GranitePhone is new secure phone option from SIKUR and Archos
Archos, in partnership with SIKUR (think “secure”), has announced the availability of the GranitePhone by SIKUR, a new entry for people who are looking for an ultra-secure smartphone. The GranitePhone joins devices like the Blackphone and the Turing Phone as an option for users who need something more secure than your typical smartphone.
SIKUR provides encrypted communications apps and it appears they brought that expertise to the drawing board for the GranitePhone by helping to encrypt the device via the Granite OS the companies developed for the smartphone. Granite OS is based on Android, although they do not specify which version. The web site appears to show the device has abandoned the typical icon-filled homescreen with something that resembles an inbox or agenda view.
The hardware itself is mid-level grade with a Snapdragon 615 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 5-inch full HD display, 16GB of internal storage, a 16MP rear facing camera and 8MP front-facing camera and a 2700mAh battery.
The GranitePhone is currently available for order on the SIKUR GranitePhone web site for $850. You can read the full press release below.
ARCHOS with Sikur delivering the GranitePhone
”Your Privacy is back”
London, 9th October, 2015 ARCHOS today announces the forthcoming availability of thousands of the GranitePhone by SIKUR, allowing both companies to enter the global market of private communications smartphones, where the need for voice and data protection is a growing concern.
The GranitePhone, unveiled at MWC, has immediately attracted the attention of government, defense agencies as well as private companies and individual users concerned by their privacy, generating huge quantities of presales on the Granitephone website.
With a 5inch screen Full HD, Granite OS, 4G and a 16MP camera the phone has all the latest hardware specs along with an unrivalled focus on security, eliminating loopholes which could allow data theft and spying.
The security architecture has been carefully designed with multiple layers of protection to mitigate security issues whilst still delivering the best in mobile technology today.
For additional flexibility, the device’s data storage is also kept in an encrypted form in the cloud so that GranitePhone’s users can access safely to their data from anywhere, using SIKUR applications.
They can do so from a computer and from other mobile devices, either Android and even iOS, which ensures great flexibility without compromising privacy.
“ARCHOS, through its subsidiary Logic Instrument is pleased to have been selected as industrial and development partner for this project as the demand for secured mobile solutions is increasing” says Loïc POIRIER CEO of ARCHOS.
“With GranitePhone, you can create a corporate digital environment, secure for the exchange of strategic information, without compromising productivity and speed offered by mobile devices,” says Frederico D’Avila, CEO of Sikur.
The GranitePhone, the first smartphone entirely focused on user privacy can be ordered through the website http://www.granitephone.com
Note to the reader: This English language version is a free translation from original French press release and is available on the company’s corporate website (archos.com). In the event of inconsistencies between original French language version and this English translation, the French version will take precedence.
About ARCHOS
ARCHOS, a pioneer in the portable audio and video player market, and now specializing in Android Tablets and Smartphones, has repeatedly revolutionised the market for consumer electronics since 1988. Today, ARCHOS offers its own line of Android Tablets and Smartphones, as well as a full line of OEM devices. In 2000, ARCHOS launched the Jukebox 6000, the first MP3 player combined with a hard disk. In 2008, ARCHOS launched the first generation Internet Tablets, and then the first ever Android powered tablets in 2009. In 2013, ARCHOS launched its first generation of Smartphones with the ARCHOS Platinum series. ARCHOS has offices in Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is quoted on Compartment C of Eurolist, Euronext Paris, ISIN Code FR0000182479. Website: http://www.archos.com
About SIKUR
Sikur is a company that operates in the information technology and security market. With a highly specialszed team and through the use of cutting-edge technology we have developed a Communication Platform at the highest levels of privacy and security. Our entire teams strive to maintain your communications intact in a digital world, using devices and media that are constantly evolving and changing. We have developed complex projects for governments and corporate customers that wish to preserve their greatest asset – their information. Sikur has offices in the USA, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Dubai and Mexico, in addition to three development centers around the world. Website:: http://www.sikur.com
Come comment on this article: GranitePhone is new secure phone option from SIKUR and Archos
ParanoidAndroid goes on hiatus, unclear whether it is permanent
One of the developers for the custom ROM ParanoidAndroid recently posted on his Google+ page “ParandoidAndroid is dead.” This seemingly confirmed what many users had started to suspect after OnePlus hired away many of the ParanoidAndroid developers earlier this year to work on their OxygenOS ROM. Despite the indication that the project is dead, there is still a faint glimmer of hope that some users are hanging on to.
Following the original cryptic message, development team member Andre Saddler followed up by noting ParanoidAndroid could “rise from the dead” if new, experienced developers and coders came on board to help the development team that remains.
In response to all of the consternation this move has created for fans of the custom ROM, one of the project leads, Matt Fleming, indicated there are no plans at present to shut the whole project down. The distribution network, blog, web site, and other assets will continue to operate for the foreseeable future, there just won’t be any updates. The last update completed by the team was an Android 5.1 Lollipop based version of the ROM for Nexus devices.
Fleming added that, “I cannot say officially that we are indeed dead, as I would love to see where 2016 brings us…I, for one, will hold out hope on revitalizing the project at some point.”
If you are a ParanoidAndroid user, do you plan to stick with it and hope for the best or will you start looking for a replacement?
sources: Andre Saddler (Google+ – post 1, post 2), Android Authority
Come comment on this article: ParanoidAndroid goes on hiatus, unclear whether it is permanent
The best podcast app for iOS is now completely free
Overcast is widely considered to be the best podcast app on iOS, if not all mobile platforms. For many, its no-nonsense interface and slick features (such as cutting dead air and boosting voices) make Apple’s official app seem crude. You’ve had to pay $5 to see everything it has to offer, though… until now. App creator Marco Arment (he of Instapaper fame) has released Overcast 2, which switches to a completely free business model. As he puts it, he didn’t like seeing the majority of users (80 percent) miss out on the features he wrote — he’d rather make sure you see everything. You can still donate $1 per month if you want to help, but that contribution is strictly optional.
The new version isn’t just about unlocking existing features, as you might have guessed. You can now stream podcasts rather than downloading everything in advance, and keep tabs on your storage so that your collection doesn’t get out of control. There’s long overdue support for chapters, too, and you’ll get 3D Touch shortcuts if you happen to own an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus. All told, Overcast 2 is likely worth trying even if you passed on it the first time around — you can find out if it lives up to the hype without denting your bank account.
Via: Marco Arment
Source: App Store
ZTE announces global availability of the ZTE AXON mini
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The ZTE AXON mini has technically been official since July this year, but ZTE has taken the opportunity at an event earlier today to announce that the AXON mini is going to be available globally “in the coming months” – specifically in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Russia, Japan, India, Australia, France, Germany, Turkey, Spain and Italy. Prices will start at $379 USD in the Asia-Pacific countries and €329 in Europe, and will be available in three colours in all regions – Ion Gold, Chromium Silver and Rose Gold.
The AXON mini is a very interesting mid-range device, even if it is a little dear – the first to support a pressure-sensitive touch display (that’s right, Apple wasn’t first), the AXON mini boasts a premium exterior made from aircraft-grade aluminium-titanium alloy. The internals include a Snapdragon 616 processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, 5.2-inch 1080p display and 2,800mAh battery. Also, as is apparently fashionable to do, the AXON mini also has multiple methods of security access, including fingerprint, voice and eye authentication to unlock your device. On a side note, ZTE is also making available a NBA version of its AXON mini, but this will only be available in China and lets you put the logo of your favourite team on the back of your device.
What do you think about the ZTE AXON mini? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Business Wire
The post ZTE announces global availability of the ZTE AXON mini appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Photos of a HTC One A9 dummy unit leak out, still looks like an iPhone
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We’re trying to give HTC the benefit of the doubt with their latest phone, but they aren’t making it easy. Photos of HTC’s “hero” phone, the HTC One A9, have been leaking out in earnest for the last few months – the last time we spotted it, we found out all the colours that it would be available in. The latest leak of the One A9 comes in the form of photos of a dummy unit which appears to give a 1:1 representation of what the smartphone is going to turn out looking like – and yes, it definitely looks like an iPhone. Sure, the camera module is in the middle and there’s a HTC logo at the bottom of the device, but the Average Joe could definitely mistake it for an iPhone in passing.
These photos come to us courtesy of leaker @OnLeaks which shows us the dummy unit, presumably from an AT&T store, from every angle that matters – note that the background has been removed for confidentiality. Apart from the likeness to the iPhone, the other glaring design faux pas appears on the bottom of the One A9 where the microUSB port appears off-centre – there appears to be enough space at the bottom of the device (after all the iPhone fit everything in) so we’ll have to wait and see about the reasoning of that. The One A9 is due to be announced on October 20th.
What do you think about the HTC One A9? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Photos of a HTC One A9 dummy unit leak out, still looks like an iPhone appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Vudu finally delivers 1080p HDX movies on Android devices
One of the best features of Vudu’s movie service has always been its high quality video, and now you can view it on mobile devices. The latest version of Vudu for Android brings a native interface for the first time that’s far easier to use and looks better on screens of all sizes, as well as the ability to play HD (720p) and HDX (1080p) quality streams or downloads. That’s a feature that’s still not available on iPhones and iPads, but it should work on “select” Jellybean or higher devices (read: capable of high-res video and the accompanying DRM).
Vudu already supported HDX via Chromecast and on PCs, but so far it looks like this app isn’t set for Android TV devices, just phones and tablets. The full changelog also reveals it finally has an easier-to-use portrait mode for phones, and auto filling search suggestions. We tried it out and the new HD videos worked fine on a Galaxy Note 4, but not a (rooted) OnePlus One — we didn’t spot a compatibility list so you’ll have to try it out yourself to know for sure which devices work.
It’s time for an upgrade… Check out the new VUDU app for Android smartphones and tablets! http://t.co/VYFVeGiwAb pic.twitter.com/ueZwDtVKyE
— VUDU – Movies & TV (@vudufans) October 9, 2015
Source: Vudu (Google Play)
China’s ridesharing services will require special licenses
Ridesharing services are big in China, but they’ve run into many of the same regulatory concerns you see everywhere else — officials are worried about holding drivers accountable for their behavior. Accordingly, the country’s Ministry of Transport has posted draft rules that toughen the requirements for these app-based transportation outfits. Companies will need special licenses to operate, and drivers will will need a certain level of experience to qualify. Also, vehicles will have to seat seven people or less. Sorry, folks, you won’t be hailing a party bus or stretch limo. The rules could change (they’re open to public feedback), but it won’t be surprising if these core principles remain in the final document.
There isn’t likely to be a fierce legal battle: Uber already says that it’s planning to apply for a license. Didi Kuaidi (China’s biggest ridesharing firm) has been securing city-specific licenses as well. However, the rules are a sharp contrast to what you see in countries like the US, where the requirements (when they exist) tend to vary from place to place. China may inadvertently serve as the biggest-ever testing ground for national, ridesharing-specific regulation. If the concept succeeds there, you could see similar policies implemented elsewhere in the world.
[Image credit: Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images]
Via: Reuters
Nexus 5X International Giveaway!
Welcome to the Sunday Giveaway, the place where we giveaway a new Android phone or tablet each and every Sunday.
A big congratulations to last week’s winners of the Note 5/OnePlus 2/Moto X pure giveaway: Saffya. (UK), Courtney H. (USA), Varun M. (India).
This week we are giving away the soon to be launched Nexus 5X
Starting at $379, the Nexus 5X is currently on pre-order, with an expected shipping date around mid-October. LG’s third Nexus device, the 5X offers solid specs, a promising camera, and the Nexus Imprint fingerprint sensor, combined with pure Android and a fast updates guarantee. For more info, check out our Nexus 5X hands-on, our comparison with the Nexus 6P and the competition, as well as our complete Nexus 5X coverage.
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New console game for the Shield TV hits the Play Store
Contrast is an all-new adventure game for your Shield TV. Contrast lets users experience adventures in 3D and offers a wide range of challenges along the way. It’s available in the Play Store now.
If you have a Shield TV console, you might want to consider downloading the new game Contrast. Even though the game is a bit pricey at $14, it offers a gaming experience with high quality graphics and has included a long story line. The user is prompted to complete short puzzles and solve mysteries along their journey into the mysterious shadowy universe. The game is great for middle-aged teens but adults may find it intriguing as well. The app received a recent update further ensuring top-notch performance and the greatest experience for users.
Contrast comes in at a size of 1.8GB of storage space, so make sure you have enough available space prior to downloading. It’s also recommended to connect to a Wi-Fi network when the download is in tow in order to avoid data overages. The game already has 10-50 installs and has received a majority of high reviews. It requires Android 4.4 and up and a Shield Android TV console for the full experience in addition to a game controller. You can download it at the link below.
Come comment on this article: New console game for the Shield TV hits the Play Store
Cortana is available on Xbox One, if you know the right tricks
Microsoft won’t officially bring its Cortana voice assistant to the Xbox One until 2016, and it’s not even supposed to be available if you’re using the console’s interface preview. However, that isn’t stopping you from trying it ahead of schedule. Gamers have discovered that you can access Cortana in the latest preview simply by visiting the settings menu, going up and mashing the A button multiple times. It doesn’t offer the full range of Xbox commands just yet, but you can access any information that’s already available in Cortana on other platforms, like your calendar. Think of this as a cheat code for the operating system — you’re getting a peek at something that most preview users won’t see for weeks.
Cortana on Xbox One pic.twitter.com/ZtHinjHxEF
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) October 9, 2015
Source: The Verge
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