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Google gives developers more stats in latest Play Games Services update

Google added new game statistics (for developers) back in March. Essentially, this meant game developers (on Android, iOS and the web) were able to get access to certain stats provided they implemented Google Play Games. Well, flash forward till the present day and it looks like Google will be offering developers a bit more insight.



As this is something aimed specifically at developers, it isn't something the end users are going to see anywhere. More to the point of this post -- this is just to let users know what information developers could be collecting about you. This latest update means developers will be able to see details on country, age and gender.


If you happen to be a developer you'll be able to see these demographics in the Overview stats as well as in the Players reports for both New and Active users. The previous and initial release for these stats (from back in March) included details on signed in users, daily active users, retention analysis and achievement, and leaderboard performance.


While we suspect some will take issue with game developers being able to collect even more -- this data could help to improve certain aspects of games. Using the Google provided example and this means game developers could use the 'country' breakdown to improve translations in markets that happen to be doing better than others.


SOURCE: Android Developers Blog


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Sony Xperia T3 is a mid-range option for stylish users

If you have pined for Sony's high-end Xperia Z2 but didn't have the cash to invest in one, then this latest smartphone might be the next best thing. The Xperia T3 may sport comparatively lower hardware, but Sony promises that it will still feel and look like a premium device all the same.



This is in no small part thanks to the premium materials used for the smarpthone's body, which consists of a stainless steel frame and a matte back cover. That steel frame is actually noted to be both stylish and functional, acting as structural support and at the same time as the smartphone's antenna. In almost every aspect of the desgin, the Xperia T3 does resemble Sony's flagship devices, down to the dedicated camera button found at the side.


It is in the hardware specs that the Xperia T3's less than premium nature shows. The 5.3-inch screen is only capable of supporting a resolution of 720p. That said, it boasts of Sony's BRAVIA and TRILUMINOS technology to make up for it. The processor is a bit low, a 1.4 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon, paired with 1 GB of RAM. There is only 8 GB for internal storage, though the microSD card slot allows more to be added. The rear camera is marked at 8 megapixels, quite measly compared to the 20.7 of the flagships, but it does employ Sony's Exmor RS image sensor. The front-facing camera is only a 1.1 megapixel shooter, just enough for 720p video recording.




Sony has so far not yet detailed when and where the smartphone will become available or what price tag it will be carrying. The Sony Xperia T3 will come in three color options of black, white, and purple that have somewhat become iconic of Sony's Xperia line.


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SOURCE: Sony


Spotify update means users can download their entire collection

Spotify is in the process of rolling out the latest update for Android. There is not a huge changelog this time around, but this update should be welcomed by those who like to download (cache) tracks for offline playback. Simply put, Spotify is making it easy for users to download their entire music collection.



Once you have the latest version of Spotify downloaded and installed you'll be able to download your collection with a few swipes and taps. Begin by swiping in from the left and choosing the Your Music option. From here tap on Songs and then swipe up to the top of the page. At this point tap the Available Offline button to begin the download process.


The obvious catch here is that you'll want to make sure you have the available storage space before you begin. Perhaps more important is making sure you are setup and ready to get this update. Remember, Spotify had a bit of an incident towards the end of last month that prompted them to roll-out a completely new app.


For reference, this Play Store link is for the old (and now unsupported version), and this link is for the current (and supported) version of Spotify. If you are an active Spotify user you'll want to make sure you are up to date and have the correct version installed as this will pave the way for all future updates.


VIA: Cult of Android





Google Glass DVF | Made for Glass collection unveiled

Google Glass users will soon have more options to choose from in terms of shades and frames. These new additions will be a part of the DVF | Made for Glass collection, which includes eight new shades and five new frames. We've yet to see anything regarding pricing, however Google has said the DVF | Made for Glass collection will be available from June 23rd.



The new styles of shades and frames will be available direct from Google, at www.google.com/glass and also by way of +Net-A-Porter. Google has also said Glass users will soon be able to buy the Titanium collection from +MrPorter. Bottom line here, Glass users will soon have more options to choose from in terms of making Glass better fit their personal style.


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As a refresher, the Titanium collection includes the Split, Thin, Bold and Curve frames. Glass users also have the Edge, Classic and Active shades to choose from at the moment. Basically, with the DVF | Made for Glass collection this means Glass users will have 11 options for shades and 9 options for frames.


Lastly, for those wondering about the DVF | Made for Glass collection -- the DVF stands for Diane von Furstenberg, who is described as being an "iconic American fashion designer." Some may also remember the DVF and Glass connection from back in September of 2013 when the DVF [through Google Glass] video was released.




SOURCE: +GoogleGlass





ASUS Fonepad 7 and Fonepad 8 raises the stakes and the sizes

It seems that ASUS is toying around with its Fonepad budget phablet series. While the ASUS Fonepad 7 definitely has a precedent and contemporaries, the Fonepad 8 unambiguously crosses over to the realm of tablets and, perhaps, irrationality.



The new Fonepad 7 is, by no means, unique or new, and it is clearly meant as an upgrade, albeit an incremental one, to the phablet of the same name unveiled last September. The CPU, for instance, has been boosted to a 1.8 GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 with 1 GB of RAM and 8 or 16 GB of internal storage. The back camera is marked at 5 megapixels while the front one is at 2 megapixels. Sadly, the 7-inch display retains the same HD capacity as the previous model. Of course, the highlight of the Fonepad line is built-in 3G connectivity and phone functionality, and in this regard this phablet does not disappoint.


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The Fonepad 8, however, is a puzzling device. Granted, it's not the largest tablet with telephony built-in, a distinction that probably belongs to the older Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. However, the market has more or less defined how big users are willing to go for a phablet, and this 8-inch wonder is definitely going to make hands sore. Nonetheless, ASUS believes that, despite the size, the device will still be usable with one hand due to its 12 cm wide body. Aside from the size, the Fonepad 8 is practically the same as the Fonepad 7, with the same Intel Atom Z3560 processor, 1 GB of RAM, down to the same 1280x800 WXGA resolution.


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Both phablets, or tablet phones if you wish to call them that, come in the same color choices of white, black, gold, and red. ASUS has so far withheld pricing and availability details for this new devices.


SOURCE: ASUS (1), (2), (3)





ASUS MeMO Pad 7 and 8 continue tradition of bang for your buck

ASUS' MeMO Pad tablet line was made with budget prices in mind, but at Computex, the manufacturer is showing that it is taking it up a notch. With the new MeMO Pad 7 ME176C and MeMO Pad 8 ME581CL, ASUS is proving that you won't have to skimp on features just to keep the price tag in check.



The MeMO Pad 7 is, as the name clearly points out, a 7-inch tablet. Being the smaller of the two, it seems to also have been chosen to be the less powerful one. Nonetheless, it isn't exactly an underdog. It is powered by a quad-core 64-bit Intel Atom Z3745, which runs at a max of 1.86 GHz. It's not your usual Qualcomm or even MediaTek chip, but that's normal for ASUS' more recent Android devices. The 7-inch screen has a resolution of 1280x800 pixels, which is arguably satisfactory for a budget tablet such as this. Multimedia is where this tablet wants to excel. It has a 5 megapixel rear camera and 2 megapixel front-facing shooter, utilizing ASUS' own PixelMaster tech. For audio, you get dual channel stereo speakers, of course with ASUS SonicMaster. Miracast and aptX support will allow you to conveniently stream your media to TVs and speakers wirelessly.


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The MeMO Pad 8, on the other hand, is bigger and, fortunately, a bit better as well. The CPU has been boosted to a 64-bit 2,3 GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 and RAM is at 2 GB, with 16 and 32 GB configuration options for internal storage. There are two highlights that set it apart from the new MeMO Pad 7. First is the 8-inch IPS display which boasts of a 1920x1200 Full HD resolution, a rare treat for entry-level tablets. Second is LTE connectivity, which is even rarer as far as Intel Atom powered devices go. The tablet also touts Gorilla Glass 3 protection and anti-fingerprint coating, as well as a lightweight and thin design of 299 g and 7.45 mm, respectively.


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Neither tablet's pricing and availability details have been revealed yet, but color options are definitely coming. For the MeMO Pad 7, bright colors of white, black, yellow, blue, and red will be available. For the MeMO Pad 8, on the other hand, only white, blue, and pink colors have so far been revealed.


SOURCE: ASUS (1), (2), (3)





ASUS Transformer Book V 3-in-1 can be used in five ways

ASUS really loves its hybrids and is now taking it to the extreme. With the new Transformer Book V, you get two operating systems, three devices, and five modes, all in one complete package.



It is like the best of the PadFone and Transformer line brought together, probably also combining the worst of Microsoft's and Google's nightmares. Technically you really only have 2 independent devices, a Windows 8.1 tablet and an Android 4.4 smartphone. Like a PadFone, the smartphone can dock inside the tablet. But like a Transformer, the tablet docks into a keyboard, giving you the third device: a laptop. The five modes then come from the different combinations of form factors and operating systems you can mix with this. First mode is the Windows laptop with the keyboard dock. Second is a standalone Windows tablet. Third is the solitary Android smarpthone. But put the smartphone inside the tablet and you get the fourth mode, an Android tablet. Bring back the keyboard and you've got an Android laptop, the fifth mode.


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As interesting as this strange contraption may seem, the hardware running underneath the chassis may not exactly be so. The tablet part, which runs Windows, unsurprisingly runs on a Next Gen Intel Core processor whose exact model and speed are yet unknown. RAM is at 4 GB and storage can reach up to 1 TB, depending on the configuration. The tablet itself has an HD front camera and a 28 WH 2-cell battery. The smartphone side is just a tad unusual as far as Android smartphones go, but definitely in line with ASUS' Intel push. The device runs on an Intel chip as well, an Atom this time. ASUS notes that this smartphone is the first 5-inch LTE smartphone that is powered by an Intel Atom, though the exact performance of that chip in a smartphone is yet to be put to the test. RAM is at 2 GB and storage at 64 GB. There are two cameras on this one, an 8 megapixel at the back and a 2 megapixel at the front. Perhaps one discouraging spec of these two devices, is that while they come in different sizes, 5 inches for the phone and 12.5 for tablet, they both only reach HD resolutions.


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Availability and pricing has not yet been announced by ASUS. There is a slim chance this device might not even see the light of day in the market. Other devices that dual boot Windows and Android, like the ASUS Transformer Book Duet and the Samsung ATIV Q before it, vanished without a trace, rumored to have been due to Microsoft's or Google's influence. However, technically the Transformer Book V doesn't really dual boot the two OS, keeping Android and Windows in separate devices. This loophole is probably what allowed the Transformer Book Trio to emerge unscathed, and hopefully it will be the same story for the Transformer Book V.


SOURCE: ASUS (1), (2)





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