You Sunk for Android Wear takes battleship action to your wrist
Is Android Wear for gaming? I wouldn’t say so, but if you are going to be playing with your smart watch, you may as well get a game that is optimized for the small screen experience. Given, this is hard to accomplish, but we are impressed about how You Sunk managed to successfully fit a warfare game into screens that usually range between 1.3 and 1.6 inches.
This is mostly because the experience is quite basic and has very simplified controls. But the title manages to be addictingly fun, which makes it a good download. Your goal is be to sink enemy ships, stop torpedoes from hitting you (by shooting them) and avoid harming friendly battleships.
A small radar located on the bottom-left corner will keep you well-informed about other vessels’ whereabouts, as well as alerting you when there is a torpedo headed towards you. You can look around by swiping left and right, then press the red button to fire. When you are on the offensive, you need to calculate the distance of the ship and shoot accordingly. For example, if a vessel is very far, you will have to shoot way ahead of it in order for the torpedo to hit it.
There are three difficulty levels, obviously labeled as easy, medium and hard. The situation can get pretty rough, but maybe you can raise above it by taking advantage of the 5 types of weapons you are offered. These include torpedoes, auto-guided torpedoes, auto-guided rockets, electro-magnetic impulses and nuclear rockets (that escalated quickly). Users can also choose between night, dawn and day. And if you need some more extra help, it’s also possible to upgrade your armor and torpedo speed.
The best part is that this game is free to download! Seriously, give it a good test and you may find yourself suddenly loving Android Wear gaming. The most addicting games are often the simplest ones. Furthermore, these titles can be among the funnest. Got an Android Wear watch? Go download You Sunk for Android Wear from the Google Play store and hit the comments to share your high scores and tell us how you are liking it!
Download You Sunk for Android Wear from the Google Play Store!
Moto 360 heading to China without Google Now or Play
Google’s Android Wear platform is looking to make inroads in China with the second generation Moto 360. However, the smartwatch won’t quite be making the move with all of its features intact. Google Now and the Play Store will be notably absent from the smartwatch, as Google’s services are still banned in the country. Instead, Mobvoi, which is based in China, will be providing local search and voice recognition software for the smartwatch.
Google has had to do quite a bit of re-engineering to strip out some of its core services from Android Wear, according to David Singleton, Engineering Director for Android. As well as removing core search and app functionality from the wearable OS, subtle localization tweaks, such as changing “Ok Google” to “Ni hao Android” has also taken considerable effort.
The end result is that Android Wear remains mostly familiar, but there’s clearly some additional fragmentation to the wearable platform now, which is something that the search giants tried to avoid by preventing OEM forked versions of Android Wear. Chinese app developers will be able to install apps onto the Wear devices, which will obviously have to come from third party stores. As well as MobVoi’s voice features, Sogou will be providing the default map software for Android Wear.
“For Android Wear and wearables in general, we still feel the market is really early … There’s a real need to be able to iterate quickly.” – David Singleton, Engineering Director for Android
Google appears to be taking a major interest in the Chinese technology market once again, especially with the Huawei built Nexus on its way. Although, the company may still struggle to capitalize on widespread Android adoption in China without ready access to the majority of its services and the longer development times associated with localization. Recent sources from The Information and the Wall Street Journal suggest that Google may be planning to launch a censored Chinese version of its app store, which would certainly help Google gain some grip on Android in China.
A closer look at the sleek and sexy Huawei Watch (IFA 2015)
The Huawei Watch was first announced earlier this year during MWC, but its delayed availability to September gave the Chinese OEM the opportunity to showcase their Android Wear smartwatch once again at IFA 2015, this time with a more refined and slightly different design, along with a slew of color and finish options. Here is another look at the Huawei Watch!
The watch that we all fell in love with at MWC 2015 now comes with numerous finishes, color options, and watch bands. The version we are looking at here is the black version with a metal band that comes with a deployment clasp. There are certain subtle changes to the design, but nothing that is very obvious or noticeable right off the bat. This is probably the only smartwatch currently available that takes on the look and feel of a traditional luxury watch, but that is reflected in the price point of this device as well.
As a refresher of the specifications, the Huawei Watch comes with a 1.4-inch full circle AMOLED display with a 400 x 400 resolution, with its resulting pixel density of 286 ppi, one of the highest seen with a wearable right now. Under the hood is a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB of on-board storage, and a 300 mAh battery. The Huawei Watch is also the first Android Wear device to offer support, albeit basic in nature, for iOS, helping to start bridging the gap between Android and iOS for the wearable game.
Putting the watch on your wrist for the first time makes you realize that this is the kind of smartwatch you’ve been waiting for. The device doesn’t feature any bells and whistles beyond what you may be used to from your own Android Wear smartwatch experience thus far, but it is really the casing and the design that has led to people being enamored with this device.
The Huawei Watch will be available in the US on September 17, with Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, set to receive the device by the end of the month. The price points of the Huawei Watch vary quite a lot, given the different color, finish, and watch strap combinations that are possible, with the base model, that features a silver metal body and a leather band, priced at $349. Switching out the leather band for a basic metal band will set you back an additional $50, but the prices changing according to the type of metal bands you choose. The version that is seen in the video above will be available for $449, and the pricing goes up to $799 for the higher luxury models.
So there you have it for this closer look at the Huawei Watch! Stay tuned with Android Authority as we continue to bring you more great coverage from IFA 2015, the full comprehensive review of the Huawei Watch, and a whole lot more.
Moto 360 (2015) vs Huawei Watch: The battle for the most watch-like smartwatch
It’s taken a while until the next wave of smartwatches to emerge. This year’s IFA turned out to be a good point in the year for some of the premier smartwatches to strut their stuff. If we recall what we’ve seen, one battle that is clearly ensuing is between Motorola and Huawei. That is, the Moto 360 (2015) and Huawei Watch, respectively.
These two smartwatches most aim for a traditional watch design, and even the luxurious kind. Both OEM’s have customizations that cover cases and bands that we have seen in normal watches for ages. And both smartwatches run Android Wear, with very similar specs. So which one comes out on top?
Huawei Watch
When Huawei introduced the its Watch earlier this year, you could tell they were hot on Motorola’s heels for a premium smartwatch design. The similarities run from the circular metal case to the variety of band materials and colors.
Only, Huawei is on its first attempt, while Motorola is now on its 2nd iteration. Does that mean that Motorola is ahead? I’m not sure.
First, Huawei is able to utilize the entire circular watch face for the display. Motorola chose not to ditch the small flat tire non-screen portion on the bottom of the display, which houses sensors. Motorola explained that moving it would result in either more bezel or a thicker watch chassis.
So then how do the screen-to-bezel ratios and thicknesses compare? The Moto 360 has a 71.1% screen-to-bezel ratio while the Huawei Watch is at 80%. And the Moto 360 has 11.4mm thickness while the Huawei Watch is a hair thinner at 11.3mm.
Huawei Watch
Moto 360 (2015)It would appear that Huawei has the win here, but we can’t forget that the Moto 360 has wireless charging and an ambient light sensor. The Huawei Watch charges via pin contacts, similar to LG’s approach. It comes down to what the consumer prefers.
The Huawei Watch is powered by a Snapdragon 400 SoC, have 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage. The display is 1.4″ in size (case is 42mm) and uses an AMOLED panel with 400×400 resolution (286 ppi). The band size is 22mm (lug width of 18mm). The screen is protected by Sapphire Crystal glass rather than Gorilla Glass. And the battery capacity is 300mAh.
The watch chassis is stainless steel and comes in silver, black, or gold colors (which can also have a texture on the bezel ring). For bands, we have metal and leather choices. There is a unique metal mesh strap, along with the more common metal link. The bands are easily swappable, via a pin-release switch near the connection of the band to the lugs.
Moto 360 (2015)
Motorola is well known to give consumers choice. With the Moto 360 sequel, we are given size options. There is now a smaller variant, which is 42mm, the same size as the Huawei Watch. Therefore, if you want a larger screen, your only option then becomes the 46mm Moto 360.
The 2015 Moto 360 uses a similar lug system as the Huawei Watch, and the band is easily removable in the same manner.
The larger Moto 360 uses a 22mm band while the smaller variant uses a 20mm band (there is also a “womens” version, which can don a 16mm band).
To keep the thickness the same on the smaller variant (11.4mm), Motorola made a cut on the battery, 300mAh as opposed 400mAh on the larger model. Recall that the Huawei Watch has a 300mAh battery.
Most specs are the same between both Moto 360’s and the Huawei Watch: Snapdragon 400 SoC, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage. The Moto 360 cases are of course stainless steel and also come in silver, black, or gold colors. Bands also come in metal links and leather, in different colors.
However, the displays are quite different. The larger Moto 360 has a 1.56″ screen and 360×330 resolution (233 ppi), while the smaller model has a 1.37″ screen and 360×325 resolution (263 ppi). Huawei has the upper hand in pixel density. Also, Motorola went with IPS screen technology and Gorilla Glass 3 for protection.
Last, but certainly not least, is the price. The Huawei Watch starts at $350 for silver watch case and plain black leather band. Unfortunately, the price steeply increases with the other materials. For instance, a black case finish and black metal link band is $100 more. If you want the gold finish and alligator-textured leather or pink metal link band, it’d be $699 or $799, respectively.
The Moto 360 pricing is more forgiving. The larger variant is $50 more than the smaller one. The metal link bands add $50 (in any color). Only the gold case color is $30 more.
Which smartwatch are you most sold on?
The post Moto 360 (2015) vs Huawei Watch: The battle for the most watch-like smartwatch appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Runtastic launches new Moment watch line
Runtastic has long been known for their fitness apps. Now they have a wearable device that can track your steps, active minutes, calories burned and even your sleep. Don’t confuse it for one of the many Android Wear watches that have been recently announced. This watch has an analog face with some modern tracking hardware and Bluetooth.
In order to take full advantage of the watch, you’ll need to download the companion app Runtastic Me from the Google Play store. The app will allow you to do the following:
- Step tracking: Monitor your daily steps and total distance covered to ensure you’re keeping active, even on the busiest of days.
- Active minutes: Track your active minutes to try and identify moments in your day when you can sneak in a bit of extra movement during regular daily activities.
- Calories burned: Monitor your burned calories, utilizing a complex calorie calculation incorporating BMR, AMR, weight, age and gender.
- Set & achieve goals: Set goals and monitor your progress throughout the day – colored progress bars will give you a sense of how you’re doing
- Challenge yourself: Compare your daily stats to the previous day, week, month or year to see how your efforts are stacking up and which days could use a boost of activity Draw motivation to up your activity level & reach your goals.
- Kick off your streak: Start a streak by reaching your daily step goal two days in a row – the more consecutive days, the longer your streak
- Integration with other Runtastic apps: Runtastic app activity data is integrated into your Me app values to ensure the most accurate and dynamic daily stats are recorded.
The Moment is available in 4 different models.
- Runtastic Moment Basic: $129
- Runtastic Moment Classic: $179
- Runtastic Moment Elite: $179
- Runtastic Moment Fun: $129
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|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Classic | Elite | Fun |
It would appear that the only differences between the models are in the build materials. Both the Classic and Elite models offer higher quality features while the basic and fun models focus on being inexpensive.
What do you think? Do you have plans to buy one? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Runtastic launches new Moment watch line appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google is set to mend ties with China, launch modified Google Play Store there
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It seems pretty obvious not to argue with your customers, especially relatively new customers, but that’s exactly what happened in 2010 when Google famously got into a dispute with China over its tough censorship of the Internet. Since then, China has grown into one of the largest consumers of the Internet in Asia, and Google has had to look on from the sidelines – while Android has a presence there, its Google Play apps don’t feature on any Chinese devices due to that 2010 decision to pull out. Thankfully, it looks like Google is set to mend ties with China, which will allow a modified Google Play Store to feature on Chinese devices as well as bring the Android Wear operating system to China for the first time too.
The obvious disclaimer over all of this is that the Chinese government must approve everything that goes through and reserves the right to shut down anything that they see as breaching their agreement. On the flip side, smartphones and smartwatches are still undergoing a big growth period in China so it’s absolutely essential for Google to re-enter China if it hopes to be there when the growth plateaus.
What do you think about Google making things over with China? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: The Information via TalkAndroid
The post Google is set to mend ties with China, launch modified Google Play Store there appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Samsung’s Gear S2 will work with non-Samsung made devices
Folks who thought the Gear S2 would be exclusively available to Samsung phones will be happy to hear that the smartwatch will work with non-Samsung devices as well.
Samsung has worked hard at closing off its ecosystem, making sure much of the Korean tech giants cool gadgetry and features are exclusive to Samsung-made devices. However, it seems Samsung is letting that exclusivity slide with the Gear S2, which is what the company needed to do to make it truly a hit smartwatch.
The Gear S2 will be be compatible with any Android device running version 4.4 or higher. One more caveat: said device will need to be sport 1.5GB of RAM or higher.
Due to differing APIs, it’s not likely Samsung will follow Google’s lead and offer the smartwatch to iOS users.
Samsung’s Gear S2 is still a month out from officially launching, so details are still scarce. However, it’s expected that Samsung will release a Gear S2 app, providing the same sort of connectivity the Android Wear app offers.
via: Android Central
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Canyon Smart Bike Computer brings power of Android to cycling
Bicycle manufacturer Canyon has announced a new concept for a bike computer called the Canyon Smart Bike Computer. With the device, Canyon has partnered with Sony to produce a device targeting cyclists that runs Android Wear and will offer a better alternative than smartphones. Through use of Android Wear on the cycling computer, users can load and use popular apps like Strava, Komoot or Google Maps. The device itself is made to withstand the elements and easily snap into a sleek connector on a bicycle.
Using a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone that a rider can safely stowaway on their body. Canyon says the device can last 8 hours on its battery, has built-in GPS and a 1.6-inch display with 4GB of storage, so it is possible to use it even without a smartphone being in close proximity if data access is not needed.
Canyon is still referring to the device as a “concept” with a projected 2016 release date and an estimated price of €200 ($222 USD). Any cyclists out there think this would make a better solution than wearing an Android Wear powered smartwatch?
Click here to view the embedded video.
source: Canyon
Come comment on this article: Canyon Smart Bike Computer brings power of Android to cycling
Check out the first Moto 360 (2015) ad here!
Following the Moto 360’s (2015) unveiling earlier today, Motorola has just released its first promotional advertisement for the brand new smartwatch. In the minute-long clip, the Lenovo-owned company shows off the beautiful wrist adornment from all angles and demonstrates its notification and fitness tracking functionality.
Check it out after the break.
Click here to view the embedded video.
If you like the look of the Moto 360 (2015) and would like to pre-order either a 42mm or 46mm variant — hit the source link below.
Come comment on this article: Check out the first Moto 360 (2015) ad here!
IFTTT updates its Do Button application with support for Android Wear
IFTTT has now updated its extremely-popular Do Button application in the Play Store. In terms of added functionality, this upgrade transports compatibility for Android Wear which enables users to control tasks from their list, as well as the standard multitude of bug fixes and stability improvements.
The full changelog can be seen below:
- Introducing DO Button for Android Wear
- Designed for simplicity and ease of use, DO for Android Wear places the control of hundreds of apps right on your wrist.
- New Channels include: Adafruit, Amazon Cloud Drive, Camio, dondeEsta Family, iSecurity+, Wattio, Wolfram Data Drop
- A few wrinkles were ironed out
To install the update on your smartphone, simply open up the Play Store, toggle the hamburger menu by swiping in from the left-hand side of the screen, select ‘My Apps’ and click on ‘Do Button’. Then all that’s left for you to do is hit the update button.
Come comment on this article: IFTTT updates its Do Button application with support for Android Wear
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