Beta channel for Android WebView open to Android 5.0 Lollipop devices
Many were concerned with Google’s decision to unbundle WebView from the core system starting with Android 5.0 Lollipop. Older devices would be left behind, too, without updates and that means compromised security. Fortunately, Google has realized so many Android apps take advantage of WebView that it only makes sense to further support. With the latest version of Android, Google will be able to update WebView independently. Right now, developers can join the new beta channel to gain access to new APIs and other items. Developers will be able to become familiar with the updates before users get to see them.
You can join the beta channel of Android System WebView by clicking here.
Source: Android Developers Blog
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Camera outline features in new Samsung Galaxy S6 teaser
We’ve been hearing lots about the Samsung Galaxy S6 the last few weeks, and no doubt will continue to leading up to MWC 2015 at the start of March. While much of the news is around rumours and leaks, Samsung has decided to pitch in with a Samsung Galaxy S6 teaser of their own in the form […]
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Is Android Lollipop more stable than iOS 8? Crittercism seems to think so
In the endless war between Android and iOS, we’re at a pretty interesting juncture where Android has had quite a sizeable overhaul in Android Lollipop and iOS has had its usual yearly improvements in iOS 8. Stability has always been paramount to both platforms but considering that Android Lollipop is just a few months old, […]
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Windows 10 for phone and actionable-notifications in the new Alarms app
For some time now there have been reports that so-called ‘actionable notifications’ were headed for Windows and Windows Phone. That feature is finally here with Windows 10.
Actionable notifications are Toast alerts that a user can interact with instead of just dismissing. For instance, we already know that Skype and Messaging are merging in Windows 10 as an updatable app. When a message comes in from a user, you can respond inline to that message without having to launch the app. That app is not yet present in Windows 10 Technical Preview 2 for phones, but the new Alarms app is and we’ll show you how it works.
Intex announces the Aqua Star L, India’s first home-grown Lollipop smartphone
India has one of the world’s fastest growing smartphone markets, with both foreign and domestic mobile phone companies battling it out for the top spot. In an attempt to get a step ahead of it’s local competitors, the home-grown manufacturer, Intex, has announced the release of India’s first Lollipop smartphone produced by an Indian company. The handset is appropriately named the Aqua Star L.
The Aqua Star L is priced at just Rs. 6,990 ($112) and is powered by a MediaTek Quad-Core processor clocked at 1.3GHz. There’s 1GB of RAM present for multi-tasking duty and 8GB of internal storage that can be augmented by up to 32GB thanks to the included Micro-SD card slot. The 5-inch display has a resolution of 854 x 480 (FWVGA) and uses IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology. On the front of the device is a 2MP camera for selfies and video chat, with an 8MP sensor and flash on the rear panel. The Aqua Star L weighs in at 130 grams with dimensions of 141 x 72.9 x 8mm and sports a 2,000mAh battery. As previously mentioned, the handset will run Android version 5.0 Lollipop out of the box.
Connectivity-wise, the Aqua Star L supports the usual Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS functions, as well the following operating frequencies – GSM 900/ 1800 and WCDMA 2100MHz. As is common with handsets aimed at the Indian consumer, the handset supports the use of Dual-SIMs. The Intex Aqua Star L will be available in black or white variants via SnapDeal.com from this Monday.
Full Press Release:
Intex triumphs with the country’s first lollipop smartphone by Indian brand Launches feature rich Aqua Star L for Rs. 6990/- exclusively on Snapdeal Delhi, India – February 13, 2015: In an endeavor to break through the Indian mobile industry, Intex Technologies launched the first Android Lollipop smartphone by an Indian brand, the Aqua Star L. One of the fastest growing mobile phone company in India, Intex Technologies has packed this handset with rich features and priced it at Rs. 6990 only.
In an endeavor to break through the Indian mobile industry, Intex Technologies launched the first Android Lollipop smartphone by an Indian brand, the Aqua Star L. One of the fastest growing mobile phone company in India, Intex Technologies has packed this handset with rich features and priced it at Rs. 6990 only. Commenting on the launch,
Commenting on the launch, Sanjay Kumar Kalirona, Mobile Business Head, Intex Technologies said, “Our newest offering in the Aqua collection, the Aqua Star L proves Intex’s dedication to remain a technology supernal. It is absolutely imperative to run along with the technological advancements to stay in a competitive environment. Looking at the demand, the smartphone has been instilled with a 12.7 cm (5 inch) fully laminated screen and an 8 MP camera along with various features. We are excited to bring Intex’s latest phone to our customers.”
Boasting its dual-Sim capabilities, the phone supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, ensuring full time connectivity for the users who like to stay social. The phone has dedicated 1 GB RAM & 8GB of inbuilt memory that is expandable up to 32GB for smooth processes. Along with the GPS, it is also equipped with gravity, proximity and light sensors.
Boasting its dual-Sim capabilities, the phone supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, ensuring full time connectivity for the users who like to stay social. The phone has dedicated 1 GB RAM & 8GB of inbuilt memory that is expandable up to 32GB for smooth processes. Along with the GPS, it is also equipped with gravity, proximity and light sensors.
Boasting its dual-Sim capabilities, the phone supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, ensuring full time connectivity for the users who like to stay social. The phone has dedicated 1 GB RAM & 8GB of inbuilt memory that is expandable up to 32GB for smooth processes. Along with the GPS, it is also equipped with gravity, proximity and light sensors.
Boasting its dual-Sim capabilities, the phone supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, ensuring full time connectivity for the users who like to stay social. The phone has dedicated 1 GB RAM & 8GB of inbuilt memory that is expandable up to 32GB for smooth processes. Along with the GPS, it is also equipped with gravity, proximity and light sensors. Users can witness great picture quality with multiple camera features with the 8 MP rear camera and 2 MP front camera enhanced with HDR, Face Beauty, Panorama, Live Photo Mode, Continuous Shot features.
Users can witness great picture quality with multiple camera features with the 8 MP rear camera and 2 MP front camera enhanced with HDR, Face Beauty, Panorama, Live Photo Mode, Continuous Shot features. Available in two colors, black & white, the phone can exclusively be purchased from Snapdeal.com from Monday.”
Come comment on this article: Intex announces the Aqua Star L, India’s first home-grown Lollipop smartphone
Purchase a Moto 360 with a metal band at Best Buy and get a $50 gift card
If you’ve been in the market for a smartwatch then you may want to head to Best Buy and pick up a Moto 360 with a metal band. If you do, you’ll be given a $50 Best Buy gift card. While it’s not $50 off like the previous Moto 360/Best Buy sale, the $50 gift card can be applied to other things at the tech outlet. So either way, if you’re in the market for a smartwatch, this isn’t too bad of a deal. Hit the source link below to snag it.
source: Best Buy
Come comment on this article: Purchase a Moto 360 with a metal band at Best Buy and get a $50 gift card
Google to finish work on 2-in-1 Chromebooks by Q1 2015: Report
A new report suggests that Google will conclude the development of its 2-in-1 Chromebook project by the end of first quarter (March). A device like this allows customers to use the device as a standard Chromebook as well as an Android tablet. We can expect devices sporting this form factor to hit the markets over the coming months.
This comes not long after we came across a potential Chromebook Pixel successor in the wild. A product like this will finally integrate Android and Chrome OS the way Google intends to. We’re already seeing a myriad of Android features on Chrome OS, so it was about time that a device like this took shape.
It is said that this 2-in-1 device will work on Chrome OS when a keyboard is attached, but when removed, it will quickly transform into an Android tablet. We will be curious to see how a device like this will work, especially considering our familiarity with Chrome OS as well as Android.
The report also mentions that Microsoft will react strongly to this by lowering the licensing fees for Windows 10 and encouraging more OEMs to take the 2-in-1 route with Windows. If these reports materialize, we might be in for a fun 2015. What do you think?
Source: Digitimes
Come comment on this article: Google to finish work on 2-in-1 Chromebooks by Q1 2015: Report
Nintendo toys with the idea of a Mii mobile app
Nintendo has been dropping hints for years about possible smartphone apps starring its classic characters or somehow tying into the Wii and Wii U. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata is back at it this week, this time with a specific idea: Mii for mobile devices. “It would be fun for players to use their Mii characters as icons on social media,” Iwata said in an interview with Nikkei. “We are currently developing an application that will allow users to do that.”
A socially focused Mii app would be Nintendo’s first solid commitment to mobile since the launch of the Pokedex in 2012. Iwata said Nintendo will announce the avatar app around March 31, when it discusses full-year financial results. But, it’s not all Peaches and Dream Lands.
“In the past, I have opposed making smartphone and tablet versions of Nintendo titles,” Iwata said. “Prices for content aimed at smartphones and tablets are falling quickly. I am still wary of the category.” Basically, he’s open to building Nintendo-based apps, but he’s not yet ready to port Duck Hunt to iPhone.
Another app idea that could boost the Nintendo brand? Tickle-me Mario. That one’s free, Iwata.
[Image: Nintendo]
Filed under: Gaming
Via: IGN
Source: Nikkei
Apple Recruiting Automotive Experts to Work in ‘Top-Secret Research Lab’
Apple is recruiting automotive technology and vehicle design experts to work in a new “top-secret research lab,” according to Financial Times. The report adds that a number of Apple designers working under design chief Jonathan Ive have also been regularly meeting with automotive executives and creators in recent months, and even trying to hire them in some cases.
A team of Apple employees, led by experienced managers from Apple’s iPhone unit, are said to be researching automotive products at a secretive location outside of the Cupertino-based company’s One Infinite Loop headquarters. The new research lab was allegedly set up late last year, shortly after the unveiling of the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch.
Financial Times claims that Apple may be developing an advanced software platform that builds upon the CarPlay dashboard system, although its sources claim that the background of the individuals that the iPhone maker is hiring suggests that the company may also be in the early stages of working on a car to compete with the likes of Tesla and Google.
But people familiar with the company said that the background of the people Apple is hiring — including automotive designers and vehicle dynamics engineers — and the seniority of the executives involved suggest a car could be in the works.
“Three months ago I would have said it was CarPlay,” said one person who has worked closely with Apple for many years, referring to Apple’s infotainment system. “Today I think it’s a car.”
An increasing amount of speculation has surfaced in recent months about Apple working on a car after a mysterious van leased to the company was spotted in California and a subsequent report claimed that Apple is working on a project that “will give Tesla a run for its money.”
Xiaomi event takeaway – Xiaomi is getting ready to play with the big boys
Xiaomi is the biggest startup in the world, if you can call the world’s #3 smartphone seller a startup. Massive as it may be, the company founded by Lei Jun in 2010 has a problem – it’s still a mystery to most phone buyers in the West. Xiaomi has been valuated at a stratospheric $45 billion, more than Uber, Snapchat, or Airbnb. But while its US-based peers are household names, Xiaomi has found itself having to explain why it’s special, not to mention how to pronounce its name.
So Xiaomi came to the San Francisco to introduce itself. The choice of venue is important – San Francisco is close to the heart of the tech world, Silicon Valley, and it’s home to many technology journalists. In one swoop, Xiaomi is introducing itself to the US tech press, and signaling that it’s ready to play with the big boys of Silicon Valley.
Xiaomi’s Lin Bin and Hugo Barra walked the audience through the company’s history, from its humble beginnings as a custom ROM developer to the powerhouse it is today.
The Chinese company explained how it’s developing software together with its users, boasting 224 weekly updates since 2010. Every week, Xiaomi pushes out a new, incrementally better version of its custom ROM, MIUI, which is now used by over 100 million users (including devices from other manufacturers). This clockwork pace allows the company to quickly fix issues and add new features that its users demand.
Xiaomi Mi 4
Xiaomi’s forums have 40 million users, up to 500,000 posts per day
Lin Bin shared some astounding numbers about Xiaomi’s social presence, which the company often cites as one of its key strengths. Millions of Mi Fans follow Xiaomi on various channels, but its forums are probably the most important. Xiaomi’s Chinese forums are frequented by 40 million active users, who post up to 500,000 new posts during busy days. Let that sink in for a second. Even the English language forums are healthy, though far from the gargantuan scale of the Chinese boards – 100,000 users post here on a regular basis.
Xiaomi also spoke a little about its distribution network, which enables it to deliver hundreds of thousands of packages every single day, with an average shipping time of under two days. Both the social channels and the well-oiled distribution network are vital to Xiaomi, which relies on online sales for a majority of its revenues.
On the topic of profits, Barra and Bin said Xiaomi isn’t making a lot of money with its devices, but is banking on related offerings, like accessories and apps. That’s why Xiaomi sees itself as an “internet company,” rather than a simple phone maker.
Barra: We’re big supporters of Google
Barra, a former Google VP, said Xiaomi is very much a “supporter” of the Mountain View company and that Xiaomi is just building on top of Android, like any other Google partner. In China, Xiaomi devices ship with its own apps, but worldwide, Xiaomi phones come pre-loaded with Google’s apps and Play Store.
Xiaomi reiterated its plans to expand in high-growth, high-potential markets, like Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Brazil is in the pipeline for this year, with Russia and some more Asian markets to follow.
Unfortunately for those who were hoping for a big US announcement, Xiaomi will not sell its smartphone and tablets there in the close future. Instead, Barra & co. are testing the waters with an accessories store coming in the next months. Barra cited the need for more preparations before Xiaomi is ready to sell its attractive smartphones stateside. Asked about potential intellectual property issues with Apple and others, the executive offered what felt like a canned response – IP litigation is an inevitable part of doing business and Xiaomi is ready to defend itself; moreover, the Chinese company is amassing patents of its own – 2,800 in 2014 alone.
No IPO planned for the next few years
Lin Bin shut down the rumors about a potential IPO – Xiaomi isn’t interested in going public in the next years, he said, though we must note that one of the benefits of being a privately held company is that you can turn on a dime when needed.
To wrap up, Xiaomi’s first US event seemed more like an introduction than anything else. The goal was to make Xiaomi a common name among US journalists and to lay the groundwork for a more substantial presence. Back in 2014, Hugo Barra told Android Authority that the US was “in the pipeline” for 2015, though the executive was quick to specify that he was only talking about “preparations.” It looks like Xiaomi’s plan is going to schedule. For now, prepare to hear a whole lot more about it.
AIVAnet 
