. You can still use it if you have a pair of headphones in too, with the cans' play button subbing in for control. Clever.

Unlike other Kickstarters, this isn't some far-off prospect: Developer Nimrod Back has promised Pressy will be available within four months. A basic Pressy will set you back $17, for a choice of colors with a keychain storage sheath you'll have to pony up $25. Oh, and if you fancy yourself a programmer and want the device's API, then drop $1,000 and make that tier's one other pledge less lonely.

[Thanks, Yaniv]

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Source: Kickstarter

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/pressy-android-controller/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Sony's first post-Chromecast Google TV device is an MHL dongle, not a set-top box

We first got a whiff of Sony's NSZ-GU1 earlier this month from an FCC filing, and now the folks at GTVHacker point out those documents have been updated with more info and pictures. The first new Google TV hardware seen since the $35 Chromecast dongle launched, this device appears to be a blend of the two. A key difference revealed from the pictures however, is an odd stepped design, with the MHL/HDMI port protruding from the bottom of the box. The brief user manual included in the filing may explain this however, as it can draw power via that MHL output and the USB connection to a BRAVIA TV. A tiny diagram in the truncated user manual shows it plugged into the side of a TV like the Chromecast or Roku Streaming Stick. If you're wondering about the PS4 -- yes, we looked, but there's no indication it's meant to work directly with the upcoming console.

Like previous Google TV devices, it brings HDMI passthrough to the table along with an IR blaster, remote diagrams (in a separate filing) look similar to the one included with the NSZ-GS7 and GS8. Inside is a low power Marvell DE3108 SoC, 8GB of flash memory and 1GB RAM, however the specs indicate it's limited to 720p video output. As GTVHacker put it, the entire thing is similar to the Chromecast but with Google TV features. What remains to be seen is when it arrives, how much it costs, and what software tweaks Google and Sony can cook up to make this generation of Android-powered smart TVs more appealing.%Gallery-slideshow76478%

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Sony, Google

Comments

Via: CJ Heres (Twitter)

Source: FCC (1), (2)

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/30/sony-chromecast-google-tv-nsz-gu1-fcc-pictures/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Digg for Android arrives with Reader support

Digg was ready with a Reader-enabled iOS app in time for a rush of Google Reader exiles, but it left Android users looking for alternative newsreaders. That void is now filled with the launch of the company's Android app. The Android build closely matches its iOS counterpart, with support for Digg's own news, RSS feed subscriptions and sharing to both read-it-later apps as well as social networks. Just be aware of a few rough patches -- this release is missing background updates, some display options and an unread-only filter. If you can live without those features in the short term, though, you can grab the Digg app through Google Play.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Via: Digg Blog

Source: Google Play

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/29/digg-for-android-arrives-with-reader-support/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Pressy adds a physical, programmable button to Android phones

Android phones nowadays are largely devoid of physical buttons — save for the typical duo of volume and power keys. But Pressy, a Kickstarter project that promises to bring a programmable physical button to nearly any Android device, is challenging the idea that consumers are happy doing everything on a touchscreen. With 45 days left to go, Pressy's creators, Nimrod Back and Boaz Mendel, have raised more than $92,000. Pressy surpassed its stated $40,000 goal in less than 24 hours. To put it simply, Pressy is taking off.

Continue reading…

Source: The Verge - All Posts http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/29/4673624/pressy-button-for-android-passes-kickstarter-goal

Samsung Galaxy Gear control app screens confirm NFC, other features

Samsung already said that its Galaxy Gear smartwatch would launch on September 4th, but that doesn't mean the leaks are over. Far from it -- @evleaks just posted screenshots of Gear Manager, the smartphone app that will oversee Samsung's wristwear. The images mostly corroborate details from past rumors, such as the SM-V700 model number, app support and NFC pairing. There are a couple of surprises, however. One shot mentions a "find my watch" tool, and another shows an abstracted representation of the Galaxy Gear itself -- don't read too much into that last picture, though. While we'd rather see the real smartwatch, this new leak may tide us over until the official Galaxy Gear unveiling next week.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Mobile, Samsung

Comments

Source: @evleaks (Twitter)

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/29/samsung-gear-manager-screens/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Aereo CEO reveals an Android app is launching this September

In more than one way, Aereo keeps growing and growing, and it looks as if it's getting ready to grow a little more. According to the International Business Times, Aereo CEO, Chet Kanojia, has confirmed to the publication that an official Android app for the TV streaming service is on its way. More specifically, Aereo's chief says the application will be launching in the month of September, which would be right around the same time as the unconventional cable provider prepares to debut in Chicago. No word on when exactly we can expect the Aereo app to arrive on the Play store, but given how August only has about two full days left in it, it's safe to say it'll be sooner rather than later. In the meantime, there's always the option to watch on your computer -- or, hey, maybe a dear friend would be kind enough to let you borrow an iOS device.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet

Comments

Via: GigaOM

Source: International Business Times

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/29/aereo-android-app-launching-in-september/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Shazam 4.0 for Android arrives with redesigned interface and faster sound scans

Shazam's Android app has needed a makeover for a while; even with tablet support, the sound identification tool has felt more at home in 2011 than 2013. The company is delivering that overdue redesign today with the launch of Shazam 4.0. The new app gives Android users a modern, Holo-inspired interface that scales to all Android devices, including a wider variety of tablets. It also brings the iOS version's faster sound scans and more dynamic listening screen. While there aren't many other changes, there's more than enough here to justify grabbing the update through Google Play.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, HD, Mobile

Comments

Source: Google Play

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/29/shazam-4-for-android/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Samsung Smartwatch Leak Suggests It'll Be a Dashboard for Your Phone

The frequently reliable Ev_Leaks Twitter account just posted a pair of screenshots that give us a peek at the setup app for Samsung Galaxy Gear, which Samsung is set to announce on September 4th. If these Gear Manager shots are real, the smartwatch will likely rely heavily on your phone do anything.

Read more...

Source: Gizmodo http://gizmodo.com/samsung-smartwatch-leak-suggests-itll-be-a-dashboard-f-1224003655

What is Xiaomi? Here's the Chinese company that just stole one of Android's biggest stars

Yesterday, Google lost one of its top Android executives to a relatively unknown Chinese cellphone manufacturer. While the circumstances surrounding Hugo Barra’s departure are still murky and potentially dramatic, there’s no question about where he’s headed: he’s going to Xiaomi as vice president of Xiaomi global, which, according to The New York Times, some in China have dubbed the "Apple of the East."

But outside of China, Xiaomi is the furthest thing from a household name. The three-and-a-half-year-old company has 2,400 employees, annual revenues of about $2 billion, and only sells its wares in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. That limited market spread means Xiaomi isn’t even a blip on most American’s radar. Despite that,...

Continue reading…

Source: The Verge - All Posts http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/29/4672668/what-is-xiaomi-china-smartphone-hugo-barra-android

Facebook brings lock screen music controls to Home, animated stickers to all Android users

Facebook's Android offerings just got a little livelier through a pair of updates. If you're using Facebook Home, you now have music controls on the lock screen during playback. Everyone using the regular Facebook app, meanwhile, should see animated stickers in messages. Neither upgrade is dramatic, but they're both enough to justify a quick visit to Google Play.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Facebook

Comments

Source: Google Play (1), (2)

Source: Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/29/facebook-brings-lock-screen-music-controls-to-home/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

Digg for Android Is Finally Here: Get Your Read On a Million Ways

The Digg app for iOS has been around for a while, but until now, Android users have been left out of the fun. No longer. Digg for Android is here.

Read more...

Source: Gizmodo http://gizmodo.com/digg-for-android-is-finally-here-get-your-read-on-a-mi-1223254066