[Updated] [Rumor] No Nexus Tablet In 2015, But Two Phones—A 5.2-Inch LG (Code Name Bullhead) And A 5.7-Inch Huawei (Code Name Angler)

The Nexus 6 was a break from the past for the Nexus program with its high price tag and massive size, but it was probably an emergency replacement after the collapse of Android Silver. We’ve been wondering if Google would recommit to the Nexus program, and it’s sounding like yes—in a big way. We’ve gotten some details on two alleged Nexus phones for 2015, but there are currently no plans for a tablet.

Disclaimer: No matter the confidence level, there’s always a chance product updates, features, and some or all details will be changed or cancelled altogether. As with all rumors, nothing is 100% until it’s officially announced

Confidence Level

We’re rating the confidence level of the phone aspect of this rumor at a 7 out of 10. The source is reliable, and we believe the information to accurately represent the state of things in the very recent past. The specs on the phones are still tentative in the information we’ve received, though. They’re probably further along now and things might have changed. The tablet rumor we’re putting at an 8 out of 10. It’s almost certain.

The Rumor

This would be the first time Google has released two Nexus phones in one year, but this is apparently the plan. We don’t have the full specs, but we’ve got some tentative ones.

The LG Bullhead (remember, sea creature code names) will have a 5.2-inch screen and a battery in the neighborhood of 2700mAh. The capacity is not completely decided, but neither is the ARM chip. LG is currently planning on a Snapdragon 808 in this device. That’s the same hexa-core chip used in the LG G4. Bullhead would basically be the 2015 Nexus 5 everyone has been begging for.

The Huawei Angler will apparently be a somewhat more hefty device with a 5.7-inch screen. For better or worse, the information we have says Huawei plans to use a Snapdragon 810 in this Nexus. Again, that might change before release, or maybe it’ll be fine with the additional time to tweak performance. The battery capacity in Angler is said to be 3500mAh. This is more or less a 2015 Nexus 6, but with a slightly more manageable form factor. Both phones should be out in the usual Nexus time frame around October.

It also sounds like the Nexus 9 will be Google’s flagship tablet for another cycle. The information we have on this is from just a few weeks ago in April, and says no Nexus tablet is in the works. That makes it unlikely we’ll see one this time around.

Code names flipped

It looks like we got the code names backwards for the Nexus phones. The smaller LG phone is Bullhead and the Huawei is Angler. There’s a comment in AOSP that seems to confirm Bullhead is an LG device (thanks, Kaushik). Everything else is unchanged.

Ryan is a tech/science writer, skeptic, lover of all things electronic, and Android fan. In his spare time he reads golden-age sci-fi and sleeps, but rarely at the same time. His wife tolerates him as few would. He’s the author of a sci-fi novel called The Crooked City, which is available on Amazon and Google Play.

Source = androidpolice

Tags = 2015, 5.2inch, 5.7inch, Angler, Bullhead, Code, Huawei, name, Nexus, Phones—A, rumor, tablet, updated

New on iTunes: Albums from A$AP Rocky and Lifehouse, discounts on The Lord of the Rings and Matrix trilogies

Every Tuesday, the iTunes Store adds new music, movies, and more to its lineup. Along with new releases, the Store often launches new deals on media, including discounted bundles for movies.

In new music, we have AT.LONG.LAST.A$ AP, The latest album from rapper A$ AP Rocky, featuring 18 new tracks and guest artists like Mos Def, Lil Wayne, and Joe Fox. There’s also Out of the Wasteland, from Lifehouse. The store is also holding a sale on jazz albums, offering work from artists like Nina Simone, George Benson, and Billie Holiday for just $ 7.99 each.

iTunes is currently offering a number of movie bundles at discounted prices. For instance, you can get all three movies in The Lord of the Rings trilogy for $ 14.99. Also available for $ 14.99 are The Matrix trilogy, as well as all three Godfather films. For $ 19.99, you can also grab the Jurassic Park movies ahead of next month’s release of Jurassic World.

For TV fans, iTunes has some new and discounted season passes for you. Right now, you can grab the season pass for the upcoming third season of Hannibal at a discounted price of $ 29.99. Also available is the season pass Aquarius, a new crime drama starring David Duchovny, for $ 36.99. All episodes of Aquarius will be available to watch beginning this Friday, May 29. You can also get the season premiere of the new Fox series Wayward Pines for free, while the season pass will run you $ 19.99

Be sure to check out all of the new music, movies, and more on the iTunes Store.

Source : androidcentral

Tags = A$AP, Albums, Discounts, From, iTunes, Lifehouse, Lord, Matrix, Rings, Rocky, trilogies

Microsoft Announces That 20 More OEMs, Including LG And Sony, Will Begin Shipping Office, OneDrive, And Other Productivity Software On Their Android Tablets

Microsoft said today in a blog post that they have added 20 new partners to their roster of those who will ship their software on Android tablets. This comes on the heels of the relatively recent stable release of Word, Excel, and Powerpoint for tablets running KitKat or newer. Just earlier this year, Microsoft reached a similar agreement with Samsung, Dell, and several other less-known OEMs. Today’s headliners are Sony and LG, but many more are included.

First of all, here’s the full list of new partners that will be shipping Android tablets with Microsoft apps and services along with the regions they’ll be operating in.

The specific apps to look for are Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneDrive, and Skype. If the just-announced Windows 10 companion app becomes compatible with tablets, I’d expect to see it show up as well. Microsoft says this will apply to an unnamed LG tablet coming in the near future as well as the Sony Xperia Z4 tablet coming in “the next 90 days.”

This is bound to be a mutually beneficial relationship. A tablet purchase is easier to justify if you think you can be somewhat productive with it. Microsoft has done a very good job of figuring out how to bring a full office suite experience to the small screen in a usable way. Of course, the Office team needs people to stick to their familiar software rather than branching out to Google’s competing options or others.

To be clear, this does not preclude Google Play Services on these devices. While some in smaller markets may choose not ship with Play, that won’t have anything to do with Microsoft. Notice that there is no Bing on board.

Jacob is a PhD student of communication and technology writer. He’s also an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to the Chicago White Sox. When not working, you can usually find him tweaking his Android devices or reading political news.

Source = androidpolice

Tags = Android, announces, Begin, including, Microsoft, more, OEMs, Office, OneDrive, Productivity, shipping, software, Sony, tablets, their

Download Android 5.1.1 factory image for T-Mobile Nexus 6 now

The factory image which includes Wi-Fi calling on T-Mobile has now been made available from Google for the Nexus 6.

Android 5.1.1 build LYZ28E has just been made available from Google for Nexus 6 owners who have T-Mobile to download and install. This release brings both the factory image and OTA update files, allowing users to update their devices without having to wait. One of the big feature additions in this build was Wi-Fi calling for T-Mobile customers. The update began pushing out to a select number of users this past weekend, but now anyone can install it.

Installation of these files is a little bit different than just accepting an OTA update on your device. You can find out how to use these files below.

How to manually update your Nexus 6

Source: Nexus Factory Images

Source : androidcentral

Tags = 5.1.1, Android, Download, factory, image, Nexus, TMobile

[Deal Alert?] Google Drops The Nexus Player To $79 In The Google Store

Google doesn’t usually change the prices of items in the Google Store (it charged $ 230 for the original G Watch almost until the end), but it has been a little more flexible lately. The Nexus Player debuted at $ 99, but now it’s down to a much more reasonable $ 79.

This isn’t necessarily the cheapest price you’ll find. While it does fluctuate a bit, Amazon often has the Nexus player for a few bucks less. With Google dropping the official price, that might push the cost down elsewhere. Note, this is the base bundle with the remote. The controller is still an extra $ 40.

We don’t know yet if this price drop is permanent. Knowing Google, it’s probably not, but it should be.

Ryan is a tech/science writer, skeptic, lover of all things electronic, and Android fan. In his spare time he reads golden-age sci-fi and sleeps, but rarely at the same time. His wife tolerates him as few would. He’s the author of a sci-fi novel called The Crooked City, which is available on Amazon and Google Play.

Source = androidpolice

Tags = Alert, Deal, Drops, Google, Nexus, Player, store

Bruce Campbell joins the fight in the third Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare DLC pack

Activision’s first person shooter Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is getting its third paid DLC pack, Supremacy, on June 2 for the Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles. The pack adds four new multiplayer maps, but fans of the Exo Zombies campaign have the biggest reason to get Supremacy, as the third chapter adds actor Bruce Campbell to its already impressive cast list.

First: here’s a look at the four new multiplayer maps that will be included in Supremacy;

• Parliament: Docked on the River Thames, this military cargo ship delivers a view of the London cityscape along with a fast-paced combat experience. Mixed site-lines provide opportunities for all styles of play to dominate this medium-sized map. Players can take control of the map-based scorestreak to unleash a barrage of missiles that annihilate enemies.


• Kremlin: Gamers must prepare for intense combat outside Russia’s presidential palace in the new map Kremlin, as they navigate the worn-torn buildings of Red Square in this medium-sized, three-lane map. Secure elevated positions to give the team a strategic advantage, or use exoskeleton capabilities to avoid being caught in the minefield that activates mid-match.


• Compound: Players take combat preparation to the limit in an Atlas training facility hidden away in the Colorado wilderness, as they’ll have to be quick on the trigger in this small, symmetrical map, which funnels high-speed combat through tight corners to the main tower structures.


• Skyrise: Players deploy to an Atlas Skyscraper overlooking the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Based on the fan-favorite, Highrise, from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 by Infinity Ward, this map brings new exoskeleton mechanics to the classic multiplayer layout. Gamers must dominate the power positions in the center of this small-to-medium sized map to control the key navigation points.

Fans of Campbell in general, and Evil Dead movie fans in particular, should be happy to see that he brings his voice and likeness to the third Exo Zombies chapter, Carrier:

“Following the end of the last episode, Infected, Bruce Campbell (Army of Darkness, Burn Notice) steps in and joins the battle-hardened cast of John Malkovich (In the Line of Fire, RED, Burn After Reading), Bill Paxton (Aliens, Titanic, Edge of Tomorrow), Rose McGowan (Planet Terror, Scream), and Jon Bernthal (Fury, The Wolf of Wall Street). In Carrier, the four are trapped on an Atlas aircraft carrier. Carrier features advanced new weaponry, enemy Atlas Strike teams, Sentinel support squads, and a host of new zombie enemies.”

The Supremacy DLC pack will be priced at $ 14.99 on its own but Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare players can get it as part of the game’s Season Pass, which will offer all four planned DLC packs for $ 49.99.

Source: Call of Duty

Source : androidcentral

Tags = Advanced, Bruce, Call, Campbell, Duty, Fight, joins, pack, third, Warfare

Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 to add support for Dolby Audio format

The Microsoft Edge web browser that’s being included in Windows 10 will support a number of audio formats, including one from a company well known in that industry: Dolby. Today, Microsoft revealed that Edge will support the Dolby Audio format for websites that have HTML5, MSE and EME support.

Microsoft says:

“Dolby Audio supports the multi-channel Dolby Digital Plus audio format that provides crisp, clear audio in a broad range of channel configurations. Microsoft Edge is the first browser to include support for Dolby Digital Plus. Websites will now be able to selectively support Dolby Audio as a premium sound experience, and use HTML5, MSE and EME capability checks to fall back to other supported formats on browsers other than Microsoft Edge.”

“Windows 10 includes support for the Dolby Digital Plus Portable Mode, which is a dynamic range control setting that is optimized for playback over built-in speakers and headphones. Dolby content will play back louder and clearer with a dynamic range more appropriate for portable devices. This improves the experience from Windows 8 where content could occasionally render softly over built-in speakers and headphones, and the advantages will apply equally to websites running in Microsoft Edge.”

“Dolby Audio is compatible with current DASH (MP4) and HLS (M2TS) file formats, and so can be included with progressive download HTML5 content, adaptive streaming HLS or MSE/EME MP4 content.”

Dolby has already launched an interactive website, the Dolby Audio Experience, that demos the new format in the Edge web browser.

Source: Microsoft

Source : androidcentral

Tags = audio, Dolby, edge, format, Microsoft, support, Windows

[Update: It's Official] 2015 Hyundai Sonata Android Auto Upgrade Now Available At Some Dealers, Others Soon

According to the fan-owned Hyundai Forums, if you walk into your Hyundai dealership in the next week or so with your 2015 Hyundai Sonata with Tech Package (meaning the large screen navigation system upgrade), an Android Auto upgrade should be there for you. And if it isn’t, it probably will be shortly (like, this week).

One owner already has the update flashed to his car (pictures are there in the thread for registered users, if you want proof), and along with the Hyundai service notice above, should make it obvious this thing is ready to go.

Other posters are reporting their local dealerships are still waiting on the software to come via mail on a USB drive, but once that happens, they’ll be ready to update cars, as well. Call up your local dealer if you want to know the status of the update in your region (granted, it’s Sunday, so the service department is probably closed).

Again, this applies only to 2015 model year Sonatas with the appropriate infotainment system, meaning the large 8″ navigation-equipped module. Other models are not eligible for Auto at this time, and Sonatas without the right system aren’t eligible, either.

It’s not clear if there will eventually be a “DIY” flash option for the software, but for now, it looks like you’ll have to head to the local dealer. Which will be completely worth it.

It’s official: Hyundai has announced that the 2015 Sonata Android Auto upgrade is available at some Hyundai dealers, and that others will follow in the days and weeks to come. A tip from one of our readers: if your service rep at the dealer has no idea what the Auto upgrade is, just tell them to look up service bulletins for your car based on the VIN – it should show up if they actually do it. I’ve heard anecdotally that some dealers also don’t expect to receive their copy of the update (it is a physical drive) for up to two weeks from now.

David’s phone is whatever is currently sitting on his desk. He is an avid writer, and enjoys playing devil’s advocate in editorials, and reviewing the latest phones and gadgets. He also doesn’t usually write such boring sentences.

Source = androidpolice

Tags = 2015, Android, Auto, available, Dealers, Hyundai, it’s, official, Others, Some, Sonata, Soon..., Update, upgrade

Aukey's Dual-USB Turbo Car Charger rocks Quick Charge 2.0 in a small size

Accelerating the charging experience on the go is Aukey’s Dual-USB Turbo Car Charger — a pocket-sized companion you’ll want for every commute.

Whether you’re playing taxi, carpooling, or riding solo, having enough chargers in the car makes everyone’s life much simpler. For the sake of getting the fastest charge possible, you’ll want something that puts out more juice than your run-of-the-mill charger. Aukey has packed this little bugger with Quick Charge 2.0 along with a spare USB port for second device — leaving plenty of room for other things besides your charger.

What is Qualcomm Quick Charge?

Designed to accommodate most, if not all vehicles, the Aukey Dual-USB Turbo Car Charger measures only 2.48″ in length and 1.26″ in width — easily carried in your pocket or the palm of your hand at a mere 0.83oz. As with other car chargers of this size, removing them from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter port can sometimes be a hassle depending on how your center console is set up. My Dodge RAM doesn’t leave much room around the crevice where the port resides, so with the charger completely plugged in, there’s not much left to grip when I need to remove it.

The entire charger is wrapped in a glossy black plastic that feels slightly fragile and sounds just the same when plugging it in. There isn’t an LED to signify when you’re seated properly or charging, which would be a nice addition, but in reality it’s just one more thing to go wrong or burn out. It also comes with over-current and short circuit protection, which is a must-have. If your current device doesn’t come with Quick Charge 2.0/Fast Charging, it’ll still juice-up any 5V, 9V, or 12V output device without the extra speed.

A 40″ black micro-USB cable is included for all your single-charging needs, but will require your own cable for the additional port. The top USB port has a max output of 2.4A and is labeled green — slightly confusing since it matches the green QC logo right above it — and the orange port below is designated for Quick Charge 2.0-compatible devices. I used a Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge, and both charged simultaneously without hiccups.

Input

• Input: DC 12-24V


• Total Power: 30W

Output

• Output A: 5V / 2.4A (MAX)


• Output B (QC 2.0): DC 5V/2A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A (MAX)

Final thoughts

There’s not much to dislike about this Dual-USB Turbo Car Charger from Aukey. You can’t beat Quick Charge 2.0 speeds, whether you’re in the car or plugged into an outlet. Its small size is kind of a double-edged sword, but it’s far more convenient than it is not. If you’re after a no-frills car charger that’ll quickly power-up more than one device, there’s little reason to pass this one up.

Buy this car charger

More popular chargers and cables

Source : androidcentral

Tags = Aukey's, Charge, Charger, DualUSB, Quick, rocks, size, small, Turbo

Samsung Announces The Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition For South Korea, China, And Hong Kong

What kind of cell phone would Iron Man use? Well, depending on which movie or commercial you watch, it’s either an LG (the original movie), an HTC (based on Robert Downey Jr.’s nonsensical brand representation), or an impossible transparent super-sci-fi gadget phone (Iron Man 2). But the ultimate fan of Marvel’s movies would definitely use the Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition, with a unique gold-on-red color scheme to match the suit. And just in case people don’t get the hint, it’s also got a huge Iron Man helmet decal on the back and a custom Avengers software theme.

Samsung has made the Iron Man Edition official, with a release in the company’s home turf of South Korea planned for tomorrow, May 27th, and China and Hong Kong releases next month. This is a completely customized 64GB Galaxy S6 Edge phone, not to be confused with the Avengers-themed cases on offer elsewhere. The special edition package comes with a customized wireless charging dock that looks like Iron Man’s arc reactor chest plate, plus a free clear case and headphones.

The “hot rod red” color and gold trim is pretty snazzy even without the Marvel branding, but I have to say that the super-customized software would get old after a while – even the phone dialer and SMS apps are infused with Avengers graphics. At the moment there’s no word of a price, but considering that the standard 64GB S6 Edge costs over $ 900 USD, I suspect this one might not appeal to those of us who aren’t billionaire playboy philanthropists. There’s also no mention of a wider release, so maybe it’s just as well.

Michael is a native Texan and a former graphic designer. He’s been covering technology in general and Android in particular since 2011. His interests include folk music, football, science fiction, and salsa verde, in no particular order.

Source = androidpolice

Tags = announces, China, edge, Edition, Galaxy, Hong, Iron, Kong, Korea, Samsung, South

Windows 10 is getting a Japanese anime mascot, but it still needs a name

If you saw a recent story on Last Week Night with John Oliver on HBO, you know that Japan loves its mascots. Today, Microsoft’s Japanese offices revealed the look of its Windows 10 mascot and will launch a campaign to officially name her in June.

Yes, Microsoft’s mascot is a cute 17-year old anime girl who comes from 100 years in the future, works part-time in the gadget-heavy city in Akihabara and, of course, she loves to play online games. Her voice will be handled by anime voice-over actress Ai Nonaka.

Microsoft will start its public campaign to name the Windows 10 mascot on June 19, and people who enter will be eligible to win some prizes, including five grand prizes that will be autographed by Nonaka. This is nothing new for Microsoft; the company has had similar mascots in Japan for Windows 7, Windows 8 and Internet Explorer.

Source: Microsoft; Via: Crunchyroll; Thanks, Christopher, for the tip!

Source : androidcentral

Tags = anime, getting, Japanese, mascot, name, needs, Still, Windows

Twitter's Video Broadcasting App Periscope Surfaces On Android

If you pay attention to the Twitter-verse at all, you’ve probably heard of Periscope. It’s an app made by Twitter that broadcasts live video streams from your phone. It was previously only available on iOS, but now you can download it on your Android phone (or tablet, if you hate clear videos).

Periscope plugs into your Twitter account, but the app itself is a standalone broadcasting client. When you start a stream, the default mode is public—everyone following you on Periscope will be able to see it. There’s an option to publish a link to your stream to Twitter too. Alternatively, you can just send a private link to certain people to view.

Periscope is based mostly on live streams, but your videos can be replayed for 24 hours after broadcast. They’re deleted after that, but you can kill them early if need be.

Ryan is a tech/science writer, skeptic, lover of all things electronic, and Android fan. In his spare time he reads golden-age sci-fi and sleeps, but rarely at the same time. His wife tolerates him as few would. He’s the author of a sci-fi novel called The Crooked City, which is available on Amazon and Google Play.

Source = androidpolice

Tags = Android, Broadcasting, Periscope, Surfaces, Twitter's, video

iOS 9 said to pack support for Force Touch on the iPhone 6s

Along with enhancements for Maps, security, and performance, iOS 9 is also said to contain small but important changes to usability, including support for Force Touch on the as-yet-unannounced iPhone 6s.

Reports of some of the major new features in iOS 9 have already surfaced, but now we might have a better idea of what some of the smaller tweaks could be. One of the notable updates appears to be the addition of Force Touch compatibility, apparently to go along with the release of the iPhone 6s later this year, according to 9to5Mac:

Additionally, Force Touch on the iPhone will offer similar functionality to the Force Touch Trackpads built into new Retina MacBooks and Retina MacBook Pros. Force Touch will be integrated into Maps to drop new pins, into media players for pressure-sensitive scrolling, into the Calendar for adding new events, and across the system for quickly looking up word definitions, according to sources who have used Force Touch on prototype versions of the “iPhone 6S.” However, as Force Touch is tied into new and unannounced hardware, it’s unlikely that the support will be announced at WWDC.

Apple is also reportedly working on an updated keyboard for iOS 9. Among the possible changes are more editing tools for the portrait keyboard and better accessibility, along with a redesigned shift key. Messages might also see a small update, with group thread and per-contact read receipts said to be on the agenda.

Finally, going along with recent reports, Apple is said to be readying an expansion of Apple Pay into Canada with iOS 9, though unless Apple has the deals in place, it’s unlikely this will be announced at WWDC 2015.

We expect get the full rundown of new features in iOS 9 from Apple during the WWDC keynote, taking place in just under two weeks. You can check out the full report at the link below.

Source: 9to5Mac

Source : androidcentral

Tags = Force, iPhone, pack, said, support, Touch

Microsoft Announces Cortana Virtual Assistant Is Coming To Android

You’ve already got Google voice commands, but what about something with a little more personality? Microsoft has got you covered, or rather, it will in a few weeks. Redmond is working on a version of its Cortana virtual assistant app for Android.

Cortana (named after the AI in Halo) is in the same class of products as Google voice commands and Apple’s Siri. It’s a little more like the latter because there’s a personality attached, and it’s more heavily based on conversational interactions. Cortana will just be an app on Android, so you’ll have to launch it to issue any commands. It supports things like search queries, reminders, and note taking.

Microsoft only mentioned this at the end of a huge blog post about Windows 10 and how it will help you install Microsoft apps on your phone. Likewise, the Cortana demo happens at the very end of the video above. Cotrana will be available on Android via the Play Store in a few weeks. It’s coming to iOS too, but at some point later this year.

Ryan is a tech/science writer, skeptic, lover of all things electronic, and Android fan. In his spare time he reads golden-age sci-fi and sleeps, but rarely at the same time. His wife tolerates him as few would. He’s the author of a sci-fi novel called The Crooked City, which is available on Amazon and Google Play.

Source = androidpolice

Tags = 'Assistant', Android, announces, coming, Cortana, Microsoft, virtual

Surfy browser for Windows Phone gets a revamped design and better downloading

The Surfy web browser for Windows Phone 8 that launched a few years ago has received a major update today, bringing with it a new user interface and better downloading features.

Here’s what’s new in the app, which has the version number of 5.14:

• New larger, easier to use, tabs.


• Improved background downloading with Pause and Resume.


• Tabs are hidden with a drag-up gesture.


• Tabs are also automatically hidden after a short period and can be revealed using a drag-down gesture.


• Drop-down tab menu. Tabs are also closed with a double tap.


• Virtualization improvements for high-memory devices.


• Fixed back navigation issue.


• Fixed context menu being shown off-screen occasionally.


• New Logo and Iconography.


• Numerous other enhancements and bug fixes.

Surfy is free to download and can be used with up to three tabs, but an in-app purchase of $ 1.99 allows the browser to use up to six open tabs.

Download Surfy from the Windows Phone Store (Free)

Source : androidcentral

Tags = Better, Browser, design, downloading, gets, Phone, revamped, Surfy, Windows

The revamped Windows 10 Skype and Messaging app may not be ready for launch

In January, Microsoft first showed off an image of the new Skype and Messaging app for Windows 10 on the PC. Since then, that app has not been included in any of the preview builds for Windows 10 sent to Windows Insider members. Now a new report claims that it’s unlikely the app would be ready for Windows 10’s RTM launch, which is slated for later this summer.

Here’s what Microsoft had to say about the app back in January:

“With the built-in Skype experience you can send free messages over the internet straight from the taskbar, and on your phone send text messages and free Skype to Skype messages – all from the same place – it’s your choice.”

Now Neowin is reporting, via their unnamed sources at Microsoft, that the release of the Skype and Messaging app is, more than likely, being put on a brief hold. This delay is so that the Windows 10 team can concentrate on fixing bugs before its reaches RTM:

“One insider said they would be very lucky to have any app in Windows 10 for the upcoming RTM release, while another said that they did not foresee SMS continuity coming to the platform in 2015.”

A version of the Skype and Messaging app is also due to be included in Windows 10 Mobile as well, but Microsoft has already announced that it won’t be released until sometime after Windows 10 on the PC is launched.

Is this bad news? Considering Microsoft’s “Windows as a service” approach, all this means is what we already know: new features will continuously be added to Windows 10 for PC and Mobile on a regular basis. So although we may be missing some features at launch, these and other additions will continuously be rolled out through frequent updates.

With summer rapidly approaching (and that rumored end-of-July launch for PC), Microsoft appears to now be in a ‘shut up and ship’ mode, killing bugs, adding on polish. We always knew that point would have to happen, and it looks like we are finally there.

Source: Neowin

Source : androidcentral

Tags = launch, messaging, Ready, revamped, Skype, Windows

Resident Evil Zero rises from the dead for a remastering on Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC

Capcom is making good on its promise to shareholders to release more HD remakes, with Resident Evil Zero HD hitting Xbox One and PC in 2016.

Resident Evil Zero was originally a Nintendo Gamecube title and utilizes the same highly detailed static backgrounds as the Resident Evil 1 remake. Zero follows Rebecca Chambers from Resident Evil 1 and convict Billy Coen as they attempt to escape the zombie leech infested Arklay mountains. The game uses a mechanic similar to Resident Evil Revelations 2, which allows you to switch between both main characters.

Koji Oda is returning to direct the remaster, as well as various other members of the original development team. The game was widely praised for its horror and designs, but some criticized the character switching mechanics and story.

Capcom recently confirmed to investors that it would be looking to produce more HD remasters, citing the impressive Resident Evil 1 remaster sales.

…HD remasters of our catalogue hit titles will be one of our key business activities. Overseas, it is becoming difficult to sell these lower-priced and re-mastered titles at stores because of the declining number of stores and sales area limitations. Therefore, we started aggressive digital download sales activities. These activities created new demand for these titles. For example, overseas download sales of “Resident Evil” (HD Remastered) in the past fiscal year were far higher than we expected. It is not a risk but rather the growth of the download sales channel gives users more options…

Although details are scant, I wouldn’t be surprised if Capcom sweetened the deal by including split-screen co-op for Resident Evil Zero considering you’re meant to control two characters simultaneously anyway. As the video says, we’ll just have to stay tuned for details.

Browsing the comments section of the above video reveals a general desire for more classic Resident Evil remakes, I’m not sure whether they’ll fit into Capcom’s ‘remaster’ intentions. Resident Evil 2 and 3 would need to be rebuilt from the ground up, and judging by the quality (or lack thereof) of recent Resident Evil titles, I’m unsure whether Capcom still have the confidence to green light this sort of project. I hope they prove me wrong.

How do you feel about HD remasters? Sick of them? Love them? Hit the comments.

Resident Evil Zero HD will hit Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, PS3, and PS4 in early 2016.

Source : androidcentral

Tags = dead, Evil, From, remastering, Resident, rises, Xbox, Zero

Save 43% today on the Seidio Spring-Clip Holster for AT&T Passport

Deal of the Day Tue 26th May 2015 Only while stocks last!

The Spring-Clip Holster for your AT&T Passport has been refined from years of customer feedback and advances in technology. A durable spring clip holds your AT&T Passport securely in place, and then lifts for quick access. Both the felt liner and the face-in design protect your screen from scratches and exposure to outside elements. This holster can be worn in any one of seven different positions, ranging between horizontal and vertical.

– Spring clip lifts for easy access and removal
– Felt liner and face-in design protect the screen
– Rotating swivel belt-clip with choice of seven positions
– Magnet in holster enables BlackBerry sleeper function
– For use with bare device

Please Note: This holster is designed exclusively for a “naked” device and is not guaranteed to be compatible with other manufacturer’s products.

Device not included.

Promotional Pricing: Coupons are not eligible for this product today.

Source : androidcentral

Tags = AT&T, holster, Passport, Save, Seidio, SpringClip, today

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is the first car to offer Android Auto installed

You can now buy a 2015 Hyundai Sonata with Navigation with Android Auto installed inside, with more car models from the company slated to get Google’s car technology soon.

If you are looking to buy a car from Hyundai, you might be able to get one with Google’s Android Auto technology already installed. Hyundai announced today that it is the first car company to offer that option inside its vehicles, beginning with the 2015 Sonata with Navigation. Here’s what car shoppers can expect:

Owners of existing 2015 Sonata with Navigation can get the Android Auto software update free of charge at Hyundai dealers starting today. Later this summer, owners can visit www.hyundaiusa.com/myhyundai and download the Android Auto software onto a USB memory drive. Owners will need a MyHyundai account to start the Android Auto download. A MyHyundai account requires name, address and a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Once the USB with the Android Auto software is inserted into their Sonata’s USB port, it will automatically update the vehicle’s Navigation system to make it Android Auto compatible. The Android Auto compatible Navigation system with an eight-inch touchscreen display is available on the Sonata Sport, Eco, Limited, Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models.

Hyundai car owners with Android Auto will need a smartphone with Android 5.0 Lollipop or later, along with the Android Auto companion app.

Check out what you need to get started with Android Auto

Source: Hyundai

Source : androidcentral

Tags = 2015, Android, Auto, first, Hyundai, Installed, offer, Sonata

Microsoft details how Windows 10 will work with Android and iPhones

Microsoft has published a new blog post detailing how Windows 10 will love all your hardware, no matter what operating system or ecosystem it may be a part of. Have an iPhone or an old printer? No problem.

The company is focusing on the more connected world where technology is swapped and mixed on a daily basis. You could be rocking a tablet one minute and be enjoying a film on your smart TV the next. Microsoft wants Windows 10 to be center stage. It’s clear Microsoft is seeking to include those who choose to use products from other vendors simply by analysing the new services launched for iOS and Android alone.

The Phone Companion app is also touched upon in the blog post, which enables you to choose which phone you own – be it a Windows Phone, Android or iPhone. The tool will help those with the latter two get set up and configured for a seamless experience. There are various bonuses to using Microsoft’s own services too, including Xbox Music.

“With the latest upcoming version of the Music app, you’ll be able to store and access your music from OneDrive not only on your PC but now also play it anywhere, for free, on your iOS or Android phone (this already works on Windows phones). This means the music playlists you spend hours putting together on your Windows 10 PC will now show up and be playable on your phone, automatically.”

Cortana will also be making her way to Android and iPhones, which will connect to Windows 10 as a companion app. Using the Phone Companion app on Windows 10 will aid those with both platforms to get started with Microsoft’s personal assistant. It’s a neat move by Microsoft to include more consumers into the Windows ecosystem by making it easier to get connected.

“At Microsoft, we want everyone to love not just their Windows 10 PC, but all the devices they own, working with their Windows 10 PC.”

So, how does one get involved? You’ll need to join the Windows Insider Program to test out the Phone Companion app on an upcoming Windows 10 Insider Preview build, which will be out in “a few weeks”. Cortana is also expected to be made availabe for iPhones and Android handsets by the end of June, alongside the updated Xbox Music app.

Source: Microsoft

Source : androidcentral

Tags = Android, details, iPhones, Microsoft, Windows, work

Microsoft just outed Cortana for iPhone, iPad and Android

Well, this is a turn up. This screen, taken from Microsoft’s latest video on its Windows YouTube channel, confirms that Cortana will be coming to the iPhone and the iPad.

The video is for the new Phone Companion app coming to Windows 10 but in it, Joe Belfiore clearly shows this screen that seems to confirm our favorite virtual assistant is indeed destined for a cross-platform future for iPhone, iPad and Android.

On iPhone and Android, for example, Cortana will show up as an app and can be used in much the same way as Cortana on Windows Phone. Ask questions, get answers, reminders and so on.

We’ll be back with more on this soon, but for now, check out the video for yourselves below. Cortana’s going to be everywhere with Windows 10, and Microsoft really means everywhere.

Thanks to everyone who tipped us!

Source : androidcentral

Tags = Android, Cortana, iPad, iPhone, just, Microsoft, outed

Sony Reannounces The Japanese Xperia Z4 As The Global Z3+ — Same Snapdragon 810, 5.2" 1080p Display, And Waterproof Body

Sony has just announced the follow-up to its flagship device, the… why does it feel like I’ve written this story before? Oh, because I have. So a month after making its Xperia Z4 official in Japan, Sony is taking that device and releasing it with a more appropriate name for the global market: Xperia Z3+. Let’s face it, the changes compared to the Z3 are minimal enough not to warrant a full number increase, so the switch back to the Z3+ is more honest on the company’s behalf.

On the outside, the Z3+ looks almost exactly like the Z3, give or take a few slots and speaker grill placements. The most significant improvement is in the MicroUSB port, which is capless, despite the device being waterproof. Finally Sony figured out how to keep its phones’ IP ratings without requiring you to fiddle with a port cap every time you want to charge them.

At 6.9mm, the Z3+ is also slimmer than the Z3, but with a smaller 2930mAh battery (it was 3100mAh on the Z3). It does, however, have Qualcomm’s QuickCharge 2.0 for faster charging. The Z3+ keeps most of its predecessor’s inside specs as well: a 5.2″ 1080p display, 3GB of RAM, 20.7MP camera (with a new ISO12800 sensitivity), and plenty of connectivity options. The processor has switched from the Snapdragon 801 to the 810, the front camera has gone from a meagre 2.2MP sensor to a 5MP shooter with wide-angle and digital stabilization, and the default storage option is 32GB instead of 16GB. In addition, two variants of the Z3+ will be available: a single SIM one that supports LTE Cat 6 a dual SIM one with LTE Cat 4.

Like its Japanese counterpart, the Xperia Z3+ will run Lollipop 5.0 out of the box and will be available this summer in white, black, copper, and aqua green with no word on pricing, supported operators, or exact country release dates.

Rita is a pharmacist by profession, a geek by passion. Her love story with Android started in 2009 and has been going stronger with every update, device, tip, app, and game. She lives in Lebanon, speaks three languages, and watches a lot of TV series.

Source = androidpolice

Tags = &mdash, 1080p, Body, Display, Global, Japanese, ReAnnounces, Same, Snapdragon, Sony, Waterproof, Xperia

Microsoft's rumored BlackBerry takeover is based on 'market gossip'

In the last few days yet another rumor has surfaced talking up (or down, depending on your outlook) the future of BlackBerry. Microsoft’s name is reportedly on the table as one such company looking to acquire its Canadian competitor.

And not just Microsoft, either, though that’s the one we’re most interested in. Is there any truth behind it? Maybe, maybe not.

Our good pal, Bla1ze, over on CrackBerry has a better insight into it than a lot of outlets reporting this news:

“Now, there’s still no way to tell whether there’s any substance to these rumors but somehow after the post on Betaville about Microsoft looking into taking over BlackBerry it got extended to Xiaomi, Lenovo, and Huawei, which we know from past rumors isn’t very likely at all due to the Canadian Government involvement in any foreign acquisitions of BlackBerry. “

Here’s the first thing to note. Digitimes was not the original source. Financial blog, Betaville, was first to talk about this. And here’s one important part from that post:

“Readers of this article should understand this information is RARE. For readers that don’t understand what RARE is, here is the definition:

Market gossip that hasn’t been tested through all formal journalistic channels (public relations executives, bankers etc). The rumour might be total codswallop but then again there may be something in it, so it’s worth airing on Betaville.”

So, what is the story, or lack of story as it may turn out to be? Microsoft is rumored to have approached a couple of financial institutions, namely Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs, to examine whether or not BlackBerry would be a good acquisition. No offers have been made and while figures like $ 7 billion have been thrown around, those are purely speculative. Why would Microsoft want BlackBerry at all? Patents? Enterprise? Who knows.

The absolute truth is that BlackBerry is going to be linked with a whole bunch of companies (like the ones Digitimes added to the mix from seemingly nowhere), and right now Microsoft is one of those. It could happen. It could just as easily be nothing. Businesses do business-y type things daily, and who knows which other companies Microsoft may be looking at acquiring to strengthen itself. But since this one is pure market gossip, for now, we’ll reserve any kind of judgment.

Source: Betaville via CrackBerry

Source : androidcentral

Tags = Based, BlackBerry, gossip', market, Microsoft's, Rumored, takeover

Microsoft Research teams up with Duke University to cut cloud gaming bandwidth requirements

Researchers from Microsoft and Duke University have developed a new tool which dramatically reduces the necessary bandwidth needed for video game streaming.

The team composed of scientists from Duke University and Microsoft Researched have dubbed the tool “Kahawai”, which is the Hawaiian for stream. Game streaming enables users to play graphically intensive games over the internet, rather than running the games natively. In theory, you could enjoy high-end games like The Witcher 3 on a device like the Surface RT.

Companies like OnLive have tried to capitalize early on the notion of all-you-can-eat video game streaming, but problems inherent with cloud gaming stifled the start-up leading to its closure earlier this year. I tried OnLive’s trial and it was miles off the mark in terms of viability. When it takes 3+ seconds for your controller inputs to register on the server and feedback to your screen, the vast majority of games become unplayable.

Internet speeds aren’t the only problem. Many ISPs enforce monthly bandwidth caps, particularly when it comes to mobile plans. Considering portable devices would benefit the most from cloud streaming, bandwidth requirements present a significant problem for enticing users to sign up to any potential service.

Microsoft is aware of these problems, and have been working to reduce the amount of bandwidth necessary to create a viable streaming service for some time. These latest findings by Microsoft Research and Duke University offer a glimpse at the future.

Using a technique called “collaborative rendering”, the researchers have managed to split processes between the cloud and your devices hardware, cutting the bandwidth required to play high-end games. Services like OnLive fed the entire game from their own servers, but Microsoft’s new Kahawai tool allows your phone or tablet’s GPU to produce portions of the graphics.

The task of quickly generating fine-grained details — such as subtle changes in texture and shading at speeds of 60 frames per second — is still left to the remote server. But collaborative rendering lets the mobile device generate a rough sketch of each frame, or a few high-detail sketches of select frames, while the remote server fills in the gaps.

Using Doom 3 as an example, the Kahawai tool managed to cut the bandwidth required to stream the game over a 1MB line by over 80%, without any cuts in visual quality.

Microsoft is reported to have shown Halo 4 running on a Windows Phone via the cloud before, so its clear that the company has its eyes on this sort of technology. It’s fairly safe to assume that we’re heading for a digital future, but exactly how soon could be anyone’s guess. What do you think?

Source: Duke University

Source : androidcentral

Tags = bandwidth, Cloud, Duke, gaming, Microsoft, requirements, research, teams, University

Save magical beasts in the latest open world adventure Beast Quest

You’ve been called upon to help save magic beasts that have been enchanted by an evil wizard. Beat Quest takes you on an adventure across Avantia, putting you up against hordes of enemies and giant beasts.

If you’re a fan of open world titles that task you with finding your own paths, you’ll feel right at home with Miniclip’s latest title. As well as boss battles, players can also seek snowy peaks and sandy beaches for lost ancient artefacts and treasures.

Here are some features one can look forward to enjoying after downloading Beast Quest:

• An epic journey through the huge open world of Avantia


• Epic battles against the mighty Beasts


• Collect lost treasures and powerful artifacts


• Level-up and upgrade your equipment


• Master an action-packed combat combo system


• Hundreds of challenges, secrets and in-game achievements

If you’re seeking anew adventure game, we recommend giving Beast Quest a go. It’s also free, so there’s really nothing to lose.

Source : androidcentral

Tags = adventure, Beast, beasts, latest, magical, open, Quest, Save, World

Sony Xperia Z3+ is the new flagship for the rest of the world

Sony today announced the Xperia Z3+ for an international launch. The smartphone should look familiar as it’s essentially an international version of the Xperia Z4, which launched in Japan.

Not only is the Xperia Z3+ waterproof, but it’s also incredibly light and slim, clocking in at just 144g and 6.9mm respectively. As for other specifications of the Xperia Z3+, you’ll be able to capture special moments utilizing the 20.7MP rear shooter and 5MP selfie machine.

Sony installed the Snapdragon 810 octa-core 64-bit processor to power through your favorite apps and states the battery should hold out for up to two days (depending on use, of course). The 5.2-inch 1080p display ensures everything displayed on-screen looks as great.

That all said, it’s not a huge upgrade from the Xperia Z3, hence the branding Sony has opted for. Interested in the new Xperia Z3+? Sony will make the smartphone available globally in June.

London, 26th May 2015 – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces a premium addition to the Xperia™ Z3 series flagship smartphones with Xperia Z3+, a slim, sleek and stylish high-performing premium smartphone.

Xperia Z3+ helps you get the best pictures with Sony’s superior camera technology that is now packed into both the main and front cameras. Impressive smartphone battery stamina and performance keeps you connected faster and longer, whether for work or play. And Sony’s unique signature waterproof1 design ensures you can do it, whatever the weather.

Beautiful design, better than ever

Slimmer (6.9mm), lighter (144g) and expertly crafted, Xperia Z3+ continues the Sony design story with discreet, but impressive improvements. Not only is it waterproof and dust-tight (IP65/68) ideal for use in all situations, as a further design refinement Z3+ features a capless USB port making it easier and more convenient to charge your phone. In addition the magnetic charging pin has been removed, resulting in an overall more seamless and minimalist design. With a shiny finish on the metal frames, tempered glass and rounded edges, Xperia Z3+ is beautiful to look at from any angle and comfortable to hold.

Z3+ comes available in a choice of four sophisticated colour options to meet your individual taste and style – classic Black and White are joined by a new interpretation of Copper available to Vodafone customers as well as Ice Green, now exclusive to Carphone Warhouse.

Great pictures anywhere

Z3+ continues to offer the best of Sony’s Cyber-shot & Handycam technologies, to ensure a superior camera performance, and extends the camera evolution not just to the main camera, but the front camera too. Now you can enjoy superior photos, even in low light, with both the front and rear camera. From sceneries to selfies, capture the best shots in any light.

The main camera features the 20.7MP camera with Exmor RS™ for mobile image sensor, BIONZ™ for mobile processing engine, and a 25mm wide-angle G lens. Create the best shots first time, every time with improved Superior Auto – it automatically optimises settings to give you the best possible picture and can recognize up to 52 different scenes. And with new Gourmet mode, even your food pictures will be looking their very best. Add some fun and creativity to your photos with the latest Xperia camera apps including Style portrait and AR mask. Capture impressive detail even in low light conditions, thanks to the ISO12800 sensitivity and large 1/ 2.3 image sensor. Get great shots even when there is strong backlight, with HDR for photos and videos. Preserve and enjoy your precious moments in high quality with 4K video recording and output.

The new 5MP front camera with Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor means you can now get better selfies in any light. And the 25mm wide-angle lens is perfect for group selfies. Superior Auto analyses the photographic environment and automatically adjusts settings to make you look great every time. Full HD 1080p is ideal for video chat and when you are shooting selfie videos, SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode estimates movements to produce smoother videos.

Powerful performance and up to two-day battery life

Xperia Z3+ comes packed with the ultra fast Snapdragon 810 octa-core 64 bit processor2 that lets you browse faster than ever and get the optimal graphics experience. Whether you’re multi-tasking over Wi-Fi or the latest 4G network, Xperia Z3+ delivers the speed you need. LTE Cat6 and Wi-Fi MIMO support enable faster connection speeds for a rich, connected experience with up to 300 Mbps LTE data download speeds on the move (actual speed may differ according to operator networks). Download email with attachments in seconds and enjoy video streaming with no delays or unwanted buffering.

Powerful smartphone features demand smart power management. Xperia Z3+ is equipped to let you enjoy whatever you like doing for as long as you want. Sony’s incredible up to two-day battery stamina and innovative power-saving technology combine to give you superior long-lasting battery performance. And now you can get one day usage with just 45 minutes of charging when using a Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 2.0 certified charger, such as the UCH10 accessory.

Keeping you entertained

Xperia Z3+ features an ultra-bright 5.2″ Full HD smart adaptive display that provides increased brightness and contrast, without losing stamina. Sony’s TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile with Live Colour LED and X-Reality for mobile ensure sharper and more vivid colours. Intuitive contrast enhancement delivers the most optimized viewing experience, even in bright sunlight.

Sony’s rich expertise in audio technologies lets you enjoy sound in incredible detail and clarity. Hi-Res Audio reproduces high frequency sound for a studio quality experience. DSEE HXTM upscales the audio fidelity of your existing MP3 or AAC tracks to near Hi-Res Audio quality. And for high quality wireless music listening, Sony’s new LDACTM codec transmits data three times more efficiently than legacy codec over Bluetooth.

For those times when you need to block out background noise, Xperia Z3+ supports digital noise cancelling and pairs with the MDR-NC31EM headset, reducing ambient noise by up to 98%. And now you can enjoy optimal audio settings when connecting any headphones, as Z3+ senses both the type and style of headset and automatically adjusts the audio settings accordingly for best sound experience.

Keep playing your favourite PlayStation®4 (PS4™) games wherever you are in the home with PS4 Remote Play2. Simply connect your Xperia Z3+ to your PS4 via home Wi-Fi and use the DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller to ensure you never miss a minute of the action – whatever room you are in.

And to ensure you continue to enjoy the best experiences that Sony has to offer, all Xperia Z3+ users will benefit from access to Xperia Lounge Gold – delivering the world of Sony entertainment at your fingertips. Get access to exclusive competitions and offers; be among the first to try out new apps; and enjoy the latest movies, TV episodes and music included with your device.

Source : androidcentral

Tags = flagship, Rest, Sony, World, Xperia

Sony launches the Xperia M4 Aqua in India for ₹24,990

Sony has launched the dual-SIM version of the Xperia M4 Aqua in India for ₹24,990 ($ 390), with the device going on sale in the country from later today.

Unveiled at Mobile World Congress, the Xperia M4 Aqua is a mid-range handset that offers IP68 dust and water resistance.

Here’s what you get with the device:

• 5-inch 720p display


• Octa-core 64-bit Snapdragon 615 SoC with 1.5GHz quad-core Cortex A53 and 1.0GHz quad-core Cortex A53


• 2GB RAM


• 16GB storage, microSD slot


• 13MP camera, 5MP front shooter


• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC


• 2,400mAh battery


• Android 5.0 Lollipop


• IP68 certified dust and water resistant


• White, Black, and Coral color variants

Sony hasn’t revealed whether or not the single-SIM version will be made available in India.

Source : androidcentral

Tags = Aqua, India, launches, Sony, Xperia, ₹24990

New features and bug fixes introduced as Follow Mail updates to version 4.0

It was only a couple of weeks ago that native BlackBerry 10 developer ‘Emberify’ once again gave away a bunch of apps, including Follow Mail. Today see’s the enhanced email application update to version 4.0 and a few new features are brought to the table.

If you’ve not looked into Follow Mail before it’s essentially a tool to help you manage your email slightly more efficiently. This is done with follow up reminders, notifications and even the ability to read emails faster as Turbo Reader is integrated with the app. There’s also an adaptive theme which can change automatically depending on your lighting conditions – clever stuff.

Check out what’s now new below:

Press Release

Pune, India (May 26th, 2014) – Emberify launches Follow Mail version four on BlackBerry World. Follow Mail is an email productivity app that allows the user to Follow Up on sent emails, mail notifications and fast read emails. It is updated with the option of notifications for all emails, auto headless restart, bug fixes and new graphics.

New features in Follow Mail v4:

“Follow Mail has been getting a good response from BlackBerry Leap users, the update makes it very useful for BES customers as well,” says Shashwat Pradhan, BlackBerry Elite Developer and the Founder of Emberify.

Follow Mail allows users to follow up if there email hasn’t gotten a reply, it is an essential email utility that syncs with the hub.

Availability

Follow Mail for BlackBerry 10 is available on BlackBerry World for $ 1.99 worldwide.

Are you a Follow Mail user? If so, let us know why you love it?

More information/Download Follow Mail for BlackBerry 10

Source : androidcentral

Tags = features, fixes, Follow, introduced, Mail, Updates, Version

How to check the weather on your Apple Watch

If you want to keep informed about the weather, there’s no better place than on your wrist.

Like time, weather is something that a lot of people want to stay updated on as often as possible. Having it on your Apple Watch means quick information about temperature, precipitation, and even sunrise/sunset can be just a turn of the wrist away. What’s more, thanks to Siri and the built-in Weather app, you can get more detailed information about any city in the world, and any day in the next week, with just a word or a few taps. Here’s how!

How to check the weather on your Apple Watch with complications

You can set up your Apple Watch’s clock face to show you a wealth of weather information. That way, any time you glance at your wrist, you’ll be updated.

1. Pick a clock face that allows for a good quantity of complications. (Utility is good for analog, Modular for digital.)


2. Customize the clock face to show local weather, temperature, as well as sunrise/sunset and moon phases if they’re of value to you.


3. To change the location of the weather shown in the complication, use the Apple Watch for iPhone app.


4. Tap any weather complication to launch the Weather app.
   

   

   
   

How to check the weather on your Apple Watch with Siri

The fastest way to find out weather on your Apple Watch is simply to ask Siri, the built-in virtual personal assistant. You can ask for the weather in any city, for either the same day or the coming week.

1. Bring your Apple Watch towards your mouth and say “Hey Siri”, or press and hold the Digital Crown to activate Siri.


2. Ask for the weather information that interests you. For example, “What’s the weather?” “What’s the weather in Cupertino?” “What’s the weather in Cupertino next week?” or even, “Will I need a jacket tomorrow?”
   

   

   
   

How to check the weather on your Apple Watch with the Glance

The Weather Glance provides most of the pertinent local weather information all on one screen, including day or night, temperature, precipitation, and high and low.

1. Press the Digital Crown to go to your clock face (if you’re not there already).


2. Swipe up to activate Glances.


3. Swipe across until you get to the Weather Glance.
   

   

   
   


4. Tap the Weather Glance to launch the Weather app.


5. To change the location of the weather shown in the Weather Glance, use the Apple Watch for iPhone app.

How to check the weather on your Apple Watch with the app

The Weather app shows you current condition (day or night and what time the transition occurs), the percentage chance or rain, and the temperature. It defaults to your local city but also shows any additional cities you have set up in your Weather app for iPhone.

1. Press the Digital Crown to go to the Home screen. (Or just say, “Hey Siri, open weather”.)


2. Tap the Weather icon to launch the Weather app.


3. Swipe to see the weather in any additional cities you have set up.
   

   

   
   


4. Tap the screen to cycle between condition, rain percentage, and temperature. (Or press firmly to see all the options at once).
   

   

   
   


5. To change the locations and order of locations on your Apple Watch, change them in the Weather app on your iPhone.

Source : androidcentral

Tags = Apple, Check, Watch, Weather

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare discounted in this week's Deals with Gold

This week’s Deals with Gold promotion includes a discount on Activision’s Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, valid on both the Xbox One and Xbox 360 versions of the game. While the deals are usually exclusive to Xbox Live Gold subscribers, Silver members are also eligible to buy Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Gold Edition at a discounted price this week.

Xbox One

• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Digital Pro Edition – down to $ 66.99 -Xbox One Store


• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Gold Edition – down to $ 49.99 – Xbox One Store (Valid for both Xbox Live Gold and Silver subscribers)


• ScreamRide – down to $ 26.99 – Xbox One Store


• Alien: Isolation – down to $ 23.99 – Xbox One Store

Xbox 360

Any of the games listed above strike your fancy?

Source: Major Nelson

Source : androidcentral

Tags = Advanced, Call, Deals, Discounted, Duty, Gold, this, Warfare, Weeks

Galaxy S6 edge Iron Man edition is now official, launches in South Korea May 27

After teasing the Galaxy S6 edge Iron Man edition, Samsung has launched the device in South Korea. The phone features a red color scheme with gold accents, and comes with a wireless charger fashioned in the form of an Arc Reactor.

Dubbed the Galaxy S6 edge Iron Man Limited Edition, the device offers 64GB internal storage and will launch in South Korea on May 27, with 1,000 units up for grabs. Samsung has mentioned that China and Hong Kong will receive the limited edition handset in the month of June, with no word on U.S. availability at this stage.

The phone comes in a custom box that features an engraving of Iron Man’s faceplate, which is engraved onto the back of the device itself. There’s also a clear case that the manufacturer is bundling for free. Software-based customization includes an exclusive Avengers theme.

What do you guys think of the design of the Galaxy S6 edge Iron Man edition?

Source: Samsung tomorrow

Source : androidcentral

Tags = edge, Edition, Galaxy, Iron, Korea, launches, official, South

39 New And Notable Android Games From The Last 2 Weeks (5/12/15 - 5/25/15)

Article Contents

Page 1 Page 2

Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications, games, and live wallpapers that went live in the Play Store or were spotted by us in the previous 2 weeks or so.

Please wait for this page to load in full in order to see the widgets, which include ratings and pricing info.

Looking for the previous roundup editions? Find them here.

Featured App

Expense IQ – Expense Manager

This week’s roundup is brought to you by Expense IQ – Expense Manager from Handy Apps. This amazingly complete expense tracking system has a solid and colorful UI, and just about every possible checkbook, alert, and tracking feature you could want. Everything you input can be saved and exported for personal backup and expense reports, and all your data is synced via Dropbox, making Expense IQ a snap to use across multiple phones or tablets. Bill alerts, a PIN lock, and even a homescreen widget are all included in this app’s bag of additional goodies. The basic version is free, but to get access to advanced functions you’ll need to pay for the full $ 9.95 version via in-app purchase.

—

Expense IQ is the long awaited successor to EasyMoney – the number one money manager app that combines an expense manager, a bill reminder, a checkbook register and a budget planner. Expense IQ – Expense Manager provides a rich, detailed window into your personal finances and daily money management needs. Track and manage daily expenses quickly & easily. Business expenses, personal expenses, travel expenses etc can all be managed rapidly using Expense IQ’s simple and intuitive user interface. Interactive reports & graphs let you analyze income, expenses, cash flow and balance over various date ranges and accounts.

Games

Knights of Pen & Paper 2

Android Police coverage: Knights of Pen & Paper 2 Makes A Saving Throw, Ventures Into The Play Store

The first Knights of Pen & Paper was a refreshingly original mix of “real” tabletop RPGs and the video games that evolved out of them. The sequel adds more in just about every dimension: the graphics are richer, the story is more fleshed-out, and the old-fashioned turn-based combat (played with fantasy graphics on a literal RPG table) is more robust. Players looking for a little meta with their monster hunting will be pleased.

—

Prepare to join Knights of Pen & Paper 2 in a turn-based, retro style, pixel-art adventure full of danger, intrigue, and semi-appropriate cultural references. Players portray both party and game master playing a tabletop RPG, and must assemble both their characters, and the challenges they will face. Now including races like Dwarf or Elf, assemble the party of your choice, choose quests and combat encounters, delve dungeons, craft powerful items, and complain loudly to the GM.

Sunburn!

Android Police coverage: Noodlecake’s Sunburn! Is Your Chance To Grab A Bunch Of Friends And Fly Into The Sun

In Sunburn, you play as an astronaut stranded in space trying to rescue your former shipmates. Using a tether and a jetpack, it’s your job to get them to safety without falling into the gravity well of suspiciously small and common stars littered around the stages. Gameplay is a physics-based mix of the circular gravity in Angry Birds Space and the odd complications of an astronaut daisy chain. $ 3 with no in-app purchases.

—

Your ship is gone. Your crew is scattered. One option remains. Gather your crew… and jump into the sun. Reunite your shipmates and hurtle toward the end in 50+ distinctly dangerous gravity puzzles. You control the captain of a spaceship that is suddenly struck by a comet and destroyed. With no way to get home, the ship’s crew is forced to face reality. They’re doomed to die. There’s no way out. But no matter what their fate may be, one thing is decided for certain. No one dies alone.

Snake Rewind

Android Police review: Snake Rewind Review: The Original Mobile Game Comes Back Without Selling Out

You wouldn’t think that there could be much to do with the original Snake game, staple of a billion plastic Nokia phones all over the world. You’d be wrong. This official sequel from the creator of the original fleshes out the simple central concept with new stages, power-ups, and stylized “retro” graphics. The free game includes in-app purchases, but they’re unusually reasonable.

—

The creator of the original mobile Snake is back. Taneli Armanto and Rumilus Design have joined forces to bring you Snake Rewind. Iconic elements and intuitive gameplay from the original Snake are combined with cool visual effects, sounds and many new features. The result is a game that will entertain, challenge and delight you time after time.

• Rewind the snake to continue the game even after crashing.


• Many different types of special fruit, with unique powers and effects.


• 10 levels with distinct visuals and music, unlocked by completing fun and challenging missions.


• Fruit store where boosters and items can be upgraded and purchased, using fruit that you collect while playing.

Til Morning’s Light

Android Police coverage: Amazon Game Studios Releases ‘Til Morning’s Light’ An Adventure Game With Puzzles And Monsters Galore

Amazon’s latest exclusive game for its Fire hardware series is Til Morning’s Light, a somewhat tame horror story starring a teenager who has to escape a creepy mansion before the break of dawn. It’s a fairly standard game that focuses on exploration and puzzles to advance the plot, but the presentation is pretty good, and I’d be loathe to knock a premium game for a semi-exclusive platform… even if iOS users get the privilege of playing it while regular Android users don’t.

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Erica Page is an ordinary teenage girl, just trying to fit in. She’s also trapped in a mansion haunted by a 200 year-old curse. You know, the normal stuff. Help her explore the huge, creepy, and not exactly empty mansion, revealing its darkest secrets and hopefully a way out. There are clues to decipher, tools to collect, and puzzles to solve. If all else fails, Erica can beat the goo out of supernatural nasties with an arsenal of clubs, knives, and swords.

   

Amazon Appstore : Til Morning’s Light

Skiing Yeti Mountain

Android Police coverage: Skiing Yeti Mountain Is A Casual Downhill Skiing Adventure With Yetis That Eat People

This is a retro take on a concept that was very popular with web-based games a decade or two ago: downhill skiing. All you have to do is avoid the various trees, wildlife, crevices, hurdles, and what have you that any normal skier might deal with. Oh, and yetis. There are yetis in this game, and not the friendly kind that help out Rudolph – they’ll eat you. The game is free with a $ 3 upgrade to remove ads, half of which goes to Nepal earthquake relief at the moment.

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Carve your way through hundreds of levels as you search for the elusive Yeti in Skiing Yeti Mountain. Weave through trees, skid over ice, jump off cliffs and get to know a cast of bizarre locals in this extreme skiing adventure. All handcrafted for your phone to create the ultimate skiing experience.

• Touch controls specifically designed for intuitive & precise skiing


• Hundreds of bite sized slalom tracks to complete


• A mountain of challenge tracks to master


• A cast of bizzare characters to meet


• A Yeti to find?

Tofu Hunter

Android Police coverage: Adult Swim’s Tofu Hunter Opens Our Eyes To The Violence Behind Veganism

You dagum PETA hippies all talk about how hunting is cruel. Well how ’bout this mister smarty-britches: all that free-range tofu you love to eat while you Snapchat and Uber and crap has to be hunted, just like the real men did before modern stuff like microwaves and cholesterol. Think about all the adorable tofu critters that had to die to feed you the next time you’re rallying outside of God’s chosen restaurant (McDonald’s).

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Tofu has a face… and you’ve been chewing on it. Open fire on a wide range of soy-based creatures in a hunt around the world. Take on rare bounties, unlock special weapons and put your itchy trigger finger to the test. Don’t turn away. Don’t stop shooting. Become the Tofu Hunter.

• Blast the wide-eyed, unassuming faces off a wide range of adorable, meat-free critters.


• Hunt in a variety of environments, from misty woods to jungle ruins.


• Earn special weapons like crossbows, grenade launchers and the experimental “Omega-3″.


• Tag bounties for extra scores and extra bragging rights.

Breath of Light

Android Police coverage: Zen Puzzler Breath Of Light Mixes Basic Gravity Mechanics With Soothing Graphics And Music

Breath of Light is a casual zen take on the directional puzzle. Your job is to use various tools to direct a single stream of, uh, stuff into one or more goals on each stage, complicated by obstacles and the gravity-based nature of the flow. (Watch the video, it’s hard to explain.) Simple but appealing visuals and soothing music help ease the player’s mind, and with no timers or interface, it makes for a surprisingly immersive experience.

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Hold a quiet moment. Breath of Light is a meditative and beautiful puzzle game with a hypnotic soundtrack by Winterpark. Inspired by modern minimalism combined with a range of meditative art styles, from Zen Gardening to Sumi-e inks and Indian Buddhist art. Easy to use, flowing and set to a gorgeous and serene soundscape by Winterpark. Best played with headphones. Players guide energy by moving rocks around the mystic garden, setting them in place and watching the energy settle into its new flow.

Mixels Rush

Android Police coverage: Combine Cute Little Critters And Their Powers In Cartoon Network’s Mixels Rush For $ 2.99

LEGO and Cartoon Network both tend to make solid mobile games for kids without any IAP gimmicks, and now they’ve joined forces. Mixels Rush is a runner starring the oddly personified LEGO creatures. Players use a variety of different “mixed-up” characters and tools like paint buckets and magnets to advance across the stage while running from something called “Nixels.” Get the right combo going and you can make your own giant mech. Mixels Rush is $ 3 with no in-app purchases.

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Use awesome new Mixels and make crazy combinations to beat the annoying Nixels in Mixels Rush. Major Nixel has unleashed a Nixelstorm of epic proportions. Help the heroic Mixels overcome obstacles and stay ahead of the storm by combining powers and using special items. Meet brand-new Mixel characters from tribes both new and old, including the Frosticons, Klinkers, Orbitons, Glowkies, Lixers, Infernites, Munchos, Glorp Corp and Weldos.

Star Trek™ Trexels

Android Police coverage: Start Saving Your Latinum: Star Trek Trexels Turns The Final Frontier Into A Pixelated Free-To-Play Management Game

Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Mediocre. Its five-minute mission: to juxtapose classic Star Trek tropes with the nonsensical 8-bit art style, to overlay the classic mythos with management sim busywork, to boldly ask you to pay out the nose like a Ferengi bartering over tulaberry wine. Star Trek’s first official game on Android is beyond underwhelming – you might as well play through Star Command again.

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Get ready to explore the Galaxy like no one has before, as you journey across a vast galactic map. YOU decide how your ship is built. Choose from dozens of different room types and modifications, and put those red shirts to work. Assign officers to key posts, train them to increase their abilities, and send them on exciting Away Missions. A temporal rift in the Expanse has caused old foes and surprising new allies to find their way into this unexplored region of space.

 

Atlantic Fleet

Atlantic Fleet is a high-end WWII naval battle sim that makes no apologies for its meticulous approach. It’s pricey at ten bucks, but based on the long list of features, it’s certainly worth the cost of admission. Several single-player campaigns, individual historical battles, a battle editor, and a “hot potato” single-device multiplayer mode add value, and lovingly simulated real ships, submarines, and planes should tickle the fancies of military history buffs.

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Atlantic Fleet is a turn-based tactical and strategic simulation of the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II. Take command of surface ships, submarines as well as carrier and land based aircraft in a deadly struggle for control of the shipping lanes.

• Unique blend of deep strategic planning combined with quick tactical decisions


• Play as the Royal Navy and her allies or Kriegsmarine (German navy)


• Up to 10 versus 10 ships in combat


• Individually saved games for each campaign and faction


• Multiplayer Hotseat for Single Battles


• Sink ships with realistic buoyancy physics, not with hit-point bars.


• Target specific ship subsystems to sink or cripple the enemy


• Destructible ships, subsystems and visual damage to ships


• 60 historical ship classes representing over 630 ships and 350 submarines


• 13 playable aircraft


• Submarine warfare, wolf packs and convoys


• Carrier operations and land-based air strikes

Interlocked

Interlocked is a series of three-dimensional sliding block puzzles. The structure and goal is pretty self-explanatory from the screenshots, and making this sort of thing into a digital game allows for an extreme amount of variety and creativity that wouldn’t be possible with “real” puzzles. It’s adapted from a popular browser game, and comes from the developer of interesting titles like Detective Grimoire and Infectionator. Free with no in-app purchases.

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Are you smart enough to unlock the secret? Do you know those puzzles consisting of a few wooden blocks that are impossible take apart? Then you know Interlocked. Each level, you’re given a unique and beautiful 3D puzzle consisting of blocks that hold each other together. Take it apart and you’ll feel ten times as smart.

• Stunning 3D brain-teasing puzzles


• Chilling atmosphere with calm music


• 4 challenging chapters for you to beat


• Based on the popular Flash game Interlocked, played by over 20 Million players worldwide.


• 18 achievements for you to unlock

Standpoint

Standpoint uses the orientation switch mechanic as the basis for its puzzle gameplay, but unlike most of the similar titles we’ve seen thus far, it does so in a first-person 3D view. While the presentation is relatively simple, the game purports to be a representation of the classical stages of grief. If you’ve been aching for one of the new crop of introspective puzzlers for your phone, give it a go. Note: the developer says that the IAP tag in the Play Store is an error.

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A labyrinth fades into view; a space you control but that holds you. Completely lost with nowhere else you could be. Standpoint is a first-person puzzle platformer where the player possesses the ability to change the orientation of the world. Explore the labyrinth-like environment, solving puzzles and collecting secrets, in order to overcome the stages of Grief. And ask yourself, do the narrator’s cryptic clues to the world hide some deeper sentiment?

Tallowmere

Tallowmere is an action-platformer in the style of Ghosts and Goblins. The art is an interesting mix of standard Flash and 8-bit characters, though the backgrounds are a little drab. You can upgrade your skills and equipment as you chop through a wide variety of enemies. The game is $ 3 with no in-app purchases, and controller support is included.

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Indulge Lady Tallowmere and see how far through her lovingly violent dungeons you can delve in this 2D indie action roguelike-inspired platformer. New rooms are procedurally generated every time you play, meaning you’ll have to be on your guard for every randomly-placed enemy, elite, boss, and treasure chest you’ll come across. Each room gets progressively bigger, harder, and more rewarding the further you go. Use the on-screen controls to command your hero, or connect a controller to play.

Tiny Dangerous Dungeons

Tiny Dangerous Dungeons wears its inspiration on its sleeve, from its Castlevania-style gameplay and setting to its greyscale Game Boy color palette. All of the classic exploration-based platformer elements are here, from upgradeable weapons, to 2D puzzles, to “Chiptune” music. Anyone who’s old enough to remember stealing AA batteries from the living room remote will find something to like in this free title.

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Hop into a classic Game Boy inspired metroidvania adventure with the little treasure hunter Timmy. Explore a huge dungeon, collect hidden power-ups and gain new skills to aid you on your quest. Can Timmy survive the tiny dangerous dungeons, and find the presumably huge treasure?

• Game Boy inspired, stylish and retro monochrome art style.


• Explore a huge, open dungeon. Solve puzzles, defeat creepy creatures.


• Collect loot. Find the hidden ability upgrades to open new passages.

High Rise

In High Rise, you play the most reckless building contractor known to man. Not only do you work on adding new stories to an already-occupied apartment building, you drop them in from some nether-realm… people and all. The one-touch interface stacks new apartments on top of the others until they inevitably fall over, Jenga-style, to the accompaniment of Wilhelm screams. $ 1 removes advertising.

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HIGH RISE is an intense and challenging one touch stacking / building game. Touch and hold the screen to move your drop indicator, let go of the screen to drop a piece of building. Try to stack building pieces on top of each other without your structure falling over.

● Simple One Touch Controls
● Free (Supported by banner + interstitials)
● Google Play Games Achievements.
● Google Play Games Leader board.
● Optimized for a wide variety of phones and tablets.
● A single In-App purchase allows you to remove the banner/interstitial ads.

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Source = androidpolice

Tags = 5/12/15, 5/25/15, Android, From, Games, last, Notable, Weeks