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Samsung rolls out GALAXY Apps, might be dropping KNOX

Samsung is making big moves today, some more perplexing than others. While we were already expecting the eventual facelift of its custom app store for its Android Galaxy devices, the exact nature and puprose of this change still boggles the mind. But even more puzzling is the speculation that Samsung might be giving Google full control over its KNOX security framework.



At Google I/O, Samsung and Google surprised, and probably worried, the Android world by announcing a partnership that will bring Samsung KNOX to Android, specifically Android L. The worth and reception of Samsung KNOX is a rather contentious topic. While it earned some of Samsung's smartphones certification in some government agencies, notably the US Department of Defense, the broader Android community, particularly modders and tweakers, have been less welcoming. But perhaps even more telling is rumors that KNOX hasn't been the enterprise money-maker that Samsung has hoped it would be and has now decided to cut their losses and let Google take the reins instead.


Forbes speculates that Google moved in on KNOX for two reasons. The first is a bit more social than technical. It wanted to save Samsung some face, especially since it is one of its biggest partners in the Android ecosystem and that it just recently mended ties with the manufacturer. The second reason is that Google itself has been working on a container-based security framework of its own with little or slow success. The current implementation is believed to lack crucial features for the enterprise, chief of these being VPN support, things that Samsung KNOX already has in a gift-wrapped package. So why reinvent the wheel or even buy a wheel when you can just take one for free?


As to the GALAXY Apps rollot, the update is pretty much a simple, but definitely needed, facelift of the old Samsung Apps version. It practically has the same contents, just rearranged and now sporting a visual design more consistent with Android in general, with hints of Android L's Material design in particular. But perhaps more importantly, this rebranding could hint that Samsung is preparing to differentiate its GALAXY ecosystem from an upcoming new one, most probably one that revolves around Tizen, which now practically has one smartphone, two smartwatches, and with HDTVs coming soon.


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SOURCE: Forbes, Samsung





Minecraft releases massive update in Pocket Edition 0.9.0

If you thought that Minecraft was already addictive and counter-productive enough as it is, well, it’s creators didn’t think so. They just released a massive update (they say it’s their biggest ever) and parents and bosses everywhere should get ready to start setting down rules as to when their children and employees can actually play the mobile game, if they themselves are not obsessed with it.



If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know what it is, Minecraft is a hugely addictive game where you can create and build structures using textured cubes, and go on adventures as well, gathering resources, exploring new locations and even fighting to protect your properties. It has been praised for the creative freedom it gives its players and has been criticised (well, most probably by authority figures who don’t play it) for being too much of a time and productivity drain.


The creators announced they are releasing their biggest update ever in the Pocket Edition of the game, with version 0.9.0. They have now added infinite worlds to the game, as well as a lot of new blocks and items and resources that you could collect. They also seem very enthusiastic in the addition of such things as caves, wolves (they encourage you to “tame a loyal companion”), flowers (they assure us they’re very pretty) and Monster Eggs (how can you not be excited for that?). They’ve also incorporated some of the biomes from their PC edition into the Android platform, like mesas, jungles and extreme hills.


There are even more new places to explored and discover, if you’re not too afraid of going into abandoned mineshafts and villages, that is. The inclusion of an interaction button says it will guarantee that you’ll “never accidentally punch a sheep again”, which is, apparently a pretty common occurrence in this game. So if you’re very excited to not punch sheep, build more virtual structures, discover creepy new mobs and explore even more locations, head on over to the Google Play Store to download and/or update Minecraft.




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SOURCE: Minecraft





Fleksy adds 15 languages in beta, updates messenger app

Due to insistent demand from its users and a desire to strengthen itself in the international market, virtual keyboard Fleksy announced that they are adding 15 new languages to its beta version. They also revealed that they are doing their first update for their Messenger App for the Samsung Gear smartwatch, including adding support for non-Android Wear Gear devices on the Tizen platform.



The award-winning keyboard app said that they will be supporting 15 new languages, which brings their total to over 40. Included in this are some of the most requested languages from their community: Catalan, Croatian, Hebrew, Norwegian and Romanian. They are also adding several language variants, like Brazilian Portugese, English (UK), French Canadian and Latin American Spanish, to further please their international market. Fleksy Founder and CEO Kosta Eleftheriou said that this is a significant engineering milestone for the company.


Meanwhile, they are also updating for the first time their newly-launched Fleksy Messenger App that is specifically for the Samsung Gear smartwatch devices. There’s nothing major in their first update, just some bug fixes and improvements as expected. They’re also adding support to the other Gear 1 devices, particularly those running on the Tizen platform. Fleksy founder and COO Ioannis Verdelis claims that they are already one of the top apps in the Android Wear community.


The Android app with the additional languages is still currently on beta mode and not yet ready for updating through the Google Play Store. In order to apply this update to your device, you need to join the Fleksy beta community on Google+ to get the 15 new languages onto your Android gadget of choice.


SOURCE: Fleksy


Moto X gets a temporary discount on Net10 Wireless

Yes, Motorola is doing it again. For the n-th time now, the Moto X is getting a limited time discount, this time exclusive to a wireless provider. Until July 16 only, Buyers can get a 16 GB Moto X from Net10 Wireless, without a contract, for only $299.99.



That's a pretty sweet $100 deduction from the normal price of that particular model. And you won't have to settle for some drab carrier design as you can customize your Moto X to your heart's content via Moto Maker, You can even add a wood back if you want, but of course it will cost you an additional $25. And there is no catch at all, except that you need to put in your order before July 16.


The first two or three times that Motorola gave the Moto X a price cut, everyone was all fired up But after half a dozen or so of the same thing, some are beginning to wonder what is up. Motorola isn't giving any indication that it is interested in a Moto X refresh, having just opened up Moto Maker in Germany, the first time it has done so outside the US. With the smartphone's birthday fast approaching, it is anyone's guess whether there will really be a Moto X+1 anytime soon.


In any case, if you are still quite interested in getting this admittedly significant piece of Android history, hit the source link below to see Motorola's tweet and link to a pre-configured Moto Maker page. As a bonus, the manufacturer is also throwing in a 50 percent discount for cases.


SOURCE: Motorola





Verizon accepting pre-orders for LG G3, shipping by July 17

Verizon is finally joining the LG G3 party as they announced that they are now accepting pre-orders for the much heralded Android smartphone. While there is still no announcement when it will actually be available at their retail stores, the product page reveals that the units will start shipping out to those who pre-ordered by July 17.



Mobile carrier competitors, AT&T and T-Mobile had already previously announced when the LG G3 will be available and Verizon is the latest one to tell their subscribers that they can already start dreaming of the smartphone that has been called one of the best Android devices by several tech websites and gurus. For a 2 year agreement with Verizon, subscribers need only pay $99.99 to avail themselves of the unit. If they are already subscribed to Verizon Edge, they need to pay a monthly fee of $29.99 for 20 months, but with a monthly discount as well, depending on the data plan they have.


LG’s flagship phone has a 5.5-inch Quad HD screen with a 2560x1440 resolution, and that’s just one of the things that people are loving about the device. For mobile camera enthusiasts, they can look forward to the laser auto focus feature that gives the 13MP camera the ability to take sharp pictures even when there’s low light. There’s also the Optical Image Stabilization that helps reduce the blurriness of photos, even while taking shaky and action shots.


In terms of connectivity, since the LG G3 is XLTE ready, Verizon assures subscribers that they will be able to take advantage of the network’s 4G LTE bandwidth. Productivity is also a highlight for the latest LG device, as it has its own Smart Keyboard which makes typing on your phone a bit easier. It also has a Virtual Personal Assistant, because voice-activated commands and reminders are now the way to go.


SOURCE: Verizon





Xiaomi Mi4 likely to be revealed in July 22 event

Those curious about Xiaomi's next big move need not wait much longer. The Chinese manufacturer will be holding its annual conference on the afternoon of July 22 and the invitation it sent out is clearly giving hints not only of the Xiaomi Mi4 but also of a non-plastic material.



The invitation has a large number 4 emblazoned over what looks like a brushed metal surface, once again hinting that the Xiaomi Mi4 will be ditching plastic. The text of the invitation also talks about "The journey of a piece of steel metal", adding more weight to that theory. The Xiaomi Mi4 was already leaked to be going with a metal frame, but it is the first time that there was any official hint about it. Curiously, this suggests that the manufacturer might have gone with steel, which is a rather odd choice over the usual lightweight aluminum.


The Xiaomi Mi4 might then turn up to be a rather interesting device. Rumored specs include a 5-inch 1080p screen and what may be either a Qualcomm chip or an NVIDIA. The latter is somewhat debatable because even if Xiaomi went with the Tegra K1 in its first MiPad tablet, NVIDIA has announced its disinterest in the consumer smartphone race. Still, either of the two will make for a better choice compared to cheaper brands. Previous leaked photos revealed very thin bezels but also suggested a return to rounded corners.


Xiaomi itself is an interesting company to watch in the Android world, especially after it managed to bag ex-Googler Hugo Barra. The company's smartphones are one of the fastest selling devices in China, selling thousands in just minutes, and it is expanding to more countries, first in Singapore and now in India. Xiaomi will be holding its annual company conference at the Beijing National Convention Center on July 22. The event starts at 2 p.m., or around 7 a.m. London (6 a.m. UTC) and 2 a.m. Eastern.


SOURCE: Xiaomi (1), (2)





Adidas miCoach FIT SMART goes back to simple but smart

Just because smartwatches are on the rise doesn't mean smart fitness bands, which have long been in the wearable market first, are out of fashion. As if to prove that point, Adidas has just unveiled its second generation miCoach wearable device, the FIT SMART, which won't require a degree in computer science to operate.



Without all the cranks and buttons of a full blown smartwatch, the Adidas FIT SMART is able to do one thing and do it well. This handy but rugged device is designed to be your digital personal trainer. It measures your heart rate, calories burned, pace, distance, stride rate, and any other vital statistics you might need to monitor your athlete training or just keep tabs on your personal exercise. The band does tell time, but that and all other information that you need at a glance is displayed not with a fancy LCD screen but via an LED light array that seems to fit better this kind of sporty gadget.


As part of Adidas' miCoach digital training service, the FIT SMART communicates with the Train and Run app installed on an Android, iOS, or even Windows Phone smartphone. The band itself can store up to 10 hours of workout data, which can be synced to the app. The app, however, does more than that and lets users set their own weekly training goals. But wait, there's more! Users will also have access to free training programs that Adidas has created in partnership with fitness experts under the miCoach program.


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The Adidas miCoach FIT SMART will become available in August. In the US, it will be initially exclusive to Best Buy before it starts availability on Adidas' own online and retail stores as well as other retailers a few weeks later. The FIT SMART costs only $199, which is both cheaper than some smartwatches but, considering its limited but focused feature set, might look a bit too much. If you'd rather have an all-around general purpose wearable on your wrist, you might opt to get a Samsung Gear Live, which costs just the same and has a heart rate monitor as well, or an LG G Watch, which costs less on AT&T. That said, more serious athletes and fitness fans will most likely go with a brand that they are sure caters to their needs.





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