Android 4.2.2 with Sense 5 Rolling out to AT&T HTC One X+ Devices
A few days ago we caught a tweet that went out telling everyone that the HTC One X+ would be picking up Android 4.2.2 from AT&T this week. 3 days later, and the update is starting to rollout. That is great news for a good number of you out there. The update Brings in Android 4.2.2 with the Sense 5 UI overlay. WHile it won’t bring in all that is found on the HTC One, it will bring plenty of what is new to your device. Things like the new HTC Gallery, Blinkfeed, updated lockscreen, Daydream and battery percentage notification. It will be missing HTC Zoe and Sense TV.
The update carries a software build of 2.15.502.1 and will be delivered in waves, just like everything else. You can check in settings > AT&T software update > Check for updates > OK. Don’t count on that to pull it any faster for you though. If you do happen to see it pop up, be sure you have asolid Wi-Fi connect and plenty of power handy to download it and get it installed. While you wait, feel free to head over to the HTC One X+ software update page to get the real dirt on what to expect.
Source: HTC Source
Editor’s Picks: 15 Android apps and games you should know (January 17)
The Editor’s Picks, formerly known as APPTEASERS, is a collection of apps and games that are new to Android, recently updated, discounted, etc. Whatever the case, we think they’re worth exploring and are willing to bet that many of you would enjoy a few of them. We understand that we won’t get every single app that crosses our path but we hope to filter things a bit and pass them along to you, dear reader. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ as we showcase different apps over on our social network streams. PLEASE NOTE THIS ARTICLE IS SPREAD OVER THREE PAGES
AppDeals
Want to keep an eye on any savings or discounts happening in the Google Play Store? This app curates a list of daily deals and promotions in a clean, card-like manner. Optimized for tablet layouts, you’ll run into the occasional advertisement which can be removed with in-app purchase. From the developers behind Reddit Sync, we like the direction this one is headed.
Pyrography
Want to create some great art pieces but mom won’t let you get a pyrography kit? This one features two instruments, multiple wood types, and a pair of modes to keep you entertained. Once you’ve designed something cool (from a photo, no less), share that on social media or gift it to a friend.
Jelly
Ping your social network contacts for help in answering questions, using pictures if need be. Already off and doing well, it comes from the mind of Biz Stone (Twitter, Blogger) and helps people to help people. Get answers within the app itself or let it hunt outside of Jelly for those who have not signed up yet. Although not available for all devices yet we like the concept and think it has great potential.
Timera
Stand in the exact same spot as others before and match your photo up with something from days gone by. Contribute to the community with geotagged photos of your own, discover awesome new sights, or just use it to virtually visit other locations. See for yourself just how much those buildings on the corner have evolved over the years.
Next Launcher 3D Shell
One of the most beautiful takes on the launcher we’ve seen, there’s a ton of 3D elements and effects to play with. The sheer number of customization options, themes, widgets, and wallpapers is dizzying and it’s super easy to create a gorgeous layout. Like gestures? Like to adjust icons? Like shiny, futuristic effects? Check out this app and tweak till your heart’s content. Start with the trial version and see for yourself.
The post Editor’s Picks: 15 Android apps and games you should know (January 17) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Intel’s Bay Trail CPU will usher Android into the 64-bit era this spring
Sure, 64-bit support is all the rage nowadays in the mobile space, what with Apple setting off a trend with the introduction of the iPhone 5s. Now, according to Intel’s CEO, tablets running Google’s operating system are next and will soon be available with 64-bit compatibility. During an earnings call yesterday, Intel chief Brian Krzanich said that Android tablets using the company’s new Atom-based Bay Trail processor are set to hit the market as early as this spring, bringing along a technology which so far has been limited to Windows 8.1 devices. It’s also worth noting that while 64-bit slates may be arriving soon, the number of Android applications optimized to take advantage of the feature will be very low at first. Still, chances are developers will quickly take care of this as more and more 64-bit-ready phones and tablets start to become available.
Filed under: Tablets
Source: Ars Technica
The Internet of Things isn’t safe: thousands of smart gadgets hacked to send spam and phishing emails
Smart things are the future, or at least that’s how it appeared to those of us who attended CES 2014. And, while we’re excited about home automation and smart appliances, it turns out that those companies building the bits and pieces of the Internet of Things (IoT) need to beef up security. Proofpoint — a security service vendor that routinely researches large-scale spam and phishing campaigns — discovered that during the two-week period before CES, a global hacking campaign successfully targeted and manipulated more than 100,000 consumer gadgets, including smart appliances, routers and other devices, into sending out more than 750,000 malicious emails. Apparently, the attacks began on December 23rd and, while roughly three quarters of the emails were sent by traditional computers and mobile devices, more than 25 percent were doled out by gadgets from the IoT.
Most disconcerting is the fact that the smart appliances and such weren’t infected with a Trojan Horse or other remote-control software. Instead, security is so lax on those devices that the hackers were able to utilize the existing software running on the devices. Proofpoint believes that many of these gadgets “have open telnet, open SSH and an SMTP (aka “email”) servers,” which means that, rather than an exploit or viral infection, the hack was accomplished by cracking the default user and password login, then setting up “the existing emailer to send or relay malicious email.” In this case, owners of infected devices probably saw no degradation in the functioning of their devices, as firing off a bunch of emails isn’t so resource-intensive. Proofpoint pointed out, however, that should such devices be used in a DDoS attack, sluggish performance from your connected gadgets could very well result.
The worst part? All of the devices are still infected, and will remain so until they are taken offline or receive a security update from their manufacturers. Hear that OEMs? Time to step your security game up, for the future of the Internet of Things is at stake — Craig and Day-Day can probably help you with that.
Filed under: Household
Via: SlashGear
Source: Proofpoint
Panasonic intros CF-MX3 convertible laptop with Yoga-like design, built-in DVD drive
The category of laptop/tablet hybrids is one of the favorites among Windows PC manufacturers, including the Japan-based Panasonic. Accordingly, the Toughbook maker hosted a conference in the Land of the Rising Sun recently, where it took the time to reveal its new CF-MX3 convertible laptop. This adjustable machine comes with a 12.5-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 LCD, a removable battery that can last between 14 to 15 hours, Windows 8.1, pen support and a built-in DVD drive — yes, a DVD drive. The entry-level CF-MX3 features a 2.6GHz Core i5-4200U CPU, 4GB RAM and a 128GB SSD, while there’s also an option with double the memory and storage, a 3.0GHz Core i7-4500U CPU and a Pro version of Microsoft’s OS. Furthermore, Panasonic loaded the MX3 with a ton of ports, such as two USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA and an SD card reader; all in all, it weighs in at roughly 2.65 pounds. Pricing details for Panasonic’s CF-MX3 convertible are still unknown, though we do know it’ll be available in Japan starting February 14th.
[Thanks, Siegfried]
Daily Roundup: Google’s smart contact lens, President Obama on the NSA and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Rumored HTC One sequel
Bloomberg sources claim that the follow-up to the HTC One, the M8, will be released in late March. Click on through for more information about the launch and its rumored double-camera setup.
Google’s smart contact lens
Google’s developing a smart contact lens that can measure glucose levels from your tears, offering diabetics a pain-free way to keep tabs on their health. Click through for more information.
Citation for driving with Glass dismissed
Google Glass early-adopter Cecilia Abadie received her second ticket for wearing the headset while driving, but this time it was dismissed because there was no evidence she was operating Glass during transit. Follow the link for the whole story.
President Obama speaks out on surveillance
In a speech today, President Obama addressed concerns surrounding the NSA’s data collection and surveillance programs. While the NSA won’t stop gathering private information anytime soon, Obama is putting a few restrictions in place to prevent governmental abuse. Click the link for all the details.
The Cogito Watch, A First Look At The Connected Smartwatch At CES 2014
If you followed any coverage of CES 2014, you would have heard that there was an incredible wave of wearable technologies at this year’s show, in particular in the fitness area as well as wrist-worn devices that begin to replicate the abilities of a smartphone. There will be continuing discussions and arguments as to whether this level of usability and connectedness is even required for wearable device, smartwatches and fitness devices alike, however the Cogito Watch is a device that goes back to the bare basics of what is required for a notification device. Much like the new Martian Notifier, the Cogito only notifies the user of a select few notifications that would ideally be the most useful throughout the day.
In fact, I wouldn’t even call the Cogito Watch a smartwatch, as such, because it is much more a ‘connected’ watch as all it does is give you notifications from your phone. The Cogito Original is able to show you call, message, email, battery, alarm and calendar notifications and additionally can also show you the caller ID or who is messaging you when you receive the notification. It’s all very simple, but it’s just enough to make your life easier without making your watch into a cacophony of technological exploits.
The Cogito Watch will be available in two variants, the aforementioned Cogito Original and a second, more fashionable offering, the Cogito Pop. The Cogito Pop comes in much more appealing colour schemes to younger audiences and is smaller, making it a more viable option for ladies to get in on the smartwatch action. Unlike the Original, however, the Pop is only able to show 4 notification types and cannot show the IDs of people calling or messaging.
Both Cogito Watches also come with the ability to be submerged at 100m under water as well as a one year battery life. Yes, you did read that correctly: one year. As Cogito is such a simple device, it uses a standard watch battery to get power and as such outlasts any other smartwatch or connected watch on the market at the moment. And the price? The Cogito Original retails for $179.95 and the Cogito Pop goes for $129.95, both available for preorder now from the Cogito website.
I know I’m pretty convinced that this is one of the best wearables I saw at CES 2014, and I know our resident Mandroid loves it as well, but what do you think? Let us know if you would get one of these Cogito Watches.
Gallery of photos
[RUMOUR] The LG G3, successor to the LG G2, could be coming as soon as May 2014
The LG G2 was met with mixed reviews when it was released late last year, though one thing is for sure: it was one of the most powerful devices at the end of 2013. Whether you love or hate the buttons on the back of the phone or the fact it came with only Android 4.2.2, LG certainly did a good job with the device and I have heard from countless happy owners. It is strange then that there are rumours coming out of Korea that LG is already planning the successor to the G2. This so-called LG G3 is apparently due in mid-May, and while the exact timing of the device can’t be pinpointed yet, it’s unusual that LG is planning to bring out another flagship so soon after the G2.
More than likely, this accelerated timetable while be aiming at combating the release of the Samsung Galaxy S5, expected at MWC 2014 next month, a fact which is apparently not lost on Sony either who has also accelerated its development cycle. Whatever the reason, more competition for the S5 is a good thing and we hope LG is able to create something new and innovative with the G3. The rumour also says that the G3 will likely have a 5.5-inch QHD display with a resolution of 2560×1440 (or 2K for all you HD aficionados), a 16MP camera and a LG Odin octa-core CPU. It’s interesting that LG wouldn’t go with the Snapdragon 805 for a processor, which is doing the rounds already, but it still is just rumours.
What do you think about LG launching another flagship so soon? Did you like the LG G2? Let us know what you think.
AIVAnet 