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ODG R-7 smart glasses carries its own Android inside

Smart eyewear, novel as they still may be, is already catching on with some device OEMs. But almost all of them have one thing in common: they all still need a smartphone to work whether for connecting to the Internet and data like Google Glass, or providing the heart of the device itself like Samsung Gear VR. The Osterhout Design Group's ODG R-7 is notably different. It has its own Android-based OS running inside of it, freeing it from the shackles of a smartphone.



Granted, smart glasses are still far from becoming a semi-ubiquitous mobile device the way smartwatches are slowly becoming, but that has never stopped companies from developing and refining what could be the next wearable revolution. But while efforts like Google Glass try to shave off the bulk by offloading a good part of the experience to a companion smartphone, the ODG R-7 goes the opposite direction without turning into a full VR helmet like the Gear VR or the Oculus Rift.


This smart glass is practically a smartphone on your face, running on a 2.7 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 (MSM8084), with a more than ample 4 GB of RAM and between 16 to 128 GB of storage. Aside from the processor, it sounds almost like Google's Project Tango, with the same "experimental" feel but with less cameras. Running on top of that is ReticleOS which is based on Android 4.4 KitKat and claimed to be optimized for such a use case. You've got Bluetooth and WiFi, though no mention of cellular connection, a 720p camera that sits on the nosebridge, dual 720p stereoscopic see-through displays, magnetic charging port, USB OTG, and magnetic stereo audio ports with earbuds. For all of those features, you do end up with something that resembles military sunglasses, though some parts, like the ear horns and the photochromic shields, are removable.



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Qualcomm is more than just the beating heart of these glasses. Together with the revelation of the ODG R-7 comes the announcement of Qualcomm's Vuforia SDK for Digital Eyewear. Although existing smart glasses and VR headsets do have their own developer tools, Qualcomm's promises to be the one you'll need for developing eyewear apps across a number of devices, including the Gear VR. The Vuforia SDK for Digital Eyewear is slated to go out to developers this Fall. No word yet on any availability for the ODG R-7 glasses.




VIA: SlashGear (1), (2)


Android L to offer devices encryption as default out-of-the-box

Just to set things straight, encryption of personal data has been available to Android users since 2011. It was one of those features that users rarely talk about and never get around to using. But with the spate of high-profile leaks of personal data – videos, pictures, and the like – a lot more people are now looking to security features in devices to protect sensitive and personal data. Enter Google’s announcement that the next Android operating system release – presently known as Android L and set to be launched pretty soon – will have encryption turned on by default for devices which will carry the new OS.



We can expect that on the newer devices that will run Android L, the activation procedures will now account for automatic encryption. This means that only someone with a password will be able to access all the personal data within the device. “For over three years Android has offered encryption, and keys are not stored off of the device, so they cannot be shared with law enforcement,” said Google spokesperson Niki Christoff. “As part of our next Android release, encryption will be enabled by default out of the box, so you won't even have to think about turning it on.”


This seems to be a trend in device security these days, as Apple’s latest iOS 8 release also delivers encryption for its devices. Together, Android and iOS cover the large majority of operating systems that run on mobile devices and gadgets globally. The encryption in the new Android release will make it – at the very least – extremely difficult and close to impossible for law enforcement authorities to easily extract evidence from the said devices, even when they are carrying search warrants.


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It will take a while for Android L to proliferate the Android ecosystem globally – it hasn’t even launched officially yet. So in this situation, Android will have a much slower path to tread with making sure that the majority of devices globally will soon carry the encryption feature than Apple’s iOS, which doles out their software updates centrally. Watch out for the Android L launch which should be happening pretty soon.


VIA: Washington Post





Rumors say HTC Nexus 9 launch probably on October 16

If you remember, the Nexus 10 was not so much of a certified victory for Google. Cooperating with Samsung, Google wanted to put out what was supposed to be an Apple iPad killer. While it opened the eyes of tech consumers to just how great an Android tablet could be, it fell way short of its expectations. Now Google is on course to launch a new effort at a Nexus tablet with HTC – and the most recent rumors say that the new Nexus 9 tablet might drop on October 16.



Fortunately for Google and HTC, there is a good amount of technology available to them to be able to produce a kickass Android tablet than was available to them at the time of the Nexus 10. And if the rumors about its specs are any indication, we could have a real snazzy tablet by the time October 16 rolls in.


Initial rumors pointed to an earlier launch (October 9), but this new source is quoted by the good guys at SlashGear to be a tad bit more confident about its own revelations. Google is not really known for big and elaborate launch events for the Nexus line – UNLESS the Nexus 9 tablet will be launching side by side with the anticipated Nexus 6 smartphone from Motorola. That possibility should really call for a launch event.


If event invites suddenly surface during the early days of October, then we can probably start getting excited, because that would mean Google has seen it fit to go for a big event. But of course, this is all speculation at this point. If you have thoughts on this, hit us up via the comments section.


VIA: SlashGear





LINE launches SnapMovie video making and editing app

LINE is already one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, but they have not been sitting idly on their laurels. One of the newest products that they've launched the past months is a movie making and editing feature that has made wanna-be mobile filmmakers happy. Well now, they will be even happier as SnapMovie is a separate app altogether, bringing more features to make the mobile moviemaking experience well, a snap.



If you're not one of those who took advantage of the built-in feature previously, SnapMovie is pretty easy to use. All you have to do is to tap the round green button on your screen and it will start recording. If you feel like changing the scene or making some adjustments to what you're taking a video of, you can pause it then just continue when you've moved to where you want to. When you want to edit the video, just tap the next button . And since most of who'll be using this probably aren't professional filmmakers, you'll be needing the help of filters and the app offers 9 different ones, like "romantic", "vintage", and "toy".


You will also be able to add titles and text to your videos by using the "insert text" option where you will also be able to choose the font and style of your title cards. And of course, what's a video without the perfect background music? However, your choices are limited to 10 different melodies only, so you better make sure what you're shooting has the necessary music to accompany it among your limited options. Of course, the normal sharing options are there, because what good are videos if you can't share them with the world?




Even if you have a separate app for it already, you can still use the SnapMovie feature within LINE, in case you would still prefer to do so. But if you need the stand-alone app, you can download it for free from the Google Play Store.


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SOURCE: LINE


Paid Android App Developers Will Soon Have to Provide Physical Address

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Google has now changed its policies regarding paid app developers. Every developer who opened the developer console today was greeted with a message stating that a physical address must be added in account settings. The change will influence primarily developers who distribute paid apps or allow in-app-purchases.


Developers were shown the following message stating the required changes:



Add a physical contact address Beginning September 30, 2014, you need to add a physical address to your Settings page. After you’ve added an address, it will be available on your app’s detail page to all users on Google Play. If your physical address changes, make sure to update your information on your Settings page.


If you have paid apps or apps with in-app purchases, it’s mandatory to provide a physical address where you can be contacted. If you don’t provide a physical address on your account, it may result in your apps being removed from the Play Store.



Essentially, this means that app devs will soon have to provide a full physical address or their applications will be pulled from the Play Store after September 30th. The notification system itself is rather strange, though. Google didn’t send an Email informing developers about the policy change, therefore developers who aren’t too active may see their applications pulled without formal notice beforehand.


It remains unknown whether indie developers will accept the policy change or not. Rule changes will not be a problem to big developer studios, but might be an important factor for those smaller developer who want to monetize their work.


[via Android Police]


The post Paid Android App Developers Will Soon Have to Provide Physical Address appeared first on xda-developers.


OnePlus will start time-limited pre-order in October

Giving in slightly to the demands and complaints surrounding its invite-only system, startup OnePlus has decided to try out a new pre-order system. Don't get your hopes up too much, however, as this won't happen until October and even then it will be for a still undisclosed limited time only.



The exclusivity of the OnePlus One, for a time, served to build up hype around the admittedly admirable smartphone. But as time passed, it became an Achilles' heel that is starting to tarnish the company's reputation. It doesn't help that just yesterday they announced that they are halting the availability of bamboo back covers, further disillusioning their fans. OnePlus tries to justify this invitation system by explaining that they are still just a small company and that they can't really afford to have any miscalculation that leads to an excess of inventory, which could eventually lead to the company's bankruptcy and closure. Since they believe that they have more to offer the mobile market, they want to stay in business a lot longer and this exclusive system was the only feasible option for them.


That said, they acknowledged how inconvenient or even impractical it was for some who just want a OnePlus One, so they are embarking on a little experiment. Starting next month, interested buyers can put an order for the smartphone and, if stock is available, it will ship ASAP. If not, the order will become a pre-order. In either case, OnePlus promises to give the best approximate date and won't charge buyers until the device actually ships. And for those who put an order but got an invite before the smartphone ships, they can cancel the pre-order and use the invitation instead so that it will ship immediately.


While it might offer some reprieve, this new pre-order system isn't a closed case yet. OnePlus hasn't disclosed how long the pre-order will remain open and, if inventory is their problem anyway, there are chances that it might not last long at all. Plus, it won't even start until October, which means there is still a chance that the company will scrap the idea because of supply issues. And based on OnePlus' recent performance, that is a possibility, even if slightly remote.


SOURCE: OnePlus





Cell Phones : [ Galaxy Universal Vehicle Navigation Mount ] Galaxy Universal Vehicle Navigation Mount

**Compatible with Samsung smartphones with screen sizes between 4.0 and 6.3 in. **







The Samsung Universal Vehicle Navigation Mount lets you take the brilliance of your Samsung smartphone along for the ride! The custom fitted cradle holds the handset securely during long rides. Attach it to a windshield or dashboard and adjust the multi-angle neck for perfect viewing. GPS capabilities are optimized with navigation applications but that’s just the beginning with the endless Android® apps available. With your hands safely on the steering wheel, experience the convenience of powerful, voice-activated Android applications like S Voice. Your Samsung smartphone and Vehicle Navigation Mount duo is truly brilliance on the go. (Fits handsets with 4.0" - 6.3" screens)
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