Subscribe:

Ads 468x60px

Labels

Nexus 6, Android 5.0 will include ‘Ambient display’

Android.com’s new page dedicated to Android 5.0 Lollipop’s and all its bag of tricks makes mention of a feature that is a lot similar to the new Moto X’s “Moto Display” technology – it’s called “Ambient Display” for the moment, and it allows devices running Android 5.0 to wake up as soon as it its picked up or when notification come in.



We shouldn’t really be surprised, given that the Nexus 6 takes a lot from Motorola’s design book – although still tethered to Google’s Nexus branding. The feature was first seen embedded on the new Moto X, although there have been 3rd party implementations of the same idea before (like Peek for Android).


ambient-display-lollipop


The feature page also makes mention of a sort of “knock-to-wake-up” feature similar to LG’s Android implementation, saying that “where supported by the hardware, your device will wake up as soon as you pick it up or tap the screen twice.” There is no clear explanation of the feature yet, but it might be that AMOLED screens will allow for notification “peeking” like the new Moto X does.


Why did you not catch this with the latest developer build, you ask? Well, it’s because it isn’t there. This feature will only be available with the final build of Android Lollipop. But this is a good sign that Android Dev is starting to accept more of the fanciful features that attract people and make Android such a cool ecosystem to work with.


VIA: Android Authority





OnePlus to offer limited-time pre-orders on October 27

It's finally happening for those of you who have been waiting endlessly for an invite to buy the OnePlus smartphone but haven't gotten one. For a limited period this coming October 27, they will be accepting pre-orders for those who were not among the thousands of people who received an invite to purchase the elusive smartphone. This is the first time they will be doing so, after receiving numerous requests and complaints as well as to their method of letting consumers have access to their device.



While their unique approach to creating buzz and hype for their product was at first impressive, eventually, people started getting frustrated at the fact that they cannot just outrightly buy something that they want and have to jump through hoops first. They realized and acknowledged eventually that it was becoming impractical and inconvenient, and so they recently announced the details for the pre-order system. While waiting for the official pre-order date schedule, you can now "arrange" your shopping cart, like delivery address, payment options, etc so that placing your pre-order easily on the designated date.


Pre-orders will be accepted starting October 27 at 15:00 GMT (that's 08:00 PST and 11:00 EST) and will only last for an hour. Once you place your pre-order, you will be told the estimated shipping time for your device. In case you suddenly receive that elusive invite after you've placed your pre-order, you can just skip the queue and get instant delivery for your device. Accessories sold on their site will also be on sale during this one-hour window, including the JBL E1+Earphones which will be available for $24.99 and will go back to its regular price of $39.99 after the pre-order period.


It's a good thing that the OnePlus has more than lived up to the hype and its promise, or else this marketing ploy would have spectacularly failed. The one-hour pre-order period might seem too short but it's at least something to assuage disgruntled consumers who just want to buy the device. Let's just hope their inventory and system can handle the expected onslaught of orders, or else, they will have even more annoyed would-have-been OnePlus owners.


SOURCE: OnePlus





Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact now available for pre-order

We’ve known about the compact tablet counterpart of Sony’s flagship Z3 line since last September, and we definitely like what was launched. With Sony’s stylish design and premium product aesthetics, it’s kinda hard to dislike the products they put out. But we have been waiting for Sony’s announcement on when we can get our hands on the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, and we’re glad to say that it has gone up for pre-order via the Sony online store.



There are only a few tablets out there that bring the “wow” factor out of us. Don’t get us wrong, there are a gazillion tablets out there to choose from depending on your budget, but really, only a few are worth spending that cash for in terms of hardware and features. Sony has promised that the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact would be one of those drop-dead gorgeous tablets with features and specs to boot.


pSNYNA-SGP612~W_alternate1_v500


The tablet will feature a compact 8-inch Full HD TRILUMINOS display – not too big, not too small. Something tells us that Sony gets the size of the tablet bang on. It will be powered by a current gen Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor with Adreno 330 graphics, a generous 3GB of RAM and up to 16GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD up to 128GB).


Xperia_Z3-Tablet-Compact_PS4_Black


One of the biggest draws to the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact will probably be the ginormous 4500mAh battery capacity – promising almost all-day usage. The tablet also comes with IP65/68 waterproof rating, which means it can take up to 30 minutes of being submerged under 1.5 meters of fresh water. Lastly, the tablet will also feature the PS4 Remote Play support, for those who want to use the tablet for gaming.


Ok, we’ve built it up enough for you. We need to tell you that you need to pony up USD$499.99 for this baby, get it in either white or a handsome black finish. The tablet’s premium features do demand premium pricing. If you pre-order right now – via the source link – estimated ship date will be by November 2. Are you getting one of these? Hit us up at the comments section.


SOURCE: Sony Online Store





Shattered Screen? Turn Your Broken Device into a Complete Media Center!

XBMC on Android

A cracked screen usually means you’ll have to spend a hefty amount to make your device usable again. For older devices, it might actually be easier to buy a new one. If this situation sounds familiar, or if you simply have an old device with a shattered screen laying around, XDA Forum Member mailme45 has written a guide that may help you make that device useful once again.


The tutorial walks you through turning your phone into a fully fledged media center (running a fork of XBMC/Kodi). Assuming your device supports MHL, you’ll only need a few things to get started:



  1. A USB OTG cable along with a mouse so you can control the phone until it’s fully set up.

  2. An MHL adapter that allows you to display your phone’s screen on your TV or monitor.

  3. A way to control the device remotely once it’s ready. In this case, a Wi-Fi connection and Yatse, a free remote app for XBMC/Kodi.


This probably won’t cost you more than $10 to $40, depending on where you buy the accessories from. You could even do without the USB OTG cable if you’re rooted, in which case you’d be able to use ADB instead.


Alright, folks — you’ve seen the requirements, so if you have a device with a shattered screen laying around, a USB OTG cable and MHL adapter, make sure to head over to the Shattered Scren Media Center tutorial thread to give a new life to your phone, and turn it into a complete media center.


The post Shattered Screen? Turn Your Broken Device into a Complete Media Center! appeared first on xda-developers.


Spotify Family gives discount for multiple accounts

Listening to Spotify in all its unlimited access and ad-free glory is pretty much a requirement for most people these days (especially if you're sick and tired of that Spotify guy's voice) and it will not cost you an arm and a leg. But what if you have an entire household clamoring for their very own account? The expenses of paying for multiple subscriptions would then get to you. Your favorite music streaming service is trying to help you out with that by giving you big discounts with its Spotify Family package.



Now we know what you're saying. Why should you need to get more than one account when you can just share? Well, you don't really want your kids to know that you're actually listening to their One Direction playlist right? And also, there is just a limited number of devices that will let you play music simultaneously. With Spotify Family, you can maintain up to five different accounts, with separate log-in details, personalized recommendations and their own playlists and saved music as well. All subscriptions will get the usual ad-free listening experience, offline access to music they've saved and full access to its catalog that currently has over 20 million songs, with 20,000 being added everyday.


With the advent of more and more music streaming services like Google's All Access, Pandora, Deezer, and others, Spotify has to up its game in order to keep up with the competition. They've been experimenting with several ways to commercialize its service. One that they've recently adapted is to let those who watch their video adverts to the end get an additional 30 minutes of ad-free playback (obviously, for those just using the free service).


Those who have a regular Spotify premium account, which costs $9.99 per month, will get 50% discount when you add another subscription to your account. You can add as many as four more for each account, meaning you will only be paying $29.99 per month for five subscriptions, instead of $49.95. Spotify Family will roll out in the US first but will eventually be available globally in the next few weeks.


VIA: SlashGear





Nexus Player back on pre-order, Nexus 6 starts October 29

It is definitely busy weeks for Google, especially for those in charge of the sales of its Nexus devices. After a short and amusing fiasco involving FCC requirements, the Nexus Player is now "back in stock", meaning it is once again available for pre-order. But the Google Play Store Devices section has another surprise waiting. The Nexus 6 has finally appeared in the pages but don't get your hopes up just yet as the smartphone isn't going to be available for pre-order until October 29.



Although it went on pre-order at the same time as the Nexus 9 tablet, the Nexus Player Android TV device was promptly marked as "out of inventory". The reason had little to do with actual supplies but more because Google failed to get the FCC's stamp of approval for the device before it put the product up. That said, that was quickly resolved over the weekend, with the Nexus Player appearing in the FCC website. Now the Player is back in pre-order and is noted to ship in 3 to 4 weeks. As a reminder, the Nexus Player itself, which comes with the remote, costs $99.00 but you will have to order the Gamepad separately if you want that as well, for an additional $39.99.


The Nexus 6 strangely didn't go to pre-order at the same time as the other two new Nexus devices, though Google did mention that it will start at a much later date. That date is now known to the public, as the product page clearly states that it will begin on October 29. The Nexus 6 will be available in two color options of Midnight Blue and Cloud White and in two internal storage configurations with matching prices. The 32 GB version will cost $649 but the 64 GB isn't that far behind at only $699. This Motorola-made smartphone boasts of a 5.96-inch QHD AMOLED screen, a fast 2.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805, still unspecified RAM size, a 13 megapixel f/2.0 rear camera with OIS and double LED flash, a 3,220 mAh battery with Turbo Charging, among other things.


Now that the pre-order dates and prices for the three Nexus newcomers have all been set, the Android world will be waiting with bated breath for the actual shipping date of these devices, expected to be around early or mid November. That period isn't just significant for would-be owners of the new devices but also for the Android community in general, as it would mark the finalization of Android 5.0 Lollipop and start the process of getting the latest Android version ported for their devices.


SOURCE: Google Play Store (Nexus Player), (Nexus 6, 32 GB Midnight Blue)





Block Fortress: War launches on Android

If you play Minecraft, you know that there are a slew of mods for that game including some that turn the game into a shooter. A new game has landed for Android gamers to check out called Block Fortress: War and it reminds me a bit of one of those Minecraft shooter mods.



In Block Fortress: War players will get to take control of some interesting warring creatures and control their fate. The game has block building elements, like Minecraft, and adds in RTS elements in a tactical game. Players get to play as one of five races with unique troops, heroes, and blocks for each race.


There are over a dozen heroes that players can play with different strengths, weaknesses, weapons, and abilities. Armies can be customized with different weapons. Players also get to build defenses by placing blocks, turrets, bombs, and more.


bfwar-1 bfwar-2 bfwar-3 bfwar-4 bfwar-5


The game offers campaigns on five different planets. Google Play Services are supported and players can fight to the top of the 1v1 player leader boards. The game landed October 16 and size varies depending on the device. Android 2.3 or higher is required to play. Block Fortress: War is a free download with in-game purchases.


SOURCE: Google Play


Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)