The latest version of Snapchat's Android app cleans up its interface and adds gesture-based navigation controls. Everything from conversation view and the contact list received a once over making it feel more like a platform-native app, even though it's more than a blush similar to the last iOS update. Perhaps the biggest fix is the new shutter button, which is a clear bubble instead of a big blue bar. Now nothing's obscuring your view of a poor snap decision.
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Researchers at Bluebox Security have revealed a disturbing flaw in Android's security model, which the group claims may affect up to 99 percent of Android devices in existence. According to Bluebox, this vulnerability has existed since Android 1.6 (Donut), which gives malicious app developers the ability to modify the code of a legitimate APK, all without breaking its cryptographic signature -- thereby allowing the installation to go unnoticed. To pull off the exploit, a rotten app developer would first need to trick an unknowing user into installing the malicious update, but hackers could theoretically gain full control of a user's phone if the "update" posed as a system file from the manufacturer.
Bluebox claims that it notified Google of the exploit in February. According to CIO, Bluebox CTO Jeff Forristal has named the Galaxy S 4 as the only device that's currently immune to the exploit -- which suggests that a security patch may already exist. Forristal further claims that Google is working on an update for its Nexus devices. In response to our inquiry, Google told us that it currently has no comment. We certainly hope that device manufacturers do the responsible thing and distribute timely security patches to resolve this issue. Absent that, you can protect yourself by installing updates through the Play Store and Android's built-in system update utility.
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Now that a leaked build of Android 4.3 is in the wild, curious users have been poring over the code to see exactly what's new. Kevin from TeslaCoil Software may have found one of the first real gems: there's now a notification listening service under the hood. The feature would let third-party apps read notifications and perform common notification-level tasks. While we don't have new software to show exactly how the service will work, it's possible that future apps will have limited control over each other without relying on the hacks that we see today. We'll know the full story when Google makes Android 4.3 official -- whenever that is.
when.eng("eng.perm.init")Selfloops Accessory Brings ANT+ Capability to Over 400 Million Active Android Smartphones
Android ANT+ Accessory enables Android devices to connect to ANT+ sport, fitness and health
sensors while charging smartphone at the same time
Cochrane, Alberta – July 2, 2013 - Selfloops, an Android-based innovation company, and ANT+™, the world's leader in ultra low power (ULP) wireless technology, have announced the release of the Android ANT+ Accessory - a smartphone charger that enables Android connectivity to the ANT+ ecosystem of sport, fitness and health products. The Android ANT+ Accessory allows the millions of existing Android devices (with versions 2.3.4 and higher) to display data such as heart rate, foot speed and distance, bike speed, power and cadence from any certified ANT+ sensor. This links Android applications to the millions of available ANT+ products manufactured by top brands such as Garmin, Timex, and Geonaute.
"We're extremely excited to now offer this innovative accessory to consumers," said Selfloops co-founder, Christian Del Rosso. "This is the only smartphone accessory that will enable ANT+ in Android devices with versions 2.3.4 and higher, which covers over 85% of the Android installed base. Existing solutions only cover Android 3.1 and upward (43% of the installed base) so we are thrilled to offer a device that brings ANT+ to the mass population of Android users."
The Android ANT+ Accessory connects to an Android device via USB and also functions as a charger, extending the battery life of a connected smartphone. The accessory adheres to the Android USB Accessory Protocol and supports devices that do not have USB OTG (on-the-go) capabilities.
"The Android ANT+ Accessory has created a new innovative category of devices we call 'smart'
smartphone chargers," added other Selfloops co-founder, Piero Ribichini. "In this case, the accessory enables ANT+ in the majority of existing Android devices all while charging the phone at the same time."
"It's very evident that consumers want ANT+ in their smartphones," said ANT Wireless Vice President, Rod Morris. "We're pleased to have an ANT+ Alliance Member bring a product to market that gives existing Android app developers and users an option to connect to ANT+."
Applications created using the official Android ANT APIs from ANT Wireless will automatically be
compatible with the Selfloops Android ANT+ Accessory. Selfloops has developed two ANT+ Android apps (Selfloops and Selfloops Group Fitness) that are currently available on the Google Play Store.
The Selfloops Android ANT+ Accessory is available at a cost of $115.00 US and can now be pre-ordered at www.selfloops.com/products/accessories.html. The device is expected to start shipping in October.
It's not a Nexus, so suspend your disbelief: HTC's One S will not be getting any further Android updates. That's right, One S owners, your device is now officially a relic. In a statement released to the press, HTC today confirmed that the mid-ranger, which bowed last year in tandem with the One X, will remain frozen on 4.1.1 Jelly Bean. That means current owners will have to look elsewhere (read: developer forums) for unofficial access to Sense 5 ROMs and the latest tweaks Google's packed into Android 4.2 updates. We can't really lament the loss of BlinkFeed, but it sure would've been nice to see HTC port Zoe over to the device. At the very least, this makes a strong case for that Google Play edition One and its promise of consistent updates.
"We can confirm that the HTC One S will not receive further Android OS updates and will remain on the current version of Android and HTC Sense. We realize this news will be met with disappointment by some, but our customers should feel confident that we have designed the HTC One S to be optimized with our amazing camera and audio experiences."when.eng("eng.perm.init")
A new version of Android (4.3, and still called Jelly Bean) is already doing the testing rounds on Samsung's Galaxy S 4 and thanks to some porting work from SAMMobile, it's apparently working on both the Google Play and original iterations. We've caught a glance of Android 4.3 on LG's Nexus 4 already, but we're now getting a second look at a refreshed camera interface, some minor design tweaks (like more regular appearances of a share button) and, well, we're still perusing the gallery for more nuggets. If you know what you're doing (and don't fear voiding your warranty) you can find the files at the source -- early reports suggest that the GS4 is "fully working" on this early build. We'll update this post if we find anything else new, but early impressions suggest it's a relatively gentle upgrade from the existing mobile OS. when.eng("eng.perm.init")
Firefox is an ever evolving beast, and that includes both its friendly orange fox logo, and its Beta channel browser. Today Mozilla unveiled the fourth Firefox logo, a (slightly) less textured and glossy icon for its favored web browser. Meanwhile, the latest update for for Firefox Beta brings access to the company's Social API and, consequently, Share buttons to the platform -- so Facebook fanatics can have one-click sharing of images, articles, videos and links from the Firefox toolbar. The new Beta is also getting a Mixed Content Blocker that prevents HTTP (read: nonsecure) content from loading on HTTPS websites. Plus, there's a new Network Monitor feature to let devs see how quickly individual page components load and optimizations for OS X 10.7 that enable its scrollbar style and and the scroll bounce behavior Apple fans love.
Oh, and for you mobile fans, the Android Beta was updated today, too. Now, it's got an auto-hide Awesome Bar, a URL autocomplete function and an updated RSS feed reader that allows you to add feeds to with a long press on the aforementioned Awesome Bar. Pretty awesome, gents, now let's get these Beta features into a full release, and it'll be really awesome.
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Confused by where that delete button went when you updated to the latest version of Android's Gmail app? You weren't the only one. The delete button has now reappeared alongside the archive option for quick access, while the update also improves settings for showing both buttons, accessed through the menu icon on the far right corner. Touching sender images will now let you choose multiple emails in a thread and Google's bundled in a handful of bug fixes too, just weeks since the last refresh. when.eng("eng.perm.init")
Twitter is certainly making up for lost time on Android -- just a few days after it upgraded Vine to address some early omissions, it's back with another round of improvements for the Google-inclined. The just-posted Vine 1.2 update for Android brings front camera access for those inevitable selfie videos. It also brings an upload manager for backlogged clips, settings tweaks and a fresh wave of performance boosts. The new version may not lure back Android users who've switched allegiance to Instagram, but those who still prefer Twitter's approach can grab Vine 1.2 at Google Play.
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An update for the Twitch.tv app on Android is finally letting users log into their accounts, providing easier access to their personal favorites out of the top 300 live streaming channels. Features still not accounted for include search and chat, however Community Manager Jared Rea mentions they're in the works. According to Rea, development of its Android app -- until three months ago it had gone a year without being updated -- received "yet another incentive" with the launch of the Ouya gaming console. Hit the links below for the new app, info on its development and the top-300 channel restriction that applies whether you're watching on a console or handheld device.
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We dinged Sony for shipping the Xperia Z with an old version of Android, but the company is catching up today by posting an upgrade to Android 4.2.2. Most owners receiving the update are carrying unbranded HSPA+ and LTE models at this stage, although there are reports of at least a few carrier-specific phone variants getting the refresh. As with the Xperia ZL update, most of the user-facing changes are minor. The biggest addition is support for lock screen widgets; there's also slight (if noticeable) tweaks to the interface look and feel. If those revisions are still meaningful enough for you, we'd suggest a quick upgrade check through the usual desktop and OTA channels.
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Paranoid corporate types living in fear of bring-your-own-device employees can soon relax: BlackBerry has just launched its Secure Work Space app, right on schedule. It'll allow organizations to manage and secure Google and Apple devices through BlackBerry Enterprise Service (BES) 10, which forms the mobile backbone of many a company's internal network. By using it, personnel without BlackBerry devices like the Z10 or Q10 will gain a way to check their company's calendars, email and organizers without fear of snooping. At the same time, IT types will be able to securely see, manage and update all Android and Apple devices network-wide. For its part, the Waterloo outfit should gain another source of revenue through the software (which consists of a suite of apps and BES 10.1 update), even with companies that haven't invested in its devices. For more info about the software or to grab a trial, check the source.
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Sony's been explaining the design story behind its new Xperia range at a UK briefing, how it's trying to balance both the dematerialization of tech (touchscreens, gesture interfaces) and a design that's both desirable and beautiful -- and Sony's certainly got the latter down on its new smartphone. The Xperia Z Ultra follows the lines of the rest of the Z-series. It has the same "OmniBalance" plane, uniform screen surface, but this time it measures in at 6.4 inches across, but still running at 1080p resolution. Yep, it does feel substantially bigger than the original Xperia Z -- check out our comparison gallery, the new Ultra model dwarfs it. You're looking at a screen width almost identical to a passport and that 6.5mm profile helped fit it into pockets. We managed to cram it into our trouser pockets without an issue. It's certainly a bigger device than the likes of LG's Optimus G Pro or Samsung's Galaxy Note II and you're going to have to test it out for yourself to see if you'd be willing to talk into this Xperia like phone -- it's going to catch the eye.
There's also Qualcomm's notable Snapdragon 800 powering the device on a relatively large 3,000mAh battery, while Sony's simplified the design dropping a few of those much-maligned protective flaps, at least on the headphone socket. There's more impressions and a hands-on video after the break! Sony Xperia Z Ultra hands-on
See all photos 23 Photos
See all photos 13 Photoswhen.eng("eng.galleries.init") The screen has been tweaked to enable input not only through capacitive styluses but also typical graphite pencils, with a new handwriting recognition keyboard available for scribbling notes on the go. In practice, it worked well, with Sony's own windowed mini-apps ensuring we had space to scribble regardless of whichever app we were running. It did add a few inadvertent spaces here and there, but nothing that some software tweaking couldn't solve ahead of its Q3 launch. There's been some less-favorable changes since the Xperia Z too, however, there's no flash for that rear-facing camera and a drop in resolution to 8-megapixels rather than the 13-megapixel sensor of Sony's last flagship. Our early camera tests offered up images that were pretty crisp in well-lit conditions, but the noise started to creep in on shadows -- something that a flash would have solved to some degree.
Unsurprisingly, the Snapdragon 800 was as brutally productive as our early benchmarks hinted at. On this early model, we got a Sunspider score of 835.4ms -- and that's before optimization. The huge screen lent itself well to web-browsing and touch games, and while Sony's shrunk the keyboard for single handed use, we typically went for the full-sized keyboard, which was responsive and a joy to tap away on.
That 1080p display is sharp and bright, although we're not sure if it stands up against our current IPS, Super AMOLED and Super LCD3 favorites: there's still a dull haze at wider viewing angles. Obviously the pixels are spread a little thinner than on the 5-inch Xperia Z, but it wasn't all that noticeable on gallery viewing and web browsing -- text was still pin-sharp. There's a single speaker on the bottom edge, unfortunately placed where your hand will hold the device, but aside from that misfire, the design is a step ahead of other big-screen smartphones, like the Galaxy Note II. Sony has dropped the reflective panelled edges, preferring a brush-finish plastic surface that we found easier to grip.
We're intrigued as to whether that 3,000mAh battery will go the distance with such a big screen, but we'll have to wait for the full review to test it out. For now, the Xperia Z Ultra looks like a confident third flagship for Sony and some free media in-the-box (and gratis Music Unlimited trial) might help the company showcase its music and movie offering -- something that it's desperate to do.
when.eng("eng.perm.init")- HP released a new PC era new strategy for consumer products
June 24, 2013, Beijing, China - Today, Hewlett-Packard in Beijing held a two-day world tour events. In which "I era, a new experience," HP consumer PC era new product strategy conference, HP printing and Information Products Group (PPS) official in the domestic consumer products released a new strategy, new product forms that were smart ten o'clock touch experience, as well as an optional three aspects of multiple operating systems, to provide consumers with innovative value consumer computer products.
Meanwhile, HP is also officially released in the event including the new detachable type notebook computers, tablet PCs, laptops and one computer and other rich products can provide consumers with a new cool experience.
"New" form of portable performance two have both
present, notebook and tablet consumers increasingly strong demand for the product, both expected to have notebook product highly scalable and high performance, while hoping to get flat products like ultra- Strong portability and touch experience. Therefore, notebook and tablet form can freely switch between products gradually become a trend. In this regard, HP introduced the PC / tablet combo products can provide consumers with this "100% +100% tablet notebook" feature, and has other distortion products can not match the absolute advantage.
To be able to provide consumers with more exciting product experience, the HP officially launched in the country two new PC / Tablet combo products-SlateBook HPx2andHP Splitx2.Both products not only have a notebook full functionality, while consumers can also, through its unique and innovative magnetic plug design, easy to screen and body products were separated, and thus switch to the tablet form, to become an exquisite tablet products.
Which, HP SlateBook x2 is the first Android system equipped with PC / tablet combo products. It uses a 10.1-inch high definition touch screen with WUXGA (1920 × 1200) 16:10 Full HD resolution. Using a combination of IPS panel, you can bring consumers more clear, bright screen display(2).The wide viewing angle, but also convenient for consumers to share with friends HP SlateBook x2 brings exciting. With detachable type of body structure, this product can be described as sets Tablet PC notebook high portability and scalability in a, allowing consumers to easily switch between work and play.
Hardware side, HP SlateBook x2 uses NVIDIA Tegra 4 mobile processor, consumers can visit the Tegra Zone Download THD version of the game, enjoy the dripping fun mobile gaming experience(1).In addition, it supports DTS Sound + Solution sound, and unique dual-battery design makes this product can provide sufficient battery life. It uses Android 4.2.2 version of the operating system, built-in such as Google search, Gmail and a series of application services(4),while consumers can get more richer applications software and other digital content(1).Has many features of HP SlateBook x2, price is only 3,299 yuan(5),cost is very prominent.
HP Split x2 performance is currently the most powerful PC / tablet combo products. With powerful Intel third-generation Core processor, this product has a stronger hardware performance. Especially when it is in a state of flat products, the powerful processor is still able to play a full strength, truly portable and strong performance, the perfect fusion. Consumers can also be part of the product's base optional extra hard disk module to expand the memory capacity(3).The body of the dual battery design, you can bring a longer life time.
Other aspects, this product is also equipped with a 13.3-inch (diagonal) high-definition touch screen, built-in Beats Audio sound system, consumers can enjoy better visual experience and higher quality music playback. So a strong performance PC / tablet combo products, price range is only 4999-6999 yuan(5),great value!
"Wisdom" Touch, a new era of universal touch
using the new form includes two new products, including consumer, HP's new integrated computer and strong consumer notebook products use an intelligent ten-point touch display technology, can provide more intuitive Windows 8 touch experience. More importantly, the different positioning of the product can support this feature, consumers can more easily choose according to their needs and reasonable.
The new appearance of the HP Pavilion TouchSmart 11 is HP's first small-size, full-performance notebook touch, two-color design, silver shell built-in midnight black metal style, add a touch of their unique fashion charm. This product comes with Windows 8 operating system, Microsoft Office 2013 document processing software(4),combined with powerful hardware configuration, petite but with the body, including VGA, HDMI, and Ethernet ports, including the rich interfaces, its price only 2,999 yuan(5),known as "universal touch this" is not an exaggeration. It supports intelligent ten-point touch technology that can bring the best Windows 8 operating experience, and the volume is 11.6 inches have better portability. In addition, it is equipped with AMD Temash A6/A4 processors, providing up to four core processing unit, with excellent computing performance, while also providing excellent video processing, acceleration performance, the audio and video entertainment also has eye-catching performance.
In addition to notebook products other than the new HP ENVY TouchSmart 14 Touch Ultrabook is suitable for those who need ultra-portable touch anywhere to get the fastest response functions and consumer choice(3).It's very slim, but also has a strong hardware configuration.
The touch super this product is equipped with Intel's new release of fourth-generation Core Duo processor, and provides Core ™ i5-4200U and Core ™ i7-4500U two configurations for consumers to choose. Although it uses a 14-inch display panel, but it provides, including 1366 x 768,1600 x 900, and 3200 x 1800 high resolution three different configurations to meet the needs of different consumers. Entertainment, the series is not only equipped with Beats Audio sound system, also has dual speakers and a subwoofer design, providing PC's most outstanding sound quality. The 2GB memory NVIDIA GT740M discrete graphics super-configuration, but also enable consumers to indulge in an extraordinary picture quality, ultra-realistic games(2).In a strong performance, while multimedia entertainment, this product has reached 9 hours battery life, you can achieve a more lasting companionship, consumers get more exciting.
"Many" system,rich platform Xpress-election
a new generation ofHP consumer PC products using a variety of operating systems to respond to the different needs of consumer preferences, advanced technology and current seamlessly combines fast-paced life. HP offers a variety of face using Windows, Android and other products of different operating platforms, consumers can very easily pick and choose the most familiar and most products that meet the individual needs to enjoy the best product experience. The most worth mentioning that the above these two operating systems is used in HP's notebook, tablet computers, and one among the different forms of models, consumers have more choices.
Which, for the first time in the domestic debut of HP Slate7equipped with a 7-inch screen, weighs only 370 grams, the ideal is a trusted personal portable devices. Of course, it is also the industry's first built-in Beats Audio sound system, Tablet PC products can provide consumers with the best music experience. HP Slate7 integration, including Google searches, including a range of Google services(4),consumers can install their own applications and rich digital content(1).
Hardware, it is equipped with dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 1.6 GHz processor, providing a fast system response experience. The integrated wireless card, you can help consumers anytime, anywhere connectivity with the world, you can send and receive email, browse the Internet and the use of critical applications. It is worth mentioning that this product is used in HFFS panel, wide viewing angle, even in strong outdoor lighting conditions, consumers can easily view documents, play games, view pictures and video and other exciting content.
HP Slate7also provides a 3-megapixel rear camera and VGA front camera, can be used to chat, take photos and videos. In addition to excellent hardware configuration, except that it uses a stainless steel frame design, and available in red and silver colors to facilitate the different preferences of consumers.
In the consumer computer products, HP also announced the Android platform an integrated computer-based products - HP Slate 21.The sleek appearance of snow Baiying one computer products, equipped with NVIDIA Tegra 4 mobile processor, has a strong entertainment functions, a consumer can not be changed after the home through the large size full HD touch screen Android experience the world of regret. It is equipped with 21.5 inches (diagonal) wide viewing angle IPS Full HD display that supports intelligent ten-point touch functionality. Combined with built-in dual speakers DTS Digital Theater Systems, can give consumers the best audio visual experience, but also facilitate the sharing of exciting content with friends and family(2).And it provides HP TrueVision HD Webcam camera and Wireless Direct wireless printing technology, to ensure that consumers do not need internet connection to be shared between devices on different videos, photos and data(4).
Software, it also uses the Android 4.2.2 operating system, with consumers existing mobile phone and tablet ecosystem seamless. Especially in connection with the same based on the Android operating system for mobile phones, flat products connections, including access to the same screen display, convenient connections richer applications. Meanwhile, HP Slate21also has an excellent multi-tasking performance, can enjoy the music while access to exciting online content(1).
In addition to the above products with new features outside, HP is also updated in the event of its high-performance entertainment notebook HP ENVY 14/15 and other merchandise. They not only uses HP's new design ID, while also providing a fourth generation, including Intel Core Duo processor, including the new hardware configuration and other products together with HP, together with HP's innovative technology, to create more for consumers value.
