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22
May

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man edition landing next week


samsung-galaxy-s6-edge-iron-man-edition

Samsung has confirmed on its official Facebook page that the Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man edition will be launching next week, igniting the superhero fan in all of us. We earlier saw teasers of this upcoming device on Twitter in an gorgeous Iron Man-themed box.

The Korean tech giant hasn’t mentioned details yet, meaning price and market availability are still up in the air. We do know the device is coming next week, and we’ll hear more solid details when Samsung officially announces the new edition.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man edition should sport the same hardware as the original model. Despite that, there’s certainly going to be a hefty price tag for this gorgeous device, when it already costs so much. And did we forget already that Robert Downey Jr. is endorsing HTC? Now we have Iron Man supporting the Galaxy S6 Edge–there’s certain to be a legal battle just around the corner! After all, we’ve seen worse.

How much would you pay for an Iron Man edition of your favorite device? Let us know in the comments.

source: Samsung

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22
May

Google’s upcoming ‘Brillo’ operating system will be for Internet of Things


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Having an operating system that works with phones, tablets, wearables, cars, and televisions is no longer enough for Google. Now, the company is targeting the Internet of Things with a new operating system that connect everything from your fridge to your thermostat to your light bulbs.

The Information reports that Google’s upcoming ‘Brillo’ operating system will work with low-powered devices. It could take as little as 32MB or 64MB of RAM to allow such devices to function. This is in comparison to the usual 512MB of RAM that is normally required by low-powered and low-end devices.

The project, which is said to be watched by Android’s development team, could be branded as another Android variant.

We may see Brillo debut next week at I/O 2015 and we will be there live with full coverage.

Source: The Information
Via: The Next Web

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22
May

LG G Watch R to get Wi-Fi connectivity maintenance update in Q3 2015


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The LG G Watch R will be receiving Wi-Fi connectivity in a future maintenance update, set to roll out in the third quarter. Loaded with Wi-Fi functionality, Android Wear 5.1.1 was expected to bring Wi-Fi connectivity to the LG G Watch R, however, LG didn’t include it in the update, despite hardware being there to support it.

LG in an official statement said that the G Watch R will be getting the Wi-Fi features in a maintenance update, set to launch in the third quarter. That could be anywhere between July 1 and September 30.

While the LG G Watch does not have the hardware to support Wi-Fi, the G Watch R does. However, it needs a little optimizing, as LG didn’t build the smartwatch with Wi-Fi in mind, thus the additional time it’ll take to get working Wi-Fi on the device.

LG wasn’t clear whether the maintenance update would be from them or if they’ll be waiting for another Google-issued Android Wear software upgrade. In the meantime, you can check out our review on the LG G Watch R.

Are you disappointed in the lack of Wi-Fi for the LG G Watch R? Let us know in the comments.

source: Android World

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22
May

Android 5.0 arrives for the Sony Xperia ZL, Z Ultra, ZR LTE and Tablet Z


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Sony’s substantial Android 5.0 Lollipop roll-out continues, with a host of older handsets all being treated to an update this week. Sony Xperia Z (LTE model), Xperia ZR (LTE model), Xperia ZL and Xperia Tablet Z owners should all keep an eye out for an OTA notification in the coming days, as updates have already begun rolling out.

The download, labelled 10.6.A.0.454 and weighing in at around 700MB, will update the list of Xperia devices to Android 5.0.2. It has been spotted as an over-the-air update in countries as far and wide as Hong Kong to the US, even on some carrier branded handsets, suggesting that this is a truly global rollout for these devices.

The update matches features which have already rolled out to Sony’s Xperia Z3, Z2 and other smartphones, including Priority Mode notifications, actionable lock screen notifications, Smart Lock, and the slightly redesigned user interface.

Given the age of some of these handsets, Sony should be commended to bringing Lollipop to so many devices in its extensive Xperia range. Don’t forget, Android 5.1.1 has also recently been spotted running on Sony’s Xperia Z3 smartphone too, so even more updates are likely already in the works.



22
May

Ire: Blood Memory is a new action RPG with great graphics and intense fights


ire blood memory

With a story line as frightening as the monsters populating its levels, Ire: Blood Memory is a new game by first-time developer Tenbirds. At its core, Ire: Blood Memory is a classic RPG game with Japanese influence. Fighting takes center stage, but a compelling story unfolds around you. It does take some training to actually fight the monsters instead of just looking at the stunning figures, because the graphics are quite good.

To feed into the RPG genre, Ire requires three elements to do well: tactics, upgrades, and grit. Oh, and a lot of patience. It will take a while to get used to playing this game, as it’s not as simple as it looks. The AI is really tough by itself, not counting the other players that will be also trying to kill you.

To this, each level will take multiple attempts to complete, and finding the right strategy is such an integral part of Ire. But the more you play, the better you become and with the forge being available to upgrade your gear, there is no reason why anyone should need the in-app purchases that are offered. The game rewards you well for skillful gameplay, and it supports achievements via Google Game Play Services.

Ire: Blood Memory looks like a rewarding, if difficult game, that’s worth putting some time into. And it’s free, so check it out now in the Play Store.



22
May

QuizUp’s latest update turns into a social network for trivia addicts


The popular trivia game QuizUp has been updated to version 2.0.0 bringing a slew of social-centric changes that make the update worthy of a round version number.

QuizUp has decided to blur the line between a social network and a trivia game. After receiving serious competition from Trivia Crack, QuizUp is now focusing on the social aspects of trivia game, to – hopefully – allow players to find and interact with people with similar interests.

The main screen of the app is now a kind of forum showing chatter concerning topics that you play most often. In the next tab is a list of active users that you can follow, chat with, or play with. If you do not wish to end up in this tab, there is a privacy setting to block your profile from the perusal of others. A tap on the lightning bolt icon takes you to your profile where you can view a few statistics and charts concerning the topics you play, and wins/loses.

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The head of Plain Vanilla Games Corp., Thor Fridriksson, stated concerning the new update: “When you are able to choose your topic, you are really describing one of your interests and interacting with someone who has that in common with you.” QuizUp has been designed to compliment Facebook, which Fridriksson says “isn’t really for meeting new people.”

If you are not already one of the more than 33 million people who play QuizUp, then now is the perfect time to get started. The app now has a web version too, and you can get the Android app from the Play Store.



22
May

Pebble Time will begin shipping to early backers on May 27th


Pebble Time

The Pebble team has just announced that the first batch of its new Pebble Time smartwatches will begin shipping out to early backers on Wednesday, May 27th. Production has been in full swing since the beginning of this month, and the company expects all Pebble Time Rewards to be manufactured by the end of May. All backers of the project should receive a tracking number by mid-June.

The company has also given a few updates on the status of the new mobile applications that will be specific to the Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel. Dubbed Pebble Time Watch, the app will let you set up and manage your new smartwatch. It’s also where you’ll find the new Pebble appstore that consists of color and Timeline-ready applications.

iOS My Pebble menus (left) and Android My Pebble menus (right)

New iOS app (left) and new Android app (right)

When it comes to setting up your Pebble Time, it looks like things will be a bit easier this time around. The Pebble team has posted a few videos explaining how to change watch faces and re-organize the main menu by using the app. Take a look at the video for more details:

Did you order a Pebble Time or Pebble Time Steel?



22
May

Apple’s Desire to Include Local Stations in Streaming TV Service Could Delay Launch Beyond WWDC


Apple’s desire to provide customers with live programming from local broadcasting stations in the United States could delay the company’s plans to launch a streaming TV service in early fall, according to Re/code. The report also cites industry executives that do not believe Apple has reached any content deals with TV programmers yet, making it unlikely that the web-based TV service is announced at WWDC next month.

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“Apple’s ambitions have complicated its negotiations with the broadcast TV networks, because most broadcasters don’t own all their local stations, and have an affiliate, or franchise system. Clearing the rights to show local programs and commercials takes some time — ABC, for instance, spent two years getting the rights to show live programming via its Watch ABC app, and its live streams remain limited to viewers in eight cities.”

The Wall Street Journal reported in March that Apple plans to unveil its streaming TV service at WWDC, anchored by popular networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox, ESPN and FX. The web-based TV service for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and other devices is expected to deliver a lightweight package of about 25 channels for between $30 to $40 per month. The report claimed that the service will be available in September.




22
May

Essentials for successful online meetings


When you’re hosting an online meeting, there are some tools that are indispensible. Communication is one of the most important parts of business today, and there are innumerable options of how to conduct interactions with both clients and staff. Whether you’re working with telecommuters or a long distance client, there are certain rules that every business professional should know about when it comes to online meetings.

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The Right Environment

Whether you’re having an online launch event or a weekly team meeting, one of the most important things to consider when you’re about to join or host a video conference is environment. There are certain standards that every team leader should take, such as making sure that once everyone is present, the meeting is ready to go.

For example, when having an online launch event, Business 2 Community advises that all participants tune in 15 minutes early and that everyone have headphones to filter out ambient noise. Using a system offered by a video conferencing provider like Bluejeans makes everything much easier. Online Meetings using Blue Jeans Video Conferencing is a step in the right direction in terms of establishing technical reliability and ease of access for your participants. Using a provider who you know will guarantee quality and not frustrate your colleagues is worth the investment. Therefore, the right environment is not only created by your dress and attitude, but also by your technical capability.

However, don’t forget that environment is also set by facial expressions and other visuals. When it comes to video conferencing, you have to make sure you’re giving off the right  vibe. Don’t forget that people can see your face and read your expressions. Although this can be a great boon when it comes to meetings and achieve effective results, you have to put in the work on your own end as well. Always be conscious of how you’re coming across in voice and expression, as well as the technical reliability.

The Right People

One of the most important elements that many meeting hosts miss is the importance of simply inviting the right people, according to Mikogo. It seems obvious, but in reality, many team leaders do not invite the right staff to attend video conference meetings, or even worse, ignore when essential team members aren’t available.

One of the key factors of identifying the right people to come to a meeting are the ones who are going to be able to make decisions then and there, and also your colleagues who have the gumption to suggest solutions. This is a powerful combination that no one would ever deny has a serious impact on the direction of a project, and it’s very important to always make sure you have at least a few of these players at your digital conference table. It’s not wise to proceed with a meeting if you can’t the participants you know are essential to the process. Meetings become redundant when only the same people attend and no one believes in the progress of the actual meeting subject anymore. Disenchanted employees are worse, in fact, than inactive ones. You need everyone to be on board with the project on which you’re working.

The Right Meeting Leader

Not everyone is cut out to lead a meeting. If you’re not the one moderating the video conference meeting, then you need to choose someone who will best fit the role. Mashable suggests someone should moderate who can keep the conversation going, make sure everyone has a chance to have their voice heard, and is familiar with the features of the video conferencing system.

This is extremely important, and you should obtain training on the video conference software that you’re going to be using. Although much of video conferencing interfaces are very user friendly these days, you still want to know your way around the system. For example, knowing specific features can be extremely helpful, even if they’re simple to use. Given that all video conferencing software is its own brand of interface and program, you’ll need to at least get used to how it works and where certain features are. Think of it as getting a new smartphone. This is a step in the right direction of appointing an effective team leader to moderate a digital meeting.

The Right Materials

Last, but not least, don’t forget the most basic of essentials: the right materials. This includes such standard documents as an agenda, as well as minutes from your last meeting, whether it took place via video conference or not. You always want to arm all of your participants with the right information for the topics at hand will ensure that you have a successful online meeting.

The difference between having a successful online meeting versus a failure can all be chalked up to some very minor details. It’s simply getting them right that will lead to success or not. Brush up on these tips and think through a strategy before you engage in a video conference meeting. Preparation is what will show you a sure way to success.

The post Essentials for successful online meetings appeared first on AndroidGuys.

22
May

Shazam finally adds support for Android Wear, brings music discovery and lyrics to your wrist


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I have to say that I was a little miffed when Shazam added support for the Apple Watch at launch, but never bothered to do the same with Android Wear, even after it was available for several months. Finally Shazam has given some love to the Android faithful with the latest update to the app.

Now the next time you hear a song that you aren’t sure about, you don’t have to whip out your phone. With just a couple of taps on your Android Wear watch, Shazam will tell you the name of the song after the app listens to it for a few seconds through the microphone on the watch. What’s even cooler is that you will also get the lyrics of the song on your watch, which is pretty cool.

Any song matches will be added to your My Shazam, which you will only be able to access from your phone. You will also need your phone in order to connect to Spotify, Deezer, or rdio.

So the next time you’re at a party and you want to show off something cool, just hold your arm up and Shazam it.

If you already have Shazam on your phone, you only need to update the app to start enjoying the goodness on your wrist. We have download links below.

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Play Store Download Link

 

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