This episode of User Experience Design for Developers shows you why user research is important, and how you can avoid 3 common pitfalls and create amazing mo... | From: Android Developers Views: 2864 12 ratings | |
| Time: 09:45 | More in Science & Technology |
UXD: Three Steps To Awesome - Part 3 of 3
UXD: Three Steps To Awesome - Part 2 of 3
This episode of User Experience Design for Developers shows you why user research is important, and how you can avoid 3 common pitfalls and create amazing mo... | From: Android Developers Views: 2866 13 ratings | |
| Time: 12:30 | More in Science & Technology |
BlueStacks GamePop game console resurfaces with a new look
BlueStacks announced the GamePop Android gaming console way back in May of 2013. The GamePop was said to be a subscription based game system. Pricing was set at $99.99 with a monthly fee of $6.99. BlueStacks even offered an early bird deal which included a free console if you were willing to pre-pay for a year long subscription. It was all beginning to sound good, then we saw BlueStacks announce the GamePop Mini, and then the talk went quiet.
Well, the GamePop game console has recently turned up again. A recent review shared by TechCrunch is offering a look at the console and the controller. And well, it doesn't appear to be what was originally announced. As you'll see in the images below, the GamePop doesn't look anything like what was originally unveiled (seen above).
While that wouldn't be so bad by itself, the controller looks pretty basic. To that point, it was said the controller "fits ergonomically in the hand when used vertically, but that is also oddly lopsided when used horizontally – as you would for the bulk of your gaming needs." Not to mention, both the console and controller were described as being made up of a "none too impressive plastic."
This doesn't seem to be adding up to a solid experience by any stretch of the word. Then when looking at the game play -- it only seems to get worse. You'll have to read the review to get the rest of the gory details. Otherwise, it seems BlueStacks has also done a bit of shifting in terms of distribution.
There was mention of the GamePop being pushed as a gray label product -- possibly towards cable companies, and maybe even hotel chains. It does appear as if this will still be offered direct to consumers, and there was even mention of how those original pre-orders are still expected to be delivered. With that in mind, at least one member of the Android Community team did get in on the original offer and has yet to hear anything in regards to shipping at this time.
HTC One (2014) carrier leak tips “Duo Camera”
Plenty of the recent HTC One (2014) leaks have been focused on the dual-camera setup. The thing is, while there has been some speculation and guessing, we have yet to see anything solid in term of how the camera setup would work. We have to remember this latest bit is courtesy of a leak, however having said that -- a Telstra advertisement mentioned the "Duo Camera" for the HTC One (M8).
First things first though, this Telstra advertisement mentioned the 5-inch Full HD display. Also noting the display is scratch resistant. It also teased how the handset will deliver "unparalleled sound quality that is clear, balanced and powerful." Naturally, that plays to the front-facing speakers and BoomSound.
Shifting focus to the Duo Camera and here we see teasing about how this means you will be able to "capture professional photos with more depth." Further details on the Duo Camera setup brings mention of vivid images in low light settings, the ability to choose your focus point, and also "highlight what you may love, soften backgrounds and add 3D effects." There was also mention of being able to "professionally edit memories after you've taken he shot."
While rich with some details, this Telstra advertisement didn't offer a full, or even partial set of specs. The other bit of information was in regards to Sense 6.0, which ultimately came more as a teaser than anything of solid detail. HTC Sense 6.0 is described as being able to simplify your smartphone experience with features such as double tap to wake and swiping to access favorite apps.
We do have to remember that pricing will often vary from market to market, but, the HTC One (M8) was listed as being $840. And to clarify here, this Telstra ad had the handset listed as the HTC One (M8). Bottom line here, the leaks continue and we are looking forward to the official announcement coming later this month.
SOURCE: GSM Arena
ZTE Grand S EXT images appear in design directory
Another day, and another potential device reveal coming by way of the global design directory known as red dot 21. Earlier in the week there was an image and some specs for the still unannounced OPPO Find 7, and more recently there are some images of an unannounced ZTE handset. A ZTE handset with what appears to have somewhat of an unfortunate name.
The red dot 21 site has the handset listed as the ZTE S EXT, yes, as in the thing many are currently trying to get the younger generation to stop doing. While we hope to see a change in name before the official release, we do have to remember we have yet to hear anything from ZTE. As for the red dot 21 listing -- that is due to the design of the phone itself. It seems the ZTE S EXT will be the first smartphone to use something called NMT (Nano Molding Technology) in 2014.
"NMT has been used for the highlight metal frame design to build visual effect. Metal and plastic has been injected together in the mould, then making a crystalline chanfer cutting at one time. It compared with the full metal processing technology, the cost is much low, and got the quality and production efficiency. All it brings more lightweight and metallic feelings for the mobile phone."
In addition to word of the phone, and the description (seen above), the design directory also touched on a smart dock with wireless charging. Keeping in mind these are only rendered images, it does appear ZTE has a nicely designed handset in the works.
We will be on the lookout for something a bit more official, at least a nod coming from ZTE. But otherwise, in regards to the name -- we do take some comfort in knowing that handset names sometimes change when they arrive with a carrier. That is based on another recent ZTE announcement and release, the ZTE Iconic Phablet, which launched as the Boost MAX.
VIA: Android Police
SOURCE: red dot 21
HTC Americas president talks leaks, market share, mid-tier, and more
HTC Americas president Jason Mackenzie recently appeared on CNBC and began with talk about how the HTC One was named the smartphone of the year for 2013. Of course, he quickly jumped in with a mention of how the best is about to get better come March 25th. Naturally, that was a reference to when HTC would be announcing the next-generation HTC One. The handset has been the subject of frequent leaks, and has been referred to by the codename of M8, as well as the One (2014) and "The All New HTC One."
The name references haven't quite reached the level the leaks have, especially in recent days. CNBC did address, or at least attempt to address those leaks, but Mackenzie gave nothing in return. Instead he mentioned how a leak is "never good" and then gave the official sounding line about how HTC doesn't comment on rumors and speculation. Interestingly though, there was some comments about leaks in general.
To that point, Mackenzie touched on how HTC is "fortunate to play in this arena" and that it is "humbling that customers are so excited." Again, Mackenzie went back to mention how the best is about to get better. Other topics here touched on market share, and about how it fell year-over-year. Mackenzie said they have to "deliver great products" and they have to "deliver innovative products that are ahead of their time."
There was mention about how "over 20% more people in the US are familiar with the HTC One franchise" and they have strong partner support in the US, and a strong plan to make the next flagship "extremely successfully with their customers." Mackenzie even mentioned how you cannot compare a Rolex to a Timex, and when asked about market share in regards that comparison, he replied with how HTC isn't focused on mass marketing, and instead wants to produce an innovative phone that attracts attention. This was concluded with how market share will then take care of itself.
Moving past the rumors of the HTC One (2014) and the current market share -- Mackenzie closed with what is becoming a familiar topic of HTC -- the refocus on the mid-tier market. This is something that was addressed during Mobile World Congress with the new Desire announcement, and here Mackenzie mentioned how they plan to bring the premium experience to other categories.
VIA: Twitter @HTCUSA
Jawbone UP 3.0 app update adds UP24 Bluetooth sync
Jawbone has released v3.0 of the UP app for Android. This latest release of the UP app is available by way of the Play Store, and ultimately, this means the UP24 lifestyle tracker is now available to Android users. The data collected by the UP24 will sync wirelessly with your Android device, using a Bluetooth connection.
The Jawbone UP app brings support for 12 languages, and when used along with the UP24 band -- it tracks everything from your daily activity, to sleep, food and drink. Users will be able to keep track of steps, distance, calories burned and the amount of time they are active as compared to inactive on the activity side, and able to track hours slept as well as deep vs. light sleep and how long it took you to fall asleep on the sleep side.
As you'll see from the screenshots included in the post, Jawbone takes all that information and presents it in an easy to read format compete with charts and graphs. The Jawbone UP app also allows the user to record food and drink, which will help you monitor how much water you are drinking and also how many calories you are taking in, versus burning during your daily activity. By way of this most recent app update, Jawbone UP24 users will be able to get feedback and notifications of progress through the day.
In terms of the band itself, Jawbone has the UP24 available in two colors, Persimmon and Onyx. The band is $149.99 and designed to be worn day and night. Users can expect up to 7 days of battery life per charge, and when needed, the UP24 will charge over USB (using the included 2.5mm USB cable adapter). Bottom line here, Jawbone now offers Android support for the UP24.
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