How to beam files and photos from one phone to another with the new Android Beam in Android Lollipop
Android Beam debuted in Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which was kind of cool at the time, but not all that useful. With Android 5.0 Lollipop, Google has upped the game by adding Android Beam to the Share menu and allowing you to send files, documents, or even photos from one phone to another phone by simply touching the two devices together. It will even work for files or photos that are stored in the cloud, as in not physically on your device. Assuming both devices have NFC, and at least the sending device has Android Lollipop or higher, it’s quite easy to do.
If you prefer to watch the video, scroll down to the bottom to see how the new Android Beam works.
Beaming a file or photo is as simple as opening the app that’s associated with it and tapping on the Share icon. You should see Android Beam as an option. Just tap on Android Beam to initiate the process. All you need to do it touch the backs of both phones together, and the file or photo will be transferred. So for example, let’s say you want to send a photo. Just open the Gallery app and find the photo. Tap on the Share icon, tap on Android Beam, and touch the backs of both devices. Both devices will get a notification that the Beam was successful.
For files, you might have to use an app like Astro File Manager or ES Filer Explorer. If it’s something that is already in your download folder, you can simply use the Downloads app found on many Android devices. However, some manufacturers offer their own version of a file manager that will also work.
Astro File Manager Example
Downloads App Example
The other cool thing about Android Beam is that it will work with stuff that’s in the cloud. Say you want to share a photo or document that is in Dropbox, but it’s not physically on your phone. Just use the Export feature and select Android Beam, and you will send the photo or document to another phone the same way as if it was literally on your phone. It’s pretty slick. Note: you can’t use the Share feature in Dropbox since it sends a link to the image or file rather than the actual file itself.
Dropbox Example
You can also use Google+ photos as well as pretty much any other cloud service. The majority of them should work with the Share menu, including Google+ photos.
I put together a video showing you how it all works.
Click here to view the embedded video.
I hope this guide helped you. Please let me know if I missed anything, and be sure to hit up our other Android Lollipop guides.
Come comment on this article: How to beam files and photos from one phone to another with the new Android Beam in Android Lollipop
Google exec sets a new record for highest-altitude jump (video)
Move over Felix Baumgartner (pictured above) — just two years after the daredevil’s record setting 128,000 foot Red Bull Stratos space jump, Google VP Alan Eustace has topped it. The New York Times reports Eustace rode a balloon 135,908 feet above New Mexico and dove back to Earth, opting for just a specially designed spacesuit / life support system instead of Baumgartner’s capsule + suit combo. It took two hours for the ride up, and another 15 minutes for the trip down, which peaked at speeds of up to 800 mph before the parachute system kicked in, and he glided back down to a landing site 70 miles away from where he started. He’s apparently been working on the project since 2011, and declined assistance from Google to go it alone, working with Paragon Space Development Corporation on the project, dubbed “StratEx.” He recorded the whole thing on GoPro cameras (of course) and you can watch highlights from the feat embedded after the break.
[Image credit: AP Photo/Red Bull Stratos, Balazs Gardi]
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/bcvideo/1.0/iframe/embed.html?videoId=100000003195763&playerType=embed
Filed under: Misc, Transportation, Google
Via: Larry Page (G+)
Source: New York Times, Paragon SDC
The Nexus 9 wasn’t designed to be an iPad killer
The Nexus 9 wasn’t designed to be an iPad killer; it was designed to inspire Google’s Android partners to create one instead. Though you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise: It was announced one day before the iPad Air 2 and mini 3, comes with a powerful 64-bit NVIDIA chip and will be competitively priced with Apple’s tablets. But Alberto Villarreal, head of the Nexus 9’s industrial design, insists that this wasn’t the purpose.
“We wanted to accelerate the premium market for Android tablets,” Villarreal said. “[The Nexus 9] has a lot of attributes and definitely will bring the quality for other companies to do better.”
The Nexus 9 had to be a shining example in much the same way that last year’s Nexus devices, the 5 and 7, showed manufacturers that it’s possible to create inexpensive phones and tablets that look good and perform well. The team needed a partner with experience in creating premium devices, so it turned to HTC.
The team needed a partner with experience in creating premium devices, so it turned to HTC.
“We saw the One and really liked how their designs were very simple, focused on usability and removed things that didn’t need to be there,” Villarreal said. “They have nice craft and precision details and materials.”
HTC handled the Nexus 9’s production and worked closely with Google on its design and materials, but it looks unlike anything the Taiwan-based manufacturer has made before. The well-hidden BoomSound stereo speakers on the front are distinctively HTC, but otherwise the tablet looks like a blown-up version of the Nexus 5: The straight sides, matte soft-grip (polycarbonate) back and even the camera placement offer a very striking resemblance. (Villarreal helped design the Nexus 5 as well.) But the 9 takes on more of a premium appearance than last year’s smartphone thanks to its use of aluminum.
If the design team entertained the idea of an all-metal device, the thought didn’t stick. It preferred a layered approach: The aluminum sides provide rigidity and protection, in addition to its premium appearance, while the polycarbonate is meant to offer a better grip and more color options. And while the Nexus 9’s three hues — black, white and sand — aren’t exactly vibrant or eye-catching, a lot more consideration went into selecting the right shades.
“We’re moving away from technology-driven black and silver, which is very common in the industry, and trying to bring more of a fashion look to the portfolio,” Villarreal said.
While the options don’t scream fashion, Villarreal explained that his team chose sand to be more expressive and make a statement. The black shade has a slight blue tint when viewed from certain angles, and the white option is actually closer to gray to combat dirt and grubby hands.
The size of the 9 places it firmly in the middle of the tablet spectrum, between larger tablets like the iPad Air and Nexus 10 and smaller ones like the iPad mini and Nexus 7. I much prefer the screen’s 4:3 aspect ratio over the 16:10 panel on the Nexus 7. It may not make a huge difference when watching movies in landscape mode, but it definitely will in portrait. A 9-inch screen using 16:10 would simply be too long for comfort.
The size of the 9 places it firmly in the middle of the tablet spectrum.
Early in the development process, Google experimented with a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Villarreal said the number of design prototypes was “countless.” It settled on this particular design because it’s still portable and light enough for travel, but large enough to use as a productivity tool and entertainment device.
Indeed, it’s smaller and lighter than the iPad Airs and feels more portable. It also rivals Apple’s tablet in performance — on paper, anyway. If Google wants to prove it can be a serious productivity tool, this is the company’s golden opportunity. The Nexus 9 is packing a dual-core 2.3GHz NVIDIA Tegra K1 chipset, but don’t let the number of cores fool you: We’ve already seen a glimpse of what the first-generation K1 can do, and it was a fantastic performer. The new Nexus comes with the next-gen Denver K1, which comes with 64-bit support and is supposed to be even more powerful.
[Image credit: Google]
Since it was built with productivity in mind, Google also constructed a mechanical keyboard that doubles as a protective cover. It’s 5mm thick, attaches to the Nexus magnetically, comes with NFC for easy pairing and is supposed to last several months on one charge. Since it’s not quite as spaced-out as desktop and laptop boards, it’ll still take some time to get used to, but the keys didn’t feel quite as cramped as I expected.
“We worked together with the software team from the onset — it was a super-close collaboration.”
One of Google’s primary advantages in building a Nexus tablet is its control of both the hardware and software. As a result, the Nexus 9 was designed with Android 5.0 Lollipop already in mind.
“We worked together with the software team from the onset — it was a super-close collaboration,” Villarreal said. The new version of Android feels incredibly fresh, primarily due to Material Design, which is cleaner, flatter and more intuitive.
At a baseline cost of $399, the Nexus 9 is priced competitively against Apple’s iPad mini 3 and older Air, and it has plenty of power behind it. It may seem odd that the $200 Nexus 7 is no longer available as a more affordable option, but this move falls right in line with Google’s new strategy: Create a premium benchmark for its partners to follow. Instead of going into battle alone, it’s recruiting an army.
AT&T locks your iPad Air 2’s SIM so you can’t switch carriers without a new one
Apple’s iPad Air 2 launched with a very, very pleasant surprise: If you splurged on an LTE model, you could choose whether you wanted to jump on Sprint’s, T-Mobile’s or AT&T’s networks (along with EE’s if you’re in the UK), with nary a SIM card swap in sight. It seemed pretty brilliant, really: you get the ability to pick a data plan that works best for you even if it’s not from the same carrier each time, and Apple no longer has to juggle different iPad models for different carrier partners. Alas, if only everyone played by the same rules. At first we thought the only caveat was that Verizon hasn’t thrown its support behind Apple’s split-personality SIM, but it turns out if you sign up for a spot of surfing with AT&T, you won’t be able to switch to any other network without procuring another Apple SIM. Just lovely, no?
Reports of AT&T’s clinginess first started making the rounds on Twitter (see image below, courtesy of Twitter user @PilotMike), and Apple has confirmed to us that this is sadly just how the system works. Meanwhile, AT&T clarified its stance to Re/code, noting that while the iPad remains an unlocked device you can throw any ol’ compatible SIM into, you’re still on the hook for another Apple SIM card if you want to be able to play the field. When asked why AT&T chose to lock things down after activation, a carrier spokesperson told Re/code’s Ina Fried that’s “it’s just simply the way we’ve chosen to do it.” Going down this particular rabbit hole is AT&T’s prerogative, but hey — in doing so, it’s only giving its rivals more ammo.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: MacRumors
Question of the Week: How important are benchmarks to you?
As many of you likely know, the run-up period before a smartphone announcement is often sprinkled with leaks, rumors, images, and benchmarks. With so many devices to choose from and a number of companies getting involved in the mobile processor game it can be quite confusing to figure out which one performs best. Factor in memory and display technologies and resolutions and you’ve got quite a bit to muddle through in considering a new phone.
Benchmarks, for all intents and purposes, make it easier to discern the high-end beast from the entry-level “every man” phone. But, as we’re finding over time, the typical smartphone user can’t detect the differences in performance. Sure, early adopters and heavy users might see the subtle stuff, but we’re willing to bet most don’t even know the name of their processor.
All of this brings us to the Question of the Week: How important are benchmarks to you? We’ve embedded the little poll below and in the right sidebar of our other articles. Please take a moment to tell us how you feel about them and when done, head to the comments to share more details.
How important are benchmarks to you?
The post Question of the Week: How important are benchmarks to you? appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Canadian pre-orders for Nexus 6 to begin on October 29th
For those north of the border, don’t think Google has forgotten about you when it comes to the Nexus 6. The device will be available for pre-order in Canada on October 29th and will cost $749 for 32GB and $799 for 64GB.
Unfortunately that’s a $100 markup on what the US will be charged.
Whilst it doesn’t justify the price hike for Canada, it does follow the trend of what we’ve seen in the past when it comes to pricing across the border.
What do you think of the pricing? Is it a deal breaker for you? Drop us a comment below.
The post Canadian pre-orders for Nexus 6 to begin on October 29th appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung Galaxy S5 to get Android 5.0 Lollipop in December, report says
Samsung’s 2014 flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5, could be among the first handsets to see an Android 5.0 Lollipop update. At least that’s what a new SamMobile report tells us. According to a source close to the blog, the Galaxy S5 will get its update in December. The level of certainty is pretty high here as the website already has a video of the smartphone running a version of the build.
If the timeline is accurate the Galaxy S5 will be one of the quickest turnarounds in Samsung’s history. Then again, we’re looking at the unlocked international version. We’ll have to worry about various wireless carriers standing in the way. Still, whatever it is, it’s considerably better than in days past. Remember when it would take 6-10 months to get a software update?
The post Samsung Galaxy S5 to get Android 5.0 Lollipop in December, report says appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Apple Submits Revised Plans for Second Phase of New Campus Construction
Apple has submitted Apple Campus Phase 2 architectural and site refinement plans to the City of Cupertino, signaling its readiness to begin the second phase of construction on its spaceship campus as soon as first phase construction has been completed.
In a massive 72 page PDF, Apple outlines revised plans for a set of research and development buildings located to the east and west of North Tantau Avenue, adjacent to the main circular campus building. While Apple has already received approval for the second phase of construction, the updated documents address specific changes the company is hoping to make to the area.
Constructed in a 600,000 square foot space, the Tantau Development will house 2,200 employees and will include parking facilities with 1,740 parking spots. The main Tantau building will include four stories of office space for employees along with a built-in cafeteria. Two other buildings will house two-story testing facilities.
According to the revised documents, Apple’s original plans for the area are largely intact, but some minor refinements have been made to address building size/height and the location of the parking facilities. The company originally planned for a parking basement, but has now shifted its plans to include both a smaller basement and a larger above ground parking structure, along with an underground server room. Apple also changed the size of the prospective cafeteria somewhat in order to accommodate more office space, and shifted the sizes of some of its planned research facilities.
Apple originally planned to begin development on the Tantau buildings alongside construction of the main circular campus building, but the company ended up pushing back all development on the site to a second phase of construction in order to cut down on initial construction costs.
It is unclear when construction on the Tantau buildings might begin, but Apple is scheduled to complete its main campus building in 2016. A city hearing to consider the updated plans will take place on November 15, 2014.
Rubicon Development puts all paid titles on sale for $0.99 for the Weekend
Time to break out that Google Wallet account one more time if you didn’t spend it all on the Grand Theft Auto sale. Rubicon Development is having a weekend sale that is sure to get you to fork over a buck or two. Their best known titles are Great Little War Game, Great Little War Game 2 and Great Big War Game, but they also have Fruit Blitz, Yachty Deluxe Premium and Zombies Dead in 20. The Great Little War Game titles are pretty good, I have yet to play any of the others myself.
The Great Big, and Little, War Game titles are all strategic strategy war style games. You build out your troops and move them around the map in turns. The whole series is quite entertaining if turn based strategy games are your cup of tea. Each title brings a single player story line, Skirmish mode and a multiplayer mode. Different versions of the game offer different things like a Pass N Play multiplayer mode. Check out some gameplay footage from Great Little War Game All Out War to get the general idea of the games.
- Great Little War Game
- Great Little War Game 2
- Great Big War Game
- Great Little War Game All Out War
- Zombies Dead in 20
- Yachty Deluxe Premium
- Fruit Blitz
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Deezer bets podcasts will make its music service better
Deezer’s streaming service may not have a reputation in the US to match others like Spotify, Beats and Rdio, but the “first truly worldwide digital music streaming service” is expanding by acquring the podcast app Stitcher. The company tells TechCrunch that about 1 million people are using Stitcher currently, and with 39 million Americans having tuned into a podcast in the last month (hmm, that’s an interesting stat, we’ll have to send that up the ladder) it figures there’s a need for that along with music. Also playing into the deal is Stitcher’s work on car integration, where it claims integration in 50 models, plus support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On its own Deezer is already some 16 million users strong across 180 countries, with 5 million paying subscribers. According to the website, Deezer’s official US launch is still “coming soon,” but interested listeners can tune in now by buying Bose or Sonos. As for Stitcher, in a blog post it says “Don’t worry, we’re not going anywhere”, and that users will be able to continue on with the service like they always have.
Filed under: Internet
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