OnePlus posted a new teaser image on the Google+ page today suggesting something new is going to be announced on July 22nd. The image includes the phrase “Knock on wood” and “7.22″ engraved in what appears to be wood. There are a few options that the tease could be referring to. The most obvious would be the announcement of faux wood back covers for the OnePlus One similar to what Motorola offers for the Moto X. If that were the case, OnePlus may also announce the availability of other cover styles as well.
Another possibility for the subtle reference could be a hint that they may finally be ready to start taking orders without the invite system that has been implemented. The “knock on wood” reference could be their way of saying they think they are ready if all goes according to plan. Considering some of the challenges they have had in fulfilling orders thus far, this option may not be too likely.
The announcement of general availability could also be made in conjunction with the new back covers, essentially covering both options.
source: +OnePlus
Come comment on this article: OnePlus posts subtle tease about July 22nd
Fleksy has announced that the beta version of the keyboard for Android is getting a handful of new languages today, bringing its total language count to over 35. Some of the new modules are completely new languages, like Norwegian and Croatian, while others are actually language variations, such as British English or French Canadian. Adding in support for a wide variety of different languages is key to Fleksy’s goal of targeting international markets for growth.
In addition to the new languages, the beta update fixes some issues with using the keyboard on Samsung Gear devices, and adds compatibility for Galaxy Gear 1 smartwatches that have been updated to Tizen. Fleksy is pretty much the only keyboard that works on smartwatches, and they’re working hard to maintain a lead in that market.
Is Fleksy your go-to keyboard, or do you use something else?
source: Fleksy
Come comment on this article: Fleksy’s Android Beta gets updated with 15 new languages and Galaxy Gear support
Acer continues to grow their Chromebook line, which now includes two new models powered by the 4th generation Intel Core i3 processor. The only difference between the two models is the memory. The C720-3871 sports 2 GB of RAM and is priced at $349.99, while the C720-3404 includes 4 GB of RAM for $379.99.
Both devices will also include an 11.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) display, Intel HD Graphics 4400, stereo speakers, 32 GB solid state drive, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI, USB 3.0, card reader, and 8.5 hours of battery life.
sources: Acer – C720-3871 / C720-3404
Come comment on this article: You can now purchase the first Chromebooks powered by an Intel Core i3 processor
LG has been following a steady progression with the latest tablets for their portfolio as they get them to market. Announced in May ahead of their big LG G3 reveal, LG expanded their tablet options for customers to include new 7-inch and 10.1-inch versions. In June the new tablets, along with the G Pad 8.0, were released to European retailers. Now, about one month later, LG is making the devices available in the U.S. market.
The LG G Pad 7 will carry a suggested retail price of $149.99 and the G Pad 10.1 will go for $249.99. Both versions are Wi-Fi only. Initially, the devices will be available at major retailers like Best Buy and Newegg.
If you are in the market for a new tablet, do you think you will take a look at the new LG G Pad devices?
source: LG Press Release
Come comment on this article: LG makes new G Pad 7 and G Pad 10.1 available in U.S.
A new update to Google Play Games for Android is now rolling out in the Play Store. The update brings the app all the way up to version 2.0.11 and introduces a new Player Profiles, complete with Player XP to show your friends your mobile gaming dedication.
Privacy advocates will be happy to find that profiles will be automatically be set to private in the event that any previously downloaded games wasn’t given permission to post publicly on your G+ profile. Should you find yourself accumulating several hundreds of games in your travels, well, you’ll just have to go through each one to set its activity to public (lame).
But that’s not all. Google also introduced an update to the Google Play Games SDK. Apparently, Google wants to make it easier than ever for developers to implement Google Play Games into their games, regardless of platform.
Announced on the Android Developers Blog , Google revealed a new set of tools that they first introduced at this year’s Google I/O and brings support for turn-based multiplayer, Quests and Events, and Saved Games. The Google Play Games SDK for iOS saw the same developments, allowing developers to take advantage of Quests, Saved Games, and Game Profiles (along with Player XP APIs) in their iOS titles as well.
As so often is the case, the new Google Play Games update is rolling out in stages but if you’d like to grab the app early, you can sideload the apk via the download link below. Happy gaming!
Download: Google Play Games 2.0 (MediaFire)
Music fans who enjoy checking out the videos that artists put out to go along with their music may want to check out Vevo which released a major update to their Android app this week. Moving the app up to version 2.0, the update brings a new interface design that includes a real-time news feed. Vevo has also tried to step up the ability of the app to identify music videos that may be of interest to users based on what they have been listening to.
Along with music videos, users in the U.S. and Canada can access VEVO TV to check out three different channels based on different genres of music including pop music, rap/R&B, and country. Vevo has also made channels available for Mexico and Germany.
Check out some screen shots below. If you want to give Vevo a try, just hit one of the download links.
Come comment on this article: Vevo releases major update to music video app
More bad news for Samsung as a new report says one of the company’s suppliers in China is engaging child labor. The Shinyang Electronics factory has been identified by China Labor Watch, a New York-based organization, as having several children and underage student workers employed at the plant. CLW alleges that not only are children being used, they are being forced to work 11 hour days with no overtime pay nor are they receiving social insurance.
This report comes on the heels of another report that Samsung released indicating several of its suppliers were not meeting appropriate safety standards. However, Samsung said none of the suppliers were employing child labor. Samsung says “we are urgently looking into the latest allegations and will take appropriate measures in accordance with our policies to prevent any cases of child labor in our suppliers.”
Samsung is not alone in trying to get a handle on child labor issues with suppliers located in China. CLW has documented similar issues for Apple’s suppliers along with a host of major corporations from outside the tech industry. CLW contends companies are too lax in their attempts to get Chinese suppliers to live up to acceptable codes of conduct and social commitments.
source: SamMobile
Come comment on this article: Chinese supplier for Samsung accused of child labor violations
Welcome to the latest entry in our Bonus Round series, wherein we tell you all about the new Android games of the day that we couldn't get to during our regular news rounds. Consider this a quick update for the dedicated gamers who can't wait for our bi-weekly roundups, and don't want to wade through a whole day's worth of news just to get their pixelated fix. Today we've got a space pirate math game, a randomized roguelike, and a rebooted Sega jumper.
[Bonus Round] Cosmonautica, Rogue's Tale, And Sonic Jump Fever was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
Back in the middle of June we had mentioned SEGA’s announcement about Sonic Jump Fever, the anticipated sequel to Sonic Jump, and how it would be coming later this year to Android and mobile. Later this year apparently means today, as the game is now live on the Play Store for all. If you played the original Sonic Jump then you know how much fun this will be. In Sonic Jump Fever you’ll compete with Sonic and friends in a high stakes chaotic race to the top(just kidding, there is no top.. it’s NEVERENDING!… another joke because you do eventually reach the top of each stage)and see who can grab the highest score.
You can play as Sonic, tails, Knuckles and other memorable characters from the Sonic universe. Use boosters to enhance your ability to jump higher and move faster. String together combos for an even higher score and score HUGE in the super fast rounds where everything seems like it’s just a little too slow for Sonic’s taste. You can challenge your friends which is quite honestly one of the best features. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone and Sonic Jump Fever aims to help make it easy to rub it in when you absolutely smash your friend’s high score.
The original Sonic Jump was a blast but in Sonic Jump Fever there’s new combos, new boosters, and new characters that should make things a heck of a lot more fun than before. The original Sonic Jump was also $2.99 but still had IAP involved and this time around SEGA kept the IAP but made the game free of charge. We’re fine with the in-app purchases as long as they’re mostly aesthetic or optional and non-fun impacting, and of course we’re all for a really awesome free game from someone like SEGA. You can even unlock the power of the Chao, but you’ll have to find them to do so. Once you find a legendary Chao you can recruit them to help you along the way by taking out badniks and ultimately raising your score to new and untold heights. Google Play Games services are present which means achievements and leaderboards, and SEGA says there’s tons of hidden rings and other things to find throughout the levels so be on the lookout for anything that stands out just a little bit.
Click here to view the embedded video.
The post Best The Badniks In SEGA’s Sonic Jump Fever Out Now For Android appeared first on AndroidHeadlines.com |.
LG is trying to get its hands anywhere it can, lately – it’s the G revolution. With the G3 now in its way across the world, the G3 Beat announced and the G3S rumored, what other markets can the growing Korean manufacturer target?
We know the LG G3 is now available for pre-order from Verizon, with a release date set for July 17, but not everyone wants that superphone. Those looking to get a more affordable handset from Big Red may soon have a brand new option.
In essence, this is a phone for those who don't need much power from their smartphones, yet like abnormally large displays.
Code-named the LG VS880 and featuring a 5.7-inch 720p display, this device will probably not disappoint the casual users among us. It is said to come with Android 4.2, a Snapdragon 400 processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal storage, 8MP/1.3MP cameras and a 3200 mAh battery.
While not amazingly slim and light, the mid-end smartphone is thin enough with a 9.1mm-thick body and 158 grams of weight. Needless to say it looks just like a larger LG G3, with lower specs and what seems like a slightly inferior construction.
Paired with the right price, this device should be great for some Verizon users. Sadly, we still have no details on pricing and availability. Do remember this is a rumor, so we wouldn’t hold our breath on it, either. A good reputation preceeds him, but @evleaks is also not perfect.
Preparing for a major product release is sure to put strain on any OEM, even more so the supplies they employ to manufacturer these devices. Companies like Samsung and Apple have long been known for employing factory workers in China to help cut some of the costs associated with production — nothing new there. But new allegations from a labor watchdog group believe that one Samsung factory, facing higher than normal demand to get products out the door on time, began employing children and under age students to help get the job done.
According to New York-based Child Labor Watch, some of these children worked for Shinyang Electronics in Dongguan for up to 11 hours a day without overtime pay. Most ended up leaving their jobs after about 3-6 months when demand began to subside, all without any kind of severance pay.
Keep in mind Samsung is usually on top of situations like this and in their own external audit, found no evidence of child labor at their sum 100 Chinese suppliers (although excessive working hours and lack of safety equipment were reportedly commonplace). Child Labor Watch is alleging that working conditions at Samsung’s factories were nothing short of “inhumane.”
Amid these allegations, Samsung made a promise to wipe out labor violations like illegal overtime, doubling down on efforts to prevent hires of children with their suppliers. They even went as far as saying they’d sever relationships with factories not abiding by their requests.
Samsung seemed puzzled by these new allegations of child labor, citing 3 recent inspections in both 2013 and 2014 at their Shinyang Electronics factory that turned up not a single child worker. According to Samsung, they’re now “urgently” looking into these fresh new allegations of child labor.
The Nexus 7 2013 may be last year’s model Nexus tablet, but it’s still very much the daily driver tablet for many people. With a thinner and lighter body than the 2012 model, it feels a little more prone to damage. Although you certainly don’t want to be dropping the tablet at all, should it happen to slip through your fingers and hit the pavement(god forbid)or the kitchen floor, the carpet, the wood floor, or whatever other types of surfaces you may be using your tablet around, having something to protect it on the outside isn’t a bad idea if you’re prone to dropping things or if you have kids. Gumdrop makes a great case if you’re looking to protect your device, and the Drop Tech series does a pretty good job at taking the beating for your Nexus 7 in the event of a fall.
The case actually feels pretty beefy but surprisingly not too bulky like you would expect from a case that adds this kind of protection. It’s made of a dual layer system so the case is actually two pieces. The front piece which has an integrated screen protector to keep any damage off that beautiful display, is held together by the plastic shell that clips to the edges and around the backs of the corners of your tablet. The second piece is the rubber gel skin, which has a hefty rigid texture on the back which not only looks cool but actually helps to absorb the shock. Since the entire case is made up of two separate parts, the case provides multiple layers of shock absorption, and it has reinforced rubber bumpers on each of the corners, which is ironically where devices tend to hit more often if they’re dropped in the first place.
There is also integrated port covers so you can seal up your charger port and the audio port up top, keeping them closed off and clean and resistant to any dust or dirt that may want to try and get in should you drop it while outside. The Drop Tech series case is actually pretty comfortable to hold and doesn’t add too much weight to the tablet like I thought it would. Everything feels nice and well constructed, although the buttons felt a little stiff when attempting to hit the volume up/down keys, and the power button was a little harder to press than I expected. Although, after a little use the buttons should become a little easier to press. You can find Gumdrop’s Drop Tech series case for the Nexus 7 2013 on Amazon right now, normally it retails for $49.99 but at current it’s going for $29.99 so there is a $20 price cut on them. They also come in multiple colors and not just black, like black/orange, red/black, royal blue/lime, white/pink, and light blue/royal blue.
The post Featured Review: Gumdrop Drop Tech Series Case For The Nexus 7 2013 appeared first on AndroidHeadlines.com |.
