TouchPal update: Material Design, more emojis

When chatting with your friends and loved ones on mobile devices, sometimes, words are not enough. Some emotions are better expressed through emojis. That's why it's handy to have an alternative keyboard that has both the traditional characters and then a pretty large number of emojis at the ready to express yourself. TouchPal is one of those apps, and the newest update brings more improved features to the virtual keyboard.

TouchPal receives a major overhaul because it is now redesigned with the Material Design visual guidelines that Google has been implementing before and in the advent of Android 5.0 Lollipop. Aside from the new look, there are also improvements to the emojis, including the addition of more than 10 new emojis and more than 40 more emoji arts. You can now even have the keyboard predict the emojis you're typing. For example, if you type lol, it will show you emojis that are laughing out loud or something similar to it.

Other new things included in the update are auto-correction of capitalized words, easier switching of languages just by using the space bar, and a 40% reduced package for the app. Of course the usual bug fixes and stability improvements are also part of the update.

If you don't have TouchPal yet, you can download it for free from the Google Play Store. The app also has several in-app purchases available. Those who have it already should just wait for the update to roll out, or they can also manually check on the Google Play Store page.

New Sony Xperia smartphone lands at the FCC

A new Sony Xperia smartphone has crossed the FCC seeking certifications to come to market. There are no actual images of the device to be seen at this time, but there is line art and an image of the tags that will be featured on the smartphone.

Data shows that the device is Type Number PM-0850 and it carries the FCC ID PY7-PM0850. The device shows to be on firmware 25.0.A.0.33. FCC data shows that the smartphone will support LTE Bands 2, 5, and 7.

That is about all of the data that can be gleaned on the device from the FCC documents. Some believe that this is the Xperia Z4 that we have talked about before. Other rumors suggest that the Z4 will have a special waterproof USB port. That special port will help the smartphone survive water and submersion.

The device is also tipped to use a 5.2-inch full HD screen with some indication that a 2K resolution version will be released as well. Odds are the device will be unveiled at MWC in March which is only weeks away.

SOURCE: Xperiablog

HTC tipped to bring improved camera phone and smartwatch out in March

A new rumor is making the rounds that claims HTC is working on a couple new products that will be unveiled in March. According to the rumor, the new products include a marquee phone that will have a better camera and a new smartwatch.

A person claiming to be familiar with HTC's plans claims that the new smartphone will have improved audio features and a better camera. The smartphone has the code-name M9 and will have a 20MP rear camera says the tipster. The smartphone will also rock an UltraPixel front camera.

Another interesting tidbit offered up by the tipster is that the smartwatch is designed to interface with the fitness service offered by clothing brand Under Armor. If the source is correct, this will be the first smartwatch HTC has offered.

Both of the products will be shown off for the first time at MWC in Barcelona according to the rumor. MWC is the show where many new smartphones and mobile devices are unveiled each year. Rumored hardware for the smartphone includes a Snapdragon 810 processor and the latest Sense 7 UI. We already know that HTC is having an event March 1 and it is likely where the products will be unveiled then.

SOURCE: Bloomberg

Camu camera app takes photos (and edits) the way you want to

As people get more and more into mobile photography, chances are they won't always be satisfied with their smartphone's built-in camera features. That is why there are apps out there that give you more choices when it comes to taking pictures and editing them. The newest addition to your options for a camera app is Camu, which claims it can make you "take perfect photos and videos" while having a simple yet useful interface.

By using the app itself to take your photos, instead of your mobile phone's default camera, you will be able to put on filters of your choice, even before you take the picture. But you can also choose to do so after you've already taken your perfect shot. You can also adjust the clarity of your photos by sliding up or down. And if you're the selfie type of person (hey, no judgement here), the app's auto mode automatically shoots when it doesn't detect any movement, which it assumes means that you're already posing for your perfect selfie moment.

Camu also has great editing features for those times when just posting your raw photo is not enough. You can create collages of your photos, either those that are already in your gallery or those you're just about to take. You can also add text to put into words your thoughts about your pics, or "special effects" that would enhance your mobile photo. Of course the app also has uncomplicated sharing features because more often than not, the photos you take are meant to be shared through your favorite social networks.

You can say that there are a lot of picture editing and camera apps out there already, but it never hurts to try something new, especially if it will not cost you a cent. You can download Camu for free from the Google Play Store.

Step-by-step Guide of Development on Eclipse

Do you want to learn how to use the powerful Eclipse integrated development platform? This step-by-step guide will cover the basics for you to understand how to go about using the interface and figuring out what is what.

The post Step-by-step Guide of Development on Eclipse appeared first on xda-developers.

Get Back Notifications You Accidentally Dismissed on Android

There you are, absent-mindedly dismissing notifications from your lock screen, when all of a sudden you think you might have swiped away something that was hugely important. Or was it? Here's how you can access your notification history in the most recent versions of Android.

Read more...

Extreme Micro Drone 2.0 comes with its own camera [DEALS]

Haven't had enough mini drones yet? Then this new Android Community Deal might just be for you. The Extreme Micro Drone 2.0 is as its name says, micro, but don't pan it just because of its size. Unlike some other super small drones we've had before, this one comes with its own swiveling camera, making it ideal not just for tricks and mayhem, but for capturing those moments as well. And now it comes with a pretty sweet price tag as well.

Not everyone has the time, skill, or money for a more serious drone but some of us would still like to experience the fun and thrills of a flying robot slash action camera. For the rest of us, a breed of micro drones have cropped up that bring all those in a smaller package and a more affordable price, like this Extreme Micro Drone, version 2.0.

But don't mistake this drone as a toy, although it indeed looks and feels like one. Or rather, consider it as a very capable toy. Despite weighing just over an ounce, the drone is capable not only of flying 400 feet away from the remote controller, it is also durable enough for both indoor and outdoor use. It also has stabilizers so that it can quickly correct its position even if you start it at a vertical angle. A pre-programmed algorithm can make it perform quick flips, which seem to be a trend with small bots. Best of all, it has a 640 pixel micro camera module with a swiveling lens for capturing video from any angle.

All of these you get for only $74.99, a good 46 percent discount from its original $139 price tag. So if you're into drones but want a smaller but still capable companion, do check out the Extreme Micro Drone 2.0 from Android Community Deals.

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.