Consumer Electronics Daily News

Snapchat Adapts App to the Samsung Galaxy Gear

There are 70 apps that are already compatible with the Samung Galaxy Gear smartwatch-- and Snapchat just joined the ranks. The App, called Snapchat Micro, lets users record snaps and send them to other users from their smartwatch. The Galaxy Gear features a 1.4 megapixel camera can also take 10-second 720p videos. It's almost as if the watch was designed to work seamlessly with Snapchat's 10-second video limit! 

The Snapchat Micro app has the same functions as Snapchat for iOS/Android: take a picture, choose a time limit, and select which friend(s) the image is being sent to. Captions and drawings are still possible, but you'll have to pull out your Galaxy Note to do so.

For screenshots of the Snapchat Micro app in action, check out Techcrunch.

Want to know more about some of the apps featured on the Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch? Visit The Next Web for more info!

Texas Instruments' DLP® LightCrafter™ 4500 Opens Doors To Real-Time, Inline Machine Vision Products And More Via New Compatibility With Embedded Processing Solutions

Texas Instruments (TI) DLP^® Products, which earlier this year made the DLP® LightCrafter™ 4500 light-steering evaluation module available to companies, engineers, and the broader developer community, announced the module's compatibility with PandaBoard. The DLP LightCrafter 4500 combined with the new PandaBoard 4500 provides users with an embedded platform that eliminates the need for a dedicated laptop or PC. The combination of PandaBoard 4500 with DLP LightCrafter 4500 allows for the creation of self-contained, high-precision mobile tools to meet a growing number of applications, such as inline machine vision systems, portable, high accuracy 3D scanners, and field spectrometers.

"DLP LightCrafter 4500 is a powerful tool on its own for manipulating light in current and new applications," said Mariquita Gordon, business manager, DLP Embedded. "By offering a seamless connection between DLP LightCrafter 4500 and the well-known PandaBoard, we're expanding the ease of use to help developers turn an idea into a prototype, and then into a real-world product to solve problems with programmable light."

Most solutions will leverage a PC or embedded processor. For more portable or handheld solutions, the PandaBoard 4500 allows users to run larger, more complex apps through DLP LightCrafter 4500, while the built-in 1GHz, dual-core processor improves both pattern loading speeds and streaming rates. PandaBoard's 1GB of onboard RAM and an SD card slot also includes a suite of connectivity options, including Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, HDMI output and a camera input connector. The worldwide network of existing PandaBoard users adds another layer of support and enables developers to leverage the Android, Ubuntu and Linux operating systems to bring DLP LightCrafter 4500-driven solutions to market faster.

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AT&T; Plans To Launch Samsung Galaxy Note 3 And Galaxy Gear Smartwatch

The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch, announced yesterday and slated for sale on September 25, will be available through AT&T.

"AT&T was the first U.S. carrier to launch the original Galaxy Note and we are excited to expand our smartphone and accessory leadership with the Samsung Galaxy Note® 3 and Samsung Galaxy Gear™ on the nation's fastest and now most reliable 4G LTE network," said Jeff Bradley, Senior Vice President – Devices, AT&T.  "We look forward to continuing to offer our customers new and innovative products designed to fit any budget or mobile lifestyle."  For more information, visit www.att.com/galaxynote.

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Android KitKat: Newest OS Version Named After The Candy Bar

Google today announced the name of the latest version of its Android mobile operating system, calling it Android KitKat after one of America's most beloved confectionery brands. The creators of the world's most popular mobile platform have teamed up with The Hershey Company, in the United States, for the next release of the platform 'Android KitKat.'

"We couldn't imagine a better name for our Android K release than the chocolate treat that's been a favorite go-to snack among the team since the early days of Android," said Marc Vanlerberghe, director of Android Marketing.

Android KitKat is version 4.4 of Google's mobile operating system, developed by the company's engineers under sweet-themed codenames that began with Android Cupcake 1.5 in 2009. The codenames have continued alphabetically through to Android Jelly Bean 4.3, released earlier this year.

The news that the letter 'K' will be dedicated to the iconic Kit Kat^® brand will surprise many technology pundits, who expected the latest version to be named 'Android Key Lime Pie.'

"We are proud and excited to have one of the world's leading mobile innovators pair up with one of America's favorite chocolate brands," said Jennifer Podhajsky, Vice President, U.S. Chocolate, The Hershey Company. "Google's choice to name their next Android platform release Kit Kat brings together two well-known icons from pop culture and technology and gives the classic jingle of 'Gimme a Break™' a whole new meaning in the tech world."

This news complements the recent launch of The Hershey Company's new and innovative Kit Kat Minis product that represents the latest innovation in confectionery and on-the-go snacks. The product is the result of many months of research and development by Hershey engineers to miniaturize one of the world's most popular candy bars without compromising the extraordinarily popular taste, texture and shape of the light crispy Kit Kat wafers covered in smooth milk chocolate.

As part of the U.S. campaign, Kit Kat brand and Google will offer consumers the chance to win 1,000 Nexus 7 tablets, 150,000 Google Play $5.00 credits and 20,000 coupons for a free 8 ounce bag of Kit Kat Minis. To enter the promotion, consumers should look for a code inside the wrapper of specially marked Kit Kat 1.5 oz bars where they will need to visit android.com/kitkat for their chance to win. The promotion will run between September 6, 2013 and January 31, 2014.

To celebrate the announcement, the brand is also launching a Kit Kat USA Facebook page (facebook.com/KitKatUSA) and a Kit Kat USA Google+ page (google.com/+kitkatusa) to connect with Kit Kat U.S. fans and keep them up-to-date on the latest details of the Android KitKat campaign. A giant statue of the Android made out of the iconic Kit Kat bars will reside at Hershey's headquarters in Hershey, PA.

The Google announcement is part of a larger global partnership with Nestle. The Hershey Company is a license holder of the Kit Kat trademark in the United States, where it manufactures and sells the Kit Kat brand.  To mark the release of the Android KitKat, more than 50 million specially branded Kit Kat bars will be available in 19 countries, including Australia, Brazil,Germany, India, Japan, Middle East, Russia, and the United States.

For more information, please visit kitkatusa.com

Kit Kat is a registered trademark under license from Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.

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Silent Circle Announces Silent Text For Android

Silent Circle, the global encrypted communications firm revolutionizing mobile device security for organizations and individuals alike, today announced the availability of its Silent Text secure messaging and file transfer app for Android devices via Google Play. With the addition of Silent Text for Android, Silent Circle's apps and services offer unmatched privacy protection by routing encrypted calls, messages and attachments exclusively between Silent Circle users' iOS and Android devices without logging metadata associated with subscribers' communications.

Silent Text for Android's features include:

• Burn Notice feature allows you to have any messages you send self-destruct after a time delay
• Send map locations encrypted and controlled
• Peer-to-peer key management -- keys are on each device, not on Silent Circle's servers
• No one but you and the person you are texting can decrypt and read the information
• Send any file up to 100MB
• Revolutionizes secure business and personal communications with a tap of the finger

Silent Text for Android adds to Silent Circle's comprehensive set of private, peer-to-peer encrypted communications services including Silent Phone for secure mobile voice and video calling and encrypted voice and video communication on Windows PCs with Silent Circle Desktop for secure calls and conferencing.

About Silent Circle's encrypted peer-to-peer communication services:

• Silent Phone: Encrypted mobile VoIP calling with ability to seamlessly switch to high-quality, secure video calls, on-demand. Currently available for iOS and Android, it can be used with Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G LTE cellular anywhere in the world.
• Out-Circle Access: Enables calls between one Silent Phone subscriber and a non-subscriber.*
• Silent Text: Encrypted text messaging with support for almost any attachment up to 100MB and "Burn Notice" feature for permanently deleting messages from senders' and receivers' device registries. Messages can include map locations and multimedia recorded in the app. Currently available for iOS and Android.
• Silent Circle Desktop: Encrypted VoIP audio and video calls and conferencing from Windows laptops and desktops through Silent Circle's custom HD network. Compatible with Silent Phone. Currently available for Windows PC's.

*Currently limited to PSTN calls in U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

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Maxthon Releases Next Generation Android Browser

Maxthon, a global software company that develops state-of-the-art web browsers, today released a new version of its Android browser with new features like state of the art ad blocking, full screen and free file syncing and backup-- all wrapped with superior speed and standards support, including the world's best top support for HTML 5 standards. 

"Mobile devices are increasingly becoming the first screen for the users who are accessing the internet in emerging markets," said Jeff Chen, CEO of Maxthon. "That places an even greater importance on the need for a truly mobile-optimized browser. This offers a better user experience that comes with a great 'out of the box' set of standard features plus free cloud services that make the multi-device web a pain free proposition."

Driven by user testing and feedback from around the world and in-house WebKit performance optimization, Maxthon's new Android browser makes mobile browsing faster, easier and more convenient. Features include:

• Industry's – best Android performance: Maxthon's optimized core enables faster speed along with the world's best HTML5 performance and the most comprehensive HTML5 support.
• Ad Blocker: Easy setup and a mix of global and user-created rules block annoying pop-ups, ads and promotions that get in the way.
• Full Screen Mode: Easily expand the browser to every point on the screen.  This, with Maxthon's best of industry video performance make for a great video experience.
• Optimized one-handed use: Elegant features, such as the added "push away menu," allows users to easily view content and navigate the web seamlessly.
• Personal file back up and syncing: Users can push and sync their local files from their Android device to a free, secure account in the Cloud and from there to their other Windows, Mac, iOS devices running the Maxthon Cloud Browser. The free storage is unlimited.

"The next wave of the global web is all about mobile with Android leading the way."  said Karl Mattson, VP of Maxthon's international division. "This version of our browser builds on  already strong performance and 'out of the box' experience to truly make the mobile web faster, more fun and more accessible. Whether your smart phone is your 'first,' 'second' or 'third' screen, we're confident that if you give it a try, Maxthon Android will be your last browser. "

Download Maxthon here

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Locket Launches My Ads -- "What Ads Do You Want to See on Your Lock Screen?"

After the explosive launch of its Android application that delivers ads on smartphone lock screens and rewards users for simply unlocking their phones, a month later, NYC-based startup Locket launches a new platform called My Ads. One of the most novel ad campaigns of the year, My Ads asks users, "What ads do you want to see on your lock screen?" The platform allows users to submit and vote for brands and products they want to see. With the results, Locket plans to bring in the most requested brands. Within 20 minutes of advertising My Ads on the Locket lock screen, My Ads had over a thousand entries of brands from the users, proving the effectiveness of Locket's advertising platform.

"Last month, we introduced a new way to look at mobile advertising," says Yunha Kim, the CEO and co-founder of Locket, "We tell brands and advertisers to forget tiny banner ads and intrusive interstitial ads. Why not use one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in advertising, the smartphone lock screen, and be the first thing users see every time they wake up their phone?"

Within two days of launching the Android application, Locket acquired more than 25K users across the US. Just one month after launch, Locket is delivering more than 5 million full-screen, print-quality ads on Android devices. Locket is receiving lots of love from Fortune 500 companies, including Hershey's who has partnered with Locket to launch an innovative campaign to be announced shortly. Locket is boasting its industry-record engagement metrics with its "First Glance Advertising" platform.

"Without having used Locket, people might question, who would want more ads in their life?" says Christopher Crawford, co-founder of Locket. "But the truth is people do want to see the ads if they are beautiful and inspiring – think of all the artful magazine ads that you've seen." After its launch, Locket received thousands of emails from users, listing the brands and products they wanted to see. "We want to ensure the highest quality platform, so that consumers see ads not as a burden, rather an enjoyable part of their lives. So we thought, why don't we just ask the consumer what they would like to see on their lock screen?"

Last month, Locket disrupted the mobile advertising industry. This month, Locket is disrupting the way consumers interact with brands. "Consumers should be able to voice what brands and products they want to see," says Yunha Kim. "Every ad we put out there needs to be beautiful and inspiring. Waking up your phone should be a delightful experience."

You can find the My Ads platform here and the Locket Android app on the Google Play here.

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I Forgot My Phone-- A Short Film Critiquing Smartphone Overuse

by Hannah Hollins

Before stepping out of the door every morning, you ask yourself, "Wallet? Keys? Watch? Smartphone?" Now that the mobile phone has become a requirement-- a safety blanket, rather-- for modern society, its presence is becoming obnoxious in many situations. Last night on the 2013 Video Music Awards, the cameras had difficulty getting shots from the crowd-perspective because cell phone screens-- also recording the event-- were raised up, impeding the TV camera's vision. Where do smartphone users draw the line for documenting memories? Is it proper to instagram every meal and happy hour drink? Do you check your facebook feed absentmindedly while waiting for the bus to come, or when your friend excuses themself to use the bathroom? Charlene deGuzman wrote and stars in the short film, "I Forgot My Phone," which attacks the oversaturation of cell phone use in any given day.

 

While people are connected in new and innovative ways, social media and smartphone habits are actually alienating people from real life happening around them. Now that smartphone has become so ingrained with peoples' lives, the appearance of wearables on the market will create another buffer between tech users and the rest of the world. The world behind the google glass, the world around the bright little screen, is giant, compelling, and stimulating. Unfortunately, some smartphone users need a push-- or a day when they forget their phone-- to realize this.

Battle of the Smartwatches: Burg Steps Back Into the Ring

Burg, a Dutch manufacturer, launched its first smartwatches over four years ago. In 2009, its first design was instantly awarded first prize for most innovative product. Now, they say that although Samsung "crossed the finish line before their biggest competitor, Apple, they failed to come in first."

Founder Hermen van den Burg, an award-winning designer from the Netherlands, now has his office situated in Guangzhou, China, where his company has established a factory, research center and showroom. Burg manufactures a variety of smartwatches for men, women and children, sporting a trendy, casual or athletic look. Prices range from $149 to $399.

Burg watches carry a regular SIM card, thus making the watch a fully-featured, independently functioning phone. Its rivals, however, all still require a Bluetooth connection between the watch and the phone. In other words, without the connection, they are just ordinary watches; and there's hardly anything smart about that.

The Burg's notable features: OS Android 4.0, 3G & WIFI, GPS, SIM card, 1.54 inch 240×240 pixel, Camera 2.0Mp, Bluetooth 3.0, two-way communication, Sisvel, MPEGLA, Micro SD 32Gb.

While the Burg smartwatch has the edge on initial innovation and its "standalone" phone properties, will it appear outdated next to the Samsung Galaxy watch? Stay tuned for its release on September 4 to see how it is initially received.

KeyPoint Technologies Announces College-Themed Keyboards for Android

KeyPoint Technologies – in joint development partnership with 2ThumbZ Entertainment, the leading provider of collegiate mobile applications - today announced the launch of their Spirit Keyboards, a one-of-a-kind line of college-themed smart keyboards for Android. Now university students, alumni and college sports fans can download highly advanced, fully functional smartphone keyboards showcasing the colors and logos of their favorite schools. With each keyboard, users also receive a specialized dictionary containing hundreds of unique words used on and around their campuses.

The College-themed Spirit Keyboards are based on the Adaptxt world-class prediction engine that uses artificial intelligence and algorithms, as well as specialized languages, to provide the most accurate word prediction available. Adaptxt also offers the greatest variety of industry dictionaries available today, including: legal, financial, medical and IT & Telecom – all available in multiple languages.

This combination of features allows users to message accurately with minimal keystrokes. With your Spirit Keyboard, school pride is always top of mind as you interact with all your apps, check email and text. Your school's specialized dictionary optimizes and personalizes your efforts even more.

"We used our expertise in languages and prediction to provide users with a powerful and intuitive messaging tool that can be highly customized," said Ronald Brown, Vice President of Marketing at KeyPoint Technologies. "Each Spirit Keyboard knows the 'insider' names of your favorite college athletes, local post-game bars and it even remembers your quirky game-day catchphrases."

"2ThumbZ is excited to be working with KeyPoint in bringing the Spirit Keyboards to market," says Andrew Fox, EVP, Business Development. "This is truly a unique and innovative product that brings a new level of personalization to the Smartphone."

Spirit Keyboards are available for 31 leading universities featuring top NCAA football programs across the country, including Alabama, Ohio State, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Stanford.

Keyboard Features

• Graphically rich theme keyboards featuring school colors, logo and mascot
• Specialized dictionaries that include university specific jargon
• A share key to post messages to Facebook and Twitter directly from your keyboard

Adaptxt branded keyboards are available in 81 languages at the Google Play Store and 94 languages for OEM partners.

Pricing and Availability

Each college-themed Spirit Keyboard for Android is $2.99 and available for immediate download at the Google Play Store.

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