Augmented reality robots give hints of Verizon's intentions for its upcoming Droid release
Update: What looks to be the same D:Com game is showing up on Google Play, but doesn't seem to be compatible with any devices. We may be catching Verizon in the middle of a Play Store update.
Original: Verizon somewhat-mysteriously started using its @DroidLanding Twitter account once again to tease a new Droid device, and now the account is giving up more details on its campaign. The latest tweet states: "Incoming ::: Nationwide sightings of 50-ft mechanized wARriors under the command of civilians." and includes a link that takes you to a promotional Youtube video that reveals even more info.
The video, seen above, shows off some fancy Droid-like animations and sounds, but focuses on large AR (augmented reality) robots being placed in locations all around the country. At the end of the video, some branding information reveals the names "D:Com - Mission Alpha" and "Droid Combat". Some quick sleuthing shows that D:Com - Mission Alpha is currently an iOS-only AR game made by developer MunkyFun, which previously partnered with Verizon to make the "Droid Bionic ARena" game in 2011. Looking at the current iOS game reveals extremely similar robots as those seen in the Verizon promo video.
Licensing its technology will help the company expand its reach to even more devices and markets
NVIDIA announced in a blog post today that it will be breaking away from simply making its own GPUs and SoCs to now licensing its technology out to other manufacturers. The chip maker will kick things off by offering up its latest "Kepler" GPU architecture, which it says is the world's most advanced and efficient GPU and the reference design for its next-generation Tegra processors. Licensees will receive designs, collateral and support to integrate the Kepler GPU into their devices. Above and beyond hardware design, NVIDIA also plans to license its vast visual computing portfolio, which will open up to licensees the intellectual property necessary to make their own GPUs.
From its blog post, Executive Vice President David Shannon made a clear statement about NVIDIA's plans:
"But it’s not practical to build silicon or systems to address every part of the expanding market. Adopting a new business approach will allow us to address the universe of devices."
The June 18 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Incipio DualPro SHINE Hard Case for Samsung Galaxy S4. Featuring a high quality polycarbonate plastic exterior embedded in a shock absorbing silicone core, this case provides sturdy protection without sacrificing style. The material of the case doesn't affect reception and allows access to the screen, camera, ports and buttons of your device.
The Incipio DualPro SHINE Hard Case is available for just $20.00, 43% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping!
A clean and well-designed new client with a shortage of features but lots of potential
Twitter has been not-so-subtly placing restrictions on developers of third-party Twitter clients in recent months, drastically cutting down on the number of new options out there. But they haven't scared everyone away quite yet -- Hootie is a new client from developer Two Toasters that's a little rough around the edges but has a lot going for it. While it isn't likely to replace your main client of choice if you're a junkie for tweaks and settings, there's a lot here to love that will have us keeping our eye on it going forward.
Hang around after the break and learn a little more about Hootie, a new Twitter client that just hit Google Play.
Ready the hype machine, another Droid will make its way to Verizon
Inactive since the launch of the Droid RAZR in November of 2011, the @DroidLanding Twitter account sent out a tweet today indicating that we may be greeted by another "Droid" device from Verizon. In typical macho-robot-ridiculous fashion, the tweet reads:
"Reactivation protocols initiated ::: Systems nearing operational status ::: Stand by for further instructions...".
Huawei showed the gathered press a number of different videos during todays official unveiling of the new Ascend P6. While we hope you enjoyed the liveblog coverage, we appreciate that describing a video isn't quite the same as seeing it with you own eyes. So, here they are, all the videos that Huawei used to show off the Ascend P6. Enjoy.
Samsung and AT&T have made the Aurora Red version of the Galaxy S4 available today. The 16GB version is identical to the black and white versions, and will have the same 2GB of RAM, 1080p display and Snapdragon 600 under the glass. It's also priced the same, $200 with a new two-year contract or $640 if you buy it outright.
The Galaxy S4 is one of the years best selling phones, and has broken just about every sales record Samsung keeps track of. With 10 Million units sold in black or white, this is your chance to get your hands on one with a little more flair.
Low-end specs and a familiar design hit a great off-contract price point
Virgin Mobile has quietly announced that it will be carrying a new entry-level device, the Samsung Galaxy Ring, starting today for just $179 without a contract. In both design and specifications, the Galaxy Ring slots right in with other low-end Samsung handsets -- with a 4-inch 480x800 display, 1.4GHz single-core (MSM8655) processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of storage (with SDcard support), 1750mAh battery and 5MP/1.3MP cameras. On the software side, we're looking at Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with Samsung's software enhancements along with it. The Galaxy Ring is a 3G (CDMA)-only device, which you would expect at a price point like this.
Virgin offers the Galaxy Ring on any of its no-contract plans, which are very price competitive at $35, $45 or $55 for 300, 1200 or unlimited minutes, respectively, along with unlimited data. The Galaxy Ring is available starting today, and can be purchased online at the source link below.
Buying the latest Humble Bundle is easy, it's cheap, it's fun, and it helps some important causes.
The Humble Bundle is back, and with version six you're able to get up to seven great games for your Android device at one low price. It's a pay-what-you-like affair, and any amount will get you these five great games:
Aquaria
Fractal
Organ Trail: Director's Cut
Stealth Bastard Deluxe
Pulse (Android-only)
If you opt to pay more than the average payment, you also will unlock Frozen Synapse and Broken Sword: Director's Cut. Right now, the average payment is just $4.50, but that changes as more people pay (it's the average).
Have a look at the video, then head to the source link to grab the latest Humble Bundle. They accept PayPal, Amazon payments, Google Wallet and Bitcoin.
No matter how hard I try, I can't find a way to use three Nexus 4 phones. Maybe a radioactive spider will bite me one day and it will be possible, but for now I have one Nexus 4 too many. That means this little fellow has to find a new home.
Ideally, we're looking for someone who will love him forever and feed him every day (he likes Apples). If this sounds like you, apply by leaving a comment below. At midnight Pacific, I'll kill the comments and pick a winner. Good luck, and #HOLOYOLO.
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