Subscribe:

Ads 468x60px

Labels

The next Google Glass model will be powered by Intel

It seems like Intel is trying to get a bite of the wearable device market, and an upcoming deal with Google will see the chipmakers supply the processing power of the next Google Glass iteration that should be out by next year – this is according to “sources close to the matter”. Who saw that coming?



There were few indications that there will be significant movement with Google Glass, especially with the news that Google is finding it hard to market the wearable device. But this partnership with Intel should give people another reason to give Google Glass at least one more chance when the new model comes out in 2015.


Intel’s processor will be replacing the one made by Texas Instruments for the initial model of the Google Glass internet-connected eyewear. And since the trend of the device is leaning more towards being an industry or work-related device rather than a consumer one, Google is now starting to work with software developers in encouraging the use of the device in industries such as health care, construction and manufacturing.


After the early hype of Glass, consumer interest in the device waned, with the device being associated mostly with nerdy people. There are units of the device being sold online for half the price, a sign that consumers have mostly given up on the tech. But Intel’s entry into the picture should make things a bit more interesting for Google Glass.


VIA: The Wall Street Journal



South Korea cracking down on unregistered selfie sticks

Don't worry, South Korea is not turning into a dictatorial, fun-hating country that punishes people for taking selfies (although, sometimes, we think they really do need punishment yes?). There is a perfectly reasonable (well, sort of) explanation as to why they are cracking down on those selfie sticks and it's not because they're annoying. What the government wants to do is to have them registered, if they have Bluetooth connectivity.



The truth is, this is just a technicality that is based on an existing law. Any device that is Bluetooth capable is labeled as a communication device and therefore should be certified before selling to the public. So those selfie sticks that are just sticks to help you take better self or group self-portraits but just uses your arm and the camera's timer, they're safe from regulation.


But for those sticks or monopods that can be paired with a smartphone and has a button that can trigger the camera shutter, those are the ones that have to be registered.But the ruling applies only to those who are selling the selfie stick. According to the Science Ministry, those who are caught selling unregistered selfie sticks can face up to 3 months in jail or pay a fine of $27,000.


But of course, this ruling is just a technicality, since the selfie sticks would not emit wireless signals that can interfere with other more important frequencies. "It's not going to affect anything in any meaningful way, but it is nonetheless a telecommunication device subject to regulation," a ministry official said.


VIA: SlashGear


AirDroid 3 Beta version now ready for download, testing

We already knew AirDroid 3 is coming and now, the AirDroid team is happy to announce that its Beta version is now ready for testing. It’s only been a month since we learned that a new AirDroid is coming but what makes this one even better is the fact that it will have Mac OS and Windows clients.



Android as mobile platform still has limitations so managing it form a web browser can be better. We learned the AirDroid 3 will have incoming call alerts, Notification mirroring, Air Mirror, and better Contact management. With AirDroid 3, you can also reject calls with a simple canned message.


The new AirDroid is now ready for download so you can start testing. Note that this is the beta version so don’t expect a flawless experience just yet. The AirDroid team will appreciate your feedback so feel free to send them.


To start beta test, install AirDroid Android on your mobile device or on your Windows or Mac computer. Download the files from here: AirDroid APK, AirDroid Windows, AirDroid Mac OS, and AirDroid Web. Sign in to your AirDroid account on your devices to start beta testing.


AirDroid developers are requesting for us to use Notification Mirror as much as possible to test this feature, as well as, provided feedback (good or bad) so they can improve on the program. In any case that the AirDrop desktop client is being detected as a virus by your antivirus system, ignore it. It’s still in beta so the team has not sent it to any antivirus for detection. According to the developers, virus detection will de done before the official AirDroid 3 version is released.


So what’s new in AirDroid 3? A few major things: AirMirror, End-to-End encryption (E2EE), File transfer, SMS, Call alerts, Contact, Nofication Mirror, a Redesigned Android interface, and AirDroid Web.


The AirMirror allows controlling of Android device from any desktop similar to VNC or Remote Desktop. This also allows launching an Android app remotely from notifications. End-to-End encryption (E2EE) for all SMS, account credentials, contact data, app notifications, and other sensitive data are now available. This means AirDroid is safer than ever and no 3RD party can access user data.


Transfering of files can be done from an Android device to a computer on remote or local connection. These files can be downloaded within 7 days and after that will be deleted from the cloud permanently.


Other basic features include sending group SMS and receiving/replying to SMS on computer, real-time notification of incoming calls, rejecting calls with a ready message by SMS, and real-time alert of phone notifications (Notification Mirror). Of course, the Android interface is now more intuitive too after the redesign.


SOURCE: AirDroid



Razer Nabu fitness band out on December 2, promo for insiders

It’s almost upon us, the Razer Nabu fitness band, which is of course Razer’s entry into the fitness device market. Razer is known for its laptop and PC accessories and its support of the PC gaming culture, so this is a very different type of niche for them. But they are hoping that their street cred will carry over to this new effort.



The Razer Nabu Smartband was first launched to the public at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January this year, and was warmly received, with a couple of awards under its belt after the trade show. This has probably encouraged Razer to mass produce their fitness band.


So this December 2, the Nabu Smartband will be available for purchase in North America at USD$99.99. For Razer forum members (called Insiders), a special pre-order promo has also been launched, allowing these people to pre-order the device at a discounted price point of USD$79.99. Around 5000 units have been made available for this promo. Check out the forum link at the source section below.


nabu_preorder


The Razer Nabu is compatible with Android devices with version 4.3 or better, and iOS devices as well. Aside from the common fitness features, the Nabu also delivers notifications straight to your wrist via a small 128x32-pixel screen. The Nabu is also IP54 certified for water resistance. Are you getting one this December?


SOURCE: Razer / Razer Forum



Backup Your EFS Partition with Wanam’s App

Screenshot_2014-11-27-11-27-23

ROM flashing seems to be an easy task even for Android newbies. Unlucky for some of Samsung users, the EFS partition can be accidentally wiped, leaving your precious smartphone unable to register with any mobile network.


To prevent yourself from EFS-related misfortune, you can backup the EFS partition, thus backing up your IMEI in the process on certain devices. XDA Recognized Developer wanam created an application that can backup this partition in several formats. A copy is saved on your SD Card, from which you can grab the backup and place it on other storage media.


The application works on most Samsung devices. The only requirement is root access. The application can also be used to restore the EFS partition when something goes wrong and you are left unable to get a mobile signal.


As you can see, ROM flashing is not always an easy ride. If you are not careful, your phone can quickly turn into a plastic paperweight. Don’t let this happen! Head over to the Samsung EFS IMEI Partition Backup forum thread to download the application and make a copy of your important data. More information regarding tool can be found in the application thread.


The post Backup Your EFS Partition with Wanam’s App appeared first on xda-developers.


Android Community Weekly Digest: Nov. 30, 2014

The weekend was mostly likely a frantic one, with all the food, the shopping, and, of course, some much needed family down time. But it ain't over yet! Cyber Monday fast approaches and you are most likely trying to recover some energy, and maybe some money as well, in preparation for that, so we'll make this as quick and as painless as possible. Presenting Android Community's Weekly Digest covering November 24 to November 30, 2014, a.k.a. The Thanksgiving Edition.


Android Community Deals


We are launching a new venture with StackSocial to bring the sweetest deals on gadgets, accessories, and toys to match your digital lifestyle, and we've started off with 10, yes TEN, deals for Black Friday. But don't worry if you missed that chance, as there will be a lot more to come. Head on over to the DEALS section of Android Community (or click this link) to see what's up for grabs. We will be highlighting some of the more interesting ones each week, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for them.


Android Community Deals is brought to you in cooperation with StackSocial. Generated revenue helps fund this site. Deals are curated by StackSocial and are not representative of the opinions of the Android Community staff.


Black Friday Frenzy, Cyber Monday Madness


By now everyone, even those outside the US, knows how crazy shops get during this season and naturally, there were many, many promos and deals to be had. But fret not if Friday passed with nary an item in your shopping cart, because there are still a few bits and pieces left when Monday dawns. Motorola will be kicking off its 2nd gen Moto X discount, Amazon still has the Fire Phone at $199 and is still selling the Chromecast at a reduced $23. A lot of other deals are still in effect until Monday, so better not stow away those cards yet for one last holiday hurrah.


India: the market's new darling


After getting a foothold in China, It seems that the industry is slowly shifting its eyes towards India. Google fired the opening salvo by launching Android One on three local manufacturers. But instead of taking the market by storm, it seems that the new breed of smartphones is meeting some cold reception, thanks in no small part to Google overlooking the local smartphone business culture. Other smaller players are also trying to take a stab at the market. Xiaomi's Redmi Note makes its debut in India, with Fleksy bundled inside. OnePlus has just announced its still invite-only India launch in partnership with Amazon India. But surprisingly, Cyanogen, Inc., the very same people who make the CyanogenMod 11S OS on the OnePlus One, revealed an exclusive deal with India's Micromax, much to the confusion and dismay of the Chinese startup. We are likely to see more of this drama unfold in the coming days.


Moto 360 and its new look


Not exactly a holiday discount, but Motorola has finally made available the silver and gold metal straps for the round smartwatch, giving it an even classier facade. In addition to that, it has also made available for purchase both the Horween leather and the metal straps so that owners of the Moto 360 can now mix and match as they please, without having to spend on another unit.


Bits and Pieces


See Android Auto in full detail at the LA Auto Show

T-Mobile finally adds Google Music to its free-flowing Music Freedom service

OUYA reaches 1,000 games! And be sure to check out our Gaming portal for more games, both new and updated old


Our Favorite Android, iOS, and Windows Phone Apps of the Week

Our Favorite Android, iOS, and Windows Phone Apps of the Week


A smartphone is only as great as its apps, and developers were hard at work again this week to make your pocket computer just a little bit better. This week iOS saw a swell of platform-only apps whereas Android was a little light. I also came across an amazing language-learning app for Windows Phone that's giving me only mild OS jealousy. Take a look at this week's new smartphone superpowers.


Read more...