Stanford Students Demo 5 Cool Tricks Using Your NFC Capable Phone &Television (Video)

I bet you didn’t know Stanford had some cool nerds on their roster did you?  Yep, some of the folks over there decided to tinker around using an NFC enabled Android device along with a remote control also housing an NFC chip.  Check out what these guys have managed to come up with:

Display photos in a slide showCollaborative WhiteboardSlide Show PresentationPlay Online PokerStream Netlix Videos

Check out the quick demo below where you can see all of these in action and don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.   I don’t know about you, but I love when nerds get bored.  They always wind up producing something useful for the rest of us  For more information hit up the source link to check out their blog at Stanford.edu

Video Demo

via: Stanford MobiSocial News

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Categorized as Android Accessories, Android Applications, Android Customization, Android Development, Android Hacks, Android News, Android Phones

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HTC’s thinnest Android phone captured on video

Want to catch a glimpse of HTC’s thinnest Android smartphone ahead of Mobile World Congress? A YouTube video just appeared online which reveals the HTC Ville, a device that is rumored to feature a metal unibody design under 8mm thick.

Additional details that have been leaked so far include Android 4.0, Sense 4.0, 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display, 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 8 MP rear camera, VGA front camera, HSPA+, Bluetooh 4.0, and a 1,650 mAh battery.

The dual-core Snapdragon S4 will feature Qualcomm’s new Krait CPU core that offers a 60% performance increase compared to the existing Scorpion micro-architecture found in the Snapdragon S1, S2, and S3. A new Adreno 225 GPU will also provide 50% faster graphics performance.

In the video we can see the performance lags quite a bit, but this is pre-production software. Hopefully HTC can achieve the same smooth performance that we have seen on the Transformer Prime.

HTC is scheduled to hold their MWC press conference on February 26th at 8:30 PM (Barcelona Time) and we will be on-site to check out whatever they announce. Be on the lookout for more details over the coming weeks.

Update: The video has been pulled at the request of HTC. We saved a copy, but don’t want to piss off HTC by re-uploading it. A screen capture can be seen below.

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Marble Droid brings amazing 3D playgrounds that will keep you entertained for hours [Hands on Video]

A couple of weeks ago, I reviewed 3D Stunt Marbles, which is a cool game, but if you’re looking for something conceptually the same, but a little different, the folks over at Zebralightning Studios just released Marble Droid.

With 3D Stunt Marbles it’s more about getting from point A to point B without rolling off the track. With Marble Droid, you want to get from point A to point B, but the maze or playground isn’t as dangerous. You need to figure out how to collect the orbs the fastest way possible. I say they aren’t dangerous, but I’ve only played 3 levels. The playgrounds include ramps, elevators, moving platforms, bumpers, boost pads, and even teleporters for warping to other parts of the playground. I found myself completely immersed in the playgrounds that Zebralightning Studios created, and I’ve only played three levels so far. I can only imagine how awesome the higher levels are going to be.

You can use the Accelerometer by tilting your phone or tablet (or an on screen joystick) to navigate your marble around the maze. You can even jump with a flicking motion. You can also easily change the camera angles by tapping on the the top, bottom, right or left sides.

Like many games (Angry Birds and Cut The Rope), you’re graded. While most games use stars, Marble Droid uses trophies. Just like those other games, you will unlock the next level by completing the current level (earning at least one trophy), but ultimately you want to get all three trophies to feel like you truly accomplished the level. The faster you do it, the more trophies you earn.

Marble Droid also adds OpenFeint support and the ability to unlock twenty different custom marble skins. For starters, there are 24 levels, and you can play easy, medium, and hard.

Marble Droid is one of those games you know you’re going to love before you actually play it. It costs $1.99 which is worth every penny. If you want to try it out, there is a demo version as well, but trust me, go right to the paid version because this game will give you hours and hours of fun. I’ve tried Marble Droid on the Galaxy Nexus, DROID RAZR MAXX, and the ASUS Transformer Prime. The only issue I had was with the Transformer Prime, and it was minor. The marble seemed to jump too easily, but of course that can be adjusted. Checkout my quick hands on video, and hit one of the links below to download.

Android Market Link – Demo Version

Android Market Link – Paid Version

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SpaceCat 3D For Android, A Perfect Ratio Of Cats And Flying Saucers (Video)

What do you get when you combine 3D graphics, flying saucers and cats?  One heck of a ride for Android with SpaceCat 3D.  The glasses free 3D game allows you to enjoy a rich graphics quality platform landing game on your Android smartphone.  The challenge is to dodge both moving and stationary walls, lasers and tight spots all while snatching up all of the floating space mice you can find. On your quest, be sure to take out all of the annoying SpaceRats you can for the crew of humans you’re loyal to.  You can even share your score with the rest of the world via ScoreLoop.

In the year 3122, man has conquered space and has taken his favorite pets with him: Cats.

Did you know which are the favorite toys of cats on space? Flying saucers! Even better, chasing mice while flying around! They are the only ones that can go into the narrow spaces and capture the SpaceRats, an evolved species that keeps annoying the crew of the spaceships.

You’ll have the option to choose from 10 different cats for game-play and several spaceships to match them up with.  Each ship has different characteristics and themes that you can choose from as well.  Ready to give the game a go?  Hit the break for some screen shots of the game and check out the quick video demo of the app in action.  Feel free to drop a comment or two below as well of what you think.  

Android Market Link

From The Developer:

== Something more ==

* Feels like is not a real lander? Try the realistic control.
* To enable XPeria Play / Gametel support you need to select on-screen controls.
* We recommend a minimum hardware of Motorola Droid, Nexus One, Galaxy S or HTC Desire.
* For low end devices, touching the screen can slow down the gameplay, alternatively you can use the menu button to thrust.
* The search button makes a screenshot of the game (in /sdcard/spacecat), just in case you want to show how cute your cat is with his spaceship. I know, you have never figured this out.
* 3D engine: jPCT-AE
* Sound effects from The Freesound Project (http://www.freesound.org/)

Because the world will be a better place with more cats in flying saucers.

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Categorized as Android Applications, Android Gaming, Android News

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Mobile Threat Tracker app Visualizes on Timeline [Video]

Posted Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 at 11:05 am by Antonio Wells Comments Watch on Mobile

Lookout, the folks behind one of the leading mobile security apps, released Mobile Threat Tracker, a visualization app that shows users who are affected and protected by mobile vulnerabilities. It does so with cool particle effects on the globe represented over a timeline you can scroll from days past to the present. Furthermore, you can see to threats in the wild and learn more about their symptoms.

You can download this app or their anti-virus app using convenient tools below:

Lookout Mobile Security FreeLookout Mobile Security. Features: AntiVirus; Blocks viruses & malware, Scans memory card to stop viruses from phone to PC, Ad free! Backs ups Contacts, photos, call history, Access data online, Missing Device, Locates phone on map, Activates loud alarm.Share Android App ReviewSource Lookout

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Awww… we just got Samsunged
http://youtu.be/vOSgfvTC35A Watch on Mobile Check out this chuckle funny spot that preludes Samsung's Super Bowl commercial. Teasing those that religiously ...

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Video: Can The Droid RAZR Maxx be the phone to last 24 hours on a single charge?

We have seen it and touched it at CES. The Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx is just another RAZR, albeit with a larger battery, and a bit of a thicker body. But Motorola is hitting a rather large market with this improved RAZR. Pretty much all of us complain about battery life, and we ask for at least a full day of heavy use. Could the Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx be the first to give us this privilege?

Motorola has released a new advertising video for the Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx, boasting it as the “all day and all night” 4G LTE smartphone. In the video, multiple frustrated smartphone users express their bad experiences with short battery life. They are shown the Droid RAZR Maxx, which causes great awe (as usual, with commercials).

Is this really the device to take us through a whole day of use, though? Motorola is boasting that it can, and last week Engadget got word of a rumored event that is meant to last for 24 hours. This event, rumored for February 6th, is meant to put the Droid RAZR Maxx to the test, so we assume Motorola believes (or knows) that this smartphone can go for a full day (literally) on a single charge.

To see if this is possible, we have to take a look at the Original Droid RAZR’s performance, as well as the battery differences. Users will sacrifice thinness for juice, when purchasing a Droid RAZR Maxx. It really does not make a huge difference, though. The thicker device measures 8.99 mm, just a bit under 2 mm more than the original Droid RAZR. And the battery? Well that bad boy is a 3,300 mAh monster, with much more power than the OG RAZR’s 1,780 mAh battery.

Our very own Anthony Domanico wrote a review of the Motorola Droid RAZR. According to his experience, the device lasts from 6-8 hours under default settings. But once he started using Motorola’s Smart Actions, he managed to still have 30% of his juice after a 14-hour day. And yes, this included continuous 4G LTE usage.

This means the device went down about 5% per hour. If we do the math, this means that the device would probably be able to reach 20 hours. But even if we pretend Anthony is not using the device enough, Motorola should be able to break the 24-hour threshold.

Let’s say we can make the Droid RAZR last 16 hours on a fully charged 1,780 mAh battery. The Droid RAZR Maxx’s 3,300 mAh battery is about 85% bigger. This means that (theoretically) it should last just a bit over 12 extra hours, adding up to a full 26 hours of glory. And let’s not forget that we would be sleeping for about 8 hours (on average). In which case, the phone would be on standby, lasting even longer.

If you ask us, it is definitely possible that this device will be able to go a full day (even perhaps slightly over 24 hours), under moderate circumstances. Use Smart Actions and turn off features when not needed, and you should do as great as Anthony did. There are many factors that can interfere, as always. So let’s just wait and hold judgement until we can get our hands on this bad boy and test out its battery life.

In the meanwhile, check out Motorola’s video, and sound off in the comments. Do you guys think Motorola can give you a full day of battery life with this smartphone? Would you get it if it does?

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Hands on with the Dijit Universal Remote on the DROID XYBOARD 8.2 [Video]

One of the key features of the DROID XYBOARD is the IR port for controlling your TV, cable or satellite box, AV receiver, etc. The Dijit Universal Remote app comes pre-loaded so you will be ready to go out of the box. It’s fairly intuitive and works well except for the issues I had customizing (see video).

This is a great feature, but I’m not sure if I would want to dedicate my tablet to this because what happens if you’re in the middle of a game and someone wants to check the listings guide or change the channel? For me, a simple Logitech programmable remote control makes more sense, but I do like the integration of being able to view the listings guide on the XYBOARD itself.

The Digit Universal Remote app is not an exclusive to Motorola as it’s available in the Android Market. It’s compatible with any device that has IR, devices paired with the Griffin Beacon for Android, or over WiFi with Roku Media Players. You will find the Dijit app pre-loaded on the XYBOARD 10.1 and the XOOM 2 as well. You can checkout my initial hands on video of the DROID XYBOARD 8.2, and look for my full review soon.

Download links after the break

Android Market Link

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Sony’s new CMOS smartphone sensors will bring HDR video recording to mobile

Sony may not own the biggest slice of the pie when it comes to overall smartphone market share, but smartphone cameras are a different story. Sony’s smartphone sensors can be found in a number of handsets available all across the globe, where they’re constantly pushing the limits of what a smartphone camera can do. Their latest handsets, the Xperia Ion and S, both come with 12 megapixel Exmor CMOS sensors capable of capturing beautiful pictures in a multitude of different scenarios. But they aren’t stopping there.

Sony has just announced a new CMOS sensor the company is currently developing, that will eventually launch with “RGBW Coding” which will enable HDR video capture. By “stacking” the circuits that go into their new backside-illuminated CMOS sensors, Sony is able reduce the size of current senors, along with power consumption. That translates to better cameras, in smaller places, that don’t use as much battery.

Sony has also announced RGBW coding for these new sensors which adds a white pixel to the conventional arrangement of red, green and blue pixels. By utilizing signal processing, RGBW coding will allow for much higher sensitivity in low-light situations, without any added noise or loss of quality. RGBW coding will also allow for HDR video recording for added contrast and clarity in bright light situations.

Look for Sony’s new CMOS sensors to start shipping this spring. An 8 megapixel sensor without RGBW will ship in March, while a 13 megapixel and 8 megapixel sensor with RGBW coding will ship in June and August respectively.

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Want HDR Video Recording On Your Smartphone? Sony’s New CMOS Sensors Can Make It Happen (Video)

As I’ve always said, “Damn, if this isn’t an awesome time to be in the mobile industry“.  It’s no surprise that companies like Sony and Samsung produce incredible cameras to accompany their incredible handsets since they’re no strangers to the stand alone camera.  Sony has some of the best camera sensors one is ever going to find in a majority of their handsets.  Devices like the new Sony Ericsson Xperia Ion and Sony Xperia S house a 12 megapixel Exmore CMOS sensor with the ability to capture beautiful shots in a number of different conditions.  However, the company is looking to one-up itself by announcing an even better CMOS sensor which touts “RGBW Coding” enabling the ability to capture HDR video.

 

With their own proprietary technology, the company is able to reduce the size of the sensor significantly while also improving performance and power consumption.  Nicer camera, smaller footprint and uses less battery?  Yes Please.  Without getting too technical and at the risk of boring you to death, the RGBW coding allows for added white pixels to the traditional alignment of red, green and blue ones.  With efficient use of signal processing, the new coding structure allows a much higher sensitivity when low light is present.  And it does so with no added noise while preserving quality.  In addition, in bright light scenarios, the RGBW coding allows you to take HDR video ultimately enhancing contrast and clarity for optimal playback.  The company is looking to start shipping the new CMOS sensors this spring.  Look for an 8 megapixel sensor without RGBW some time in March and a 13 & 8 meg sensor with RGBW coding around June and August respectively.  Don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.

[via Sony by Android and Me]

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Categorized as Android News

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Tablets in the Schools: Motorola Believes the XOOM is the Best Way to Empower Students [Video]

We saw the introduction of  iBooks 2 for schools the other day, but Motorola has already been working with schools on a program of their own. Recently, they gave XOOM tablets to one San Diego high school to use as they wish. The administrators chose to utilize the tablets in math and science classes for students that were identified with learning challenges. What did they find? The students became more excited and eager to learn through hands-on activities, educational games, and digital books.

“San Dieguito Union High School District has been working to redesign our schools to represent 21st century classrooms, and bringing tablet technology to our students was one of the first projects we initiated in order to meet that mandate,”  said Bruce Cochrane, Executive Director of Pupil Services for the San Dieguito Union High School District.  But why the Motorola XOOM? “Motorola XOOM tablets were the most logical choice not only due to their highly usable design, but also due to the tight integration of the hardware with the Honeycomb OS; our district is moving to Android and applications such as Google Docs, so the Motorola XOOM was an ideal platform to be able to share capabilities across all devices for teachers and students alike.”

Computers are nothing new to schools, but tablets will most likely be the future, which makes it a huge battlefield for Apple, Microsoft, and Google because it’s a huge market share to obtain. What makes the XOOM, and particularly Android a better alternative? Other than thousands of apps from the Android Market, schools can use Google Apps to share content. Google Apps gives access to the entire suite of Google products, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar, and Google Talk. Communication in the classroom becomes open and accessible to everybody. It’s important to note that Google Apps is offered FREE to educators.

With the Motorola XOOM students can:

Read – with eReader capabilities for electronic textbooks, students can read actively; underlining important ideas, taking notes and instantly looking up words or concepts they don’t know to improve information retention.Create – with the Motorola XOOM’s camera, video, word processing and drawing tools, students can create and edit all kinds of content, and share it instantly with their teachers and peers.Access – students can access online learning sites such as Blackboard, Desire2Learn, etc. watch Flash-enabled videos.Deliver – students can submit their assignments via Google Docs, which is not only efficient but also builds their arsenal of real-world workplace skills.

School Administrators and teachers also have the ability to custom-build their education with the Motorola XOOM:

Special-needs students gain text to speech capabilities, touchscreen keyboard and the ability to connect to special Bluetooth devices depending on each student’s particular challenges.Hyperactive students benefit from the portability and movement within the device and the classroom, so they are less likely to act out.ESL students can use translation and language applications to help them integrate faster into an English curriculum.Students can access web-based academic interventions and character development activities as an alternative to traditional suspension to make that time productive and prevent them from falling behind the class.All students gain greater access to tools to remediate their skill deficiencies, which helps improve standardized test scores in addition to making them more employable and more attractive to colleges and universities.Currently, I have a three-year old so it will be interesting to see how technology in the schools evolve throughout his education. He already is using my ASUS Transformer for both educational and fun games. I agree that tablets will make students more engaged, but which operating system makes the most sense? It’s another war for Apple and Google to fight out, but the key isn’t only to offer the best service, but to make it affordable for both parents and the schools.

[Via Motorola blog - one and two]

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Categorized as Android Manufacturers, Android News, Android Tablets

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Take the guesswork out of gift giving with Gift Wizard for Android [Hands On Video]

When Sock Monkey Solutions asked me to try Gift Wizard, I didn’t think much of it, but then my wife asked me for ideas on a gift she wanted to buy a friend. So I figured I would give it a shot. It basically asked me a series of questions like the person’s sex, age, what the occasion is and their interests. This didn’t take more than a minute or two. After that was done, it gave us about 10 or so gift ideas. I have to admit we actually used one of them.

My initial thoughts before I used the app were what could this tell me that I don’t already know? Well to be honest, the gift ideas weren’t necessarily ground-breaking, but sometimes we don’t always think of the obvious. I might have eventually came up with the idea that we eventually used, which was a gift basket of wine, but Gift Wizard made things easier to focus on the obvious. The initial questions could have been little more broad, but they are simple and quick. Gift Wizard costs .99 cents and I would say after one gift idea, it’s already paid for itself.

Hands on video and download links after the break

Android Market Link

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Hands-on Video: Samsung Galaxy Note

Posted Saturday, January 14th, 2012 at 11:29 am by Antonio Wells Comments

Watch on Mobile

We caught a great demonstration of Samsung’s Android phone/tablet hybrid called the Samsung Galaxy Note launching on AT&T in the U.S with 4G LTE speeds. The Galaxy Note can make phone calls, browse the web, get access to thousands of Android apps, plus features a large 5.3 inch HD Super AMOLED screen with a stylus pen called the S Pen for jotting notes & sharing from anywhere within the tablet experience.

Updating...Tags: 4G, 4GLTE, Android 2.3, Android Tablet, AT&T, CES 2012, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note Android Apps, Gingerbread, S Pen, Samsung, Samsung Galaxy Note

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Hands-on Video: Sprint Galaxy Nexus

Posted Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 at 9:03 am by Antonio Wells Comments

Watch on Mobile

Shortly after Sprint confirmed its Galaxy Nexus with 4G LTE capability at CES 2012 we got some hands-on video of it. There is not much difference from the locked International and Verizon versions with the exception of the processor specs stated to be slightly higher at 1.5GHz versus 1.2GHz. Availability is still TBD, however, it will probably launch in Q2 as Sprint rolls out more of their 4G LTE network.

Updating...Tags: 4G, 4GLTE, Android 4.0, Android Smartphones, CES 2012, Galaxy Nexus, Ice Cream Sandwich, ICS, Samsung, Sprint, Sprint Galaxy Nexus

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TeleNav Launches Scout for Cars [Video]

Posted Sunday, January 15th, 2012 at 10:43 am by Antonio Wells Comments Watch on Mobile

At CES 2012, TeleNav extended their Scout GPS navigation platform from web and mobile to cars. It uses the navigation engine from your smartphone to render HTML 5 based GPS navigation to an in-car dash creating personalized routing options for you, says the maker. With the app you can control your smartphone with larger dashboard display for features like real-time traffic, access your favorites, and perform points-of-interest searches.

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Video: Merry Christmas from the Android Team

The Android team have created a little video for everyone out there to spread some holiday spirit and have posted it up on their Android YouTube Channel. You’ll see snippets of the new Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) at work within the short clip as well as some glimpses of the new Samsung Galaxy Nexus. We hope you all enjoy this great little clip from those at Android and from everyone here at 24android we wish you all a Merry Christmas!

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New Launch Video of 7 inch Toshiba Thrive

Earlier this year towards the end of September, Toshiba announced a 7 inch version of its Thrive Tablet, and now the device has landed in the U.S. There are two models being released one with a 16 GB of internal memory at $379.99 and a 32 GB version for $429.99. The device has been launched with Android 3.2 (Honeycomb), as for an update to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) we may just have to wait for a official announcement to be made. Below is a short video which takes a closer look at the device.

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