RunKeeper adds training plan feature to its Android app
RunKeeper has a solid track record when it comes to giving users new ways to interact with the application. It’s no surprise, then, that the fitness-focused app is getting some fresh tidbits on Android. Most notably, you’ll now see a training plan feature which is set to coincide with the goals you’ve set up within the app. This version also brings a redesigned “Me” tab, an option to keep a close eye on training schedules and the ability to view your workout history. It’s a very nice update, to say the least — and given that it’s Monday, it couldn’t have come at a better time to inspire your next run.
Filed under: Misc, Software, Mobile
Via: Android Community
Source: Google Play
Chrome OS may soon let you run multiple profiles at once
If you have a Chrome OS system, you know it can be a hassle to sign out just so that someone else can borrow the computer for a few minutes. That may not be an annoyance for much longer, though. A new developer version of Chrome OS includes experimental code for running multiple profiles at once; after others sign in, you can switch between users at the drop of a hat. You can even send windows to different profiles. There’s no certainty that Google will bring multi-account support to a polished Chrome OS release, but those willing to take some risks can switch to the Dev channel to try the feature today.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Via: The Next Web
Microsoft tries to get users off Windows XP with migration tools and warnings
Microsoft really wants Windows XP holdouts to upgrade before official support ends in a month’s time, and it’s providing some last-minute incentives to get those people moving forward. The company will soon let XP users download a free copy of Laplink’s PCmover Express to migrate their data to newer Windows releases. The crew in Redmond isn’t just hoping that users will find the tool and update on their own, though. It plans to send an end-of-support notification to most XP users on March 8th; if they didn’t already know about the deadline, they likely will by this weekend. Microsoft can’t force its customers to use modern software, but these latest steps will at least make its intentions clear.
Filed under: Software, Microsoft
Source: Windows Experience Blog
First dual-boot Windows Phone 8 and Android handsets said to arrive by June
Windows and Android are such good pals, they’re quite literally inseparable on a number of dual-boot devices. Aside from some old community-driven projects, however, the relationship between Google’s mobile OS and Windows Phone hasn’t blossomed to a point where they’re officially comfortable sharing a smartphone. Well, they better pencil in a bonding session, because The Times of India reports local manufacturer Karbonn is set to launch the first such dual-boot handset by June. With the ink now dry on a deal with Microsoft — presumably a WP license agreed behind closed doors at MWC — plans are to offer a range of split-personality devices with professional and tech-savvy types in mind. Perhaps they’ll run Windows Phone 8.1 right off the bat, too, given the new version’s broader hardware support, and show that you needn’t create mutant advocates to tempt consumers one way or another.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft, Google
Via: Gizmodo
Source: The Times of India
Leaked screenshots reveal Cortana, Microsoft’s digital assistant for Windows Phone
We already know that Microsoft is set to become the last major player to launch a digital assistant, but previews of what “Cortana” will look like have been almost non-existent. Now, thanks to leaked screenshots from The Verge, we’re getting our first look at what to expect when the company’s Siri rival makes its public debut with the launch of Windows Phone 8.1. Confirming earlier reports, Microsoft has opted for a circular animated icon as its primary UI element, which will use the same highlight color you’ve chosen on your Windows Phone device. That icon will reportedly jump about the screen as it asks you questions and responds to your requests.
Cortana can also be tweaked to personalize greetings, allowing you change your name or set a nickname for when it provides alerts, offers suggestions or displays reminders. Microsoft appears to be taking a few pages out of Apple and Google’s playbooks, which is further evidenced by the inclusion of a setting that will index your emails in order to track flights and other services — just like Google Now. It’s not clear whether Microsoft will add more services to its assistant before Windows Phone 8.1 makes its way to devices, or if it will even stick with Cortana codename, but we may only have to wait a month until we find out for sure.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Source: The Verge
Samsung Galaxy S5 comes with premium app subscriptions worth over $500
After powering the world’s most retweeted tweet, Samsung has also revealed a suite of app-based upgrades that future GS5 owners will receive, free, alongside their new smartphone. While Evernote and Linkedin’s premium services only extend to three months, we have no complaints about six free months of the Wall Street Journal and year-long access to Bloomberg’s Businessweek. The Galaxy S5 will also include a year of Run Keeper Premium, as well as limited-time premium services for Map My Fitness and Skimple. There’s no Dropbox this time, but there is 50GB of free cloud storage — for six months — from Box. Also, in case you forgot about the Galaxy S5′s heart-rate sensor, you’ll also pick up a year’s subscription to Lark’s personal wellness app, which will plug into (and monitor) all your health metrics… until you’re ready to pay another 36 bucks to extend the service. But then, who can put a price on good health?
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Samsung
Source: Samsung
System Dump for the Sony Xperia Z2 is now Available
Despite being heavily leaked prior to its announcement at MWC 2014, the Sony Xperia Z2 is somewhat of a surprise release. This is mainly because it is being launched a mere 5 months after its predecessor, the Xperia Z1, was released, and while many people assumed it was rushed out to correct the mishaps of the Xperia Z1, Sony admitted it has had a change in strategy. Specifically, this change is going to likely see 2 flagship devices a year, which means we might even see a Xperia Z3 later in 2014, but that’s another story completely.
While you might think this strategy is a bit of a bummer for early adopters, there is a silver lining, at least for those who like to dabble in development and mucking around with their phones. This silver lining is that while software OS updates will likely come at the same rate, these increased number of new devices means you can update your older device with these updated apps. So when owners of the Xperia Z and Xperia Z1 see that the system dump for the Sony Xperia Z2 is now available, they now have a reason to smile.
If you are a developer and want to get your hands on the system dump, it can be found over at the XDA forums (links will be below) and with any luck, we’ll be seeing custom ROMs and Zperia Z2 apps becoming available in the very near future. The files are for Android 4.4.2, so those of you with Sony devices waiting for your KitKat update may want to keep a close eye on this space.
Are you going to get a Sony Xperia Z2? And what do you make of this increased cycle of two devices a year from one manufacturer? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Source: XDA forum via XDA News
T-Mobile LG G2 gets Android KitKat via 1.5GB KDZ File
If you have a T-Mobile LG G2 and you have been waiting for Android 4.4 KitKat to hit your device, Christmas has come early. We’ve gotten word that an update file has been found on the LG servers, which will allow the T-Mobile LG G2 to finally advance to Android 4.4.2 as promised. As the OTA option is clearly not on the cards yet, the file will be a 1.5GB download and you will need to install the file with the LG Mobile Support Tool, but who’s complaining?
Just a warning: if your device is rooted, the update process will remove root, as well as getting rid of your custom recovery. The Android KitKat update to the LG G2 is expected to bring the LG flagship back up to speed with its competitors, and LG has even shown us how big of a jump that is in a video comparison of how much faster Android 4.4.2 is than the Android 4.2.2 that it launched on (check out the video here).
If you’re interested in trying it out, head over to the XDA Forum page linked below and let us know if you’re successful in getting Android KitKat on your T-Mobile LG G2.
App lets you attach digital messages to real-world objects… for fun?
For those who don’t know, Project Tango is a Google-built prototype smartphone jam packed with Kinect-like 3D sensors and components. One of Mountain View’s software partners involved in the project, FlyBy Media, has built what it’s calling the first consumer app capable of utilizing Tango’s image recognition skills to… chat with friends. Dubbed FlyBy, the app allows users to share text and videos messages by attaching them to a real-world object; like a menu at your favorite restaurant or collectible from your honeymoon. Recipients are notified once they’re in close proximity, then they need only to scan said object and voila, message received. While the concept isn’t new — or popular… yet — the company believes that this time people will catch on. Just think of it as geocaching your conversations. That could be fun, right?
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Google
Via: TechCrunch
Android 4.4.2 Source Code Released for T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Android 4.4.2 for the T-Mobile variant of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 isn’t quite out just yet, but it is coming. We know this because Samsung said it was, and because the source code for the update has been loaded up on the Samsung OpenSource site.
Source code doesn’t do a lick of good for the average user, but it does give the amazing developers out there things to start tinkering with to ‘fix’ whatever the firmware fails to do. The TMo model number is N900T. Pull that up at the Samsung OpenSource webpage via search and you find the file, N900TUVUCNB4.
As for when the T-Mobile Note 3 will actually have an official OTA to Android 4.4.2 is a mystery. Often times it starts rolling out the same day, or at least within 24 hours, of the source code going up for download. Be sure to keep an eye on your Note 3 if you are still stock and watch out for the OTA.
Source: Tmonews
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