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Back the Ubuntu Edge dual-booting Linux-Android smartphone on IndieGogo

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds,

Ubuntu Edge smartphone

Makers of Ubuntu, Canonical has launched a $32,000,000 Indiegogo campaign for a dual-boot capable smartphone that would feature Ubuntu Linux OS and Google's Android.

Dubbed Ubuntu Edge, the phone will be able to boot into PC mode when docked, with a monitor featuring the full-fledged Ubuntu desktop OS. 128GB of onboard storage is also in the mix, something that the next iPhone is also purported to have. Other key specs include a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass 720p display, instead of the Corning Gorilla Glass used in many smartphones today. Early backers can now opt for the day-one price of $600 and then, after initial sale goes public, the price will jump to $830 when the devices launches in May 2014. Here's the full run down of the Ubuntu Edge specs and a video preview:

Click to continue reading Back the Ubuntu Edge dual-booting Linux-Android smartphone on IndieGogo

Read More | Indiegogo

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A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Facebook Home [Video]

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Google, Software, Videos,

Facebook Home making of

Take a gander behind the curtain of how Facebook designers created the Facebook Home launcher for Android. The forty-five minute video essay shows the evolutionary process of cover feed, chat heads, and the premise of mimicking the real world experience with a software operating system not based on apps, but focused rather on people.

On May 8th, the designers behind Facebook Home (Justin Stahl, Francis Luu, Joey Flynn and Mac Tyler) presented a behind-the-scenes look at their work at the Bluxome Street Winery for a small crowd. In this four-part talk, they discuss how they combined their high-level goals with an iterative process and interactive design tools such as Quartz Composer to bring the first version of Home to launch.

Click to continue reading A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Facebook Home [Video]


Samsung hosting fall Devevelopers Conference in San Francisco

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Software,

Samsung Dev Event

It appears that Samsung is prepping for its first annual Samsung Developers Conference boasting a "cross-product, cross platform" event on October 27-29 in San Francisco. Perhaps, Samsung is shifting gears by lessening its dependence on Google's Android mobile operating system and blurring the lines of its long line portfolio of successful products with developers. The South Korean conglomerate has been working on different mobile OS like Linux based Bada and Intel processor based Tizen, which is a spin-off the abandoned Meego OS project by Nokia. Samsung promises more information to follow leading up to the event. Samsung and Google have had major successes as partners but, in the recent acquisition of Motorola, something that Google previously stated it wouldn't do and Samsung focusing on diminishing Google presence from its products have shown the relation is more stressed than first perceived.

Read More | Samsung Dev Con

Google’s Motorola Moto X event set for August 1 in NYC

Moto X Smartphone event

Motorola fans, mark your calendars for August 1st, as that's the date set for the Moto X event in New York city. Some details of the device have leaked, such as the "always listening" mode for Google Now, snapping the phone to activate the camera, and giving customers customization options of the design of the smartphone like colors on the sides and rear. There is some speculation that the device will be budget-friendly, costing around $199 off-contract and available on all major US carriers. Perhaps the idea is to take on the highly-rumored technicolored low cost iPhone. Motorola is looking for a winner this time around, as previously the subsidiary of Google has posted a quarterly loss $342 million on the top of massive $12.5 billion acquisition. Curiosity here at Gear Live if the Moto X will run Google's latest and greatest Android software as they are hosting thier OS Android and Chrome event on the 24th of July.


FireFly Online iOS and Android Coming in 2014

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Google, Video Games,

FireFly Online

FireFly, the popular television series with a cult following, is now set to debut as an online RPG social role-playing game for iOS and Android in 2014. It may come with a desktop version, and possibly even appear on game consoles as well. Here's a sneak peek trailer of the game, after the break, along with details:

In Firefly Online, players assume the role of a ship captain as they hire a crew and seek out adventures, all the while trading with and competing against the millions of other players to try to survive in the Verse: find a crew, find a job, keep flying.

FFO provides a variety of gameplay activities and systems so that players can fully experience life in the Verse.

  • Assume the role of a ship captain - create a crew and customize a ship
  • Aim to misbehave in space and planet-side adventures
  • Cross-platform player experience across devices (pick-up and play from anywhere)
  • Unique social features connecting Firefly fans
  • Create a shiny ship and explore the Verse

If you want more info on the game, sign up at the source URL below!

Click to continue reading FireFly Online iOS and Android Coming in 2014

Read More | KeepFlying

Purported leaked Next Generation Nexus 7 launch date is nigh [Video]

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Google, Handhelds, Rumors, Videos,

Next Gen Nexus 7 Tablet

The alleged next-generation Nexus 7 tablet showed up in the retail inventory at OfficeMax with a SKU placeholder that points toward a starting price point of $229 for the 16GB storage capacity, and $269 for the 32GB version. The sale of the device is said to coincide with Google's Chrome and Android event scheduled for the 24th of July. The new Nexus 7 is rumored to have an astonishing 4GB of RAM, Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor, 5 megapixel rear camera, and 1.2 megapixel front-facing camera. There's also some speculation of a 1080p display, all which is yet to be confirmed. Check out the video of the purported next generation Nexus 7 tablet below.

Click to continue reading Purported leaked Next Generation Nexus 7 launch date is nigh [Video]

Read More | Androidcentral

Google Chrome and Android Event Scheduled for July 24

Google Invite

Google is hosting an Android and Chrome event next Wednesday, July 24 hosted by OS honcho Sundar Pichar. Very little is being revealed right now, but the timing is rather interesting in light of the Google I/O event in May and Apple's WWDC event in June. But sure enough, Android will get some much needed attention this time around as it's upgraded to 4.3 (or straight to version 5.0.) Hopefully, it will get some legit support for Bluetooth 4.0 along with the expected new features and UI tweaks. The event kicks off at 12PM EST (that's 9:00 AM for you folks in the west coast.) It will also be live-streamed on YouTube. Stay tuned here at Gear Live as we analyze, synthesize, and slice up the Key Lime Pie.


Moto X phone will always be listening for voice commands

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Google, Rumors, Videos,

Moto X Always Listening

Looks like Google's goals for the Majel project is coming to full fruition with a Star Trek-like Always Listening mode on the upcoming Moto X smartphone. In a leaked video from Canadian wireless carrier, Rogers, we see that the passive voice command feature added allows Google Now use without the user having to press a button in order to prompt a request--all you have to do is say "Ok Google Now," to get the phone to listen up and do your bidding. Yep, just like Google Glass. In the video, the Moto X has an additional buttonless feature that allows a user to open the phone's camera with two flicks of the wrist. Additionally, we see that you can tap anywhere on the screen to snap a photo instead of just a specific UI button. The Moto X is expected to go on sale this summer. Check out the video after the break.

Click to continue reading Moto X phone will always be listening for voice commands

Read More | Ausoroid

Pebble Smart Watch comes to Best Buy on July 7 for $150

Pebble smart watch best buy

The Pebble Smart Watch was a Kickstarter sensation that is still struggling to fulfill the orders of its initial backers, but that's not stopping the device from launching in Best Buy in just a few days. Initially you'll be able to get the e-ink display-powered Pebble in Jet Black at Best Buy while the company works to get the other colors into the hands of those who pre-ordered the device. Once those are fulfilled, you can expect to see other colors hit Best Buy as well. In fact, the Cherry Red model will hit store shelves in August.

Now is the time for the Pebble Smart Watch to try and get some attention on a larger stage, and Best Buy may be the place to do that. If you're unfamiliar, the Pebble connects to your iPhone or Android device and allows you to interact with it from your wrist. I have one, and it's convenient to see my messages, texts, and notifications pop-up on the Pebble without having to check my phone. I can also control apps like Music and Runkeeper right from my wrist as well. With Apple and Google expected to announce smart watches of their own sometime soon, some might argue that time is running out for Pebble to make an impact and fain traction. The Best Buy deal should help. You'll be able to order the Pebble from Best Buy for $149.95.

Click to continue reading Pebble Smart Watch comes to Best Buy on July 7 for $150

Read More | Pebble Best Buy Page

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active hits AT&T stores tomorrow

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds,

Samsung Galaxy S4 active

If you're a bit harder on your gadgets than most and are looking for a new smartphone, then Samsung Galaxy S4 Active may be just what you need. The Active packs in a 1080p LCD display rather than the OLED panel seen in the regular Galaxy S4, and the camera has a lower megapixel rating. The water-resistant (and dustproof!) device will be available beginning tomorrow from AT&T for $199 with two-year contract, and will be available in both gray and blue variants.


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