Brittany Hillen

Swype now available from the Google Play Store

By Brittany Hillen
on 24 Apr, 2013

It has been a long time coming, but Nuance has finally released Swype on Google Play, doing so with a special low price and a free trial option. This is in addition to the app being updated with a couple new keyboards and a few new features and improvements. For a limited time, users can grab Swype for $0.99, with the price later on increasing to a yet-unspecified rate.

Google Glass specs revealed, offers 16GB of storage and 5MP camera

By Brittany Hillen
on 16 Apr, 2013

As we noted on Monday, Google has proclaimed the rumors that Glass Explorer edition devices will begin shipping soon to be true, with some of them possibly having been shipped today, and the rest slated to follow in waves over the coming weeks. The Internet giant followed the announcement up with the release of Mirror API documentation and sample code, and has now released a support page that (finally) details Glass's tech specs.

Facebook Home privacy concerns are addressed in Q&A

By Brittany Hillen
on 5 Apr, 2013

Excited about Facebook Home but wondering what the privacy aspect of it is looking like? Facebook has published a Q&A-format response to the most common questions that have been asked so far, addressing things like what information Home will gather and what it can see. We've got a full run-down of the privacy information, which you can check out after the jump.

Facebook to introduce its new “home on Android” on April 4

By Brittany Hillen
on 28 Mar, 2013

It seems Facebook is up to something, and hopefully that something is exciting. Just a bit ago, press invites went out to an event on April 4 inviting guests to "come see our [Facebook's] new home on Android." What that means is up in the air, but we won't have to wait very long to find out. The event is in seven days, and some sources are already leaking information.

Google to retire Google Reader and other services this summer

By Brittany Hillen
on 13 Mar, 2013

It has been an eventful day for Google, starting off with an announcement that Andy Rubin, who has been a big part of the Android movement, will be leaving. Now another wave of changes have been announced - Google Reader will be retired on July 1st due to what has been a steady drop in usage. Likewise, several other Google services will also be shutting down.

Samsung tweets mysterious Galaxy S IV picture with March 14 event reminder

By Brittany Hillen
on 12 Mar, 2013

Samsung is having fun teasing us with its soon-to-be-unveiled Galaxy S IV, the next iteration of the wildly popular Galaxy S III. As if the teaser video trailers it released this month featuring a boy and his box weren't enough, the company has now tweeted an image showing just a corner of the Galaxy S IV, which is otherwise hidden in shadows.

NVIDIA and ZTE announce world’s first Tegra 4 Super Phone

By Brittany Hillen
on 20 Feb, 2013

NVIDIA and ZTE have announced that the world's about to get its first Tegra 4 Super Phone, which will be from none other than ZTE itself. The Chinese maker of increasingly higher-spec'd phones will be releasing the Super Phone by summer this year. There's no other information - nothing about its name, its price, or its specs.

HTC Desire U 4-inch smartphone announced in Taiwan for $275

By Brittany Hillen
on 24 Jan, 2013

HTC has announced the Desire U Android smartphone in Taiwan, and while the specs aren't the best out there, the price is certainly right at $275 USD. With a 4-inch display, Beats Audio, and micro-drilled rear cover art, the device certainly seems promising. Check out its specs and images after the jump to decide for yourself. Inside, users will find a decent 1GHz processor, although its product page doesn't specify more than that. There's a low 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage space, as well as a microSD expansion slot in case the internal storage isn't enough for your needs. Likewise, there is a microUSB 2.0 connectivity port. Connectivity includes Bluetooth 4.0 (aptX enabled), as well as your standard 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi. There's a 5-megapixel camera around back with an LED flash and autofocus. Maximum image resolution is the same as the display - WVGA (800 x 480). The battery is only 1,650mAh, meaning users will probably be charging it more often than they like. The Desire U runs Android with HTC Sense, although the version wasn't specified. There's GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 MHz and HSPA/WCDMA 900/2100 MHz. While none of the specs are mind-blowing, this appears to be a solid mid-range handset for those wanting a combination of powerful enough hardware and a budget-friendly price. [gallery] [via HTC]

Zynga internal memo confirms layoffs, closures

By Brittany Hillen
on 23 Oct, 2012

The days of pulling out your phone and indulging in a moment of Words with Friends or Draw Something might be coming to an end. Earlier today, Zynga workers were greeted with a notice that they had two hours to pack up and get out. Now an internal email by the company's CEO Mark Pincus confirms that the company plans to cut 5% of its workforce and close the Boston studio.

Google Calendar now available as standalone app from Play Store

By Brittany Hillen
on 17 Oct, 2012

Google's Calendar Web application is now available as a standalone app from the Google Play Store, bringing it alongside the likes of Gmail and Google Maps. The app requires at least Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich. This is the same Calendar app included on Google Nexus tablets and smartphones.