If you're looking for a quick and painless way to get media from your Android phone onto your television, or even to use your Android phone as a way to stream media like Pandora, Last.fm, YouTube, or Flickr photos to your TV or game console, Twonky Mobile promises to make it easy. The app is a mobile version of Twonky's desktop server software, and works with any UPnP or DLNA-enabled device in your home, which means televisions, other computers, set-top boxes, game consoles, and just about any other connected entertainment appliance. Best of all, the app is free for a limited time. Twonky has been around for a while, and has versions of its desktop software for Mac or PC that allow you to stream your videos and music from the Web or your phone to your computer, or from your computer to your home entertainment devices. The Twonky Mobile app for Android allows you to push video from your phone to other networked devices in your home, including your desktop or laptop computer and other uPnP or DLNA-certified devices in your home, as long as they're all connected to your home network. For example, you can take photos on your phone and display them on your television, video from your phone and push it to your PlayStation3 or Xbox 360, and more. Once you have Twonky Mobile set up and configured to see and interact with the devices in your home, the app is fairly easy to use. The setup process is a little tricky though, and not all devices work well with the app. Since the app is free, it's worth downloading to see if you can make it work with the devices that you have. Twonky doesn't really give you too much in the way of support or setup instructions, partially because the fact that it works over DLNA means it's difficult to have specific instructions for every television, media player, receiver, or game console. Even so, the Twonky forums are active with a number of people who are using the app, so there's some help to be had there. Still, when the app works, it works well, and gives you complete control over your audio and video that's streaming to your device. You can control volume and playback from your Android phone, and browse your phone's media library for files to play. Twonky Mobile is free and available in the Android App Store. It works with every version of Android. blog comments powered by
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Showing posts with label Android. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Android. Show all posts
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Monday, 3 March 2014
Medieval City Building Game The Tribez and Castlez Available for iOS and Android
Game Insight today released their city building sims game, The Tribez and Castlez. It's available for free to download for iOS and Android devices from the Apple App Store and Google Play. The Tribez & Castlez is a spin-off of the worldwide smash hit The Tribez, which has garnered more than 14 million players worldwide. Here's more info on this new mobile game:
Tribez and Castlez is a time-travelling adventure that sends players on a journey into a brave new world where magic reigns supreme, where dragons hover in the sky, and where forests teem with treacherous werewolves. Players will meet their old friends from the previous game: the Professor, Princess Aurora, and of course, the friendly tribezmen. Together, players will help Prince Eric rebuild his kingdom and defend it from enemies and traitors.
In The Tribez & Castlez, players will build their very own kingdom--a fascinating quest, but not an easy one! To gain glory and prosperity for their empire, wise rulers will prepare for both peace and war. Players will construct sawmills and factories, cultivate grapes and other crops, and breed pigs and sheep to strengthen their nation?s economy. However, they must also safeguard their citizens by building wizard towers and training battle dragons to protect their citizenry from vicious Gobools, powerful Trollums, and other insidious creatures.
This exciting new game will let players visit well-guarded dungeons and wizard towers, discover the ancient ruins of abandoned castles, seek mysterious artifacts, and wage war on hideous monsters. Players will test the loyalty of their allies and lock blades with enemies both obvious and subtle, while encountering mighty giants, dragons, and, of course, a beautiful princess!
Experience the next stage of city building games with The Tribez & Castlez, now available for iOS and Android, and soon to be released for Facebook and Amazon in the near future.
Download The Tribez & Castlez for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/app/the-tribez-castlez/id663254283
Download The Tribez & Castlez for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameinsight.thetribezcastlez
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Tribez and Castlez is a time-travelling adventure that sends players on a journey into a brave new world where magic reigns supreme, where dragons hover in the sky, and where forests teem with treacherous werewolves. Players will meet their old friends from the previous game: the Professor, Princess Aurora, and of course, the friendly tribezmen. Together, players will help Prince Eric rebuild his kingdom and defend it from enemies and traitors.
In The Tribez & Castlez, players will build their very own kingdom--a fascinating quest, but not an easy one! To gain glory and prosperity for their empire, wise rulers will prepare for both peace and war. Players will construct sawmills and factories, cultivate grapes and other crops, and breed pigs and sheep to strengthen their nation?s economy. However, they must also safeguard their citizens by building wizard towers and training battle dragons to protect their citizenry from vicious Gobools, powerful Trollums, and other insidious creatures.
This exciting new game will let players visit well-guarded dungeons and wizard towers, discover the ancient ruins of abandoned castles, seek mysterious artifacts, and wage war on hideous monsters. Players will test the loyalty of their allies and lock blades with enemies both obvious and subtle, while encountering mighty giants, dragons, and, of course, a beautiful princess!
Experience the next stage of city building games with The Tribez & Castlez, now available for iOS and Android, and soon to be released for Facebook and Amazon in the near future.
Download The Tribez & Castlez for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/app/the-tribez-castlez/id663254283
Download The Tribez & Castlez for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameinsight.thetribezcastlez
Sunday, 2 March 2014
Design and order your own T-shirts with Snaptee for Android
Snaptee, a free iOS app that lets you design, share and order custom T-shirts has now been released for Android devices.
The Hong Kong based company is aiming to “make T-shirt design accessible to everyone”, giving users the chance to create and even sell their own designs in just a few simple taps.
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Catherine Shao, chief communications officer at Snaptee, told Tech Crunch: “We envision Remix growing and playing a part in friends and collaborators designing together in Snaptee. To us, a T-shirt is more than just an article of clothing, it’s a blank canvas for expression.”
Finished designs can be printed onto 100% organic cotton T-shirts for $19.99 each – shipped anywhere in the world starting at $5 for regular shipping. Users can also sell their designs for a 10% commission per order.
So, while we set to work on designing a Life of Android shirt, download Snaptee for free and let us know what you think of it in the comments below.
Dailymotion unveils new Android app
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For those of you who have experienced Dailymotion before, or simply have a love for videos on the internet, we are pleased to announce that there is a brand new Dailymotion app for Android users.
The new design and layout offers users a far smoother navigation as well as high quality, uninterrupted playback of videos from a variety of (always entertaining) sources.
Whether you have a tablet or smartphone, the app is compatible across all mobile and tablet devices, providing optimal viewing and Full HD across a variation of screen sizes.
Developed by the Dailymotion mobile team in Palo Alto, the app is indeed synchronised with the Dailymotion website. One of the more handy features is that if you upload a video from a mobile device, it will immediately be available on users’ Dailymotion accounts on any other device.
The developers have also announced that there will be plenty more features planned for the months ahead, so Android users keep an eye out, and we’ll have further updates as soon as they’re available.
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DreamWorks to launch Android tablet aimed at kids
DreamWorks is poised to invade the tablet market with the 8?inch ‘DreamTab’ – strongly rumoured to be announced at the International Consumer Electronics Show which begins in Las Vegas this week.
According to a report by the New York Times, DreamWorks has partnered with a technology company, Fuhu, on creating a tablet that can be programmed with DreamWorks content just like a cable channel.
The studio will create original animations for the tablet featuring its best-loved characters and, in the spirit of balance, probably a fair few of its least-loved characters as well. Because let’s face it, does anybody really need anymore Puss in Boots in their lives?
DreamWorks is not the first studio to branch out into branded tablets, but the DreamTab differs from the likes of of Disney’s and Nickleodeon’s efforts by offering exclusive animation to promote forthcoming films and enhance its relationship with its young fans.
Fuhu chief executive Jim Mitchell told the New York Times: “By teaming with DreamWorks to create a device that will have original content — original content that is automatically and frequently updated — we are not following consumers, we are getting ahead of them.”
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BBM Android app to hit Google Play on Friday?
BlackBerry Messenger could be available to download on Android by the end of the week, according to a tweet from Samsung Nigeria.
While BlackBerry announced earlier this year that it was developing Android and iOS apps for its BBM messenger platform, up until now there has been no indication of when they might see a release.
Before you get your hopes up, the Samsung tweet also claimed that the manufacturer had secured a three month exclusive deal on BBM – a fact that BlackBerry have since denied. So, perhaps we should take Samsung Nigeria’s tweets with a pinch of salt.
Victoria Berry, BBM communications director at BlackBerry, told CrackBerry ”I want to clarify that no one will have an exclusive on offering BBM. We’ll be bringing the app to Android and iPhone users across the globe soon.”
A leaked video of a BETA version on YouTube provided another signal that the app could be released imminently, clearly showing BBM up and running on an HTC handset.
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For the official word on BBM’s Android and iOS releases, visit the BlackBerry website and sign-up to the mailing list.
So, will you be downloading the app when it reaches Android? Watch the BETA video below and let us know what you think.
Mad Catz finds its MOJO with new Android console?
Mad Catz has revealed a new Android console hoping to rival the Kickstarter success of Ouya, launching the £220-valued M.O.J.O. on December 10th.
The company – best known for making joysticks – enters the market with a startlingly high price tag, more than twice the price of Ouya and also more expensive than the soon to be outdated PS3 and Xbox 360.
So, what is so special that’s hiding behind M.O.J.O.’s mysterious acronym?
The bulk of that cost goes towards Nvidia’s Tegra 4 processor, offering the M.O.J.O. a power and speed well beyond the capabilities of any other Android device. There’s also 16GB of storage on-board, with a micro SD slot capable of increasing that number by 128GB.
As you might expect, M.O.J.O. will also come pre-loaded with Google Play and Nvidia TegraZone, including the option to access everything you’ve bought already and download it again for free.
Despite some impressive spec, with most Android games designed around touchscreen control there’s a worry that not all titles will easily translate to a physical control.
Eurogamer’s Richard Leadbetter explains: “The vast majority of Android titles are built around the touchscreen because that’s where the overwhelming majority of the market is. Mobile titles running at 1080p on a living room flatscreen just don’t tend to work as well.”
Being a Mad Catz product, M.O.J.O. is likely to come with a great controller – but at such a high price point you have to worry how it will compete next to the releases of next-gen gaming consoles from Microsoft and Sony.
So, what do you think? Is there a future for Android gaming consoles like M.O.J.O and Ouya? Or are Android games simply better suited to smartphones and tablets?
For more information, or to pre-order the M.O.J.O from Mad Catz ahead of its December release, visit the company’s website.
New Android Gmail app could open door to mobile ads
Android users getting to grips with the recent Gmail 4.6 update may soon be greeted by a more unwelcome addition, with the new potential to be filled with mobile adverts.
The eagle-eyed code crackers at Android Police noted that Gmail now has the potential to turn on mobile advertising at the flick of the switch – a functionality not possible in previous versions of the app.
Although adverts are turned off for now, the news will come as a concern to upwards of a billion Android users.
Based on the contents of the APK, it has been suggested that Google could implement advertising with a degree of restraint should they decide to turn it on, but it’s a worrying step in the direction of more obviously commercial e-mail providers.
Google responded to the speculation in a brief, guarded statement to Tech Radar, commenting: “We’re always experimenting with new features, but have nothing new to share at this time.”
More positive additions to Gmail 4.6 include a warning about any unsent messages, as well as some minor design tweaks to improve the user experience.
Are you concerned by the prospect of an ad-filled Gmail? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Nokia prepares Android phone ‘Normandy’ for 2014 launch
Image courtesy of @evleaks
Nokia is rumoured to be building a low-end Android phone codenamed Normandy, as the Finnish mobile giant nears the finalisation of a deal with Microsoft.
A source close to The Verge claims that Nokia is working on a ‘forked’ version of the Google operating system, which isn’t nearly as homemade as it sounds.
In fact, the ‘forking’ of this potential Nokia doesn’t involve any cutlery at all – confusing, right? – but actually refers to the way in which the Android OS is redeveloped using the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code – similar to the way in which Amazon uses Android hardware for its Kindle devices.
Supposed images of the Nokia phone were published by Evan Blass, who is responsible for the @evleaks Twitter account and is notable for past handset leaks.
Nokia has struggled to compete in the budget smartphone market, after its Asha handset on the company’s own Symbian OS suffered heavily from its lack of apps. Nokia will be hoping that Normandy will perform much better with Android backing, particularly in China where millions of phones using AOSP are sold every quarter.
Of course, the Nokia Normandy is still very much in the rumours stage, especially considering the overhanging possibility of Nokia’s deal with Microsoft. The cost of developing Normandy for Android will be very high, and Microsoft is unlikely to want to invest in developing an operating system that competes with Windows.
The deal between Microsoft and Nokia’s handset business is far from a done deal, though, and even if it did go ahead Nokia may be able to release Normandy prior to an agreement between the two companies.
So, what do you think of Nokia’s rumoured Normandy project? Could Nokia enjoy a happy union with Android? Or should it partner with Microsoft and concentrate on its Lumia range? Let us know in the comments below.
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Nokia is rumoured to be building a low-end Android phone codenamed Normandy, as the Finnish mobile giant nears the finalisation of a deal with Microsoft.
A source close to The Verge claims that Nokia is working on a ‘forked’ version of the Google operating system, which isn’t nearly as homemade as it sounds.
In fact, the ‘forking’ of this potential Nokia doesn’t involve any cutlery at all – confusing, right? – but actually refers to the way in which the Android OS is redeveloped using the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code – similar to the way in which Amazon uses Android hardware for its Kindle devices.
Supposed images of the Nokia phone were published by Evan Blass, who is responsible for the @evleaks Twitter account and is notable for past handset leaks.
Nokia has struggled to compete in the budget smartphone market, after its Asha handset on the company’s own Symbian OS suffered heavily from its lack of apps. Nokia will be hoping that Normandy will perform much better with Android backing, particularly in China where millions of phones using AOSP are sold every quarter.
Of course, the Nokia Normandy is still very much in the rumours stage, especially considering the overhanging possibility of Nokia’s deal with Microsoft. The cost of developing Normandy for Android will be very high, and Microsoft is unlikely to want to invest in developing an operating system that competes with Windows.
The deal between Microsoft and Nokia’s handset business is far from a done deal, though, and even if it did go ahead Nokia may be able to release Normandy prior to an agreement between the two companies.
So, what do you think of Nokia’s rumoured Normandy project? Could Nokia enjoy a happy union with Android? Or should it partner with Microsoft and concentrate on its Lumia range? Let us know in the comments below.
Moves brings free activity tracking to Android
Moves, the free physical activity tracking app for iPhone, is now available on Android. Having already been downloaded 2.5 million times since launching in January, activity tracking has gone mainstream – no longer the preserve of fitness freaks and calorie counters.
Unlike alternative trackers from Nike, FitBit and JawBone, Moves doesn’t require you to buy any additional accessories, relying purely on sensors within your phone to track walking, running and cycling.
“We believe Moves is the most popular activity tracker available as we’re tracking over two billion steps every day,” said Sampo Karjalainen, Designer & CEO, Moves.
“It is very difficult to beat the price and convenience of having the activity tracker in your phone. You simply download the app and leave it to track your daily movements. There’s no need to buy, charge, carry and sync one more device.”
The Finnish startup is likely to gain an even bigger market share following its Android launch, initially available on handsets running Android 4.0 and upwards with the intention of expanding soon.
The Android version features the same simple but striking design, making the most of the app’s minimal yet effective functionality.
Karjalainen added, “smartphones are a great platform for mainstream activity tracking. There are already over billion iOS and Android devices on the market. Thanks to their location technology and processing power, we can show routes taken, places visited, and recognize cycling – something that activity tracking wristbands can’t do.”
Despite the simplicity of its current design, Moves has stated its intention to focus on analysis in future versions – offering a breakdown of activity that tells ‘stories’ about your life, rather than just number crunching.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on Moves in the coming months then, as it keeps an eye on us. Download the app now for free via Google Play.
Introducing YotaPhone: the mystery dual-screen Android from Russia
YotaPhone, the baffling dual-screen Android phone which first made waves in January, is set to be released before Christmas in Russia, Germany, Austria, France and Spain.
UK customers will have to wait until early next year for the phone which will be available only from the manufacturer’s online shop, while 15 other countries have been confirmed for launch in Q1 2014.
YotaPhone is 4.3?inch device with a 720×1280 HD LCD display on the front and, crucially, a 360×640 e-ink display on the back. The front LCD display works just like any other phone, while the e-paper reader on the back is able to receive notifications and display maps and news while conserving precious battery-life.
Yota Devices CEO Vlad Martynov explained at a launch event in Moscow: “Once we determined that an electronic paper display would work as a second screen, an array of new and improved user experiences became obvious.”
“For example, Yotaphone combines a smartphone and e-reader into one device for those who enjoy reading on the go. You can save images and information on the second screen, and it stays there, even if you lose battery power.”
Yota Devices is a new company and Yotaphone is its first product – as such it comes in at a hefty ¢499 as it struggle to strike deals with manufacturers.
It might be worth sitting this one out and seeing how it pans out for YotaPhone, but if you’re still keen keep your eyes peeled on the company’s website.
Meanwhile, we’d love to know what you make of the device in the comments below.
Keep your conversations private with Redact app for Android
Redact is a new messaging service for Android and iOS claiming to be “the world’s first totally secure instant messenger application.”
Following the furore surrounding ex-CIA and NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, we now also know that security agencies in the US and UK have been routinely collecting personal communications from private citizens via the clandestine data-mining program PRISM.
Using a combination of encryption, ciphers and peer to peer messaging, Redact is capable of sending messages between phones without passing through any central servers. Messages you have sent or received can then be redacted from both handsets at the touch of a button – to be forever lost in the abyss with no method of recovery.
What’s more, there are no ways of refusing or avoiding a redaction – so it’ll be as though the message never existed.
Redact is uniquely positioned within the messaging market, and while unlikely to take on the likes of What’s App for general purpose messaging – it’s secure service is a notable selling point.
Unlike rival apps, Redact does not request a username, does not link to social media accounts, has no interest in an email address and cares not for accessing contacts. Instead, the app gives the user a unique PIN and lets the user set up an alias which only they can alter, ensuring no name appears anywhere in the app.
The app’s listing explains: “All instant messaging apps store messages you’re sending to your contacts. No matter how securely these messages are saved, they’re vulnerable to hackers or government subpoenas. Redact stores no messages, contact information or usernames so there is no information to be stolen.”
“Redact never asks for a username, email of phone number, but you’re automatically assigned a PIN. Your unique number is never stored anywhere, and there is no recovery tool for hackers to exploit. Only you can change your alias, so you can be certain contacts aren’t using your real name anywhere in the application.”
Security like this comes at a cost, and the app is priced at £3.99 in Google Play. But if you’re looking for a complete peace of mind over your sent and received messages, then Redact’s one-off cost will seem a small price to pay.
Manufacturers hint at Android KitKat 4.4 release date
As we ring in the New Year, speculation remains as to when Android will release its much-coveted KitKat 4.4. It’s been eerily quiet since we announced the new operating system back in September, but a number of the biggest mobile manufacturers have now indicated when they will be receiving the latest update.
News leaked on French website SFR that the update would be made available to Samsung’s S4 before the end of January and on the Note 3 at the beginning of February.
Meanwhile HTC have stated that they will be looking to roll out the KitKat update for the HTC One from the end of January. This will also include the Sense 5.5 update for their flagship handset.
For most other HTC devices including the One DualSIM, One Max and One Mini it has also been difficult to pinpoint a particular release date, but developer llabtoofer have shed some light on the situation, tweeting that a release date is looking more like January-February.
LG haven’t commented at all on the matter surrounding a KitKat release, however, rumours have suggested that LG users will have to wait until the end of March for a software update.
Sony, on the other hand, have decided that they are going to phase the introduction of KitKat meaning that a release date will depend on your preferred network and home address!
So it looks like Android users will have to wait at least another month for the latest instalment its dessert-themed OS, but hey, at least we now feel that little bit closer.
Make Android navigation easier with Edge and Edge Pro
Developers are constantly looking for ways to make Android navigation simpler, but Edge: Quick Actions deserves a special mention for its subtle innovation.
While it’s already relatively painless to find the app you’re looking for using Android’s native interface, Edge makes it even simpler with a gesture area that drags in from the left side of the screen.
Simply swipe your thumb from the device’s edge – hence the name – and move along to whichever service you need, opening recent apps or settings in one satisfying action. What’s more, the app is careful not to get in your way when you’re not using it, requiring a very explicit drag from the side of the screen.
Edge is initially populated with five most recent apps in a middle row, with further settings available above and below.
All of this functionality comes in a free-to-download app, although there is a premium version available should you wish to access a few extra features. Edge Pro is available for for £1.99, allowing you to add more settings, increase the number of recent apps, change colours and the edge that the gesture area rests on. The developer also promises you’ll be able to execute smart actions in a future update.
Now, arguably navigation on Android isn’t enough of a ‘problem’ to warrant the premium features to begin with, but if you find yourself taken with Edge: Quick Actions then it might be worth upgrading to Edge Pro.
Download both Edge: Quick Actions and Edge Pro now via Google Play.
Google automotive project to bring Android to cars
When was the last time you used a car’s in-built system to figure out the fastest route to your destination or access your favourite playlists? Don’t worry, we can’t remember either.
With tablets and smartphones becoming almost as common a household item as salt and pepper, infotainment systems are becoming increasingly obsolete, especially when you consider your smartphone’s inspired combination of auxiliary ports and Spotify helping to create the perfect soundtrack for your route to work.
In an attempt to modernise infotainment systems and gain an inside edge over the world of tablets and smartphones, Google have teamed up with a group of notable automotive companies including General Motors, Honda, Audi and Hyundai to bring Android to their latest models. Car manufacturers will look to customize the operating system in order to best suit their models.
The ultimate goal for the car companies is for drivers to use the infotainment system for regular tasks like navigation as well as enhance the passenger experience on the entertainment side of things.
The announcement was made just before the official opening of the International Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas and comes as part of the dominating ‘car-as-gadget’ theme.
In the past carmakers have gone with custom in-car software systems, one example being Ford Motor collaborating with Microsoft on MyFord Touch. Others have tried to solve the problem through partnerships similar to those Google are now developing with automotive giants. In 2009, BMW, GM, Intel and others worked around the Linux operating system as part of the Genivi Alliance.
With the help of Google’s most popular operating system, the automotive industry might just be able to save the future of the endangered infotainment system.
Keecker: The Android robot built to entertain
A new state-of-the-art robot was being flaunted around at CES 2014 this past week, and the plaudits were seemingly well deserved.
Designed by Pierre Lebeau, a former product manager at Google, the device, known as ‘Keecker’, is an oval-shaped robot that moves in a similar fashion to smart vacuums, gliding along the floor following your every move.
But rather than clean, they project videos onto your walls to satisfy your mobile entertainment needs.
The Keecker is decked out with a 1280 x 800 resolution screen and 1,000-lumen brightness allowing for daytime viewing. Given that it runs on Android, it will effortlessly connect to Google Play, thus supporting apps such as Netflix and YouTube. The idea is that Keecker projects images onto not just particular parts of the wall, but the entire surface including ceilings.
If you’re wondering about sound quality, the device features an impressive 360-degree sound system thanks in part to six carefully located speakers. Users also have the option of using their Android smartphones or tablets in order to control Keecker for particular actions which include the ability to stream music. Another method of controlling Keecker is through voice commands, instructing the device to meet you at a specific point in the house.
Perhaps one of the most jaw-dropping features is the fact that Keecker will intelligently map its way around your house, storing and remembering your viewing / listening location preferences.
Unfortunately it doesn’t look as though these robots will become synonymous with households in 2014 as they are currently valued at a retail price somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000.
Nonetheless, this is one of the smartest devices running on Android to date, ensuring that there will never be another dull moment in the house again.
How to sync your iTunes library to your Android device
Like it or not, Apple is still king when it comes to music consumption. While many have tried to overcome it’s domination, it’s going to take a seismic shift for the masses to unchain themselves from their iTunes libraries.
However, if you’re an Android-user looking to sync your device to iTunes, then we have a very easy method we’d like to share with you.
By using Google’s very own Google Play Music, users are able to wirelessly stream tracks and playlists from various sources. First off you’ll need to download both the Google Play Music app on your Android device and the Google Play Music manager on your desktop.
You then have to sync your iTunes music to your Google Play Music account in a few simple steps;
Open the Music manager on your desktop and select the UPLOAD tab.You can then sync the whole iTunes library or select specific playlists.Remember that syncing them to your Play Music library doesn’t automatically download them to your device, so you can experiment as you please at this stage.Open Google Play Music app on your device and select ALL MUSIC from the drop down menu toward the top.Select MY LIBRARY to view the music currently in your Google Music Play library.This will now allow you to stream music via WiFi. However if you want to sync the music to your device, simply press on a song, album or playlist and select KEEP ON DEVICE.
Enjoy!
Samsung launches smartphone GamePad for Android
Samsung has unveiled a new gamepad that is optimised for its Galaxy phones, imaginatively titled – wait for it – the Smartphone GamePad.
This is not Samsung’s first attempt to create a separate controller for its gaming apps, but it is its best – made of a steel frame with glossy black plastic for a sophisticated finish.
The GamePad is out now in select European countries and is expected to hit the UK in the coming weeks.
Connecting using Bluetooth 3.0, the GamePad features an eight direction D-pad, two analogue sticks, four buttons and two triggers. There’s also a slide-out stand to lock your phone in place (see below), or you could connect it to a TV for a proper console experience.
The Smartphone GamePad works best on Samsung’s Galaxy series, but it does in fact fit any Android phone or ‘phablet’ (we’re still not comfortable saying that) from 4 to 6.3 inches running Android 4.1 or higher.
Another great feature of the controller is the Play button in the centre, which launches Samsung’s accompanying Mobile Console app via NFC.Mobile Console is a new game store for Android that features only those apps that support the controller – so, you know that anything you download is going to be compatible with the pad.
There are a total of 35 games supported by the GamePad at launch, including Need for Speed, Modern Combat 4 : Zero Hour, Virtua Tennis Challenge and Prince of Persia : The Shadow and the Flame.
Lookout for more news on the Samsung GamePad in the coming weeks, but for now – what do you think? Are you looking to add separate pad to enjoy your favourite Android games? Or are you happy enough without?
Stitcher update brings offline radio to Android
Stitcher has rolled out its latest Android update, adding offline listening to its library of over 18,000 podcasts and radio shows.
The company claims to be the mobile leader in on-demand news, entertainment, sports and talk radio, featuring favourites from BBC, NPR, TedTalks, CNN, Freakonomics and many more in its colourful tiled design.
Up until now Stitcher users have had to be connected to the internet to listen to their favourite shows, but that all changes with its latest upgrade.
A post on the company’s blog revealed: “You can now listen to your playlists anywhere with our new offline listening feature. Seamlessly access your favourite shows from our catalog of over 18,000 at work, in the gym, on the plane or anywhere else you may not have a wireless connection.”
Once you’ve selected your favourite shows, the app simply updates them in the background when a WiFi connection is available so that they’re ready for when you want to listen.
There have also been improvements made to Stitcher’s interface, which now features a sidebar that drags in from the corner of the screen.
The Stitcher blog adds: “Instead of requiring you to tap back four times in order to navigate to a different section of Stitcher, now you can swipe right from the left edge to access Stitcher’s main menu.”
The company also claims to have improved the user experience by fixing crash bugs and enhancing the app’s memory management and usability.
To put all these changes to the test, download Stitcher for free via Google Play.
The Android desktop has arrived
In an unexpected yet perhaps unsurprising twist in the PC market, Lenovo has launched an Android-powered all-in-one home computer designed specifically as a ‘living room multimedia PC’.
CES 2014 kicks off this week in Sin City, along with it comes the announcement that Android has now officially entered the desktop market, lining up against a Microsoft Windows franchise that may yet have its work cut out.
With up to 500 GB storage, the Lenovo also includes a webcam, keyboard, mouse and integrated battery that provides users with 3 hours of life. For ease of access the N308 can stand or lay flat – much like a tablet – for those who are accustomed to that platform.
The fact that Lenovo has turned to Android to create a more inexpensive version of its much bigger tabletop PC (the Horizon 2), sets a precedent for other manufacturers looking to experiment with their future desktops.
Android seems a safe bet for those looking to turn a profit with desktops and PC’s as there isn’t a whole lot to lose, but enormous potential gains based on the success Android has enjoyed in the smartphone/tablet industry.
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