Google announced at I/O that they were launching an Android Nanodegree through Udacity designed around providing certification for Android Developers. If you have any questions about the program, staff from both Udacity and Google will be live streaming a Q&A session from the Googleplex to answer any of your questions.
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If you thought that the smartwatch space was going to experience the same boom Android experienced in 2010, you will be glad to know of this new kid on the block (pun intended).
Blocks is a smartwatch concept which is looking to make its way out of the drawing-room and onto your wrist. Designed by Blocks Wearables as an evolution and extension of the Phonebloks concept, Blocks is essentially modularity applied to wearables, with the core principles remaining the same.
At its heart, Blocks uses a core module which would house the watch face on the exterior and equipment for core functionality like the processor, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Motion sensor and the primary battery in the interior. Modules for added functionality come in the form of individual links which form the bracelet while housing miscellaneous equipment such as a heart rate sensor, extra battery power or even a fingerprint sensor.
The first early-stage prototype was shown off at CES 2015. Now, at the Qualcomm press event at the Computex Expo held in Taipei, Taiwan, Blocks has announced that the device will be powered by the Snapdragon 400 and also treated us with new renders for the device. The first core module will be a circular color touchscreen unit, and the device will also run on a modified version of Lollipop, rather than Android Wear, which is an interesting choice.
According to the FAQ, Blocks Wearables will launch its crowdfunding campaign for Blocks in summer 2015. Blocks will also support both Android and iOS devices on launch.
Speaking to TechCrunch, Blocks Co-founder Alireza Tahmasebzadeh explains the delay in launching the crowdfunding campaign is because they were finalizing the manufacturing agreement with Taiwanese ODM Compal in order to mass produce Blocks. Meanwhile, they have been working on refining the module connector design. As most of the heavy work is on the final stages, the device will be able to ship within 7-8 months of its crowdfunding campaign.
We are excited to see how this device would affect existing competition. While modularity of this wearable is not at the level of the Phonebloks concept at this stage (For example, Processor choice is limited, along with the combination of the internals of the core module being fixed, hence limiting modularity), it is certainly solid for the first iteration of what is essentially an experiment in the way we view devices.
What do you think of the Blocks wearable? Do you prefer the appeal of an extremely personalized smartwatch over what is now “traditional” smartwatches? How do you think competitors will adapt to the challenge and change this brings in the wearable market? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Blocks Modular Smartwatch To Sport Qualcomm SD 400 appeared first on xda-developers.
A new version of the alternative lockscreen app Hi Locker is now available to download. This release brings an iOS style, trusted devices support, more languages and fixes for the bugs discovered since the last version. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!
The post Hi Locker Reaches Version 1.5.0 appeared first on xda-developers.
Six games are available in the new Humble Mobile Bundle. Here’s your chance to get all of the following titles: Timelines: Assault on America, The Ministry of Silly Walks, Hellraid: The Escape, Puzzle Retreat, Worms 3 and Twisty Hollow. Check it out!
The post Humble Mobile Bundle 13 appeared first on xda-developers.
You can now pick up a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Note 4 for just $399.99 from Ebay. The devices have 32GB of internal storage, are unlocked to any GSM network and are covered under warranty. There are however only limited numbers, and as well as over 3000 have now been sold, so you may not have long to purchase one.
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It’s the beginning of the month, so Google updated the latest numbers of the current Android version Distribution. As expected, the Lollipop update made a small progression and is now installed in little over 12% of devices. KitKat and Jelly Bean are still the overall leaders.
The post Android Distribution Stats for June appeared first on xda-developers.
Tag Heuer’s CEO Jean-Claude Biver announced the name of the first luxury smartwatch. According to Alexandra King, the watch might be upgradeable. Tag Heuer Carrera Wearable 01 will be produced in cooperation with Google and Intel. The watch will be available to buy on October/November 2015 for z whopping $1,400.
The post World’s Most Expensive Smartwatch Name Finally Known appeared first on xda-developers.
