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Senin, 28 April 2014

Google stock camera app available now in Play Store [Update]

Sterling Keys

Sterling Keys

After finishing his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Alberta, Sterling made the move to Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Within a stone's throw of mountains, ocean, and complete wilderness, he mountain bikes and skis during the day and is hopelessly connected to his phone and computer at all other times. His writing "career" started as he penned about his escapades while skiing and has slowly progressed to freelance marketing and promotion throughout British Columbia. Interested in anything tech and gadget related, he has thoroughly enjoyed his transition of writing for AndroidPIT.

Google has released their official stock camera app into the Play Store as of today! Moving along to offering more stand-alone varieties of their Google branded apps, much like what they did earlier in 2013 with their Google Keyboard.

camera2The stock Google camera is now available for download via the Play Store. / © Google Play

The new stock camera app includes a new interface and some new nifty features, such as a lens blue feature and viewfinder fix that allows you to capture 100% of the photo you're taking. Thankfully, the app is not just constrained to Nexus devices and is working across different devices and manufacturers.

camera1The new blur feature in action with the stock camera app. / © Google Play

In order to be able to grab the updated app from the Play Store, you’ll need to be running an Android device with KitKat (sorry anyone not quite up to speed with Android 4.4). One of the advantages of moving towards releasing this as a stand-alone app is that Google can now roll out updates specific to their camera without having to release an OTA update for the operating system.

Also, check out the following video from the Android Police of what the camera app does if you try to take a vertical video? Thanks Google!

You can grab the new stock camera app either via the Google Play Store or by grabbing the APK file that is hosted over at Android Police. 

[Update: 17 April 2014, Berlin, 4 PM]

As shown in an APK teardown by Android Police, we still haven't seen the end of the Android camera development. In the code hides some clues that point towards more functions that could be released in future updates.

One of these is the possibility to apply Photosphere photos as live wallpaper. There could also be more settings options for advanced users in areas that have lagged behind other manufacturers and that in comparison with previous versions seems to have taken a few steps backward.

Three more camera modes are also hinted at in the code: an advanced mode, a time lapse mode and a wide-angle mode. When capturing videos, a photo can also be taking while it is still rolling, a possibility that many other apps and custom ROMS already offer. According to the code, more video effects could be on their way.Three more camera modes are also hinted at in the code: an advanced mode, a time lapse mode and a wide-angle mode. When capturing videos, a photo can also be taking while it is still rolling, a possibility that many other apps and custom ROMS already offer. According to the code, more video effects could be on their way.

Source: Android Police, Google Play



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Jumat, 25 April 2014

Google Glass available for all today – will you be buying one?

Kris Carlon

Kris Carlon

Putting down roots in Berlin after six years of traveling is a major step for Kris Carlon, who has spent more time living out of a tent lately than sitting at a desk. Kris comes to the AndroidPIT Editorial Team via a lengthy period spent writing on art and culture in Australia and other places he has lived. He joined the Android community while resurfacing in civilization back in 2010 and has never looked back, using technology to replace his actual presence in other people's lives ever since.

As you no doubt have heard, today anyone can buy Google Glass in the US. You don't even have to line up, just hit Google's Glass page and start trying to feverishly get one before the limited stock runs out. You'll still have to cough up 1500 USD to get in on the game, but at least you don't need to be connected to a current Glass Explorer if you've been hanging out to get one for yourself.

glass 2Want Glass? You got it. For $1500 that is. / © AndroidPIT

Previously, only a select few were allowed to purchase Glass. That's right, you needed to be selected to then buy your way into the wearable device program. Then, those initial Explorers were allowed to invite friends to also buy Glass. Now, Google is opening up the field to any adult in the US with 1500 bucks burning a hole in their pocket. You'll also get a spectacle frame or sunglass-style shade included in the deal. There's no indication of just how many headsets Google has in stock for the buying frenzy, but we bet they won't last long either way.

Google GlassIn this one-day-only sale, you'll also get free shades or a frame for your Glass. / © AndroidPIT

Keep in mind that Glass is still very much in its infancy, and there's a reason Google has kept the Explorer program so limited. Feedback from knowledgeable wearers is key to making the final mass production version viable. This latest step clearly means Google is getting closer to releasing a widespread consumer model. If you want in on the Explorer program you need to hit up Google's Glass page starting at 9 am EDT. The offer is only available for those over 18 in the US (or, presumably, with a US postal address).

Will you be picking up Glass? How do you feel about the new crop of wearable devices on the horizon from Apple, Sony and possibly even Facebook?

Source: Google Glass (Google+)



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Senin, 21 April 2014

Reeder 2 for Mac Now Available in Public Beta

Reeder 2 for Mac Now Available in Public Beta

Mac: Reeder has long been our favorite RSS reader on the Mac, but it was pulled from the Mac App Store following the Google Reader shutdown. Today, you get check out the new version of the app for free while it's in beta.

Reeder 2 looks a lot like previous versions of the app. It's still clean, minimal, and fits into the same color scheme it always has. Functionally, it's similar to the old version as well, although it now supports RSS feeds from Feedly, Feedbin, Feed Wrangler, and local. For the most part, if you've used Reeder in the past, you'll be familiar with this update. Still, it's nice to see it's (almost) back. You can snag the beta right now for free.

Reeder 2 for Mac

Related
The Best News Reader for Mac

Reading a lot of blogs can be tough to manage without an RSS news reader, which consolidates everything you read in one place. While there are plenty … Read…



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HTC One M8 now available in-stores: 10 things you need to know

htc one m8 outdoors aa (11 of 14)

Although the HTC One M8 has been available through select carriers since day one, today the M8 arrived to several other networks across the globe, including T-Mobile.

We’ve talked about the HTC One in-depth over the last couple of weeks, but now that it’s here, let’s take a look at 10 things you might want to know about the HTC One (M8) before deciding if its the right device for you!

1. HTC One (M8) review

Before you run out and buy the HTC One (M8), be sure to check out our full review. This will give you a better idea of whether the HTC One is the perfect fit.

2. What’s new in software?

The HTC One (M8) is the first handset to feature the all new Sense 6.0. Sense might not be a major jump over Sense 5 and 5.5, but it does add UI improvements, a refined BlinkFeed experience and much more. Another big change with Sense 6.0 is the new Motion features, which allow you to answer calls, unlock your handset and open the camera using simple gestures.

HTC’s latest version of Sense also now includes a new Extreme Power Saving mode, designed to maximize your handset’s battery life in emergency situations when your battery is close to dying.

3. A premium device, not a plastic one

HTC has made it pretty clear that one of its stand-out features is that it offers a premium design, not a plastic one. It has also openly insulted Samsung for sticking to their plastic design approach.

4. HTC’s top features

In addition to an improved premium design and Sense 6.0, there are several other aspects where the HTC One (M8) including the camera, audio and improved battery life.

Speaking of the former, the HTC One (M8) continues HTC’s semi-controversial approach of using “UltraPixels” and focusing less on megapixel count and more on taking better low-light pictures and more. The HTC One’s back camera might only be 4MP, but it actually produces pretty solid pictures and now includes a dual-camera as well.

For a better look at the HTC’s top features, you’ll want to check out the below video, or head here for the written component.

5. The competition

The HTC One M8 is a solid handset, but maybe it’s not for you. Some of the other competition worth checking out includes the Samsung Galaxy S5, Sony Xperia Z2 and the Oppo Find 7.

6. Worth upgrading?

The HTC One (M8) is a very noticeable improvement over the original, but is it enough of an upgrade to merit trading in the previous-gen HTC One (M7)? Check out our hands-on quick comparison to get a better idea.

7. Where do I get it from in the US?

You can find the HTC One M8 through all the major carriers, both in-store and online.

AT&T – $199 on contract
Sprint – $199 on contract
T-Mobile – $0 with monthly installments
Verizon – $199 on contract

Amazon
Best Buy

8. Accessories

Probably the coolest accessory for the One (M8) is the new smart cover, called the Dot View case. The Dot View case not only keeps your phone protected — double tapping on the screen with the cover on will show the time, weather and notifications.

9. The color options

The HTC One (M8) will be offered in three colors initially: brushed Gunmetal gray, Glacial Silver or Amber Gold. Some of these colors will only be available through specific carriers.

10. There’s a Google Play Edition for stock Android fans

Finally, it’s worth noting that stock Android fans don’t have to settle for Sense 6.0 with the HTC One (M8). Officially, Google offers a Play Edition handset that comes with stock Android, and there’s also an unofficial way to convert existing models — though it’s obviously not directly supported by HTC.

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Sabtu, 19 April 2014

DATA Act, Which Would Make Government-Spending Data Available Online, Passes Senate

The Senate unanimously passed the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act, or DATA Act, today.

The DATA Act is designed to help bring new transparency to spending by the federal government, by making spending data available to the public at USASpending.gov. The bill’s goal, to quote the Congressional Research Service’s (CRS) summary, is to “provide consistent, reliable, and searchable government-wide spending data.” That data will “improve the quality of data submitted to USASpending.gov by holding federal agencies accountable for the completeness and accuracy of the data submitted,” according to the CRS.

No politician wants to be caught opposing clarity in government spending, which makes the act’s unanimous passage unsurprising.

As the Washington Post notes, “[t]he final language also requires everything the federal government spends at the appropriations account level to be published on USASpending.gov, with the exception of classified material and information that wouldn’t be revealed in response to a Freedom of Information Request.”

Precisely.

The more data we the regular folk and assorted watchdog groups have, the better oversight we can impugn upon our elected officials from every branch and level of government.

Republican House leadership appears confident of quick passage:

And original co-sponsors of the bill in the House that passed in November seem quite content with the Senate’s actions:

The original version of the bill passed the House by a vote of 388-1. Given that, the chance of it failing to pass the House this go-round is incredibly low.

With broad definitions of what counts as a group that must report its spending, the DATA Act would force the Secretary of the Treasury to start tracking submitted data from “each federal agency” monthly, with data including “outlays, funds reprogrammed or transferred,” according to the CRS.

The secretary will set the regulations for data, and as possible make the information collected available in formats that are “widely accepted, nonproprietary, searchable, [and] platform independent.” This will harmonize data from various agencies, allowing for better comparison and historical tracking. Also, no group should be able to hide behind technical issues to prevent public oversight.

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget will have a role, as well, helping to set data standards, and putting together a two-year pilot program to help gel rules so that reporting standards are not onerous to parties forced to comply.

Nice to see the above on the fast track. It’ll take years, according to current language, to get the program fully up and running. But given current momentum, I think it’s safe to say that whoever wins the next presidential election will see, early in their first term, a new amount of light spilling in from outside on just what the government is buying and how much it’s willing to pay.

IMAGE BY FLICKR USER Zoe Rudisill UNDER CC BY 2.0 LICENSE (IMAGE HAS BEEN CROPPED) 

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Google offering Glass for sale to any U.S. consumer on April 15th, limited stock available

google glass glasses

Google Glass might not be ready for a full commercial launch just yet, but if you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a Glass Explorer, you’ll want to circle April 15th on your calendar.

Google has just announced via Google+ that it will be offering Google Glass to the public starting at 6AM PST on Tuesday, for the same-old price of $1500 (plus tax). The only added benefit over original explorers is that the $1500 you pay includes your favorite shade or frame, if you so choose.

So what’s the catch here? Nothing other than there’s only a limited number available, and you’ll have to be the United States to order it. Google doesn’t specify how it will handle the sale, but we imagine it will simply be a first-come-first-served affair.

Of course, $1500 is a lot to pay for a product that is relatively unproven and is essentially still in the ‘beta phase’. That said, if you have the cash to spend and are interested in diving into Google’s vision for the wearable future, you’ll want to head on over to Google’s website on April 15th. For those won’t remember on their own, there’s also a sign-up page that says it will send you a reminder before the sales event starts.

So how about it, planning on picking up Google Glass April 15th, as long as stock holds up? Conversely do you still not quite sold on the idea of Google Glass — at least not until the price comes down significantly?

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Selasa, 15 April 2014

Sony Lifelog app hits Google Play, Smartband wearable available for $140

Sony Smartband Hands On Red White Yellow Black CES 2014-9

We first learned about Sony’s Lifelog app back at CES earlier this year, when it debuted alongside the Sony SmartBand wearable fitness tracker. A month later, Sony revealed that it would be pushing out both the wearable and the Lifelog app sometime in March to over 60 countries.

While Sony didn’t meet its original March goal, we’re happy to report that both Sony’s wearable and the accompanying app have arrived! At the moment, NewEgg appears to be the only U.S. retailer that carries the SmartBand, priced at $140. Turning to the software side, the Lifelog app can be downloaded right now from Google Play, though at the moment it only supports the Sony Xperia Z2. The good news is that Sony plans to extend support to all Xperia devices running Android 4.4.2 KitKat in the near future.

So what exactly does the Lifelog app and the Smartband do? The Lifelog app (in conjunction with the Smartband) is designed to keep track of your movement and physical activity while also tracking other things “important to your life” such as the books you read, the music and movies you listen and watch, and even the games you play. The Smartband also has sleep tracking, the ability to inform you of incoming calls and much more.

For even more details on the Lifelog app and Smartband, be sure to check out our hands-on coverage from CES:

Any Sony Xperia owners planning on picking up the Smartband? Conversely, do you feel that Sony’s fitness wearable lacks when compared to the competition?

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Senin, 14 April 2014

Galaxy S5 wireless charging cover now available for preorder

gs5-cover

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is on its way, but before it arrives, you might want to pick up a few accessories for your new handset. With this in mind, soon-to-be Galaxy S5 owners will be happy to know that the official wireless charging cover is now available for pre-order.

The cover’s status is currently listed as “back-ordered”, with no word on exactly when it will start shipping, though we wouldn’t be too surprised if it arrives within a week or two, to coincide with the GS5’s launch. While it would have be nice if Samsung would have included a wireless charging cover by default with the Galaxy S5, at least it’s not terribly expensive at $29.99.

For those that don’t mind going the unofficial route, it probably won’t be much longer before a cheaper 3rd party solution shows up on Amazon and other e-retailers. It’s important to note that Samsung is only including the wireless cover, so you’ll need to either pay an additional $60 for the the official Samsung-branded wireless pad, or you can pick up any Qi-charging compatible pad for anywhere from $20 – $50 depending on the retailer.

For those interested in picking up the official wireless charging cover, you can get your hands on it directly from Samsung in your choice of black or white.

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Minggu, 13 April 2014

Samsung Gear 2, Gear Neo and Fit available for pre-order from Amazon

samsung gear gear 2 neo smartwatches aa

For those interested in picking up a new Gear watch for your existing Samsung handset or for your upcoming GS5, you can now pre-order all three versions of the watch directly from Amazon. Both the Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit will set you back $199.99, while the Gear 2 is a bit pricier at $299.99.

So what’s the difference between the three models? The Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo are very similar, though the Neo removes the camera and makes some changes to the build quality. Turning to the Gear Fit, this device stands out on its own for a number of reasons.

First, the Fit focuses more on fitness while still offering some smartwatch functionality. The device also has a very different looking, with a smaller display with a wider aspect ratio than its Gear brothers. While the Gear 2 and Neo both are powered by Tizen, the Gear Fit also has the distinction of running a less resource-heavy real-time OS.

For a closer look at what to expect from the Gear 2 and Gear Fit, you’ll want to check out our hands-on videos from MWC:

What do you think, planning on picking up one of Samsung’s latest smartwatches? If so, which model are you interested in?

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