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HP Announces a $169 Android-Based Tablet: Does it Impress?

Posted by Jonathan Kizer at 5:05 pm

hp slate 7

HP has announced its first major entrant in to the mobile tablet space since the fateful HP TouchPad. This tablet comes in the form of the HP Slate 7, and features an unnamed 1.6 GHz dual core Cortex A9 processor, 1024 x 600 7-inch display, and 1 GB RAM. Fairly unimpressive, considering that the almost year-old Nexus 7 matches or outdoes it in various areas.

The tablet is powered by Android 4.1, which appears to be either stock or incredibly close to it. Included are some enhancements to the audio system, which theoretically should make for a better-sounding speaker system, as well as enhancements to headphones. The tablet will retail for $169 in April. (more…)

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8.0: A Larger-Than-Life Phablet

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 9:21 pm

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Samsung has become notorious for releasing larger-than-life smartphones and tablets, highlighted by the 5.55-inch Galaxy Note II handset released late last year. So, it’s unsurprising that the South Korean consumer electronics maker has an even larger Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet in the pipeline. But, what might come as a shocker, is that the device will actually be able to function as a cellular phone as well. (more…)

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Google Announces I/O Developer Conference Dates

Posted by Jonathan Kizer at 5:27 pm

Google I:O 2013

Google has announced that its annual I/O developer conference will take place from May 15 to May 17, 2013. Registration will open on March 13 at 7:00 AM PDT, or GMT -7.

I/O is comparable to Apple’s WWDC, in that it is a conference for developers. Google typically makes private presentations to developers regarding products and services. In addition, I/O acts as a way for Google to announce new products or services, with various keynotes of varying size scheduled throughout the time of the conference.

Looking for more information? Google has set up a Google+ page for interested developers, and also suggests that developers interested in purchasing tickets should be sure to have both a Google+ and Google Wallet account ready.

[Google]

Limited Time: Get a Free Nexus 4 On Contract With T-Mobile

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 2:07 pm

Nexus4

This weekend, mobile provider T-Mobile is offering Google’s hot-selling Nexus 4 smartphone for free on a two-year contract. While a subsidized price isn’t really anything to be too excited about, since you will fork over a rather large sum of money by time your contract ends, it still beats the regular $199 price tag that T-Mobile sells the Android-powered handset for. Will you get a free Nexus 4 this weekend?

[The Verge]

Is Android, as a Brand, Dead?

Is Android, as a Brand, Dead?

Posted by Stephen Hall at 6:10 pm

I have seen the Android brand disappear over time. First, it was the Nexus, then Samsung came with the Galaxy brand, who made Android less relevant. Now, Android is just invisible.

I thought Google was losing a war against its partners, but I finally concluded that it cannot be just a coincidence. It is not just a trend. It is a deliberate effort. By Google.

Of course Android as a mobile operating system is far from dead. The latest figures show that it has strong foothold over about half of all smartphones. But is Android, as a brand, dead? The above author makes a good point in that every day, it’s less about phones being “Android,” and more about them being a “Galaxy” or a “Nexus.”

What’s the Best Cheap Android Device?

Posted by Jonathan Kizer at 4:24 pm

Nexus4

Android continues to grow in popularity as it powers high-profile, high-powered flagship devices. One of the greatest aspects of Android, however, is that it enables cheaper hardware to run a fully capable OS that also has a huge ecosystem of applications, and a modern web browser.

Forum member Z4CH1NT0SH has asked our Android forums what the best “cheap” Android device is. He is looking for a device around the $200 ballpark, though isn’t afraid to go a little higher for quality.

Without a doubt, the best unlocked, cheap device currently available is the Nexus 4. (more…)

‘Pokémon TV’ App Launches, Offers Streaming of Certain Episodes

Posted by Jonathan Kizer at 2:47 pm

Pokémon, a long-running TV show and game, today released an official iOS app for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. The app, titled “Pokémon TV,” offers the following features:

Take Pokémon TV on the go with the Pokémon TV app! Watch amazing Pokémon animated adventures starring Ash, Pikachu, and all their friends. Plus, don’t miss exciting special features and trailers for upcoming Pokémon movie events. It’s the perfect app for Pokémon fans to keep up with Pokémon TV episodes. Even better—this Pokémon TV app is free!

It’s definitely something that fans of the series may want to take a look at. In addition to the iOS release, there is also an Android version on the Google Play Store. Both are available for free!

[App Store]

Horizons: Enter to Win a $20 iTunes Gift Card

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 8:44 pm

iTunes gift cards Horizons is the latest indie racing game to launch on the App Store, a 99 cents download, combining elements such as fantasy and realistic car physics into one package.

Horizons features everything from a road in the space and a red arrow ad in the middle of the void to a pink bus floating in the air and the ability to crash your car to exit your driving.

Horizons is a unique indie driving game produced in Spain, that is unlike anything currently available in the entertainment market. The game challenges players to drive numerous vehicles through a seemingly impossible universe filled with polished and colorful 3-D stratospheric worlds and a surreal and psychedelic ambiance. An explosive cocktail that has attracted the attention from players around the world and international high profile publishers.

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iFans has teamed up with Horizons to give away a $20 iTunes gift card to one lucky iFans member. We’ll be giving away one gift card, valued at $20, to a randomly selected winner. To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post that contains “Thanks Horizons” somewhere within the message. We’ll announce the lucky winner next Friday. Learn more about Horizons ahead, alongside complete giveaway rules and guidelines. (more…)

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Behold, Google’s Chrome Android Statue

Posted by Tim Nelson at 1:21 pm

chrome-android

Google has a new greeter for one of their campus buildings. Google’s new Android Statue on its Mountain View campus looms over Building 45′s entry, its chrome arm waving to those on the campus and the nearby highway. Hello, Android. (more…)