Android 5.1 memory leak already internally fixed by Google
The Android 5.1 Lollipop update attempted to fix the dreaded memory leak that seems to be plaguing many users running Android 5.0, but the problem doesn’t appear to have completely disappeared from the latest OS version, according to some reports.
While seemingly not as widespread, a number of users have continued to complain about RAM issues after updating to Android 5.1, causing apps and launchers to force close as the operating system consumes more and more memory. Fortunately, Google claims to have fixed the issue, at least internally.
According to the issue tracker, the 5.1 memory leak has been fixed internally and has been given the status of “Future Release”, meaning that engineers have managed to get on top of the problem and can patch it. However, there is no indication as to when this fix will be made available to the public. Hopefully, we will see an Android 5.1.1, or similar, update appear in the near future to address the issue.
Have you had any problems with Android Lollipop or is your phone running faster than ever?
Upcoming Samsung Orbis smartwatch to sport Exynos 7420
More details continue to surface regarding Samsung’s next venture into the smartwatch category, the Orbis. Today we are hearing that it could be powered by the 14nm Exynos 7420.
Immediately you have to ask yourself, why in the world would Samsung utilize an octa-core processor in a smartwatch. Samsung wouldn’t be using the Exynos for speed, but is instead focusing on battery life. Higher end processors are simply more efficient in consuming power.
Apple is already getting slack for the Apple Watch’s 18 hour battery life, and that’s with the display off most of the time. My G Watch R will easily last 24 hours with the screen on all the time and 2 days with it off. Exactly what is Samsung targeting here is anyone’s guess, but if they can get 4 or 5 days battery life, it would be a feather in their cap.
Now it remains to be seen if Samsung will actually use all 8 cores on the watch itself. They might manufacture a toned down version of it because it would simply be overkill.
Still no word on when Samsung will release the Orbis, but my guess is over the summer when Samsung Pay is officially launched.
sources: dt.co.kr / tizenindonesia
via: G4Games
Come comment on this article: Upcoming Samsung Orbis smartwatch to sport Exynos 7420
Facebook clarifies what you’re allowed to post on its social network
Facebook’s content guidelines have sparked confusion, to put it mildly — a lot of people are unsure as to whether or not they have to use their legal names, or whether it’s safe to post breastfeeding photos. At last, though, the social network is clearing the air a bit. It just posted new Community Standards that don’t change the company’s stance, but should remove some of the gray areas. For one, it’s emphasizing that you only have to use your “authentic identity,” not the name your government recognizes — important if you identify with a non-traditional gender. Facebook also clarifies that you can mention hate speech for the sake of social commentary, and refines its views on harassment, nudity and what happens to your account when you die. A few sections are completely new, such as one explicitly forbidding revenge porn and other forms of sexual exploitation.
The updated standards won’t make you happy if you took issue with Facebook’s broader policies in the first place. The site won’t pull content worldwide solely because it’s banned in a given country, for example, but it still won’t defy those bans if they’re questionable. Even so, this could help allay fears that you’ll get kicked out for making a controversial (but well-intentioned) post.
[Image credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu]
https://player.vimeo.com/video/122138817?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0
Filed under: Internet, Facebook
Source: Facebook Newsroom
Skype for Business launches in technical preview, will replace Microsoft Lync
Microsoft has announced the launch of the technical preview of Skype for Business. Originally announced in November 2014, Skype for Business replaces the Microsoft Lync communications tool. Naturally, the new experience looks a lot like Skype.
BlueDriver OBDII Scan Tool Review
brightcove.createExperiences();
Whether you are a gearhead or not, as a car owner, it is always important to be on top of everything as far as maintenance and upkeep are concerned. This does mean regularly scheduled trips to a mechanic or workshop, but if you’d like to keep an eye on things in the meanwhile, you now have the tools to easily do so, that allow for the comfort of checking performance and error codes, if any, directly from your smartphone or tablet.
One such device and application is from BlueDriver, and here is our review of the BlueDriver OBDII Scan Tool!
What is OBDII?
On-Board Diagnostics, better known as OBD, as been around since the 1980’s, and basically involves plugging a dongle into a port in the car, which is usually found in the section below the steering while. In its early stages, this was a tool meant for mechanics, as the attached dongle would just flash a light if something was wrong, leaving it up to the user to actually figure out the problem.
Cars manufactured since 1996 now come with the OBDII standard. With this latest iteration, which is still found in cars available today, you are now able to get detailed information on what might be wrong with your vehicle, and since its inception, the feature set has continued to expand, with this tool getting smarter over the years.
How does it work?
Using OBDII linked to a mobile application isn’t exactly new, but has only recently become completely wireless, via Bluetooth. In this case, you get both the tool that is attached to the car, and an application, available for free on the Google Play Store, from BlueDriver.
Installation is as simple as it gets, and all you have it do is find the OBDII port in your car and plug the dongle in, which starts to flash blue when initialized. You then connect to the dongle via Bluetooth on your mobile device, and once linked, you can open to application to get started.
The application searches for and connects to the dongle, and once done, you are taken to the main screen that features an array of options, including Reading Codes, Clearing Codes, Smog Check, and detailed vehicle info. As an example, if you want to take a look at the vehicle info, all you have to do is tap on it, and a new screen will open that has all the detailed vehicle information on it. Every section includes relevant information about the current status of the car, and you also have the ability to forward this information via a shareable repair report.
Another tab in the application is called “Live View,” and as the name suggests, allows you to track detailed information about the car as it’s happening. You can add numerous options to this section depending on what you’re looking to keep a track of, and everything is shown in a list view, with information being updated in real-time. The Live View is a great way to know exactly what is happening, but can be overwhelming for those who aren’t particularly familiar with the mechanics of it all, and a more detailed breakdown of the information of the screen would certainly be more appreciated.
The final tab is the “More” section, and includes some useful tools such as the user manual, the option to update the firmware, as well as some advanced settings. The user manual is video based, and while it does a great job in providing the information you need, the videos can be a bit static and boring. Nevertheless, it certainly is extremely useful and a welcome inclusion.
I was able to test this device and app with a car that had its “check engine light” on. Finding the problem and the relevant error code, I did have to search for what it meant to figure out that the issue was related to a faulty gas cap. We replaced the gap cap, cleared the error message, and were good to go, saving us from an otherwise necessary trip to a mechanic.
Pricing and Final Thoughts
The BlueDriver dongle can be found on Amazon for $99.95, and as mentioned, the associated application can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. At first glance, the application seems to be quite minimalistic in its features, but digging into the menus and customizing the Live View screen allows you easily have all the detailed information you may need at your fingertips. More wallet-friendly OBDII bluetooth adapters are available, but they often don’t come with their own applications, and searching for compatible ones can be quite troublesome.
If you aren’t as familiar with the mechanics, this device lets you know that there is an issue, and gives you the opportunity to research it, and if possible, fix it on your own, even if the Live View becomes less useful. Having the ability to download and share a detailed repair report is always a big plus. If you’re a mechanic, or truly understand the ins and outs of a car, picking up this device is a no brainer, and should definitely something found in your toolkit.
Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505) receives Android Lollipop in UK
I’ve lost count of how many Samsung handsets have received an Android Lollipop update this year, but the Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505) is the latest to join the list, at least for owners in the United Kingdom.
The Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update began rolling out earlier today, bringing the new Material Design-esque Touchwiz interface, tweaked apps, and performance and battery improvements to Samsung’s LTE equipped Galaxy S4. The standard Galaxy S4 received its own 5.0.1 Lollipop update about a month ago.
You should spot an OTA update notification come through at some point, if it hasn’t already. Alternatively, the update can be installed through Samsung’s KIES software suite.
HTC One M9’s launch in Taiwan is delayed to receive ‘latest’ software version
HTC’s latest flagship, the One M9, was scheduled to make its debut in Taiwan today, but apparently the launch has been delayed according to an email sent to CNA that said the Taiwanese manufacturer was busy working on the latest version of software for the device.
So when is the HTC One M9 (why is it called the One M9?) actually going to make its debut in its home country? According to HTC, the phone will be made available as soon as possible, while people who had pre-ordered the handset have said (on the Mobile01 social networking site) that shipments of the 32GB HTC One M9 were postponed until March 20th. Other would-be buyers have mentioned that the delay could span anything from a few days to a couple of weeks, with the 64GB version allegedly being delayed until the end of March.
The alleged cause of the delay is down to software issues that could lead to boot failure, at least according to another post on Mobile01. Whatever the reason is for the delay, you can understand why HTC being more willing to slightly antagonize customers by delaying the launch and not suffer the fall-out of batch of bricked phones. There is also a chance that the delay could be so the HTC One M9 will launch with Android 5.1 out of the box, but that’s just a wild notion of mine that should be taken with a sack of salt.
Source: FocusTaiwan
Come comment on this article: HTC One M9’s launch in Taiwan is delayed to receive ‘latest’ software version
HTC One M9 release delayed for last minute software fixes in Taiwan
HTC delayed the release of the One M9 in Taiwan in order to apply last minute changes to the phone’s software package.
The One M9’s world debut was scheduled for today, but Taiwanese customers who pre-ordered the device were told by text message that the launch would be delayed to March 20, according to a report from Focus Taiwan. That’s for the 32GB model – the 64GB model should be released by the end of the month, according to the text messages.
HTC confirmed that it delayed the release of the M9 in its home market, in order to provide “the latest version of software.” The company has not specified when it plans to start selling the device.
For now, it doesn’t look like this delay will affect the release date of the One M9 in other countries. HTC typically introduces new flagship devices in Taiwan first, with staged rollouts to other countries over the following weeks and months. Given the rather small delay in Taiwan, it’s likely that HTC will be able to iron out any issues in time for the M9’s release in North America and Europe.
A recent leak from retailer B&H Electronics suggests the One M9 would start shipping in the US from March 25, starting from $649 for the 32GB version.
If we were to guess what issues have caused the delay, we’d venture to point towards the camera. The M9’s camera, and in particular its low light performance, was one of the few negative aspects that Josh singled out after spending time with the One M9 ahead of MWC. HTC may also be trying to apply last minute performance improvements, bug fixes, and final tweaks to the M9’s software experience.
Google Now open-API will support cards from any app
Google’s smart notification app, Google Now, looks set to become an even broader platform. A new open-API will be made available to developers in the future, which will allow for any app’s data to be integrated with Google Now.
The new API will expand on the 40 or so third-party services already making use of Google Now integration. Of course, having multiple applications ping duplicate messages at you would be rather irritating. Fortunately, the system will monitor app usage patterns to help guide the data displayed, according to Aparna Chennapragada, Director of Product Management for Google Now.
In addition to new app support, Google Now development is also looking to improve upon personalized notifications over the next six-to-twelve months, by taking individual circumstances into account. For example, Now ideally should figure out how long users typically arrive at an airport ahead of their flight, before displaying relevant information.
Google has not yet confirmed when the open-API will be released to developers. Can you think of any existing apps that could benefit from more detailed card style notifications?
Google is working on an open API for Google Now that developers can bake in to their apps
So, Google Now is a pretty handy app, isn’t it? With its ability to turn our search and location data into useful facts, bringing us the latest scores from our favourite sports teams (or not), reminding us of appointments and even showing us gas stations on the route you are driving, it’s getting more difficult to imagine life before Google Now. With that, we have news that Google Now is set to become even more useful thanks to the planned release of an open API that any app developer will be able to bake into their apps. More details after the break.
During an interview at SXSW (South by Southwest) Aparna Chennapragada, the Director of Product Management for Google now, said that the app will soon be able to display any third party app data. This will be an expansion of the current pilot of 40 third party apps allowed to do so. She also explained how Google decides just what information should be shown on the Google Now cards:
“The company started out by simply guessing what would be useful, but then surveyed a panel of users by providing them with an app that asked them several times a day what information they would find helpful at that particular moment. Google surveyed thousands of users at a time, over several rounds of surveys. This identified trends that guided the product’s development.”
Over the next 6-12 months, the Google Now team’s focus is to tailor the app towards everyone’s personal preferences. An example of which is how long before a flight people like to arrive at the airport, while I like to get to the airport around 3 hours before a flight, my other half prefers to get there just in time. So while I might receive a card saying I have to leave for the airport now, the other half will receive a card telling her she still have 45 minutes to continue packing.
A feature that might be making an appearance in the future is a card to tell you how long the waiting time is at the theme park ride queue, this idea came about due to Chennapragada’s personal experience at Disneyland. It’s also a great example of how Google Now will assist us in our daily lives, helping us become more efficient with our time management.
One more thing to look forward to that the Google Now team is also working on some Easter Eggs. With April Fool’s Day coming up on the horizon, it’s probably safe to say that we can expect an Easter Egg or two to appear on our Google Now cards on the day.
Source: thenextweb
Come comment on this article: Google is working on an open API for Google Now that developers can bake in to their apps
AIVAnet 