Jordan Kahn

Google just announced that the XE8 update is rolling out to Google Glass users and with it comes a new controls for video playback, a ton of new voice commands, and several new Google Now cards.

When it comes to voice commands, Google is adding integration with Path and Evernote and says similar integration is coming soon for other third-party apps:

You can now update your Path feed by saying “ok glass, post an update.” Similarly, sending a note to Evernote is as easy as saying “ok glass, take a note.” To see the new voice actions in your voice action menu, you’ll need Path and Evernote Glassware turned on from the MyGlass Android app or website. This is just the beginning. More Glassware will support these and new voice actions over time.

Another new voice related feature is the ability to add a caption to a photo or video by using the “ok glass, add caption” command. Other new voice commands provide hands-free navigation with commands to show route overview, hide route overview, and stop directions, while Google noted the release also includes “more fluid voice commands” in general:
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Last month a report from often reliable sources claimed that Sony was readying a new Carl Zeiss camera lens with a 20.2 MP sensor that would attach onto a smartphone and connect over WiFi or NFC. Today, SonyAlphaRumors is back with more details on the new products and this time has high-quality images of the upcoming “Lens-camera” accessory with what appear to be leaked press shots.

What you see on these images are the DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100 lenses. Actually these are not normal lenses! They have built-in sensor, Bionz processor, Wifi/NFC wireless connection and SD card slot. These lenses have no LCD screen and no usual camera controls. You will be able to control them through your smart phone or tablet.

The report claims that Sony will be launching two models “soon”, one with a RX100MII sensor and Zeiss lens, and another that features a “10xzoom lens with 1/2,3 inch 18 megapixel CMOS sensor” (pictured in the image with the f/3,3-5.9 lens). It also says the camera lens will be available for both Android and iOS devices. 

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According to a new report from Geek.com, Google will be dropping Samsung and picking ASUS to manufacture the next-gen Nexus 10. The site has correctly reported on a few product releases in the past, but today’s report goes against what we heard earlier straight from Google’s own Sundar Pichai. 
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According to a new report from GameInformer, sources have informed the publication that Amazon is working on a new Android-based gaming console that could land as early as the end of this year. There’s not much to go on other than the fact that the console is said to have its own dedicated hardware controller and take advantage of content already available through the Amazon Appstore. The news follows a report from Bloomberg in April that claimed Amazon is planning to release a set-top-box to compete with Apple and Google.

According to those we spoke with who have knowledge of the in-development hardware, Amazon will be leveraging the titles already available on its platform. Each day, the company offers one productivity or game app for free and stocks a healthy library for its own devices, like the Kindle Fire. The console will also have its own, dedicated controller.

The two reports could very well be describing the same product, and VentureBeat adds that it has heard similar rumors but nothing solid enough to post prior to the GameInformer story. It’s also worth noting that Amazon has continued to hire game developers for its recently launched Amazon Game Studios, which published its first mobile title on iOS and Android last year.

Of course an Android console from Amazon makes us think of the $99 OUYA and the upcoming GamePop consoles, but whether it will be a full-fledged Apple/Google TV competitor or a dedicated gaming system is still unclear. GameInformer says the Amazon Android console will launch “most likely by Black Friday.” 
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Google announced back in July during its Google I/O keynote that it would be rolling out textbooks to Google Play Books sometime in August and today the AndroidPolice notes listings for textbooks have arrived in the store. The textbooks get their own section in the Google Play Books store, and are currently only available to users in the US.

Google’s new textbooks are available to purchase, but some titles will offer a rental option that allows users to rent the book for a lower-cost over a six month period. Google is also providing free samples for the new textbooks. The service is currently available through the Google Play Books apps on Android, iOS, and on the web.

Google is also piloting a new Google Play for Education service and accepting app submissions ahead of a full roll out.

New images that have made their way to Chinese-language forum Digi-Wo (via XperiaBlog) show what could be an upcoming Sony smartphone to be unveiled during IFA next month in Berlin. All of the big smartphone makers will be showing off their latest devices during the IFA trade show next month– including Samsung— so it’s not much of a surprise that Sony too will be hosting a press event on September 4th during the press days leading up to the show. Some are speculating that this could very well be our first official glimpse at the Xperia i1, codenamed “Honami”, that’s expected to arrive with a 5-inch display, 20-megapixel rear camera, and Snapdragon 800 processor as one of Sony’s new flagship devices. There’s not much to go on yet, but we’ll be in Berlin next month to bring you all the official details live from the Sony event.

As expected, LG execs are on stage today to officially unveil the company’s brand new LG G2 flagship smartphone. It also announced that the device would be coming to all four of the major US carriers, which we assume means it will soon be landing on AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint.

The company spent a lot of time talking about the design of the device, which includes a unique power/volume rocker that is placed on the back of the device directly under the rear-facing camera. LG’s design team placed the rocker on the back because the majority of people hold their phones with an index finger right on the back of the device where the new button is. The rear button, which happens to be the only hardware button on the entire phone, will also allow users to launch the quick memo app and snap photos. LG says it thinks the device’s 5.2-inch display is the largest a smartphone can be while still being comfortable to grip with one hand, while noting that touch sensor enhancements provide an ultra thin bezel at just 0.1-inch.

As far as specs go, the device will have a 5.2-inch full-HD display, 13-megapixel rear camera, 2GB of RAM, microSD slot, a 3000mAh battery, on-screen navigation keys, and Android 4.2.2 with LG’s custom skin. Qualcomm’s execs also took the stage briefly, noting that the G2 is the “world’s first worldwide-launching smartphone with the Snapdragon 800 processor.”

Update: It looks like a previously leaked manual showing a removable battery will be for a Korean version of the device.

When it comes to software, a new feature called “Answer Me” will allow users to automatically answer calls by holding the phone up to their head (as opposed to having to press a button.) Another software feature, “Plug and Pop”, will provide quick access to apps when a user plugs in a headset, and a new “Text Link” feature lets users quickly launch calendar or maps form directly in a text message. Lastly, a brand new “Guest Mode” will let you share your device with others while keeping sensitive information from prying eyes with customized access to certain apps and features.

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Following a report last week from IDC on smartphone market share by vendor, the research firm is out today with its report covering market share by operating system. Much like Apple’s growth had slowed on the hardware front with its second-lowest year-over-year growth rate for the iPhone in nearly four years, IDC reports that Apple is losing share to Android and Windows Phone when looking at the market by operating system.

During Q2 2013, IDC says that Apple posted a year-over-year decline dropping from 16.6% with 26 million iPhones shipped in Q2 of last year, to 13.2% of the market with 31.2 million iPhones shipped in Q1 of this year. The loss in market share is of course attributed to the lack of new product launches during the three month period, as was the case with IDC’s report on tablet market share earlier this week. But it’s also losing ground to both Android and Windows Phone, both of which increased market share and shipments year-over-year during Q2:
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Google announced today on the official search blog that it is rolling out a new feature in search results that will help users to easier find in-depth articles on a varying number of topics. While Google has been working over the last year to include more quick answers and information directly in search results, it estimates that around 10% of its users are instead looking for in-depth information for queries. Starting over the next few days, users will now see a selection of in-depth articles in a new section for certain search topics (as pictured above):

If you care about censorship, you’ll find a thought-provoking article by Salman Rushdie in The New Yorker, a piece by our very own Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen in the Guardian, and another greatarticle about Iran. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, search for [lego], you’ll find great in-depth articles about many different facets of the topic from gender to engineering to art. For some more examples, check out new search results for population growth, capital punishment and e-waste.

Google says that the new section will include articles from well-known publishers, lesser-known publications and blogs.

The company has a help page here for publications interested in optimizing their site for the new feature, and also outlines restricted content including some subscription-based access websites that don’t offer “first click free” access to new readers.

AndroidCentral is reporting that the image above has leaked from Verizon’s inventory system showing an August 23rd release date for the recently announced Moto X. Motorola never mentioned specific availability beyond “late August/early September”, but today’s leak lines up with a previously leaked roadmap for the carrier that also pegged the Moto X for an August 23rd street date. No word on availability for other carriers yet, but we know the $199, 4.7-inch device will be landing on the majority of major US carriers, as well as in Canada and Latin America, by early next month.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDjdd6WO7So

Update: Samsung confirmed our original report about the replacement program in a statement.

Following reports of complaints from AT&T customers that their new Samsung Galaxy S4 Active was experiencing water damage, a tipster claims the carrier will soon start a replacement program for the device.

When Samsung first introduced its Galaxy S4 Active back in June, we were quite impressed with its ability to protect against water damage for up to 30 minutes submerged at a depth of up to one meter. The IP67 certified water and dustproof device eventually made its way to AT&T, and recent reports claimed customers were having some issues replacing Galaxy S4 Active units experiencing water damage. Samsung’s standard hardware warranty doesn’t cover “exposure to liquid, moisture” or dampness, which is clearly a big omission for a device that comes with an Aqua Mode for underwater photography.

The one time exchange program will be in addition to the device’s standard warranty and users will only be able to exchange for a new Galaxy S4 Active. AT&T employees are being told to replace the device “even if the Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI) is tripped within the first year of ownership.” AT&T is listing the problem as a “defective equipment” issue and will only be honoring the offer for Galaxy S4 Actives purchased through its own retail channels. That means devices purchased through BestBuy, RadioShack or other retailers will not be eligible for the replacement program.

The information was available to AT&T employees as of yesterday, but it’s not clear if the carrier has already started offering the replacements to customers. Following earlier reports that warranties might not cover the water damage, it’s nice to know AT&T plans on replacing defective units. 
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