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Google’s Project Ara hands-on: modular plug-and-play smartphone action

The modular smartphone you're about to take a peek at goes by the name Project Ara. It's a modular smartphone concept, coming from Google ATAP and actually - eventually - coming to the market with its own hardware store. Where you may have purchased your own custom Moto X in the past, you get one shot - the device stays as it is. With Project Ara, you've got the option of updating the smartphone's hardware - new pieces can be added whenever you like.



This device uses physical pin contacts to connect each module to the device's skeletal innards. While the video you're about to see shows the pieces sliding in and out with ease, you'll need to do a bit of fiddling to make certain you're connected here.


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The "Spiral 2" model we're seeing here isn't the final delivery vehicle for Project Ara, of course - so not to worry about any less-than-perfect bits in the hardware so far. If this were the final project, we might be a bit concerned about the hold.


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In the Spiral 3 model we'll be seeing Google's electro-permanent magnets taking hold.


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The models we're seeing today come in several custom colors and designs - they aren't by any means the final designs or colors for the device lineup. We're expecting a whole lot of options for colors, designs, and customization - including personalized customization - in aesthetics in the near future.


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The camera module you're seeing here is a mere 5-megapixels. In the future we'll see a 13-megapixel camera from Toshiba as well as a number of other modules from other 3rd-party manufacturers. This system is all about changing each individual part out for the manufacturer you like best.


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Around the back you'll have far more modules than you'll have up front. This device setup still relies on the standard smartphone setup - big touchscreen display up front with one or two other components - likely a speaker at least.


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With the units we're seeing here, we're being shown the hardware, mainly. You can see the lock screen on more than one model, but nothing much beyond that. This is a hands-on for Google's advancements in hardware for the most part.


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Once we're able to roll with more than just a set of modules and a lock screen, we'll let you know. For now - this device feels nice to hold, isn't too light and isn't too heavy, and is certainly a device we'd love to work with in the near future.


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123D Sculpt+ helps you become a 3D expert on your mobile device

When you say 3D sculpting, you don't automatically think of using your smartphone or tablet because of their obvious limitations for a complicated process like that. But wouldn't it be really fun to try a mobile version of a 3D modeling program? Well, Autodesk, a company that is more or less an expert on 3D graphics animation, certainly thought so, and they're bringing 123D Sculpt+ to your mobile device.



Unless you've mastered the art of pinching and panning or you're best friends with your device's stylus, 3D modeling on your mobile device's capacitative touchscreens can be extremely tricky. But the app can give you a feel for what the 3D modeling programs are usually like, but this time, you can try it out on your smartphone or tablet. You can create anything you want, whether it's a spaceship, an extinct animal, a fantastical creature, all in its 3D glory, from sculpting, to shaping then on to digital painting.


But just in case you've never tried this before, the app also has some pre-made models for humans, faces, animals, etc., in case you don't want to start from scratch but would want to try out the more advanced procedures. The developer says that the skeleton builder is easy to use and can be as "easy as drawing a stick figure". The things that you make on the app can be exported as OBJ files which you can later on use on other 3D tools like Autodesk Maya or 3ds Max, in case you want to get "hardcore" again.


Rendering and modifying 3D models can be a bit heavy on the processor and memory, so you probably need a higher range smartphone or tablet to run the app properly. You can download 123D Sculpt+ for free from the Google Play Store.


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Plants vs. Zombies 2 gets new Frostbite Caves level

Plants vs. Zombies is one of the most popular games on the Android platform with as many as 50 million installs since the game launched. The PvZ 2 game was updated this week and the update brings with it a new level and several new plants and zombies.



Frostbite Caves Part 1 is part of the update with 16 prehistoric levels that have icy features, winds, and new plants that will melt the frozen zombies. There are four new plants including the pepper-pult. The other plants you will have to discover for yourself.


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Eight new zombies are in the update including the Dodo Rider. To celebrate Valentine's Day the game will have a special feature called Valenbrainz that will run from February 3 to the 14th. Players will also get to enjoy the Sap-fling Reforestation Bundle.


The update landed on January 13 and the game is 550MB. Android 2.3 or higher is required to play the game and it is in version 3.2.1. Check out the video to see more about the update and what you can expect in the new level.




SOURCE: Google Play


Project Ara on sale first in Puerto Rico as test market

Today at the 2nd annual Project Ara Developer Conference, Google has announced the launch to the second edition of the Project Ara modular phone. This second edition, like the first, is made for use by developers and hardware manufacturers only. The device's first release won't take place inside the United States or anywhere inside Europe. There is also no estimated time frame for the device platform's eventual US-based release, as Google waits to see how the Project Ara unfolds first in Puerto Rico.



The second edition of Project Ara is known as “Spiral 2”. After Spiral 3 has been sent to developers and Project Ara is ready for distribution, it'll be released in Puerto Rico first. The release will be held in collaboration with Ingram Micro, OpenMobile, and Claro - last two of which are local carriers of mobile devices.


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You’re probably asking why Puerto Rico as a Market Pilot launch location? Google suggests that one reason is the University of Puerto system, which contains 11 college campuses who are part of the Multi-University Research Agreement (MURA). This collection of campuses will allow Google to research and work with faculty and labs to support Ara.


Google is working with the FCC in Puerto Rico to allow Project Ara to make the transition to the USA much smoother than if they'd tested devices outside of FCC domain.


Location is everything, and Puerto Rico has designated free trade zones allowing Google to import modules from developers around the world.


Depending on how the Puerto Rico Market Pilot experience will be, Google will be able to determine global launch and scaling.


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Lets update on terminology - modules are the individual pieces you’ll use to create your Ara phone. This includes Modules for camera, battery, processor, and etc. As stated by Google, “We want to better understand how to price, monetize, or subsidize endos, modules, shells, and complete bundles in a manner that works for consumers, developers, carriers, and other stakeholders."





Mold On Pizza is a tower ‘offense’ game, with weird ingredients

In every slice of pizza, a microscopic battle rages on far from your sight – mold tries to take over the pizza slice while preservatives try to wipe the mold out. At least, that’s what Korean-based gaming outfit BTNcafe wants you to imagine. Imagine a tower defense game, but this time you get to be the one on attacking the towers. If you can imagine that, you’re on your way.



The first thing you will notice is that the game is undoubtedly beset with pizza-inspired visuals. But please take note that Asia is really the region where pizza toppings go from normal, to exciting, to just plain weird. This being a Korean-made game, do not be surprised if you see toppings like broccoli on the pizza. That’s weird to you, but in Korea, that’s par for the course.


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Now that the toppings are explained, the game will have similarities with Plants vs. Zombies in that before each level starts, you choose which mold you want to take into battle. There’s your basic ordinary mold, and then you progress to some explosive mold, and then a ranged mold – so many mold types to choose from, not necessarily scientific, but who’s counting? As the levels progress, you unlock more mold types.


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The gameplay is pretty straightforward once you learn it. Your mold needs moisture to survive, much like sunlight in PopCap’s PvZ. You start with an area conducive to mold growth, then defend it like heck from preservatives so you can move forward. You upgrade your abilities by collecting droplets and pickles. Why pickles? Because in Korea, every box includes pickles. Don’t ask us why, please.


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The game is fun like that, until you get to the point where there are lots of preservatives to fight. Then it can seem like “work” and not play, considering the amount of swipes and taps you have to do to get the job done. The game is engaging in that sense, but you can get tired of it. Don’t take our word for it though – it’s a free download at the Google Play Store. Check out the download link below.


DOWNLOAD: Google Play Store





Android Lollipop-powered LG G2 spotted on video

About to get Android 5.0 Lollipop running is the LG G2. We've only been waiting for this version but the South Korean company has yet to roll out the official software update. We learned that it's coming to the G3 and G2 last year but of course, the newer LG G3 got it first back in November. The initial leak only showed screenshots and video for the LG G3 running Android Lollipop but this time, it's the LG G2's turn to be in the spotlight.



Recently spotted in South Korea is the LG G2 sporting the newer Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. We have no idea when exactly the company will roll out the software update but LG G2 users are eager to get a sweet taste of the Lollipop. How long will they have to wait?


Watching the video, you'll see that Android 5.0 on LG G2 seems pretty stable. This particular leak shows the Android Lollipop for the Korean version of LG G2 only. We don't doubt that LG will soon release Android Lollipop for the G2 but the company is still testing the version and fixing whatever kinks people may find.


Based on this video, you'll also notice the Material Design theme, improvements in performance, and the new Recent Tasks menu. If I'm an LG G2 user, I'd be frustrated by now but at least this video gives people a preview that there is indeed Android Lollipop for the G2.







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