Google Glass App Demo at SXSW (Formerly Project Glass)

Brandon Orndorff
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Google Glass App Demo at SXSW (Formerly Project Glass)

Google Glass is not dead, at SXSW Google demoed some apps for their Android glasses. Timothy Jordan went into detail on the goals for the glass experience like providing timely content and function to integrate the users daily life without anything obtrusive.

Google Glass Apps Demoed at SXSW

The first app that was demoed for Google’s Glass was the New York Times which showed an article headline, picture and authors name. If the user decides they want to read the article Google Glasses will actually read the article to you by simply selecting it. One of the more useful features is the breaking news feature that will alert the wearer of news as it happens.

Of course this could not be a Google or Android product without Gmail. When wearing the glasses emails will show up with a picture of the sender and subject in the form of a small popup. If you choose to read an email you can dictate to respond, which is very useful for those on the go and mandatory since there is no keyboard.

When you take a picture with Google Glass you can easily edit and share them as we were shown using Evernote and Skitch. Besides these other apps were shown like Path (social network for friends and family) with limited functionality. The few features that seemed to work are making comments and sharing cards with other users.

We are excited to get our hands on a pair and test them out for ourselves although there is still no set date for market release. Seeing 3rd party developers supporting the new device is a positive for a release and with its one of a kind platform we will likely see developers create some interesting apps in the near future.

Source: Engadget

Google Android Talking Shoes? Bluetooth Shoes?

Brandon Orndorff
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Google Android Talking Shoes? Bluetooth Shoes?

This week at South by Southwest (SXSW) Google has announced their new “Talking Shoes” as a not so stylish pair of Adidas high-tops. This is an experimental technology that Google has been working on and clearly they are making everything they can think of “smart” with Android technology. We aren’t sure what the practical use of talking shoes is exactly although its pretty cool just the same. Hopefully we can get a pair of these to actually test out.

Google Android Talking Shoes

Google’s “Talking Shoe” is part of their new initiative called Art, Copy & Code which is a series of experiments to re-imagine advertising as stated by them. The Art, Copy & Code is a combined project with YesYesNo’s Zachary Lieberman and Studio 5050’s Despina Papadopoulos. Between these two great minds there has been born a set of “smarter sneakers”.

You might be asking yourself what the purpose of talking shoes would be, well simply put its an advertising tool. The objective is to create advertisements using real time data to onlookers that won’t be able to look away from someones shoes that are actually talking. The current shoes being displayed at SXSW have working accelerometer, gyroscope, Bluetooth, and speaker on the tongue.

Official Description of the Shoes per Google:
By connecting a pair of sneakers to the web, we’re creating unique opportunities between physical objects and digital ad spaces. Every move the user makes generates data that’s captured using an accelerometer, gyroscope and pressure sensors. That data then gets pushed to a web app

on your mobile phone and translated in real-time into funny and motivating commentary. That commentary then gets pushed to banners and social media, creating new, interesting content in the digital world from something happening live in the physical one.

As always and seen with Google’s Project Glass these Talking Shoes may not be available to the general public for some time if ever. We will however try to stay up to date with its progress and market release. It looks like at least Google is looking forward continuously when it comes to innovation and thats a positive in our minds. Stay tuned for more information as available.

Source: Art-Copy-Code

Zenex Wireless Speaker for Mobile Devices ZN-SP5986 Review

Brandon Orndorff
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Zenex Wireless Speaker for Mobile Devices ZN-SP5986 Review

Zenex has an appropriate tag line “on the move” with products that truly are mobile. We received a wireless speaker without knowing where exactly it came from and decided it was worth a review. The wireless speaker system is a very simple device that it about the height and width of a phone and about 2-3 times as deep. This being said it is very easily taken with you on the go. See the video below for a full video review of the Zenex Wireless speaker as well as how it actually works.

Zenex Wireless Speaker for Mobile Devices Features:
The speaker system itself has 2 speakers within the box that is around 2in x 4 in x 1.5 in in size and weighs little more than the average smartphone. The speaker output is on the bottom of the device and it allows you to do nothing more than set your mobile device on top of it to amplify the speakers sound throughout an entire room. You do however have the option to plug the Zenex wireless speaker into the headphone jack if you choose although the amplification is not as great that way. The device comes with a microUSB cable with a normal USB connection to charge via a computer and a headphone jack to plug into the device you are playing from. This particular speaker system also has a rechargeable battery which is a bonus on these types of devices.

Zenex ZN-SP5986 Wireless SpeakerZenex ZN-SP5986 Listed Features:

  • No wires or pairing
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Play music on your device with speaker on
  • Dual stereo speakers
  • Amplies the devices sound 10X
  • Works with most media devices with external speakers
  • Great for parties or social gatherings

Everything shown and said above proves that it is a pretty cool device that does exactly what it says. We would like to add that we have been using the device regularly (about 9 hours of continuos use) and have yet to recharge it. Once we find out where this device came from and a price we will be sure to post it here. We have looked on Zenex’s website and its nowhere to be found. Anyone with any insight please drop us a comment and let us know where others can get this unit.

How to Update the Samsung Galaxy S2 to Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean

Brandon Orndorff
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How to Update the Samsung Galaxy S2 to Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean

AOKP Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean Galaxy S2

The AOKP update for the Samsung Galaxy S2 to Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean is now available for those waiting on the update from Samsung. AOKP ROM’s also called Open Kang Project, are a popular set of ROM’s for updating devices and or installing custom ROM’s. They are fast, stable and based on the AOSP release of the Android OS.

NOTE: The instructions here are for the Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100 only. Your device must already be rooted to perform the instructions below.

NOTE 2: Samsung KIES will no longer detect your phone after updating to Android 4.2.2 using the following method.

Before you begin be sure that you have done the following to your device. Root the device as stated above, backup any apps or data that you would like to keep, and wipe your dalvik cache.

How to Update the Galaxy S2 to Android 4.2.2 using AOKP build:

  1. If you haven’t already done so install ClockworkMod Recovery (we assume this has already been done but figured we would mention it)
  2. Download the Android 4.2.2 AOKP ROM (Download Link)
  3. Download Google Apps (Download Link)
  4. Connect your Galaxy S2 to your Computer via USB
  5. Copy the files from step 1 and 2 to your phones SD card in the root folder
  6. Turn off your Galaxy S2 and disconnect from the computer
  7. Turn the phone back on while holding volume up, menu and power buttons at the same time.
  8. Wait for the device to show the recovery mode screen
  9. Perform a full data wipe and dalvik cache wipe first thing
  10. Scroll down to “Install zip from SD card” use arrows and power button to select the zip file.
  11. Confirm the installation on the following screen
  12. Once complete go back and select the Google Apps zip file in the same way
  13. After this is completed go back and select restart device from the recovery menu and wait for it to reboot.
  14. Be patient as the first boot may take longer than normal
  15. Congrats your Galaxy S2 is now running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean

If you want to verify that everything went ok then you can navigate to your “Settings -> About Phone” and look at the Android version there. If you have any issues as always leave us a comment below. As always these instructions are for your information and you are responsible for the use of them but we will help as able.

FlexiShield Wave Nexus 7 Case Review

Brandon Orndorff
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FlexiShield Wave Nexus 7 Case Review

There are many cases and other accessories available for Google’s Nexus 7 due to the popularity of the thin powerful Android tablet. For the average user though, how do you know what case you need for your new device? Here we have reviewed the FlexiShield Wave Nexus 7 case from MobileFun.com and have to say that its a very simple case without all of the bells and whistles but does what its supposed to better than most. It’s a case that provides the look and feel you want as well as the protection you require.

Design of the FlexiShield Wave Nexus 7 Case:
This case is a very ultra-slim case that is made from a very strong gel material. While the material feels strong and solid it is also very flexible making it easy to put the tablet in and out as needed. It seems to have all of the support that we require in a case without any bulk added as it fits the Nexus 7 like a well designed skin. With the entire case being custom molded in one solid piece you should notice it lasting much longer than many of the other Nexus 7 cases on the market as well. All of the buttons, speakers, mics, etc. have been cutout perfectly with a bevel added to not only make it look nicer but also look cleaner and feel more comfortable in your hand. (A good thing to take note of as well is the fact that the case comes in a few other colors like blue, clear, purple, pink, and blue.)

Nexus 7 Case Cutouts

Nexus 7 Case Bevels

Protection of the FlexiShield Wave Nexus 7 Case:
With any case the ultimate purpose is to add protection to your tablet so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get destroyed by everyday use. This case as stated before is made from a strong gel that is skin tight on the device. What this means is that if dropped the case will absorb some of that impact as well as holding everything together tightly. One of the best features of this case is the raised edges around the screen allowing you to set the device face down without risking the display getting scratched. Something else to mention is the fact that the case adds better grip when holding the Nexus 7 so that it decreases the risk of dropping in the first place.

FlexiShield Wave Case Screen Bevel

NOTE: This cases cutouts do not line up on the 3G version of the Nexus 7 (Google is to blame for that one) …

We said earlier that the case was simple and what we mean is that it simply looks awesome and protects like it needs to. The number one complaint we hear about in cases are that they are way too bulky. Here you have an extremely thin case with a sleek design. Next what do you think we hear? Yes, you got it, the thin cases I like never have the protection that is required so why even have it in a case in the first place. This case protects and has a super thin form so it gets our vote.

Where can you find this case? Nexus 7 Cases

Samsung Galaxy S4 Touchless Display via maXTouch S Sensors

Brandon Orndorff
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Samsung Galaxy S4 Touchless Display via maXTouch S Sensors

Atmel maxTouch S sensor for the Galaxy S4

With the many other rumors surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S4 we have news about the possibility of a touches display using maXTouch S sensors. With Atmel’s latest maXTouch S sensors the Galaxy S4 will allow its users to gestures in front of the phone to use it instead of actually touching the glass itself. How cool would it be to control your phone in most cases without ever touching the display.

While this would be a new technology for Samsung devices it has been used on other phones so it has been tested and improved on before now. You may have seen this on the Sony Xperia Sola or Pantech Vega LTE but not on a high end device like the Samsung Galaxy S4. The older sensors in the aforementioned devices also used much more battery life than the newer ones that are supposed to be in the S4. On top of this the battery drain that is associated with the S sensor is not only improved but has the 2,600mah battery to work from on the Galaxy S4.

While we are looking forward to the announcement of the Galaxy S4 some time in the middle of March we will likely not get confirmation of these features until April at the earliest. LEt us know what you think of this new feature and if it would be a persuasion to purchase the Samsung Galaxy S4.

HTC M7 Verses the Samsung Galaxy S4 Comparison

Brandon Orndorff
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0
HTC M7 Verses the Samsung Galaxy S4 Comparison

compare samsung galaxy s4 verses htc m7 one

With two new powerhouse Android phones coming out this year the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC M7, which will you choose? The United States is easily the most competitive smartphone market in the world and controls the fate of many manufacturers with their new releases. Here we will compare the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC M7 to see which we think will be the one you should buy.

We do know right from the start that the HTC M7 or possibly just the HTC One will be released this year by HTC to combat all of the high end phones rumored this year. We also know however that some time between March and May Samsung will announce their brand new phone in the Galaxy Series the Galaxy S4. Even with these two devices getting most of the hype at this point early in the year we know there will be plenty of competition for these devices with many others being released.

Samsung has already made a name for themselves being the leader by far in the Android smartphone market and the largest thorn in Apple’s side pulling many iPhone users over to Android. With its sleek design and amazing power and battery life the Galaxy S4 will likely be among the most popular devices this year. While we all know that HTC seems to have a real ongoing issue with battery life they also have the power needed to compete in the market and have not slacked off when it comes to releasing powerful phones.

NOTE: Keep in ming that all of this is based on the rumored specs that have been gathered to this point in time. Some of the features discussed here may not be on the devices at time of release so don’t hold us to everything. We will update later when we actually get our hands on a Galaxy S4 and HTC M7.

As far as specifications go the two devices are very similar with Samsung having its Exynos 5 chip and the M7 (One) having its 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon. This being said there are other features that all seem to fit in line with each other such as the 4.7 inch display on the HTC M7 and the 5 inch display on the Galaxy S4. This is such a small difference in total screen size that it will likely not be a deterrent for either device. The cameras on both devices are rumored to be a 13MP rear with about the same RAM and internal storage capacity.

What it will come down to in our opinions are the fact that Samsung devices not only have acquired an incredible reputation for great devices with great battery life while HTC has the great reputation but batteries seem to be weak to say the least. Samsung also has the best support for upgrading to the newest Android OS while HTC still has the US users of the HTC One Series running Ice Cream Sandwich. So ultimately we think as far as hardware goes these two devices are relatively on par although when it comes to support and upgrades Samsung wins by a long shot.

When it comes time for you to get a new device this year will it be the Samsung Galaxy S4 or the HTC M7 (One)? Or do you have your eyes on a completely different device? Let us know via comments below.

ASUS MeMo Pad 10 Android Tablet Officially Unveiled

Brandon Orndorff
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ASUS MeMo Pad 10 Android Tablet Officially Unveiled

Asus MeMo Pad 10 Android Tablet

We have seen the rumors of the ASUS MeMo Pad 10 flying around but ASUS has now officially announced the new Android device. This new tablet however has been unveiled for only one market for the time being. ASUS showed their new Tablet off during the Thailand Mobile Expo but will not know much more about the global release until Mobile World Congress later this month.

ASUS MeMo Pad 10 Confirmed Specifications:

  • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • 10.1 inch WXGA display
  • Quad-core 1.2GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor
  • 1GB RAM
  • 16GB internal storage
  • 1.2 MP front camera
  • 5 MP rear camera
  • MicroSD slot for expanded storage

While only unveiled in Thailand at THB 10,900 we can equate the price to around $360 in USD. The new MeMo Pad 10 will be released with model number ME301T and available in a few different colors including pink, blue, and white.

With all of the competition in the Android Tablet market how do you see this new device released by ASUS stacking up against those of the Galaxy Note 10 and Nexus 10? We can assume that with the lower price tag of around $360 that it will sell but those that are already addicted to the Samsung and Google tablets it may be a hard one to move into.

Samsung Qi Wireless Charging Pad in FCC’s Hands

Brandon Orndorff
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1
Samsung Qi Wireless Charging Pad in FCC’s Hands

samsung qi wireless charging pad fcc

As we stated today the Samsung Galaxy S4 is rumored to have wireless charging built in, well here is the wireless charging pad that would go with it. The FCC already has the specifications for the charging pad names the Samsung Qi and we can assume this will be a great new accessory for not only the Galaxy S4 but also any new tablets that Samsung will be releasing this year.

Based on the Specs that the FCC currently has the wireless charging pad will be named the Samsung Qi and will come with the model number EAD-W10EWE. The overall specifications have not been released via the FCC filing although the picture above shows that its all but officially announced. There are details on how to use the wireless charger such as how to plug it in and where to place the device on it to make it charge. A few of the LED features were also released in the filing such as green meaning that your device is charging and red meaning there is an error with the charging (we could assume this pattern).

There has been no official word from Samsung or even a hint at this new accessory although we can assume if the FCC has it that it will be released this year. We are excited to see this become a reality as Samsung is already the leader in Android related everything they might as well have the easiest user friendly accessories when it comes to charging. Let us know what you think about wireless charging on your newest Samsung devices via comments below.

How to: Replace Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Screen Digitizer (video)

Brandon Orndorff
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How to: Replace Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Screen Digitizer (video)

Many of us drop our tablets from time to time and most of us are worried about repairing ourselves. This being said the process to replace the screen on the Samsung Galaxy Tab or Tab 2 is a very easy process that anyone can do themselves. All you have to do is take the time to order a replacement screen, which sells for around $35-$40. Also the process takes no special tools.

Instructions to Replace the Screen on Samsung’s Galaxy Tab and Tab 2 10.1:

  1. First you will need only 3 tools, a razor knife, a putty knife (or something else thin and strong enough to pry with) and a blow dryer or heat gun.
  2. Use the putty knife and pry the back off of the main tablet components (as shown in video above)
  3. Set the back of the Galaxy Tab to the side and flip over the tablet you just removed
  4. Unclip the middle cable as shown in the video above
  5. Flip the Galaxy Tab back over and heat around the tablets frame (black part around screen)
  6. Use the razor knife to cut the glue between the screen/digitizer and LCD (as shown in the video)
  7. Remove the broken screen and clean the LCD to your satisfaction.
  8. Place the new screen in place in the correct orientation as the previous screen
  9. flip the tablet back over and plug the cable back into the tablet.
  10. Set the main tablet and screen into the backing
  11. Be sure to re-clip the tablet to the backing all the way around (you will hear snapping sounds as you do this)
  12. Turn your Samsung Galaxy Tab on and play with your like new tablet!

If you have any issues during the process please feel free to comment here as well as watching the video above to be sure you understand the process.

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