Microsoft bringing digital assistant Cortana to Android and iOS
Microsoft is announcing that Phone Companion will be bringing Cortana to iOS and Android. The Redmond-based company plans on releasing separate apps for each mobile operating system, moving away from the digital assistant’s exclusivity to Microsoft products.
Cortana won’t be available on Android and iOS just yet, as Microsoft is only offering a sneak peak at the new apps today. But, we’ll see an official Android release come late June and an iOS release set for later this year.
Microsoft is attempting to make Cortana as seamless as possible on all mobile operating systems–you should be able to give it the same requests, whether you’re on Android or iOS. However, Microsoft does note that it won’t be nearly as powerful as it is on Windows because of the various integrations. Despite that, you will still be able to get notifications for all of your favorite content–sports, flights, weather, and more.
You can check out the full breakdown in the video below.
Click here to view the embedded video.
It’ll be interesting to see what Google brings to I/O this year in terms of Google Now, as this is a big shift from Microsoft. The real problem company’s are going to face is getting people to actively use these digital assistants. As of right now, people outside of the tech crowd aren’t “sold” that they need a digital assistant.
What do you think of Microsoft making Cortana cross-platform? It’s certainly one of the better moves Microsoft has made for its software. Let us know in the comments.
source: Windows Blog
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Get the LG G4 from T-Mobile, starting tomorrow
T-Mobile’s LG G4 will be launching through their online store tomorrow, May 26. If you can wait, T-Mobile should have the LG G4 in-stores come June 3. In either option, T-Mobile will be the first carrier in the US to offer the LG G4.
Pre-orders should begin shipping tomorrow, as well. If you’re just looking at getting the device through T-Mobile, you can pick up LG’s new flagship for $0 down, on a $25/mo payment plan for 24 months. There’s always the option of buying it outright for $599, too.
T-Mobile is making buying the LG G4 from them even sweeter, though. Purchasers will receive a free 128GB microSD card, while supplies last. This is a drastic upgrade from the 32GB solution LG is offering to US buyers. Not sure about the LG G4 just yet? Be sure to check out our hands-on video below.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Is anyone picking up the new LG G4 from T-Mobile tomorrow? Let us know in the comments.
source: T-Mobile
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Samsung patent application describes unique, dual-booting hardware
Samsung has filed a patent application for a new piece of hardware that would provide a dock for a “Phablet” that would then power the larger device in the form of a laptop computer. In the application, Samsung specifically mentions the device might be capable of booting to Android when the phablet is operated standalone, but to a different operating system like Windows 10 when in the companion device. Sources think this may represent a sign that Samsung has strengthened their partnership with Microsoft in an effort to compete against the Apple iPad in the enterprise market.
The device described in the Samsung patent contains several features which could make it appealing to business users. The first most obvious one is the form factor of a laptop giving users access to a built-in keyboard. Depending on how extensively the mobile device supplies computing power, the device may not have its own CPU or hard drive, meaning it could be built with a very thin and light profile.
In the patent application, Samsung notes that it may be possible for the device to display two operating systems at once when docked, with the smart phone displaying Android and the laptop screen displaying a Windows operating system. Samsung also leaves open the possibility that other operating systems could be combined on the device.
When not displaying dual operating systems, Samsung notes the mobile device could be set to operate as a touchpad when docked.
Is anyone going to keep their eyes open and jump on this device if Samsung brings this idea to market?
source: Patently Mobile
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T-Mobile shipping LG G4 online orders from tomorrow, with free 128GB card for early buyers
There seems to be a growing trend these days with online availability and advance releases. Both the Nexus 6 and the Galaxy S6/Edge were shipped out to those ordering online before their retail availability hit. T-Mobile is continuing this trend with the newly announced (and slightly controversial) LG G4. The latest and greatest smartphone staple from LG will begin its journey to customer’s hands this Wednesday, May 27th, a full week before the official in-store release date of June 3rd.
LG G4
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On top of this early access, there is some extra icing in the form of the Un-carrier’s decision to include a special bonus with the device. As we covered a few days earlier, LG is offering T-Mobile customers some sweet swag, as early adopters will receive a spare battery, a portable charging dock for said extra battery, and a 32GB microSD card via mail after registering their device. The deal is even more delicious, however, for those who order before June 21st will have their 32GB card upgraded to a whopping 128GB. As the press release indicates, said 128GB card needs to be applied for online, and will take 4-6 weeks to arrive just like the other bonus items.
It would seem as if Korean OEMs have become quite interested in offering extra value propositions to early adopters, as Samsung was giving a free Qi Wireless Charging Pad with the Galaxy S6, and last year (in select markets) had given away a free Wallet Case with the Galaxy Note Edge to pre-orders. With respect to the spare battery and charger however, there is some irony to be had, as both are included as standard accessories (free of charge) with LG and Samsung devices in their home market. Still, it never hurts to share the love.
The LG G4 will cost $0 up-front to “well qualified customers” and can be paid off in 24 installments of $24.99 per month. That works out to a retail price of $599.76. The complete press release follows below.
T-Mobile Opens Up Online Sales for LG G4 Tomorrow
128GB SD Card Offer Details: Ltd offer; expires 6/21/15. Subject to change. Participating locations; while supplies last. Card, redeem online by 7/6/15 at www.lgg4t-mobilepromo.com and enter the required information. Allow 4–6 weeks for fulfillment. Limit one (1) 128 GB SD card per person/per household. Sponsor: LG Electronics.
Device pricing for well-qualified customers. LG G4 $0 down + $24.99/mo x 24, Total: $599.76; if you cancel wireless service remaining balance on phone becomes due. 0% APR; O.A.C. Taxes & fees additional; total device tax due at sale.
Qualifying postpaid Simple Choice plan required. Music Freedom; song downloads, video content, and non-music audio content excluded. Operating system and preloaded content use a portion of the internal memory. Wi-Fi Calling: Capable phone & Wi-Fi connection req’d; may decrement plan minutes. Most devices will not transition between Wi-Fi and the wireless network. See your device’s User Manual &T-Mobile.com for service and device details. Data Stash: Unused high-speed data rolls up to 12 months. See T-Mobile.com for service and device details. T-Mobile and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. Un-carrier, Music Freedom, and Data Stash are trademarks of T-Mobile USA, Inc. © 2015 T-Mobile USA, Inc.
2015 Hyundai Sonata is the first car with Android Auto
It took more than a year, but cars running Android Auto are finally hitting the road and Hyundai has the honor of being first.
Hyundai announced today that it’s the first automaker to ship Android Wear on production vehicles, starting with the 2015 model of the Sonata with Navigation. Current owners of the popular midsize car can get a free upgrade to Android Wear by visiting a Hyundai dealership or, starting “later this summer,” by downloading Android Wear, copying it to an USB stick, and plugging it into the Sonata’s USB port. Note that you will need to have the compatible Navigation system in your car (Sonata Sport, Eco, Limited, Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models)
To get started with Android Wear, owners will need to connect their Android phone to the car via a microUSB cable. This will prompt the downloading of the corresponding companion app form Google Play.
Check out a demonstration of Hyundai’s Android Auto system from CES 2015.
Hyundai has embraced Android and mobile tech, offering features like Blue Link or a dedicated Android Wear app that can start Hyundai vehicles remotely. But the Korean manufacturer is just one of many carmakers adopting Android Auto starting this year. These include Audi, Volvo, GM, Ford and many others. Aftermarket head units are also available from Pioneer and other companies.
At Google I/O on Thursday, Google will likely announce some updates to Android Auto. One rumor suggests Google is going to bring more functionality directly to cars, as opposed to the current model, which sees the phone providing most functions.
Hyundai Is The First Automaker To Launch Android AutoAll-New Integration Available on Best-Selling Sonata
– First car company to launch Android Auto on production vehicles, starting with the 2015 Sonata with Navigation
– Free Android Auto software update available for current owners of 2015 Sonatas with Navigation
– Android Auto reduces driver distraction by integrating the driver’s smartphone with the vehicle’s screen and controls
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Hyundai becomes the first car company to launch Android Auto™ on production vehicles. Android Auto is premiering on the 2015 Sonata with Navigation at dealerships nationwide, and will later become available on other Hyundai models.
“Android Auto aligns with Hyundai’s core interior design principles of safety, intuitiveness and simplicity,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “We launched this highly anticipated feature on our best-selling Sonata, adding to our promise of value. With the launch of Android Auto, we provide more owners with the experience of cutting-edge technology.”
Android Auto not only brings a high technology experience to Hyundai owners, but also improves safety. For example, at any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.1 Android Auto helps keep drivers’ eyes and attention on the road by integrating the advanced driving-related functions of the user’s smartphone with the familiar centralized screen, physical controls and microphone of their car. Furthermore, the smartphone’s screen becomes “locked,” so drivers are not tempted to look down and interact with their phones directly while Android Auto is in use.
AVAILABILITY FOR EXISTING OWNERS
Owners of existing 2015 Sonata with Navigation can get the Android Auto software update free of charge at Hyundai dealers starting today. Later this summer, owners can visit www.hyundaiusa.com/myhyundai and download the Android Auto software onto a USB memory drive. Owners will need a MyHyundai account to start the Android Auto download. A MyHyundai account requires name, address and a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Once the USB with the Android Auto software is inserted into their Sonata’s USB port, it will automatically update the vehicle’s Navigation system to make it Android Auto compatible. The Android Auto compatible Navigation system with an eight-inch touchscreen display is available on the Sonata Sport, Eco, Limited, Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models.
ANDROID AUTO
Owners will need the Android 5.0 “Lollipop” operating system or later, and the Android Auto companion app on their compatible phone to integrate Android Auto into Sonata’s screen and controls. A micro USB cable is required to connect the phone to the car’s USB port.The first time an owner plugs his or her phone into their parked Sonata, the phone will prompt the download of the Android Auto companion app from the Google Play. Users of Android Auto will instantly recognize familiar Android phone applications, such as Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, phone calling and Google Play Music upon connecting their Android phone to their Hyundai vehicle. These applications can be controlled by voice, steering wheel controls and touchscreen. Android Auto also will offer many popular third-party audio apps that owners have on their phones, including iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn, NPR, Stitcher, Skype, TextMe and many more. Owners can find out up-to-date information about phone compatibility at https://support.google.com/androidauto.
Advantages of Android Auto
- The Google Now card-based experience provides suggested locations and travel times based on the user’s searches, calendar entries and home and office locations, as well as weather information and “now playing” information for music streamed via the phone
- App software (navigation, streaming music, etc.) is automatically updated because the apps live on the phone
- Natural voice recognition with Google voice actions
- Owners can easily bring their personal reminders, suggested destinations, calendar appointments and music preferences with them when they get in their car
- Android Auto automatically pairs with the Sonata for phone calls through Bluetooth when connected for the first time via USB
- Android Auto has familiar interfaces that are easy to use and have almost no learning curve
2015 HYUNDAI SONATA
The all-new seventh-generation 2015 Sonata offers a more refined look through a new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, stiffer body structure, better ride quality, reduced noise, vibration and harshness, and advanced safety and convenience features. Sonata truly democratizes the premium design and convenient technology of the Genesis sedan for the mid-size class. The new 2015 Hyundai Sonata is built at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant in Montgomery, Ala.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.
Twitter finally brings Periscope to the Google Play Store
After months of being an iOS exclusive, Twitter has finally brought its streaming application Periscope to the Google Play Store. The app lets you broadcast live streams directly to your Twitter account, notifying your followers when your broadcast begins. The Android version is very similar to its iOS counterpart, but with a few added features. More detailed notification settings are present on the Android version, as well as a ‘Return to Broadcasts’ feature that easily lets you return to the broadcast you were currently viewing if it gets interrupted by a phone call or text.
Overall, the app is pretty intuitive and basic. With the app, you can both stream and watch live video, replay feeds, chat with other viewers, create private streams, and much more. In the short time I’ve been using it I’ve experienced a ton of bugs and crashes, so you might want to keep that in mind before you download.
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Over a week ago, Periscope’s rival streaming app Meerkat came to the Google Play Store, so we knew Periscope’s Android launch wasn’t too far off. Meerkat has some nice features, but now that Twitter’s own streaming app is on Android, we’re not sure how long Meerkat will be around. In any case, Periscope is now available for all devices running Android 4.4 KitKat and above. Be sure to head to the download link below if you’re interested.
T-Mobile will offer the LG G4 on June 3
The smartphone will be available for purchase online starting May 27
T-Mobile has confirmed availability details for its version of the LG G4 smartphone. According to the wireless provider, the flagship device will be sold in store and online on June 3 with a full retail price of $599.76. The handset will break down to $24.99 per month over 24 months.
If interested in picking up the LG G4, customers can place an order for the phone beginning tomorrow, May 27. According to T-Mobile, the phone could arrive in hand before the June 3 launch.
As part of a promotion, T-Mobile will toss in a 128GB microSD memory card at no additional cost. The limited time deal runs through June 21.
T-Mobile will carry both the metallic silver and brown leather back version of the G4. The Un-carrier says it is the only provider to offer the brown leather model.
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The Complete 2015 Learn to Code Bundle, 94% off
Ever feel like you have an unfulfilled creative side that’s being repressed? Perhaps you’ve tried your hand at drawing, sculpting, playing music or cooking but have never moved past the “hobby” phase — yet the urge is still there. You’re reading AndroidGuys so chances are that you’re pretty tech-savvy and interested in the latest developments in mobile operating systems. You may also have a flair for coding and developing. Imagine being able to express your creativity and leverage your technological proclivities to make a bunch of money while doing it. The first step is to learn and we’ve got you covered with The Complete 2015 Learn to Code Bundle.
This bundle, composed of over 74 hours of training and 8 extensive courses, is everything you’ll need to cut your teeth in the world of developing. You’ll learn the ins and outs of crafting applications, building websites and getting involved in an industry where the pay is pretty darn good. You’ll have expert guidance and access to quality instructors whose goal is to help you become the best coder you can be. You’ll be exposed to Pyhton, Node.js, MongoDB, Ruby on Rails, PHP, Heroku and more. A comprehensive course like this would usually run you thousands of dollars but AndroidGuys can unlock their inner developer with this bundle for just $59!
See more at deals.androidguys.com
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Apple Patents Hybrid Keyboard With Touch-Sensitive Mechanical Keys [Mac Blog]
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today published a patent application filed by Apple in September 2011 (via AppleInsider), detailing a new keyboard that includes inputs for both traditional mechanical keystrokes along with a new touch-sensitive interface laid over each individual key.
The so-called “Fusion keyboard” would be able to detect the traditional swipe and zoom inputs of a MacBook trackpad, simply spread across the touch-sensitive interface of individual keys. The keyboard – noted to be both an integrated or external accessory, meaning the feature could come to both iMac and MacBook – could also allow for a sort of multi-touch input, meaning a user could simultaneously type something with their left hand while using a touch gesture for cursor control, for example, with the other.
Notably, the new keyboard patent also includes two-position mechanical switches that perform certain tasks at different levels of pressure, unlike the single-position design of not only the Mac line but most keyboards used today. The first level of pressure could act as a normal text input, while the second level could generate some alternative command similar to that of a mouse click. Although no indication of increased forceful pressure is described in the new patent, the two-position switches do sound akin to Apple’s new Force Touch technology which debuted on the Apple Watch and is now found on the company’s MacBook trackpad.
Although Apple debuted a new kind of lighter butterfly mechanism keyboard with the new 12-inch Retina MacBook, the patent described today could be aimed at either the beefier line of MacBook Pro and iMac models, or some unannounced update yet to come. Like with every other patent, it’ll be quite a long time before we see any tangible manifestations of today’s patent, if ever, but it’s still an intriguing glimpse at the company’s possible future.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition official, launches May 27
After weeks of teasers, Samsung and Marvel today have made the Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition official. The Iron Man-clad smartphone is set to go on sale in Korea tomorrow, May 27.
In the package, you get a vibrant red and gold Iron Man themed Galaxy S6 Edge, packed with 64GB of internal storage. You also get a clear cover and a matching wireless charger in the form of an arc reactor.
Iron Man fans all across the world will want to get their hands on this luxury device. Unfortunately, the device will only be available in Korea on May 27 and Hong Kong some time in June. There’s been no word on a US release or a European launch. That said, if you’re wanting one of these devices, after tomorrow, you’ll have to compete for it on eBay or grab a plane ticket to Asia.
Click here to view the embedded video.
While the Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition looks gorgeous, it isn’t without its disappointments. In Samsung and Marvel’s collaboration, they seem to have forgotten to replace Google Now with J.A.R.V.I.S. Of course, finding an Infinity Stone in this new edition would certainly make up for that. Wouldn’t that throw Thanos for a spin?
Will you be trying to get your hands on this new edition?
source: Samsung
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AIVAnet 