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Thursday, June 19, 2014

[Deal Alert] NVIDIA SHIELD Promotion Bundles $25 Google Play Credit With The $199 Gaming Machine

nexusae0_hl_thumb If dramatic price drops and expanded software capabilities haven't convinced you to shell out for NVIDIA's Android-powered gaming machine, maybe a little free Play Store credit will do the trick. This referral link for NVIDIA's SHIELD store will net you a $25 Google Play Store credit for purchasing the SHIELD, which is still going for its reduced $199 price. C'mon, you know you want to.


shield


You don't have to spend any of that $25 on games, but if you were so inclined, it could buy SHIELD versions of Valve's Portal and Half-Life 2, and maybe a movie and a cheap album to take advantage of the device's impressive audio.





[Deal Alert] NVIDIA SHIELD Promotion Bundles $25 Google Play Credit With The $199 Gaming Machine was written by the awesome team at Android Police.












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TalkAndroid Daily Dose for June 19, 2014

TalkAndroid_Daily_Dose


With hectic schedules, it can be hard to keep track of everything in your news feed. That’s why we created the TalkAndroid Daily Dose. This is where we recap the day’s hottest stories so you can get yourself up to speed in quick fashion. Happy reading!!


Guides


How to update the Google Play Store app on your Android device the easy way, no APK download necessary


Apps


Google brings the stock email app to the Play Store [APK Download]


Carriers


T-Mobile’s John Legere apologizes for comments at Uncarrier event



Gaming


Sonic Dash lets you play as Bugdroid and an Android-like Sonic


Google


Dalvik hits the end of the road


Android to get kill switch following success of Apple implementation


Google’s latest initiative “Made with Code” aimed at inspiring future female programmers


Android 4.4.4 factory images and binaries for Google Nexus devices posted


Phones


Moto X+1 leaks again, this time covered in saran wrap


First 64-bit Samsung smartphone hinted at in benchmark


Smartwatches


Google releases Android Wear introduction video on YouTube ahead of Google I/O conference


New image of LG G Watch surfaces


Tablets


According to LG, the new G Pad is perfect for your next day off


WiFi versions of Samsung Galaxy Tab S to hit stores in U.S. next week


Updates


Android 4.4.4 factory images and binaries for Google Nexus devices posted


Miscellaneous


Samsung and Apple edge closer to patent truce


Supreme Court rules that software patents cannot be about abstract ideas




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Moto X+1 leaks again, this time covered in saran wrap

Motorola_Moto_X+1_Leak_04


Well I can safely say I never seen a leaked image of a phone in saran wrap, but okay, I am game. This happens to be part 2 of a 5 part series revealing the Moto X+1 from TK Tech News. Part 1 was a couple of days ago, but the video had to be pulled. Now supposedly it’s in the wrap (along with a piece of paper) because TK is hiding the identifying marks on the device. Also odd is the fact that he plans on doing a comparison with the Moto X, but was unable to do it in this video because he lent out his Moto X to somebody “to use.”


Basically, he says the X+1 is a little bigger than the Moto X and it has a 1080p display. He also notes the power and volume buttons are much closer together.


Hit the break for all the shenanigans.



Click here to view the embedded video.




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Google will implement new ‘kill switch’ feature in next version of Android

Smartphone Theft


Say what you want about the iPhone, one of the phone’s single greatest features is the ability to prevent the device from being factory reset and used by another party as their own (without permission, of course). But in a statement issued today by Google, the search giant will finally be implementing a similar feature for the next major Android release.


But Google isn’t the only one. Microsoft will also be joining Google in offering this “factory reset protection solution.” It’s unclear whether the new security feature will join existing ones found in the Android Device Manager, but we’re sure to learn more during Google I/O kicking off in a few more days.


This is all in an effort to curb smartphone thefts and couldn’t have come at a better time. A recent reports showed a 19% drop off in iPhone thefts from 2013 to 2014 thanks to Apple’s kill switch feature on their devices. Don’t forget, a new bill introduced in February is looking to require all phones sold in the US to include kill switch functionality. Senators believe that this is the only way to truly prevent smartphone thefts, making it common knowledge that would-be smartphone thieves are getting little more than a shiny new brick.


While we weren’t expecting to see “the next version of Android” debut until later this year (for Android Silver or another Nexus device), Android 4.4.4 made a surprise appearance today on Nexus/Google Play edition devices. It’s possible the kill switch could arrive in yet another version of KitKat, or in the next major Android release (Android 5.0 Lollipop or whatever you wanna call it). We’ll have to wait until we hear more from Google.


[Bloomberg]






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Android 4.4.4 factory images for Google Nexus devices posted

google_nexus_android_4.4.4


Today Google posted the Android 4.4.4 factory images for a number of the Nexus devices. The news is fairly unexpected, especially after the recent and highly publicized release of Android 4.4.3.


In fact, it seems that the release is to patch up a security flaw that appears in Android 4.4.3. The flaw is essentially an OpenSSL bug that allows a man-in-the-middle attack, similar but different from Heartbleed.



The images are available on Google’s developer site, and the build number is KTU84P. Currently it is available for the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (both 2012 and 2013, only WiFi models), and the Nexus 10.


Sources: Google (Images), Google (Binaries) and Sprint




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T-Mobile’s John Legere apologizes for comments at Uncarrier event

John Legere


T-Mobile’s John Legere had some pretty explicit words for other carriers at last night’s Uncarrier event, some of which were pretty offensive. Not only did Legere drop a few f-bombs, he compared other carrier’s actions to “raping customers.” Pretty harsh words. However, today Legere tweeted a much needed apology, saying he realized he sometimes needed a filter during his speeches:



The drawback to having no filter when I speak… sometimes I need a filter. Genuinely apologize to those offended last night




Do you think Legere should have apologized for what he said last night? It was definitely a mildly inappropriate thing to say, but depending on how you view the wireless industry, you can see a little truth in his comments.


source: recode




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Sponsored Game Review: Hill Climb – Steampunk Racing

Description: Hill Climb – Steampunk Racing is an arcade style game for Android that puts you behind the handlebars of a motorbike and asks you to get over steep hills. You mustn’t crash and you’ll need to collect all the fuel you can in order to keep going. There are controls for acceleration and a brake, with tilt controls used to steady your rider in the air. With five types of tracks to play through, including deserts and the city, Hill Climb – Steampunk Racing has a lot to offer fans of motocross games and games controlled by motion.


How it Works: Hitting the dirt with Hill Climb – Steampunk Racing requires you to first download the game from the Play Store. Once done, you can then start playing.


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There are five themes to choose from, and the more levels you complete, the more of these themes and different bikes you’ll be able to ride.


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Getting over the hills is fairly simple, all you need to do is hit the gas and then move your device to make sure you land properly. You’ll need to be on the look out for fuel as well.


2014-06-10 17.38.10


If you fail and crash, your score won’t be all that great.


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One thing you can do to improve your score is to perform tricks.


hillclimbflip


Opinion: I’ve played many of these games before and while Hill Climb – Steampunk Racing doesn’t really bring anything new to the table, it’s nice to see another option available for players. I wish the graphics were better, as they do look quite low-res, but the gameplay is here and it might not be all that original, it’s still good fun. Simple mechanics like needing to collect gas all add to the game’s subtle difficulty that will give players a run for their money.


Ratings



  • Speed (4/5) – The game’s pacing here is nice and smooth and it runs just fine.

  • Features (4/5) – Sure, it’s not all that original and it doesn’t break the mold too much, but it has a good variety of levels and plays well.

  • Theme (3.5/5) – The varying types of terrain are nice to see, but it’d be even nicer if there were high-resolution assets at work.

  • Overall (3.5/5) – Hill Climb – Steampunk Racing could do with some more original elements to it and some better graphics, but it’s still a lot of fun and has a nice arcade style of play to it.


Pros



  • Arcade style gameplay will appeal to older audiences fairly well.

  • Difficult tracks makes this a game with more than meets the eye.

  • Fuel mechanic makes it more important than ever to get over those ridges and hills as quickly as possible.

  • Easy to pickup and play wherever you are.


Cons



  • Graphics could benefit from higher-resolution assets.

  • Some added mechanics would help the game stand out from other similar titles.


Conclusion: Hill Climb – Steampunk Racing is a game that’s fun, if not in need of some added gameplay elements. Regardless though, the game is free to play, and it’s a good challenge for those players that like this sort of thing but want more out of their games. The hills are steep and you burn fuel trying to get over them if you don’t get it right the first time around. All of these subtleties add up to make this a solid challenge for players old and young.


Google-Play-Banner-Get-it-On-Large


The post Sponsored Game Review: Hill Climb – Steampunk Racing appeared first on AndroidHeadlines.com |.






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Will Google Soon Become A Wireless Service Provider?

AH Google Logo Colored 1.6


Wireless service providers such as AT&T and Verizon Wireless may finally have something to fear. The T-Mobile and Sprint merger doesn’t even compare to this madness. If you thought that Google couldn’t get any bigger and do more then search up Christmas recipes or just practically provide you with everyday living, think again. A recent acquisition by one of the largest companies in the world gives us a lot of evidence that Google plans on becoming a wireless service provider. What acquisition may this be that is causing Google to take this route? Well you may never have heard of them but a small start-up called Alpental Technologies was recently acquired by Google. There isn’t too much to be known about this start-up other than that they were led by former engineers Pete Gelbman and Mike Hart of the company Clearwire.


This information was spotted by Geekwire and when they approached Pete Gelbam to ask about the recent acquisition, Gelbman directed them to Google PR in which their response was “I can confirm that we’re excited to welcome the Alpental team to Google, and that they joined a few weeks back, but we don’t have any other details to share.” Not really the answer they were looking for but a confirmation about the acquisition was a start. All that is really known about Alpental before they were acquired by Google is that they were developing technology related to the next generation of wireless networks which in fact will be 5G. Another little tidbit of information is that Atheros Communications CEO Craig Barratt, who is now a senior vice president at Google, led the Alpental Technologies acquisition. Craig Barratt is also working on Google’s municipal wi-fi. All of this rumored technology is speculated to be done through Google Fiber.


These little steps that Google is making has caused many of us to think about what Google has up their sleeve. It could be possible that they will be behind the development of 5G networks or trying to deliver the next generation of broadband internet to homes and offices. Whatever Google’s ambitions are in this fast moving market will certainly propel them forward and really give other companies a run for their money and technology.


The post Will Google Soon Become A Wireless Service Provider? appeared first on AndroidHeadlines.com |.






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Supreme Court rules that software patents cannot be about abstract ideas

Judge_Gavel


Today the Supreme Court ruled that software patents can no longer be about abstract ideas, meaning that companies will need to be a little more specific when filing their patents. The ruling was in favor of CLS Bank, a company accused by Alice Corporation of violating a number of its patents related to computer trading systems.


This ruling doesn’t mean that 100s of software patents are no longer valid. The opinions that were drafted were to avoid ruling too broadly. Some abstract ideas may still be able to get patented, but generally inventors will need to do better than simply recreating basic, abstract ideas using a computer.


Source: Supreme Court

Via: Engadget




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Google Will Add A 'Factory Reset Protection Solution' To The Next Version Of Android, AKA A Kill Switch

largeWSS0S-D0


Both PCWorld and Bloomberg are reporting today that Google is on the record as saying the next version of Android will contain an anti-theft "kill switch," or as Google calls it, a "factory reset protection solution." Smartphones are among the most commonly stolen possessions in the world today, presumably because of their small size and high value. With increasing pressure from governments to incorporate built-in countermeasures to deter theft by rendering a user's smartphone inoperable in the event it is lost or stolen, expanding the existing Android Device Manager's features to include a reset-proof lockout only makes sense.





Google Will Add A 'Factory Reset Protection Solution' To The Next Version Of Android, AKA A Kill Switch was written by the awesome team at Android Police.












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New Moto X+1 Video Leak Shows Model Apparently Set To Test For Verizon’s Network

AH Moto X+1 Boot


The Moto X+1 should be nearing a release here in the next month or two if the rumors about the launch dates are to be believed, but while we wait to hear more official word on the follow up to the original Moto X from last year, TK Tech news has posted up his second video of five that he will be releasing showing off the Moto X+1. There is one unfortunate thing about this video(and we can presume about the future videos as well)which is that the device is covered in saran wrap, which TK explains had to be done so that he could cover up any identifying marks. His previous video which we believe is the first one he posted of the five he has stated that he will put out, apparently had some identifying marks in it so he was asked to take it down. Thus, here we are.


In this video he goes over a few things of note, mainly one of the things that caught our attention is that he mentions the model shown in the video below was apparently set to test on the Verizon Wireless network, and had a few pieces of Verizon bloatware that he found within the device. He also mentions that there are a couple things that seem to not be working quite correctly. He points out that the “OK Google” hotword is not functioning and that he has no idea at this time if that was something that was intentional or not. Now for a couple exciting things. The Moto X+1 apparently comes with AMOLED 1080p display, and we’ll get to see just how big it is compared to the original Moto X tomorrow when TK posts his next video. According to him, the size is only slightly bigger, so we won’t be seeing a huge jump here.


Other than the OK Google command not working, the camera seems to have intermittent functioning issues as well. For those that want thinner bezels, it seems Motorola has listened, and has made the bezels thinner on the Moto X+1 when compared to last years model. He also makes a mention that the buttons on the side seem to be made of either metal or ceramic, and look to be a little further apart than before. In the very beginning of the video we eve get another nice little look at the boot animation in case you missed it from his previous video.



Click here to view the embedded video.


The post New Moto X+1 Video Leak Shows Model Apparently Set To Test For Verizon’s Network appeared first on AndroidHeadlines.com |.






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Google Search On Android Now Gives You Direct Links To Music Apps If You Search For Artists (US Only For Now)

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It would seem Google's added a new musical feature to Search queries on Android, with searches for specific musical artists now giving direct links to your installed music apps (such as Spotify, Play Music, YouTube, and more). What actually happens when you tap one of the shortcuts, shown below, seems to vary significantly depending on the app.


Screenshot_2014-06-19-16-03-39


For Play Music, you'll be sent to the artist's page, whereas for YouTube, you'll head to the topic for that artist.





Google Search On Android Now Gives You Direct Links To Music Apps If You Search For Artists (US Only For Now) was written by the awesome team at Android Police.












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