Tablet options for kids, Droid DNA discussion [From the Forums]

From the Forums

Just in case you missed out on some of the Android news today, now is the time to go ahead and get yourself fully caught up. Here on the blogs and in the Android Central Forums there is plenty to talk about. Have some questions? Need some help or just looking to chat Android? You know where to go, check out some of the threads below to get started.

We've got nearly 1 million members helping members and nearly 2 million posts in our Android Forums. Are you one of them? Join today!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/zwD9PX04oMA/story01.htm

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Torus is an impressive 3D Tetris game powered by HTML5

torus
As far as Tetris goes, most variations look quite similar. You're usually looking at a "wall" of bricks directly from the front. Torus takes that notion and throws it away; as you might have guessed from the name (or screenshot), this Tetris clone is played on a ring-like 3D surface.

You rotate the ring itself with the arrow keys, while a Tetris-like piece slowly (excruciatingly slowly, in fact) descends from the top. As soon as you make a solid line, it disappears.

Not all pieces are Tetris-like; some of them wouldn't really work with a regular Tetris game but are a good fit for Torus' 3D format.

Torus is ideal for playing at the office, because it has absolutely no soundtrack. The game is dead-quiet. It's also very very slow (slow enough for me to mention it twice in one post) so you can safely look away for a moment and then keep playing. Also, as soon as the game loses focus, it automatically pauses.

Bottom line: It's an impressive demo of the power of HTML5; if it were a bit faster, it would have some serious addictive potential.

Torus is an impressive 3D Tetris game powered by HTML5 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/17/torus-is-an-impressive-3d-tetris-game-powered-by-html5/

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Sony Xperia T/TX update adds Miracast streaming and more

Android Central

Sony Mobile sends word that a new software update is now pushing out for its leading European and Asian handsets, the Xperia T and Xperia TX. Very similar in design and specs, we recently reviewed the Xperia T, while we met the Xperia TX briefly at IFA in Berlin, Germany a couple of months back.

The biggest feature added in the new software update is Miracast sharing over Wifi -- a feature you might remember from the Nexus 4 and Android 4.2. This allows the phone to wirelessly mirror its screen onto a Miracast-compatible display over a Wifi network. However, as we've discovered during our tests with the Nexus 4, your network infrastructure, as well as your TV or monitor, will need to be Miracast-friendly.

The latest update also includes an optional extended standby function, which can disable data connections after a set period of time, while keeping text and call features working. Sony claims this can increase standby time by as much as four times, which could greatly increase battery life for those who switch it on. The Xperia T's mediocre battery life, you may remember, was something we highlighted in our review of the phone.

Other changes include some Sony app improvements, such as interface changes in the Movies and Walkman music apps. Check the source link below for the full list of differences.

Sony says the update will begin rolling out globally starting this week, so if you've already received it on your Xperia T or Xperia TX, be sure to shout out in the comments and let us know how you're getting on.

Source: Sony Mobile

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/Mk3ciW74j0A/story01.htm

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Windows Phones Priced to Sell: Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC 8X Both $100 on AT&T

The Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 will cost relatively little compared to non-Windows Phone handsets. Photo: Noah Devereaux/Wired

If you’ve wondered how Windows Phone will manage to capture new customers in an ever-more-crowded smartphone market, here’s one answer: price. The top-tier Windows Phone 8 handsets are going to start at $100 with a contract.

AT&T announced on Tuesday that it will sell Nokia’s Lumia 920 for $100 on a two-year contract, the Lumia 820 for $50 and the HTC 8X starting at $100. The phones are surprisingly inexpensive, and definitely priced to appeal to budget-conscious smartphone buyers.

Nokia’s Lumia 920 will be an AT&T exclusive at launch. The 32GB model of the phone will be available for pre-order starting Nov. 7 and in stores Nov. 9 for just $100 with a two-year contract. That’s significantly less than what most had anticipated, and compared to Apple’s iPhone 5 and high-end Android devices, the up-front cost of the Lumia 920 is a bargain. The phone will be available in five colors (black, yellow, cyan, red and white). To make the deal sweeter, AT&T will throw in a free wireless charging plate while its supplies last.

The mid-tier Lumia 820 on AT&T will also be available Nov. 9 from AT&T, with pre-orders open on November 7. The carrier will sell the phone, which is slightly less specced-out than its 920 counterpart, for $50 with a two-year contract. That’s $50 less than the Lumia 822, Verizon’s exclusive model of essentially the same phone, which the carrier is selling for $100 with a $50 mail-in rebate and two-year contract.

The HTC 8X will start at $100 for an 8GB model and $200 for the 16GB model. Photo: Jim Merithew/Wired

The HTC Windows Phone 8X will also start at $100 for an 8GB model, though the 16GB model will cost $200 on AT&T with a two-year contract — the same price Verizon announced in October. The 8GB model will be available in blue and yellow, and the 16GB model will only be available in blue. AT&T has not set a specific release date for the HTC 8X, only saying that it will be in stores “before Thanksgiving.”

Despite announcements from Nokia and HTC announcements in September, and a flashy Microsoft Windows Phone 8 launch event at the end of October, until now we hadn’t seen many details on Windows Phone 8 handset pricing.

Both the HTC 8X and Lumia 920 received good reviews from the technology press, Wired included. The phones, spec-wise, are competitive with the iPhone and flagship Android devices like Samsung’s Galaxy S III and Google’s new Nexus 4. But considering how little mindshare and marketshare Windows Phone currently has, it makes sense for the phones to be available at such reasonable prices. It’s unclear whether Microsoft, Nokia, HTC and/or the carriers are subsidizing the costs of the phones, but the aggressive pricing does indicate that the companies are serious about getting Windows Phone into consumer pockets.

Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/11/att-windows-phone-prices/

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At Just 5 Millimeters Thick This Hybrid Drive Is Impossibly Thin

Until SSDs get big and cheap, hybrid disk drives—which combine a traditional high-capacity hard drive with speedy solid state memory—are a great compromise. Particularly now that Singapore's Data Storage Institute has created a 2.5-inch one terabyte hybrid drive that's just 4.98 millimeters thick. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/b-Xk5pRko1s/at-just-5-millimeters-thick-this-hybrid-drive-is-impossibly-thin

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TiBolt – US made Titanium pen with bolt mechanism

The TiBolt is the latest writing instrument seeking funding through Kickstarter. Designed by Brian Fellhoelter, this is an American made pen constructed from stone washed Titanium. We’ve seen Titanium pens before, but this one has a very interesting mechanism to extend the ink tip. Instead of a standard clicky cap, the TiBolt has a sliding bolt. The pen has been designed to accept Parker and Fisher style refills and can even accommodate a stylus nib on the cap if desired. Brian’s Kickstarter goal is $19,000. The project started a couple hours ago and has already earned over 50% in pledges. If you’re interested in getting a TiBolt for yourself, the minimum pledge is $99. If you hurry, you can get in on the pledge group that has a December 2012 ship date. The rest are set for delivery in March of next year.

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, News

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TiBolt – US made Titanium pen with bolt mechanism originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 3, 2012 at 2:33 pm.

TripAdvisor app for Windows Phone 7 now available

tripadvisor windows phone 7TripAdvisor, the popular travel planning tool, has just launched an app for Windows Phone 7. Just like the mobile website, the app allows you to search for anything travel-related -- from hotels and flights to restaurants and points-of-interest to visit once you reach your destination.

Geolocation is supported, which allows TripAdvisor to quickly locate places nearby. But while that's a neat feature, it's also a bit of a downer -- because, really, it's about the only feature TripAdvisor for WP7 brings to the table that its mobile Web app doesn't already offer (its browser-based geolocation doesn't work with WP7 at the moment).

While it's nice to see Windows Phone 7 users getting some big-name apps, it'd be even nicer if we saw some packing a bit more swagger.

Still, TripAdvisor for WP7 might just be worth installing on your device if you're frequently on the go -- at least until a better browser arrives with the Mango update.

TripAdvisor app for Windows Phone 7 now available originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/tripadvisor-app-for-windows-phone-7-now-available/

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Leaked Android Music app images and hands-on review

Android Music player
This morning, an updated version of the stock Android Music app was leaked along with a new version of Android Market. The new Music app, which is labeled 'version 3', is similar to the leaked build from December, but it has received a ton of polish -- and indeed, it looks almost ready for prime time.

If you don't have Android 2.3 -- or don't want to root your phone to install the leaked Music app -- take a look through our gallery, and then read on for our initial hands-on impressions.

Continue reading Leaked Android Music app images and hands-on review

Leaked Android Music app images and hands-on review originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/leaked-android-music-app-hands-on/

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Apple fined $368 million for violating VirnetX patents in FaceTime

Apple fined $368 million in FaceTime patent case

Apple has been fined $368 million after their video calling feature, FaceTime, was found to infringe on patents owned by a company called VirnetX, a company that provides solutions for secure internet communications. A US court ruled that Apple’s FaceTime product infringes on four patents by VirnetX. One of the patents at issue involved the ability to establish a secure communication link. Apple apparently has no option for appeal in this matter. VirnetX has also brought suit against a number of other larger companies over its patent portfolio. Natash Lomas of Techcrunch reports notes:

The BBC reports that the damages award is around half the amount VirnetX had originally sought. It also notes that VirnetX has previously secured a $200m settlement from Microsoft over similar claims.

The company, which has a patent portfolio of 20 U.S. and 26 international patents, has also brought cases against Cisco, Avaya and Siemens for allegedly infringing the same patents.

This is another in a recent string of legal defeats for Apple. Last week Apple was forced to amend a statement that had been ordered by a UK court that aknowledged that Samsung did not copy the iPad. A US judge also recently dismissed Apple’s case against Motorola Mobility.

The VirnetX case might also shed some light on why FaceTime isn’t open. When introduced in 2010, it was said that FaceTime would become an open standard. Many have speculated as to why that was. It may be that Apple found that they could not legally open FaceTime when some of the technology behind it was not industry-standard and under someone else’s patents. While it seemed a longshot in the first place, with the VirnetX victory, the hope of an open FaceTime, appears to be gone.

Source: Techcrunch

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/Hgr5jSAHaI4/story01.htm

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Deal of the Day – 14″ Dell XPS 14 Core i5 900p Ultrabook with 500GB hard drive and 32GB SSD

Wednesday’s LogicBUY Deal is the 14″ Dell XPS 14 Ultrabook for $999.99.  Features:

  • 3rd generation Core i5 Ivy Bridge Processor
  • 4GB RAM
  • 500GB hard drive plus 32GB mSATA SSD
  • 900p LCD
  • 8-cell battery
  • 0.81″ thick,  4.6lbs weight
  • Customizable

$1129.99 – $130 coupon code = $999.99 with free shipping.

This deal expires November 8, 2012 or sooner. Check the above link for more details on this deal, and check the LogicBUY home page for other deals.

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Deal of the Day – 14″ Dell XPS 14 Core i5 900p Ultrabook with 500GB hard drive and 32GB SSD originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 7, 2012 at 9:14 am.