Xiaomi officially launches the Redmi 2 and MiPad in India
The Chinese smartphone manufacturer has officially announced two devices in India – the Redmi 2 and the Mi Pad – in India, following the huge success of the Redmi 1S. The USP of Redmi 2 is that it is a dual-SIM smartphone, and both the SIM slots have an ability to latch on the 4G LTE networks. For […]
The post Xiaomi officially launches the Redmi 2 and MiPad in India appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Specifications of Huawei’s new Kirin 940 and 950 leaked; Could feature on the rumored Nexus smartphone
Huawei is known for its custom range of SoCs that are currently running on its smartphones. Reports from a few days ago mentioned that the company’s rumored Nexus handset could feature the Kirin 930 SoC. However, new reports seem to suggest that the company might use a more powerful Kirin 940 or 950 SoC, both of which are yet to be unveiled by the manufacturer.
The two new SoCs are expected to use a more advanced CPU architecture compared to the Kirin 930 octa core chip and with ARM Mali T860 GPU (Kirin 940) and ARM Mali T880 GPU (Kirin 950). Of course, it’s still too early to tell if this is legitimate info, but Chinese sources are usually spot on when it comes to information such as this.
It is said that Huawei will unveil the Kirin 940 and the 950 sometime this year, possibly a few months in advance. If true, it seems like Huawei will leave no stone unturned in making the upcoming Nexus phone a powerhouse.
Source: Giz China, Gizmo China
Come comment on this article: Specifications of Huawei’s new Kirin 940 and 950 leaked; Could feature on the rumored Nexus smartphone
Google releases reference sample to show how apps can work on multiple devices
Since last summer, we have seen Android makes its way to new form factors. The operating system now works with phones, tablets, wearables, and vehicles. With so many form factors now supported, it makes sense that Google wants apps to have seamless experiences. The company has introduced a sample multi-device application called Universal Music Player that offers a continuous experience across Android, Android Wear, Android Auto, and Google Cast devices.
Hit the break for looks at the mult-device approach in action.
The sample uses features such as MediaStyle notifications, MediaSession, and MediaBrowserService. These features are what allows content to be spread from device to device.
Source: Android Developers Blog
Come comment on this article: Google releases reference sample to show how apps can work on multiple devices
Tim Cook Calls Jim Cramer on ‘Mad Money’, Talks About Health, ResearchKit and More
Apple CEO Tim Cook called into “Mad Money” on CBNC today to speak to host Jim Cramer in honor of the show’s 10th anniversary, where he shared some thoughts on ResearchKit, Apple’s competitors, Apple Pay, the next frontiers of product development, and more.
When asked what he believes the “next frontiers” will be when it comes to product development, Tim Cook highlighted health as “the biggest one of all,” along with cars and the home. According to Cook, devices like the Apple Watch and services like ResearchKit and the Health app that allow people to track their own health and fitness are part of a market that’s “probably significantly underestimated.”
Cook called ResearchKit, which the company debuted on Monday, “an absolute game changer.” ResearchKit is an open source software framework aimed at researchers, and several apps have already been created with it. On Wednesday, Stanford University researchers said they had received 11,000 signups for just one apps.
In regard to the Apple Watch and HealthKit, Cramer asked whether it was “within the realm of our lifetime” that the device paired with HealthKit might be able to monitor diabetes, blood pressure, and detect cancer, and Tim Cook said “Oh, I absolutely do.”
http://player.theplatform.com/p/gZWlPC/cnbc_global?playertype=synd&byGuid=3000361340&size=530_298
On competition, when Cramer asked whether or not Apple felt like the competition had been left behind, Cook said the company is “always paranoid” and always working towards the best possible product.
We’re always paranoid. We live paranoid. We always want the very best product. And so if we’re not beating someone else we’re trying to beat the thing that we have currently shipping.
Everybody here lives on edge.
As he often does, Cook spoke about Steve Jobs, reiterating that Jobs’ DNA is “deep in the company” even though many of the products that Apple is shipping now were created entirely on Tim’s watch, conceptualized after Jobs had passed away. Cook wrapped up the call by wishing an excited Cramer a happy anniversary.
Cook’s segment aired on “Mad Money” on CBNC at 6PM Eastern Time.
Square Enix is giving you the chance to be featured in the next Final Fantasy game
Just a few weeks ago, Square Enix announced its next big game, Final Fantasy: Record Keeper, which is set to make its way to Android sometime this Spring. Record Keeper is a big mash-up of past games, combining all of your favorite heroes and villains including Tidus, Lightning, Cloud and many others. The aim of the game is to battle your way through “the most epic Final Fantasy moments”, by means of spells, summons and hundreds of different weapons. The game also uses the familiar Active Time Battle (ATB) gameplay we’ve come to expect from the series.
Square Enix is allowing players to receive early updates about the game if they choose to pre-register. And as an added bonus, if the pre-registration page gets a certain number of shares on social media, special rewards will become unlocked periodically. Sense the page has been shared so many times, Square Enix has unveiled its next big reward: the 8-Bit Creator.
A few lucky players will get the chance to be made into an 8-bit character, and actually make an appearance in the game. Now, it’s not a starring role or anything, but it’s still a great opportunity to be part of Final Fantasy history. All you need to do is head to the sign up page, login with your Facebook account, and wait for a response from the Square Enix staff. If you’re chosen, you’ll need to provide a photo for the game’s creators who will then make you into an 8-bit character.
To get started, make your way over to the pre-registration page to sign up for early updates. Once you’re signed up, follow these instructions to submit your 8-Bit Creator entry.
Any Final Fantasy fans out there interested in signing up?
HTC Desire 820s with dual SIM now available in India
Continuing its focus on emerging markets, HTC has launched the Desire 820s for consumers in India. The mid-range handset promises quality specifications along with the ability to house two SIM cards simultaneously. The display resolution may only be 720p, but everything else is impressive. The processor inside is an octa-core from MediaTek and the cameras are both comparable or better than its competition. Some of HTC’s key features, such as BlinkFeed and BoomSound, are included with the Desire 820s as well.
Hit the break for more.
Faisal Siddigui, HTC South Asia President, had this to say about the handset’s launch:
“Our customers are gradually looking for bigger screens, faster processors, network speeds and outstanding battery life. They are creating and consuming rich video content and want greater freedom to personalise their smartphones. We know they love the flexibility that comes with expandable memory. At a very remarkable price, the HTC Desire 820s dual sim delivers the latest technical features with an outstanding user experience in a sleek, chic, slim package.”
Key specifications:
- 5.5-inch, 1280×720 display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- MediaTek MT6572 octa-core processor clocked at 1.7GHz
- 2GB of RAM
- 13MP rear camera / 8MP front camera
- 16GB of internal storage, expandable up to 32GB with microSD card slot
- Android 4.4 KitKat with Sense 6
- 2600mAh
- Dual SIM
The HTC Desire 820s retails for Rs. 24,890.
Via: Fone Arena
Come comment on this article: HTC Desire 820s with dual SIM now available in India
PancakeBot prints flapjacks in any shape you can trace
We’ve all been there. Awake at some ludicrously early hour — on a Saturday morning no less — slaving away over a hot griddle only to have your pancakes snubbed because they’re too circular. Next time, impress your brood by frying up some custom-designed flapjacks using this robotic pancake printer. It’s called the PancakeBot. This device combines an electric griddle and a patent-pending batter dispensing system to effectively “print” out pancakes virtually in any shape you can imagine — or at least trace.
The process is fairly straightforward: use the included software to trace/create a design, transfer that image file from your computer to the machine via an SD card, and then just wait until its time to flip your edible masterpiece. PancakeBot’s has already more than doubled its $50,000 crowd-funding goal. The device is expected to retail for $300 when it ships this July but you still have 28 days to pre-order one for half that price through Kickstarter.
[Image Credit: Kickstarter]
Filed under: Household
Via: Engadget.de
Source: Kickstarter
Android customization – how to install an icon pack on your Android device
Last week on our Android customization series, we took a moment to look at the actual how-to when it comes to managing the different Launchers out there. Again, we did not take the time to look at specific Launchers, just how to swap between them. This week, we will do the same for icon packs.
With all of the available icon packs available in the Google Play Store, it is possible to change the appearance of your device to an impressive level. Icon packs range from simple sets of just a few image files, up to thousands of icons for all of your favorite apps.
Before we begin
Before you can go ahead and install any old icon pack, you will need to make sure that your currently installed Launcher is capable of working with icon packs. From there, each icon pack will only work with a given set of Launchers, you have a bit of research ahead of you before diving in today. Luckily, we’ve got you covered:
First, hit last week’s post on Launchers to see how to make sure you are on the best Launcher for your needs. I would never dream of telling you which Launcher to use, but I will say that Apex and Nova are two of the best supported around when it comes to icon packs. If you really don’t know where to start, grab one of these two, they’ll treat you well.
Next, you need an icon pack. Now, this is serious business folks. There are free icon packs, there are paid icon packs, there are even exclusive invite only icon packs. No joking. As mentioned, we’ve looked at icon packs before, here are just a few of our resources to get you started:
How to install an icon pack on your Android device
The steps to install an icon pack on your Android device are pretty similar for most Launchers out there, so I will only look at a couple today. Once you learn the theory of the steps involved, I am confident that you will find the procedure easy enough on your own Launcher.
So, I will start with Apex and Nova Launchers, because, as I say, they are two of the most supported Launchers out there for icon packs.
Install an icon pack on Apex Launcher
Like most quality Launchers, Apex Launcher can have a new icon pack set up and running in just a few quick clicks.
Open Apex Settings. If you are not sure where to access Apex settings, look for the three-dots menu in your app drawer.
Select Theme Settings.
Tap on the icon pack that you wish to use.
Select the check boxes of the elements that you wish installed. As you see, many icon packs are more than just icons, with wallpaper, fonts and more included.
Tap apply to make the changes.
Head on back to your Homescreen and app drawer to see your new icon pack in action.
Install an icon pack on Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher is also very easy to work with, you are again just a few quick clicks away from your new looks.
Open Nova Settings. If you are not sure where to access Nova settings, look for the three-dots menu in your app drawer. (Sound familiar?)
Select Look and feel.
Select Icon theme.
Tap on the icon pack that you wish to use.
Head on back to your Homescreen and app drawer to see your new icon pack in action. That is how truly easy it is to customize your Android experience, isn’t it great?!?
Two icon packs combined, using Zooper Widget and Tasker
What’s next
So, these icon packs come with an individual image file for each and every app? Yes, well, maybe. I am sure you noticed in your search for the perfect icon pack that many have icons for only a few hundred of the most popular apps out there. You may find that you get what you pay for here. Most free icon packs are fairly limited, a good developer, like the maker of the Velur icon pack you see above, regularly releases updates with new app icons. Velur now has over 3000 icons in the pack.
That sounds good, but what happens if there isn’t an icon for my app? Again, please watch for a quality developer here. By default, an app without an icon in the pack will fall back to the original app icon. While this keeps the app functional, it certainly does nothing for the look of your device. A good developer will have a default icon template, or icon mask, that will actually manipulate the default icon to somewhat match your new theme.
Look at the image below, you can see an app icon on the left that was masked to fit, and two on the right have been specifically built by the developer. Basically, in this case, the shadows fit better and the colors are more appropriate, if still random.
What? The Android Authority app does not have a custom icon in the pack, good thing this developer accepts requests from users. I will contact them via the links in the Google Play Store to make my request. I hope the new icon will be in place by the time the updated Android Authority app rolls out. Coming Soon! I hope you got that a good icon developer is in touch with the users, just something to keep in mind.
Lastly, you can always manually apply your own chosen image file as the app icon by long pressing on the existing icon, then choosing Edit – at least in Apex, your Launcher may have a slightly different procedure. Nonetheless, you are never out of luck if you have a Launcher that supports all of these icon tweaks.
Next week
With how easy it is to change up icon packs, I hope you do not hesitate the next time you feel like a little change. Next week on our Android customization series, will be a surprise. Just kidding, I have a Nexus 7 (2013) that needs a factory reset, would you like to see what I do to prep for a factory reset and how it is done? If so, check back next week.
What is your icon pack of choice? How often do you swap icon packs?
‘Command & Conquer: Generals Deluxe Edition’ Now Available in the Mac App Store [Mac Blog]
Aspyr today released classic Command & Conquer game Command & Conquer: Generals Deluxe Edition in the Mac App Store, letting fans of the title play the game on modern Macs for the first time in years. The Mac App Store bundle includes the original Command & Conquer: Generals game and the Zero Hour expansion pack.
First released in 2003, Command & Conquer: Generals stands apart from other games in the series because it takes place in the near future, and features the United States, China, and the fictional Global Liberation Army terrorist group.
The new version of the game available in the Mac App Store has been optimized for modern Macs, with support for Retina displays and the 5K Retina iMac. While it does offer multiplayer support for up to four players, the Mac App Store version of Command & Conquer: Generals is not multiplayer compatible with the original Mac release or the original PC release.
In a time of modern war, recent military aggressions around the globe have many nations worried. Between the United States, China, and the Global Liberation Army, tensions run high. Their leaders profess no interest in escalating the situation, but words ring hollow when satellite photos tell a different story.
Minimum system requirements include 2.2GHz CPU speed, 4GB RAM, and 5GB disk space. The following graphics cards are the minimum supported: (ATI): Radeon HD 3870, (NVidia): GeForce 330M, (Intel): HD 3000, 256 MB VRam.
Command & Conquer: Generals Deluxe Edition can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $19.99. [Direct Link]
Verizon launches Sapphire Blue Ballistic Nylon version of the DROID Turbo
Another color option of the Motorola DROID Turbo has made its way to Verizon. The carrier announced today the availability of the handset in Sapphire Blue Ballistic Nylon.
Right now, customers of Verizon can purchase the very capable handset in this new color option for $199 with a two-year contract or $24.00 per month when using the carrier’s Edge program. The latter choice spreads payments of the full retail price over twenty-four months. Verizon also notes that customers can get $100 bill credit when a new smartphone is activated on its Edge program. Those who go for the two-year contract option can hand over their current smartphone and receive the same amount.
We agree in saying that “Sapphire Blue Ballistic Nylon” is likely one of the longest names possible for a color option.
Source: Verizon
Come comment on this article: Verizon launches Sapphire Blue Ballistic Nylon version of the DROID Turbo
AIVAnet 