Daily News Courier

SwiftKey 3 is updated to support Android Jelly Bean and fix several bugs

An update was pushed out by SwiftKey for its SwiftKey 3 Android keyboard that brings native support for Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and offers several improvements and bug fixes.

SwiftKey 3 is updated to support Android Jelly Bean and fix several bugs

An update was pushed out by SwiftKey for its SwiftKey 3 Android keyboard that brings native support for Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and offers several improvements and bug fixes.

Samsung to offer MHL cable adapter for Galaxy S III

A few weeks back we told you that the Galaxy S III would not be able to use the last-generation MHL to HDMI adapter cables because of hardware changes. Samsung has come forward with a much better solution than just telling you to buy a new cable, as they have built a 5-pin to 11-pin adapter that allows the old cable to work with the new phone. They also gave us a reason as to why the change was made — newer accessories will need the 11-pin configuration. 

Samsung Galaxy S® III uses an 11-pin micro USB input, which allows it to support MHL output and USB on-the-go input simultaneously – an improvement over 5-pin capability. This means that customers can take advantage of new functions for accessories that are not supported by a 5-pin micro USB connector, allowing a deeper convergence between the Galaxy S III smartphone and a HDTV.

To ease this transition and to allow for greater innovation with Samsung accessories, Samsung Mobile will offer a 5-pin to 11-pin MHL Cable Adapter that will allow the original Samsung HDTV Smart Adapter to function properly with U.S. models of the Galaxy S III, as well as future Samsung premium smartphones. In addition, Samsung is offering consumers the ability to purchase the new adapter separately, or to bundle it with the original HDTV Smart Adapter. Our goal in offering these MHL adapter solutions is to provide consumers with the newest accessory technology while ensuring the highest level of device compatibility.

The adapter is available now for $9.99 direct from Samsung, and they tell us they will also be offering a bundle with an old cable and an adapter, which should be perfect if you have an older Galaxy phone or tablet and need the 5-pin cable, for $39.99. We're not seeing that one up for sale just yet, but you can hit the link below to see the adapter.

HDTV 5 to 11 pin adapter TIP

Quantum Cryptography Outperformed By Classical Technique

The secrecy of a controversial new cryptographic technique is guaranteed, not by quantum mechanics, but by the laws of thermodynamics, say physicists

Quantum cryptography has had a bad couple of years. For a decade or so, we were promised the capability to send messages with absolute secrecy guaranteed by the laws of physics. At least in theory.

MirrorLink connects cars and smartphones for smarter driving, and the Samsung Galaxy S III will support it

Automotive companies have embraced the advantages of smartphone technology; however, it’s been a treacherous road to navigate. Carmakers like the idea of apps improving technology, but they aren’t too keen on encouraging drivers to be distracted.

The Car Connectivity Consortium, made up of various auto and electronic manufacturers, has joined together to establish an industry standard for certifying apps and devices that are both safe and useful for drivers. That standard is MirrorLink.

MirrorLink is a system that connects smartphones with in-car “infotainment” systems and select aftermarket stereos. Phones connect via USB cable, and the MirrorLink-enabled car or radio automatically detects that a dashboard of approved car apps should appear. Music, navigation, or other approved apps are then controllable by touchscreen or steering wheel controls.

MirrorLink-enabled car monitors mirror whatever is on the phone’s screen, so it becomes easier to control a music app or place calls via Bluetooth.

BSkyB preps ‘Sky Go’ app for ICS and more handsets, HDMI still no-go

Since its launch last year' the Sky Go application for Android has been available only for a handful of approved phones. And on top of this limitation, the app doesn't support Android 4.0, meaning even supported devices are out of luck once they're updated to the latest version of the OS. However, it seems Sky's preparing to open its on-demand TV service up a little more, with reports emerging today that ICS support is inbound, along with support for a couple of new Samsung devices.

UK tech blog TechRadar? reports that support for the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Nexus, as well as ICS updates for other phones already on the list (HTC Sensation and Samsung Galaxy S II) is "coming soon". Interestingly the site also reports that Sky's unable to offer the app on phones with HDMI output in order to avoid breaching its broadcasting contract.  That's somewhat odd, as many officially supported phones, including the Sensation and Galaxy S II, include MHL capability, which does exactly the same thing over a different connector.

In any case, it's good to see Sky (slowly) opening things up to more popular, and recent handsets. However, with new, high-end Android phones appearing all the time, we have to question whether the broadcaster will be able to keep pace with its certification process — the Sensation is already old news with the launch of the HTC One series, and the Galaxy S II is set to be succeeded in days by the Galaxy S3.

Source: TechRadar

HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE expected to launch with NFC capabilities

A Reddit user was recently able to spend some time testing out the HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE thanks to an unnamed HTC representative.

Galaxy Nexus, Viper and Optimus Elite now available on Sprint

Today sees the launch of three new smartphones on Sprint's network. First up is Google's current flagship device, the Galaxy Nexus. Sprint has the CDMA/LTE variant, which is very similar to the Verizon LTE version currently doing the rounds in the U.S. There's the same 720p HD SuperAMOLED display and 1.2GHz dual-core CPU that GNex owners have been enjoying since late 2011, and we're sure Sprint customers will be eager to get their hands on their very own version of the current Android flagship.

Next up is the LG Viper, an entry-level 4G LTE device for customers looking for a good all-round LTE smartphone. Inside you'll find a 1.2GHz processor along with NFC, Google Wallet and hotspot capability on top of a 4-inch WVGA NOVA display.

Finally, there's the Optimus Elite, which we got to play with just a few days ago at its launch event.  It's definitely an entry-level device, with a 3.5-inch HVGA display and 5MP camera. But if you're not looking for anything too fancy from you Android smartphone experience, you could definitely do a lot worse.

Hit the source link find out more on each of these new handsets.

Source: Sprint

Adobe Reader Gets Free eSignatures Capability with Update

Morning Routine is an alarm clock app that forces you out of bed [VIDEO]

Alarm clocks went the way of the dodo for most smartphone owners. However, that doesn’t mean users still don’t struggle to get up out of bed. Instead of pounding on an alarm clock and sleeping an extra 15 or 30 minutes, we pound on a touch screen and sleep an extra 15 or 30 minutes that we don’t have to spare.

Morning Routine is a clever Android app that doesn’t allow users to waste the morning in bed. A user could set it to a standard alarm with a snooze capability, but the app also features a mode that requires users scan a barcode before it will turn off. There have been many times where I have shut off my alarm and then laid in bed because I was awaked enough to stop the noise but not motivated to get up. This app prevents that because requiring that I scan a barcode means I have to get out of bed and search for a nearby CD, book, or other product and scan to turn it off. By then, I’m already out of bed and there’s no need to get up again.

People who are especially sleep-crazed can then launch an advanced “Sequence” that doesn’t settle for any old barcode. Instead, users have to set to a specific code – say orange juice in the fridge or a cereal box – and scan it before the alarm will cut off. Morning Routine can then be set to turn off the alarm, open a website, or trigger more warnings. A commuter who needs to be out of the house by 7:30 AM can set the app to start a reminder 17 minutes after breakfast that it’s time to leave.

Morning Routine is a free app that requires Android 1.6 or higher. Users must also install zing’s barcode scanner in order to use the app. Download it from Google Play and you can create multiple alarms to manage how you get up in the morning.

via Reddit

 

Comments

• Comments

Related Stories

• SmartShift Lockscreen automates lock screen profiles based on time, location, or events [App Reviews]
• Android Apps Alert #93: 5 great Android apps to download
• Fast Facebook is a beta app that’s already 2x as fast as Facebook for Android