Skip to content

Archive for

1
May

Cyanogen platform SDK in the works, will allow devs to integrate certain CM features


New Cyanogen logo

As Cyanogen marches forward with its lofty goal of putting a bullet through Google’s head, you’re likely to see the ROM maker do as much as possible to help set its software aside from stock Android. One such change is the new Cyanogen Platform SDK.

.rvs_wrapper
width: 335px;

.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;

.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;

.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;

.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;

@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;

#page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;

The upcoming SDK will eventually allow developers to integrate CM specific features into their apps. This includes things like proxies, screen-off gestures, and even custom quick setting tiles. The latter of these is the first part of the API that will be made available to developers, but is just the beginning of bolder ambitions. Of course, Cyanogen will first need to convince enough developers to actually utilize its SDK, but at the very least you can probably expect many of the smaller indie developers to jump onboard.

The open source project can be followed on GitHub and the CM code review page. There’s also a G+ community, but there’s no active community posting there just yet.



1
May

New video details Samsung Galaxy S6 edge production


There’s little denying that the Samsung Galaxy S6 is one of the most stunning phones Samsung has ever built, from a design perspective at the very least. This is even more so with the case of the GS6 edge, which offers a dual-edge design that is like nothing else currently on the market.

Even though the S6 Edge is already selling briskly and Samsung is having trouble keeping up with the demand, Samsung is still doing its part to keep the hype up that’s surrounding the latest and greatest from the Korean giant. In a new advert, Samsung showcases the Edge and talks about all the work and materials that go into the design of the GS6 Edge. The technical details here are actually somewhat lacking, but it’s still a nice video that gets the point across. We do learn that Samsung bends the Gorilla Glass on the front at 800°C and that they utilize aerospace grade aluminum for the frame but that’s about as far as it goes.

Related videos

.rvs_wrapper
width: 335px;

.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;

.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;

.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;

.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;

@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;

#page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;

What do you think of Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge? Worth the premium over its more ‘standard’ brother, the Galaxy S6? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.



1
May

Motorola joins the “Make in India” fray


motorola_bangalore

The government of India has launched a policy called “Make in India” which attempts to entice manufacturers to open plants in the country for goods that will ultimately be sold there. Initially the policy is drawing a lot of attention, especially from smartphone manufacturers who see India as a prime market given its status as the fastest growing market on the globe at the present time. We have already seen companies like Xiaomi, Sony, and HTC comment that they are not only working on a sales strategy for the country, but that they are looking at opening manufacturing facilities in India as well. Marcus Frost, Motorola Mobility’s global senior marketing director for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific says the company is exploring “the possibilities of India manufacturing, considering we are significantly growing sales in India and the smartphone market here holds enormous potential.”

The Indian market is growing quickly on the strength of low- and mid-tier devices, so Motorola is in a good spot relative to that market with their Moto E and Moto G devices. Motorola currently holds about 3% of the Indian smartphone market, which trails behind leaders like Micromax and Samsung and even other companies like Sony.

Motorola has operated a manufacturing facility in India in the past, although that plant was shut down in 2013 as part of cost reduction efforts while under Google ownership. Sources say the plant is idle and could spin back up rather quickly if Motorola wanted to go in that direction. Motorola also has a research and development facility in Bengaluru, India.

Front says that while Lenovo is now Motorola’s parent company, and the two parts of the whole actually compete against each other in the Indian market, the Motorola global team will work independently to make a decision as to whether production in India fits in with their global strategy.

source: The Economic Times

Come comment on this article: Motorola joins the “Make in India” fray

1
May

New video from Samsung highlights manufacturing of the Galaxy S6 edge


samsung_galaxy_s6_edge_designing_possible_video

Samsung has released a new video showing some of the manufacturing steps used to produce the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge. Samsung notes that production of the device required some engineering firsts, like adding the curve to the Gorilla Glass. Samsung notes that the industry’s hardest glass had to be heated up to 800 degrees Celsius in order to be curved for use on the device. Meanwhile, the “aerospace-grade” aluminum is carved with diamond encrusted tools and the texture of the device is applied using microscopic ceramic grains. Samsung also notes the colors used on the Galaxy S6 edge each have their own custom reflection pattern.

Hit the break to check out the short promo video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Come comment on this article: New video from Samsung highlights manufacturing of the Galaxy S6 edge

1
May

Verizon awards 1GB bonus data to prepaid customers who opt for auto pay


verizon_prepay

Verizon has announced that they are launching a special bonus for prepaid customers to entice them to enroll in auto pay. Verizon is providing an additional 1GB of data to customers who sign up for auto pay. The additional block of data will be available after the first successful auto pay is made and according to Verizon will continue on a monthly basis as long as the customer stays enrolled. Verizon has extended the offer to their current customers who are already enrolled in auto pay.

Verizon offers a couple prepaid plans. For $45 per month users can get 1 GB of data, so this new offer will double the amount of data they have available. Users could also get a 2.5 GB per month plan for $60 and with this latest bonus, they would have access to 3.5 GB of data per month.

If you are a Verizon prepaid customer or may be thinking about signing up, hit the source link for more information on this latest deal and how to get a prepaid plan.

source: Verizon

Come comment on this article: Verizon awards 1GB bonus data to prepaid customers who opt for auto pay

1
May

LG is working on a scaled-down variant of the G4


LG_G4_From_NYC_02

It’s only been a couple of days since LG unveiled its flagship smartphone of 2015, the G4, and today, if a listing on a Dutch retailer’s website is anything to go by, it looks like a smaller variant of the handset is in the works.

According to The Central Point webpage, the scaled-down version of the G4 has been dubbed the G4C and carries model number LG-h525N. The listing also states that the device will launch on Tuesday, May 12, with a $330 price tag.

Unfortunately, we have no information with regards to specifications at this state, but it shouldn’t be too much longer before we know more.

Source: Central Point

Come comment on this article: LG is working on a scaled-down variant of the G4

1
May

VLC for Android updated with background playback for video


Download-VLC-for-Android-0-0-11-Beta-3

VideoLabs is currently rolling out a new update for its official VLC for Android application via the Play Store. In terms of added functionality, this upgrade brings users the video background playback facility, the long-awaited Material Design makeover and much, much more.

The full changelog can be seen below:

  • VLC now supports the background playback for video. Audio Delay control is also activated.
  • There is a new look in the audio player, in the side bar, a new Album View, an improved search behavior, more Lollipop effects, a simplified the video player controller and a new file browser.
  • On the backend, we fixed hardware acceleration for TS files, we support audio scrobblers, fixed SD cards browsing, added better logging and updated codecs.

If you’d like to install the update — hit the source link below.

Source: Play Store

 

Come comment on this article: VLC for Android updated with background playback for video

1
May

Note 3 LTE’s in Poland now receiving Lollipop update


note_3_red

Samsung is finally rolling out the long-awaited Android 5.0 update to all LTE variants of the Galaxy Note 3 located in Poland. As far as added functionality goes, this upgrade transports the latest build of Lollipop to the handset, in addition to a multitude of bug fixes and stability improvements.

Hit the break for the full changelog.

  • Material Design: You will quickly notice a whole new colorful look and feel to your device – from fluid animations to new application and system themes, colors and widgets.
  • Notifications UI & Priorities: In order to alert you to the mosttimely and relevant information, the format and behavior of notifications have evolved:
    • notifications will appear on the lock screen and are intelligently ranked by type and who sent them.
    • you double-tap to open one, swipe left or right to clear one, or clear all notifications from the bottom of the list.
    • you can set the priority and privacy of notifications for each application.
    • very high priority notifications will pop up briefly over other applications so that you can take action.
    • when you dismiss a notification on one device it will be dismissed on your other Android devices, if they are connected to the Internet.
    • you can further tailor how notifications behave with the new Downtime and Ambient Display settings (see below).
  • New Interruptions & Downtime Settings: You can tailor how interruptions behave, choosing to allow all, none, or only priority interruptions.  You can personalize what counts as a priority interruption (reminders, events, calls, messages) and even tailor them to be from only contacts you specify.  The Downtime setting will allow only priority interruptions during the times and days that you specify.  e.g. allow only priority interruptions on the weekend.
  • Recent Apps (Multi-tasking): The redesigned Overview space (formerly called Recents) will include both applications and separate activities within those applications.  For instance, each open tab in Chrome will also appear here along with recent applications; both your Gmail Inbox and a draft email message will appear as separate cards.  This provides a consistent way to switch amongst tasks.
  • Flashlight: Lollipop includes a new flashlight option as part of Quick settings (swipe down with two fingers from the status bar to see it).
  • Pin a view/app: Screen pinning allows you to keep a specific app or screen in view. For example, you can ‘pin’ a game and your child will not be able to navigate anywhere else on your phone.
  • Battery: The Battery settings panel now shows an estimated projection for how much time you have left while discharging or charging.  You can also enable a new battery saver mode that will save power by reducing performance and most background data operations to extend your battery life.
  • Smarter Internet Connections: With Android Lollipop, your phone will not connect to a Wi-Fi access point unless there is a verified Internet connection. This feature improves hand-offs between Wi-Fi and cellular connections, helping to maintain your video chat or voice-over-IP (VoIP) call as you switch.
  • Performance: Your phone now uses the new Android Runtime to help optimize application performance.  After upgrading to Lollipop, your applications will undergo a one-time optimization process.  Note that the optimization for ART requires more space.
  • Security: Encryption can now use a stronger 256-bit key to help protect your data.  Note that the stronger key willonly be used after you perform a factory reset on Android Lollipop.  Otherwise encryption will continue to use 128-bit key.  You can turn on encryption in the Security settings menu.

As is customary with all manufacturer updates, the upgrade is being rolled out in stages, but if you don’t feel like waiting for a notification confirming that it’s ready for your device, you can search for the update manually.

Come comment on this article: Note 3 LTE’s in Poland now receiving Lollipop update

1
May

The HTC One M9 can finally capture uncompressed images


Look, sometimes it takes a little while for things to reach their full potential. Or does it? In our review of the HTC One M9, we talked about how lackluster the smartphone’s camera is, especially when compared to rival flagships like the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S6. That said, HTC has released an update to its standalone camera app that will make quite a few people happy. Available now on Google Play, this version of the HTC Camera is finally getting RAW support, which will let those of you with an M9 start capturing uncompressed image files — unfortunately, that’s the only device compatible with the new feature. You can grab the refreshed app right now — and once you’ve taken it for a spin, be sure to share your thoughts with us.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, HTC

Comments

Source: Google Play

1
May

A tearful tech demo from the studio behind ‘Final Fantasy’


Square Enix, the studio responsible for the famously pretty Final Fantasy series, routinely creates tech demos for the latest and greatest gaming systems, and this week it added one more to that repertoire. During Microsoft’s BUILD dev conference, Square Enix showed off a real-time DirectX 12 tech demo called WITCH: Chapter 0 [cry]. True to its name, this demo includes a crying woman — Agni from previous Square Enix tech demos — and all of the wonky facial animations that come with such an activity. WITCH features 63 million polygons per scene, “six to 12 times more” than what was possible with DirectX 11, Microsoft says. Check out the real-time demo below and note that while the animations certainly are pretty, there isn’t much going on in these scenes in terms of AI or NPC population.

Filed under: Gaming, HD, Microsoft, NVIDIA

Comments

Source: Nvidia