Want To Watch Movies On Your Android Device With Subtitles?

by Joe Sirianni on
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Interested in incorporating subtitles when viewing movies on your Android smartphone?  Hey, Im sure there are a few of you out there.  With that, check out XDA member mafiapanda’s walk through on how to add the functionality.  You’ll need an Android device capable of playing back 720p movies, the Handbrake DVD ripper software, plenty of memory, mVideoPlayer which is free and a USB cable.  Now all you have to do is check out the tutorial on how to grab the subtitles form a repository and place them in the mp4 folder.  You can check out the application thread here.  Don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.

[via xda]

Netflix Changing Plans And Raising Prices…..Again

by Joe Sirianni on
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Netflix once again has decided to change the game just when we were all beginning to fall in love with the service again, accepting the previous change.  A few months back, if you’ll recall, Netflix separated their online streaming service from their streaming and 1 DVD out at a time deal.   Now, the company must be doing so well, assuming customers will not leave them, and have changed the plan once again.  Below is the email correspondence I received earlier today.   » Read the rest

Harman to offer dashboard controls using Android Open Accessory Protocol

by Robert Nazarian on
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Back in May, Google announced the Android Open Accessory Protocol which allows external USB hardware to interact with an Android-powered device in a special “accessory” mode.

Harman announced today that they will be the first major technology partner in the automotive industry to support this protocol. Harman manufactures and markets audio under brands like Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, and Mark Levinson.

With the Open Accessory Protocol, users will be able to seamlessly control Android smartphone or tablet content through the car’s dashboard or steering wheel controls. Drivers will be able to safely activate music apps, such as Harman’s Aha Radio service. Popular apps that provide information on nearby restaurants, gas stations and tourist spots will have the ability to overlay on to the existing navigation software. Drivers can also stream content to other devices like rear seat entertainment units.

“Consumers no longer view their living room, workplace, and personal devices as separate domains,” said Harman chief executive Dinesh Paliwal. “Connectivity is fast becoming a fundamental expectation and lifestyle requirement. Consumers want to connect simply and safely in their cars, and by making this Android standard part of our OEM packages, we continue to build upon our leadership in smartphone connectivity and integration.”

The Open Accessory Protocol supports devices with Android 3.0+ and 2.3.4+. Hit the break for the full presser.

» Read the rest

Slate3Duniversal Theme Available For Sense 3.0 Devices Courtesy Of XDA

by Joe Sirianni on
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If you’re a Sense 3.0 user, like that found on the Evo 3D and Sensation 4G, you might find it worthwhile checking this little tidbit out.  XDA member cypis has released a pretty cool theme offering improved performance in the UI aesthetics and scrolling department.  The developer is looking for more users and feedback.  So, if you’re ready to give it a go, check out the XDA thread link here and don’t forget to let us know what you think of the added functionality and looks in the comments below.

From The Developer:

Hello. I missed a little after cool slate theme from 2.1 Sense ROMs so I decided to make it myself.
This is not cheap and EMO theme with thousands of colors . Just pure elegance in 3D (screenshot’s in second post).

Its intended to work on ALL Sense 3.0 devices even on ports.

[via xda]

Let This Tasker Profile Help Plan Your Routes to Future Meetings

by Brian Rubin on
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By letting the address field in Android’s calendar be linked to Google Maps and Navigation, it’s easier than ever before to find your way to your meetings and appointments. However, what if your phone could give you an optimal route automatically to your upcoming meetings right before you’re about to leave? Well, now with an advanced Tasker script, you can.

User brandall over on the XDA-Developer forums has created a detailed tutorial that will automatically use Google Maps to calculate the best route to your next meeting as well as the time involved, and will give you the information five minutes before you have to leave. To do this, you’ll need Tasker, a Google Calendar account and the Minimalistic Text widget. The thread also has ZIP files that include the scripts as well, should you wish to import them. This looks like a very nifty tool if you use Tasker to automate functions on your phone and while I don’t see myself using it, I could see where this would be very handy indeed.

[via XDA-Developers]

Panasonic Introduces The UT-PB1 E-Reader Tablet With Android On Board

by Joe Sirianni on
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Panasonic has decided to enter the e-Reader war with its newly announced UT-PB1 e-Reader with none other than yours truly, Android on board.  The device, at this time, is just a prototype but it appears to have some promise.  The video below reveals some slight lag and a not that all intriguing UI.  However, in all fairness, we’ll wait for the final product release.  According to DigInfo, there should be support for some of your standard Google apps like Gmail.  The device sports a 7-inch 1024 x 600 display, micro SD slot, WiFi for quick downloads and a webcam for video chats.  In addition, the device will rock a dual-core CPU of some sort, but we’re not entirely sure who the manufacturer of the CPU will be, it’s good to know it’s there though.  Furthermore, the device will come with 600 “previewable” book titles preloaded for you to get started quickly.  You’ll be able to download more content using Rakuten’s e-book store and a custom API will allow for real-time updates.  Stay tuned to Talk Android as we dig a little deeper to find you a price and release date for the device.  In the meantime, check out the video below to see it in action.  Don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.

Google Updates Google Shopper to 2.0

by Andrew Greenfield on
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It’s becoming a common sight to see people using their smart phones when they’re out shopping. Whether you’re checking prices, looking at reviews, etc, the smart shopper knows his phone is also a tool. The following features have been added to 2.0.

  • Today’s Offer: part of the Google Offers beta program, this tab displays a single offer for discounted goods or services in your area. Today’s Offer is currently available in Portland, Oregon, the San Francisco Bay Area and New York, with other cities to follow.
  • Nearby Offers: when you click this tab, you’ll see offers in the ‘Eat’ and ‘Play’ categories which nearby businesses have submitted through Google Places.
  • My Offers: for those of us who occasionally misplace coupons or gloss over expiration dates, Google Shopper makes it easy to stay organized. When you come across an offer you like you can save it for later. Your saved and purchased offers appear on this tab and you can see which offers are close to expiring. To take advantage of an offer, just navigate to ‘My Offers,’ select the one you’d like, and click ‘Redeem’. In the future you’ll also be able to access and redeem your saved offers using Google Wallet.

Also interesting to note is the iOS and Android friendly look. Google hasn’t exactly been great at updating its iOS iterations of apps close to when it updates the Android version, but the design leads one to believe that they’ll be updating that one soon as well. What do you guys think? How many of you have used your phone for shopping? Did it help?

[via google mobile blog]

IDC reports 1st Qtr 2011 tablet market share, Lookout Apple: Android is catching up quickly

by Robert Nazarian on
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Back in March, I declared that Android would eventually dominate the tablet war, and most of the media continues to disagree with me. International Data Corporation (IDC) just released their figures for tablet market share for the 1st quarter 2011, and there is no question that the iPad continues to dominate, but IDC is reporting that Android now has a 34% market share.

Looking back at the end of the 3rd quarter 2010, the iPad had a 93% market share and Android was non existent. The Samsung Galaxy Tab was the only mainstream Android tablet for the 4th quarter 2010, and it was able to capture 17% of the market share for that period. Lets not forget that the Tab was never really meant to go after the iPad. The XOOM was the first major Android tablet (featuring Honeycomb) released, but it was released 2/3′s into the 1st quarter, and many analysts consider the XOOM a flop. The fact that Android was able to capture a 34% market share through the 1st quarter has to be concerning to Apple.

» Read the rest

Quick Look at Today’s Free Amazon App: Cozi Family Organizer Premium

by Adam Johnson on
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These days we are so busy in our family lives. We get up, make lunches, get the kids ready for school, take the infants to daycare, pick up grandpa and take him to the doctor, take our kids to the doctor, take ourselves to the doctor, go to PTA meeting, soccer games, family reunions, dance recitals, grocery shopping. Okay, okay…I know, you get the point. This is all just a portion of what family life can be like (I feel like i’m teaching a health ed class here).

What most of us could use in our busy lives is a way to help keep us organize. In walks Cozi Family Organizer Premium, an application that will assist any busy mom, dad, even kid in their day-to-day lives by collaborating todo lists, calendars, reminders and more. As developer Cozi puts it: “Get your ducks in a row”. This family organizer puts the entire family in sync. Hit the break for features and a link to the app.

» Read the rest

LG Optimus Pro shows up on Video, Optimus Net will replace the Optimus One [Video]

by Robert Nazarian on
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Yesterday we showed you the LG Optimus Pro which came out of nowhere. Today we have an “LG in the box” overview video to show you.

YouTube Preview Image

The following information was provided with the video (translated by Google Translate):

LG Optimus Pro smartphone combines a unique work requirements with those of connection and fun. With the QWERTY keyboard and compatibility with Exchange servers respond to emails quickly and always arrive on time for appointments, thanks to the quick access keys and the Office document reader. With a full touch screen and the potential of Android 2.3 can download thousands of useful applications, surf the Internet with Wi-Fi or HSDPA, use it as a GPS navigator and more. Two in a smartphone: brilliant!

Hit the break for full specs and info about the Optimus Net

» Read the rest