SwiftKey’s predictive text input makes its way into your car stereo
It’s no secret that we’re pretty big fans of SwiftKey ’round these parts, but even we couldn’t have predicted where it’d wind up next. Today, the keyboard app announced that its adaptive text-entry will be integrated with Clarion’s forthcoming AX1 head unit. It might seem odd at first, but since Clarion’s kit has native apps for email and web browsing, predictive text (compared to a standard keyboard) ought to make the device easier to use. As SwiftKey tells it, the company is taking everything it’s learned from the mobile environment, and applying it to other areas where it makes sense. In other words, this likely isn’t the last time we’ll see the third-party keyboard somewhere other than a phone or tablet. The AX1 is expected to release sometime this quarter for $800, and if you’re feeling antsy you can pre-order one right now.
Filed under: Transportation, Mobile
Archos’ Smartwatches don’t want to be smartphones-lite
Archos is coming at the burgeoning smartwatch space in a different way. Rather than hedge its bets on a single device offering, it’s planning to release a trio of smartwatches for every end of the consumer spectrum. The water-resistant smartwatches in question don’t have specific branding attached as of yet — that will presumably come before launch later this summer — but they are easily distinguished by screen size and display tech used.
Unlike the half-baked, it-can-sorta-do-everything Galaxy Gear, Archos’ smartwatch line is hewing more closely to the Pebble route. These Android- and iOS-compatible devices are designed to supplement your smartphone experience, not replace it. And so, users that buy in will have access to notifications (i.e., SMS, emails, text, Twitter, Facebook, etc.), media playback controls and, of course, a clock. What they won’t be able to do is snap photos on a low-resolution camera, talk into their wrists or reply to messages.
The cheapest of the bunch is Archos’ $50 model, a rugged-looking smartwatch that features a 1.55-inch non-capacitive, black-and-white, memory LCD and is rated for between one and two weeks of battery life. For just $50 more, there’s a color capacitive model that steps up the screen size to 1.8 inches (the same size as an iPod nano) and lasts about 36 – 48 hours. Fans of customization and the fashion-conscious will be glad to know the band on this model can be swapped out. And finally, occupying the line’s premium perch, at $130, is Archos’ e-ink smartwatch, which retains the same screen size as the color model, but with an aluminum-encased curved display.
The smartwatch line isn’t slated to launch until sometime this summer, but when it does, don’t expect all three to be available at once. Archos plans to offer only its $50 model initially, with its higher-end models to follow in the months after.
Brad Molen contributed to this report.
Filed under: Wearables
(UPDATE) @evleaks leaks more Android on Nokia, release imminent?
This morning @evleaks posted a photo with that caption “Android on Nokia ( -virtual buttons)” that could perhaps be further suggesting a Nokia device running Android is in the works.
The device pictured also appears to be a dual-sim smartphone.
Rumors began in November when @evleaks leaked a photo of a device codenamed ”Normandy” that was said to be a low-end Android device.
This Lumia-style device, according to a report by The Verge, has “no apparent capacitive buttons for navigation” and ”supports Android applications like Skype, and other popular top apps.”
Comparing the above image to smartphones running Windows Phone, the navigation bar is nearly identical as far as the layout of the status bar icons.
This may be a heavily skinned version of Android, much like Amazon does with its Kindle tablets. If you ask me, while it was reported to have no capacitive buttons, the caption might mean “minus virtual buttons” and it appears to have one capacitive button, which is a back button. That dialer also looks like the KitKat dialer.
While @evleaks has proved accurate nearly every single time out, this one has our radar up.
UPDATE: GSMArena noted another leak of an AnTuTu test that the device, “Nokia RM-980 A110,” features a 4-inch FWVGA display (480×854 pixels), Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 5 MP rear camera and runs Android 4.4.1 KitKat.
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Leak reportedly shows Nokia Normandy’s Android interface
We’ve heard a number of rumors recently about Nokia’s Normandy phone, which will supposedly ship with an Android-based operating system. Shots of the handset, with its lack of a hardware shutter trigger, capacitive buttons and LED flash, appeared back in December, and now mobile tipster @Evleaks has posted what could be the first shots of Nokia’s alternative take on Google’s open-source platform. Three leaked renders of the device shows support for dual SIMs, homescreen notifications, a dialer screen and what appears to be a custom version of Skype’s mobile app.
Nokia’s Normandy project is said to be a low-end Asha equivalent that runs a forked version of Android, meaning it won’t be associated with Google’s apps and services, similar to Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablets. As we know, Nokia’s mobile business is currently awaiting the all-clear for an acquisition by Microsoft, meaning the project might never see the light of day. The leaked shots suggest Nokia has made significant progress with Normandy, but we’ll have to wait and see if the project forms part of its new owner’s future plans.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Nokia
Source: Evleaks (Twitter)
DEAL: Woot selling factory refurbished Nexus 7 2013 today only for $189 and $219
If you missed all the recent discounts on the newest model of the Nexus 7, today Woot has the flagship 7-inch tablet at a discounted price.
The devices Woot has for sale today are the black 16 and 32 GB models and are “factory refurbished for $189 and $219 respectively. These aren’t brand new, but they’re as good as new since you usually can’t tell the different with a refurbished device.
Coming with a 90 day warranty from ASUS, this is a pretty good deal for $60 and $50 off the price of a new Nexus 7 (2013) from Google that has a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2 GB of RAM and runs Android 4.4 KitKat.
via Woot
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HISENSE 65-inch curved H8s series 4K TV runs Android 4.2
HISENSE has introduced its newest line of curved televisions at CES, pulling the curtain back on the H8s series. Set to arrive later this year (Q3), the 65-inch model offers a 3840×2160 resolution over its curved face.
Things get fun when you peek under the hood and find Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and dozens of other Smart TV apps such as Chrome, YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Instant Video. Indeed, this guy is also Google Play certified. Additional details include HDMIx4, WiFi and three USB ports (4K video play), the custom VIDAA user interface, AirBridge Digital Media Player and Receiver, and a “state-of-the-art” Merlin Air Mouse remote control.
Look for pricing to be revealed as we get closer to the second half of the year.
HISENSE THROWS A CURVE AT CES 2014, INTRODUCES
THE 65” H8s SERIES CURVED UHD TV
Gorgeous 65” 4K TV provides unparalleled at-home cinematic experience
Las Vegas, NV – January 6, 2014 — Hisense today launched its brand new 65” H8s Curved Ultra HD TV at CES 2014. The curved display allows for a viewing experience just like the movie theater, without a bad seat in the room. With spectacular 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution and a vibrant 120Hz, every viewer feels like they’re part of the action.
“Today, by seamlessly coupling the consumer demand for a cinematic home experience with Hisense’s television expertise, we deliver an exceptional product that will be accessible to the broadest market here in North America,” said Jonathan Frank, Vice President of Marketing, Hisense USA. “This television is not only stunning, but it’s also incredibly immersive, with superior picture quality and sound – you really feel like you’re in the scene.”
The H8s comes loaded with Android™ 4.2 and dozens of SMART TV features including Netflix, Vudu HD Movies, Amazon Instant Video, Pandora, Chrome™, YouTube™, and is Google Play™ certified. Accessing your digital content is a snap with the H8’s built-in HDMIx4, WiFi and three USB ports to support 4K video play. It also comes with the stunningly simple VIDAA user interface, AirBridge™ Digital Media Player and Receiver and state-of-the-art Merlin™ Air Mouse remote control.
The Curved UHD TV will be on display at the Hisense booth 7243 during CES, January 7-10, 2014. Expected availability will be Q3 2014.
For more information please visit: www.hisense-usa.com. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HisenseUSA or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Hisense_USA.
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Kurio 7x 4G LTE tablet gives kids Verizon data on those long family drives
Sure, you can give your kids a child-friendly tablet to keep them entertained during the trip to Grandma’s, but what if they want to play an online game or two? Techno Source has just introduced a rare cellular-equipped kids’ tablet, the Kurio 7x 4G LTE, for that very purpose. As the name implies, the 7-inch Android slate has built-in Verizon data that keeps little tykes connected in most parts of the US. Per-app parental controls prevent Junior from visiting salacious websites or streaming music after bedtime. The company hasn’t shared many hardware details, but the presence of a (sadly unnamed) quad-core processor should give the tablet enough performance to handle at least 2D games and browsing. While there’s no mention of pricing just yet, the LTE-toting Kurio is expected to ship in time for that big summer vacation.
Filed under: Tablets, Wireless, Verizon
Source: Kurio World, PR Newswire
Yahoo acquires Aviate, promises to fold into Android experience
In another move to bring Yahoo back to its prime, today Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer took to the stage at CES 2014 to announce its newest acquisition that aligns perfectly with its “team and vision” — Aviate.
Aviate is an Android app that has been in beta for the last few months and automatically organizes your homescreen based on the time of day or location. It places icons, information and shortcuts in smart locations and changes throughout your day.
Yahoo said that they acquired Aviate since it shares their vision for simple and intelligent mobile experiences, and the company hopes to make it a central part of Android-based experiences this year and beyond. Yahoo believes that through Aviate, homescreens will become smarter, more personalized and aware of your context.
Over on its site, Aviate said that they met with Yahoo and it was obvious how aligned their visions are, with Yahoo all about “simplifying and streamlining users’ daily habits through intelligent and beautiful products.” Aviate sees endless opportunities for growth with the Internet giant. It also thanked its users for their ”support, excitement and faith.”
Although Aviate is still in private beta, Yahoo had one more announcement that it is giving out 25,000 invites to people who use code “YAHOO.” It’s first come, first serve, so if you want one, you better hurry!
via Yahoo, Aviate, Keynote video
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Ford Sync will soon let you order pizza while on the road
Ever wish you could (safely) order pizza while driving home? You’ll have that chance soon. Ford has just announced Sync AppLink support in five apps that could prove handy for many commuters, including Domino’s Pizza. An upcoming version of the eatery’s software will let you dictate orders without taking your hands off the wheel. New editions of Parkopedia and Parkmobile, meanwhile, will respectively help you find and pay for parking. ADT’s Pulse app will verify that your house is safe and sound, and an update to HABU later this month will send mood-setting tunes to the car stereo. It’s not clear just when all of the new apps will be AppLink-ready, but it shouldn’t be long before you’re asking for an extra-large Pacific Veggie while you’re stuck in traffic.
Filed under: Transportation
Yahoo acquires Aviate to build context-sensitive Android apps
That was quick — Aviate hasn’t even finished developing its context-aware Android home screen, and it’s already an acquisition target. Yahoo has announced at CES that it’s buying Aviate for an undisclosed amount; the web giant wants to use Aviate’s simplified, ever-changing interface as a “central part” of its Android software in 2014. While it’s not clear just what that entails, the launcher replacement will live on for the foreseeable future — in fact, the first 25,000 people to use the code “YAHOO” will get into the ongoing private beta.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
AIVAnet 