Author: Aditya Thawardas

Caterpillar – yes the same Caterpillar that manufactures construction equipment – has created a tough and rugged phone for users who work and play in extreme conditions. We told you about the Cat B15 in February, and now the phone designed to be the ”most progressive, durable and rugged device available on the market” is ready to launch in North America.

The dust-proof and scratch resistant phone can survive drops up to 5.9 feet, and can be submerged in water as deep as 3.2 feet for up to 30 minutes without a problem. The 4-inch touchscreen display on the Cat B15 can even be used with wet fingers and can operate in temperatures from -4° to 131° F. Of course, it’s a smartphone after all, and comes with Jelly Bean 4.1, a dual-core 1GHz processor, and 4GB of internal memory.  Pretty impressive.

The phone is available online now at $349. You can read all of the specifications  after the break.

Specification:

• Operating System: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• Processor: MediaTek MT6577 Dual 1GHz Cortex™-A9
• Size: 4.9 x 2.5 x 5.9 inches
• Weight: 5.99 oz
• Screen details: 4” WVGA 480×800 LCD, Capacitive Multi-touch, Gorilla glass, wet finger tracking
• Memory: 4GB storage + 1 GB
• Camera: 5.0 MP Rear, VGA Front
• Video: 720P recording 30 FPS Codecs H.263, H.264/AVC, mpeg4/SP, VP8
• Talk time: Up to 9 hours
• Standby: Up to 9.5 days
• Connections: microUSB, microSD 32GB, 3.5mm audio
• GPS: A-GPS mode
• Temperature Operational range: -4º F to 131º F
• Drop testing: 5.9 feet onto concrete
• IP rating: IP67 waterproof to 3.2 feet for 30 min; impervious to dust

Source: Business Wire

Come comment on this article: Caterpillar launches incredibly durable Cat B15 Android phone in North America

Google has confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy S 4 with stock Android that was announced at last week’s I/O will launch only in the United States. Again, the phone that will run for $650 will come with a stock version of Android 4.2 with the bootloader unlocked, making it a perfect device for developers.

Google did not say that the phone will never be available overseas, just that it will initially be launched only in the US, so there is still hope for the “Google edition” fans around the world.

Source: CNET UK

Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S 4 with stock Android to launch only in US

Samsung and Verizon Wireless are holding a promotional event in New York City to celebrate the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S 4, which will be in stores for the first time on on Thursday. The event will be held from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm on Thursday at the Bryant Park Verizon Wireless store on West 42nd Street in NYC.

Customers who purchase a Galaxy S 4 at the event will receive a free flipcover in their choice of black, white, pink, blue or green, while supplies last. The flipcovers can also be customized with etching in various themes and designs. Attendees can also participate in the “Samsung Galaxy Challenge” to test their current phone against the S4 for a chance to win a $25 Verizon gift card.

Come comment on this article: Verizon and Samsung hosting Galaxy S 4 promotional event Thursday in New York City

Since Google Hangouts was released last week, users haven’t been too happy with the lack of SMS and Google Voice integration. Google has already told us that SMS messaging will be included in the near future, and today a Google member is assuring us that Voice will also be a part of future versions. Nikhyl Singhal, product manager for real time communications at Google, went so far to say on his Google+ profile that Hangouts is “designed to be the future of Google Voice” and that future versions of Hangouts will integrate Google Voice more seamlessly.

In addition, the recent Gmail update that added Hangouts disabled Google Voice outbound calling. On his Google+ account, Singhal added that “outbound/inbound calls will soon be available.” It’s great to see that Google will continue working to add and restore features to their new client that users want, but with Google, it’s hard to expect anything less.

Source: +Nikhyl Singhal

Come comment on this article: Google Hangouts to seamlessly integrate Google Voice in the future

The Google+ Photos enhancements that were announced last week were already available on the web, and they have now been added to the Android app as well.

Auto-backup is added in the update to automatically backup user’s photos taken on their phone to the cloud, of course with permission. Snapseed features are also included. Users can use tweaks like cropping, rotating, and exposure adjustments, as well as the popular filters Snapseed offers. Google’s own “Auto-awesome” feature which was demonstrated at the I/O is also available in the app after the update. Searching for the best photos is also improved in the update, using the new “highlights” feature which allows Google to pick and display the best photos from an album on the main page of that album.

Among the other features the update offers are improved location sharing and automatic related hashtags. You can download the updated app through the link after the break.

Play Store Download Link

Come comment on this article: Google+ Android app update includes photo enhancement and auto-backup features

Sometimes, an app annoyingly doesn’t allow you to disable its notifications in the app’s settings. Sometimes, an app even gives advertisements through the notifications, which is even more annoying. If you have Jelly Bean 4.1 or higher, you can fortunately disable almost any app’s notifications straight from the device settings. After the break are instructions on how you can get rid of the pesky alerts. 

1. When you get a notification you don’t want, pull down the notification bar, and hold down the notification until a box pops up that says “App info.” Tap that box.

(An alternate way to get to “App info” without waiting for the notification to appear is by heading to your device’s settings menu. Under the “Device” heading, tap “Application Manager” and select the app causing the problematic alerts.)

2. Once you get to “App info,”  you should see a check box with “Show notifications” checked.

3. All you need to do is tap on the box to uncheck “Show notifications”, tap “OK” in the warning popup, and you are good to go. No more notifications!

You can always re-enable the notifications by going back into the settings and rechecking the “Show notifications” box.

Come comment on this article: How to disable annoying Android notifications

For some time now, rumors have been going around that Samsung will release different versions of the Galaxy S 4, including the S4 Mini and a rugged version, reportedly called the S4 Active (previously the Activ). A recent update to the Samsung WatchON app further supports the rumors.

The recent 5.4 update to Samsung WatchON includes the following text in the changelog: “Added support for upcoming S4 Mega, S4 mini and S4 Active.” We hadn’t heard about the Galaxy S4 Mega yet, but it doesn’t take a genius to suggest that it will be what its name suggests — a bigger version of the S4. Another possibility is that Samsung made a typo and they instead meant the Galaxy Mega, which is in fact supposed to come with WatchOn.

Considering this is an app developed and released by Samsung, I think this provides enough evidence to think that these phones will be arriving in the near future. Just when? Here are the release dates that were leaked earlier this month.

Source: Android Central

Come comment on this article: Samsung WatchOn app update hints at the Galaxy S 4 Mega, Mini, and Active

Google Hangouts has a lot of cool features, including over 800 emoji characters to use. Apparently there are also six hidden “easter eggs,” including ponies, dinosaurs, and the ability to change the background of the chat window. Google employee Moritz Toxdorff posted the above image on his Google+ account, which explains how to use them. All you need to do to experience the magic is type in your desired code into the chat window, and press enter. Right now, these easter eggs only work on the Google+ client of Hangouts, but the Chrome and mobile clients should surely get them soon.

Source: +MoritzTolxdorff

Come comment on this article: Google Hangouts “easter eggs” revealed, include ponies and dinosaurs

At the I/O, Google announced that a version of the Samsung Galaxy S 4 running stock Android will be for sale later this summer. Could a “Google experience” HTC One with stock Android follow? Leigh Momii, a Developer Evangelist at HTC posted a tweet possibly suggesting exactly that, stating “So you can pay $649 for a piece of plastic running stock or… You can wait.” Trusted developer LlabTooFer said on Twitter he was positive that the tweet meant that “this summer we will see HTC One Google Edition” or something similar.

HTC employee Jeff Gordon replied to Android and Me, who initially reported Momii’s tweet, saying “HTC is not currently planning a ‘Nexus Edition’ of the HTC One.”  The key word in that statement is “currently,” as confirming a new version of their flagship phone would definitely hurt current sales for HTC.

If this rumor turns out to be true, could this be the start of more and more “Google experience”  Android phones? Stay tuned to Talk Android as we hear more.

Sources: Android and Me, @LlabTooFeR, @jetleigh

Come comment on this article: HTC employee hints at an HTC One with stock Android

Sony opened AOSP software code for the  Sony Xperia Z last month, and now the Xperia Tablet Z has been added to the program as well. This will be the first tablet to receive the AOSP port from Sony. The source code will be available through GitHub, usable after the bootloader on the tablet is unlocked. Keep in mind, this software is not intended for everyday use and several apps and services will not be functional.

You can see a Jelly Bean walkthrough of AOSP on the Tablet Z in action below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Source: Sony Blog

Come comment on this article: Sony Xperia Tablet Z receives AOSP support

Google has made some great enhancements to the Android platform with the goal of making their devices more user friendly to people with blindness or low-visibility. Google engineers have simplified the process for developers to augment their code to let Android use its accessibility features for these users. These accessibility features utilize either TalkBack (a spoken feedback system), or enable connected devices which give a blind person a legible description of the display to read using BrailleBack (a Braille emulator). TalkBack is already implemented in Android, while BrailleBack is available in the Play Store.

These features were put on display at an “Enabling Blind and Low-Vision Accessibility on Android” presentation at Google I/O. Developers were explained how to optimize their applications to take advantage of Android’s accessibility tools.

Mobile Accessibility by a Spanish company called Codefactory has already been assisting blind users for a while by using a simplified audio-based user interface. Their developers say that Android’s new enhancements will allow the company to work on new features for the service.

It’s really great to see support being improved for the visually-impaired community. There’s no reason everyone shouldn’t be able to experience how great Android is.

Source: Phone Arena

Come comment on this article: Google makes Android easier to use for visually-impaired users with TalkBack and BrailleBack.

Earlier this week, when the Samsung Galaxy S 4 broke a record by selling 4 million units in just 5 days, the company predicted the 10-million mark to be surpassed by the end of the month. That figure is still still on track, with Samsung co-CEO JK Shin stating “We are confident that we will pass more than 10 million sales of the S4 next week. It is selling much faster than the previous model S3.” Just how much faster? The Galaxy S 3 took 50 days to pass the 10 million sales mark, while the S4 was debuted less than a month ago. Quite impressive.

In other news, Shin said that the Galaxy Note III will be unveiled in September at the IFA in Berlin. He confirmed that the device will have  5.9-inch OLED display.

source: Korean Times

Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S 4 to reach 10 million sales by next week, Note III to have 5.9-inch OLED display

Last month, Samsung officially announced a 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3, and today rumors are flying that they will soon announce an even bigger version. SamMobile says they have received their first photo of an 8-inch Galaxy Tab 3. As you can see above, it looks very similar to the Galaxy Note 8.0 without a pen, except for a thinner bezel and different camera and speaker placements.

The specs, though SamMobile warns they could change, include a 1280×800 screen with a an 1.3-megapixel camera on the front, and 5-megapixel camera on the back. The Android 4.2.2 powered device is supposed to have an unnamed 1.5GHz dual-core CPU , with 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and a microSD slot. The tablet is expected by the end of June.

Source: SamMobile

Come comment on this article: Photo and details leak of 8-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 3

China’s Meitu Corporation has announced a phone designed specifically for women, called the MeituKiss HD. The phone will challenge the Oppo Ulike 2′s front-facing 5-megapixel camera with 8-megapixel cameras on both on the front and back of the device. Also equipped with a “face beautifying” feature, the phone is clearly marketed to women who love to take photos of themselves. Despite the impressive camera specs, for some reason the MeituKiss can only shoot video at up to 720p.

The MeituKiss also includes a 4.5-inch 720p HD screen, MediaTek’s 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, dual-SIM support, Android 4.2, 8GB of internal storage, and a microSD memory card slot for extra space. The phone runs at CN¥ 2,199, equivalent to around $360 USD, and comes in either pink or white. Preorder sales begin today for the first 18,888 devices, and a full launch will follow on June 6.

Source: Engadget

Come comment on this article: China’s MeituKiss phone catered to females equipped with 8-megapixel front camera

Sprint and HTC are releasing their first update over-the-air for the HTC One. This update, labeled version 1.29.651.10, includes BlinkFeed improvements, a new Sprint Zone client, and improved back and home key sensitivity.

The most notable of these is the improved key sensitivity. Users have complained that the capacitative back and home buttons were not properly reacting due to the touch targets being placed too close to the screen. This update is supposed to increase the size of the touch targets, hopefully fixing the problem for HTC One users. The update is expected to be rolled out to customers in stages, beginning today. To check for it, you can go to Settings -> System Updates -> HTC software update -> Check Now.

Source: Sprint Community

Come comment on this article: Sprint HTC One receiving OTA update to fix key sensitivity

Very early reviews of Google Hangouts seem to be mixed. Many people love the new service, but many are also unhappy with the fact that SMS messaging is not integrated. These users have quickly dominated the app’s reviews in the Play Store, pleading for the feature to be added to what is supposed to be a unified messaging system.

However, a quick look at the permissions Google Hangouts requires reveals that SMS support could be coming soon. Among the permissions the app has access to – receiving text messages (SMS), reading text messages (SMS or MMS), and sending SMS messages – none of which the app currently seems to actually be using.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this means SMS support will be added sooner than later (maybe with Android 4.3?), making it even more of a truly unified messaging system. After the break you can read the message permissions Google Hangouts requires.

GOOGLE HANGOUTS HAS ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING:

RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES (SMS)
– Allows the app to receive and process SMS messages. This means the app could monitor or delete messages sent to your device without showing them to you.
READ INSTANT MESSAGES
– Allows apps to read data from the Google Talk content provider.
READ YOUR TEXT MESSAGES (SMS OR MMS)
– Allows the app to read SMS messages stored on your device or SIM card. This allows the app to read all SMS messages, regardless of content or confidentiality.
SEND SMS MESSAGES
– Allows the app to send SMS messages. This may result in unexpected charges. Malicious apps may cost you money by sending messages without your confirmation.

Come comment on this article: Google Hangouts requires permissions to receive, read, and send SMS messages, could support be added soon?

We told you last night about the possibility of this happening, and today at the I/O keynote, Google made it official that they will be releasing an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S 4 running stock Android.  The LTE compatible, completely unlocked phone will come with an unlocked bootloader and will work on AT&T and T-Mobile. Storage will be 16GB and the device will arrive on June 26 for $649.  The crowd at I/O went silent, with a few boos audible when they heard about the high price tag.

This is the first non-Nexus device to get this kind of Google treatment. It’s a little surprising Samsung is on board with this, considering how much they market their TouchWiz UI’s additions to the Android experience.

A huge advantage of owning this device will be system updates that will arrive as promptly as they do for the Nexus. Instead of waiting for the carrier and manufacturer to customize and approve the new software, owners of this “Google Edition” device will receive updates very soon after Google releases them. With an unlocked bootloader, this device will be ready to go for developers to test on without having to unlock their device themselves.

Come comment on this article: Google announces unlocked Samsung Galaxy S 4 with stock Android coming June 26 for $649

Time Warner Cable’s TWC TV app for Android has been updated to allow users to view over 4,000 hours of on demand video and live TV streaming away from home. Streaming outside of home networks is currently limited to certain channels and Verizon customers. Right now, only ten live channels are available, but that should surely increase. Other features added in this update include TV mini guide filtering and support for increased devices on Android 2.2 Froyo and higher.

The full change log and download link for the free app can be found after the break.

What’s in this version:

– Added thousands of free and subscription on demand TV shows and movies
– Added out of home access to selected on demand shows and live TV channels
– Expanded device support for video playback (now Android 2.2 or higher)
– Added live TV mini guide filtering and sorting options
– Bug fixes

Play Store Download Link

Come comment on this article: Time Warner Cable’s TWC TV app updated to allow streaming away from home

Verizon is offering their HTC Droid DNA absolutely free (with a 2 year contract, of course) thanks to a coupon code promotion they just began which will run through May 21. To take advantage of the deal, all you need to do is head to Verizon’s website via the source link below, and type in your email address. Verizon will then email you a promo code which you can use to purchase the Droid DNA at no cost from a Verizon store or through their online shop.

In addition, as part of the new Verizon Referral Rewards Program, if you refer a friend to switch to Verizon from another provider, you and your friend will each get a $25 Verizon Wireless Visa Debit card for free.

Source: Verizon Wireless

Come comment on this article: Verizon offering HTC Droid DNA for free through new coupon code promotion

Google announced today that Gladstone, Missouri will be another recipient of Google Fiber. Gladstone’s city council voted to add the ultra-fast broadband service. Of course, Google says that it takes awhile to “plan, engineer, and start building our network in new communities,” so Gladstone residents will have to wait patiently until they can enjoy the brilliant service.

Google also announced recently that Grandview, MO and Shawnee, KS will be receiving Fiber. Shawnee, Grandview, and Gladstone are all located just a few miles from Kansas City, the first city to launch the 1-gigabit-per-second service. Other cities that will eventually receive Fiber include Austin, TX and Provo, UT.

Source: Google Fiber Blog

Come comment on this article: Google announces Gladstone, Missouri will be receiving Google Fiber