Last chance for Choose Your Own Next-Gen Android Giveaway
Ready for a new next-gen handset but aren’t prepared to shell out the clams for the hefty upgrade? Today just might be your day! We’re giving away a top-tier next-gen handset of …
19
Mar
Tag Heuer and Fossil are making Android Wear smartwatches this year
A traditional TAG Heuer Carrera 1887 watch
Earlier today we reported on rumors that Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer is teaming up with Google to release an Android Wear watch by the end of the year. Now the rumors have been confirmed as true, and it looks like Tag Heuer isn’t the only traditional watchmaker getting into the wearable game, as Fossil will follow suit with an Android Wear product of its own.
Details on the Tag Heuer device are scarce, as neither the Swiss company, nor Google or Intel (who is contributing chips and sensors) have gone on record on what exactly we should expect.
We have learned however some of the motives behind the move. According to Tag Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver talking to the BBC, Google is a good fit because it provides a competitive operating system for wearables without actually activating in the market, unlike Apple.
It would be absurd, it would be arrogant to believe that we could develop our own [operating system]. It would be a catastrophe to believe such a stupid thing.
There is no doubt that we could eventually go to Apple, but why should we do a partnership with Apple, who is producing watches? On the one side they would be partners, on the other a competitor.
Google is not producing watches, so the relationship is perfect.
According to the Reuters report from earlier today, the Tag Heuer Android Wear will be a “digital replica” of the company’s original black Carrera model. Biver emphasized that it will be a distinctly traditionally-looking watch.
It will be a traditional look. It will not look like an Apple Watch. An Apple Watch looks like a miniaturised copy of its phone. Our watch will never look like a phone.
Our watch will [have] all the emotion and the DNA of Tag Heuer and it will fit into our collection.
The Tag Heuer Android Wear smartwatch will launch in the last part of 2015, said the CEO.
Fossil is back
Traditional Fossil watches
While rumors tipped us off about the Tag Heuer device, another company used the Baselworld watch industry convention to announce its own Android Wear plans.
Fossil Group makes watches under its own name, as well as for brands including Adidas, Emporio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Burberry. The US-based company was one of the original partners mentioned when Android Wear was first announced a year ago, though we haven’t heard any news ever since.
Fossil is also partnering with Google and Intel, and its device is also expected by the end of the year. A marketing executive with the company hinted that Fossil will try to use its expertise in putting out lots of distinct models that look different on the outside, but feature the same components. This could be a signal that Fossil will release multiple Android Wear models, which would contrast with the current approach of electronics companies like Samsung and LG, which limit customization options to picking different straps.
You may be tempted to believe that the high-end watchmakers’ interest in Android Wear is a reaction to the launch of Apple Watch. However, both Fossil and Tag Heuer say they have been working with Google since before Android Wear was even announced. Regardless of the reasons, it’s good to see watchmakers contributing their expertise and knowledge of what sells to a still rather bare ecosystem.
251
19
Mar
Is this our first look at the next-gen Moto 360?
Lenovo’s CEO Yang Yuanqing took to Weibo earlier today, unveiling a new image that shows off what might be a next-generation update to the Motorola Moto 360. Shortly after, the image and the CEO’s quote were removed, but this is the Internet — nothing is ever truly forgotten.
As you can see in the image above, the top half of the briefcase shows a variety of different smartwatches, all with different sizes of bands, watch faces and different materials as well. The bottom half better illustrates the different color choices that may be made available.
The watches here look an awful lot like the Moto 360, though one major design change (aside from coming in multiple sizes) is the addition of lugs for easily changing out watchbands, which also give the watch a more traditional look than the band style found on the current 360.
So what are we seeing here exactly? Yang Yuanqing’s quote very roughly translates to “Moto 360, matching the arrival of the era of freedom, our store in the future to increase the function of the watch shop.” While this admittedly rough translation sounds a bit like gibberish, the mention of “era of freedom” and “to increase the function of watch shop” could be alluding to an even further expanded Moto Maker option.
Right now, the Moto 360 Moto Maker option is pretty basic, letting you choose from a few different band materials, band sizes, watch face colors and that’s about it. What we could be looking at in the briefcase images above is a first look at what an expanded Moto Maker program might bring — letting you customize the size of the watch, the materials, the size of the band and more.
The biggest unknown is whether Motorola and Lenovo are simply creating revamped watch cases with more customization options, or if this is a complete overhaul in terms of under the hood specs. Considering the fact that the original Moto 360’s hardware was already quite dated even from launch day, a true 2nd-gen successor with improved specs would make a great deal of sense, but it’s really hard to say for sure at this stage. It is worth mentioning that the watches shown above seem to have the flat tire look still in tow, though they are likely mockup watch faces and don’t necessarily reflect the final product.
What do you think, like the idea of a Moto 360 with more customization options such as size of watch face? Would Motorola and Lenovo debut this program with new hardware, or is it possible they could just revamp the outercasing and call it a day? Share your thoughts in the comments.
221
19
Mar
TAG Heuer officially announces Android Wear powered device on the way
TAG Heuer made it official today, after word leaked out yesterday, that they have entered into a partnership with Google and Intel to launch “a Swiss smartwatch” powered by Android Wear. According to the press release issued today as part of the Baselworld event,
“Swiss watchmaking and Silicon Valley is a marriage of technological innovation with watchmaking credibility. Our collaboration provides a rich host of synergies, forming a win-win partnership, and the potential for our three companies is enormous”
No additional details were revealed about pricing or availability, although the device is expected to be released later this year. The companies hope the collaboration results in a product that “elevates the category” according to Michael Bell from Intel’s New Devices Group.
You can read the full announcement from TAG Heuer below.
Baselworld, Switzerland, 19 March 2015 — TAG Heuer, Google, and Intel have announced a partnership to launch a Swiss smartwatch powered by Intel technology and Android Wear. The effort signifies a new era of collaboration between Swiss watchmakers and Silicon Valley, bringing together each company’s respective expertise in luxury watchmaking, software and hardware.
The collaboration was made official at Baselworld, during a press conference held on Thursday 19th March at the TAG Heuer booth. Jean-Claude Biver, President of the Watch Division LVMH Group and CEO of TAG Heuer, David Singleton, Director of Engineering for Android Wear, and Michael Bell, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s New Devices Group, joined each other on stage.
Together, these companies will create a product that is both luxurious, and seamlessly connected to its wearer’s daily life—a culmination of innovation, creativity and design from Silicon Valley in California and the Watch Valley in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
“Swiss watchmaking and Silicon Valley is a marriage of technological innovation with watchmaking credibility. Our collaboration provides a rich host of synergies, forming a win-win partnership, and the potential for our three companies is enormous,” said Jean-Claude Biver.
Guy Sémon, General Manager of TAG Heuer added: “The quality of Swiss watches is renowned worldwide. When this is allied with the creative technology and global power of two companies like Intel and Google, using the Android Wear platform and based on Intel technology, we can see the launch of a technological revolution in our industry, of which I am proud to be a pioneer today with TAG Heuer.”
David Singleton noted, “By fusing beauty with technology, the Swiss watch has inspired generations of artists and engineers alike—including us at Google. So we’re thrilled to be working with TAG Heuer and Intel to bring a unique blend of emotion and innovation to the luxury market. Together, and using the Android Wear platform, we can imagine a better, beautiful, smarter watch.”
“As we work to enable technology experiences that provide greater utility and value to people, Intel is confident that a collective approach will inspire new innovation in wearable technology. The collaboration with TAG Heuer and Google brings us closer to realizing the vision of wearable technology with a distinctive smartwatch that elevates the category,” remarked Michael Bell.
Come comment on this article: TAG Heuer officially announces Android Wear powered device on the way
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!
19
Mar
Last chance for Choose Your Own Next-Gen Android Giveaway
Ready for a new next-gen handset but aren’t prepared to shell out the clams for the hefty upgrade? Today just might be your day! We’re giving away a top-tier next-gen handset of choice to ONE lucky winner in the Choose Your Own Next-Gen Android Giveaway!
The winner will choose between a Samsung Galaxy S6, LG G Flex 2, or HTC One M9. Brand new and ready to use! One of these may have your name written all over it.There’s no purchase necessary and no complicated forms to fill out. All you’ll have to do is visit our contest page, click ENTER NOW, and submit your email address. It’s as easy as that. Sharing via social media gains you more entries. Good luck!
Check this deal out, and many others at deals.androidguys.com!
See more at deals.androidguys.com
Do Not Miss These Other Deals!
TOCCs Feather Buds: Noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones for under $25
I can’t think of anything more trivially infuriating than my ear buds being ripped from my ears after getting snagged on a doorknob or crowded subway passenger’s arm. The Feather Buds …
Jumbo Jive Waterproof Wireless Speaker, 42% off
You’re getting ready for a hot night on the town and want to blast some tunes in the bathroom while you primp, prune and shower but don’t want to risk fritzing out your beloved …
ZeroLemon rugged solar-powered battery pack, $49.99
For all of our outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen reading, you’re in for a real treat. You’ve been camping and had the dreaded red battery indicator of doom from your various devices. Now, …
The post Last chance for Choose Your Own Next-Gen Android Giveaway appeared first on AndroidGuys.
19
Mar
Glextor AppManager & Organizer Review
Glextor AppManager & Organizer is the organizer you never knew you needed. Android has endless ways to customize your phone and allow you to have key app access quickly. With home screens, widgets, folders, and phone search you are a short tap away from you favorite tools. Glextor takes this idea and adds even more personal customization. The stock app drawer in android is limited to a few organization features and is generally a place I hardly use. Many apps get lost in the mix of hundreds of applications on your phone. This organizer allows you to have multiple folders all in one place with personal tags to navigate your apps faster.
The saying ” I forgot I even had that” has been said numerous times by me as a power user. My phone has become my life with tie ins to home, finance, games, work, and fitness. Your phone allows for some organization with limited folders and custom home screens but they fall short on capabilities. Glextor takes custom organization to a whole new level giving you dozens of possibilities. The application allows for personal naming of groups but also has generic groups names. You can also tag your favorite apps to have them display first when you open the app. Taking customization into overdrive you can also add your groups on your home screen and change the icon color, size, border, and name. There is also options to back up your settings to keep everything the same when you upgrade your device or operating system.
This organizer lets you customize just about everything from the layout to the look making it easy to highlight important applications. You can also hide applications that you do not use often such as holiday themed programs or icons for wallpaper packages. To add even more to this useful tool you can also revert back to old versions of applications if you find the update is not to your liking. At first glance this just seems like another organizer in the long list of organizers but Glextor has made it stand out among the rest by giving the user endless customization. The only negative found was the amount of options makes initial setup take a long time for picky users. The app has an auto setup at first to gives users a solid foundation to start with. Glextor AppManager & Organizer is free from the play store but also has a paid version allowing for even more capabilities. This is a must have app for anyone using Android that wants to further enhance their experience.
Google Play, Google Plus, Facebook, Twitter
The post Glextor AppManager & Organizer Review appeared first on AndroidGuys.
19
Mar
Tag Heuer Partnering With Google and Intel to Build Connected Smartwatch
Swiss luxury watch maker TAG Heuer on Thursday at the Baselworld watch convention in Switzerland announced that it is partnering with Google and Intel to create a connected smartwatch. TAG Heuer will be responsible for designing and manufacturing the watch, which will have an Intel microprocessor and use Google’s Android Wear platform. The smartwatch will be released later this year, at which point specific pricing and features will be revealed.
TAG Heuer’s Carrera contemporary luxury sport watch
TAG Heuer has high expectations for its upcoming smartwatch, with CEO Jean-Claude Biver calling it his “biggest announcement ever” in 40 years of working in the industry. The executive also predicted that the product will be the “greatest connected watch” available, just weeks before the Apple Watch is released. “The difference between the TAG Heuer watch and the Apple Watch is very important,” Biver said. “That one is called Apple and this one is called TAG Heuer.”
TAG Heuer joins Swatch, Breitling, Montblanc and Frederique Constant as one of several Swiss watch makers bringing electronic features to the wrist to compete with the Apple Watch and other connected smartwatches. TAG is the first traditional watchmaker to partner with Google, however, opening the doors for more Swiss luxury watch makers under parent company LVMH, including Hublot and Zenith, to collaborate with Silicon Valley on the next generation of wrist-worn devices.
19
Mar
[Deal] Amazon App Store turns 4, 34 apps marked down to Free for $105 in savings
It almost seems like once a week, Amazon is hosting some sort of app sale. The fact that the Amazon App Store is now 4 years old seems like another good reason to offer a bunch of apps for Free. They have 34 apps marked down today (33 plus their normal Free app of the day) for a savings of $105. Some notables include Friday Night At Freddy’s 2, Cross DJ Pro, and Easy Tether.
If you don’t mind using the Amazon App Store, then hit the break for the complete list and link to get your download on.
- Adventure Beyond Time
- Alphabet Aquarium Vol 1: Animated Puzzle Games w/ Letters & Animals
- Amelia and Terror of the Night
- Atomus HD
- Bank Escape Pro
- Business Calandar
- Chimpact 2: Family Tree
- Cross DJ Pro
- Cut the Rope
- Deep Under the Sky
- EasyTether
- Elements of Photography Pro
- Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek
- Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
- FolderSync
- G-Stomper Studio
- Guardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weapon
- HanDBase Database
- Kingdom Rush Origins
- Monkey Preschool Explorers
- NeoCal Advanced Calculator
- OpenDocument Reader
- Pumped BMX 2
- Reading Trainer
- Repix
- Ruzzle
- Sago Mini Ocean Swimmer
- Servers Ultimate Pro
- SimplePlanes
- Slingshot Racing
- Super Why!
- The Hidden World
- Unpossible
- World of Goo
source: Amazon App Store
Come comment on this article: [Deal] Amazon App Store turns 4, 34 apps marked down to Free for $105 in savings
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!
19
Mar
Amazon celebrates four years of Appstore with $105 in free apps and games
Amazon is celebrating its fourth anniversary of its Appstore which means they’re doing it big. Starting today and running through Saturday, March 21, customers can grab up to $105 worth of normally paid apps and games at no cost. It’s all part of a bundle, however, it’s up to you as to which titles you scoop up. Want all of them? Snag away! Just want Five Nights at Freddy’s 2? Yoink!
There are nearly three dozen apps and games to choose from, including Cut The Rope, Super Why, Kingdom Rush Origins, Slingshot Racing, and Guardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weapon.
After starting out with just under 4,100 titles in the Appstore, Amazon’s portal has expanded to include more than 400,000 and is now available in countries all over the world. Congrats to Amazon!
The post Amazon celebrates four years of Appstore with $105 in free apps and games appeared first on AndroidGuys.
19
Mar
Belgium-based Belfius Bank launches its Windows Phone app
In the wake of major US banks like Bank of America and Chase removing their Windows Phone apps from circulation, a major Belgium-based bank, Belfius, recently launched their Windows Phone app after demand from their customers.
19
Mar
Verizon won’t fight net neutrality without a little help from its friends
You know that bit at the end of a movie where the defeated villain turns up in the hero’s hotel room for some revenge killing? If you do, then you won’t be surprised to learn that the telecommunications industry is gearing up to fight net neutrality. This time out, however, it won’t be Verizon leading the charge this time around. Instead, trade groups like the CTIA and NCTA will wade into the fight with arms flailing. According to Reuters, Big Red won’t lead this battle to avoid “drawing any fire individually.” Presumably the company worked out that if you’re trying to stifle a law that ensures a free market, you might come across poorly in the public’s eyes. Not that that’s ever troubled Verizon before, mind.
[Image Credit: Pete Marovich/Bloomberg via Getty Images ]
Filed under: Verizon
Source: Reuters
AIVAnet 