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Latest Gear Live Videos
Google Play Books for Androids Adds New ‘Read Aloud’ Feature
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Google, Software,
The new version of Google Play Books for Android has a new feature that reads books to users on its own. The feature is titled, obviously, "read aloud," and works with most books without the need for the book to come with a "read aloud" enabled feature.
You'll also find a new pinch-to-zoom feature, as well as double-tap-to-zoom. Further, the app now makes recommendations on other books you might find enjoyable after you finish reading one book. Though, if you're like me, you prefer to soak in the totality of a one book world before even thinking about diving into another.
Read More 
| Google Play
Gallery: Google Play Books for Androids Adds New ‘Read Aloud’ Feature
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US Cellular readies Jelly Bean update for Samsung Galaxy S III
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Google, Software,
US Cellular is about to begin distributing Android 4.1 to it's variation of Samsung Galaxy S III devices starting this Friday, December 21.
Android 4.1, or Jelly Bean, contains the features Galaxy S III owners on other carriers are used to by now, such as Project Butter, Google Now, camera improvements, notifications, widgets and an improved interface.
US Cellular hasn't released an exact time of day that users can expect the update, as they have to be pretty anxious by now, but what we do know is that the update can be done over the air, or over USB.
Read More | US Cellular
Gallery: US Cellular readies Jelly Bean update for Samsung Galaxy S III
Samsung Galaxy S III, other Android devices susceptible to malware through Google Play
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Google, Software,
A "severe vulnerability" has been identified within the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy S II, Galaxy Note II, and possibly other Android devices.
The vulnerability leaves these devices open to malware downloaded in remote apps, which can then read user data and even brick your phone completely. "The good news is we can easily obtain root on these devices and the bad is there is no control over it," said xda-developers user Alephzain. Usually, vulnerabilities like this require physical access to the phone, while this vulnerability allows it to be attacked from apps downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Samsung is apparently aware of the problem, but has not publicly acknowledged the problem. Millions of devices are reportedly at risk right now as public knowledge of the issue spreads.
Read More | The Verge
Gallery: Samsung Galaxy S III, other Android devices susceptible to malware through Google Play
Ray Kurzweil joins Google, will focus on machine learning
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Corporate News, Google, Science,
Ray Kurzweil announced via his blog that he is joining Google to work on projects that consisting of machine learning and language processing.
"I'm excited to share that I'll be joining Google as Director of Engineering this Monday, December 17," Kurzweil said. "I've been interested in technology, and machine learning in particular, for a long time: when I was 14, I designed software that wrote original music, and later went on to invent the first print-to-speech reading machine for the bling, among other inventions. I've always worked to create practical systems that will make a difference in people's lives, which is what excites me as an inventor."
Kurzweil will serve as a Director of Engineering, though it's not clear on how immediate Kurzweil's focus will be on consumer products.
Read More | Kurzweil
Gallery: Ray Kurzweil joins Google, will focus on machine learning
Update your AT&T Galaxy S III to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean now
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Handhelds, Software,
If you're an AT&T customer sporting a Samsung Galaxy S III, today is the day that you finally get to update your smartphone to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. This means you get access to Google Now, better notifications, low light photo mode, as well as all the fixes and knowledge that you're on the (almost) latest and greatest. Get the Android 4.1 update now by hitting the source link.
Read More | Samsung
Gallery: Update your AT&T Galaxy S III to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean now
Google Drive users are now able to publish web content via their Drive storage using a public folder available from any browser. Web content published through Drive will also be able to host JavaScript, so you'll be able to run web apps on your page. Google, being the stickler for simplicity, demands published content remain static, and any outbound links must be addressed in a way that shows up in layman terms.
Read More | Google Apps Developer
Gallery: Google Drive now allows site publishing
Microsoft releases native Outook app for Android
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Google, Microsoft, Software,
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Microsoft has given relief to Android business users as a native Outlook.com app made its way to the Google Play Store. The Exchange ActiveSync protocol is standard for business and Enterprise professionals. Unfortunately, the functionality is lacking in many older Android handsets. So, the initial user reviews of the app seem mixed but it's better than nothing. Check out the features after the quick jump.
Click to continue reading Microsoft releases native Outook app for Android
Read More | Google Play Store
Gallery: Microsoft releases native Outook app for Android
Google planning to release AirPlay alternative
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Google, Home Entertainment, Rumors, Wireless / WiFi,
Rumor has it that Google is about to take on Apple's AirPlay with an open version of its own. So, it appears that DNLA and Miracast functionality is not enough for the Mountain View web search giant. No wonder, as both features are somewhat of a bag of hurt and have received lackluster reviews.
Google will attempt to get other venders to adopt its open streaming alternative and, perhaps, have the same huge success that AirPlay is having with customers. Apple has had vendors like Denon, Panasonic, JBL, Pioneer, Philips, Yamaha, Logitiech, iHome and Bower & Wilkins, to name a few, that have integrated AirPlay functionality into consumer products.
Click to continue reading Google planning to release AirPlay alternative
Read More | Gigaom
Gallery: Google planning to release AirPlay alternative
Google and Developers Discount App Prices through Thanksgiving Weekend
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Google, Hot Deals, Software,
For techies, the Black Friday deals are just beginning. Google and other app creators are looking to extend the Black Friday madness into the Thanksgiving weekend, with deals on a wide range of apps and media.
Android apps are especially discounted, with apps like SwiftKey 3, Shadowgun, and Documents To Go among the cheapest, but there's no shortage of deals in categories across the board. You'll also find some nice deals on books, movies and music, from Diana Krall to Kendrick Lamar. Head on over to Google Play to check out all the deals on the apps you wish you had.
Read More | Google Play
Gallery: Google and Developers Discount App Prices through Thanksgiving Weekend
Black Friday 2012: Target
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Apple, Google, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Hot Deals, Movies, Music, PC / Laptop, Video Games,
We've been busy posting some of the tech-heavy Black Friday 2012 sales that we're finding, and now we've arrived at Target. Doors at Target will open at 9:00pm on Thanksgiving, but you can get a ton of deals online, which is always our preferred method of beating the crowds. We've got the full list of the more noteworthy items the break, and it's definitely worth taking a look. Can't wait a day or two? Target is also running a Beat the Rush sale right now!
Click to continue reading Black Friday 2012: Target
