Nestle and Google team up to re-brand the KitKat bar as ‘YouTube Break’
Ah, that famous jingle, “Give me a break, give me a break, break me off a piece of that… YouTube Break?” Wait… that’s not right, or is it? Apparently, Nestle and Google are teaming up for a new partnership that will see the standard KitKat bar re-branded as the “YouTube Break” for a run of 600,000 candy bars in the UK and Ireland. This marks the second time Nestle and Google collaborated on such a project, the first time obviously being when Android 4.4 arrived as KitKat instead of the oft-rumored Key Lime Pie.
This time around, the re-branding is in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of YouTube and the 80th anniversary of the KitKat bar. So we know it’s too celebrate two anniversaries, but what exactly is the connection between YouTube and KitKat? At least according to Google UK’s David Black:
It’s great to see KitKat consumers are huge fans of YouTube and, along with our 1 billion users, regard YouTube as a favourite source of entertainment. With half of YouTube views now on mobile devices, ‘YouTube my break’ is a fun way for more people to interact on the channel and enjoy the best videos available. With up to 300 hours of video content uploaded to YouTube every minute, the top trending videos are likely to be changing all the time, making each new search as exciting as the last.
In addition to creating the re-branded candy bars, searching YouTube for “YouTube my Break” will also bring up the top four trending videos of the day, alongside a KitKat ad. As far as we can tell, the candy bar side of the promotion will not be seen in other markets like the United States, though we’ll be sure to update you if that changes.
FDP 016: Android M and LG G4
The gang gets together for another episode of the FDP! Yes, we changed the name of the podcast and in the beginning of this spirited conversation the team talks about why it happened. Jonathan Feist, Joseph Hindy, Andrew Grush, and Nirave Gondhia join Joshua Vergara for a longer talk this week as they go through a number of different topics. They think of what the new Android M iteration might be called (and, true to form, Joe comes up with a left-field answer) and then get into what features they would want from the next iteration of Google’s mobile operating system. A talk about the newly reviewed LG G4 rounds out the conversation, including a much needed discussion about how we view good battery life.
The FDP by Android Authority – discussing topics in Android every week.
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Recorded on May 7, 2015 – Hosted and Produced by Joshua Vergara
Samsung Gear SDK reveals more circular Gear details: rotating bezel and more
Last month Samsung announced its intention to offer the next-gen Gear SDK to developers ahead of their next watch’s announcement. The rumor mill suggests that the next Gear won’t actually arrive until IFA, but that’s not stopping Samsung from releasing the SDK.
Interested developers can now grab the SDK and dive in, giving them plenty of time to develop great apps for the next-gen circular Gear. For us non-developers, however, the SDK also gives us a peak at what to expect from Samsung’s next smartwatch. We already knew that the watch would offer a circular screen, but thanks to some digging into the SDK’s documentation by SamMobile, we know even more.
First, it seems that the watch will also offer a rotating bezel that will allow it to navigate the software, sort of like Apple’s Digital Crown, but different. Second, its display is said to be a circular 1.65-inch screen with a resolution of 360×360 and 305ppi. Lastly, we also learn a bit more about the sensors that will be on board, such as the heart-rate monitor, magnetic sensor, and pressure sensor. You’ll also find connectivity options like Wi-Fi, cellular radio, and GPS.
Judging by the details found in the SDK, Samsung is really taking their time with this one, with the aim of offering something that truly one-ups Android Wear, Apple Watch, and its other competitors. Whether Samsung can exceed at this goal remains unseen, but please share your thoughts on Project Orbis (aka Gear A) in the comments below.
Smartwatch competitors
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Extreme Trio 10000mAh battery pack w/ built-in charger cables, 41% off
“No one man should have all that power.”
It’s a catchy quote from the King Crimson-sampled Kanye West song but I don’t think Yeezy considered what it felt like to be staring down the barrel of a 1% battery level indicator when he penned that memorable line. The rest of us, without the surname of West, need power for the ever-expanding list of devices that we carry — or wear — on an everyday basis and, as everyone reading this can attest to, there’s just not always a power outlet within your reach.
So… what do you do, hotshot? You turn to the Extreme Trio 10,000.
The Extreme Trio 10,000 is a portable battery pack that’s as attractive as it is powerful. With 10,000 mAh of battery and the ability to charge 3 devices at once, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything nearly as formidable on the market.
The Trio is designed with built-in Micro USB and Lightning cables, a USB port and a well-lit LCD display to show remaining charge time, battery life and charging speed. Slim, sleek and packing a punch, the Extreme Trio 10,000 regularly sells for $85 but AndroidGuys readers can take advantage of this deal for just $49.99!
See more at deals.androidguys.com
The post Extreme Trio 10000mAh battery pack w/ built-in charger cables, 41% off appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 images leaked revealing metal frame, home button
While the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is still a month away, its leaked images have already revealed a chunk of its specifications including a metal chassis and a physical home button.
According to images revealed by leakster @OnLeaks on Twitter, the successor of the Galaxy Tab S shares a clear resemblance with the Galaxy Tab A. Also, it is apparent from the images that power and volume buttons are situated on the right hand side along with microSD and SIM-card slots. It is being said that the home button may double up as a fingerprint sensor.
No official launch date or information have emerged so far but the leaks suggest that the Galaxy Tab S2 will come in 8-inch and 9.7-inch variants. Both slates are rumoured to feature similar specifications such as 1536p Super AMOLED display, 64-bit octa-core Exynos processors and a duo of 8-megapixel rear camera and 2.1-megapixel selfie camera.
In the memory department, these tablets may come with 3GB RAM and 32GB expandable storage. On the connectivity front, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 will have all the new age connectivity options including dual-SIM, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac/b/g/n, LTE Cat 6. Running on Android 5.0 out of the box, the tablet may have some Wi-Fi only variants too.
The post Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 images leaked revealing metal frame, home button appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 images leaked revealing metal frame, home button
While the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is still a month away, its leaked images have already revealed a chunk of its specifications including a metal chassis and a physical home button.
According to images revealed by leakster @OnLeaks on Twitter, the successor of the Galaxy Tab S shares a clear resemblance with the Galaxy Tab A. Also, it is apparent from the images that power and volume buttons are situated on the right hand side along with microSD and SIM-card slots. It is being said that the home button may double up as a fingerprint sensor.
No official launch date or information have emerged so far but the leaks suggest that the Galaxy Tab S2 will come in 8-inch and 9.7-inch variants. Both slates are rumoured to feature similar specifications such as 1536p Super AMOLED display, 64-bit octa-core Exynos processors and a duo of 8-megapixel rear camera and 2.1-megapixel selfie camera.
In the memory department, these tablets may come with 3GB RAM and 32GB expandable storage. On the connectivity front, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 will have all the new age connectivity options including dual-SIM, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac/b/g/n, LTE Cat 6. Running on Android 5.0 out of the box, the tablet may have some Wi-Fi only variants too.
The post Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 images leaked revealing metal frame, home button appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Third-Party Apple Watch Cases Provide Options for Improved Protection [iOS Blog]
Alongside the launch of the Apple Watch, many third-party businesses have found room to expand their organizations, or create completely new ones, with various collections of charging stands, band swapping websites, and even more rugged cases for Apple’s new wearable. These cases, it should be noted, work in conjunction with Apple’s previously existing band options.
One of the more notable accessory manufacturers to throw its hat into the Apple Watch case ring is Speck, with a line of multi-colored cases for the Apple Watch, called CandyShell Fit, launching later this month. Speck promises the CandyShell Fit is perfect for customers with an intensely active lifestyle, as it “provides full bezel protection to guard the smartwatch’s glass screen, defend against shock, and allow complete access to the digital crown and side button.”
The CandyShell Fit Case by Speck
“You only need to do a few things to protect Apple Watch, but you have to do them perfectly and minimally, and in a way that fully honors the design of the device,” said Bryan Hynecek, Speck VP of Design. “Speck is about giving people the courage to live their life fully and completely with Apple Watch on, exactly as it was intended to be used.”
The case combines a hard polycarbonate outer layer shell and a TPU interior to work in combination at providing exterior and interior shock absorption, respectively. The case includes a slightly raised bezel above the Apple Watch touch screen – about 1.5mm – in order to act as a protective bumper between the Watch and outside environment. As exepcted, the CandyShell Fit has been put through a test of basic high intensity activities to see its reaction to sweat, high temperatures and even basic sunscreens and lotions. Speck says the new Apple Watch case will launch in multiple colors “later this month” and be priced at $29.99.
Popular accessory manufacturer Spigen also has a range of Apple Watch accessories on its website, from stands to screen protectors. It also provides a diverse array of durable cases for the Watch, providing various degrees of thickness and protection to customers interested in protecting their Apple Watch. Ranging in price from $14.99 to $24.99, Spigen provides increasing degrees of drop and hazard defense to the Apple Watch in multiple color options – including a transparent “liquid crystal” version. The company also promises each case provides full availability to the Watch’s heart rate sensor and two side buttons.
The Rugged Armor Case by Spigen
A few MacRumors forum members have posted screenshots and short reviews on some models offered by Spigen. Most users note the general addition of bulk onto the somewhat slim basic Apple Watch case, but if true protection is desired it doesn’t appear to be too bad of a trade off.
Another durability-focused Apple Watch case, called The Bumper, began taking pre-orders a few weeks ago and plans to begin shipping sometime in June. The Bumper’s ultra-resistant rubber material allows for ease of use when inserting and removing the Apple Watch, with the 360 degree shock absorbing case providing full access to the touch screen, Digital Crown, contacts button, speaker, microphone, and heart rate sensor.
The Bumper by ActionProof
The case also appears to be the only third-party Apple Watch case that provides protection to the Digital Crown while still allowing Apple’s new input device to be fully rotated and pressed. The Bumper will be available in white, black, and orange, and those interested can pre-order The Bumper right now for $35 on ActionProof’s official website.
With the nascence of the Apple Watch, there will no doubt be more and more options for various protection-related Apple Watch accessories as we move further into the year, with other companies getting their hands on their own models of the wearable. Given that some of these manufacturers created useful accessories before even having an Apple Watch in hand, it’ll be interesting to see what other third-party companies do moving forward.
Apple Tops Greenpeace Clean Energy Index Based on Renewable Energy Initiatives
Apple continues to set the bar among technology companies for its commitment to running its worldwide operations on renewable energy, topping Amazon, Facebook, Google, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Yahoo and other large corporations in Greenpeace’s Clean Energy Index included as part of its 2015 Click Clean Report [PDF].
“The report found that Apple continues to be the most aggressive in powering its data center operations with renewable energy. Despite continued rapid growth, Apple appears to have kept pace with its supply of renewable energy, maintaining its claim of a 100% renewably powered cloud for another year, followed by Yahoo, Facebook and Google with 73%, 49% and 46% clean energy respectively. Greenpeace found that Amazon’s current investments would deliver an energy mix of 23% renewable energy for its operations.”
The annual report is based on energy transparency, renewable energy commitment and policy, energy efficiency and mitigation, and renewable energy deployment and advocacy, all categories in which Apple received an A, the highest score awarded. Apple was the only technology company with a perfect scorecard in the report.
Greenpeace has been evaluating the energy demand of the internet and internet-related companies since 2010. The non-governmental environmental activist group was critical of Apple’s environmental record for several years, and remained skeptical about the company’s early push into renewable energy sources, but started recognizing and commending the iPhone maker for its efforts beginning last year.
Greenpeace’s full-length 2015 Click Clean Report [PDF] offers in-depth information about environmental initiatives that Apple and other technology companies have been undertaking, renewable energy for the cloud, powering data centers with renewable energy, a road map to a green internet and more. It also explains the methodology behind its letter-based scoring system.
Break me off a piece of that YouTube bar
Remember when Google teamed up with Nestle and went and named a flavor of Android after a four-fingered chocolate bar? Turns out it wasn’t the last we’d see from this unlikely partnership. To celebrate 80 years since the KitKat went on sale, the two companies announced today that 600,000 “limited edition” packs will feature the name “YouTube Break” instead of the familiar KitKat logo in the UK. According to Nestle, it’ll form just one of 72 different “breaks” that will feature on more than 400 wrapper designs. The plan is to produce 100 million packs, with the search giant only playing a small role. That said, YouTube will get involved, allowing smartphone owners to watch the day’s top trending videos with a “OK Google, YouTube my break” voice search. If you didn’t think things could get more sickly sweet, Google and Nestle just proved you wrong.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Google
Via: Nestle
Imagination shrinks down its ‘Raspberry Pi on steroids’
It was just under a year ago that Imagination Technologies launched its “Raspberry Pi on steroids,” the MIPS Creator CI20. Now that Maker Faire is upon us, the company has taken the opportunity to present its second-generation hardware, the, uh, new MIPS Creator CI20. The most obvious change is skin-deep, since the v2.0 board now comes with a smaller, squarer body that’s designed to improve wireless performance.
Spec-wise, the hardware remains unchanged, with the same MIPS/PowerVR chip and graphics combo, 1GB RAM, 8GB on-board storage, as well as an SD-card slot, USB and Ethernet-out ports. The version of Android 4.4 that the board runs has been tweaked, however, to address persistent issues with sound over HDMI and Ethernet connectivity. Meanwhile, if you’re using Debian Linux 3.18, you’ll find a new binary is available with improvements in the memory and graphics departments. You’ll also now have access to FlowCloud, the company’s plug-and-play Internet of Things system, for instance letting you build simple home automation applications, like a temperature-controlled fan.
If we’re being generous, the original board wasn’t the most graceful piece of hardware, and the company has made the squared-off sequel much easier to mount in a case. Speaking of which, Imagination is also offering the plans for a 3D-printed outer shell free of charge, and will allow makers to play with them as they see fit.
You may be wondering why Imagination, a British chip designer, is trying to muscle in on the Raspberry Pi’s turf at all. It’s a little complicated, but the point is that it’s all down to the ARM chip that is located at the heart of the Pi’s board. ARM and Imagination are both fabless chip outfits, located an hour’s drive away from each other in the UK. The former makes the CPUs that you’ll find in a big proportion of the world’s smartphones and tablets, while Imagination makes the PowerVR graphics hardware that’s often tucked beside.
Unfortunately, like the Williams sisters when they’re not playing doubles tennis, each one would much rather be top dog on their own, thank you very much. ARM, for instance, produces Mali graphics hardware that can push its down-the-road frenemy out into the cold. Imagination’s response, naturally, was to pick up a rival mobile CPUI maker in the hope of avoiding such an attack. Of course, given ARM’s huge popularity, Imagination is hoping to get itself lodged into the hearts and minds of the next generation — opening the MIPS architecture to academic institutions and hobbyists. Perhaps the hope is that, years down the line, more people will be familiar with Imagination’s gear than ARMs, and the tide will turn in their favor.
Right now, that means that Imagination is handing out these pretty sweet boards for not much money at all. If you’re in the Bay Area and turn up to the company’s stand at Maker Faire, you’ll be able to pick one up for a $10 discount. If not, then you’ll have to wait in line and make your pre-order like everyone else.
Source: Imagination Technology Store, Imagination Technology
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