Tablet Report

Do you know what love to do with our Android handsets and tablets? We’re huge fans of changing the home screen around a bit and creating a new user experience. That’s why we present a weekly series of Get This Look posts.

In a nutshell we show you a new look for your Android handset and tell you which apps you’ll need if you want to mimic the feel. Some of these are a little easier to create than others and many of them can be tweaked to no end. The following details are but the ingredients to which you can create your own delicious Android dish; your results will vary. Which is awesome!

If nothing else, this is a great way to discover new apps, widgets, icons, and more!

Metro by Nikk

WHY WE LOVE THIS LOOK:

Look, we’re not above saying that some of the other platforms have a few features and details that work well.  With that in mind, the Metro/tiles from Windows Phone can be pretty cool when done right.

Those of you who like to mix up icons and widgets might appreciate the way in which this design features both. Once in place, it’s very easy to move things around and play with the overall feel.

We appreciate that there are not too many apps to install here and that the design doesn’t cost a penny! Well, that is provided you don’t donate to developers. Nevertheless, these free apps can be used in a myriad of ways to tweak our home screens.

Check the archives for even more inspiration!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Ultimate Custom Widget (UCCW) (FREE)
• ssLauncher (FREE)
• Minimalistic Text (FREE)
• Widgetsoid (FREE)

What else:

• File download (.zip)
• Be sure to read the description and details for a pretty in-depth walkthrough and setup.

The post Get this look for your Android: Metro appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Bitdefender has released its latest Android app today, Clueful, as a tool for users to gain insight into their installed apps. Available as a free download, the app looks at a user’s apps to help them better understand how each deals with your information and/or privacy.

As Bitdefender reminds us, Android apps can do any one (or more) of the following things:

• Leak your phone number, e-mail address, contacts from address book to aggressive ad networks or third-parties
• Play audio ads while you’re on the phone
• Spam you in the notification bar, even if not accessed
• Send your password unencrypted over the Internet, a password that can be easily intercepted
• Upload your calendar
• Read your browsing history, which contains sensitive data
• Read and send SMS with or without your permission, thus incurring charges to your bill
• Intercept SMS
• Make phone calls with or without asking for your permission
• Monitor your phone calls
• Upload your device ID. (This unique ID can be used by developers, advertisers and analytics tools to track your location or behaviour across more than one app)
• Track your location and share it with third-parties
• Access your photos

Of course not all of these are a surprise as some of them even list these things in their description. What’s more, the general Google Play installation process provides users with the details. On the other hand, we’re not gonna knock a free app that aims to help educate Android users.

Download Clueful for Android (Google Play)

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Ever take a road trip to a new (read: major) city and find yourself wondering where the heck you can park the car? Who is the closest? Who has the best rates? It’s a tough problem to contend with, especially if you’re only in town for a few hours or days.

ParkMe announced on Tuesday that the official app has arrived for Android. With this client, users can locate the closest and/or cheapest parking available. What’s more, the app provides hours of operation, payment types, real-time occupancy info and more. As of today, the database includes more than 28,000 locations around the globe in 1,800 cities, 32 countries and seven continents.

Download ParkMe for Android (Google Play)

PARKME LAUNCHES ANDROID APP

Empowers Android Users in 1,800+ Cities Worldwide
to Instantly Find the Closest, Cheapest and Best Parking Available

SANTA MONICA, CALIF., MAY 21, 2013 – ParkMe, the leading provider of real-time parking information to navigation companies and consumers, today announced that its award-winning parking app has launched on the Android platform, giving even more drivers access to critical information about the closest, cheapest parking available. The ParkMe Android app has been designed for the new Google Maps (API v2) with improved interface and colors.

ParkMe shows parking rates, hours of operation, payment types, and real-time occupancy information for off-street parking lots. The app, which has recently jumped into the top 10 of free navigation apps in the iTunes App Store, provides drivers with live parking information in hundreds of cities across North America and Europe. Users are able to find the perfect parking spot in more than 28,000 locations around the globe, 1,800 cities, 32 countries and seven continents. With Android’s strength in the market as the world’s largest smartphone platform, ParkMe will be able to reach more drivers than ever before.

“This is a monumental step forward in the expansion of our company,” said Sam Friedman, CEO and co-founder. “ParkMe is solving what is arguably one of life’s most frustrating experiences and with our expansion on Android, more drivers than ever will be equipped to save time and money, and instantly determine the best parking spot option available nearby.”

“We’ve taken the hassle out of parking and are thrilled to roll out our popular go-to app for parking on Android so more drivers can experience the smartest, most efficient and responsible way to find parking,” said Alex Israel, COO and co-founder. “The top worldwide smartphone marketplace now includes real-time parking data.

To learn more about ParkMe and its services, visit ParkMe.com. The free Android app is available for immediate download in the Google Play store.

About ParkMe

Based in Santa Monica, Calif., ParkMe is the leading provider of real-time parking information to navigation companies and consumers. Consumers can access ParkMe via GPS and in-car navigation systems, ParkMe.com, online widgets,iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android apps. Founded by Sam Friedman and Alex Israel, ParkMe’s mission is to make parking easier, faster and cheaper. The Company collects and aggregates data about both on-street and off-street parking, and has built the world’s most comprehensive parking database. This includes more than 28,000 worldwide locations in more than 1,800 cities, 32 countries and seven continents. ParkMe can be found on the Web atParkMe.com, on Twitter @TheParkMeApp , and on Facebook Facebook.com/TheParkMeApp.

ParkMe is backed by a highly respected group of investors, including Fontinalis Partners, IDG Ventures and Angeleno Group. Fontinalis Partners is a leading transportation technology strategic investment firm founded by Bill Ford, Ralph Booth, Mark Schulz, Chris Cheever, and Chris Thomas. IDG Ventures is a global network of venture capital funds with approximately $5 billion under management and a portfolio of over 220 companies built over the last 15 years.

The post Find the best parking spots in more than 1,800 cities with ParkMe appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Sprint and Boost Mobile announced on Tuesday that the waterproof Kyocera Hydro Edge will be offered later this summer. Pricing and exact timing are not clear however we’ll get those details closer to the launch.

Key specifications for the Kyocera Hydro EDGE include Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a 4-inch IPS impact-resistant display, 1GHz dual-core processor, and 5-megapixel rear camera. With an IP57 rating, the handset can withstand dust and water immersion (up to 30 minutes in 1 meter of water).

Waterproof Kyocera Hydro Edge Splashes into Sprint and Boost Mobile this Summer

LAS VEGAS – May 21, 2013 – Get summer-ready and ditch the water-damage worries of texting near water. Today,Sprint (NYSE:S), Boost Mobile and Kyocera Communications Inc. announce the upcoming availability of the Kyocera Hydro Edge smartphone. Whether it’s dropped in water or run through the sprinkler, Hydro Edge is built to withstand sprayed water or submersion in up to 3.28 feet of fresh water for 30 minutes.

Building on the success of the original Kyocera Hydro, which launched at Boost Mobile in 2012, Hydro Edge will be available this summer from both Sprint and Boost Mobile, one of Sprint’s no-contract[1] brands. Hydro Edge boasts many enhancements to its predecessor, including a dual-core processor, 4-inch touchscreen, Android 4.1 and Kyocera’s Smart Sonic Receiver technology. Exact pricing and launch date will be announced closer to availability.

“Just about everyone knows someone who has damaged their phone in water,” said Fared Adib, senior vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “Kyocera Hydro Edge is the perfect smartphone to eliminate the panic of water damage for busy parents or anyone who works outside – from lifeguards to landscape architects. Sprint is making it even more affordable to enjoy Hydro Edge by giving our customers the choice between Sprint and Boost Mobile for their device purchase.”

The benefits of Hydro Edge from Sprint include:

• Upfront savings on the device with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade.
• Truly Unlimited^SM data, text and calling to any mobile with no metering, no throttling, and no overages, all while on the Sprint network.
• Sprint is the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all 47 industries, over the last five years, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
• Sprint customers have access to Sprint’s Ready Now service where trained retail associates will work one-on-one with customers to personalize their Kyocera Hydro Edge and set up such features as email, Web and apps before leaving the store. Customers have the choice of sitting down with a Sprint retail associate at the time of purchase or scheduling an appointment online for a later time.

Customers choosing to dip their Hydro Edge into the no-contract pool with Boost Mobile will appreciate:

• Boost Mobile’s no-contract $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with unlimited nationwide talk, text and picture messaging, Web, email and calls to 411.
• ·         Significant savings over the life of their Hydro Edge with Boost Mobile’s Shrinking Payments: for every six on-time payments, the cost of Boost Mobile’s Monthly Unlimited plan shrinks by $5, eventually getting down to as low as $40 a month. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone.
• Boost Mobile’s award-winning experience: Boost has been recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as “Highest Satisfaction with the Purchase Experience among Non-Contract Wireless Providers.”[2]

Regardless of how you pay for your wireless services, Kyocera Hydro Edge on Sprint and Boost includes:

• Android™ 4.1, Jelly Bean
• 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon^® processor
• Smart Sonic Receiver technology – improves audio in noisy environments
• 4-inch capacitive impact-resistant touchscreen
• 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and video camera

“Kyocera Hydro Edge is the next generation of the original Kyocera Hydro, which launched at Boost Mobile in 2012 and has been a top seller ever since,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. “People clearly see the value of an affordable smartphone that’s also waterproof. With Hydro Edge, we’re keeping those core values while taking performance to a new level.”

Smart Sonic Receiver Technology

Hydro Edge features Kyocera’s proprietary, award-winning Smart Sonic Receiver technology, which eliminates the need for a traditional speaker in a handset by using vibrations to transmit sounds directly to the eardrum. Placing the phone in contact with the general area of the ear creates clear sound even in very noisy environments, such as construction sites, sporting events, concerts and playgrounds. Removing the traditional speaker eliminates the need for a speaker cavity in the phone’s housing, enabling cleaner aesthetics and enhanced waterproofing. The technology received multiple “Best of” awards when it was introduced at CTIA Wireless 2012, the wireless industry’s largest U.S. trade show.
To support the growing need for data, Sprint is rolling out a new 3G/4G network designed to provide faster data speeds, improved call quality and easier connectivity. Sprint expects customers to benefit with better wireless signal strength, in-building coverage and fewer drops/blocks. For the most up-to-date information on Sprint network coverage, please visit sprint.com/coverage.

Please visit kyocerasmartphones.com/hydro-edge for more information.

The post Boost Mobile dials up waterproof Kyocera Hydro EDGE appeared first on AndroidGuys.

If you’ve checked out the new Hangouts app on AT&T, chances are you’re pretty familiar with the message stating “You must be connected to a Wi-Fi network to join a video call”. Heck, you’re even used to it if you’ve tried to use FaceTime over their cellular data network.

According to AT&T at first, the issue with Hangouts was to be blamed on Google. According to them, since the app replaced a native Android app (Talk), then it was up to Google to make it work. Now, however, AT&T has come out to say that all their video chat apps will work over mobile data by the end of the year. In a statement, AT&T said:

For video chat apps that come pre-loaded on devices, we currently give all OS and device makers the ability for those apps to work over cellular for our customers who are on Mobile Share or Tiered plans. Apple, Samsung and Blackberry have chosen to enable this for their pre-loaded video chat apps. And by mid-June, we’ll have enabled those apps over cellular for our unlimited plan customers who have LTE devices from those three manufacturers.

Throughout the second half of this year, we plan to enable pre-loaded video chat apps over cellular for all our customers, regardless of data plan or device; that work is expected to be complete by yearend.

Today, all of our customers can use any mobile video chat app that they download from the Internet, such as Skype.

Be sure to let us know your thoughts below.

via engadget

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When users speak of 4G, it is like talking about finding a four leaf clover (it is pretty darn hard to find.) When you find that four leaf clover however (or a 4G footprint in this case, ) you feel like the luckiest person in the world. Hopefully the days of roaming around hoping to find a random connection is behind us, with the introduction of Mosaik’s CellMaps Mobile Coverage app.

Announced today at CTIA 2013, the coverage app lets U.S. Andy owners see 4G availability for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon in real time. Users can also view cellular network services in their current area or scan the overall 4G picture nationally. Even more appealing is the ability to filter 4G coverage in smaller details such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE.

The CellMaps Mobile Coverage app is available now for free via Google Play, or you can choose to upgrade the application by purchasing the $1.99 annual subscription.

The post See 4G coverage in real time with new app from Mosaik appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Samsung’s ‘galaxy” line has been long joked about to be a hint at their intention to take over the universe, but the latest analytics numbers may prove that to be startlingly accurate. Not in a literal sense, of course, but rather in a financial way.

According to research from Strategy Analytics, Samsung raked in a full ninety-five percent of the total profits made on global Android devices in the first quarter of this year. According to the study, total profits made from Android in Q1 were an estimated $5.3 billion. How much did Samsung take in out of that amount? According to the report:

We estimate Samsung’s Android smartphone shipments generated US$5.1 billion of operating profit worldwide in Q1 2013. Samsung captured a huge 95 percent share of all Android smartphone industry profits. An efficient supply chain, sleek products and crisp marketing have been among the main drivers of Samsung’s impressive profitability. LG followed in second place and took 3 percent global profit share.

The report goes on to say that, while LG did see a small profit, the company simply does not have the massive “volume scale needed to match Samsung’s outsized profits”. Neil Mawston, Director of Strategy Analytics, believes that Samsung is now making more money off of Android than Google. Let that sink in for a moment.

via strategyanalytics | digitaltrends

The post Running the tables: Samsung took 95% of global profits earned from Android in Q1 2013 appeared first on AndroidGuys.

LG, in their attempt to help bring 4G to lower-end devices, looks to be continuing down that road with a new device. The LG Optimus F3 was shown off by leaker @evleaks, and appears to come complete with 4G, as well as a 4-inch WVGA display. The device shown is only a render, but does seem to be heading for Sprint “in the next few weeks”.

There’s also the 5.5 ich LG Optimus G Pro, which is currently only on AT&T, said to be headed to Sprint as well. The device, dubbed with model number LS980, is set to hit the Now Network “this quarter”.

via phonearena

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U.S. Cellular announced on Tuesday that the waterproof and shock-proof Kyocera Hydro XTRM will soon join its smartphone roster. the 4G LTE handset runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and features a 4-inch impact resistant display and1.2GHz dual-core processor, as well as Military Standard 810G certification (shock and drops) and IP57 certification (up to 3.28 feet of water for up to 30 minutes).

The Kyocera Hydro XTRM will cost $29.99 with instant rebate and will be available starting on Friday, May 24.

U.S. CELLULAR LAUNCHES 4G LTE KYOCERA HYDRO XTRM SMARTPHONE
Waterproof, shock-proof device is online today and will be in stores May 24

CHICAGO & SAN DIEGO (May 21, 2013) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and Kyocera Communications Inc. have announced that the waterproof, shock-proof Kyocera Hydro XTRM is available online today and will be in stores on May 24 for $29.99 after instant rebate. The 4G LTE Hydro XTRM has Military Standard 810G certification for shock and drops and carries IP57 certification for protection against dust and immersion in up to 3.28 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.

This durable smartphone is the latest device to join U.S. Cellular’s 4G LTE line-up and is ready to handle whatever life throws at it. Businesses and consumers who purchase this device from U.S. Cellular also receive a valuable rewards program that recognizes customer loyalty.

“Whether you are on a family vacation near a water park or campground or your job takes you outdoors in more extreme conditions, the Hydro XTRM keeps you connected to the people and information you need,” said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. “At U.S. Cellular, we want to provide a better wireless experience, and our customers can rely on this phone to keep working through accidental drops, unexpected rain or harsh environments.”

The Kyocera Hydro XTRM has a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, is powered by Android™ 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and has a 4-inch impact-resistant touchscreen with reinforced housing for extra durability. It is tough enough to withstand the elements and powerful enough to download apps and videos seamlessly. Kyocera’s innovative and award-winning Smart Sonic Receiver technology turns sounds in to vibrations that go directly to the eardrum, so you can hear clearly even in noisy environments such as sporting events with friends and family or in a bustling office with multiple people. And with front- and rear-facing cameras, it is ideal for snapping quality photos or video-chatting with friends and co-workers.

”Hydro XTRM is the next-generation device in the Hydro family of products for people who live life to the fullest and want a phone that can keep up,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. “With its attractive styling and excellent performance, you may quickly forget that it’s built to survive the daily grind of life’s spills, falls and unexpected downpours. But you’ll be thrilled when life happens and you’re relying on the Hydro XTRM to get you through it all.”

U.S. Cellular, in partnership with King Street Wireless, currently offers 4G LTE service covering 61 percent of its customers in select cities in Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. By the end of this year, 87 percent of U.S. Cellular customers will have access to 4G LTE speeds. For more information about the 4G LTE experience, visit uscellular.com/4G.

The post U.S. Cellular adds rugged Kyocera Hydro XTRM to lineup appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Let’s be honest, we’ve been spoilt rotten this year as far as slick, new, sexy smartphone releases go. We’ve been treated to an absolute abundance of Android excellence, an onslaught of open source OS eminence beyond the dreams of avarice. Some are already available some are due to drop, but whether we’re talking about the new HTC One, the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Sony Xperia SP, the Samsung Galaxy Note II, the LG Nexus 4, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus – to name but a small number already in our hands or on the horizon – the quality of smartphones applying Android has never been higher. And now there’s a fresh extension to that list…

Just launched in its home-turf of China after being debuted back at the US’s Consumer Electronics Show back in January, this is the K900 from Lenovo, a striking all-new addition to our already overflowing options that’s designed and specced to sit amongst the aforementioned Google OS overlords at the top of the telecommunications tree.

Sporting a 5.5-inch, Full HD 1080p, Gorilla Glass screen and constructed from a blend of stainless steel and polycarbonate, the K900 has been built to be – what the kids call – ‘well hard’. But beyond the robust, the Lenovo is also the first phone to utilise Intel’s new dual core 2.0GHz-clocking Atom Z2580 chip, so not only is it tougher than Jason Statham’s one-size-fits-all on-screen persona it’s also faster than a rocket-assisted Usain Bolt.

Running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the super-slim (6.9mm) features 2GB of RAM and fields all your video and photo needs via a 13-megapixel shooter round the back and a 2-megapixel front-facer looking after the Skype end of stuff.

Priced at roughly around £350 according to the Yuan currency conversion performed by the Life of Android in-house exchange, there’s no word as of yet when it’ll be available internationally, but the smartphone smart-money would be on summer. As always, when our spies in the undeniably very Democratic People’s Republic find out, you’ll be the next to know. Only kidding, Communist Party military mandarins, we don’t actually have spies in China! No, seriously, please don’t start randomly arresting people…