The Amazon Kindle Fire is one of the better selling Android tablets as a result of its low entry price and deep integration with Amazon products and services. The giant online retail company looks to keep the train rolling with a high-end 10.1 inch Kindle Fire tablet featuring a faster, quad-core processor. The rumored 10.1 inch tablet is expected to launch in Q3 of 2012, according to a Digitimes report. Amazon is gearing for a fight against Apple, and feels a 10.1 tablet up their sleeves will sell more than an 8.9 inch tablet. Previously, Amazon planned to launch a 8.9 inch Kindle Fire, but that tablet has reportedly been suspended in production. Of course, there is no official word from Amazon on the matter; and there likely won’t be until we get closer to the third quarter. However, there is a strong chance we will see an upgraded Kindle Fire model in the form of a 10 inch device come to the market in the near future. [ Digitimes ]
Read More...Posts in the "Mobile Technology" Category
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Androinica.com recaps the new and interesting apps in the Google Play Store each week. We select these apps by weeding through the Play Store and trying to find things we think people might be interested in. This week, the theme is “Everything is Social” because every app mentioned, save one, is built around the concept of connecting with others. Click on the install button to get download links. QUICK HITS hi5 has finally released an official Android app for members of the social gaming network, used primarily in Latin America and some parts of Asia. The app lets members of the social gaming network view profiles, message or chat with friends, view photos, connect with others, and manage their Pets Profiles.
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Automotive companies have embraced the advantages of smartphone technology; however, it’s been a treacherous road to navigate. Carmakers like the idea of apps improving technology, but they aren’t too keen on encouraging drivers to be distracted. The Car Connectivity Consortium, made up of various auto and electronic manufacturers, has joined together to establish an industry standard for certifying apps and devices that are both safe and useful for drivers. That standard is MirrorLink. MirrorLink is a system that connects smartphones with in-car “infotainment” systems and select aftermarket stereos. Phones connect via USB cable, and the MirrorLink-enabled car or radio automatically detects that a dashboard of approved car apps should appear. Music, navigation, or other approved apps are then controllable by touchscreen or steering wheel controls. MirrorLink-enabled car monitors mirror whatever is on the phone’s screen, so it becomes easier to control a music app or place calls via Bluetooth. Auto companies have used their own systems to perform these functions, but some are clunky and most are limited in scope and capability. This system doesn’t quite work for everyone, which is why the Car Connectivity Consortium banded together to simplify the process. “There’s a need in this industry to create one common way to connect your phone to the car and find a way to operate apps in a safe manner while driving,” Mika Rytkonen, chairman of CCC, said in a recent interview with Androinica.com. Rytkonen notes that it will take time for consortium members to implement MirrorLink across their product line, and some will take longer than others to transition from their existing systems, but there are encouraging signs of adoption. “I think that Toyota was quite a big surprise how fast they were able to implement it to the market in the Toyota IQ,” Rytkonen said. There has yet to be an Android phone capable of MirrorLink, but Samsung is out to be the first with its Galaxy S III. It probably won’t be the only phone considering that HTC, Motorola, and LG Electronics are also members of the consortium. Other members include Alpine, Fiat, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and many more ( full list here ). MirrorLink members are working to implement a system that will be deployed at most major car manufacturers and be easily utilized by smartphone makers and consumers. The goal is that consumers will be able to have as little distraction as possible because MirrorLink will have “the first ever cross-industry user interface guidelines,” according to Alfred Tom, who chairs the CCC Ecosystem Workgroup. Tom added in addition to streamlining the interface and connectivity standards, MirrorLink will also be empowered by developers outside of the car/phone system. The consortium is working on a system that would allow developers to have their apps certified as safe to use, and under what conditions. (MirrorLink won’t allow video to play if the car is moving, but it might be possible in park. Until now, most Android-based in-car use centered on a car dock and auxiliary plug of some kind. MirrorLink starting to appear in products should make the way our cars and phone communicate smarter, so long as drivers use common sense and drive safely.
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Verizon CFO Fran Shammo touched a wave of questions yesterday when he said that Verizon would force customers off their unlimited data plans. It wasn’t the first time that Verizon had signaled that it would do away with unlimited data – the company stopped offering such plans in July 2011 – but it touched off a wave of confusion over what would happen to unlimited users on 4G devices. Today, Verizon issued a statement that doesn’t answer any of these questions or provide any clarity on the matter. However, Verizon did assure that if and when it does away with unlimited data plans completely, the company will give customers ample time to know and decide if the terms will be suitable. Brenda B. Raney, executive director of Corporate Communications at Verizon, issued the following statement a short time ago: As we have stated publicly, Verizon Wireless has been evaluating its data pricing structure for some time. Customers have told us that they want to share data, similar to how they share minutes today. We are working on plans to provide customers with that option later this year. We will share specific details of the plans and any related policy changes well in advance of their introduction, so customers will have time to evaluate their choices and make the best decisions for their wireless service. It is our goal and commitment to continue to provide customers with the same high value service they have come to expect from Verizon Wireless. There’s no definitive word that Verizon will force all customers off their grandfathered unlimited data plans, but Shammo’s comments and Verizon’s refusal to clarify makes it appear as that’s likely to happen. However, anyone currently on an unlimited plan will not suddenly see their phone capped tomorrow. Verizon will make changes official some time this summer and give customers a heads-up about when it will be time to pay up for extra data or pay someone else.
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Someone in my Google+ circle previously posted a video of a user interface for tablets that made me want to throw my tablet in a box until I could have it. The design managed to pack more information on to the home screen in a much better style that turned many heads across the web. Teknision, the company behind that tablet UI that I fell in love with, is hoping people will be just as excited as it tries to deliver a better home screen for Android tablets. Teknision is seeking $50,000 through a Kickstarter campaign so it can offer its Chameleon launcher as an Android 3.2+ app in Google Play. Chameleon is a customizable, widget-filled home screen replacement app that fits a user’s needs based on the time of day or location. In the morning, it’s full of tweets and breaking news that get you caught up on current events; at the office, it’s a quick-look at your calendar and emails to keep you focused on work; in the evening, it has guides for entertainment. Chameleon presents a different view, along with certain groups of apps you’re likely to launch, based on the content and features that users define as relevant to a given situation. And should you need to access a different dashboard outside of its intended setting – like your work view while at home – just swipe left or right. Teknision plans to release Chameleon to Google Play in September, but it wants to raise $50,000 through Kickstarter so it can transition Chameleon from prototype to full-fledged product. Backers who pledge at least $5 will gain access to Chameleon in August, and provide a boost to their home screen. Get more information on rewards and frequently asked questions at the Chameleon Kickstarter page.
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Google Maps is the premiere navigation Android app on Android, but it’s not the only one. A handful of worthy alternatives exist, especially in places where Maps is sometimes unreliable or incomplete, but they cost money. CoPilot creator ALK Technologies has created a new app that tries to play both sides of the fence. The basic features of directions and POI search are free in CoPilot GPS , but the full slate that includes voice-guided navigation will cost you. Is it worth it? That’s tough to say. In most ways, CoPilot GPS is just an improved version of the CoPilot Live apps previously covered on Androinica.com . Unfortunately, it still uses a backward address input system that requires users to enter an address in sections rather than one continuous line. CoPilot GPS is an otherwise solid app that offers point to point directions and helps users plan the best possible route. CoPilot offers directions and searches multiple points of interests along the way. That means you’ll have an easy time knowing where and when to stop to eat, find an acceptable restaurant or hotel, get gas, or find places to party, shop, and play. CoPilot GPS offers those features, along with three route alternatives, and more for free. Users are able to get 2D street maps stored on the device and available for offline use, which is a distinct advantage over the cloud model used in Google Maps that requires a web connection. However, to truly be on par with Google Maps, there needs to be voice navigation. CoPilot GPS offers that and these premium features through a $14.99 in-app purchase: Turn-by-turn voice navigation Speed limit warnings ClearTurn lane indicators for complex intersections 3D map views Google Maps is still all that most people need, which puts a serious drain on CoPilot’s business prospects. But for people who are traveling and need offline storage, or only need quality directions, CoPilot is a solid competitor. Those who love the app can decide to upgrade to the premium features, that will probably be a small sector of users. Download the app from Google Play to see if it’s good enough to be your new navigator. Android 1.6 or higher is required.
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We’re always happy to see companies make their apps more in line with the Android user interface conventions, and Evernote is the latest to embrace the change. The latest version of Evernote features an ICS-inspired design that aims to be swifter, look better, and easier to use. Evernote has a new Action bar that puts common functions just one tap away. That means you can quickly edit, share, or tag a note while you’re viewing it, or you can search, filter, and create new notes when browsing a list. Speaking of lists, notebook lists have been redesigned to have shared and personal notebooks in one area. It’s a nice change to go along with the thumbnail previews previously seen when a note contains photos. The biggest change occurs in the home screen that appears when someone launches Evernote. The four main buttons for creating a note, taking a picture, recording an audio note, and attaching a file to a note appear with large icons. Below that is a list of Notes, Notebooks, Tags, and Places that users can browse, as well as search. The home screen has a new look and is easily accessible via a swipe to the right or tapping the elephant icon in the top left corner. Evernote’s changes are primarily cosmetic ones, but there’s also a “Places” tab that shows notes created with location services enabled. A map plots out notes created in certain areas, which might be relevant if you travel often or wish to have some location data associated with your notes. Download Evernote from Google Play to see the changes up close. Android 1.6 or higher is required to use the app.
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LG today introduced its latest software by announcing the LG Optimus UI 3.0. The newer version of LG’s custom user interface is based on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and is part of the Korean manufacturer’s efforts to better compete with its rivals. The Optimus UI 3.0 is a step-up from its previous incarnation, which was often criticized for being too similar to Samsung’s Touchwiz and not adding enough. Version 3.0 is a little more fluid and has “simpler” design to provide quick access to app. There’s also the Quick Memo annotation system and enhanced video playback that we mentioned previously , and a Pattern Lock feature that goes directly to a specific feature based on the pattern entered. So if you want to go directly to your most frequently used function instead of the home screen, a specific pattern would offer a shortcut. Optimus UI 3.0 is a slightly tweaked version of the ICS-based software first seen on the LG Optimus 4X HD at Mobile World Congress. It will debut to consumers in the Optimus LTE II launching in Korea this week, then on the Optimus 4X HD launching in Europe next month. It will be interesting to see how – and if – it attracts customers to the new slate of phones. LG has languished behind companies who have been more successful with their Android phones, but maybe solid hardware and better software might make those decisions easier. The ability to unlock the phone by dragging anywhere on the screen A new Pattern Lock that allows users to preset the most frequently used function, such as the camera, which automatically opens once the phone is unlocked; A simpler version of Optimus UI 3.0 for new smartphone users which organizes the main applications so that they are the easiest to access A new Voice Shutter that allows users to capture photos using only voice commands A special camera feature that enables users to pick up the best shot among multiple images including the moment just before the shutter button is depressed An Icon Customizer that provides an additional level of personalization by allowing users to set their own photos as icons and shortcut images The addition of a Download category to the menu for easier organization. [ LG News ]
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The Wall Street Journal reported an interesting story today — one that has serious ramifications for the mobile industry if it pans out. Essentially, Google is said to be in discussions with five different partner OEMs to manufacture the next Nexus smartphone and tablet, which represents a pure Google device to launch the latest software launch. Each OEM would create its own Nexus device with different hardware configurations, but the same deep software integration and pure Google experience. The latest and greatest Nexus devices are expected to be available by Thanksgiving 2012 and will launch running Jelly Bean, the version expected to follow Ice Cream Sandwich. There are a couple of reasons why Google is reportedly pursuing this line of action, but whether Google can actually pull this off remains to be seen. Wireless carriers have such a strong influence over the launch of smartphones to the point where consumers in Asian and European countries sometimes receive devices months before Americans. By Google exclusively selling these different OEM Nexus devices through the Google Play Store, American consumers will have to pay the full retail price, but can choose a GSM carrier of its choosing and simply sign a contract that isn’t tied to a smartphone. Many consumers buy a smartphone overseas for full retail price and then buy service from a carrier. Secondly, Google wants to take more control over the apps and features it can integrate on the Jelly Bean devices. For example, Verizon blocked Google Wallet on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus simply because Verizon is involved with Isis, a competitor to Google Wallet. The consumer shouldn’t be subjected to the whims and desires of the carriers. On a more political level, by partnering with five OEMs, Google reaffirms its neutral stance when working with an OEM on the next Nexus. Ever since it purchased Motorola, many believed Google would favor the manufacturing company in order to help it succeed. Overall, by Google taking a more proactive approach in selling pure Google smartphones directly to the consumer, it can ensure the experience is safe from carrier tampering and slow OS upgrades. Lastly, the WSJ report mentions that there are manufacturing companies reportedly working to produce the next tablet to help boost Android and take away from the Apple iPad. Asus and Google are said to be working together, but that has yet to materialize into anything substantial. The buzz surrounding Google’s potential move of producing multiple Nexus devices has generally been positive. Of course, we would like to hear from our readers about the issue and whether you agree with Google’s potential course of action. [ WSJ ]
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Facebook has gobbled up another photo-sharing service, only this time it’s not officially making an acquisition. Lightbox , the Instagram alternative that millions of Android users relied on while that other app took more than a year to arrive, is following the competition and joining Facebook. The difference is that Facebook isn’t acquiring the company, just the people who built it. On the Lightbox blog, a message credited to co-founders Thai Tran and Nilesh Patel states that “the Lightbox team is joining Facebook, where we’ll have the opportunity to build amazing products for Facebook’s 500+ million mobile users.” As a result of the Lightbox staff joining the Facebook mobile team, Lightbox will shut down on June 15. New sign-ups have already been closed and the entire system will be shutdown next month, so members have until then to download all of their Lightbox photos. Current photo and user databases will not be transferred to Facebook, so be sure to grab your content while you still can. Lightbox was among my favorite apps from the Google I/O 2011 Sandbox, and it’s now being shut down just over a year later. I eventually stopped using the app, but this is a rather disappointing move to many. Androinica writer Ben wrote about how much he liked it, and several others reported similar adulation. That wasn’t enough to compete with Instagram, which is in the process of being acquired by Facebook , sadly. Any guesses where Lightbox’s orphaned users will turn up? [ Lightbox ]
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Hungry for a new app to tell you where to eat? What about an app that can find a quality restaurant and a tasty price at the same time? Well, then you should satisfy your cravings with Savored, an Android 1.6+ app that does both. Savored is a partner of OpenTable and ZAGAT, and it acts as the happy medium between both services. The first stage of the app is telling Savored where you want to eat, filtered by neighborhood or an entire city; how many people are in a party, up to 18; and the time of your visit. The app then creates a list of venues capable of meeting your party’s needs. Restaurant availability is determined by a link with OpenTable, but restaurant choices are made possible by ZAGAT ratings. Savored lists several restaurants and indicates pricing, as well as tips for time of day that can yield better discounts (push dinner to 9:30 PM instead of 8:00 PM and you can save 30 percent). ZAGAT ratings for food, decor, service, and cost then provide a snapshot of what kind of restaurant to expect. Still not satisfied? Well, then read the “Why we love it” section to learn about a restaurant’s atmosphere and tips about the best dishes to order. The menu section has additional recommendations for appetizers and entrees, but menus aren’t available for all restaurants. Savored can then place a reservation as soon as you make a decision on where to grab your next meal. Savored isn’t as robust as ZAGAT or OpenTable because it limits the number cities that are supported. That limitation, a very inconvenient if you aren’t in a big city, severely limits the app’s usefulness. However, the combination of the two popular restaurants services, with a dash of deal hunting as well, makes for a great app in select places. Download Savored from Google Play if you live or travel frequently to the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington DC.
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It can be easy to get lost in the parade of high-end smartphones that are announced every week. Believe it or not, not everyone needs all the bells and whistles – they just want a solid phone that can run an app or two. The HTC Desire C is a phone trying to meet that need. HTC revealed today that the Desire C will target first time smartphone buyers and people looking to upgrade within the entry-level smartphone class. The company didn’t say much about the internal specs, but it did confirm that some of the great things in higher end phones will be present. The Desire C features HTC Sense 4.0 and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Beats Audio optimization for improved music sound quality, a 5 MP camera, and even the perk of 25 GB of Dropbox storage that will be free for two years. This is all packed into a “durable metal frame with precision engineering” and shown on a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen. T-Mobile UK customers can grab a Desire C for free on a £15.50 per monthly plan, or purchase it outright for £169.99. The phone will also be available for sale at Vodafone, Orange, Virgin Media, Three, O2, Phones4U, The Carphone Warehouse, and Tesco Mobile.
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LG has officially confirmed that the Optimus 4X HD, unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February, will go on sale in Europe next month. The Optimus 4X will launch in key Western European markets beginning in June. There was no list of countries that will support the sale, but we can reasonably assume the United Kingdom is among those “key markets” considering that the news comes courtesy of the official UK blog for LG. Clarity on availability should arrive soon as LG wants to get this phone into as many hands as possible. LG UK also announced that the company has been hard at work since Mobile World Congress, quietly upgrading its flagship phone. The Optimus 4X HD has been upgraded with SIO+ battery technology, Quick Memo, and Media Plex. SIO+ is designed to make the 2,150 mAh battery have more power and extend its run time. Quick Memo is a system-wide feature that allows for note creation in any app and save memos placed over a serene image. This newer version allows for URL to be embedded into the device. MediaPlex enhances the way users play video. It can pinch zoom on live video, adjust playback speed, see thumbnails of other videos without disturbing current playback, and seeing a screenshot preview while seeking a specific point on a video progress bar. All of these features are designed to sweeten the pot on the many specs already revealed for the LG Optimus 4X HD. That includes a 4.7 inch True HD IPS display, NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 16GB of internal memory, MHL, and more. [ LG UK Blog ]
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Facebook is heading towards a multibillion dollar IPO this week, so the company is putting its best foot forward. We already know that Facebook is going to introduce ads soon, but first it’s introducing a slightly better design for its mobile website and apps, a huge source of traffic. The Facebook for Android app will soon be updated to feature some improvements and user interface changes. The most noticeable tweak will be that images will be larger and take up the entire screen in the timeline. Rather than just show a thumbnail that has to be tapped, the entire image will appear – similar to how it already does when viewing on someone’s profile page. The size difference can be up to three times larger and fill a mobile screen “from edge to edge” according to a Facebook post . The change is rolling out today to the mobile website and the Facebook for Android app. Today’s update adds to the improvements made last week. Facebook removed the multiple icons it had in the app drawer, slightly refined the navigation, and introduced “bug fixes and performance,” which is kind of redundant considering that the change log always has the phrase yet never seems to actually fix or improve anything. My Facebook Android activities have wholly been replaced by Friendcaster , so I haven’t paid much attention to the official Facebook for Android app since last month. I used the version released last week and did find the app to be slightly faster than I remember. One can only hope that continues when the newer app is released. Keep an eye on the Facebook Google Play page to see when the new version is available.
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The Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX recently received a price cut from $299 to $199. The most attractive aspect of the device is its battery life as it has a 3300 mAh battery providing up to 21 hours of continuous talk time. For some customers, it was hard to justify a $299 price tag for a great battery life, but now the price may be a little easier to swallow since it is just $199 on a two year contract. Ironically, the Motorola DROID RAZR still costs $199 on a two year contract, but I imagine Verizon will lower its price soon enough. The DROID RAZR MAXX at the same price is definitely the better deal with the bigger battery, but at $199, it is one of Verizon’s top smartphones. Recently, Verizon and Color for Facebook teamed up and the app on the DROID RAZR MAXX can be used to live stream 30 second HD clips powered by 4G LTE. While this app sounds kind of cool, I can’t imagine myself using it that often. If Android 2.3 is holding you back from purchasing the DROID RAZR MAXX for $199, then you should know that Android 4.0 should be right around the corner. [ Verizon Wireless ]
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The Samsung Galaxy S III has a lot of things to like and some specifications that fell short of expectations for the heavily hyped device. One area that the Galaxy S III is likely to meet or exceed expectations is battery, according to unofficial tests performed by GSM Arena. GSM Arena performed a few tests on the Galaxy S III to gauge performance and it discovered that Samsung’s flagship phone does a solid to good job in some regards. The Galaxy S III ranked 4th in talk time, 14th in web browsing, and 2nd in video playback. The device delivered 10 hours and 20 minutes of 3G talk time, 5 hours and 17 minutes of web browsing, and 10 hours and 1 minute of video playback. These tests, while encouraging, don’t tell the whole story. These tests were performed on the GSM i9300 GS III that has a 2100 mAh battery and an Exynos quad-core processor. These results could be different depending on network performance in your local area, and a change in settings and conditions that apply to how people use their phones in the real world. It’s also important to note that users in the United States should probably disregard these tests completely because the GS III variants that come to the U.S. are likely to have Qualcomm chipsets in place of Exynos. The Droid Razr Maxx outpaces all phones in practically every regard, which shouldn’t surprise anyone anymore. However, the GS III held its own in some key gauges. Use this as an indicator of what might be possible, not a definitive prediction of what you’ll experience once you get your hands on the Galaxy S III. Visit GSM Arena to see the full results .
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Androinica.com recaps new, updated, and interesting Android apps each week. From time to time, we throw in a game and live wallpaper or two if the mood strikes us. Whatever’s hot in the Google Play Store is what we hope to share. (Even when we take a few weeks off to focus on other things.) A handful of noteworthy Android apps is below, including our recent reviews and app coverage from the past week. All of the apps featured in Apps Alert are discovered through browsing Google Play or through recommendation by developers and fans. To recommend an app, drop us a line on Twitter or Google+ . App Drawer Android 2.1+ required Are you sick of your app drawer and wish there were a way to customize it? Wouldn’t you like to determine how many rows or columns appear, adjust the background and font, edit labels, and change how icons sorted? Some launchers have those features built-in, but if yours doesn’t – or if you phone is MIUI based and doesn’t even have a launcher – then you might want to consider App Drawer. This free app offers an App Drawer replacement accessible from a shortcut on your homescreen or dock. App Drawer can offer a variety of style tweaks, including listing app names rather than having rows of icons. It also can hide apps from the drawer or perform batch actions for uninstalling apps. GameStop Mobile Android Android 2.2+ Most gamers are familiar with GameStop, the biggest physical game-focused retailer in the country. The store’s official app is available to aid your selection process and keep track of your habits. GameStop Mobile features a barcode scanner that bring up game information and videos, which can provide some extra info not available on the box art. It can also save you a trip to the store by checking the inventory of nearby outlets, showing trailers and news, and even order something directly from the app to have shipped to your home (or available at your local store). PowerUp Rewards members can also track their points level or get discounts and rewards for using the GameStop app. ShoeBox Android 2.2+ Before Instagram arrived to turn our pristine digital images into old-timey photographs, people had real, physical, actual old-timey photographs. Why not share those on the web instead of downgrading the new moments? Shoebox is an interesting app that acts as a scanner for your photographs. Get into an area with good lighting, line up the image, and then press the camera button to take a picture. Shoebox then auto-detects the edges of the image, but it features an adjustable zoom that can be used to be more accurate. Then the images can be stored online or added to Facebook with a caption, date, location, and tags. The photos are then accessible on 1000memories.com. (Keep in mind the quality of the resulting image will only be as good as the quality of your mobile camera.) UNIQLO WAKE UP Android 2.3+ required Japanese fashion label UNIQLO wants you to get the heck out of bed, so it developed the UNIQLO WAKE UP app. There are plenty of alarm clock apps, but this one is unique because the alarm sound changes based on the day of the week and the weather conditions at the moment. An upbeat piano plays when it’s sunny, a slower melody plays on cloudy days, and a soothing voice semi-sings the date and time on loop until you turn it off. My only concern is that the voice might be a tad too soothing, but the app supports multiple alarms in case you snooze through the first. UNIQLO also has a beautiful screen that shows the weather conditions when major cities across the world wake up. It’s not practical for repeated usage, but it’s good looking. A more important feature is that the app an play vocals in English, Mandarin, or disabled completely. Here’s how it sounds. QUICK HITS Instagram updated recently with a feature that users whined about since the app first launched – tilt shift. This allows users to narrow the focus around a specific area of an image, and then blur out the rest. The focus zone can be a line or a circle, and it’s adjustable. PF Chang’s is available to find the nearest PF Chang’s to make a reservation or place an order for takeout. There are also generic fortune cookie builders, viewing Warrior Rewards points , and a free order of lettuce wraps when you join Warrior Rewards from within the app. Future Shop is now on Android for Canadian shoppers looking to get a taste of the big box retailer on their phones. The app can scan QR codes to get product info, browse products and place orders for in-store pickup, check to see which products are in stock at local stores, and get alerts when items go on sale. Android App Reviews Turntable.fm Android app drops the beat, lands in Google Play for social music fans on the go CloudOn offers real Microsoft Office editing and links with box, Dropbox, Google Drive for free [App Review] Pair comes to Android so lovebirds and mushy couples can get 1-on-1 socializing Flipboard for Android leaks and is available for download; here’s what it looks like Google Tasks Incredible is a gesture-based to-do list that’s like Clear for Android [Video App Reviews] Gate of Time offers a taste of Zelda through an Android live wallpaper [Video App Reviews] Scramble With Friends “Smartmatch” pairs random opponents with similar skill levels, improves chat Android App News Google+ UI refresh coming soon to Android with new “surprises,” seen already on iPhone Google Maps adds indoor Street View and directions, grabs local Google Offers deals Sprint Guardian combines Lookout and Safely to find lost phones and monitor your child’s phone Samsung puts up $4 million to encourage Galaxy Tab and Note app development Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse launches Android app for shopping & design inspiration
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Turntable.fm is a popular hangout spot for the “in” crowd to go and listen to music. While those folks were previously relying on their desktop to get a daily soundtrack, the official Turntable.fm Android app is now available for U.S. devices running Android 2.2 or higher. On the off chance that you’re unfamiliar with Turntable.fm , here’s a quick rundown: members login via Facebook or Twitter and enter rooms where other members act as DJ’s. Members create rooms and select who has DJ privileges, then those users create playlists that stream instantly to everyone in the room. Listeners can vote up good songs and vote down poor ones to send clues about what kind of songs to play and avoid. Turntable.fm did a solid job porting the desktop experience to Android based on first impressions. Music pumps as hard as your phone’s speaker or connected audio device will allow, and there are plenty of interactive features. Room members can post to chat, thumbs a song up or down, tap on a user to learn more and become a fan, or share to Facebook, Twitter, and email. And if a particular song proves so good that you wish to buy it, there’s a built-in link to search for it in Amazon MP3. Sadly, it performs a generic search for a term rather than actually going to the app. Popular rooms are listed when launching the app, as are rooms that need DJ’s, and those that users have marked as favorites. Users can even create a room from their Android device and invite other DJ’s. Only users in the United States can access Turntable.fm. Download it from Google Play .
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Most people have only their beautiful faces to keep them company in the mirror. One project from a Japanese company will show your reflection, but also give you your morning updates. Seraku recently unveiled a prototype “vanity smart mirror” that can display information though a special LCD monitor placed below a semitransparent piece of reflective glass. This allows the monitor, connected to an Android tablet hidden behind the display, to relay information from select apps as you put your make-up or brushing your teeth. I’m sure your first question is simply, “Why?” Seraku say they could see this being useful for hair salon customers who want to read the news or for bar visitors to answer surveys in the restroom. I’m not so sure about that second use case. The reading news aspect might be a little awkward or helpful for the gossip and current events talk that happens in a salon, but the last thing I want to deal with when washing my hands in the bathroom is answering a questionnaire. The interesting aspect of the Seraku mirror is that it is not touch-based – wouldn’t want to get water smudges all over the mirror, would we? The monitor uses RF sensors that detect when the hand is in close proximity, and then responds to commands. So hovering over a designated spot will launch a weather forecast or open up a scale to measure how much weight you have lost or gained recently. When you think about this touch-free technology being refined and applied to something like Samsung’s Smart Window displayed at CES, the Minority Report fantasy edges closer to reality. Visit The Verge to see a demonstration of the Seraku Mirror prototype. No release date or price is set as the product is still in development.
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There are two main camps when it comes what people prefer out of their document creation and editing apps: those who want the app to be tailor-made for the mobile experience, and those who want a familiar look that packs as much of a traditional format into the device as possible. CloudOn is geared for followers of the latter form of thought. CloudOn is a free Android 3.1 tablet app that offers free Microsoft Office document creation, viewing, and editing. While other apps like Docs to Go and QuickOffice built clients with Android in mind, Cloud On is geared at a virtualization-style view that should be appealing to traditionalists who want the more familiar MS Office interface. That’s also means that pretty much every feature that you know and love from Word and Excel is available. Staying true to its name, CloudOn links to your box, Dropbox, or Google Drive accounts and opens most document formats. The app is slow when opening files (5 to 10 seconds) but responds quickly once opened. From there, it’s familiar territory because the interface looks just like Word. I managed to create a document and type with ease, but was happy to notice that a special row of characters appeared over the built-in keyboard. That makes it possible to use the same desktop shortcuts and gain access to Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Tab, F1 through F12, direction buttons, Escape, and Delete. Adjusting formatting sometimes was challenging because the highlighting seemed tougher than usual, but I got over that when I realized how many options are available in Word. Tracking changes, insert citations, adjusting page layout, and more are presented the same way here as they are on the desktop. PowerPoint was also exactly as you would expect, and I love the ability to pinch-zoom in or out on a slide. The touchscreen accuracy is very good, even when tapping the small areas of shapes in the Drawing tab. CloudOn may be a bit much for some, but during my test on a Toshiba Excite, it was very manageable. The appeal of this app is that it provides the truest sense of Microsoft Office without forcing users to master a mobile version. I still believe QuickOffice and DocsToGo will be a better solution for many, but people who want Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to be consistent across devices, CloudOn is the way to go.
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