Twitter’s Wimbledon emoji will let you ace your tweets
Twitter knows it plays a big role in delivering sports news, but it also hosts millions of conversations around the biggest events. To help get users in the spirit, the company has launched emoji for World Cup 2014 and the NBA in the past, but with Wimbledon just around the corner, it’s now turned its attention to tennis. Helped by Serena Williams, Twitter has unveiled four new Wimbledon-related “hashflags,” giving users the opportunity to adorn their tweets with a racket emoji or images relating to #TheQueue, #TheHill (also known as Henman Hill) and #TheWorld.
Although organisers are touting this year’s Wimbledon as the most social yet, many tools have been outlawed. Spectators have been banned from livestreaming on Periscope and Meerkat, even though the apps will be used by official Wimbledon staff to interview players and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the event. There’s also a block on selfie sticks, but we suspect the majority of spectators will back that decision.
Sneakers ✔️ Racket ✔️ Playlist ✔️ New Twitter Emojis ✔️ #Wimbledon #SeeYouOnTheCourt pic.twitter.com/emt4XwbeeY
– Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) June 26, 2015
[Image credit: Marianne Bevis, Flickr]
Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile
Via: The Next Web
Source: Twitter Blog
The low end Samsung Galaxy Ace 4 won’t be getting Android Lollipop
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Given how many devices Samsung puts out every year (somewhat less this year actually), it’s not surprising when they abandon one of them for future software updates, though we’re intrigued to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth this time. A hopeful Samsung Galaxy Ace 4 user asked Samsung UK whether they should be expecting an update to Android Lollipop, since Android KitKat was getting inconvenient. Unfortunately, they were given the worst possible answer as a rep confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy Ace 4 won’t be getting Android Lollipop:
@reubenupstone I’m afraid the Galaxy Ace 4 will not be getting the Lollipop update Reuben.
— Samsung UK (@SamsungUK) June 25, 2015
Unfortunately, due to its low end nature, the development community hasn’t put any time into developing ROMs for the little guy, so this is probably the end of the road for the Ace 4 if you’re looking for something more software-wise. Still, the Galaxy Ace 5 might be announced soon given that the Ace 4 was announced around a year ago, and perhaps that will have Android Lollipop.
What do you think about the news the Samsung Galaxy Ace 4 won’t be getting Android Lollipop? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Twitter via Phone Arena
The post The low end Samsung Galaxy Ace 4 won’t be getting Android Lollipop appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
“Early preview” invites to test Android 5.1 for the Motorola DROID Turbo are being sent out today
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June 10th was the original date when Android 5.1 for the Motorola DROID Turbo was allegedly going to be dropped, but it’s been two weeks since then already. Thankfully, there is hope again for DROID Turbo owners as it’s been reported that some owners are receiving invites to “participate in an early preview of a new software release” – while the invite doesn’t explicitly say Android 5.1, or Android Lollipop at all, we’re pretty sure it will be that update that everyone’s been waiting for.
It’s been a pretty painful wait for DROID Turbo owners after Motorola announced the device would be jumping from Android Kit Kat to Android 5.1, bypassing Android 5.0 in preference of the more stable, more relevant version of Android. However, despite the obvious foresight, it’s been a long three months with plenty of other flagship level devices getting their taste of Android Lollipop. Hopefully that wait isn’t much longer now.
Do you think this is Android 5.1 for the Motorola DROID Turbo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Droid-life
The post “Early preview” invites to test Android 5.1 for the Motorola DROID Turbo are being sent out today appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Microsoft’s supercharged presentation app arrives on iOS
Last year, Microsoft expanded its Office 365 productivity suite with Sway, a service that gave users a simple way to create and publish content on the internet. The only caveat was you could only use it via a web app. As of today, however, those of you with an iPhone or iPad can start using Sway to build, edit and share a bunch of content — including, but not limited to, interactive reports, presentations and personal stories. It’s all free too, so there’s no need to worry about having an Office 365 subscription. Microsoft also revealed Sway for Windows 10 will be coming this summer, around the time its new operating system launches across the world.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Via: Thurrott
Source: Microsoft
Amazon ‘Instant Previews’ let friends peek at what you’re reading
It’s been a busy day for Amazon, with announcements about its voice tech efforts and, wait for it, a Treasure Truck that offers on-the-go deals to people. But there’s more where that came from. If you use Kindle for Android, you’ll now notice the addition of some handy sharing features to the application. In this new version, released today, you can start sharing book quotes with friends across social and messaging platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Hangouts and over text or email. Most importantly, thanks to what Amazon’s calling Instant Previews, people who don’t have the app installed are able to read a free preview of the book you’re reading — directly from a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. Amazon says that feature works seamlessly, since it doesn’t require anyone to sign up, sign in or to have the Kindle application on their device.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Software, Mobile, Amazon
Source: Amazon (1), (2)
GM working on over-the-air updates for future vehicles
Over the past few weeks, General Motors has focused on bringing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support to its vehicles. While this functionality is great for drivers, the company’s current infotainment ecosystem still relies on being updated at dealerships — which can be a hassle to some people. But, it looks like that won’t be the case for much longer. On Wednesday, GM’s global product development chief, Mark Reuss, said the automaker is already working on a new technology that will allow future vehicles to receive cloud-based software updates.
Tesla is known for offering a similar service, making it easy for Model S owners to receive new features and security updates wirelessly. As for when we can expect this to be available on GM vehicles, Reuss didn’t share a timetable — at least we know it’s coming, eventually.
Filed under: Transportation, Software
Source: Reuters
Amazon is offering Echo voice tech to other manufacturers
Now that Amazon’s voice-controlled Echo speaker is available to everyone, the company is hinting at third-party devices that will make use of the same voice tech that powers the Echo’s built-in assistant, “Alexa.” Additionally, Amazon is giving developers access to the Alexa Skills Kit, a free SDK that will make it easy for them to create new features for the Echo platform. Lastly, the company launched the Alexa Fund, a $100 million endowment designed to support developers, manufacturers and startups who are interested in making voice-powered products for its ecosystem. To be a part of it, Amazon says it’s going to base those decisions on the technology’s ability to influence the Alexa Skills Kit or the Alexa Voice Service. What this tells us, though, is that Amazon is getting serious about what appeared to be a simple side-project from the beginning.
Filed under: Misc, Home Entertainment, Software, HD, Amazon
Source: Amazon (1), (2), (3)
Yahoo’s trying to trick you into switching search engines
Thinking about how much you’d like to try Yahoo’s search engine instead of Google or even Bing? Us neither, but you may end up with it anyway if you’re not careful during your next Java update. CEO Marissa Meyer told shareholders yesterday that Yahoo has teamed with Oracle on a new partnership aimed at getting users to take its search for a spin. If you’re guessing that means it’s “tricking careless users into changing default search engines via a pre-ticked installation box,” then ding! That’s Oracle’s go-to method for installing notorious crapware like the Ask.com toolbar in exchange for, we imagine, considerable sums of money.
Yahoo said that “we have definitely made sure that our onboarding process is one that is highly transparent and gives users choice,” according to the WSJ. Translated, that means “we’re technically asking permission,” but forcing users to opt out is still a highly dubious practice. Of course, Google’s not exactly innocent either, since Adobe’s last Flash install forced many users to opt out if they didn’t want the Chrome browser. Yahoo’s mired in third place in search with just 12.7 percent of the search market, well behind Bing.
While Java would just change your default search provider and not install an app, it’s still a hassle to reset if you didn’t want it. Since it’s hard to avoid Java (almost 90 percent of US computers have it), pay close attention the next time you update, and un-tick the box if you don’t want Yahoo search. If you’re willing to try it, why not just go to Yahoo’s home page? Or, you could just hit Bing, since a large percentage of Yahoo’s search results actually come from Microsoft’s engine.
Filed under: Internet, Software
Via: WSJ
Source: Yahoo
Steams Android app gets a much needed material design refresh
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If you aren’t a PC gamer, or have friends that are, then Steam is a bit of a foreign service to you. In a nutshell it is a game service that lets you buy PC games, connect with game friends and have all your titles easily accessible anywhere you sign in. It also acts as a great way to stream games from one PC to another fairly well. On the Android front the Steam app let you see game sales, buy games, queue your connected PC to start downloading a title while you were away, chat with your gamer buddies and a little bit more. Unfortunately, it was one of the ugliest apps that many gamers had on their devices. There really wasn’t another option to access your Steam account on the go. Thankfully though, the app is getting updated and it brings in a bit of Google’s Material Design elements. Before you see what it looks like now, check out the familiar look of how it was.
Uhg. It was pretty hideous, but it got the job done and that is the most important part really. Now let’s see what it looks like after the update.
It still isn’t outstanding in my opinion, but it certainly a welcomed change. One day I would to see the app let us stream our games to our phones, tablets and Android TV. I mean, if NVIDIA and Moonshine can make it happen, why can’t Steam do it? The app is heading out to the Play Store, but you might not see it immediately. If you don’t see the update you can sideload it via APK Mirror, link below.
Download: Steam app v2.0.7
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Gameloft launches Siegefall, a new strategy title to suck the life out of you
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Are you in the market for another strategy title to kick back with and burn through a battery? Gameloft has released Siegefall, a title they announced back at E3. It comes from the creators of the very popular Modern Combat series, except this one isn’t about running and gunning. Instead it is a free-to-play strategy title that involves legions of specialized troops, magic, unique heroes and even a bad ass dragon.
The graphics look pretty fun and rather rich, while I have yet to give it a whirl, it would seem you have a bit more control over your hero and army than other similar titles where they just attack random targets. Mix in the magic cards for added boosts and it could be a stellar title. I just hope that in-app purchase scheme isn’t over done and prevent you from moving forward in the title. Check out the detailed list of what Siegefall offers up and then direct yourself to the Play Store via the link below to get it installed.
BESIEGE YOUR ENEMIES
● Amass legions of specialized troops including sneaky rogues, horrifying trolls, and heavy-fisted knights.
● Deploy your army and directly control your Hero in battle to exploit enemy weaknesses.
● Master dozens of Magic Cards you can win or loot, unleash them to freeze foes, launch explosive boulders, and conjure fearsome Dragons!EXPAND YOUR KINGDOM
● War is expensive! Build mines, sawmills, farms and more to keep your kingdom’s economy running.
● Defend your kingdom with strategically placed defense towers, explosives, traps, barricades and walls to ward off greedy invaders.
● Battle with players worldwide and besiege their castles for resources.IT’S ALL ABOUT PERSONALITY
● Unique Heroes: Unlock rival leaders and their abilities as you progress in the solo campaign. Always choose the right hero for the job!
● Amazing graphics with stylized art that makes battles epic to watch, while making units and buildings easy to identify.
Download: Siegefall by Gameloft
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AIVAnet 