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Google's Pixel Buds translation will change the world
Google's Pixel 2 event in San Francisco on Wednesday had a lot of stuff to show off and most of it was more of the same: the next iteration of the flagship smartphone, new Home speakers and various ways of entwining them more deeply into your smart home, a new laptop that's basically a Yoga running ChromeOS and a body camera that I'm sure we've seen somewhere before. Yawn. We saw stuff like this last time and are sure to see more of it again at next year's event.
Formlabs makes high-quality, automated 3D printing more affordable
Your basic hobbyist 3D printer (technically known as Fused Deposition Modeling or FDM) is great for rapid prototyping because, while the objects it prints are a bit rough, the system and its associated printing costs are relatively inexpensive. However, if you want a more polished and professional-looking product, selective laser sintering (SLS) is the way to go. Problem with that is, of course, that the average SLS 3D printer is roughly the size of a small car and costs anywhere from $200,000 to $5 million. But, there's now a third option. 3D Printer manufacturer Formlabs announced on Monday that it will begin selling a scaled down SLS system that fits on a tabletop and costs 20 times less than other comparable printers.
'Gmailify' gives you Gmail service without the Gmail address
Last March, Google began allowing its users to link their Gmail account with their Yahoo! and Outlook accounts so that all of their emails could be accessed from a single screen. The company announced today that it is expanding the feature, called Gmailify. Now, those outside addresses will function a lot more like their native gmail account. They'll now be protected by Google's spam filters, organized like the native inbox and even get Google Now cards. Basically, Google has made it so that these accounts look and act more like Gmail -- aside from the domain name -- when accessed through the Android app. Users just need to manually enable the new feature by linking their outside account to Gmail.
Your phone knows if you're bored by how much you use it
Researchers at Barcelona's Telefonica Research lab have developed a smartphone-based algorithm that determines a user's level of boredom based on how much they're using the device. The algorithm also takes a number of factors such as time of day and how long it's been since receiving a call or text into account as well. With it, the researchers were able to accurately gauge a user's level of boredom 83 percent of the time.
BroApp coming to iOS amidst firestorm of opinion
BroApp, a US$1.99 Android app that sends automated texts to friends, partners, and family is heading soon to iOS. The app acts on your behalf as a kind of techno-Cyrano. It messages your recipient with a fortune cookie of attention. "Thinking of you." "Can't wait to see you." "Good morning! I hope you have a great day!". It's also smart enough to disable itself when it's near a target's Wi-Fi network by detecting SSIDs. The website advertises that the product "messages your girlfriend sweet things so you can spend more time with the Bros" (hence the name). And, already, Wired has taken a stance suggesting that some apps may turn us into sociopaths. Me? I disagree. We already live in a Hallmark age. A pre-printed sentiment is now de rigueur for nearly every holiday and life event. If you inadvertently skip these plastic emotions, the social sanction can be be harsh. BroApp is no more unrealistic than the over-the-top sentimentality we witness on Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and New Years. BroApp isn't creating a pathology. It just reflects the reality of one that already exists.
RunKeeper adds training plan feature to its Android app
RunKeeper has a solid track record when it comes to giving users new ways to interact with the application. It's no surprise, then, that the fitness-focused app is getting some fresh tidbits on Android. Most notably, you'll now see a training plan feature, which is set to coincide with the goals you've set up within the app. This version also brings a redesigned "Me" tab, an option to keep a close eye on training schedules and the ability to view your workout history. It's a very nice update, to say the least -- and given that it's Monday, it couldn't have come at a better time to inspire your next run.
World of Tanks Assistant app adds achievements and more
The fact that World of Tanks has an app is nothing new; World of Tanks Assistant came on the scene last February. What is new, however, is what the app can now do. Wargaming has released version 1.5.1, an update that includes a completely overhauled interface, new in-game achievements, and an increased amount of game-related information. Players can also use it to compare personal statistics with those of other players and clans. World of Tanks Assistant is available for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone mobile devices and can be acquired for free from at Google Play and Appstore. For a look at these updates, check out the video after the cut. [Source: Wargaming press release]
Aereo CEO reveals an Android app is launching this September
In more than one way, Aereo keeps growing and growing, and it looks as if it's getting ready to grow a little more. According to the International Business Times, Aereo CEO, Chet Kanojia, has confirmed to the publication that an official Android app for the TV streaming service is on its way. More specifically, Aereo's chief says the application will be launching in the month of September, which would be right around the same time as the unconventional cable provider prepares to debut in Chicago. No word on when exactly we can expect the Aereo app to arrive on the Play store, but given how August only has about two full days left in it, it's safe to say it'll be sooner rather than later. In the meantime, there's always the option to watch on your computer -- or, hey, maybe a dear friend would be kind enough to let you borrow an iOS device.
Fleksy touch keypad arrives on Google Play, now available for beta testers
The beta version of Syntellia's Fleksy keypad for Android phones and tablets has arrived on Google Play, months after it first became available on the company's website in January. However, there's a catch: You can only download it if you join its Google+ community as a beta tester. To do so, simply log in with your Google account, click Join then navigate your way to Download Fleksy Beta at the sidebar. Note that when you activate the keyboard via Settings, you'll be warned that it can access everything you type -- even your credit card details -- except your passwords. It takes practice to get used to Fleksy's predictive text engine (as you can see above, it forcibly replaced "Hi, Engadget" with "Hi, Schaefer"), but if you're searching for the elusive touch keypad of your dreams, it's worth giving the erstwhile iOS exclusive a whirl.
GDC 2013: PlanetSide 2's new app and the future of Forgelight
On Tuesday, SOE shared a trailer highlighting its Forgelight engine. The proprietary engine not only runs PlanetSide 2 but will also be the foundation for all the studio's future games, including EverQuest Next. The same press release also introduced the upcoming PS2 app. Although it won't be available to the public for a a bit, I had a chance to sit with senior art director Tramell Issac to see the app in action as well as discuss the Forgelight engine and what's coming up for PS2. The app provides easy access to a ton of gameplay info, from personal stats to weapon information to real-time in-game map updates, and consequently there could be a marked decrease in workplace productivity in store for PS2 fans!
Rhapsody intros SongMatch for Android, helps you discover tunes with a simple tap
There's certainly no doubt that Rhapsody usually caters to the Android crowd first, before eventually taking its on-demand goods elsewhere. Now, not long since completely redesigning its official application on Mountain View's mobile OS, the music service announced its newest application, dubbed SongMatch (powered by Gracenote). As the name would adequately tell us, Rhapsody's app will make it relatively simple to learn more about previously-unknown tunes, with SongMatch offering a one-click feature which can quickly identify music info such as the artist, song and, naturally, the name of the album -- you know, similar to what you might see on apps like Shazam and SoundHound. SongMatch is available as a gratis download on the Play and Amazon stores, and Rhapsody's quick to point out that the app will be great for current subscribers as well as newcomers who may not have an account -- that said, the company is hoping to lure some people in, adding that SongMatch is indeed "a great way to introduce new music fans to Rhapsody."
Google Shopper adds push notifications, new UI and more with 3.0 update
Google Shopper has just gotten the bump to version 3.0 with an update that brings a roster of fresh features, including a new UI with speedier navigation and larger images. In addition to the fresh coat of paint, the app sports a brand-new sales screen, image-focused search results and product ratings provided by GoodGuide. Page and Co. have also thrown in push notifications to keep users abreast of new features and content, and an area to showcase retail promotions. Itching to start penny pinching? Hit the source link below for the download.
Rhapsody announces redesigned Android app, adds new Replay feature
Only a few weeks have gone by since Rhapsody updated its Android app to v3.0, but today the self-titled number one music subscription service has announced an all-new version of its tune-streaming application. For starters, the most notable change here is a completely redesigned user interface that, according to Rhapsody, "brings music discovery to life." That's not it, however, as the Android app also sees the addition of a new feature dubbed Replay which will recommend tunes based on previous activity, plus a Featured Albums section tailored specifically by Rhapsody's "world class editorial staff." The overhauled app's available for download now from Google Play -- and, yes, there's a free trial option for those who have yet to shell out cash on the paid subscription offering.
Rara.com expands to iOS, Windows 8 and more countries
Rara.com has been mighty busy since its luddite-friendly music streaming service launched at the end of last year, and now it's reporting the outcome of those 10 months of toil. In addition to an improved web experience and new Android widget, an AirPlay-compatible app for iOS is now available, with software for Windows 8 arriving alongside its launch. Rara's 18 million tracks haven't only invaded other platforms, but other countries, too -- residents of Brazil, Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Africa and Portugal have joined the party, bringing the total number of compatible countries to 27. Lenovo is also getting a piece of the action, as a worldwide agreement means Rara software will now come pre-installed on the manufacturer's Android tablets and Windows 8 gear. Want to hear more about Rara's recent accomplishments? Then head for the PR after the break.
Evernote for Android gets new offline notebooks, widgets and more
Evernote has already revamped a few of its offerings this month, and it's now brought some changes to its Android app as well. That includes new offline notebooks for premium subscribers that'll let you download multiple notebooks in one shot, a pared down note editor toolbar, retooled Action Bars for Android tablets and a new resizable Grid Widget for your homescreen. Not surprisingly, Evernote also says that the update includes a slew of other fixes and tweaks that promise to make the app "faster and more reliable," and it's promising that there's still "lots more to come." You can find the updated app in the Google Play store at the link below.
BuddyTV Guide app adds Hulu Plus integration
Even when you're watching TV alone, you've always got a friend in BuddyTV Guide -- the personalized listings and remote control app. Now, in addition to content providers Netflix, iTunes and Amazon, it's inviting another player to the viewing party: Hulu Plus. Subscribers to the service will be able to see all associated video content in the BuddyTV Guide listings, and better yet, access it directly from within the app. Intrigued, Hulu Plus patrons? Head on down to the source link, grab the relevant app and let the New Girl marathon commence.
Feel the Force: Angry Birds Star Wars coming November 8th to iOS, Android, WP, Kindle Fire and computers
Rovio teased a certain film-inspired Angry Birds picture a long, long last week, and as expected, it's another new game -- Angry Birds Star Wars. Our furious feathered friends are assuming the likenesses of characters from the epic saga, with the trusty Red Bird taking on Luke Skywalker's role. It wouldn't be the Rebel Alliance without a dark side to fight, which is where the Pigs fit into the storyline; even the music and levels for gravity-based play will hark back to the film franchise. In addition to the software, details of related merchandise have also been uncovered, including table games, toys and costumes. The game is out on November 8th for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Kindle Fire and computers, and if it follows the original storyline, we wonder how Red Bird's going to feel about his porcine family history.
TomTom Navigator hits (some) Android devices, we go hands-on
TomTom just released its Android navigation app on Google Play to the robot-toting hordes, some three years after its iOS version debuted. Unfortunately, quite a number of newer smartphones, like the Galaxy S III, aren't yet compatible, due to a current resolution limitation of 800 or 854 x 480 (WVGA or FWVGA). That didn't deter us from wanting to take it for a spin anyway, so we took our old Galaxy S out of mothballs -- and there's no place better to sample a GPS maker's wares than rural France, which has endless tiny tracks criss-crossing the countryside. To see how we made out, head past the break for the rest of the story.
TomTom finally hits Android starting at $50, not ready for all devices (video)
As TomTom promised, Android users can now be guided offline by the nav company -- unless you happen to own a Galaxy SIII, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Nexus or a handful of other recent, popular smartphones or tabs. It said most models would be compatible by year's end, but if you do have one that works already, you'll get all the features that iOS users have enjoyed for quite a while: radar camera warnings (depending on your country), eco routes, contact navigation, free map updates and traffic guidance. The app is now available on Google Play starting at $50 for the US and Canada maps, an "introductory offer" that's 10 bucks cheaper than the same iOS version, so you might want to check the source before that price goes up -- if you've got the right device, of course. We're hoping to take a spin with the app soon, but meanwhile, you can check out a teaser video and the PR, after the break.
Zero Motorcycles reveals its 2013 models: Zero X dropped, FX drafted in
The failing weather reminds us we're fast approaching the end of another year, but Zero Motorcycles wants to brighten our day with the announcement of its 2013 all-electric line-up. Immediately noticeable are the harder lines and healthy dose of matt black on the frames of the Zero S, DS, XU and MX refreshes. New to the team is the FX "Stealth Fighter" (pictured above), touting the fastest acceleration of any Zero moto to date and taking design cues from the late Zero X, which has been removed from the roster. As well as aesthetic improvements to the bikes, each Z-Force motor should produce up to 125% more power than previous iterations, and an optional CHAdeMO charging accessory will juice you up in around an hour. Companion iPhone and Android apps will also be available, allowing you to customize your ride's performance and review other info. The class of 2013 will be hitting retailers throughout January and February, with MSRPs of the basic spec models running from $7,995 to $13,995, depending on your wants and needs. Head over to the source link to review your hardware options and, more importantly, choose your color scheme.
