We want your favorite Android gadget photos!
Share your photos and get featured!
We love taking photos of our stuff — in fact, we do it all the time. We especially love taking photos of all of our gadgets, from phones to tablets to our workstations where all of it takes place.
But we’re tired of looking at our own stuff, and we’d rather look at yours. So we want you to share your favorite Android-related gadget photos with us on Instagram with the hashtag #androidshare. We’re really excited to see what everyone comes up with!
What’s the point? You could be featured on our Instagram page (and get some rad new followers)!
Even Star-lord uses an Android phone! 📷: @russellholly Want your photo featured on our Instagram? Post your favorite Android gadget and tag #androidshare!
A photo posted by Android Central (@androidcentral) on Dec 7, 2016 at 8:28am PST
Hope to see some of your great photos soon! #androidshare
Grab this car charger with two Quick Charge 3.0 ports for just $12
Right now you can pick up a car charger with two Quick Charge 3.0 ports for just $12 at Amazon with coupon code SYLBG7TG. This $5 savings will help you prepare for the future and ensure that you get the fastest charge possible, whether you have five minutes in the car or five hours. As an added bonus, the charger comes with a Micro-USB and USB-C cable, but you can also use any cable that you already have with it.
Remember, you’ll need coupon code SYLBG7TG for the full savings here. Be sure to act quickly though, as we don’t know how long this deal will last!
See at Amazon
Mylingo offers real-time Spanish translation in movie theaters
A new app called Mylingo lets Spanish-speaking moviegoers listen to audio dubs in real time, using their own smartphone and headphones. According to the developer, users can download the studio-recorded Spanish tracks directly to their device, where they’ll be able to sync them perfectly with the action from the screen. The application, which is only available for iOS right now, uses the microphone on your phone to capture the data once the movie starts, and then deletes the audio file for good after it’s over.
Naturally, in order to be able to do that, Mylingo had to partner with major studios and movie theaters, such as Disney, Paramount, Sony, Regal Entertainment Group and Cinemark Theaters. As a result, the app will work with many of the films scheduled to debut this holiday season, including Moana, Office Christmas Party, Passengers and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
In a press release, Mylingo Co-founder and CEO Olenka Polak said hispanic audiences spent nearly $2.5 billion at the box office in 2015, so he knows how important this tool will be for many people in the US. I, for one, know someone like my mom is one of them, since she doesn’t speak English fluently but often takes my younger sister to the theater. At least now she’ll have a better idea of what the characters on the screen are talking about.
Source: Mylingo
Virgin TV TellyTablet preview: Virgin Media’s 14-incher more telly than tablet
Although the Virgin TV V6 box was far from a surprise when it was announced in London in November, not least because the company itself had tweeted teasers, a partnering 14-inch tablet device most definitely caught us off guard. Virgin Media has never been in the tablet hardware business before so this is an all-new direction.
Now we’ve had some time with the Virgin TV TellyTablet and it makes a bit more sense. It’s not really a tablet in the conventional sense and should be seen more as a 14-inch portable Smart TV, one that complements the new V6 box well. It is possible to use it as a tablet, with Android on board and such like, but the weight and size mean you’re more likely to watch Birds of a Feather on it than play Angry Birds.
- Virgin TV V6 box preview: Is Virgin Media’s 4K HDR TiVo box a Sky Q beater?
- What is Virgin TV? Everything you need to know about Virgin Media’s Virgin TV V6 box, TellyTablet and more
Virgin TV TellyTablet preview: Specifications
It has a Full HD (1080p) 14.1-inch IPS touchscreen, octa-core Mediatek processor and 3GB of RAM running the show, with Marshmallow (6.0) being the particular flavour of Android installed on launch.
It comes with 32GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot for expansion, and there are full-sized USB ports for additional storage or accessory use, such as a keyboard or mouse.
There are four speakers, two at the front, two on the rear, which combine to provide 5W of overall audio muscle, and an HD front-facing camera (5-megapixels) with autofocus is provided for video calling and more.
A 12,060mAh battery provides up to three days of standby time and Virgin Media claims it should last between seven and eight hours for TV viewing.
We don’t have the exact measurements to hand, nor weight, but can say that it is hefty and will be most used sat on a desktop, kitchen surface or cabinet, using the built-in kickstand, than held. Hence our thoughts about the TellyTablet being more telly than tablet.
Virgin TV TellyTablet preview: Software
Being spec’ed especially for Virgin Media use, the tablet comes with Virgin TV Anywhere and the provider’s other streaming apps – Kids and Virgin Media Store – when they become available.
Virgin TV Anywhere is already available for Android tablets, smartphones and iOS devices, so if you’ve ever used it on any of those, you’ll know what to expect. It gives you access to live TV, catch-up and on demand services from Virgin Media and all of its channels, also sending you to the dedicated apps for Sky Sports and Sky Movies, if you subscribe to either.
What’s been recently added is the ability to also view recordings stored on a Virgin TV V6 box in your household (and on the same home network). Alternatively, you can download the recordings to watch offline, but we doubt you’ll be lugging the TellyTablet around on the Tube with you.
As you can even set recordings from the app, it effectively turns a TellyTablet into a Full HD portable Smart TV, one that can catch-up with pretty much any show you care to name, access box sets and movies on demand, watch live TV from the same channels your V6 or TiVo box offers, or even watch your recordings in the home.
And as it is Android based, you can also download plenty of other streaming apps, games or anything else Google Play has to offer. We found, for example, that we couldn’t watch Netflix through the Virgin TV Anywhere app but we could always download it separately anyway.
First Impressions
There’s no denying the fact that the TellyTablet won’t be for everyone. It isn’t really suitable as a family tablet device and you’re not going to spend time browsing the internet, reading an ebook or shooting zombies on one.
However, as a modern alternative to a bedroom TV it is ideal. It’d be even better if it came with a remote too.
As it stands (pun entirely intended) it will suit teenagers and younger family members superbly. They can enjoy a personal TV experience around the home, without the constraints of another Virgin Media box.
The TellyTablet, for our brief play, is speedy enough to serve its purpose well and reasonably priced – at £299 – to be attractive. Yes, there are cheaper standalone televisions out there, but you’d have to match them with a decent media streamer to get anywhere near the same functionality – and even then you lose out on many of the Virgin TV integration features.
It won’t replace an iPad, Surface or dedicated Android tablet in a household, but we do see where Virgin Media is coming from with the TellyTablet. And should it ever come bundled with specific top level plans and packages in future, we think it would be a nice extension of the overall Virgin TV offering.
Apple iPad Pro 2: What’s the story so far?
Apple rumours never stop. No sooner has one device hit the shelves than the next is being speculated upon. The latest rocking the mill is a new iPad – or iPads – with a couple of new tablets rumoured.
The one that seems to be getting the most attention is the slab that could bridge the gap between the iPad Pro 9.7 and the iPad Pro 12.9. Here is everything we know about what we’re calling the iPad Pro 2.
Apple iPad Pro 2: Release date
Apple is rumoured to be announcing its new iPad, or iPads, in early-2017. The company held an event on 21 March 2016 for the launch of the iPad Pro 9.7 so we’d place our bets on March 2017 being the month the new range of iPads will also debut.
As usual, Apple has confirmed absolutely nothing but we will let you know as soon as we hear any details regarding a specific date.
Apple iPad Pro 2: Design
Rumour has it the new iPad will ditch the Home button. According to a report by Japanese site Macotakara, the new iPad will be almost bezel-free, fitting into the same footprint as the 9.7-inch iPad Pro despite its purported larger display.
The site claimed the new model will still feature a bezel at the top, where the FaceTime camera will be, but the rest of the device will be bezel-less, meaning the Home button will need to be removed.
It has also been claimed the new iPad will be a little thicker than the current 9.7-inch Pro and iPad Air 2 models at 7.5mm compared to 6.1mm. Other rumours suggest the headphone jack will remain on the new iPad, rather than follow in the same footsteps as the iPhone 7, while there have also been reports of quad mics and quad speakers rather than dual like the current iPad Pro 9.7.
- Apple iPad Pro 9.7 vs iPad Air 2: What’s the difference?
Apple iPad Pro 2: Display
There have been numerous reports surrounding the next line-up of iPads, with a new 7.9-inch model, a new cheaper 9.7-inch model and a refreshed 12.9-inch model all floating about. The device we are concentrating on in this feature is the 10.9-inch model however.
The display size is currently a little up in the air, with both 10.9-inches and 10.5-inches having been reported. Either would represent a new size for iPad and either would bridge the gap between the huge 12.9-inch model and the regular 9.7-inch.
Rumours suggest the new iPad will offer the same True Tone display as the current iPad Pro 9.7, as well as the P3 wide colour gamut, but it is not clear whether the resolution will stay the same or see a bump.
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro has a 2732 x 2048 pixel resolution, while the 9.7-inch has a 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution, both of which result in a pixel density of 264ppi. Chances are Apple will offer the same pixel density at the very least, meaning if the 10.9-inch size is accurate, a slight resolution increase will be necessary.
- Apple iPad Pro 9.7 review
Apple iPad Pro 2: Camera
Reports claim the new iPad will have the same 12-megapixel iSight camera as the current iPad Pro 9.7, which will mean it will be capable of recording 4K video.
It has also been suggested the True Tone flash will be on board so we suspect the other features, such as the ability to capture Live Photos, will also be present.
In terms of the front facing camera, we’d expect to see the same as the iPad Pro 9.7. Apple may increase the resolution for the new model, but if not, expect a 5-megapixel front-facing snapper with the Retina Flash.
Apple iPad Pro 2: Hardware
According to the rumours, the new iPad will feature a new processor. No surprises there. It has been claimed it will be called the A10X, which follows the naming convention of the previous iPad models.
Both the iPad Pro 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch feature the A9X chip, while the iPad Air 2 has the A8X so the A10X in the new model makes sense. Whether the new model will also sport an increase in RAM and battery size is currently not known.
We suspect storage options will be the same as the iPad Pro 9.7 though, meaning the new iPad should come in 32GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options, none of which will offer microSD.
- Apple iPad Pro 12.9 review
Apple iPad Pro 2: Software
As the rumours suggest the new iPad will launch in Spring 2017, it will arrive on the iOS 10 operating system. This means it will offer the same experience to the current iPads and if it slots into the Pro range, Apple Pencil support.
Apple’s new software build, which will no doubt be called iOS 11, won’t be previewed until WWDC in June, likely followed by a September release so the new iPad will arrive too early to feature it if reports are to be believed.
Apple iPad Pro 2: Conclusion
As with all rumoured devices, everything needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, but a 10 to 11-inch iPad would make a lot of sense.
The rumours and speculation will no doubt increase over the next couple of months and we will keep this feature updated as they do.
For now, we’re placing our bets on a couple of new iPads at a March event but as nothing is confirmed, it’s anyone’s guess.
- Which iPad is best for you? iPad mini 2 vs iPad mini 4 vs iPad Air 2 vs iPad Pro 9.7 vs iPad Pro 12.9
- Apple iPad Pro 9.7 vs iPad Pro 12.9: What’s the difference?
This weekend’s MLS championship will be broadcast in VR
As virtual reality matures as a medium there are going to be fewer firsts for it. But for now, at least, we have news that for the first time, Major League Soccer will be broadcasting a championship game in VR. That match is none other than Saturday’s battle between Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders. How’s a “virtual suite” rife with player rosters and live stats sound? Somehow, the developers managed to fit a model of an Audi car in it because, well, this is an Audi-sponsored broadcast. There’s a “magic window” experience too, whatever that is.
Folks on iOS (it’s also available on Android and Gear VR) have exclusive access to replays in VR where they can rewind 30 seconds at a time, as far back as 30 minutes. Even if you don’t have a mobile VR headset though, you can still watch the game from five different camera angles. If this sounds like your type of party, grab the Fox Sports VR app from the links below.
Source: Fox Sports, iTunes, Google Play
Nintendo’s Switch might play Gamecube games
Following years of pining after GameCube games on the Virtual Console, it looks like Nintendo fans will soon be getting their wish. According to a recent report by Eurogamer, the Nintendo Switch is rumored to be the first Nintendo console to offer GameCube games on its Virtual Console. Citing several sources within the company, the article states that Nintendo already has classic titles like Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi’s Mansion and Super Smash Bros. Melee running on the Switch.
The article goes on to suggest that Nintendo is also prepping popular GameCube lifestyle sim Animal Crossing for the Virtual Console. It seems as though the company is also looking into making the console compatible with the Wii U’s GameCube controller adapter.
Given Super Smash Bros Melee’s evergreen popularity at fighting game tournaments and the Switch reveal trailers focus on eSports, its inclusion is an easy win for Nintendo.
The GameCube emulator is rumored to be developed by Nintendo’s European Research Department – the people responsible for this year’s Christmas sell-out, the NES Mini. While the NES Mini has a few issues, its game emulation runs flawlessly, meaning that if true, GameCube emulation on the Switch looks rather promising indeed.
Frustratingly, it looks like old Virtual Console purchases won’t transfer over to the Switch, requiring users to pay a small ‘upgrade’ fee to unlock the rom on Switch. In an age where account purchases on mobile transfer seamlessly to your next handset, if true, it’s hard not to see this as a cheap cash grab.
While none of this has been officially confirmed, Eurogamer’s previous rumors about the system proved to be true. With Nintendo holding a press event revealing more about the Switch next month, we won’t have long to discover how much truth is in this reports.
Source: Eurogamer
North Korea might have hacked the South’s cyber command
South Korea’s cyber command, which was established back in January 2010 to fight off cyberattacks deployed against the country’s military, wasn’t able to protect itself from digital infiltrators. A Ministry of National Defense official told Yonhap News that hackers got into the command’s computers and stole some military documents, including confidential information. The culprit? As you might have guessed, the country suspects its neighbor to the north.
News about the breach first came out back in September when South Korean lawmaker Kim Jin-pyo revealed that a malicious code exploited a vulnerability in the military’s routing server. He said the chances of the infiltrators stealing confidential info are “very low,” since the command’s computers use an intranet that’s not connected to that server. Based on this new info, that wasn’t the case — South Korean authorities still aren’t sure which among its confidential documents the hackers got a hold of, though.
North Korea is known to have thousands of personnel ready to wage cyberwarfare. The NSA believes it was responsible attacking Sony Entertainment’s computers in 2014, which led to a huge info and unreleased movie dump online. In June, reports came out that the country stole US fighter jet blueprints. SK also blamed a recent cyberattack that compromised the phones of security officials on the North.
Via: BBC
Source: Yonhap News
VSCO adds full RAW photo support to its iPhone app
VSCO, smartphone photographers’ image tweaking app of choice, is letting iOS users tap into all the original image data captured on iPhone 6’s and up. Alongside a host of new community features, it’s offering full RAW image support on capture, importing and editing. This means photo editors will be able to access a wider range of colors and tones that are sometimes lost due to compression on typical JPEG photos. RAW support will even work on your must-share DSLR images too.
The update is also the culmination of the VSCO team’s efforts to better showcase its community and editorial team content. This includes a machine-learning engine that surfaces related images of what it spots in images. There’s also a new search and a discovery section specifically for notable community posts.
VSCO has introduced a new (invite-only, subscription-based) membership at an early-access price of $20 per year. This will give users monthly updates and early access to filter presets, particularly VSCO’s new Film X interactive presets. These tap into SENS, its new imaging engine, and attempt to offer, according to VSCO CEO and founder Joel Flory: “a physical model of film and not just a static preset.” New presets currently include the Fuji Pro 400H, and Kodak Portra 160 and 400. According to the team, they’ve tried to create a physical mode of film — and that also includes real-time shaders that you can tweak during live capture.
If you’re willing to subscribe, you’ll net the entire preset library (over 100 of those), which total around $200 if purchased through the app. RAW support, at least, comes for free in the new update available now. Oh and for that invite-only membership? Add your name to the waitlist here, and get ready to feel exclusive.
T-Mobile Digits brings calls and texts to all your devices
T-Mobile is doing its Uncarrier thing again. As the carrier works on bringing its LTE network to US forces and older cars, it’s also bringing the latest technology to its existing customers. The company’s new Digits program lets you add multiple numbers to your phone, and then use them across all your devices. Starting today, postpaid customers can sign up to try out a beta version of the service, which the company says will launch commercially next year. Those who join the trial will need to have at least Android 5.0 or iOS 9 installed on their phones, and/or Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome on their Macs or PCs.
After you register for the beta, T-Mobile’s support team will help you get started. When you sign in with your phone number, you’ll find your call history, messages and voicemail waiting for you on whichever device you logged on with. The company says the service will work on “virtually any Internet-connected device,” including feature phones, tablets, computers and wearables.
Since you’ll be using the same number across your various gadgets, you won’t have to tell all your friends to add your new number to their address books. T-Mobile also says you can put multiple numbers on one device and easily switch back and forth between them. What’s interesting here is that you can also use this service on AT&T, Verizon and Sprint devices. You’ll just have to download the Digits app, and your calls will be made through your own carrier’s network.
When you get a call on Digits on a non-cellular device, the connection will be made over the Internet, and your conversation will be prioritized over other data transmissions. This ensures that calls “are more reliable with crystal clear HD voice quality and full mobility,” said the company. It’s not yet clear if there’s a way to prevent all your devices from ringing together at once when you get an incoming call, which would be annoying.
Digits appears to be a pretty sweet way to enable more convenient communication with your phone number. Although other services, such as Apple’s iMessage and Google’s Hangouts, already let you use your phone number to send text messages from desktops, T-Mobile’s solution seems to encompass even more platforms. It could let me send SMS messages to my friends from the comfort of my laptop, regardless of their operating systems. The ability to add multiple numbers to my account also makes sense for those who have a separate line for work, removing the need to carry several phones around.
The beta trial will be free, but official pricing for the service is still unknown, although T-Mobile COO Mike Sievert said that you can “expect us to be really disruptive here.” He clarified that it won’t be treated the same as adding a line to your account, and that the company is “going to take a completely different approach that will really delight people.”
Chris Velazco contributed reporting to this article.
Source: T-Mobile
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