Google Earth for Android is now faster, better at 3D exploration
Heads up, Android fans: Google Earth for your phones is about to get a lot better. That’s what the folks in Mountain View are promising, anyway — they’ve released an update to the app brings with it snappier performance and improved labels for maps (you’ll never wonder where Foster City and Redwood Shores begin and end again). Perhaps the biggest change, though — a completely rebuilt 3D rendering engine — means those cityscapes and mountain ranges you pore over should show up with more crispness and clarity. Try not to lord that over your friends using Apple Maps, will you? Throw in a way to import your own custom .KML files into the app from Google Drive and you’ve got all the makings of a pretty momentous update. Itching to take it for a spin? Mosey on over to the Google Play Store to get your globetrotting fix.
Filed under: Mobile
Source: Google
Nexus 6 not likely to hit the UK before December!
It’s bad news unfortunately if you live in the UK and are looking forward to holding that Nexus 6 in your hands, since the guy that correctly predicted the Nexus 6 release and general accurate rumour reporter says that the device won’t be hitting the UK until at least December.
Paul O’Brien tweeted out the following:
Think you're getting a Nexus 6 in the UK before December? Think again!
— Paul O'Brien (@PaulOBrien) October 22, 2014
With the Nexus 6 showing as not available in the UK Google Play Store, and no other UK retailers showing signs of even listing the device, including Amazon, you begin to think that the UK may be lucky to see the Nexus 6 in 2014 at all. The same thing happened with the Nexus 4, with it arriving several weeks after ordering only minutes after sales went live.
It is certainly bad news for those in the UK wanting a Nexus 6, so let’s hope this is one of those rumours that isn’t right.
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Microsoft Garage brings new Android app alternatives
Microsoft seemingly cannot decide whether it is for Google or against Google. Nevertheless, for those wanting some Microsoft love on their Android devices can get it through Microsoft Garage.
Microsoft Garage is a project by Microsoft looking to bring projects to reality from hackers, interns, employees, etc. Part of what has come to fruition is a trio of new apps available from the Play Store.
First, Torque is an app for Android Wear where you can twist your wrist, prompting a voice search in Bing. Essentially a Google Now replacement for Android Wear.
Next Lock Screen is an app that allows you to access apps and functions directly from the lock screen. If your device isn’t getting Android Lollipop anytime soon, but you like the idea of interactive notifications on your lock screen might look to this as an alternative.
Journeys & Notes is a way to discover things in between two places by looking at notes left by others. You can also leave your own notes about things you know of and find.
If you want to look at the project more, hit the link below. If you want to try any of the apps, click on one of the widgets below.
Do any of these apps interest you?
via Microsoft Garage
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Microsoft Garage launches two Android apps for your lock screen and travels
Today, Microsoft Garage was introduced as an “after-hours idea factory” for company employees to work on their own projects. Microsoft started the day by launching Bing Torque for Android Wear. Now, two apps for phones are available in the Play Store. One is a lock screen replacement and the other is a social app for traveling.
Microsoft wants to be front and center on your Android phone with Next Lock Screen. The app is all about launching apps as quickly as possible. It displays things like your calendar, missed calls, emails, messages, and more. There is a swipe-to-dial feature that allows conference seamlessly. So it seems that people looking for productivity will find Next Lock Screen more useful. A nice touch for Next Lock Screen is that the background is dynamic and changes throughout the day and based on location.
Hit the break for more.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Journeys & Notes, however, leaves behind the seriousness of business and productivity for fun. It is a social app that connects a user with their origin and destination. Microsoft says “The road may be long and lonely, but we help connect you with others along the journey.” Journey & Notes uncovers other users that have taken the same path as you. Notes left by previous travelers can be found and then you can leave some of your own. The design of Journeys & Notes is quite impressive and seems like it is worth giving a try.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Come comment on this article: Microsoft Garage launches two Android apps for your lock screen and travels
Samsung using Sony’s IMX240 camera sensor for the Galaxy Note 4
The Galaxy Note 4 is no slouch in any area. The phone is an absolute beast and one of the standout features is the 16-megapixel camera. Much of the time, hardware manufacturers go with components supplied by competitors. That is exactly the case with the Galaxy Note 4′s camera sensor. It is the IMX240 camera sensor from Sony. This is a departure from Samsung’s ISOCELL camera sensor that was used with the Galaxy S 5. It is possible that Samsung wants to leave all of its in-house parts for its true flagship phone.
Source: IT168
Via: Phone Arena
Come comment on this article: Samsung using Sony’s IMX240 camera sensor for the Galaxy Note 4
HTC One (M8) for Verizon now receiving software update with Eye Experience, Android 4.4.4
A software update has arrived for Verizon customers with the HTC One (M8). It brings the Eye Experience software introduced a few weeks ago as well as Android 4.4.4 in a file totaling just over 210MB. The carrier estimates that the update will take six minutes and that is about what I experienced. The device cycles through some restarts with installations once the download is complete and then the device is ready to go. Of course, Android 4.4.4 is primarily unnoticed changes; however, the Eye Experience gives new features to the Camera app.
Come comment on this article: HTC One (M8) for Verizon now receiving software update with Eye Experience, Android 4.4.4
Huawei hosting contest to launch the Honor 6 in Europe
In six days, Huawei will be launching a new handset in Europe. The Honor 6 is set to arrive next week in select countries allegedly including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and France. Huawei is holding everyone over by hosting a contest in which fifty Honor 6′s are being given away. The only thing necessary is an email and then Huawei will contact winners. To increase your chances of winning, refer some friends and have them participate as it nets another entry.
Folks in the United States, we have no word on the Honor 6′s status at this time. So just keep your fingers crossed for now.
Source: Huawei
Via: Phone Arena
Come comment on this article: Huawei hosting contest to launch the Honor 6 in Europe
Google Earth updates with an enhanced 3D experience and easier way to view KML Files [APK Download]
A new update is being pushed out to Googlers who have Google Earth for Android installed. Google Earth first made its appearance on Android way back in February of 2010. Since then is has received a number of updates with the last real big update coming in May of 2013 when street view was added in. Today Google Earth gets a substantial bump in version number from 7.1 to 8.0. The leap offers a heck of a lot too.
The file size is reduced a fair amount. Coming down from 8.5GB to just a touch over 8GBs. Besides the file size shrink, Google puts emphasis on new 3D rendering technology that gives Google Earth its first major 3D overhaul since it launched over 10 years ago. The new technology will provide you with much sharper views of the surroundings.
Google is also pushing the same data from Google Maps to Google Earth now. That means roads and POI will be all up to date as they are on Google Maps. There is also some rework down to the Roads and labels in terms of their visual appearance. Things look a lot less slapped over the area and more integrated. You can see the before and after in the two images below.
Google also did a little Drive integration for those of you that make your own maps in Google Earth. Now you can open up your KML files saved in Drive through Google Earth on your phone or Tablet. Might not mean much to the average person out there, but those that use the ability to build maps inside earth, this must be great news.
In true Google fashion the update is rolling out to users slowly through the Play Store. You can check now to see if the update is available. If not, then head over to Gappsearly for the updated APK and give it a look.
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Exclusive: Droid Turbo images give us a non-rendered look at the device
Like anyone that is interested in the Droid Trurbo has any doubt in their mind on what it looks like or what the specs are going to be. That doesn’t mean you don’t want to see what ever image you can of the device. Especially ones that clearly show it does carry 3GBs of RAM, has 32GB internal storage and has that remarkable QHD 2560 x 1440 5.2-inch display. As luck would have it, a reliable source was able to send us a few images of the device. Not the best images in the world, but it is better than a render.
Even though the images aren’t perfect, they look pretty good. We have all seem much worse in the past. While our source was able to share these images with us, they were unable do much more. Although we have seen confirmation from documentation that offers up details to a 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor.
With the new Motorola Nexus 6 coming in with a much larger screen, many have pegged the Droid Turbo as the device that the new Nexus should have been. Regardless of your thoughts on that subject, the Droid Turbo is sure to be the targeted device on Verizon for many Nexus 5 owners who want just a bit more but can’t pull the trigger to the 6-inch screen. We will get the full skinny from Verizon on October 28th when they make their official announcement.
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Apple Encouraging Chrome and Firefox Users to Try Safari After Installing Yosemite
Chrome and Firefox users that install OS X Yosemite are receiving notifications suggesting they give Safari a try, according to multiple reports on Twitter (via Tom Davenport). After upgrading to Yosemite, Apple is sending popups that read “Try the new Safari. Fast, energy efficient, and with a beautiful new design.”
The interactive notification comes with “Later” and “Try Now” options, and it seems that users may be receiving the messages when opening Chrome or Firefox for the first time after installing the operating system update.
Apple made several updates to Safari in OS X Yosemite, including adding a new “blazing-fast [Nitro] JavaScript engine” and energy saving technologies to make Safari both faster and more energy efficient. According to Apple, Safari is significantly faster than both Firefox and Chrome, a claim that was tested by CNET and received mixed results.
Safari did better on Apple’s JetStream and Speedometer benchmarks that measure JavaScript performance, and it also outperformed Chrome and Firefox using JSBench, but CNET‘s testing saw it perform worse on Google’s Octane benchmark and Mozilla’s Kraken benchmark.
The new Safari 8 did demonstrate significant improvements over Safari 7, scoring 81 percent better on JetStream and 89 percent better on Speedometer, suggesting Apple has indeed made some major under-the-hood improvements to the browser.
Along with speed improvements, Safari gained some new security features, including DuckDuckGo support and isolated Private Browsing windows that allow users to have a non-private browsing window open at the same time as a private browsing window. The browser also continues to offer third-party cookie blocking, malware monitoring, and sandboxing for websites.
Safari received a complete visual overhaul in OS X Yosemite, introducing a new streamlined look that does away with the favorites bar by default and a revamped Tab View that displays all open tabs in a tiled arrangement, much like iOS.
Safari has also benefitted from Handoff, a Continuity feature that allows users to open a webpage on a Mac and seamlessly continue browsing on an iOS device (or vice versa), and the browser natively supports Netflix, providing two extra hours of battery life when watching movies or TV shows.
Built into OS X Yosemite, Safari 8 is automatically installed alongside the new operating system. Released on October 16, Yosemite is estimated to be installed on approximately 20 percent of Macs at this point in time.
AIVAnet 