Eric Ravenscraft
Eric is a snarky technophile with a taste for the unusual. When he's not obsessing about Android, you can usually find him obsessing about movies, psychology, or the perfect energy drink. Eric weaves his own special blend of snark, satire, and comedy into all his articles.

26
Jun
zombiestiny

[Review] Zombies, Run! Is A Fantastic App, As Long As You Like Working Out More Than You Like Zombies

Posted by in Applications, Reviews

When we first took a look at Zombies, Run! a few days ago, I said that, while the concept is great, I hoped it would be $8 worth of amazing. Not to spoil the ending to this story right away, but the short version is: probably. This app could easily be worth $8 to many users. But not for the reasons you might think. And, before you start reaching for your wallet, you need to answer one very important question: are you willing to commit to a workout routine?

Game Of Moans

Screenshot_2012-06-26-15-25-25 Screenshot_2012-06-26-15-25-42 Screenshot_2012-06-26-15-12-12

To call Zombies, Run! a "game" is, perhaps, a bit disingenuous.

26
Jun
kindlefire

[Rumor] Next Generation Kindle Fire May Be Announced As Soon As July 31st

Posted by in Kindle Fire, News

While the world waits for Google's own $200 7" tablet to be announced at Google I/O, CNET is reporting that Amazon may be ready to announce a successor to the wildly popular Kindle Fire this summer. The tech blog reports that Amazon may be preparing for a July 31st launch event to announce the next Kindle-branded tablet.

CNET's sources also point to a built-in camera and physical volume controls among the additions. No word on any other new features, or if Amazon might be upgrading the version of Android that the device is built on. Currently the device runs on a heavily modified version of Gingerbread.

26
Jun
qualcommlogo

Qualcomm Announces Its Own Android SDK For Snapdragon Processors, Promises Tighter Hardware Integration

Posted by in News

Qualcomm, the company behind the S4 processor that so many US devices are receiving as consolation prizes in exchange for LTE, has announced that it will be releasing its own SDK for Snapdragon processors. The SDK will initially support the S4, and continue to support future processors as they're released, supporting multiple tiers of hardware.

The company touts the SDK as enabling developers to more tightly integrate their apps with Qualcomm hardware, as well as enabling access to more powerful hardware features, like so:

 

  • facial processing, such as blink and smile detection, which makes it easier to take better pictures of people in groups;
  • burst capture, which leverages zero shutter lag to photograph a stream of images at once to select the best shot;
  • surround sound recording for better audio capture;
  • hardware echo cancellation for better real-time audio experiences;
  • sensor gestures (tap-left/tap-right, push/pull, face-up/face-down, tilt) that enable developers and device makers to push the envelope on new, differentiated user interfaces;
  • low power always on geofencing capabilities; and
  • indoor location that enables apps to continue providing accurate location information even when the user is indoors.

26
Jun
cmlogo1

[Updated] CyanogenMod 9 Release Candidates Are Available For Several Devices Right Now

Posted by in News

The wait has been a long one, but it's finally starting to come to a close. The CM team has officially released several RC-level builds of CyanogenMod 9 for many high-profile devices, including the Galaxy Nexus (GSM), several Galaxy S II variants, and the Nexus S and Nexus S 4G.

2012-06-26_11h43_16

For the complete list, head to the source link below. As always, make absolutely sure that you're downloading the correct ROM for your device, and if you have any reservations, ask in a forum before flashing, and always make a backup first. Otherwise, happy flashing!

Update: The folks over at the CyanogenMod blog have just officially announced what we already knew was available, and the total number of devices with an available RC1 is 37, so head over to the downloads page to see if you're on the list.

25
Jun
google-tv6-m

Google TV Site Has Been Completely Overhauled, Shows Off All The New Google TV Hotness

Posted by in Google TV, News

Sony just announced its Internet Player, and Google is continuing the Google TV news with a revamp to its Google TV landing page. The site gives users a brief overview of what the platform does. Most notably, the "How It Works" page explains the distinction between the two types of Google TVs: integrated and what is apparently now known as "buddy box" style.

2012-06-25_23h49_42

2012-06-26_14h41_14 2012-06-26_14h41_59 2012-06-26_14h44_00

The site also now lists many of the major Google TV products, which aren't all that numerous. Notably absent is the Logitech Revue which, while old, is still one of the cheapest ways to get in on Google's television platform, and the only box comparable in price to its competitor, the Apple TV.

25
Jun
2012-06-25_11h43_43

Verizon And T-Mobile Strike Agreement To Swap Spectrum, T-Mobile Reiterates Plans For LTE Next Year

Posted by in News, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless

Verizon and T-Mobile may not regularly make headlines together, but this morning the two companies have announced that they've struck a deal to swap spectrum (and some money) to bolster both companies' LTE networks. Yes, including the one T-Mobile has yet to build. While specifics haven't been disclosed, it sounds like T-Mobile will be the big winner here, walking away with a net gain in spectrum holdings—something the company desperately needs—while paying an undisclosed amount of money to Verizon for the trouble.

The deal isn't solid yet, though. Some of the spectrum that Verizon is offering to T-Mobile technically belongs to SpectrumCo, Cox, and Leap at the moment.

24
Jun
2012-06-25_01h20_59

Sony's Internet Player Will Launch July 22nd Globally, Be The First Google TV Device Available In The U.K.

Posted by in Google TV, News, Sony

Google TV has spent the last couple of months learning to add extra u's to words like "color" and "valor", because with the introduction of the Sony Internet Player, Google TV will be arriving in the United Kingdom. The device will hit retailers in the U.S. and the U.K. July 22nd, but pre-orders are available now.

The new device, more accurately (and more disgustingly) referred to as the NSZ-GS7 Internet Player, will cost $199 when it launches. It will launch simultaneously in the U.S. and the UK. After its initial release, Sony and Google will be expanding further, bringing the device to Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil, and Mexico.

24
Jun
pinterest-logo

[Update: Or Not] Pinterest For Android Will Probably Be Announced At Google I/O

Posted by in Applications, News

Pinterest, everybody's favorite...umm...thing. That you share stuff on. By pinning things to...okay, look I don't really understand Pinterest. But some of you guys do and that's great! I love it when people enjoy things! It makes them happy! And soon, you can enjoy Pinterest on Android! And be happy! Then you can pin your happiness to something. I think.

Eagle-eyed gadget site from the future Australia, Ausdroid, noticed that among the list of exhibitors in the official Google I/O app is Pinterest, Inc. The company's profile in the app says the app is "Now available for Android." For those who like to do their own personal confirmation, the listing can be found under Explore > Android > Sandbox > Pinterest.

21
Jun
2012-06-21_14h09_21

Google Completely Revamps Android Developers Site, Not So Subtly Nudges Developers To The On-Screen Menu Button

Posted by in Google, News

Google's Android Developer's site got a massive overhaul today, with a brand new UI, tons of new features, and a unified guide for developers on how to design, develop, and distribute their apps all in one place. The new site is fantastic-looking. Clearly Google wants to engage developers more and give them more guidance on how to succeed on the Play Store. So, what say we take a tour?

About Android

For anyone who's been kept in the dark, or just doesn't know everything there is to know about Android yet, Google's provided newcomers with a section just to tout the advantages of developing for Android.

21
Jun
jellybean

[Update] The Next Version Of Android Is Confirmed As 4.1 Jelly Bean, Will Be Coming To The HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus From Google Play First

Posted by in Google, News

Google's let a bit of info slip a little early via the Play Store. When purchasing a Galaxy Nexus via the site, while checking out, the device is listed on your order as "Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ - The latest smartphone from Google, soon the first phone with Android 4.1 Jell..." This marks the first time the name Jelly Bean, and the version number 4.1 has been referenced publicly.

41jellybean

More interesting than that, however, is that the listing specifically says that the HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus from the Play Store is "soon the first phone" running the new OS. While most major versions of Android are launched alongside flagship devices, this implies that 4.1 will not have it's own new Nexus phone.

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