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Samsung Galaxy Note 4 gets dropped over and over and over

One of the constant nightmares of expensive smartphone owners is that they drop their phone, crack the screen, make it non-functioning and just make their life miserable, not to mention how much it would cost to have it repaired. And with the whole hullabaloo about a certain OEM that released a highly-anticipated smartphone only to have complaints about breaking and bendability, owners are now even more careful about their next big gadget purchase. Samsung decided to put your minds at ease by dropping their new Galaxy Note 4 over and over again and show how tough it is.

The extensive drop test they conducted on the poor Galaxy Note 4 showed that no matter how many times they dropped it, the phablet still worked properly. And from the video (or maybe the angle they shot it), there didn't seem to be any cracks. It showed three different kinds of tests on the gadget. The drop test showed the phablet being dropped from different heights, waist-level and up onto a solid granite floor with a rough surface and solid metal floors with a smooth surface. They even dropped it alongside a ceramic coffee cup, which wasn't as lucky to come out unscathed as the Galaxy Note 4.

The automatic drop test showed several phablets being dropped from different angles at different heights onto a hard metal floor. They say that they did this several hundreds of times, all without an effect on the devices. Probably the most grueling is the tumble test, which wants to simulate the gadget falling tumbling down the stairs (which of course happens quite often to be honest). The Galaxy Note 4 is put into a tumbling device, and a soda can in another machine. After 14 revolutions, the soda can looks pretty beat up but the phablet was still functioning properly.

Now of course this is no guarantee that your Galaxy Note 4 will survive every single time you drop it (why are you constantly dropping it anyway?) but it does give a level of security that it isn't as breakable as glass. Now let's wait and see if some third-party tests will confirm its strength as well.

SOURCE: Samsung

Chromecast 1.8 Custom Wallpapers, Chrome Updated to 38

Last Friday, we saw the release of Google+ version 4.6, which brought Google’s Facebook competitor a bit more inline with the latest Material Design UI guidelines. Now just a few days later, Google is gracing our Android devices with two new updates, Chromecast 1.8 and Chrome Stable v38.

First up, we have an update to the Chromecast companion app, bringing us to version 1.8.22. The Google Chromecast has always been lauded for its aesthetically appealing backgrounds. But now with today’s update, users are finally allowed to personalize their Chromecast devices with custom backgrounds. You can also enable weather updates, satellite images, and news headlines, just like what was mentioned back at I/O earlier this year.

Next, we have an update to Chrome Stable, which brings us to version 38.0.2125.102. Much like we saw in last month’s Chrome Beta v38 release, we have new Material Design UI tweaks, as well as the new highlight to search feature that is activated when highlighting a word in the browser and clicking on the new G icon.

As always, both of these updates will begin rolling out to consumer devices over the next few days. However, we’ve gone ahead and mirrored the APKs on our Google Drive for your early access, sideloading pleasure. Head over to the links below to get started:

Google Chrome 38.0.2125.102

Google Chromecast 1.8.22

The post Chromecast 1.8 Custom Wallpapers, Chrome Updated to 38 appeared first on xda-developers.

HTC’s Double Exposure event now up on YouTube

HTC just recent concluded their awaited media event and, while its new products didn't exactly take the mobile tech world by storm, it still managed to earn a few accolades and praises from tech pundits. And perhaps a few raised eyebrows from the fashion world as well. HTC is entering into a whole new world with its RE camera, the Desire EYE selfiest smartphone, and EYE imaging experience. And now you can watch the whole hour-long show on YouTube at your convenience.

HTC was noted to be embarking on new business ventures, which might also include home healthcare products. But while we wait for an HTC Breath or HTC Heart to take the stage, the company has revealed its first diversion, one that plunges into the world of imaging and digital photography so far cornered by the likes of Sony, Samsung, and Apple. The first, and probably most eye-catching, is the RE camera, an odd and yet simple handheld device that removes the barriers of viewfinders, screens, and lenses that stand in the way of enjoying a breath-taking view, while at the same time capturing that once in a lifetime moment digitally. It isn't probably going to replace your dedicated digital camera any time soon, but the rather decent camera specs plus IPX7 waterproof rating could very well endear itself to more active types.

Less unorthodox but still a head-turner is the new HTC Desire EYE. Sporting the same premium specs as the HTC One M8 but in a less premium plastic coating, the Desire EYE takes smartphone photography to a whole new level by putting the front-facing camera on the same level as the back one. With a 13 megapixel shooter, 22 mm wide angle lens and a dual LED flash on the face of the device, this is a selfie lover's dream come true.

And it isn't all about hardware either. Version 1.0 of HTC Zoe, which you can download now from Google Play Store, puts a social twist to the video editing experience, allowing users to take and remake photos and video clips into an almost infinite collage of experiences and memories. There's also the new EYE Experience, a collection of camera features that make photography more fun and which will soon be available on HTC's latest One and Desire devices.

All of that and more can now be viewed on YouTube. And by "more", we mean the totally unexpected and totally perplexing fashion show that HTC has prepared, perhaps to go with the theme of breaking new ground. After all, nothing shouts bold and daring louder than a parade of out of this world designs.

Verizon DROID Turbo gets detailed in leaked manual

We've heard and seen leaks about Motorola's new DROID device heading for Verizon and so far it has painted a rather surprising picture of a smartphone that could very well have been Motorola's flagship. Now a leaked manual supposedly for the Verizon DROID Turbo has popped up that seemingly confirms that more than premium image of the device. But despite being a carrier-exclusive (at least as far as we know), it seems that the DROID Turbo still offers that same "vanilla" Android experience as the Moto X.

Of course, manuals rarely detail technical specs of a device, but it does mention a few things. In particular, it mentions the "5.2" ultra high-definition display", meaning at least 2560x1400. While the new Moto X does have that same screen size, it was only limited to a resolution of 1920x1080 Full HD. There is also noted to be a 21 megapixel dual LED flash camera at the back, versus the 13 megapixels on the Moto X. That said, it does share some traits in common, like support for Moto Turbo Charging for super fast charging in a pinch.

As to the physical design of the device, the DROID Turbo might disappoint in some aspects. First is the rather unfortunate return to a single front-facing speaker, versus the dual setup that the new Moto X sported. Capacitive navigation buttons also take up bezel space (which could have probably been given to a second speaker) instead of the Google-preferred software ones. One rather interesting detail about the phone's design is that the volume rocker actually doubles as a nano (yes, not mirco) SIM card slot, an ingenious way to economize on space.

droid-turbo-manual-2

Hardcore Android fans might be happy to know that the same OS experience on the Moto X remains unchanged on the DROID Turbo, at least based on this manual. While there will of course be an amount of bloatware from Verizon, the overall user interface looks largely untouched, aside from a different wallpaper and a new cicular clock homescreen widget. The now staples of the Moto software experience are happily also here, including Moto Voice, Moto Assist, Moto Display, and even Moto Actions.

droid-turbo-manual-3

It still boggles mind why Motorola would have a smartphone that practically unseats its own flagship just a few months after unveiling it, and especially one that's exclusive to a carrier. Conspiracy theorists might see some plotting by Verizon behind the scenes. That is presuming this manual is accurate. But even without it, previous leaks have already suggested that the Verizon DROID Turbo is probably what the new Moto X could have been.

VIA: SlashGear

SOURCE: @MotoFirmware

Doggins pits a time-traveling canine against a devious squirrel

They say that the Internet is like ancient Egypt, with people writing on walls and worshipping cats. There are, fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your proclivities, no cats in this game. Rather, this simple-looking but aesthetically beautiful game is all about a dog. Well, a dog and human history. Or actually a dog, human history, and the maniacal plot of a dastardly monocled squirrel to change the story of human invention. And of course, there will be time traveling involved. No phone booths though.

It would be like a Dr. Who kind of thing, but without TARDIS. Instead, you've got a time-traveling house of sorts. Despite the seemingly action-packed plot of the game, there will be no finger twitching or button mashing in here. In fact, quite the opposite. The game is officially described as a "quiet little adventure game". Those familiar with that genre would know that it's a type of game that involves more gray matter than muscle, especially since it involves item-based puzzles, the types where you try to pick up items and use them on other objects or mix them up to solve a problem.

Doggins was designed and developed by husband and wife team David and Brooke Condolora under the Brain & Brain brand, working on the game in addition to, or sometimes in place of, their full-time jobs. As such, don't expect lush 3D environments or sophisticated gameplay. But instead of being a liability, that is the game's actual appeal. Visually speaking, the game is laid out like a child's story book, with a more graphic art style than one that aims for realism. The user interface is all touch-based and is minimal to go with the overall feel of the game. The effect is that the game looks and plays out to be calming, relaxing, and something that won't get you sweating excessively. And that seems to have struck a chord with many in the gaming community, as it has been nominated for various awards, such as the 2014 SXSW Gamer's Voice Award and Casual Connect USA's Best Mobile Game.

After making its debut on iOS in March, Doggins is now available on Android, both from Google Play Store and Amazon Appstore. The game, however, carries a $3.99 price tag, which might scare off those who aren't that much into the adventure game genre or the game's particular art style. But Play Store's new 2-hour refund window might be enough to give those interested in the game a taste of what's to come.

VIA: Gamasutra

Virtually conquer other countries in Age of Civilizations

If you've always had that megalomaniac tendency that you've been trying to suppress in a bid to play nice with others, then you know that board games, and later on mobile games may be your only outlet to let loose. The classic board game Risk revealed our deepest wishes to conquer other countries, and now a new Android game may also help you with that dream, virtually at least. Age of Civilizations has one goal and that is to make your country take over the world.

Age of Civilizations is a turn-based strategy game where you are the leader of a country that would like to be the topdog of the entire world. It doesn't mean though that all other countries are just content to roll over for you. You need to defend your capital city and if you fail to do so in 3 turns, you stand to lose everything to the invaders. It's not a game where you can just swipe to shoot all your enemies. It takes real-time strategy and a lot of brain flexing to figure out your next move.

Before each round, you give your orders, depending on your Movement Points for that round. The civilizations then execute the orders and at the start of each round, the turn order is randomized. The game has two kinds of maps: Earth, which has 324 provinces and Kepler-22b, which has 404 provinces. Normal view orders include move, recruit, build, disband and annex while with the Diplomacy view moves, you can call for an alliance, a pact, declare peace or war on a civilization. You earn money through the very exciting process of getting income tax, depending on your civilization's population and what they do for a living.

If you're looking for an action-packed war game with state-of-the-art 3D graphics, then this is definitely not what you should play. But if you want to exercise your brain and strategize as practice for taking over your boss' job or another company, then you should buy Age of Civilizations for just $1.89 from the Google Play Store.

VIA: Droid Life

HTC RE camera re-imagines the mobile camera experience

HTC is indeed trying to venture out into new markets and, as expected, digital imaging is just one if its first stops. With the announcement of a slew of new products, including version 1.0 of the Zoe collaborative video editing app, a new EYE imaging experience, and the HTC Desire EYE, HTC is showing that it means serious imaging business. But perhaps nowhere does it look more serious yet at the same time somewhat "amusing", to put it nicely, than with the RE, what it bills as a "remarkable" little camera.

Of course, you can cue "re-" jokes about this, but you have to admit, this diversion from its regular path definitely requires some guts considering this is HTC. While its smartphones have been critically acclaimed, sales and profit figures don't usually reflect the interest surrounding its devices. Jumping into a new market, at least as a far as HTC is concerned, is a leap of faith. Especially when one of the standard bearers is a quaint, weird-looking camera.

There's a reason for that strangeness in form, at least according to HTC. The RE camera has been designed, it says, to fit snuggly into your hands. The premise is that it is natural to hold and will make taking photos and videos easier and faster. The RE's motion sensor automatically detects when it's picked up and turns on the camera automatically, so no more need for waiting for it to power up from sleep. A single tap on the shutter button takes a still while a longer press starts recording video. That's all there is to it. No worries, no fuss. And it's IPX7 certified, giving it the ability to operate in water for a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.

As far as camera specs go, the HTC RE straddles the "decent" side of the equation, with a 16 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. The lens has an aperture of f/2.8 and an ultra-wide angle of 146 degrees. It is able to record 1080p videos at 30 fps, but for a 4x slo mo capture, you'll have to settle for 720p. Of course, the camera is a smart one, so integration with mobile devices is a given.

It can connect to such devices with Bluetooth, WiFi, or even USB. Smartphones can serve not only as remote controls and viewfinders, they can also act as backup storage, though the RE comes with an 8 GB microSD card, which you can replace with something up to 128 GB. That same RE app will soon allow live streaming of videos from the RE camera to YouTube as well.

The goal of the HTC RE is to remove obstacles between the viewer and the object, removing the need to look through viewfinders and screens. That said, the RE doesn't seem to have a window of its own, so it just presumes you instinctively know how to position that perfect shot or are not worried about shaky videos or rotated photos. Either that or you will be left relying on a smartphone for staging the shot, which sort of defeats the RE's entire purpose.

The HTC RE camera will be available in the US late October, with other markets to follow. There will be some accessories available for the camera as well, including a car charger, a charging dock, lanyards, and several types of clips for mounting the RE in every situation imaginable.