Tag Archives: experience

Nexus experience Galaxy S4 to be available only in the USA for now, report says

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Google-IO-Galaxy S4 Google Edition Hugo Barra 1600 aa

A report reveals that the Nexus experience Galaxy S4 model will only be available in the USA, at least at first.

The handset was unveiled during the lengthy software-centric Google I/O 2013 keynote last week, although Google only revealed a few details about it. The device will cost $ 649 – it’s carrier unlocked and comes with an unlocked bootloader – and will start selling via the Google Play Store on June 26.

At the time of the announcement, Google did not mention what markets will get the Nexus experience Galaxy S4, and it seemed logical to assume that the device would be launched in various countries that have access to Play Store hardware purchases.

However, that turns out not to be the case, as SlashGear tells us pointing to a CNET UK report that has flown under the radar so far. It looks like Google has confirmed to the publication that the handset will only be sold in the USA, at least at the beginning. At this time, it’s not clear whether the handset will be launched in other markets or not, and we don’t know why Google would choose not to expand the launch to more markets right from the beginning.

Despite its high price, especially when compared with the six-month old Nexus 4, the Galaxy S4 “Nexus” may be an interesting choice for plenty of buyers that do not want to buy the regular TouchWiz version of the handset and/or don’t want to ink a new two-year contract with a carrier. But potential international buyers will have to wait for the handset to reach their markets, or somehow get their hands on one directly from the U.S.

Before you ask, the Play Store seems to be the only place that will stock this special edition Samsung smartphone, unlike the Nexus 4 which is available in international markets from plenty of third-party retailers. However, the Galaxy S4 Google Edition is not a true Nexus device, just a handset that would offer buyers a  Nexus user experience – Google did not mention its product name during the keynote – so we wouldn’t expect Google to try to push it through as many channels as possible.

We’re certainly looking forward to find out more details about the Nexus experience Galaxy S4 launch plans, and we expect Google and Samsung to share more information once we get closer to June 26.

    




Android Authority

Google+ Android app update adding new Photos experience

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Google confirmed 41 new features for Google+ last week during I/O. As of today however, it looks like they have detailed 42. This latest update is for the Android Google+ app and touches on three items — images, location and the overall stream. Additionally, there was also talk of notifications, profile editing and quicker access to the recently released Hangouts app.

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That said, lets dive in with the images. With these Google appears aimed at making the whole image experience simpler. The features here include Auto-Backup, Auto-Highlight and Auto-Enhance as well as Auto-Awesome. These items can all be accessed by visiting the Photos section from the Google+ Android app and for the most part, they sound as they are. Take Auto Backup for example, your images will be automatically backed up to the cloud.

Auto Highlight will allow you to browse a selection of top shots and Auto Enhance will allow for what Google describes as “subtle” and automatic improvements to your images. Lastly, there is Auto Awesome which will allow for the creation of animations, panoramas and more based on your images.

gplus-location-540

While Google+ Photos seem to have attracted the most attention, there was also the Location changes. These have the Google+ app with a new section called Locations. From here you ail be able to see where your friends happen to be. These locations are displayed on a map and will only be shown for friends who are already sharing their location with you. The Locations section will be accessible from the left hand menu. For those worried, your location sharing can be adjusted using the settings.

Otherwise, remaining Google+ app changes include the stream, which in this case mean the addition of hashtags. Those browsing their activity stream will be able to see the hashtags in the upper right hand corner of posts. These hashtags are automatically added by Google and when clicked, you will get additional content based on that particular tag. Users can also choose to manually add hashtags.

Remaining items include tweaks to the notifications along with the ability to edit a bit more of your profile from the Android app. Plus, there is the previously mentioned one-click access to Hangouts. With that, the Google+ for Android app is expected to arrive in the Google Play Store today and will be available for devices running Android 4.0 or later.

SOURCE: Google

Android Community

HTC employee alludes at Google experience device, executive denies it

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samsung galaxy s4 vs htc one one back aa

With the Google Experience Samsung Galaxy S4 being announced at Google I/O, HTC obviously felt a need to answer back. In typical, brash, 2013 HTC style, HTC employee Leigh Momii tweeted a not so subtle jab at the Galaxy S4 and it’s choice of build materials, calling it a piece of plastic running stock Android.

Right after the news broke, Jeff Gordon a Senior Global Online Communications Manager at HTC, released a statement saying, “HTC is not currently planning a ‘Nexus Edition’ of the HTC One.”

So if you were hoping for an all metal Nexus-like smartphone, it appears as if those hopes have been dashed. Of course, just because HTC isn’t planning a “Nexus Edition” currently, it doesn’t mean it can’t change its tune. It wouldn’t be the first time a company used the ploy, so we are keeping our fingers (and our toes) firmly crossed.

Would you be interested in an HTC-made “Google experience” device? Would you pick a Google Experience HTC One over a Google Experience Samsung Galaxy S4? Let us know in the comments.

    




Android Authority

iPlayer for Android update brings improved experience on Galaxy S III, Note 2 and Nexus 4, tablets to follow

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iPlayer for Android update brings improved experience for Galaxy S III, Note 2 and Nexus 4, tablets to follow

Excuse us while we interrupt your episode of The Archers, but we thought users of BBC’s iPlayer might like to know about the latest Android app update. Amongst the usual bug fixes, the update promises to offer a “much improved” viewing experience on big hitting devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy S III and Note 2, plus the Nexus 4. The Beeb stopped short of spilling further details, but it does go on to confirm that it’ll continue to apply spit-and-polish to the playback experience for as much hardware as it can, without having to wait for app updates. We hope this doesn’t mean it’ll be treading on any toes, of course. Fans of slightly bigger screens (which is more of you, apparently) can expect some attention soon, with a hat tip about a tablet update coming in the next release.

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Source: Google Play

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EVE Online dev reveals Oculus Rift-based space dogfighting ‘experience’

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EVE Online developers reveal 'EveVR' running in Unity

It’s not clear if Icelandic game studio CCP is extending its crazy MMO, EVE Online, into the world of virtual reality, but the company is working on some form of EVE-based VR application using the Oculus Rift. CCP teased the concept during the keynote event at its Fanfest event this afternoon, showing off what looked like a modern Wing Commander-style space shooter set in the world of EVE (similar to the first-person shooter extension on PlayStation 3, Dust 514), built using the Unity game engine. EVE fansite The Mittani notes from a hands-on demonstration at Fanfest that the game is currently 3v3 dogfighting employing the VR headset and an unnamed “console-style game controller.” Sadly, it sounds like the project is little more than an internal curiosity at this point, but color us unsurprised if this pops up in a more polished form down the line. We’ll add a video of CCP’s presentation to this post as soon as it goes live — we were marveled by the gorgeous visuals and gameplay promise of a space shooter which employs VR.

Several games are currently in development for the Oculus Rift, and Valve’s Team Fortress 2 already supports the device. However, the headset that’s currently available is a development kit, and not meant as representative of the final retail product.

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Source: Twitch.tv

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Samsung Experience Shop opens at NYC Best Buy

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Samsung Experience Shop

Earlier this month, it was confirmed Samsung would be opening “Experience Shops” inside 1400 Best Buy stores. Today, they kicked off in a heavily trafficked location at a Union Square Best Buy in NYC.

From Best Buy CEO Hubert Joly:

This opening of the Samsung Experience Shop at Best Buy is a key illustration of the Best Buy Renew Blue strategy. This is a very meaningful development from the customer standpoint. It is an opportunity to touch, feel, and learn about great products and how they work together.

According to Hubert, early feedback for these Experience Shops have been positive. Located in a corner of the Union Square location, customers will be able to explore Samsung phones, tablets, and much more. To ensure the Experience Shop is a success, they will be staffed by Best Buy employees who are specifically trained on Samsung’s products. For those who prefer to shop online, there is also a dedicated page on Best Buy’s website.

Showing that this is not like its past, short-lived pop-up stores, the South Korean company inked a deal with Best Buy for three years. By early May, 900 Experience Shops are said to be opened, with remaining stores opened by early June.

In just the first quarter of 2013, 3 out of every 10 smartphones sold were from Samsung. While these shops will have more than just smartphones and tablets, you can be sure the Galaxy S4 will be prominently displayed.

Android Authority

Yahoo launches Mail app for tablets, offers magazine-like reading experience

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Yahoo today released a new Mail app for both iOS and Android tablets.

A Yahoo Mail app has already been available for the iPhone and Android smartphones, but this new version offers a full-screen experience by taking advantage of the larger screen size on tablets. Claiming that most mail apps make you feel “boxed in”, the new Yahoo Mail app will allow you to sift through e-mail messages with a magazine-like interface.

The new Yahoo Mail app will also help users “clean up their inbox”, so users can easily access emails that matter. Tapping on the tablet will display a toolbar that has a number of options, including a way to quickly forward the current message, send it to the trash or add it to a folder.

Yahoo’s new Mail app definitely offers a unique experience compared to other mail apps. It’s all very clean and fluid too. You download the new Yahoo Mail app from Google’s Play Store here.

Android Authority

Twitter is developing a Google Glass experience

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google glass

As Google Glass approaches commercial release, the head mounted computer seems to be garnering more and more attention from some of the biggest names in the technology world. There has been a lot of debate around the social networking potential of the device, so it’s only natural that Twitter is reportedly working on applications for the platform.

Twitter’s involvement was confirmed by Kleiner Perkins Caulfied & Byers’ John Doerr, who was discussing a new investment syndicate as part of the latest Glass Collective update. In a statement, Doerr said that “some companies we’ve backed, such as Twitter and Path, are already working on experiences for Glass. So are Evernote and The New York Times.”

The idea behind social networks has always been to give users greater freedom in what they can convey online, and many pundits think that Google Glass could help take this principle even further. Path CEO Dave Morin was quoted as saying “Glass represents a future of freedom. A future where you spend more time focused on the people you are with and the experiences you are having, rather than focused on your mobile device.”

With leading platforms such as Twitter, Path and Evernote getting behind Google Glass, the new device is already looking like it will have all the apps needed to take social media to the next level.

Android Authority

HTC First running modified Android to give ‘best possible Facebook Home experience’

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HTC First

The HTC First is the first device to feature Facebook Home and will be running a modified version of Android. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and director of product Adam Mosseri say they wanted to give “the best possible Facebook Home experience” on the HTC First. This involved modifying Android to add such features as email and calendar notifications.

From HTC Partner Manager Michael Goodwin:

“Yes, we had to implement some framework changes and some hooks to do the system notifications. All the things that could appear in your Android notification tray can appear within Facebook Home.”

However, Mosseri claims they didn’t fork Android, but instead “extended it” with HTC writing the necessary code. HTC president Jason Mackenzie wanted to provide a consistent experience, an experience that current Android users are familiar with. Yesterday, Facebook announced that Home is not exclusive to just one device, but will also work on select Android phones starting April 12. To make this possible, Home is a launcher that you’ll be able to download via Google Play.

While the changes aren’t significant, the HTC First will feature a version of Facebook Home slightly different from the version available to other smartphone users, especially given the optimizations. Will other manufacturers follow suit?

The post HTC First running modified Android to give ‘best possible Facebook Home experience’ appeared first on Android Authority.

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HTC One hits the road with Live Experience Tour in the United States

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HTC One

The HTC One hits stores in the United States later this month, starting April 16th for AT&T. In order to give the general public a better taste of what the company’s flagship phone has to offer, HTC has announced the HTC One is hitting the road and making its way to 11 major markets through its Live Experience Tour.

The tour actually consists of three separate experiences. The first of these experiences will be the HTC BoomSound Lounge, which opens today in six cities:

  • Columbus Circle in New York
  • Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco
  • Hollywood and Highland in Los Angeles
  • Wrigleyville in Chicago
  • Franklin Square in Philadelphia
  • Perimeter Mall in Atlanta

Next up, we have the HTC One Showroom experience, starting April 11th. This event will be conducted in major malls in eight different cities and will stay open for at least three months. Here’s the list of cities for that event:

  • Atlanta
  • Chicago
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • Los Angeles
  • New York
  • San Francisco
  • Washington, D.C.

The final part of the tour will be the HTC Live Cinema Experience, which HTC says can be found in various movie theaters. Here they will promote the HTC One through demos of the device and via HTC One commercials.

For those of you that don’t live near any of the cities covered by these events, you can always check out our review to get a better look at what the phone has to offer.

Will the tour be enough to expand the HTC One’s reach and win over new customers? That remains unseen, but it is nice to see the company promoting a more aggressive marketing strategy.

The post HTC One hits the road with Live Experience Tour in the United States appeared first on Android Authority.

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