WhatsApp voice messaging updated with one-press record-and-send feature

These days, you don't even have to ring someone, listen to their spiel and wait for a beep when you can just use apps to send voice snippets. WhatsApp, which recently reached 300 million users, has made its existing experience even easier with a new feature that lets you record and send voice memos with one press of the mic icon. A WhatsApp spokesperson told Engadget that the company has "spent a lot of time refining [voice messaging] and made it really simple to use."

As a testament to this, WhatsApp has now removed length limits for recorded messages and plays audio within the app instead of opening a media player. Playback will automatically switch from a handset's speakers to its earpiece when the device is held to your ear, and the mic icon will turn blue when recipients have listened to spoken missives. With the new perks available on the mess of platforms WhatsApp calls home (iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BB10 and Nokia Symbian / S40), we bet everyone with that chatty friend are shaking in their boots.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Via: AllThingsD

Source: Whatsapp

XBMC for Android adds Airplay and other media features in latest alpha build

One of the key updates to XBMC promised back in March was to fix the open source software's Android capabilities. That's finally arrived in the June and July cycle of the Gotham build, where XBMC for Android now has Zeroconf support. That essentially lets any Android device act as an Airplay receiver without any third-party workarounds. Further, media launched from an Android browser can now be played by default on XBMC, where it couldn't before. Other new features from the release include the immediate addition of ripped CDs to the music library, ripping support for AAC and WMA, new settings descriptions, locked profiles and general performance tweaks. Head on over to the source link for more on what the latest XBMC offers, and feel free to download test versions of the software if you like to live on the bleeding edge.

Filed under: HD

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Source: XBMC

Cell Phones : [ Galaxy S 4 Protective Cover +, White ] Galaxy S 4 Protective Cover +, White

The Galaxy S 4 Protective Cover Plus case is a precision designed cell phone case that protects the device without sacrificing style. Galaxy cases also feature one of the sleekest android phone case designs, allowing for both function and fashion.





Also available in: Light Blue, Green, Navy, Pink

Twitter for iOS and Android bestowed with security updates, new photo galleries

iOS and Android users should be seeing an update to the official Twitter app on their devices today, and there are a few enhancements to the app's login verification process as well as a few feature changes. First, the security-based improvements: you're able to enroll in login verification and approve login requests directly from the app, with no SMS messages required. It all revolves around push notifications, so your phone number isn't even necessary; you'll also enjoy international support, details about location and browser, backup codes and more. Additionally, social context is now included with the search menu, which allows you to see how you're connected to various users, and there's also a new photo gallery in search that can be accessed by pressing "view more photos" in your search results. Lastly, the iOS app has a few tweaks of its own: you'll be able to see the same photo gallery UI on user profiles so you can see all of a specific account's images, and you can also manage lists within the app itself. Check out the official blog for more details.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

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Source: Official Twitter blog

Android Basics 101: Understanding Kernels – XDA Developer TV

Par for the course at XDA is to customize our devices. This includes a custom theme or a custom ROM with different launchers, layouts, and color schemes. However, an important part of a device’s firmware and software package is the kernel. The kernel is like salt in a recipe for cookies. You don’t notice when it’s working fine. But when it’s not, you notice.

In today’s video, XDA Developer TV Producer Kevin talks about the unsung hero of Android. He gives a basic overview of what a kernel does. Then Kevin talks about a few custom kernels on XDA and what they can provide for you. So if you want to learn more about the kernel, check this video out.

Be sure to check out other great XDA Developer TV Videos and Kevin’s other videos.

• Nexus 7: Old versus New – XDA Developer TV


• How to Root the New Nexus 7 (2013) – XDA Developer TV


• Connect to WiFi Instantly with InstaWiFi – XDA Developer TV


• Basics of Tasker: Automate Your Phone Tasks – XDA Developer TV


• Intermediate Use of Tasker: Location Based Triggers – XDA Developer TV


• Advanced Use of Tasker: Make Your Phone Work for You – XDA Developer TV


• Tasker Alternative: Llama Location Profiles to Control Your Device – XDA Developer TV


• Remote Support Tutorial: Fix Computer Problems without Leaving Your Chair – XDA Developer TV


• Dashclock Tutorial: Add Everything to Your Android Lock Screen – XDA Developer TV


• One Man’s Journey to Carrier Contract Freedom – XDA Developer TV


• Spring Clean Your Android Device for a Lemony Fresh Scent – XDA Developer TV


• Tasker Alternative: Intermediate Llama Location Trigger Phone Activities – XDA Developer TV


• Tasker Alternative: AutomateIt, Automates Your Device Tasks – XDA Developer TV


• Play Your Videos on Your Television with DLNA – XDA Developer TV


• Use Your Keyboard and Mouse on Android with USB On-The-Go – XDA Developer TV


• Voice Control Your Phone with Tasker and AutoVoice – XDA Developer TV


• Floating Notifications and Multitasking with Open Sourced HALO – XDA Developer TV


• Automatically Backup Your Android with OBackup – XDA Developer TV


• All-In-One Android Toolkit with Advanced Mobile Care – XDA Developer TV


• Use NFC Tags to Trigger Events with NFC Launcher – XDA Developer TV


• Quick Settings for All – XDA Developer TV


• Protect Your Privacy with XPrivacy – XDA Developer TV

Check out Kevin’s YouTube Channel

Google patent launches specific apps through pattern unlock

When you set up your Android phone with a secure unlock mode, it often means giving up app shortcuts. You won't have to make that sacrifice if Google implements a newly granted US patent, however. The technique lets device owners complement a basic pattern unlock with multiple customizable patterns that launch specific apps, such as the camera or dialer. It's a simple concept. The question is whether or not Google will ever use it -- when Android 4.3 still relies on a conventional pattern unlock, it's clear that the company isn't in a big rush.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google

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Source: USPTO

Intel targets schools with Atom-powered Android tablets, mad scientist apps

Intel's new education-focused tablets won't stir much envy among the iPad-toting kids of L.A., but they may suit more budget-conscious school districts. There are 10-inch and 7-inch versions, both simply branded "Education Tablets" and both running Atom Z2460 processors with low-end specs (laid out at the source link) and either Android 4.0 or 4.1. The hardware should just about cope with the bundled software, which includes titles like Kno Textbooks, Intellisense's camera app that works with a snap-on magnification lens and PASCO's SPARKvue science app that hooks up to thermal probes and other sensors that will likely require careful teacher supervision. We wish we had clear prices for these things, but there's a whole step-by-step consultation process to wade through before Intel talks money. Alternatively, you could just implement a school-wide BYOD policy.

Filed under: Tablets, Software, Intel

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Via: Phone Arena, Android Community, Android Headlines

Source: Intel