Facebook Hello shows who’s calling your Android phone
As helpful as it is, caller ID doesn’t really tell you everything about who’s ringing your phone or why. Is it an acquaintance? A best friend’s birthday? Or a robocaller? Facebook might have a better solution. It’s rolling out Hello, the previously leaked Android caller ID app. The software shows all the Facebook information that a caller is willing to share, whether it’s public or between friends — you may know who someone works for even if it’s the first time you’re speaking together. You can also find out how many times a number has been blocked, automatically block the worst offenders and search for people or places. Facebook is only offering Hello in Brazil, Nigeria and the US right now, but it won’t be surprising if the app spreads elsewhere before long.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/125628290?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Facebook
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Facebook Newsroom, Google Play
Huawei Smartwatch Giveaway
Sure, the Apple watch is a big deal right now and drawing a lot of attention to the smartwatch community. To that, we say bravo! Anything that raises awareness about developing technology and progresses the wearable lifestyle is terrific. It’s important to remember, however, that Apple isn’t the only shooter in the West. In fact, there had already been a handful of successful smartwatches on the wrists of Android folk worldwide before the Apple watch was even a rumor on your Grandpa’s Facebook wall. In fact, we’re giving away one of those watches — the Huawei Smartwatch — for FREE!
That’s right! We’re drawing one lucky reader to be the new owner of this luxurious and sophisticated timepiece from Huawei. There’s no purchase necessary and sharing the giveaway on social media only increases your chances of taking this beauty home. So what are you waiting for? Enter now!
See more at deals.androidguys.com
The post Huawei Smartwatch Giveaway appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Microsoft’s Health app won’t need a tracker to get your fitness data
When Microsoft said its Health platform was open to everyone, it wasn’t kidding around. The company has revealed that its mobile Health app will soon get step counts and calorie burns from the sensors built into your phone — you won’t need a Band (or any wearable tracker, for that matter) to put fitness data in Microsoft’s cloud. The update is due for Android, iOS and Windows Phone in the “coming weeks.” Don’t worry if you do like the Band, though, as it has a few upgrades in store as well.
To start, the company is expanding the Band’s cycling support to two common bike apps, MapMyRide and Strava, on April 23rd. There will be some improvements when you’re not on wheels, too. A web update rolling out on April 27th will provide more insights about your Band data, including your maximum oxygen volume, how well your body recovers during sleep and the times of the week when you’re at peak performance. You’ll have plenty of reasons to wear Microsoft’s device, then — it just won’t be as vital as it once was.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Internet, Mobile, Microsoft
Source: Microsoft Devices Blog
Deal: The Android Bot Collectible Bundle is just $19.99 in the AA Deals Store (41% off)
Odds are if you’re reading this post, you’re already a fan of all things Android. So if you’d like to expand your love for everyone’s favorite OS and the Bugdroid mascot, we may have a good way for you to do so. Right now in the AA Deals Store, you can pick up the Android Bot Collectible Bundle for just $19.99.
The Android Bot Collectible Bundle consists of three randomly chosen Android mascots, measuring just three inches tall. Your options include standard Green, Business Man, Taxi Bot, Yeti, Pinkey, Bear Tag or Ruby Red. And to sweeten the deal, we’re throwing in a 6-inch Ganndroid plush toy along with the three plastic collectibles.
The plastic Bugdroids alone normally cost around $20, and the 6-inch plush toy usually goes for $13. Thanks to the Android Authority Deals Store, you can pick up this entire package for just $19.99. This deal ends in just two days, so be sure to take advantage of the discount before it’s too late. Head to the link below for more information.
Android Bot Collection + Plush Bundle, $19.99
Who said toys are reserved solely for snot-nosed kids or overly obsessed adults with no friends? The rest of us demand representation. As a well-adjusted contributing member of society, If I want to collect a set of action figures, comic books, or even sneakers, I’m going to do it. Be it Jordans, Star Wars memorabilia, or WWE wrestlers, there’s a great sense of pride and fulfillment that comes from hunting and gathering. Now, you can represent your allegiance to the Google brand by jumping into the Android collectible pool.
This Android Bot Bundle comes with (3) randomly chosen exclusive 3″ tall mascots. All packaged in a collectible box, you could lay claim to Green, Business Man, Taxi Bot, Yeti, Pinkey, Bear Tag, or Ruby Red. Once you’ve kicked off your collection, you’ll surely want to grab them all. In addition to this starter pack, you’ll also receive a lovable 6″ plush Gandroid bot that’s as soft as it is adorable. The best part? You get this entire package for just $19.99. That’s a perfect gift!
See more at deals.androidguys.com
The post Android Bot Collection + Plush Bundle, $19.99 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
BBC Sport widget delivers the news without annoying you
If you’re a serious ports fan, keeping up with the latest results, injuries and transfers can feel like a full-time job. Plenty of apps offer all of this information in one place, but then you’re often left with two options: continuously open the app, or set up push notifications and face an onslaught of vibrations in your pocket. Now, the BBC is trying to tackle the problem with a new “Top Stories” widget for its Sports app. On iOS, that means you can read the most popular headlines from the Notification Centre and jump through to the app if one grabs your interest. They work well enough, although some of the headlines are a little too short and ambiguous. On Android, however, the new home screen widget lets you choose from different sizes and sports. Neither addition is particularly earth-shattering, but they could prove useful if your smartphone is becoming a notification nightmare.
Filed under: Cellphones
Via: BBC Blogs
Source: BBC Sport (Android), (iOS)
Chrome’s push notifications reach your Android phone
Chrome’s website push notifications are no longer confined to your desktop — they now surface on your phone, too. Grab Chrome 42 for Android and you can opt into alerts from websites that show up no matter what you’re doing. You won’t have to worry about missing out on breaking news, even if your favorite sites don’t have dedicated apps. You’ll also have an easier time adding home screen shortcuts for those sites if you always want them close at hand. It’ll be a while before many of the sites you frequent can deliver notifications (eBay, Facebook and Pinterest are some of the early adopters), but it’s worth upgrading now to get ready.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Internet, Mobile, Google
Source: Chromium Blog, Google Play
Samsung’s wide Galaxy Tab A arrives in the US on May 1st
After the better part of a year, Samsung is ready to launch new tablets in the States — if not quite the high-end models you might be looking for. It’s releasing 8- and 9.7-inch versions of the Galaxy Tab A, a low-cost slate whose centerpiece is an iPad-like 4:3 aspect ratio that gives you more breathing room when you’re browsing the web or reading a book. Neither model is especially powerful between the 1.2GHz quad-core chip, 1,024 x 768 screen, 5-megapixel rear camera and 2-megapixel front shooter, but they do carry Samsung’s lighter-weight software loadout, including bundled Microsoft apps. You’ll also get between 16GB to 32GB of storage, depending on the model. The Tab A will reach American shops on May 1st starting at $230 for the 8-inch model, and $300 for the 9.7-inch version. And don’t worry, cost-conscious Galaxy Note fans, Samsung hasn’t forgotten about you: a version with a bundled S Pen is due on May 17th for $350.
Filed under: Tablets, Mobile, Samsung
Source: Samsung (BusinessWire)
Recode: Nokia’s planning a return to phones next year
When Nokia sold its devices and services business to Microsoft, we assumed it was getting out of the hardware game for good. Not so. The company has since launched its N1 tablet in China and now, according to Recode, it’s developing a new phone too. Exactly what it’ll look like and, perhaps more importantly, the software it’ll run is unclear at the moment though. The company has made some strides with its alternative Z Launcher, but its debut Android slate is fairly unremarkable. That’s because it was actually designed by Foxconn — not the old Nokia team that’s given us so many bold and beautiful Lumias over the years. If the Finnish company sticks with Android, it’s going to need something a little more original to stand out from the competition. (The Nokia brand will only go so far, after all.)
Recode says Nokia is also experimenting with virtual reality, which we assume refers to hardware. That would be a far greater departure for the company, but also not too surprising, given how many other phone makers are dabbling with headsets at the moment.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Nokia
Source: Recode
Microsoft’s Cortana comes to Android through a hack
Microsoft is already poised to bring Windows’ Cortana voice assistant to other platforms, but the duo behind the OrangeSec team isn’t willing to wait that long. They’ve developed and shown off Portaña, a simple Android adaptation of Cortana that uses a proxy to talk to Microsoft’s servers. While it’s nowhere near a complete recreation of the official software (you have to speak in Italian, for one thing), it does work — you can ask a question and expect an answer back. Portaña is sadly likely to remain in a rough state as is, though, so you’ll want to tinker the source code if you just have to speak to the Halo-inspired helper before there’s an official solution.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Microsoft
Via: VentureBeat
Source: OrangeSec (YouTube), GitHub
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