Friday, February 11, 2011

HALO Reach Bootscreen for you Master Chief Android Fans

2:14 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments


Oh the little things, they’re really what gets us pumped up in the morning. This is one of them, and I’m sure you HALO fans will at least take a peek at if not use the following boot screen for all eternity. This is a bootscreen created by XDA Developer Chackanug who says he’s been at work for 4 weeks putting together this epic bit of loveliness. Grab it instantly and never let go.


If you’re in the mood for a new bootscreen, you’ve only to travel over to the original thread and collect it for yourself. This file is both available as a set of original files or as a flashable package. With the original files you can push this file via ADB, find a way to plop it on your system for use and see it all the time, or you can flash it like a normal person.
And let me tell you, this is no normal “HALO” either. This is a well planned, infinitely well storyboarded and executed scene in which the HALO team are send to destroy and conquer the oncoming Apple assault. WE ARE ANDROID is revealed at the end, and all is well. Wish it wasn’t so squished, but it’s free, so it’s completely fine as far as we’re concerned.
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Sonos Controller for Android to land in MarchSonos has a new app coming for the Android platform that will allow the user to control Sonos gear. Previously the controller app was only available for the iPhone. The app is set to hit the Android Market in March as a free download. One new feature is landing with the Android app though, music voice search. The feature lets the user search for tracks, artists, and albums using their voice rather than flicking through files on the screen or typing search requests. The voice control will also work for finding streaming radio stations. Other than the voice control feature the app has multi-room volume control and track control as well. The app will work on Android 2.1 and higher with the device has a HVGA or WVGA resolution screen. Via SlashGear

2:10 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

 
Sonos has a new app coming for the Android platform that will allow the user to control Sonos gear. Previously the controller app was only available for the iPhone. The app is set to hit the Android Market in March as a free download.



One new feature is landing with the Android app though, music voice search. The feature lets the user search for tracks, artists, and albums using their voice rather than flicking through files on the screen or typing search requests.
The voice control will also work for finding streaming radio stations. Other than the voice control feature the app has multi-room volume control and track control as well. The app will work on Android 2.1 and higher with the device has a HVGA or WVGA resolution screen.
Via SlashGear
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App for strawberry lovers hits Android

2:06 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments




The app also has a bunch of recipes that parents can make with kids, shopping lists for the stuff needed for the recipes, and tips from dietician Dave Grotto. The recipes can be shared and they have links to content written by food bloggers.
The app is available for free download now on the Android Market and runs on devices with Android 2.2 or higher. It can also be downloaded at this link. This might be perfect the perfect app for anyone cooking up a special Valentine’s Day meal that needs a nice desert to go with it.

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HTC adding Facebook button to social networking phone?

2:01 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments



HTC is reportedly readying a new Android smartphone with in-depth Facebook integration, expected to make its debut at MWC 2011 next Tuesday. According to the FT‘s sources, the unnamed smartphone will not be Facebook branded, but will instead have a dedicated Facebook button to act as a shortcut to the social network’s services.
The rumor follows talk yesterday of an INQ Facebook device, though HTC isn’t confirming any of the speculation at this stage. Android Community will be on hand at the HTC press conference next week, so whatever Facebook-flavored loveliness is announced, you know you’ll see it here.

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Broadcom BCM21654 Android chip provides advanced graphics and a good price

1:55 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments


Broadcom makes a bunch of the chips that are found inside the smartphones we know and love. The company has announced a new chip for the inside of Android devices that promises to be cheap and provide advanced graphics. The new 3G baseband processor has an ARM Cortex A9 processor inside and is aimed at mass-market handsets.

The chip is called the Broadcom BCM21654 HSPA processor and supports Android 2.3. Broadcom says that it offers a full Android smartphone platform using the BCM21654 baseband, the BCM2091 RF IC, the BCM59039 advanced power management unit, and the BCM4329 chip with WiFi, Bluetooth, and FM capability along with the new BCM47511 GPS chip that supports GPS and GLONASS.
Highlights of the new BCM21645 processor include a 40nm CMOS process construction and the lower price point of the chip will allow it to be used in cheaper smartphones. The baseband processor has integrated 3G HSPA support along with Class 32 EDGA support. It has dual SIM capabilities, support for VideoCore IV mobile media processor core for media playback, a 12MP camera, and support for 16 million colors among other features.
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LG Optimus Pad, Transformers edition

1:53 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

When LG first announced their Optimus series of Android phones last year we got a lot of comments joking that they should release a Transformers-themed device called the Optimus Prime. I guess LG was listening because their latest teaser video for the Optimus Pad (aka G-Slate) shows the tablet transforming into a giant robot that likes to crush apples. Check out the superhero version of LG’s tablet after the jump.
Update: LG took the video down, but the internets saved a backup copy.
From LG: The LG “Optimus” family has many members to be proud of — the most recent addition, the LG Optimus Pad, is arriving at MWC 2011! But you probably weren’t aware that the LG Optimus Pad was actually a superhero. And like all superheroes, it has a secret identity. Don’t believe us? Check out this trailer.
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Google begins pushing out 2-step verification to all account holders

1:50 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

Over the next few days you should see a link on your Google Account Settings page that allows you to enabled 2-step verification. This new feature adds an extra layer of security to your Google account by requiring a special passcode in addition to your normal password.
The opt-in program might be a hassle for some, but it’s a great tool to improve the security of your account since it requires “the powerful combination of both something you know—your username and password—and something that only you should have—your phone.” Setup takes around 15 minutes and Android users will want to download the Google Authenticator app from the Market.
Look for 2-step verification to appear over the coming days.
Once you join the program, Google will prompt you for a five to eight-digit verification code that you will get from your phone. If you want to avoid re-entering a code every time you access your account, Google has included an option to “Remember verification for this computer for 30 days.” You can also generate a one-time, application-specific password if you need to sign in to your Google account from non-browser based app that is designed to only ask for a password, and cannot ask for the passcode.
The new feature has yet to hit my main Google account, but I’ve used rotating security keys (like RSA SecureID) in the past and I appreciate the added-layer of security. I’m hoping Google will add some biometric security options in the near future, but 2-step verification is a great start to making our accounts more secure.
If you have the new 2-step verification already enabled on your account, please share your thoughts on the setup process. To learn more about 2-step verification and getting started, visit Google’s Help Center.

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Twitter 2.0 Brings UI Change And Rids The Menu Page, Now Available For Download In The Market

1:48 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

Twitter has gotten itself a little update recently.  The update brings you a noticeable UI tweak of sorts along with several other gladly welcomed functionality.  For starters, the icon logo has been replaced from the teal “T” to a teal bird icon in order to better suit the application.  The second thing you’ll notice is the absence of the menu screen.  Twitter has done away with it, launching you directly into your timeline after tapping the app’s icon.   The next thing you’ll notice is that the UI has been completely revamped.  Scrolling my timeline was much faster and smoother than before, lacking any choppiness or lag.  Other noticeable points include a new search system with the ability to search the contacts in your device’s address book.  In addition, you can also view tweets and trends without actually having to sign into your account.  Not too shabby if you ask me.  I’m relieved at how Twitter has moved away from the cute fuzziness of the previous version to the newer streamlined and functional interface.  If you’re ready to make the change, then head on over to our apps database or check it out on the Android Market and give it a go.  And don’t forget to let us know what you think about it in the comments below.
 

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INQ Cloud Touch Gets Previewed (The Facebook Phone)

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INQ has recently announced two Facebook centered devices recently dubbed the INQ Cloud Touch and Cloud Q.  The folks over at Engadget happened to get their hands on the Cloud Touch.  The device is candy bar styled and has an “HTC Wildfire like” form factor and feel to it, according to the reviewer.  The device will come with Android 2.2 along with its oversize Facebook widget which can take up a whole screen of its own.  Along with various software elements, the device will incorporate Spotify Premium and come with Fluency, the typing prediction engine that mans the SwiftKey keyboard.  The Cloud Touch is definitely shooting for “easy on your pocket” mode with its scaled down specs.  But according to the reviewer, it runs just as good as any device with a typical 1 GHz Snapdragon.  
The device is slated for an April release in the UK, at which time we’re sure we’ll get more on pricing info.  The smartphone will sport a 3.5″ HVGA screen, 600MHz Qualcomm MSM7227 processor and a 5 MP camera.  Hit the source link for a more in depth preview of the device by Engadget and check out the video of the phone in action.  So far, we’ve seen three colors for the FB phone, white, pinkish/red and black.  If you ask us, it resembles an Android device with a really hefty Facebook app on it.  But we’ll let you be the judge.  Leave us your thoughts in the comments below.
Pictures courtesy of Engadgetmobile:
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