Tag Archives: Android 3.2

Chameleon Android launcher appears, pre-orderers and Kickstarter backers get beta access soon

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After a false start to its Kickstarter funding, the Chameleon launcher project for Android is finally arriving -- at least in beta form. It's currently ready for install from Google Play by anyone with an Android tablet running 3.2 or higher, however to actually unlock the software you'll need to have your account authorized on its servers . For the moment that's restricted to a VIP list of early testers to bash on its core systems as well as the included HTML5 widgets. The beta for Kickstarter backers and pre-orderers will be staggered to let the company test its activation system, so if you haven't been switched on yet it shouldn't be too long of a wait. If you've hopped over the velvet rope, let us know how the new experience is running on your slate, those stuck on the outside looking in can catch a quick demo video embedded after the break, as well as hit the company's website to register for access and progress updates.

Continue reading Chameleon Android launcher appears, pre-orderers and Kickstarter backers get beta access soon

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Chameleon Android launcher appears, pre-orderers and Kickstarter backers get beta access soon originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 23:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceGoogle Play, Chameleon Launcher beta  | Email this | Comments

YouTube for Android 4.0 ends buffering on your favorite videos with precaching, adds remote

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YouTube for Android 40 ends buffering on your favorite videos with precaching, adds remote

As Google I/O 2012 rolls along, the YouTube team is updating its Android app to v4.0 with a load of new features, but you'll need Android 4.0+ to take advantage of them (at least for now, see below). Available in 47 countries, the new app brings a brand new UI with support for channels that reflects the redesign rolled out on the website last year (not the circle-centric look that it is testing with a select few), and it can precache videos from your favorite channels for viewing later. All you have to do is select "preload" in the setting menu and it will pull down videos from your subscriptions and Watch Later queue when plugged in and on WiFi. To actually view them later you will still need to be online, but they'll load instantly from the device's storage instead of streaming.

Another new feature is integrated remote functionality to control playback on connected TVs and other devices. This apparently extends to more than just Google TV, as we're told to "expect more updates later" on how this feature will become broadly available. If you're not rocking the latest Android software don't freak out yet, as the team indicates these features will come to more devices later. Developers should be excited too as there's a slew of new YouTube APIs available, hit the source links below to check them out or download the app yourself.

YouTube for Android 4.0 ends buffering on your favorite videos with precaching, adds remote originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceYouTube Blog, YouTube API Blog, Google Play  | Email this | Comments

DRS unveils trio of ruggedized tablets in Windows and Android flavors

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DRS unveils trio of ruggedized tablets in Windows and Android flavors

Drops, shocks, heavy vibrations, dust, water and temperatures in the extremes -- just the kind of punishment you'd expect a DRS Armor slab to put up with, and the firm's latest do so without the briefcase-like look. With MIL-STD 810G certification and an IP65 rating, the 7-inch multi-touch slates can withstand some rough and tumble -- though there's no word if they can pass the tesla coil benchmark. At 1.3 pounds, the Android 3.2-loaded X7ad squeezes out eight hours of battery life with a 1GHz dual core Tegra 2 processor. Its Windows-minded doppelganger, the X7et, holds a six-hour charge, sports an Atom Z670 processor and tips the scales at just under 1.5 pounds. If the chunkier look strikes your fancy, the 12.1 inch X12kb has you covered -- though at 5.5 pounds, it's the lightest MIL-STD-810G certified convertible tablet currently available. The swivel screened slate has up to eight hours of battery life, a Core i5 560UMCPU processor, a polarized LCD glass display, a spillproof keyboard and touchpad in addition to a one-click stealth mode that disables light and sound for "covert operations." With GPS, WiFi and Gobi Wireless Broadband options, all three of these are ready for missions at home and abroad, however you might need that stealth function to find out the (currently unspecified) pricing.

Continue reading DRS unveils trio of ruggedized tablets in Windows and Android flavors

DRS unveils trio of ruggedized tablets in Windows and Android flavors originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 03:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change Motorola’s Xoom 2?

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Motorola's Xoom 2 is, undeniably a strong tablet. It was able to beat a Galaxy Tab 10.1 and a Transformer Prime in some of our performance tests, battery life is around nine hours and it's nearly running a pure version of Honeycomb. We're a big fan of that display, but less so its unnatural attraction to fingerprints. As we sit anxiously waiting for Ice Cream Sandwich to make its belated way onto the slate, we want to know: what do you think works, what did Motorola scrimp on and what would you change to make it a better device?

How would you change Motorola's Xoom 2? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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