Author: Aditya Thawardas

Google knows that everybody loves more free storage space, so they have tripled the amount of free cloud-based storage they offer on Google Drive from 5GB to 15GB. Kind of. Previously, Google Drive offered 5GB of storage, and Gmail 10GB. Now, 15GB of free storage in their cloud will be shared between Drive, Gmail, and Google+ photos (previously Picasa), so while there is still the same amount of space being offered, users can now freely choose how they want to split up their 15GB. Compared to other free cloud storage competitors, Dropbox offers 2GB of free storage, Apple iCloud 5GB, and Microsoft SkyDrive 7GB.

In addition to the additional free space, the previous lowest tier option for additional storage space, $2.49 per month for 25GB, has been removed, making the new cheapest option $4.99 for 100GB. All of these changes will roll out in the next few weeks.

Source: Google Drive Blog

Come comment on this article: 15GB of free storage now offered between Drive, Gmail and Photos

 

The HTC First launched just last month, but sources say that the device known as the “Facebook phone” will soon be discontinued by AT&T. The source told tech website BGR that AT&T has sold less than 15,000 units nationwide, and will will be returning their unsold inventory back to HTC as a result of its poor performance. We should have seen this coming last week when AT&T dropped the phone’s price from $100 to 99¢ just a month into its availability.

Despite the report, a statement by an AT&T spokeswomen said, “as mentioned previously, we do pricing promotions all the time and have made no decisions on future plans,” giving a glimmer of hope to those who are fans of the phone with Facebook Home in-built.

Source: BGR

Come comment on this article: HTC First reportedly to be discontinued by AT&T barely a month into its release

In line with Google’s priority of strengthening communication between developers and their users, they have given developers the ability to reply to user reviews via the Google Play Developer Console. Responses by developers will appear publicly below the  original comment in the Play Store. Once a developer replies to a user’s comment, the user will receive an email and can then either reply to the developer directly by email, or update their review.

Back in November, Play Store reviews became integrated with Google+, with the goal of less anonymity leading to higher quality comments. Today’s update strengthens communication a step further. It’s a feature that’s long overdue and should help improve app development.

Source: Android Developers Blog

Come comment on this article: Google Play developers now able to reply to user reviews

Until now we had only seen the Galaxy S 4 available in white frost and black mist, but Japanese provider DoCoMo will apparently have a new color variant available for their customers. Promotional materials by DoCoMo show a “Blue Arctic” version, shown above, expected to be announced on May 15 and available next month.

We knew Samsung would eventually release more colors for the phone as they did with the S3 — the question was just when. It will be interesting to see if and when the “Blue Arctic” version will arrive in other markets. The Galaxy S 4 Activ has been rumored to come in a metallic orange color – could that make its way to the regular S4 as well?

Source: Rbmen
Via: SamMobile

Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S 4 in ‘Blue Arctic’ color spotted in Japan

Back in April we told you about the possibility of an Android game network to rival iOS’s Game Center, and today we have many more details to share. Our friends at Android Police have discovered and torn down the APK for Google Play Services v3.1.36, which is a massive update slowly making its way to devices right now.

When Google MyGlass was torn down last month, we learned that the game-center service would include multiplayer, in-game chat, leaderboards, invitations, lobbies, and achievements. This teardown of the Google Play Games APK shows that cloud-based game saving and notifications will also be included. The cloud-based universal game saving will sync across all devices based on your Google account.

Google+ will be deeply integrated into Play Games to allow users to compete with their friends for achievements and high scores. Players will be able to invite and respond to invitations to play games from friends in their Circles, or use a match-making feature that will let Play Games suggest a random opponent.

It looks almost certain that we will officially hear about Google Play Games at the I/O in just a few days, so stay tuned to Talk Android as we’ll be there providing all of the information you need.

Source: Android Police

 

Come comment on this article: Google Play Games leaked ahead of I/O, includes Google+ integration and cloud-based saving

We’ve been seeing X Phone rumors everywhere recently, including leaked pictures of a potential device last week. Today we have some concrete information to share. A new FCC filing mentions the Motorola XT1058 with specs including Bluetooth 4.0, NFC capabilities, 802.11ac WiFi, and LTE bands compatible with AT&T. The picture in the filing, posted above, looks awfully similar to last week’s leaked photos of the XFON for AT&T. After releasing their latest DROID RAZRs for Verizon, this filing suggests that Motorola could be releasing their first AT&T phone since last year’s Atrix HD.

If the model number XT1058 looks familiar, it’s because last week we showed you information suggesting an XT1055. Two model numbers so similar further supports Motorola advisor Guy Kawasaki’s comments regarding personalization of phone hardware. Considering an FCC filing, the X Phone could be unveiled in the near future. Stay tuned to Talk Android as we learn more.

source: FCC
via: Phone Scoop

Come comment on this article: FCC filing mentions Motorola XT1058, could be the XFON for AT&T

We’ve shown you what the folks at Paranoid Android have been working on, and since the testing stage of Halo began a few days ago, it was revealed that support for multiple notifications was lacking. It looks like this feature has been added, and a preview video showcases it in action.

As a refresher, Paranoid Android has been working on a way to implement Facebook Messenger’s “chat head” feature into all apps. Early results show that they have done a wonderful job. With their Halo feature, clicking a notification bubble (“chat head”) opens an overlaying applet to tend to the notification without having to close the app that you were using. It’s simply brilliant, and makes notifications and multitasking a breeze.

This new video shows multiple notifications working very smoothly, a feature that did not work the last time we saw Halo. To switch between notifications, all you have to do is hold down the notification bubble that appears on the screen and swipe until the notification you want to use is highlighted.

This is incredibly cool, and I can’t wait to try it myself.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Come comment on this article: Video showcases Paranoid Android with multiple notification support

 

The latest update for Angry Birds Seasons will be available next week and will be called Abra-Ca-Bacon, Rovio announced today. The game will feature 30 new levels for players to conquer, as well as six additional levels that will be unlockable as players progress through the game. The biggest change with Abra-Ca-Bacon will be the introduction of a new gameplay mechanic called Portals. Just as the name suggests, Portals are secret entrances that can suck objects in at one end, and spit them out at the other end. The Portals aren’t just limited to your Angry Birds, as they can also propel Bad Piggies, blocks and other environmental objects.

The update will be available for download on May 16. You can see the portals in action in Rovio’s promo trailer after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Come comment on this article: Angry Birds Seasons update called Abra-Ca-Bacon, coming next week

One annoyance of Google TV has always been the lack of video streaming apps for the platform. PlayOn has arrived for Google TV to help, allowing users to stream Hulu, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, and more than 50 other channels to the set-top box.

For a long time PlayOn has offered a way to stream content from your computer to devices that didn’t support it, including Netflix before it was officially available for Android. PlayOn streams video content though a home network, so a server application needs to be installed on your PC in addition to the PlayOn app on the device being streamed to.

Normally, PlayOn costs $25 per year or $50 for a lifetime license, but for a limited time, PlayOn is free for Google TV, so go and get it now. More information on PlayOn and the official press release can be found after the break.

More information: PlayOn.tv

PlayOn Brings Free Access to Hulu, ABC, NBC, CBS and More to Google TV

PlayOn software free to Google TV users

Business Wire

SEATTLE — May 9, 2013 – PlayOn, the media server software from MediaMall Technologies that streams online videos to TVs and mobile devices, today announced that PlayOn will be free for Google TV users for a limited amount of time. PlayOn brings online content from Hulu, Hulu Plus, ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox to Google TV, channels that are otherwise inaccessible on Google TV. With PlayOn, Google TV users can also stream online content from more than 60 channels like Discovery, Comedy Central and ESPN as well as personal media files.

“For more than two years, Google TV users have been blocked from watching their favorite shows and movies from Hulu and the major networks,” said Jeff Lawrence, CEO Media Mall Technologies. “PlayOn for Google TV effectively removes this barrier and opens up a lot of new content to cable cord-cutters. We feel using PlayOn with Google TV is a no-brainer, and we want to give users the opportunity to see why with our free PlayOn offer.”

Interested Google TV users can find information on how to install PlayOn for Google TV at http://www.playon.tv/googletv as well as how to redeem their free service for Google TV. This offer can only be redeemed through the above link and no credit card is required.

About MediaMall Technologies

MediaMall Technologies, the creators of PlayOn and PlayLater, was founded in 2003 to make it simple, affordable, and fun to enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and videos from the Internet on your TV or on the go. The PlayOn and PlayLater software products allow customers to recreate the traditional cable and satellite TV viewing experience using only the Internet and their existing hardware for a fraction of the price – and even extend that viewing experience to mobile devices. MediaMall operates with offices in New York, Seattle, and Copenhagen and can be found online at www.PlayOn.tv and www.PlayLater.tv. PlayOn and PlayLater are trademarks of MediaMall Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

 

 

 

Come comment on this article: Google TV gets free access to Hulu, ABC, NBC, CBS, and more via PlayOn for a limited time

ITV has refreshed their Android app, but for now, only Samsung device users in the UK can enjoy. The UK television network announced that until August 31, their updated ITV Player app will be available exclusively to Samsung users “for an initial period while we endeavor to optimize and improve the experience before releasing to other device manufacturers.”

The updated app features landscape navigation support, improved playback, 3G/4G  streaming,  and support for older devices. Right now the app is dominated with 1-star reviews in the Play Store, so hopefully for ITV users this update is a big improvement.

The download link and press release can be found after the break.

Play Store Download Link

SAMSUNG ENTERS EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH ITV TO MAKE ITV PLAYER APP AVAILABLE ON DEVICES

Android app available exclusively to Samsung customers until 31 August 2013

9 May 2013, London, UK – Samsung Mobile today announced it has entered an exclusive fixed term partnership with ITV to offer the new ITV Player app on its Android devices. Available now and exclusive to Samsung customers until 31 August, the ITV Player app will provide access to the last thirty days of ITV’s catch-up content across ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 and CITV while you’re out and about, including all the network’s favourites from popular soaps such as Coronation Street to factual documentaries, dramas and films.

The new user interface dynamically scales to a range of screen sizes, has an improved playback experience with simpler video profiles, and is supported over 3G/4G as well as Gingerbread (2.3+), Honeycomb, Jelly Bean and Ice Cream Sandwich operating systems. Using the app it will be possible to browse recommended programmes, search for your favourite shows by TV channel or alphabetically on your mobile device, meaning you can enjoy ITV content On Demand and from any location*.

Free to download now via Samsung Apps and Google Play and offering unlimited usage, ITV Player will be available on a range of Samsung Android tablet and smartphone devices, including the new Galaxy S4, the Galaxy Note 8.0 and the Galaxy Mega, whilst it has also been optimised for the Galaxy S III, Galaxy SII, Galaxy Note II, Note and Galaxy Note 10.1. The app is also available to view over 3G, 4G and WiFi networks.

James Micklethwait, Online Product Director, ITV said: “We are very excited to have launched the new ITV Player app on Samsung devices. The fragmentation of the Android ecosystem is well known therefore, as a commercial broadcaster, it makes sense for us to partner with the leading manufacturer of Android devices to further increase our technical knowledge of the operating system. We plan to launch the app onto other Android devices in the future.”

Simon Stanford, Vice President of IM Division, Samsung UK and Ireland said: “At Samsung, we are committed to providing our customers with the latest range of content and apps. People are increasingly watching programmes on their way to work, between meetings or on holiday, and this partnership means they can now catch up on their favourite ITV programmes on our devices wherever and whenever they choose.”

Come comment on this article: ITV Player updated, now exclusive for Samsung users through August 31st

Last month we informed you that the X Phone’s release date was pushed back, and just last week we showed you leaked photos of a supposed prototype of the device, but today we have more news on the phone. According to Chinese technology analyst Sun Chang Xu, Google as given up on development of the X Phone.  Per Xu, Google has returned the project to Motorola for further development, citing a lack of innovation and technology in the device.

Now if this is true, this does not signify the end of the X Phone.  The X Phone seems to be a significant project for Google, and what seems likely is that Google was not  satisfied with the prototype of their future flagship phone, so they sent it back to Motorola for some more work.

This is all according to an analyst, but when that analyst has 18 years of experience in the electronics industry in China, and nearly a million followers on Weibo (China’s version of Twitter), there could definitely be some truth to this. Stay tuned to Talk Android as we learn more information.

source: Weibo
via: GSMInsider

Come comment on this article: Google abandons X Phone project according to analyst

Google I/O season is upon us, and to celebrate, Google has updated their I/O app for 2013. The app’s aesthetics have been made Google Now-esque, with cards and swiping abundant. Once you install the app and input your Google+ credentials, you are asked whether or not you are attending the event. If you are, the app sets up your WiFi access for the Moscone Center, and lets you schedule your events.

We’ll be at I/O next week, so keep your browser at TalkAndroid for all the coverage you need. The full changelog and download link for the app is after the break.

What’s new in Version 1.0.1:

• NEW! Scan attendee badges via NFC
• NEW! Schedule changes are immediately synchronized between devices
• NEW! Lock screen widget for viewing your agenda on the go
• NEW! Vector-based maps with session info
• NEW! Dedicated HDMI video output for livestreams
• NEW! Automatic WiFi setup for attendees
• NEW! Off-site attendee mode for livestream-only viewers
• Use Google+ for login
• Support for viewing Office Hours sessions
• Improved support for devices with RTL locales

Play Store Download Link

Come comment on this article: Google I/O Android app updated with new features for 2013

Google Earth for Android received an update to version 7.1.1 today which brings three important new features. The biggest of these is the addition of Street View to Google Earth. The Google Maps app already had Street View, but now Google Earth users can join in on the fun. Google Earth has always been meant for exploring, and this new feature, which allows users to zoom in all the way from a satellite view of the earth to Street View, takes exploring to a whole new level.

This update also adds improved directions and search for visualizing transit, walk, bike, and drive directions in 3D.  In addition, an improved interface is implemented, with sliding menu panels on the left and bottom of the screen.

The official changelog and download link can be found after the break.

New in Google Earth 7.1.1:

• Google Maps Street View: With Street View, you can explore the world at street level.
• Improved directions/search: Updated directions let you can visualize transit, walk, bike and drive directions in 3D while update search result list will let you browse search results quickly.
• Improved interface: Easily browse and enable different layers through use of new left hand pane

 

Play Store Download Link

 

Come comment on this article: Google Earth for Android receives update, adds Street View

Mother’s Day is on Sunday and Verizon is helping out all of the last-minute shoppers looking for a deal. Verizon is hosting “Red Hot Deal Days” from today until May 12.

The DROID line is the focus of these deals, with the Droid RAZR MAXX HD being offered at $149, RAZR HD at $49, and RAZR M (all with a contract). With the release of the Galaxy S 4, Verizon has cut the price of the 16GB Galaxy S III to $99.99. If your mom is looking for a tablet, the 8GB Galaxy Tab 2 has been marked down to $199.99.

Check out the deals Verizon is offering via the source link. Free overnight shipping is offered as part of the deal.

Source: Verizon Wireless

Come comment on this article: Verizon offering “Red Hot Deal Days” until May 12 on select devices for Mother’s Day

Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S 4 is expected to be released in a range of different models internationally. We brought news that the Galaxy Mega was officially announced by Samsung last month, while the Mini, Zoom, and Activ are expected to be announced by Samsung by the end of this month. Tentative release dates have been leaked for these phones.

Black and white versions of the Galaxy S 4 Mini, which as its name suggests is a smaller version of the Galaxy S 4, is expected to be released in Week 29 of this year, which falls between July 15 and July 21.

The Galaxy Mega features a larger display for the budget-minded consumer, and will come in variants of 6.3- inches and 5.8- inches. It’s expected to be released in Europe and Russia between now and June 23. The black 6.3 inch version should come this week, followed by the white 5.8 inch version next week. The white 6.3 inch Mega will come the week of May 20, and the black 5.8 inch version will arrive the week of June 17.

The black version of the camera-focused Galaxy S 4 Zoom which will feature a 16-megapixel camera is expected to be released the week of June 3-9, while the white version will hit stores June 17-23.

The rugged dustproof and waterproof Galaxy S 4 Activ (we called it the Active previously), which will come in an exciting metallic orange color, will roll in the week of July 15-21.

Source: SamMobile

Come comment on this article: Release dates for Galaxy Mega, Galaxy S 4 Mini, Galaxy S 4 Zoom, and Galaxy S 4 Activ Leaked

Google Glass isn’t commercially available yet and was mocked by SNL a few days ago, but the new product is receiving a substantial new software update. Named XE5, the new software adds a few important features, including Google+ notifications, crash reporting, and international calling. If you are lucky enough to have a headset, you need to have your device plugged into a charger in order to update.

You can find the changelog after the break.

Among the new features in XE5:

• Change to sync policy: require power + wifi for background uploads
• Crash reporting
• Incoming G+ notifications (direct shares, comments, +mentions), including ability to comment and +1
• Incoming Hangout notifications
• Transcription of queries & messages is now wicked-fast
• Long-press to search from anywhere in the UI (no longer just from off)
• International number dialing + SMS
• Hop animation on disallowed swipes in the UI
• New On-Head Detection calibration flow
• Show device Serial Number on Device Info card
• More reliable estimation of battery charge remaining
• New recipient-list mosaic

Source: Phandroid

Come comment on this article: Google Glass Explorer Edition receives XE5 software update with many important new features

 

T-Mobile recieved its first update for the Samsung Galaxy S 4 earlier today and AT&T seems to be following suit. The update is arriving as build number I337UCUAMDL. Neither AT&T nor Samsung have released a changelog, but at a small 21.39 MB, minor performance related improvements and basic tweaks are probably all that’s included.

AT&T S 4 users, you can update your phone by going to Settings > More > About device > Software update.  Once you have the latest build, let us know in the comments if you notice anything different. We will update you with more information once the official changelog arrives.

Source: Droidlife

Come comment on this article: AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S 4 also receiving minor update

Rovio’s games, including Angry Birds, have been an enormous hit in the mobile games market, but one inconvenience had been that game progress didn’t sync across devices. Rovio Accounts have been rolled out to fix this annoyance.  Requiring only an email address, the new feature allows users to sync game progress on one device and continue playing where they left off on another device.

Rovio Accounts are currently extremely limited. They are available globally for The Croods and Angry Birds for iOS in only Finland and Poland. Rovio will continue rolling this feature out to other apps and regions, but for now, you’re going to have to wait if you want to sync your Angry Birds game in North America.

If you play The Croods, or Angry Birds in Finland or Poland, how is the new feature is working for you? Let us know below.

Source: Rovio

Come comment on this article: Rovio Accounts lets users sync game progress across devices

STARZ fans can rejoice because STARZ Play, ENCORE Play, and MOVIEPLEX Play has been released in the Play Store. Each app allows users to stream featured STARZ programming, movies, and original series to their Android device. All three apps have a very similar interface, and are essentially the same app, only released individually for each STARZ programming package. Play, pause, and rewind controls are implemented, and users can start and pick up their programming where they left off on either their tablet, phone, or computer.

These apps are free along with a Starz subscription for Cox, AT&T U-verse, Directv, and Verizon subscribers. Comcast users can instead use the XFINITY TV Player app to access their STARZ content.

You can download the apps from the links after the break.

Play Store Download Link – STARZ

Play Store Download Link – MOVIEPLEX

Play Store Download Link – ENCORE

Come comment on this article: STARZ Play, MOVIEPLEX Play, and ENCORE Play now in the Play Store