Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 quick review

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 quick review

Samsung certainly wins the award for the most tablets released since late 2010. It’s pretty hard to keep track of all of them, but they have simplified things with the Tab and Note lines. The Galaxy Tab was introduced in late 2010 as the first Android tablet. It sported the 7-inch form factor, but the following year, they launched both 8.9 and 10.1 inch versions. Then last year, they launched the Galaxy Tab 2 in both 7-inch and 10.1-inch varieties.  For 2013, it’s now the Galaxy Tab 3, but the just like the Note line, they added a third size: 8-inches. This size is for those that think the 7-inch form factor is just a little too small and 10.1-inches is just too big. Priced at $299, it’s $70 higher than the Nexus 7 and it has lower specs. Of course specs isn’t everything as we learned from Motorola. Is the Galaxy Tab 3 worth your hard earned dollars or just another tablet that will be quickly forgotten? Hit the break to get started.

Design

As soon as you take the Galaxy Tab 3 out of the box, there is no mistaking it’s a Samsung product. It resembles a very large Galaxy S III, and it sports the usual Home button along with capacitive menu and back buttons. The only real difference is the faux chrome trim is bronze on the Gold Brown version (silver finish on the white version) and the camera lens moves to the back left corner. The feel is the usual glossy plastic that is synonymous with Samsung, but it’s lightweight and pretty thin. At 309.1 grams and 7.36mm thick, it’s a little heavier than the new Nexus 7, but much thinner (290 grams / 8.65mm). As far as size goes, it’s obviously bigger than the Nexus 7, but to give you a perspective, the Tab 8.0 is 8.26-inches by 4.87-inches and the new Nexus 7 is 7.9-inches by 4.5-inches. The 8-inch form factor experience is going to be different for everyone. For me, if I am going to get a tablet bigger than 7-inches, I would rather just go ahead an get a 10-incher rather than get something that is somewhat bulky.

As far as buttons and ports go, the top has the microphone jack. The right side has the power button towards the top and the volume rocker just below. At the center is the IR blaster. The bottom has the microUSB port and two stereo speakers (one to the right and the other to the left). The left side has the microSD slot just a little lower than the middle.

Hardware

The Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 features an 8-inch WXGA (1200 x 800) TFT display at 189 ppi, a 1.5GHz dual-core Exynos 4212 Dual SoC processor, a Mali 400MP GPU, 1.5GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, microSDXC slot for up to 64GB of expanded storage, 5MP rear camera, 1.3MP front-facing camera, and 4,450mAh battery, and IR blaster. It’s offered in WiFi only, 3G & WiFi, and 4G/LTE & WiFi models.

Performance

Motorola proved to everyone that you don’t need a quad-core and I would agree. A dual-core is going to allow your battery to last longer and most people won’t notice a difference in speed. It’s similar to PCs. How many people need a quad-core CPU in their desktops or laptops? The bottomline is that unless you plan on playing some really intense hardcore games, the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 will satisfy your needs. I’m not a benchmark fan, but I always run the AnTuTu. For this device it came in at 17,546, which isn’t too shabby.

The display isn’t going have a wow factor like the Nexus 7, but it does have a good color representation and large viewing angles. You would have to be a display nerd in order to have any complaints.

The speakers are stereo, but they are both placed at the bottom of the display. The 10.1-inch version sports a more stereo approach with one speaker on the left side and one to the right (in portrait mode). With the 8.0, you get sound on one side of the device (right side) when watching a video in landscape mode. The sound is good enough, but could have been much better with proper placement of the speakers.

Battery

Battery life wasn’t as good as I was expecting. In my usual rundown test in which I loop video with WiFi on, Bluetooth on (not connected), GPS on, and the display turned up to 2/3′s, I was able to get just about 7 hours. Granted, normal use won’t be playing videos all day, but it gives us a general guide. For everyday use, you can expect to get about 11 to 13 hours out of it.

Software

The Tab 3 8.0 features Android 4.2.2, which is just one tick under the latest, Android 4.3. As with any Samsung product other than a Google Edition, you will find TouchWiz as the main interface. However, there are some slight differences from the versions that you find on the phones. For example, the settings menu has a more tablet-friendly split screen. You won’t find features like Smart Pause or Air View, but you will find Smart Stay, Multi Window, S Voice and so on. The camera sports a similar interface as the Galaxy S 4, but you won’t find a lot of the features such as Eraser Mode, Animated Photos, or Dual Camera. You will find Sound & Shot however.

Since an IR blaster is onboard, you will find both the Peel Smart Remote and Samsung WatchOn app. The Galaxy S 4 has the WatchOn app only, so I’m not sure why Samsung included both, especially since WatchOn is based on Peel. Both apps allow you to control your home theater devices via IR, find out what’s on TV, and even get recommendations.

Camera

I don’t get into any major tests when it comes to tablet cameras. It’s there if you need it, but it should never be relied upon as your only camera. However, if you find yourself in a pinch. The Tab 3 should get the job done providing it isn’t too dark or there isn’t too much action in the shot.

Closing

Priced at $299, I am having a hard time coming up with a reason to buy the 8.0. Unless you really feel you need an extra inch, you would be better off spending $70 less on a new Nexus 7 or $100 less on the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0. I would opt for the Nexus 7 because it has a better design, display, and performance. However the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 has one advantage, and that’s a microSDXC slot for up to an additional 64GB. If you haven’t found your way to the cloud, you might go that route, but if you don’t need all that storage, grab the new Nexus 7 for $229/16GB or $269/32GB and enjoy.

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Source: talkandroid

Twitter Update for iOS Makes it Easier to Follow Conversations

Twitter

iOS App Update

Twitter launched a pretty significant update to the popular and free social networking application for iOS in the App Store Wednesday that makes it much easier to follow conversations that are happening in your timeline. The update brings the application up to version 5.10.

As shown above, conversations are now connected via a blue line when conversations occur between two or more people that you follow. This makes it easier to see what Tweets should be grouped together and gives you a much better feeling or organization in your Twitter feed.

In addition, the first comment to be involved in a conversation now shows at the top, while the replies to the comment now display under the initial comment in their proper order. Along with the blue leading lines, this also helps improve organization in your Twitter feed.

The improved conversation view feature is now rolling out to all users in the Web view of the application, as well as the application. You can view Twitter's release video below:



For a mobile-friendly video link that works with our app, tap on the video link below:

YouTube Video

The update also includes new notification settings and bud fixes to improve the stability of the application. We've noticed that it's more responsive in iOS 7 with this update.

Existing users of the application will find the update under the Updates tab in the App Store. Alternatively, you can Download the latest version of Twitter for iOS from this App Store link. Twitter for iOS is a universal application and offers a native interface for all iOS devices.

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Sources: App Store

Android Central Downloads - Download Android Applications, Wallpaper and Chrome Extentions

Download Android Applications, Wallpaper and Chrome Extentions

We've got a bunch of great ways to keep up with the latest from Android Central on your smartphone, tablet or computer — above and beyond visiting a web page in a browser.

Here's a look at our available downloads:

Android apps
We've got a trio of apps available, each serving a different purpose.


The Android Central App

The official app for the No. 1 Android community on the planet! This is your home to the latest news, reviews, opinions, editorial, podcasts — plus our podcasts, videos, access to our forums, wallpaper gallery and more! Installed by more than 100,000 Android fans!  Download at Google Play!

AC Forums App

If you're looking for a more dedicated Tapatalk experience for the Android Central Forums, this is the the app for you. Installed by nearly 100,000 AC Forums users, you get access to all our forums, private messages and contests.   Download at Google Play!

Google Currents Google announced its news magazine-style app in December 2011, and Android Central was graciously invited to be one of the launch-day partners. We've garnered nearly 1 million subscriptions, making us the largest Android site in the library.  Subscribe Now! Chrome extension If you're looking for a quick and easy way to check out the latest headlines for Android Central give our Chrome extension a shot. One click gets you the news. And one more click gets you a look at our various news sections. It's a great way to keep up with latest news from the greatest Android site around. Download it from the Chrome Web Store! Free Android wallpapers Our readers love Android wallpapers — and they love sharing their favorite wallpapers. That's why we created our reader-submitted wallpaper gallery. This is where you can find the coolest wallpapers as used by people who actually love wallpapers. New wallpapers are uploaded every day! Check out the wallpaper gallery! For more Best news, see right side and bottom of this page, popular posts. Source: androidcentral

Rovio Gives Us More Information About the Upcoming Angry Birds Go Game

Angry Birds Go Game

Rovio

Rovio teased an upcoming game dubbed Angry Birds Go! back in the middle of June. Little was known about the game, but the tease included a video that showed a bird being launched down a road.

Rovio Tuesday uncovered a little more about the game, saying that the development team has been working with several concepts for how they could make the Angry Birds series different. The developers have tested endless runner versions of the game, one of many, and Angry Birds Go! was their best idea to date. The game developer's video can be viewed below:

For a mobile-friendly video link that works with our app, tap on the video link below:

YouTube Video

Angry Birds Go! appears to be a kart racing type of game that will include the characters that we're all familiar with – Angry Birds and Bad Piggies. The rules of the game as well as the features that will be included are still unknown.

Rovio promises that more information will be available soon and that the game will launch some time in the future without an exact date in mind.

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Sources: Rovio

Yahoo Mail iOS app gets folder management, improved attachment handling

Download Yahoo Mail

Application for iOS

The struggling Internet giant Yahoo released its native Mail app for the iPhone last December, but it fell on deff ear.

Fourth months later, a revamped version with native iPad support has arrived and Yahoo has since enhanced the experience by adding a couple improvements, including the useful business-focused support for multiple personal and Business Mail accounts.

As part of the sweeping streamlining announced on its blog this morning, Yahoo has pushed an incremental update to its iPhone, iPod touch and iPad client, the new version now allowing you to open attachments in other apps and manage multiple folders with ease…

First things first, here’s the new flattened icon.

Yahoo Mail version 1.5.9 now supports the iOS-standard ‘Open In’ feature which opens an attachment in a user-specified third-party app, provided it’s able to crunch the file type at hand. For example, if you have Amazon’s Kindle app installed on your device, you could use it to open PDF files received as email attachments.

How?

Easy, just tap on the message in the main message list view, then tap on the share button, select ‘Open With’ and choose a desired third-party app in the system menu.

As for folder management, the app now lets you create, rename and delete mail folders by tapping ‘Edit’ next to the list of folders.

The updated software includes various bug fixes, including a fix for the sidebar showing up blank for certain users, especially folks whose devices are set to Arabic/Hebrew international preferences.

The app is optimized for the iPhone 5 and supports the iPhone 3GS/4/4S/5, fourth-gen iPod touch or later and iPads.

Download the universal Yahoo Mail app free from the App Store.

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Source: iDownloadBlog

Google Releases Chromecast App for iOS Letting You Setup and Manage Your Chromecast

Google Chromecast

Download App

Google has just released the Chromecast app for iOS that helps you easily manage and setup your Chromecast device.

Chromecast is the easiest way to enjoy online video and anything from the web on your TV. Plug it into any HDTV and control it with your existing smartphone, tablet, or laptop. No remotes required. Cast your favorites from YouTube, Netflix, Google Play Movies and Google Play Music and Chrome to your TV with the press of a button.

Use the Chromecast app to:

• Set up your Chromecast to work with your Wi-Fi network
• Manage your Chromecast settings (such as changing your device name, Wi-Fi password, etc.)

You can download Chromecast from the App Store for free.

Read More

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Source: iClarified

Join the pork side in Angry Birds Star Wars II clips starring Ian McDiarmid

Angry Birds Star Wars II Game

Angry Birds maker Rovio today posted two amusing videos pertaining to the upcomingAngry Birds Star Wars II, the first installment to its Star Wars-themed Angry Birds game that was released last November.

As a matter of fact, the company actually started teasing Angry Birds Star Wars II a little over two months ago and we know it’s due for release on September 19.

Keeping it on the fun side, Rovio invites you to “join the Pork Side” and play as the piggies. That’s right, Angry Birds Star Wars II will feature bird and pig versions. Exploring some of the more than thirty characters from the Star Wars universe to be featured in the game, these clips are voiced by actor Ian McDiarmid who played the legendary Emperorcharacter in the Star Wars movies…

Rovio wrote in a blog post it will be introducing fans to each and every character in a countdown to the app launch, no doubt trying to drum up publicity and earn free press. The first batch of character reveal gameplay videos are set to come next Monday, August 26, we’ve been told.



Here’s your behind the scenes look with Ian McDiarmid, who played The Emperor in theStar Wars movies. It’s fun watching him share a secret of how The Emperor’s throne caused a bunch of issues when shooting the original Star Wars movies.



Angry Birds Star Wars II is out on September 19 on iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices, costing 99 cents. Unlike before, this time around players will get a universal app for 99 cents, so it will work across your iPhone, iPod and iPad devices natively.

There will also be a free ad-supported version available on Google Play.

To learn more, check out the official website.

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Source: iDownloadBlog

Instagram buys Luma for its advanced video filters and stabilization tech

Instagram

In another indication it’s taking smartphone photography and videography seriously, Facebook-owned Instagram today bought a small Silicon Valley startup Luma, formerly known as Midnox.

The transaction represents Instagram’s first acquisition since joining Facebook’s fold in April 2012. The startup is behind Luma Camera, an iOS app designed to make it easy to record and share high-quality video.

This isn’t your typical acqui-hire: Instagram is both after Luma’s talented engineers and its advanced technology which makes possible real-time cinematic processing such as filters, effects and video stabilization. As you could imagine, the promising app got immediately pulled fom the App Store following the deal…

AllThingsD confirmed the deal with Facebook.

Luma warned it will be shutting down the service on December 31, 2013 and invited existing users to download their videos before the cut-off date.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed at post time.

Luma’s advanced video features are likely to be folded into the Instagram app as the team hopes “to see you on Instagram”. Even though Instagram can automatically stabilize shaky video, the app can only do so after you’ve finished taking it. According to a source that spoke to TechCrunch, Luma’s technology is already live in Instagram.

Luma’s tech supports changes to video brightness, contrast, saturation and exposure in real-time, as the video is playing at full resolution. It can also do on-the-fly changes to filters, with no post-processing or waiting of any kind. To get you a feel of how advanced their technology is, check out this video showcasing real-time color grading, courtesy of Luma’s Infinite Filter technology.

According to Luma, cinematic video stabilization taps advanced motion retargeting algorithms to not only remove handshake, but also ensure that users get the smoothest possible shot.

“We could talk for days about the technology and the science that goes into making this possible on a tiny device like the iPhone,” the startup wrote in a blog post.

Here, check out Luma tech in action.

A little backgrounder:

Everything you see in this video was shot completely handheld with Luma. The motion retargeting algorithm automatically figures out the ideal camera motion (whether it’s a stationary, panning, dolly, or steadicam shot that you’re after) and retargets the video to match that motion.No need for expensive tripods or bulky mounts. Simply tap record and let Luma do the rest. It’s cine-magic.

If your wondering how Luma got its name, your videographer friends could immediately tell you that luma, as implemented in video engineering, represents the brightness or the achromatic image and is usually combined with chrominance (the color information).

Facebook two months ago made a long-expected move in video by announcing the ability to capture and share recordings via Instagram. It enraged die-hard fans who complained about being subjected to bandwidth-hungry video clips appearing in their feed (auto-play for videos can be disabled in Instagram settings).

Instagram’s focus on video was inevitable given Twitter’s Vine and a bunch of other video sharing startups are constantly threatening to steal app time from Instagram.

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Source: iDownloadBlog

Download BlackBerry Messenger for iOS and Android User Guide

BlackBerry Messenger

Download User Guide

BlackBerry's BBM for iOS user guide has leaked online ahead of its release, reports BBNews. The Android user guide has also been leaked.

Among the features of BBM to other platforms, such as we find the ability to send text messages, location, photos and voice messages (though without being able to carry out normal conversation), changes in the status and profile picture, setting up and join the BBM groups (limited to 30 people) and inviting and being invited to speak on the basis of our e-mail address associated with BBM, number or generated QR code.

BlackBerry has promised the release of BBM for other platforms by the end of the summer. We will let you know as soon as it's available.

You can download the pdf user guides from here:
● iOS
● Android

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Source: iclarified & BBnews

Take the Talk Mobile Clouds survey for a chance to win a $100 Best Buy Gift Card!

win a $100 Best Buy Gift Card!

Talk Mobile State of Mobile Platforms Survey

We've wrapped up cloud week of Talk Mobile, and it's time to get the kind of stuff that the cloud lives for: numbers. As with previous weeks of Talk Mobile, we're running a survey so we can put together some of that data that we and the cloud simply adore. Week six of Talk Mobile 2013 was all about the cloud, how we use it, how it's scary, and our forecasts for the future of the cloud.

Here's the survey. It's a few dozen questions and shouldn't take more than a few minutes of your time. And because we know your time is just as if not more valuable than ours, here's an incentive: completing the survey enters you for a chance to win a $100 Best Buy gift card. Incentive? Bribery? A chance for $100 to spend on new gadgets? Your call, your answers. Hit the link below to take the survey!

Click here to take the Talk Mobile State of Mobile Platforms Survey!

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Source: androidcentral.com