Intel Announces 64-bit Android KitKat 4.4 and Other Chips and Partnerships

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Intel has had a very busy day in China recently, making numerous announcements during a conference there. Those announcements range from new chips to a media box, but where we come in is the Android KitKat 4.4 64 bit kernel. So let’s go ahead and take a look at everything they had to announce while in China on Wednesday.

The media box is from QVOD Technology, and is powered by Intel’s BayTrail processors. The media box will be coming out later this year, but it won’t be the only one that Intel has had a hand in developing. Kirk Skaugen, senior vice president at Intel also noted that they are working with Xiaomi to produce another media set-top box. Though the QVOD has a currently available Intel chip inside, that doesn’t mean that Intel isn’t working on new chips.

Currently, according to Skaugen, Intel is working on an SoC or System on a Chip. Intel has codenamed this Soc “Braswell” and it is to be a follow-up to a Bay Trail processor. Though it is expected to be a bit smaller, it is also expected to be more powerful. Braswell will surely add performance and efficiency to that of the Bay Trail line. The target market of the Braswell chips will be Chromebooks and cheaper desktop PCs as well. In addition to Braswell, Intel had a few other things they wanted to announce.

The Android KitKat 4.4 with a 64-bit kernel optimized for Intel Architecture. The goal here is to make things easier for developers on future devices. Intel was quoted saying, “With this release, the company ported, validated and tested the Android Open Source code on IA, taking on the work that developers typically would need to do on their own. This release will provide the ecosystem with 64-bit kernel support for development of next-generation devices.”

Intel’s general manager of their Mobile and Communications Group, Hermann Eul also announced some details about the company’s SoFIA chip project. SoFIA 3G is a dual chip SoC that is due to be released later this year. SoFia will also more than likely be seen on tablets and smartphones sometime around the end of this year, to next year. However Eul also talked about the moves they are making to become more present in China. Since China is becoming the largest PC market in the world. So to grow their presence there Intel is working on a new LTE platform that supports S-CDMA and TD-LTE.

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Rumor: Pantech Just Might Be The First To Release A Phone With Snapdragon 805

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The fabled Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 chipset. We have yet to see it in any handset to date, although there were many predictions about a few different smartphones being powered by the processor this year, yet they all came up short and have ended up being manufactured with other various chips from Qualcomm like the 801 or the 800. Of any flagship we might have expected to see it inside the Samsung Galaxy S5, but contrary to our hopes and beliefs, no snapdragon 805 chip. Even the HTC One m8 and Oppo Find 7 would have been likely candidates for the processor, or at least expected by consumers that follow the wireless tech industry. Surprisingly, Pantech who is another Korean manufacturer(although less known when compared to Samsung and LG)just might be the first OEM to land a smartphone on the market that has the chipset inside.

The rumors that are circulating state that Pantech’s Vega Iron 2 could be the first device to actually be powered by the processor, but those rumors also state that the phone might only be launched in Pantech’s home market of Korea. There are reportedly four different models of the device expected to launch, one of which also stands a good chance at being an unlocked phone, which points to the possibility of releasing the device in other regions, and that Pantech may not be looking to just keep this device close to home. The Snapdragon 805 processor is comprise of a quad-core CPU that is clocked at 2.5 GHz, and covering the graphics portion of the processors job is an Adreno 420 graphics chip.

The Pantech Vega Iron 2 is actually a fairly decent looking device, and we certainly hope that one will be made available to purchase for those of us that live in the US. Accompanying the rumored Snapdragon 805 chip, could be a 5.-inch display with 1080p resolution and a 13MP rear camera, and a 3MP front facing camera. The processor is just one piece to the puzzle for performance, as the other half is handled by RAM, which the Vega Iron 2 is said to have 2GB for use. Storage wise we could be looking at both 32GB and 64GB models, LTE support and a 2,800 mAh battery to keep your device powered up. If Pantech releases this phone with the Snapdragon 805 before any other OEM, we have to wonder who will be the next manufacturer to do so.

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Featured Review: RAVPower RP-WCN12 Qi Wireless Charging Puck

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I’ve used some great wireless chargers in the past, and I’ve used some so that are not so hot. The RAVPower RP-WCN12 is different in its form, even though it functions the same as other Qi wireless chargers. It’s shaped like a hockey puck. As a hockey fan, I was immediately drawn to it. But how does it stack up in a world full of Qi wireless chargers?

RAVPower did a fine job with the packaging. When you first slide open the RP-WCN12 box, you noticed that the device itself is nestled in soft foam padding. It’s snug so you know that the unit was safe in transit. Removing the charging puck, we find a manual and a wall adapter. I was pleasantly surprised to find that RAVPower includes a charging adapter. Quite a few companies are failing to include this crucial piece of the puzzle. I guess they assume you have plenty of wall chargers lying around. Something that was noticeably missing was a micro USB charging cable, but we’ll get into that in a little bit.

The circular puck itself is small, at only 7cm in diameter. This form factor is perfect for travel or just keeping out of sight until you need it. I have a Qi wireless charging plate from another company that is fine on my nightstand, but it’s a bit big to leave out on the counter or shelf. It’s certainly easier to tuck the RP-WCN12 into a backpack or travel bag when you’re on the go. The micro USB cable that I thought was missing is actually attached to the unit itself. It wraps around the outside of the charger and the USB plug tucks into a slot on the bottom. Again, this makes the charger very easy to store and travel with. The downside to having the charging cable hardwired to the unit is that if the cable goes bad, you’ll have to replace the whole device. This wireless charger seems well built, but we all know how finicky these cables can be sometimes.

As for actual performance, the RP-WCN12 was just as good as any wireless charger I’ve used. The top of the unit has a rubber ring on it, preventing your device from sliding off while charging. Two things I absolutely loved were the sound and light indicators. When you first place your device on the charger, it will beep once the coils are lined up properly. This is a genius way to let you know that your device is properly charging. RAVPower backs this up with a light that glows red when the unit isn’t charging your device, and flashes red and green when it is charging. This flashing light was a bit annoying at night when I was trying to go to sleep, but it’s one of the few times that I’ve used a Qi wireless charger and been absolutely sure that the charging coils were lined up properly. Sometimes there can be a question. I like having that extra piece of mind.

The RAVPower RP-WCN12 suffers from the same slow charging issue that all wireless chargers seem to struggle with. It has a 1A output, which when compared to a newer 2A wired charger, seems like it takes a really long time to charge your device. This is a limitation of the Qi wireless charging standard, and it’s something you’ll want to keep in mind when you step into the world of wireless charging. It’s not a fault of RAVPower or the RP-WCN12.

Overall, this is a great wireless charger. It may be too small for use with a larger device like a tablet, but it’s perfect for use with your smartphone. It’s also easy to stow and easy to take with you when you’re on the go. I do wish that the charging cable were detachable, however. A simple micro USB port on the side of the puck would enable you to easily replace the cable if it ever goes bad. I really like that RAVPower includes a wall adapter with the RP-WCN12, and I love the sound and LED charging indicators. This is well worth the $29.99 you’ll spend for it on Amazon. Go get one.

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Google Continues Midweek App Updates With Google Play Newsstand

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If you use Play Newsstand to read just about all your news and magazines you might love the update that Google is steadily pushing out. Middle of the week is usually when we expect Google to send out any sort of updates that they have ready for their core apps, and Google Keep was already updated earlier. Google Play Newsstand seems to be the third app on the list today with Google Play Movies also getting an update, and with this new update it brings a list of new and useful features as well as optimizations and enhancements/improvements, or whatever you want to call them. We’ll start with the obvious improvement which is bug fixes. Just like any new update to any Google core app, or really any app for that matter, tweaks and enhancements to has out known bugs is something you can always expect, and it’s always appreciated.

Moving along, this new update brings Google Play Newsstand forward to version 3.2.0, and you can now view headlines on your home screen with the Play Newsstand widget, as well as scan for headlines more quickly now with the new mini cards option, which makes the cards smaller, and is accessible by going into menu/mini cards. You can also now organize magazine issues by publication date when that specific publication allows, and translate news sources instantly, so there’s no more waiting period if you want or need to read your news or magazines in another language. The update also throws in support for RTL languages.

Among the those changes Play Newsstand has also consolidated a couple things within the menu that you access by swiping inward from the left edge. My library now encompasses both the my news and my magazine into one easy, more manageable section, and the main page when you open the app known as the Read now tab has everything split off into relevant categories across the top bar which you can move between by swiping either left or right. Other than that there really isn’t anything else to tell in terms of changes. The app seems to work nicely, and we’re particularly fond of the mini cards feature. Do you find yourself using Play Newsstand and now with these changes will you use it more often?

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Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 10.1 Review

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Gameloft Optimizes Three Games For Amazon Fire TV At Launch, More On The Way

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The Amazon streaming device has been officially outed. They announced this morning that Amazon Fire TV will be their new streaming TV product that we have heard about for months. And that Bluetooth game controller that we’ve been seeing images of all over the web? Yeah it’s for Amazon Fire TV too. The reason being is because Amazon Fire TV will be optimized for gaming as well streaming media like TV shows, movies, and other video. So far we have learned about at least one game built completely from the ground up for Amazon Fire TV specifically, called Sev Zero which is developed by Amazon Game Studios and brought to our attention by the fine gents over at Android Spin. What about games that already exist though? Not to worry, because existing games will end up getting optimized as well, and Gameloft is leading the way with some of their existing games.

Gameloft has just announced today that they will be optimizing some of their games for play on Amazon Fire TV, and of the games they have that already exist for Android and other platforms, three have already been optimized for play on Amazon Fire TV at launch. Their popular FPS title Modern Combat 4 is one of those games, so if you are looking to pick up an Amazon Fire TV streaming box and haven’t yet had the chance to play Modern Combat 4 on the big screen by any other means, now will be your chance. Along With Modern Combat 4, Gameloft has also optimized Despicable Me: Minion Rush, a cheeky endless runner style game that lets you play as the adorable and hilarious little minions from the Despicable Me films, and of course one of their biggest titles to date, Asphalt 8 which is the newest in their popular Asphalt franchise of racing titles.

Gameloft has pointed out that Asphalt 8 was specifically demoed off on Amazon Fire TV at the event this morning to display just how much the game has been enhanced for the big screen and really show off the game’s amazing graphics. The game already looks great on tablets and smartphones, so it’s good to know that Gameloft was able to bring that same striking visual quality to a larger screen that you can play from the comfort of your couch with a traditional controller. The Amazon Fire is available for order starting today, and the quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM really drive home that it can serve as a great way to play games and not just movies.

Amazon Fire TV

Amazon Fire Game Controller

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Google Is Beta Testing Chrome Remote Desktop App For Android

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There are plenty of remote desktop clients on android, and there are a few really great ones that allow for tons of uses and include many features. Even though we have yet to see something from Google in this particular category, according to a reader of Droid Life, Google has began beta testing their new Chrome Remote Desktop app for android this week. The beta test apparently went live just a few days ago, and the anonymous reader was given access to the app during testing of its beta period. Like many remote desktop client apps already out there, its main function is to provide you fast access to your desktop PCs when you’re away from home or just don’t want to leave the other room, and it sounds like that’s exactly what this app will aim to do.

As of right now the app is only accessible through an invite only basis. So those of you who were excited to try this out will just have to wait a little while like the rest of us to get our hands on it and try things out. As we understand it, the beta invites only went out to those who showed some interest in signing up for the beta to try out the app, which is how this reader was able to get the app installed on their device. Connecting to the computer of your choice is as simple as downloading and installing the chrome remote desktop app from the chrome web store, and the android app version on your device, then proceeding to select the desktop you wish to access remotely from within the android app. This is Google after all so security is a must have, and you can expect the option of a PIN requirement to be input before access is given as depicted in the image below.

For right now there isn’t a lot of details about what other features the app will have in the future if any, or if it will continue to look the same once it has reached completion and gets rolled out for everyone. We have no idea exactly how long the beta will last but you can bet we’ll update you as soon as the app is open to all.

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