Build your own arcade cabinet around Android

Yesterday we reported on an example of someone using a Google Nexus 7 tablet for an in-car entertainment system. Today we have another example of using an Android powered device for a purpose other than as originally designed. This time the tablet is used as the focal point for a homemade arcade cabinet. Readers who grew up in the age of arcades will certainly appreciate the sense of nostalgia of playing a video game on such a piece of “hardware.”

Specific instructions on how to build the actual cabinet were not provided. What we can tell from a couple videos from the creator is that the cabinet itself is only made from around half a dozen pieces and a bunch of stickers to dress it up. Assembly only takes about an afternoon’s worth of time.

The video action is made available using a Lenovo K1 tablet running Mame4Droid. This connects to a Wii Tatsunoko Vs Capcom controller via Bluetooth. The builder’s video shows examples of about 30 games on the device in both portrait and landscape modes.

Enterprising readers who have been struck by an urge to do something similar have a few days to put together plans, assemble a parts list, and make a run to the store, before putting it together this weekend. If you do so, be sure to let us know!

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Music streaming Spotify app now available for Amazon’s Kindle Fire

The music streaming service Spotify has released a version dedicated to Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Spotify is a streaming music service that gives you access to millions of songs and will be welcomed to the popular 7-inch tablet. You can pay a fee of $9.99 to access its premium features such as being able to listen to music with out the need of an internet connection. Other features include:
Access to millions of songsListen offline – no Internet connection required (Spotify Premium members only)Share music with your friendsCreate and sync playlistsSend the music you’re enjoying to Last.fm & Facebook
The actual app download is free so go on and head over to the source link if you’re interested!

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Google Nexus 7 morphed into ultimate in-car entertainment system

Lots of people have a love of both automobiles and a love of music. The two seem to go hand in hand. The popularity of the combination drives people to all sorts of attempts to build the ultimate car stereo system. In recent years, a new factor in the equation has emerged – the use of smartphones and tablets to serve as the nerve center for an in-car entertainment system. SonicElectronix recently completed a build for a Dodge RAM that incorporates a Google Nexus 7 tablet into the dash for this purpose.

SonicElectronix has connected the Nexus 7 tablet to an Audison bit one controller that drives the audio equipment. By using the Nexus 7 tablet, you can use the Android interface and apps like Google Music to navigate to the music you want to hear with a few finger flicks on the screen. If streaming music is more to your liking than what is in your library, you can access apps like Pandora or Spotify. More than music is available by using a tablet like the Nexus 7 for the interface. The Google Maps app can be used as a navigation unit. Passengers can use the tablet to watch videos or play games.

Check out the video below to see how the Nexus 7 tablet works as an in-car entertainment system. After you see how flexible and powerful this solution is, you too may want to start hacking up your vehicle’s interior to squeeze a 7? Android powered tablet in there.

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Share your photos and videos through Wi-Fi via Wi-Fi Shoot

 

Sharing pictures and videos is something everyone does on a daily basis. Finding a way to do that in a simple and quick manner is always welcomed and sought after. Wi-Fi Shoot is an app that can connect two Wi-Fi Direct-compatible devices together to share photos and videos. The app is fairly simple to use, once the two devices are paired, a tap of a button is all that’s needed to pass the picture or video along.

I love apps that makes tasks simpler and faster to achieve. While this app works great thus far, keep in mind that it is still in beta phase and still has bugs that the developer has to work on. Thus far, the app only works on local media, so you won’t be able to share any cloud-based photos or videos. Wi-Fi Shoot only works with devices that have Android 4.0 and up and is available in the Google Play Market for free. Hit up the break for a download link and a video showcasing the app!

Google Play Download Link

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Toshiba Thrive Gets Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich Ahead of Schedule

The original Toshiba Thrive 10-inch tablet was expected to get an update to Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich sometime this fall, but a tasty surprise showed up today for Thrive owners. A post on Toshiba’s Thrive forums confirms that ICS is indeed now rolling out, significantly ahead of schedule. Even though Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is the flavor of the month, it’s nice to see Toshiba pushing forward quicker than expected.

Not much of a changelog was posted:

Release 4.0.4 Highlights:

• Improved video and audio performance
• Improved camera functions
• Improved signal strength and connectivity

If you own a Thrive, check for the over-the-air update on your tablet by tapping Apps
, Service Station, then Check for Updates and let us know how it goes!

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Motorola And Verizon Send Out Questionaires To Select Verizon FIOS Customers, Tries To Gauge Feedback Of New Toy On The Way

It’s no secret that Verizon has major intentions to bring its FIOS service to Android devices. We first had a glimpse of this notion when Verizon announced its FIOS app for smartphones and tablets. Then we saw the always Verizon-friendly brand Motorola try to sneak out an Android TV tablet for TV rooms. Now there is actual proof indicating a WiFi-only tablet is on the way for Verizon FIOS subscribers. Apparently FIOS subscribers were sent a survey recently which sought some opinions and feedback of a new device which “may be available in the future”.  This device will feature Android 2.3 (sighs)– while allowing users to run a full assortment of apps and of course the ability to stream certain channels. All in all, all signs point to the Corvair finally becoming a reality.

Of course Motorola and Verizon are still trying to see how people feel about the device and whether it’s necessary or not. My guess is that many (if not all) subscribers wouldn’t mind having a new toy to play with. Let’s hope we see this thing sooner than later.

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Official Nexus 7 Cover Now Available in the Google Play Store

We’ve been keeping an eye out for the official Nexus 7 cover to become available in the Google Play store and today they finally landed. Only available in dark grey, a new case for your N7 is going to set you back just over $30 depending on your local tax. This includes $19.99 for the unit, $9.99 for 2-day shipping, and a few bucks for uncle Sam. It seems a little pricey after all is said and done but it could very well be worth it to have some custom fitting protection. We will get ours in a few days so stay tuned for some feedback. Heck, if a few of you are interested, I could even throw a quick video together showing you how it looks/works on the tablet. In the meantime, if you already know you want one, hit up the source link below.

Source: Google Play

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Apple iPad Outsells Android Tablets 2 To 1

As the Android platform continues to grow in consumer’s eyes, so does the number of devices out there such as tablets. According to Strategy Analytics, Android tablets achieved an estimated 7.3 million sales for Q2 2012, which brings it to a market share of 29.3 percent and helps the platform to maintain its position as the 2nd leading type of tablet in the market. The first? Apple’s iPad which achieved 17 million sales for the quarter and gained a market share of 68.3 percent. Analyst Neil Mawston offered some insights on the iPad’s dominance over Android tablets:

“Despite high expectations for companies like Amazon, Samsung, Acer and Asus, the Android community has yet to make a serious dent in Apple’s dominance of the tablet market. Unspectacular hardware designs, limited uptake of cellular models and a modest number of tablet-optimized services have been among some of the main reasons for Android’s mixed performance so far.”
While it’s exciting to see the growth of Android tablets, it’s insights like the one above that demonstrate Android tablets have a whole lot of catching up to do.

Source: Electronista

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Apple gets a stay on publicly admitting that Samsung didn’t copy the iPad

Remember last week when we told you that UK judge Colin Birss ordered Apple to post on their UK website that Samsung didn’t copy the iPad? I knew it had to be too good to be true because just like that Apple was granted a stay. Apple was not only supposed to post this on their website for a period of six months, but also had to advertise it in British newspapers and magazines. Apple argued that they didn’t want to advertise for Samsung and the stay was granted.
What does this mean? Well it doesn’t mean that Apple is out of the water, but they won’t have to do anything till at least October when the appeal will be heard. I will be shocked if Judge Colin Birss’ earlier decision holds up, but am hopeful.

Source: businessweek

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ASUS updating Padfone to Android 4.0.4; Improved camera software and bug fixes

ASUS has updated their Padfone to software version 9.20.1.22. While it doesn’t bring the device to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, it does bring it to Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. The update brings several bug fixes and optimizations in the power consumption and camera department.  Support for 64GB SD cards will also implemented along with a new Super Note function with handwriting recognition.
ASUS will be pushing the update via OTA, although you can also pull the update directly from the ASUS’ website. If you own a Padfone and wish to update it yourself, then head over to the source link!

source: ASUS

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Amazon Kindle Fire To Be Reduced To $169 After Kindle Fire 2 Launches?

This is hardly a surprise, but DealNews is reporting that Amazon’s Kindle Fire will experience a price drop to $169 after the new Kindle Fire 2 launches later this year. Amazon has a history of keeping older kindles around, at lower price points, when newer ones are released. According to DealNews, the Kindle Fire 2 will slide into the $199 price point.
This tactic is similar to how Apple positions its older iPads and iPhones when new versions come out. The strategy allows one manufacturer to cover multiple price levels, increasing their potential audience.
Of course, Amazon is now forced to compete with Google’s popular Nexus 7 tablet, which is leaps and bounds ahead of the original Kindle Fire spec-wise but still costs just $199. Sales forecasts for the original Fire have already been cut due to the Nexus 7′s success. Reducing the original Fire to $169 and launching the Fire 2 at $199 would essentially allow Amazon to compete with the Nexus 7 on two fronts.
Looks like the era of low-cost and genuinely usable tablets is here, folks. This is the kind of competition that helps drive innovation. Even big bully and litigious Apple will be getting in the smaller tablet game with their rumored iPad Mini, but I doubt theirs will be under two bills.

Source: dealnews

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Motorola Xoom Wi-Fi Soak Test To Begin Tonight: Jelly Bean Incoming?

We already knew about the upcoming Motorola Xoom soak test and now we have confirmation that it will begin very soon… possibly as soon as tonight. Members of the Motorola Feedback Network are receiving emails that pretty much state that it’s coming any time now. Though the email does not specifically state this is the Jelly Bean update, our sources tell us that it is. Of course, that should not be a surprise to anyone considering the Xoom is pretty much a Nexus device (without the Nexus name) getting updates directly from Google.

Source: Android

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Could the Galaxy Note II sport a 1.6Ghz quad-core Exynos processor?

What exactly is the Samsung GT-N7100? I’ll tell you what we know. We know that it has a Exynos 4412 processor with Mali 400 graphics, we also know that the screen resolution is 1280 x 720 with a 16:9 aspect ratio and finally we know that the device is currently running Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. The reason we know all of this is that a device labelled GT-N7100 has appeared on GLBenchmark listing the aforementioned specifications.
So why do we think the GT-N7100 could be the Galaxy Note II? The first reason is that the GT-N7000 is the original Galaxy Note so following typical Samsung numbering, the GT7100 would suggest the follow up device. Still not convinced? The new aspect ratio points to a screen size greater than 5.5″. Perhaps we’ve taken 2 + 2 and come out with 5 however I believe the GT-N7100 will indeed turn out to be the Galaxy Note II.
Keep tuned in to TalkAndroid as we bring you updates on the Galaxy Note II as they break.

Source: TalkAndroid

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Google giving out multiple $25 credits for Play Store to new Nexus 7 owners

As users with Google’s new Nexus 7 tablet are figuring out, when setting up the device to access the Play Store, Google is providing a $25 credit for registering. But the good times don’t stop there. If you do a factory reset of the device and register a new account, including providing valid credit card information, an additional $25 credit will be issued by Google.

It is unclear as to whether this is really what Google intended to occur and may be questionable, though not unprecedented, behavior. In any case, if you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, you may want to do so as soon as possible in case Google makes a change.

Source: TalkAndroid

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Another $199 Quad-Core Tegra 3 Android Tablet… But The Nabi 2 Is For Kids

Looks like Google’s Nexus 7 isn’t the only $199 Tegra 3 quad-core 7-inch Android tablet. Fuhu Inc., makers of the kids nabi tablet, has now come out with the nabi 2 with some pretty decent specs.

• 7-inch 1024×600 touchscreen
• 1.3GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 A9 Quad-Core Mobile processor
• 8GB of storage memory
• microSD slot
• Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich
• 2MP front camera (720p video capture)
• microUSB port
• miniHDMI port
• 4,000mAh battery

Not too shabby, especially for a tablet made specifically for children from pre-K to 5th grade. The nabi 2 comes pre-installed with educational and child-centric entertainment apps, such as Spinlets+ Music (over 19 million kid-friendly songs), and Spinlets+ TV (streaming Saturday morning kids’ shows). You don’t get the Google Play Store (too mature for the target audience) but you get App Zone 2.0,  the “only curated App store made just for kids“. This app store contains over 500 real apps, like Fruit Ninja for example, that are hand picked by moms and dads. Of course, you could always sideload any apps if you really wanted to.
The nabi 2 is now available at  Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Gamestop, and will be coming to Target and Amazon on July 22.

Source: TalkAndroid

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Verizon closer to releasing LG Optimus Vu

A couple months ago we managed to get our hands on an LG Optimus Vu device at CTIA. The Optimus Vu is one of those devices falling in between a phone and a tablet. With a 5” screen, the Optimus Vu seems destined to be Verizon’s answer to the Samsung Galaxy Note. Follow the source links after the break for images of the Optimus Vu sporting Verizon 4g LTE branding.

The specs for the device do not seem to be too bad on the surface:

5 inch (1024 x 768) IPS LCD display, 4:3 aspect ratio

1.5GHz dual-core processor

32GB internal memory

2,080 mAh battery

8 MP rear camera

8.5mm thick

stylus

Unfortunately, the translation to a useable device is a challenge. The shape, with the 4:3 aspect  ratio, does not lend itself well to a device that will fit in a pocket or be easy to use with two hands. One bright spot is that the Optimus Vu will ship with Ice Cream Sandwich making it unique amongst LG devices in any market outside of Korea.

Does Verizon even stand a chance with the LG Optimus Vu?

Source: TalkAndroid

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Carbon for Android will release week of July 22nd for free in Google Play

Carbon for Android has been the most anticipated Twitter client for quite some time now. According to the app makers Google+ page, Carbon for Android will finally see an official release in the Google Play Store during the week of July 22nd. To much of the developers dismay, the app will be free due to Google’s current stance on not accepting paid apps from the United Arab Emirates in which the developing team reside in.

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Nexus 7 Got a Small OTA Update To Build JRO03D

A little surprise was waiting for me on my Google I/O Nexus 7 tablet today. Looks like the tablet is getting a very small 859kb over-the-air update that brings the build number up to JRO03D. I haven’t noticed anything new with this update except for a slightly more verbose About screen, which now shows the FCC ID, IC and model number.

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US Retailers Reporting Google Nexus 7 Tablet As Sold Out

Looks like Google may have hit a home run with the $199 Nexus 7 tablet (read our full review here). According to Reuters, retailers across the US are reporting their stock as being sold out. So far, GameStop, Staples, Sam’s Club, Office Depot, and Walmart have all run out of their pre-order allotments before the Nexus 7 even hit store shelves.

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If you pre-ordered your Nexus 7 from Gamestop, good news, it’s now in stock

Those of you that decided to order your Nexus 7 through Gamestop are the lucky ones because you will be able to play with your new Nexus 7 before those that ordered it through Google Play. Gamestop is sending out texts and emails letting those who pre-ordered know that it’s in stock and ready for pick up.
Now if you didn’t pre-order, don’t plan on stopping by to snag one because they only received enough stock to cover pre-orders. The regular supply won’t hit stores until August 7.

Source: TalkAndroid

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