Microsoft’s working on an Android launcher of its own
Microsoft hasn’t been shy to create miscellaneous software for Android. In the past, the company’s released a smart lock screen and even made a keyboard designed to be used with Excel. Now Microsoft is working on its own Android launcher, currently dubbed Arrow Launcher Beta. As the name reveals, this is an early version of the product, and you can only get access to it by signing up for an invite to the testing program. So how does it work? The Arrow Launcher is sleek and straightforward, offering a quick view of three main pages: People, Apps and Notes & Reminders. Those pages, according to Microsoft News, can’t be removed or have others added to them — likely to keep things concise. You can give it a try by downloading the APK, but you’ll need to request a proper invite to receive updates after the install.
[Image credit: Microsoft News]
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Via: Android Community
Source: Microsoft News
Apple, Google join White House pledge to fight climate change
Some of the US’ bigger tech firms have already made conspicuous efforts to embrace clean energy and otherwise tackle climate change, but they’re reinforcing that commitment today. Apple, Google and Microsoft are among the 13 corporate giants helping the White House launch the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, which encourages companies to cut pollution and use sustainable resources. The tech industry members aren’t really changing course (they’re already using or moving to 100 percent energy, for example). However, they’re definitely showing how their bread is buttered — they’re “setting an example” for others, and pushing for good results from the climate negotiations in Paris this year. Think of the pledge as both a publicity grab as well as a formal acknowledgment of ongoing work.
[Image credit: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite]
Filed under: Misc, Apple, Microsoft, Google
Source: White House, Google, Microsoft
Apple Music Exclusively Debuts Keith Richards ‘Trouble’ Video
Continuing on with its stream of exclusive content, Apple Music is today premiering the video for Keith Richards’ latest single, “Trouble.” The video is exclusively available through Apple Music Connect on Keith Richards’ page on the artist-focused social networking site.
Because the video is shared on Apple Music Connect, it does not require an Apple Music subscription to watch. Designed to let fans connect with artists, Apple Music Connect’s content is all available for free and will continue to be free after people’s three-month free trials expire.
Exclusive video premiere of “Trouble” from Keith Richards (@officialKeef) is now on #Connect! http://t.co/A2hdB371cU pic.twitter.com/397EIQ0n8h
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) July 27, 2015
“Trouble” is the newest single from Rolling Stones member Keith Richards, originally released in mid-July. The single is part of his upcoming album, Crosseyed Heart, which is his first solo album in over 20 years. The full album is set to be released on September 18.
Alongside the debut of the “Trouble” music video on Apple Music Connect, Keith Richards also did an interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1 radio. It will replay tonight at 10:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Apple uses exclusive content and interviews as a way to lure customers and distinguish itself from the myriad other music services available, and has premiered videos like Pharrell’s “Freedom” and Eminem’s “Phenomenal.” A recent rumor has suggested some of the exclusive videos Apple has offered, including Drake’s “Energy,” have been developed in-house with Apple working alongside artists to produce content for Apple Music.
Google rethinks Google+ and plans changes
Over on its official blog, Google tells that it is planning changes in relation to Google+. The company has divided this into two phases: tightening its focus on the platform itself and removing Google+ integration from its other services.
For the first phase, it is removing features it believes “aren’t essential to an interest-based social experience out of Google+.” Google+ Photos is one such an example. Many of its features already have been moved to Google Photos. In addition, Hangouts and other apps will receive location sharing.
As for the second phase, the company explains that it has heard the criticism of users not wanting their Google+ profile to be their identity for all other services.
The biggest outcry in relation to this potentially came from YouTube users whom, for whatever reasons, did not want to use their real names on that platform. Google gave them the ability to use aliases and nicknames at a later time, but a Google+ page still was associated with that account’s name. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that YouTube will be one of the first products to remove this integration.
Google stresses that the accounts tied to its services will remain unsearchable and cannot be followed.
Lastly, these changes will be released in set stages over the next several months.
Source: Google’s Official Blog
The post Google rethinks Google+ and plans changes appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung Galaxy J1 selling well in the UK
The cheapest 4G LTE smartphone Samsung makes is their new Galaxy J1. It was launched earlier this year in a few select markets. The affordable price is what really appeals to customers and in particular customers in the UK.
A leaked image of a stock update for Three UK employees shows that the Galaxy J1 is “heavily constrained” as they are in need of more stock. The Galaxy J1 is said to be in high demand in the UK because it only cost £8 per month on contract or £59.99 unlocked.
The price and 4G LTE capabilities is hard to beat, but the rest of the specs aren’t as great. It only has a 4.3-inch WVGA LCD display, Cortex-A7 processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage with microSD card support and 5-megapixel rear camera as well as running Android 4.4 KitKat.
Source: Android Authority
Via: Sammobile
Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy J1 selling well in the UK
Samsung is apparently working on a ‘selfie drone’
A new report claims that Samsung is building a selfie drone codenamed ‘Project Selfie Camera Drone’. According to Sammobile, the new device Samsung is working on could be something similar to the Lily camera, a drone that would follow you while video-recording you.
Details regarding the drone are not yet available, and the project has not yet been finalized. OnePlus launched its own drone a few months ago, the OnePlus DR-1, and the Samsung Selfie Drone might just be a way to compete in the growing drone market.
Samsung hasn’t confirmed anything at the moment.
Source: Sammobile
Come comment on this article: Samsung is apparently working on a ‘selfie drone’
HD images of the soon-to-be released OnePlus 2 have leaked
A beta tester from China that apparently has a hold on the upcoming OnePlus 2 has leaked high-defenition photos of the device that will be unveiled today at 7pm Pacific Time.
The beta tester posted a few words concerning his opinion of the device along with the photos;
“I am a beta tester from China
I have used the new OnePlus 2 for a few week
Ugly design, but the crafting is good
Thicker body, but feel good in hands
Camera has OIS, but not Sony sensor
Home button with fingerprint sensor, not quite sensitive
Oxygen OS not finalize yet, lots of bugs
Prefer OnePlus One more …
Enjoy the hands-on pics!”
Source: XDA Forums
Come comment on this article: HD images of the soon-to-be released OnePlus 2 have leaked
YouTube will no longer require a Google+ profile to upload, comment, or create a channel
Exciting news from Google+ and YouTube today. A very controversial feature, forcing YouTube accounts to use Google+, will slowly be taken away. Google says they got certain aspects right, but will need to rethink many parts of it. Expect changes within the coming months.
“When we launched Google+, we set out to help people discover, share and connect across Google like they do in real life. While we got certain things right, we made a few choices that, in hindsight, we’ve needed to rethink. So over the next few months, we’re going to be making some important changes.”
Starting today comments made on YouTube will now only be seen on YouTube and will not appear on Google+ and vice-versa.
In a few more weeks, YouTube will almost totally separate from Google+. Users no longer need a Google+ profile to upload, comment, or create a YouTube channel. Existing channels can keep everything the same as it is now or have the option to remove your Google+ profile in the coming months. However do not remove it now or it will delete your entire YouTube channel.
“This one’s further off. In the coming weeks, YouTube will no longer require a Google+ profile when you want to upload, comment, or create a channel. If you’re happy with everything as it is now, then just keep on keepin’ on. If you want to remove your Google+ profile, you’ll be able to do this in the coming months, but do not do it now or you’ll delete your YouTube channel (no bueno).”
In other Google+ news, they are planning to make Google+ more focused and removed features that aren’t essential to your Google+ experience. For example Google+ Photos have been moved into the new Google Photos app instead. Other things like putting location sharing into Hangouts and other apps where it belongs.
Come comment on this article: YouTube will no longer require a Google+ profile to upload, comment, or create a channel
Play as the Terminator if you want to live in ‘WWE 2K16’
WWE 2K16, the latest installment in Take-Two’s yearly wrestling franchise, will feature a familiar face stretched around a nigh-indestructible metal skeleton: the Terminator, as portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. The Terminator is a playable character in WWE 2K16, but only for those who pre-order the game on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One or Xbox 360. Pre-orders are live now and the game is due to hit shelves on October 27th, just in time to perfect your “Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator as a wrestler in a WWE video game” Halloween costume.
In other WWE gaming news, long-time series participant Hulk Hogan will not make an appearance in WWE 2K16, following reports of a video where he describes himself as a racist and uses the n-word. A 2K Sports representative confirmed Hogan’s removal to gaming and culture site Polygon last week. Our dreams of a Terminator-Hulk Hogan death match are shattered once more.
Source: WWE 2K
Google pulls YouTube and Google+ apart
After spending a few years plugging Google+ into all of its services — even as users of those services complained — Google is rolling that back. It started by breaking out Photos and Hangouts, and now YouTube is taking a turn by reverting the system that’s been in place since late 2013. In a blog post, we learn that “soon” you will no longer need a Google+ account to upload, comment or create a channel, and even if you’re just a viewer, your comments on YouTube won’t appear on Google+ (or the other way around). YouTube is just one of the first products making this change, so you can expect it to stretch across the rest of Google as well. If you want to ditch your Google+ account now that it’s no longer a requirement, another blog post says it will make doing that easier too (but don’t try it right now — we’ll tell you when).
VP of Photos and Streams Bradley Horowitz says the company will “move some features that aren’t essential to an interest-based social experience out of Google+.” As a hint about what will remain, he points to to the Pinterest-like Google+ Collections. That sounds like a major shift from what he once described a a pillar across the company. The most telling thing about today’s announcement? At this time, there’s no post about it on Google+ pages for Horowitz, Google+ or YouTube.
[Image credit: Shutterstock]
Source: Google Blog, YouTube Blog
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