Realmac Consolidating ‘Clear’ iOS Apps, Limited Free Offer to Migrate Coming Soon [iOS Blog]
Last year, Realmac launched Clear+, a universal, iOS 7-compatible version of its task manager that was meant to replace the original iPhone-only version. The original version of Clear was discontinued, but consumer backlash over having to pay again for a new copy of the task manager prompted Realmac to continue updating the iPhone app. After months of maintaining two versions of the app, Realmac has reversed course yet again and is now returning to its original version of Clear, which has been updated with iPad support.
We’re going to be returning to just one, universal version of Clear for iOS, with the original version of Clear gaining iPad support. If you already own a copy of Clear, you don’t need to do anything as we’ve just launched an updated version of Clear with iPad support.
To appease customers who purchased Clear+, Realmac is offering the universal version of Clear for free so users can migrate to the only supported version of the app. This promotion will be offered twice and will be available for 24 hours at a time. Users can sign up to be alerted via email when the app is made free.
Clear is a universal app that is available from the iOS App Store for $4.99. [Direct Link]
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Samsung details KitKat update plans for US Galaxy phones and tabs
Some of Samsung’s Galaxy devices are already getting Android 4.4.2, but today we found out exactly which ones in the US will get a taste of KitKat. The full list is a mouthful. The Galaxy S III, Galaxy S III mini, Galaxy S 4, Galaxy S 4 mini, Galaxy S 4 Active, Galaxy S 4 zoom, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Mega, Galaxy Light, Galaxy Note 8.0, Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition, and Galaxy Tab 3 are all on the waiting list.
Sadly, even though part of Google’s goal with KitKat was to bring a refined Android experience to “the next billion people,” slightly older hardware like the Galaxy S II are conspicuously absent from the list. Samsung says the updates have already started trickling out, though it didn’t mention which device (or devices) were at the head of the line. How quickly you get the update depends on what you have and how quickly your carrier can get it certified. So, just take a deep breath and keep an eye on Samsung’s MWC announcements in the meantime.
Filed under: Mobile
The folks behind Candy Crush Saga think their company is big enough to go public
Heard of game development studio King? No, right? You’re forgiven, as most folks don’t know the name of the studio behind one of the world’s most popular games right now: Candy Crush Saga. Sure, it might just be Bejeweled with free-to-play mechanisms built in, but over 93 million people played it last month. Yes, really.
And with those kinds of numbers, King apparently believes it’s large enough to go public — the company today filed for its initial public offering (IPO) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Unexciting financial jargon aside, this means that King’s hoping to raise a ton of cash (it’s unclear how much) by offering stock to prospective investors; The New York Times is saying King “is expected to seek a multibillion-dollar valuation”.
If all of this sounds awfully familiar, that’s because FarmVille-maker Zynga pulled the same move just over two years ago — the story hasn’t been as positive in the following years. Like Zynga, King is largely dependent on a single game for its enormous userbase (the 93 million who played Candy Crush Saga in December are pulled from an overall pool of 128 milllion — over 70 percent of King’s entire consumer base). Of course, only time will tell if King will ascend from one-hit wonder, like the Zynga example, to mega-franchise purveyor, a la Rovio with Angry Birds.
Filed under: Gaming, Software, Mobile
Via: NYT
Source: US SEC
HTC’s new flagship taking center stage March 25
We just received word that the next flagship smartphone from HTC will soon be coming out of the shadows.
HTC is sending out press invitations for an event scheduled for March 25, where the company will be unveiling its ”primary flagship for 2014.”
There have been numerous leaks about this new flagship, codenamed the “HTC M8,” and rumors are suggesting it will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB RAM, dual-sensor UltraPixel camera, 2,900mAh battery, on-screen navigation buttons and Sense 6.0. Check out our rumor roundup story, “What We Expect: HTC ‘M8′ One,” for additional details.
If this device is anything like its predecessor, the HTC One, this will be one to look out for.
via The Verge
The post HTC’s new flagship taking center stage March 25 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung dials up Galaxy Core LTE
Samsung today introduced its latest Android smartphone, the mid-range Galaxy Core LTE. Powered by Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, the phone features a 4.5-inch qHD display, a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 1GB RAM, and 8GB internal storage. The rear of the device offers a 5-megapixel camera, the front a VGA shooter. Rounding things out, the Galaxy Core LTE offers GPS, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, and a host of Samsung software touches.
Samsung has not indicated pricing; availability is listed as Europe, Russia, and Asian markets.
The post Samsung dials up Galaxy Core LTE appeared first on AndroidGuys.
HTC announces HTC Advantage: screen replacements, timely updates, and more!
A few days ago, HTC held an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit, possibly gearing people up for the launch of a new product. During the session, they spilled the beans on their new goal to update flagships for the next two years. Soon after the AMA, they teased a repair service of some sort on Twitter.
If only broken hearts were this easy to fix. Details 2/18. pic.twitter.com/tmzAY74qew
Well, 2/18 is finally here, and HTC America announced their new Advantage program. If you buy a One series phone beginning today, you are automatically eligible. Here are the basics of the program:
- When a new phone launches, HTC will make sure the operating system is up to date for two years after launch.
- If you crack your screen within the first six months of owning your phone, they will now replace your screen for free (this is only a one time deal).
- You’ll also receive 25-50 GB of free Google Drive storage space, depending on the type of device you purchase.
A few things to note – for those of you who have cracked HTC One screens already, you’re out of luck. HTC Advantage begins today, and only pertains to devices bought today on out. Also, for those of you who can’t wait a few days to get your repaired device, you can opt for a $29 next -day phone replacement.
To give you the correct expectations, they most likely won’t push out every little update that exists in Android, but they are committed to updating the phones from Jelly Bean to Kit Kat, etc. Also, this is only taking place in the USA. There’s no word yet as to whether or not it will open up to anything more than the US.
This is definitely exciting news for a company that is struggling where others are succeeding. And it’s definitely a step in the right direction with the OEM/consumer relationship.
What are your thoughts on HTC Advantage? Pretty cool, right?
Source: HTC
The post HTC announces HTC Advantage: screen replacements, timely updates, and more! appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung Confirms Android 4.4.2 Updated for Various U.S. Devices: Starts Today
Samsung has confirmed a slew of their device that are set to receive an Android 4.4.2 KitKat update. Some we were already aware of, others not so much. The good news though, it looks like quite a few devices that some might not have expected will be getting an update. Samsung’s press communication this morning offers up a full list of which models will be gaining the update along with a few little bullet points on what it will do for those devices.
· Location Menu: An integrated location menu enables users to easily activate GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while simultaneously checking the battery usage of apps running location service capabilities.
· Enhanced Messaging: Enables users to choose between Messages or Hangouts as their preferred default messaging application, and select from a larger assortment of updated Emoji icons.
· Upgraded Google Mobile Service™ (GMS) apps: Users can automatically back up photos and video and can open, view, rename and share Google Docs and files.
The device list includes 14 various Samsung Galaxy model devices from a variety of carriers. Obviously some of these devices are flagship devices that are currently on multiple carriers which will mean that carrier updates will most likely be staggered even for the same model. They mention that “updates beginning today and continuing throughout the coming months”, but of course it will all on the carriers timeline. As we start to hear about and see various devices on various carriers start to receive their updates we will let you know.
- Galaxy Note 3
- Galaxy Note 2
- Galaxy S4
- Galaxy S4 mini
- Galaxy S4 Active
- Galaxy S4 Zoom
- Galaxy S3
- Galaxy S3 mini
- Galaxy Mega
- Galaxy Light
- Galaxy Note 8.0
- Galaxy Tab 3
- Galaxy Note 10.1
- Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition)
If you happen to see the Android 4.4.2 update hit your device give us a shout out in the comments and let us know the device, carrier and file size if you wouldn’t mind.
Engadget giveaway: win one of five Tegra Note 7 tablets courtesy of EVGA!
The winter doldrums may be leaving you in a funk, but the team at EVGA have offered to heat things up with this slam dunk of a giveaway. EVGA’s given us a stack of its Tegra Note 7 tablets to help five lucky Engadget readers coast all the way into spring and then some. There’s a lot of power under the hood of this 7-inch slate courtesy of its NVIDIA Tegra 4 chip and that gives it some serious gaming chops. On top of that, the tablet boasts DirectStylus tech for responsive pen interaction, PureAudio front-facing speakers and an HDMI output for when you want to take media and games to the big screen. Simply head down to the Rafflecopter widget and get to clicking for up to three chances at winning!
The Rules:
- Entries are handled through the Rafflecopter widget above. Comments are no longer accepted as valid methods of entry. You may enter without any obligation to social media accounts, though we may offer them as opportunities for extra entries. Your email address is required so we can get in touch with you if you win, but it will not be given to third parties.
- Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
- Winners will be chosen randomly. Five (5) winners will each receive one (1) EVGA Tegra Note 7 tablet (016-TN-0701-B1) and one (1) EVGA Slide Cover.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes your real name and a contact email. We do not track any of this information for marketing or third-party purposes.
- This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. EVGA, NVIDIA and Engadget / AOL are not held liable to honor warranties, exchanges or customer service.
- The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
- Entries can be submitted until February 19th at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Filed under: Announcements, HD, Mobile, Alt
Samsung confirms Android 4.4 KitKat for multiple devices
Samsung on Tuesday outlined the Android 4.4 KitKat update details for a number of smartphones and tablets. In addition to the standard OS details, Samsung will include other software touches:
- Location Menu: An integrated location menu enables users to easily activate GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while simultaneously checking the battery usage of apps running location service capabilities.
- Enhanced Messaging: Enables users to choose between Messages or Hangouts as their preferred default messaging application, and select from a larger assortment of updated Emoji icons.
- Upgraded Google Mobile Service™ (GMS) apps: Users can automatically back up photos and video and can open, view, rename and share Google Docs and files.
As to the exact devices in line to see the update, it could vary by carrier and market. With that in mind, the following models are expecting to see 4.4 KitKat.
- Galaxy Note 3
- Galaxy Note II
- Galaxy S 4
- Galaxy S 4 mini
- Galaxy S 4 Active
- Galaxy S 4 zoom
- Galaxy S III
- Galaxy S III mini
- Galaxy Mega
- Galaxy Light
- Galaxy Note 8.0
- Galaxy Tab 3
- Galaxy Note 10.1
- Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition
The post Samsung confirms Android 4.4 KitKat for multiple devices appeared first on AndroidGuys.
ZTE to debut Grand Memo II LTE at Mobile World Congress
ZTE on Tuesday confirmed that it will be bringing a new 6-inch smartphone, the Grand Memo II LTE, to Mobile World Congress. Unfortunately we’ll have to wait until the conference to see the full details, but it is expected to introduce a new mobile interface, MiFavor 2.3.
In addition to the Android device, ZTE will also bring a new Open C device which runs FireFox OS and a ZTE Grand Watch (smartwatch).
The post ZTE to debut Grand Memo II LTE at Mobile World Congress appeared first on AndroidGuys.
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