Google I/O being held June 25 to 26, new registration system coming
Those looking to try to nab a ticket to the 7th annual Google I/O won’t need to scramble the second registration opens this year.
Sundar Pichai, Google’s senior vice president of Chrome, Apps, and Android, just announced that Google I/O 2014 will be taking place in just 126 days from June 25 to 26 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, and this year the company is switching up its registration system.
In the past, it was a mad dash and some luck to get your registration purchase to go through, and more than likely resulted in the system saying a ticket couldn’t be found or it couldn’t complete your purchase with so many people hammering the servers.
Pichai said Google will be implementing a new system, “where you can submit your interest to attend Google I/O 2014″ then “successful applicants will then be randomly selected and notified shortly thereafter.”
More details will be available soon over at +GoogleDevelopers.
If you’re still unsuccessful in registering this year, you can still join in the fun remotely via a live stream and through I/O Extended community events around the world.
In the meantime, check out some highlights from last year and get ready for some big Android news. Maybe, in just 126, we will finally see that infamous Nexus 10 or even a Nexus 8, along with a new version of Android.
via +SundarPichai
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Asus Padfone Infinity Lite gets Detailed
Yesterday we picked up on a story that ASUS could be bringing a new Padfone Infinity to market. It simply had a ”Lite” at the end of the title. I had hoped for something similar to the current Padfone Infinity, but mixed with a smaller tablet size dock. Sadly it didn’t pan out that way. German site MobileGeeks.de has picked up on what the new Asus Padfone Infinity Lite is all about.
The Lite variant of the device will be fairly similar to the current Padfone Infinity. However, it will only sport a 1.7 GHz Snapdragon 600 vs the 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800. The phone aspect will be a 5-inch 1920 x 1080 display, house 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and pack in a 2400 mAh battery. On the tablet side of things it will have a 10.1-inch display at 1920 x 1200 and sport an additional 5000 mAh battery.
For those that aren’t all that familiar with the Padfone devices, essentially your tablets brain is your phone. You dock your phone into the rear of the tablet and you get the image on the screen and gain extra battery life.
The Asus Padfone Infinity Lite is available in Taiwan right now. No idea or word yet if it will make any other appearances in other regions or markets.
Source: MobileGeeks via Liliputing
GBA4iOS Debuts 2.0 Update for Game Boy Emulator With iPad Support, Easy Installation
GBA4iOS today introduced a 2.0 update for its popular Game Boy emulator for iOS, introducing a full iOS 7 redesign, iPad optimization, support for original and Game Boy Color games, and a built-in web browser for downloading ROMs.
More importantly, the software is now much easier to install, requiring neither a jailbroken device nor a work around to set the device clock to 2012. Prior to the 2.0 update, installing GBA4iOS without jailbreaking required an iPhone’s date to be set to 2012. Though it doesn’t require an initial date change, GBA4iOS 2.0 does carry a warning that the device clock may need to be set back to 2/19/14 if the app fails to open.
With GBA4iOS 2.0, gamers can play Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and original Gameboy ROMs directly on their iPads and iPhones. There are dozens of popular games available, including many varieties of Pokemon, Zelda, Final Fantasy, and more.
Downloading games for GBA4iOS previously required navigating outside of the app to find ROMs, but the newest version includes an in-app web browser that can be used to download games from any ROM website. GBA4iOS 2.0 also includes full support for cheats, accepting five different code formats covering everything from Game Genie to Action Replay.
The GBA4iOS update includes an array of controller skins for Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color games and it supports third party controller skins. It also offers full iOS 7 controller support, Dropbox integration, and “Event Distribution” to allow GBA4iOS unlock and distribute features that are not normally included within games.
While several emulators have snuck into the App Store via shell apps, they are always short-lived as Apple pulls the apps within hours or days of release. GBA4iOS is able to overcome Apple’s restrictions as it is not installed via the App Store. Instead, GBA4iOS can be installed directly on an iOS device from the website, by tapping the download link on an iPad or iPhone.
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T-Mobile HTC One’s KitKat update coming this week, AT&T “likely” next week
T-Mobile and AT&T HTC One owners waiting for the update to Android 4.4.2 KitKat don’t have to wait too much longer.
On Tuesday, Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America, took to Twitter and answered a few customer questions about the updates.
Mackenzie said that the update for the T-Mobile version will be coming later this week, while the update for the AT&T version will be “likely last week of Feb(ruary),” which is already next week.
The update for all US versions of the One were originally expected before the end of January, but carrier testing took more time than HTC anticipated.
Once the update arrives, it should hold all you HTC One owners over until “The All New One,” the rumored HTC M8, is announced March 25.
The post T-Mobile HTC One’s KitKat update coming this week, AT&T “likely” next week appeared first on AndroidGuys.
10 of the best Android icon packs you can find today (Volume 7)
One of the easiest ways to change the look and feel of your Android device is to install a new launcher. And, once you do that, it’s a breeze to swap icons packs in and out to refresh the aesthetics. Prefer a minimal look with white icons? Sweet! Dig that flat and square stuff that feels like Google Now? Get it! Prefer for a nice, rounded icon design? Whatever, dude… it’s your device.
We’ve gathered up yet another 10 of our favorite icon packs to go along with our previous collections. For those counting, this is the sixth post of its kind; see others at bottom of post.
Note that there are a number of launchers for Android and that not all of these may play nice. Our advice is to read the Google Play details and check out the user comments if you aren’t quite sure.
- Wax Icon Pack – Features nearly 800 high resolution icons at 192 x 192 pixels, icon masking, a pair of wallpapers, and an app for easy installation $1.37
- Cryten – Flat and circular, there’s almost 1,300 pastel icons, almost three dozen wallpapers, and masking for un-themed icons. $1.49
- Cinque – More than 1,000 icons with a five-sided shape, all with flat colors and high detail. Toss in a cool dozen 2,560 x 1,600 resolution wallpapers, and masking and you have a heck of a package. $1.49
- ClearPack – A shade under 400 icons that feature a Google Now-like aesthetic, we like the unique shapes set atop grey circles. $.99
- Flat Candy – Bright, colorful, and delicious, we couldn’t think of a better name for this bundle of 700+ icons. Bonus points for icon masking and five wallpapers $2.05
- Lumos – Muted colors and a more minimal approach to 1,500+ icons at 144px resolution. Dashboard app lets you apply them easily with your launcher; cloud-based wallpapers. $1.99
- Etched Vivid – Subtle gradients, softly rounded corners, and a limited color palette keep your app drawer and home screen from getting too “busy”. Masking and generic icons help in case you’ve got apps outside of the 300+ icons. $.99
- Grafikos – With more than 500 icons and growing, these are bold colors and slight gradients with flat back symbols. $1.00
- Belle UI – A shade over 1,000 icons at 144px resolution with rounded corners and plenty of detail. As the only bundle listed here that’s free, it’s as nice as other paid packs. FREE
- Influx – 600+ icons with muted colors, a slight degree of “elevation”, shading, and just the right amount of detail. Easy to install with any launcher, comes with Zooper Pro Widgets and a Widgetlocker Slider. $1.99
Be sure to see our other highlighted icon packs
- 25 fantastic icon packs
- 10 more awesome icon packs
- 10 kick ass icon packs
- 10 favorite icon packs, volume 4
- 10 Android icon packs you need to download now
- 10 Android icon packs you need to download now (Vol 6)
The post 10 of the best Android icon packs you can find today (Volume 7) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Bloomberg: Samsung Galaxy S5 to feature a larger and sharper display
As we get closer to Unpacked 5 more rumors surface on the web giving out the specs of Samsung’s next flagship Android phone.
This time, an insider tipped Bloomberg that the handset will be sporting a 5.2-inch display with QHD resolution – 2560 x 1440 pixels– and a pixel density of 560ppi, which will essentially be quite dizzying if fit into a 5-inch display. The tipster also touted that the device will be unveiled along with the second generation of Samsung’s smartwatch, the Galaxy Gear.
Another source familiar with the company told the publication that the S5 might come in a more affordable price tag, since at least one wireless courier asked the group to do so.
Bloomberg also mentioned that the S5 will come with Iris technology on board. Though, that is highly unlikely since in order to implement such feature, the company will have to embed a second camera on the front – separate from the one you use for selfies— to get the job done. Then, duly to the fact that Iris requires a long range sensor, the handset will have a different structure in the inside and consequentially a new design. In addition, a third camera will size up the body of the Galaxy S5.
Samsung will be announcing the device on Monday, 24th of February, 20:00 CET in Barcelona, which takes places in less than a week. Hopefully the company will shed more light onto the Iris versus fingerprint mystery as well.
We wonder what you guys think about the GS5; will it come with Iris or fingerprint technology? Sound off in the comments below.
Source: Bloomberg
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Here’s Windows Phone 8.1’s notification center in action (video)
Windows Phone users have been waiting years to have all their notifications in one convenient place, and over the past few months, there have been multiple reports that a notification center will come with WP 8.1. Today, a video showed up on Unleash the Phones that appears to confirm those earlier rumors. The feature apparently will be called Action Center, and packs many of the same capabilities that Android and iOS users have enjoyed for some time now — namely app and system notifications available via a swipe down from the top of the screen.
Additionally, users get quick access to four shortcut buttons for often toggled settings (WiFi, Bluetooth, screen brightness, etc.). The best part is, those shortcuts can be tailored to users’ preferences, unlike the set-in-stone settings toggles in Android and iOS. Oh, and speaking of WiFi settings, the folks at Windows Phone Central revealed that 8.1 will also allow users to switch it off for a set amount of time, after which WiFi will turn back on automatically. We aren’t sure exactly how such capability benefits users, but we’re sure you fine folks will figure it out, assuming it’s still around when WP 8.1 rolls out to the public.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Via: The Verge
Source: Unleash the Phones, Windows Phone Central
Google Fiber explores bringing gigabit internet to 34 new cities
Google has only made plans to roll out gigabit internet access in three US cities so far, but it’s not content with stopping there. The company is now exploring the feasibility of deploying Google Fiber in 34 cities located around the major urban hubs of Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland (Oregon), Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, San Antonio and San Jose. In each case, Google will work with local officials to both map out its potential network and create a checklist of requirements. The search giant would like to bring Fiber to every one of the cities if possible. Be careful not to get your hopes up, though — Google warns that it might not be practical to offer service in every territory. Even so, the potential for expansion should prove comforting to Americans worried that they’re running out of choices for broadband providers.
Filed under: Networking, Internet, HD, Google
Source: Google Official Blog
Home theater deals of the week: 2.19.14
So you’ve splurged for that HDTV, and now it’s time to outfit the rest of that home theater. You’re in luck. Today’s roundup of discounted tech offers both a pair of soundbar/subwoofer combos and two set-top boxes. Head on past the break to take a look at how you could improve the sights and sounds in your living room… while saving a few bucks, too.
Just window-shopping? No worries. Join us and add the gadgets you’re shopping for to your Want list; every time there’s a price cut in the future, you’ll get an email alert!
ASUS Cube
Price: $86
Regular Price: $140
Engadget Score: 74
Buy: Amazon
It’s not priced far below the Roku 3, but the ASUS Cube does offer solid Google TV access that includes HBO Go, Netflix and Google Play’s media offerings. There’s also a capable trackpad and built-in voice search on the remote; however, you can use that trusty Nexus 7 or Android phone to take the reins, too.
Slingbox 350
Price: $148
Regular Price: $180
Engadget Global Score: 84
Buy: Amazon
Streaming shows from your home TV while on the go just got a bit cheaper. The Slingbox 350 offers HD viewing of broadcast programming and DVR content on mobile devices and computers while you’re away. Now, a decent price cut makes opting in all the more tempting. Take a look at how the 350 compares with the pricier (and wedgier), WiFi-equipped Slingbox 500 using our Compare tool.
Pioneer SP-SB23W
Price: $299
Regular Price: $449
Buy: Amazon
Pioneer’s first soundbar in well over a decade — the SP-SB23W — arrived last fall. So far, reviews are scarce, but those who have lent their ears note its respectable sound quality for the price. That tag sees a $150 discount here, so adding one (and it’s accompanying sub) to your living room will save some coin. According to our Price History, the current going rate is a smidge above the 90-day low.
Philips Fidelio Premium HTL7180/F7
Price: $700
Regular Price: $800
Buy: Amazon
The Philips Fidelio Premium HTL7180/F7 packs detachable speakers and it’s currently being offered with a $100 price cut — wireless subwoofer included. The soundbar’s stylish rounded exterior, dual HDMI jacks and Bluetooth chops helped earn some high marks. For the price though, other options (Sonos Playbar comes to mind) are just as tempting, but lack the added sub.
Filed under: Home Entertainment
Google Looks at 9 Other US Cities for Google Fiber Deployment
Google Fiber is one of those services that us nerd boys crave. The speed in which we can download and stream our illegally downloaded movies is quite staggering, but only 3 cities are lucky enough to be able to get the service. Kansas City (in both Kansas and Missouri) and Provo, Utah, are the lucky cites to have download speeds that can reach a gig. Now it seems that Google is seeking out 9 other cities to enjoy this lovely service. Fingers-crossed that you live in one of these cities.
- Phoenix, Arizona
- San Jose, California
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
- Portland, Oregon
- San Antonio, Texas
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Some pretty big cities on that list. Sadly, I am nowhere near any one of them. There is mention on Google Blogs that surrounding areas of these cities will be getting Google Fiber too, so if you live pretty close to one of these, odds are you might be able to get it. Let us know if your city made the list.
Source: Android Central
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