Don’t count on seeing OEM Android Wear skins

Posted on by Stephen Schenck

Last week, Google I/O brought us some early looks at a few different ways Android is expanding to find homes on new device, with new form factors, while providing a situation-aware interface that means that not everything’s going to look like a shrunken-down or blown-up phone. Just as Android Wear keeps things simple and uncluttered to fit its smaller display, Android Auto gives drivers the information they need ...

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Developers: stop abusing the notification tray

Posted on by Joe Levi

The notification tray in Android holds a wealth of information that’s available at a glance. We’re not talking about the notification “shade”, which can show quick toggles, interactive notifications, and so much more. No, what we’re talking about is the bar that runs across the top of your screen.Right now my notification tray is telling me that my Bluetooth radio is turned on (but nothing’s connected to it), that my WiFi is connected (with full-bars), that I’m in “airplane mode” (to keep my LTE radio turned off), that my battery is ...

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Out There review (Video)

Posted on by Taylor Martin

Are you a sci-fi fan? Do you like mobile gaming? If you answered yes to both of those questions, Mi-Clos studios has just the game for you: Out There.Set in the 22nd century, you are a lone Earth astronaut who has just awoken from cryonic sleep in a far, unknown corner of the galaxy. Your mission is to explore and survive the harsh environment by traveling between stars and planets and gathering resources – oxygen for obvious reasons, iron to repair your ship’s hull, and hydrogen to top off your fuel levels.You also collect other various materials along the way and learn up to 20 ...

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Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini just around the corner

Posted on by Anton D. Nagy

There is no doubt about it: the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini will make an appearance, sooner or later. Every year, Samsung releases a Mini version of its flagship. However, there’s little in common between the siblings, aside from the Mini (which is not so mini in most cases) trying to capitalize on the flagship’s name. Usually, while the phone resembles the flagship, its specs are modest.This year, the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini will be available starting mid-July, according to a recent report. It is expected to pack a 4.5-inch 720p display, Exynos 3 Quad (Exynos 3470) SoC running at ...

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LG G Stylus to replace the (unpopular) LG VU?

Posted on by Anton D. Nagy

Ever since Samsung tested out the waters with its phablet (and the Note line-up quickly became very popular), LG was eager to get in the game as well. The original Optimus VU was unveiled at the 2012 MWC, followed by the VU II post 2012 IFA, and the VU 3 at the end of September 2013. LG’s take was ...

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Microsoft smartwatch coming in October with cross-platform compatibility

Posted on by Anton D. Nagy

A Microsoft smartwatch has been in the rumors and headlines for quite some time. Said gadget has been recently confirmed as being in the works, with a feature that we all want other wearables to have: cross-platform compatibility. A recent Microsoft smartwatch report seems to confirm that said gadget is not only in the works, but ...

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LG G3, Galaxy Tab 4, Xperia T2 Ultra get alleged T-Mobile release dates

Posted on by Rithvik Rao

One of the hottest phones you can’t buy very easily right now (in the US, at least) is the LG G3. Though we’ve heard of an alleged July 17 launch date on Verizon, details surrounding a launch on other carriers’ networks have been scarce. A new report states that the LG G3

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Leaked HTC software update roadmap details Android L plans

Posted on by Rithvik Rao

HTC historically has not been good with software updates, neglecting updates for many phones and not meeting update deadlines, but it’s mostly changed its tune since the launch of the One M7. It has even committed to update the One M7 and One M8 to Android L promptly, and its Google Play edition models

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LG G Watch allegedly coming to Verizon in addition to AT&T

Posted on by Rithvik Rao

Though the LG G Watch is currently a Bluetooth-only device (though a cellular-supporting version may be on the way), it’s understandable that carriers want to stock the device as an accessory for their phones. To that effect, AT&T has already announced its intentions to stock the G Watch, and a new report mentions ...

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Android One and the future of the platform

Posted on by Adam Doud

So this week was exciting huh? Google I/O and the return of 3D graphics and animations in Android. Android Car, Android TV, Android Lunchboxes. All very exciting. So exciting, that it almost drowned out one of the more notable announcements of the Keynote: Android One. But it’s a confusing issue, so lets talk about it a little shall we?Android One is basically a blueprint for a low-end phone. It’s a set of hardware and software rules that OEMs can follow to make what amounts to a pretty good dual- SIM toting handset that is set to reel in “the next billion”. “The next billion” ...

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HTC One M8 Google Play edition confirmed to get Android L update

Posted on by Rithvik Rao

One of the many promises of Google Play edition devices was quick updates to the latest and greatest version of Android. After the launch of the developer previewAndroid L, it was assumed that the Google Play edition devices (especially the new one, the HTC One M8) would promptly get the update when ...

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Pocketnow Week in Review: week 26 news recap of 2014

Posted on by Adam Doud

The technology world is a fast moving one, and hence, there are more than 100 stories we publish on a weekly basis here on Pocketnow. Those include reviews, videos, editorials, news, and more. With this new, weekly series, we’re making it easier for you to look back at the most interesting, exciting, and popular topics of the week, in case you missed anything.Look for the Pocketnow Week in Review every Sunday morning. It contains the most popular ten stories of the week printed on the portal, as well as top ...

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Android L keyboard ported to many devices through standalone Play Store app

Posted on by Rithvik Rao

One of the UI elements in Android L that was given the “Material Design” makeover was the stock keyboard. In case you were jealous of your Android-L-toting-Nexus-owning friends though, you can now have the Android L keyboard app on your device through a simple Play Store app install.The app is a direct port from Android L, with no modifications to be found. You simply install it through the Play Store, go to Settings, ...

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Galaxy S5 with new bluish hue makes appearance

Posted on by Rithvik Rao

It seems pretty likely that the Samsung Galaxy F is coming, but that doesn’t mean the OEM is done with releasing variants of its current global flagship, the Galaxy S5. Today, we’re seeing an image of a blue Galaxy S5. This isn’t quite the current Electric Blue ...

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