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Andy Rubin passes the Android torch to Sundar Pichai

Scott Webster
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Andy Rubin passes the Android torch to Sundar Pichai
rubin
Andy Rubin demos a very early build of Android

There’s some rather large news coming out of Mountain View today as Android lead Andy Rubin has decided to “hand over the reigns”. The word comes direct from Google CEO Larry Page who tells us Rubin will start a new chapter at Google.

In Andy’s place, Sundar Pichai will handle the Android team, also working with the Chrome side of things. Looking ahead, we might expect to see the two operating systems fall closer together with potentially more crossover.

[blockquote align=”center” cite=”Google CEO, Larry Page” citeLink=”http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/update-from-ceo.html”%5DGoing forward, Sundar Pichai will lead Android, in addition to his existing work with Chrome and Apps. Sundar has a talent for creating products that are technically excellent yet easy to use—and he loves a big bet.[/blockquote]

We’re anxious to see what Andy Rubin ends up working on next; he seems like he’s got plenty of freedom and clout at this point.

Also worth noting in today’s news are a few milestones for the Android platform:

  • Global partnership of over 60 manufacturers
  • More than 750 million devices have been activated globally
  • 25 billion apps have now been downloaded from Google Play

Google

V-Moda Crossfade M-100 review

AndroidGuys
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V-Moda Crossfade M-100 review

I don’t think I’ve ever considered a pair of headphones to be anything other than mere audio accessories before, but upon opening the Crossfade M-100 from V-Moda, sexy is the only word that came to mind.

AG-CrossfadeWhile I don’t proclaim to have anything other than a perfunctory level of knowledge about firearms, these headphones immediately elicited thoughts of the craftsmanship and attention to build quality that I assume goes into a well-made Smith & Wesson. Now that that’s out of my system, I won’t subject you to cheesy puns about how the sound blasts your eardrums or that you should pull the trigger and buy them — I just wanted to let you know that they’re gorgeously well-made, not the least bit gaudy, and light enough to be everyday practical. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the matte black color option, complete with Kevlar cabling, metal accents, and military-grade (MIL-STD-810) quality testing.

The sound is incredibly lush. The dynamic range is well represented via the Crossfade’s terrifically effective noise isolating cans. Often, when reviewing headphones or audio accessories, I find that the lows are lacking while the highs sizzle, or that the mids are muddy while the bass is overpowering. These are tuned to near-perfection — clear, wide, and precise. Featuring a 50MM dual-diaphragm driver, ergo soft memory foam, and a collapsible “cliqfold” hinge — they’re comfortable, unobtrusive, and durable.

Heading to V-Moda’s site will give you more details on how to customize the interchangeable metal shield kits, something I’m content to do without. I do, however, find myself defaulting to the included SpeakEasy cable for phone-calls and immediately fell in love with the exoskeleton hard case (also included). If you’d rather share your music with others than make and receive phone calls, V-Moda has also included their SharePlay audio cable that allows you to do just that. Are these probably going to marketed heavily (if not strictly) to the audiophile crowd? Sure, but allow me to be blunt : For my money (and that’s ~$300), these are THE BEST over-ear headphones on the market.

Technical Details

  • What’s included: Crossfade M-100, Exoskeleton carry case, caribener, Kevlar reinforced SpeakEasy Microphone control cable, Kevlar reinforced SharePlay audio cable, 1/4″ pro adapter, V-CORK (2), instant six-star support code, V-MODA Sticker
  • Type: Over-Ear Circumaural
  • Frequency Response: 5 – 30,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: 103 dB @ 1kHz 1mW
  • Microphone Sensitivity: -42dB @ 1kHz
  • Impedance: 32Ω
  • Weight: 280g

Google debuts Google+ Sign-In, the Facebook Login and Open Graph killer

Scott Webster
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Google debuts Google+ Sign-In, the Facebook Login and Open Graph killer

google+sign-in_api_720

You know how many of your favorite Android games let you sign in with a Facebook account? You know many times that sign-in leads to spammy wall posts or clutter in your news feed? Google today announced something similar with Google+ sign-in, however there’s nary a trace of that added junk. Today, Google debuts its Facebook Login and Open Graph killer.

Google+ Sign-In lets users sign in to your Android app with their existing Google credentials, and bring along their Google+ info for an upgraded experience. In addition to basic authentication, today’s release includes features that can accelerate both app downloads and engagement.

Now, instead of asking you to log-in with Facebook or create an account, you can bring your Google+ profile along for the ride. Once tied to the app, your credentials are synchronized and you’re off and running. A number of developers have already been using this feature, including Fancy, Flixter, OpenTable, Shazam, and USAToday.

So what about all the times you log in with an app and favorite a song, station or movie? Will that show up for all of your circles? Only if you want it to. You can customize who sees what and how often.

Users’ app activities will only be visible to the Google+ circles they specify (if any), and they’ll only appear when they’re relevant. Putting users in control, and not spraying their stream builds trust in your app, and encourages meaningful sharing.

Another great feature is that users will find that many websites can lead to a seamless and even more better expression. Log in with your Google+ account on one of these websites and you’ll be asked if you’d like to install the Android app – instantly.

It’s pretty obvious that this move will lead to more Google+ adoption and peel away at Facebook’s strangle on social login. This is an uphill battle, sure, but Google is positioning themselves quite nicely. I don’t know about you but I really enjoy a simple login experience. Conversely, I cannot stand how many apps and games tell me that my friends just got a new high score or that they just listened to a specific song.  Here’s to Google doing it right.

Google

Lenovo announces trio of Android tablets for Q2

Scott Webster
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Lenovo announces trio of Android tablets for Q2

lenovo_S6000_720

Lenovo yesterday announced a trio of Android-based tablets, Lenovo has officially announced three new tablets, all running Jelly Bean: S6000, A3000 and A1000. The new A-series are 7-inch models with the A1000 aimed at first-time tablet owners and the A3000 packing more of a punch. The S6000 is a 10-inch model with extended I/O options.

The tablets will be available worldwide from Q2, 2013. Although pricing will vary based on market, configuration and model, each tablet is promised to be “competitively priced” .

S6000, Mobile “Home Entertainment” Center

  • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • 1.2 GHz quad-core processor
  • 10.1-inch IPS 1280X800 display
  • micro HDMI port
  • 560g
  • 8.6mm thick
  • Optional HSPA+

As tablets have continued their march into the mainstream, increasing demands with regards to larger screen devices have raised the bar for tablet makers. Lenovo has responded with the S6000, a sleek and powerful option for customers looking for a device that switches seamlessly from entertainment to social media and beyond.

A3000, Full Performance in a Compact Package

  • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • 1.2GHz quad-core processor
  • 7-inch IPS 1024×600 display
  • 340g
  • 11mm thick
  • microSD expansion card slot (up to 64GB)
  • Optional 3G HSPA+ support

In today’s connected world, devices must be mobile, without skimping on performance. The A3000 bristles with specifications typically found in a much larger device, all packed into a seven-inch form factor that is thin and light.

A1000, Pocket Studio with Dolby

  • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • 1.2GHz dual-core processor
  • 16GB internal storage
  • microSD expansion (up to 32GB)
  • Available in black or white

The A1000 delivers an audio experience normally reserved for more expensive tablets in a seven-inch device. With Dolby Digital Plus integrated into the device and large, front-facing speakers that ensure the sound is directed at the users’ ears rather than the floor, the A1000 is perfect for music lovers and those seeking a “pocket studio” for either music or movies.

Lenovo

Samsung confirms Galaxy S4 announcement for March 14

Scott Webster
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samsung_720Samsung has confirmed that it will be unveiling the Galaxy S4 at a press event on March 14. Taking place in New York, the announcement date falls in line with previous rumors.

Whereas last year’s Galaxy S3 debut was in London, the new flagship kickoff will take place in a spot much closer to home for U.S. carriers.

Reportedly Samsung will be sending out the Unpacked save the date emails later today. UPDATE: And there you have it!

SEE ALSO: What we expect: Samsung Galaxy S4

CNET

HTC announces flagship device for 2013, the HTC One

Scott Webster
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HTC today officially announced the new flagship Android experience for 2013, unveiling the HTC One. The specs are pretty much everything we’ve seen leaked on the internet over the last few months; nary a surprise for those watching the Android space closely.

Details include Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, a 4.7-inch 1080p HD display, 2GB RAM, 32GB/64GB internal storage, and a 2300 mAh battery. The processor is a quad-core 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 CPU which means things will be humming along quite nicely.

UPDATE: AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile announcements pledging support for HTC One.

Software touches

One of the key features for the HTC One experience includes BlinkFeed (learn more), an aggregation of news and posts from 1400 of sources (AOL, ESPN, etc) that shows up on the home screen. Think Flipboard on your homescreen and you’ll get a sense.  The content is curated and users can add or remove topics of areas of interests. Speaking of ESPN, HTC has signed a deal with the sports brand to bring enhanced content and mobile experience to the handset.

The HTC One features a pair of front-facing stereo speakers and a little something called BoomSound. The new media player experience will provide real-time lyrics and a visualization. Additionally, the handset will dynamically adjust speakers, volume, and amplifier settings for better call quality.

The camera is 4-ultrapixels and is promised to deliver a much better picture than you’ll find with 5-megapixel and 8-megapixel cameras. The sensor size is the same as that found in other phones (iPhone 5, Nokia Lumia 920) and lets in more light for better overall picture quality. Along those lines, HTC introduced Zoe (learn more), a technology that automatically captures high resolution photos and short videos at the same time. We’re talking one second before the shutter and three seconds after for a total 4-second short video. From there, Zoe will add filters, music, and transitions to create highlight reels.

The form factor of the HTC One is that of a single aluminum body with zero-gap construction. Fancy stuff to be sure, and hopefully nothing that creates an antenna-gate experience.

Sense 5

The HTC Sense 5 experience is a breath of fresh air and features prominent use of the Roboto font that comes with Android. It’s much cleaner and less obtrusive than the stuff that we’ve seen in the previous generations. The clock and weather widget is reborn, but not before 25 other iterations were tested.

Release

In terms of carrier support, U.S. customers will be able to pick one up at AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile USA. As we’ve heard in the run up, Verizon is not expected to offer the HTC One. Perhaps the Droid DNA rumors will still hold true. The global launch is expected to begin in March, with more than 185 carriers hopping on board. North America support comes in the form of the following: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Cincinnati Bell and Best Buy in the United States and in Canada with Rogers Communications, Bell Mobility, TELUS and Virgin Mobile Canada.

 

 

Sprint debuts rugged, waterproof Kyocera Torque

Scott Webster
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torque_bath_water

Sprint today announced the next Android smartphone to offer 4G LTE service on the Now Network, introducing the rugged and waterproof Kyocera Torque. Pricing and exact availability is still unknown however the carrier expects it to show up in the “coming weeks”.

Details for the Kyocera Torque include Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a 4-inch WVGA LCD IPS capacitive display, a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core processor, 4GB internal storage, 1GB RAM, microSD support, and a 2500mAh battery.

If you’re the type of person who needs a phone that handles abuse, then the Torque might be your best option. This guy can take drops, handle water, dirt, and everything else that life throws its way.

Waterproof, Dirt-Proof, Drop-Proof

Built to Military Standard 810G, Torque is made to withstand water, dust, shock, vibration, solar radiation, humidity, and extreme temperatures, along with IP67 standards for dust and water immersion.

Torque has been tested to hold up against life’s extremes – including some most people will never see – to help ensure it will be there when you need it, including:

  • Waterproof whether sprayed or immersed in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, Torque can handle all the rain, sprinklers, hoses, spit, drool, drinks, sinks or toilet water life can throw at it – that’s more than can be said of the around 82 million handsets in the U.S. that have already been destroyed by liquid.1
  • Extreme Temperatures of -22° to 140°F (-30° to 60°C) for a non-operating unit for two hours and -4° to 122°F (-20° to 50°C) for an operating unit for three hours – from backcountry snowboard trips to hikes in Death Valley, don’t sweat it.
  • Dropped 26 times from 4 feet high – or, the average week with kids at the playground.
  • Heavy dust for six hours – going off the grid while off-roading and camping will never be an issue.
  • Horizontal, vertical and sideways vibrations for one hour – that mountain bike ride or roller coaster will be no match for Torque.
  • Exposure to salt fog, for a complete 48 hour cycle; this cycle includes 24 hours exposure to salt fog followed by 24 hours drying time  – ideal for surfers, beach lovers or those who left their hearts and phones in San Francisco.
  • 95 percent humidity for 10 days straight – the phone can handle it, but its owners may not.
  • Solar radiation exposure of 1120 W/m2 for 24 hours – you might need sunscreen, but your phone doesn’t mind soaking up some rays.
  • Low pressure at 57.11 kPa/15,000 feet (4,572 meters) for two hours – higher than the tallest mountain peak in the lower 48 U.S. states.

Imagine how cool a Google Now smart watch would be

Scott Webster
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google_now_watch_concept_androidguys_720

There’s plenty of chatter rolling around the internet this week with talks of Google getting into the smart watch game. Presumably powered by Android it is also possible that the watch may be something that runs on its own. Whatever it is and whenever it ultimately arrives, I’m already sold.

google-watch-patent_screenWith a bunch of players getting involved in the connected watch or wearable technology space, Google is poised to lead the pack. As cool as Pebble, Cookoo and I’m Watch are, we’re really anxious to see what Google Glass is like in the real world. But that’s another post for another day.  I’m here to talk about what I’d love to see in a Google smart watch.

Looking at some of the moves Google has made over the last few months with Google Now, this technology would be the perfect backbone to a smart watch. I don’t care if this thing runs apps or has a ton of media storage capabilities. No, I just want my watch to alert me of things ahead of time. Consider that Google Now works by delivering information without asking. Sure, you hit the notification bard or pull up Google Search to get the cards but it’s still there before you go looking for it. Now, imagine your watch vibrating on your arm and showing things as you need them.

Here’s just a few ways in which a Google Now watch would be a killer experience

  • Your favorite team just scored a touchdown
  • Your package has been shipped
  • There’s a half hour traffic delay for your commute, you need to leave now
  • Your phone call is scheduled to start in the next half hour
  • Nearby events
  • Weather alerts for emergencies
  • Birthday reminders

In other words, all I need a Google smart watch to do is push notifications to my wrist.  The stuff that makes Google Now so downright cool is what would make for the smartest of watches. This doesn’t factor into the stuff that is in development.

I don’t need to it show tweets or Facebook status updates; I have a phone for things like this. I don’t need to play games or music, either. Nope. My needs are simple in that I only want Google Now cards pushed to my watch.

google_time_nav_smartwatch_concept
Google Time concept via Adrian Maciburko/Dribbble

What would you like to see Google do with a smart watch? Do you have higher demands or do you even want one of these?

See Also: Business Insider

Note: The feature image was created using the Google Time concept by Adrian Maciburko

Samsung intros rugged and waterproof GALAXY Xcover 2

Scott Webster
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samsung_galaxy_xcover_2

Samsung today introduced the next member of the Galaxy family, the rugged and waterproof Xcover 2. Pricing and availability are unknown at this point however we expect this is one device that will stay outside of the United States.

 

Details include a 4-inch WVGA display, 1GHz dual-core processor, 5-megapixel camerea, and VGA front-facing camera. Thanks to its IP67 rating, the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean-powered Xcover 2 can stay in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This means plenty of photos in the shallow end of the pool, right?

With Mobile World Congress arriving in roughly one month’s time, we expect to learn more about the handset.

Samsung GALAXY Xcover 2

January 25, 2013

SEOUL, Korea – January 25, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, today unveiled the Samsung Xcover 2, the ideal smartphone for active explorers who are enjoying outdoor lifestyles and seeking a durable mobile device with essential smartphone capabilities.

The GALAXY Xcover 2 is optimized to endure against the most rugged outdoor conditions, whether you’re at work or play. Protected against the elements, it is dust and sand proof. It’s even water resistant to a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes (IP67 Certified). You can now take photos under water with the direct camera key, hold on tight to your device with the strap holder and not worry about dropping your phone as the battery cover lock gives added protection.

Pre-downloaded Google map data, an enhanced GPS ＋ GLONASS which shortens the satellite signal detection by up to 20％ to tracks your location more accurately, LED Flash next to the camera which can be used like a torch and a huge battery capacity of 570 hours(1,700mAh), making the GALAXY Xcover 2 is the best possible smartphone partner for outdoor exploration.

In addition, the Cardio Trainer Pro workout application will also help you achieve your fitness goals by creating a tailored training program, checking your progress and recording your track and speed.

For everyday, users can expect the powerful performance characteristic of a Samsung smartphone with the robust GALAXY Xcover 2 shell. Its vivid 4.0″ (100.8mm) WVGA display provides a clear and wide viewing experience, a 5-megapixel camera and VGA front camera that will let you record precious moments in high resolution, Bluetooth® v 4.0 gives a better connection that consumes less power and detects devices 50 meters away. An impressive 1GHz dual core processor powers the core of the GALAXY Xcover 2, which ensures a fast operating speed for seamless multitasking, faster webpage loading and softer UI transitions.

Samsung GALAXY Xcover 2 runs Android™ 4.1 (Jelly Bean) enabling faster and smoother screen transitions and providing an enhanced user interface featuring a new, easier-to-use notification panel. As a premium Samsung Android™ phone, the device is packed with a series of innovative features and services to boost performance and the overall user experience. The intuitive Motion UI understands your movements to shake and update or turn over to mute; data can be synced, backed up and restored with S-Cloud; S Voice lets users control the phone using their voice, allowing you to see the weekly weather forecast, the contact number you’re trying to find or even take a picture as you speak; Best Shot recommends the best shot from a series of photos; Smart Stay recognizes whether the user is looking at the screen to dim the screen accordingly. Users can also enjoy all the benefits of Samsung Hubs, including the latest versions of Readers Hub, Video Hub, Game Hub and Music Hub.

Samsung announces the Galaxy S2 Plus

AndroidGuys
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Samsung has just introduced the new Galaxy S2 Plus, a device with a minor bump up in specs from the regular S2. The device will be running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean alongside the infamous Touchwiz Nature UX, and has a 4.3-inch WVGA Super AMOLED Plus display, 1.2GHz dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 8MP front ans 2MB rear camera, 8GB on board storage with expansion to 64 available.

So, yes, what we’re basically looking at here is a beefed up Galaxy S2. One other interesting thing to note: looking through the specs, there appears to e an NFC and non-NFC version, and the camera will have a zero-lag shutter, which is nice to see.

Full presser after the break.

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