HP and Michael Bastion team up to introduce a smart watch

Phandroid

HP and Michael Bastion team up to introduce a smart watch

Another new smart watch option is headed your way. HP decided to throw their hat into the arena by teaming up with Michael Bastion, a renowned fashion designer who has held many authoritative positions throughout the industry. The two are introducing a circular smart watch that’ll give you a wrist-bound display for incoming texts, calls, email and other notifications that might be pertinent to a smartphone user. You’ll also be able to check weather, sports, control music playback and more.

We’re not sure which platform the watch is running, but early hints reveal that it certainly won’t be Android Wear. It could still be based on Android, but with no details about its software it’s tough to say what’s being employed here. The smart watch will sync up with both Android and iOS through HP’s own solution, though, so there’s that.

The watch’s design, which will feature three stylish interchangeable bands (a rubbery black, a leathery brown and a nylon olive green), was said to be inspired by industrial automotive design. We honestly don’t care what inspired them — they look good, they look interesting, and if the platform proves to be flexible enough for simple users and tech nuts alike, we’re sure it’ll catch an eye or two at retail. No word on when, exactly, they’ll go on sale just yet or how much it’ll cost, but Gilt will have the goods once it finally becomes available this fall. You can sign up to be notified of its arrival at their site if you’re interested.

[via Fashionista]

more info...

Best Android Phones [August 2014]

Samsung, LG, and HTC continue to duke it out for the top spot in this August edition of our monthly best phones list. Not a lot has changed as manufacturers shift their attention from summer to fall, but several potentially killer handsets are rumored to be just around the corner. Could a big shakeup in our rankings be in the future? Read on for the full rundown!

Previously: July | June | May | April | March | February

5. Sony Xperia Z2

The Xperia Z2 has finally been getting some US love with the official launch of the unlocked version of phone via Sony’s online store.  At the same, time it’s looking less and less likely we will see an actual carrier-backed release. That doesn’t change our opinion: the Xperia Z2 is one of the best combinations of top-notch handset design and premium smartphone features we have seen in recent months. That should be changing soon, though. The Sony Xperia Z3 is rumored for a September launch with the potential to usurp the Z2’s spot on our list.

4. Nexus 5

The Nexus 5 stands alone as the only option for the Android purist. It has the spec sheet to earn its place as Google’s preferred reference platform for app developers, and direct support from the Android team means the N5 will be among the first to land the highly-anticipated Android L update. It doesn’t hurt that the Nexus 5’s $350 price tag makes it an easy sell for those in the market for a new handset.

3. Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung’s Galaxy S5 continues to dominate the field when it comes to pure market saturation. While the 2014 flagship hasn’t proven to be the most compelling update to the Galaxy S4, that hasn’t stopped folks from lining up to buy one. Top-tier specs, a gorgeous 1080p Super AMOLED display, and intriguing features like a fingerprint scanner and heart rate monitor add up to one of the best Android phones currently available.

2. HTC One M8

HTC hasn’t put the flashiest marketing behind their One M8, so it’s easy to forget about the handset amongst all the talk of the Galaxy S5 and LG G3. The phone is front and center in our minds, however, and holds on to the number two spot on our list of the best Android phones available. Solid, industrial design meets HTC’s graceful Sense interface to create one of the best Android experiences around.

1. LG G3

The LG G3 took the Android world by storm when it debuted with its Quad HD display. Aside from providing some of the most brilliant visuals we have ever seen on a smartphone, the G3 goes with top-of-the-line components for nearly every hardware spec. An innovative design that places the phone’s power button and volume rocker in an easily reached cluster on the rear of the device helps give the G3 a sleek, minimalist feel. A simplified user interface does away with the bloat for a seamless Android experience.

Honorable Mentions

With a list limited to five phones, some tough decisions have to be made when it comes to picking the best of the best. Below find the handsets that just barely missed out on making our main list.

1. Xiaomi Mi4 — Xiaomi’s latest is the specced-out Mi4, a stylish handset that has the spec sheet to do battle with almost any Android out there while somehow managing to maintain a $460 price tag.


2. OnePlus One — Initially marred by availability and hardware issues, the OnePlus One features solid combination of specs and affordable pricing for those willing to take a chance on a lesser established brand.


3. Oppo Find 7a — The Find 7a spares no expense when it comes to premium power and features but still manages to come in at a price that won’t break the bank.


4. Moto X — This build-your-own device lets user put their own personal touch on an Android handset for the masses.


5. Amazon Fire Phone — Not your typical Android device, while the Fire Phone sees some room for improvement fans of Amazon’s content ecosystem might consider the retailer’s debut smartphone.

Rumor Mill

Next month’s IFA show means there is plenty to look forward to when it comes to Android smartphones. While there are few announced phones on the horizon awaiting release, the number of rumored devices seems to increase every day. Below we take a look at just a small sampling of some of the bigger names to keep an eye on.

Nexus 6

While rumors of a new Google initiative dubbed Android Silver threatened to derail the Nexus program, the line of Google Experience developer devices is alive and well, according to recent reports. The latest buzz suggests Motorola could be developing a 5.9-inch phablet that could eventually launch as the Nexus 6. With the Nexus 5 closing in on the first anniversary of its release, the timing is right for its successor, supposedly codenamed Shamu, to make its debut.

Moto X+1 & Moto Maxx

Motorola is keeping busy beyond plans to build Google’s next Nexus device. Rumors continue to swirl about the Moto X’s followup the Moto X+1. Most recently we glimpsed perhaps our best look at the phone to date with all signs pointing toward an official unveiling this month. Evidence is also continuing to mount for a set of updated Moto handsets for Verizon. Though Droid branding is absent, a newly uncovered Moto Maxx trademark could indicate sequels are in line for Verizon’s popular trio of Motorola-made Android smartphones.

Sony Xperia Z3

The Sony Xperia Z2 is a great device, but Sony isn’t settling at that. Rumor has the Sony Xperia Z3 is already in line for an announcement next month at the yearly IFA expo in Berlin. We expect a refined, marginal upgrade over the Xperia Z2, but in this case that’s just enough to grab our attention. Even better, the Z3 is rumored to see a wider US release than other recent Sony handsets. Also expected to debut alongside the Xperia Z3 is the Xperia Z3 Compact.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 & Galaxy Alpha

Next month’s IFA show will have plenty in store for the Android fan, and one of the most highly-anticipated devices that could launch at the show is the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. While a lot is still out of focus in terms of the Note 4, we expect at the very least to see Samsung’s 2560 x 1440 AMOLED display make an appearance. Also gaining steam are rumors of Samsung’s aluminum-bodied Galaxy Alpha, which was recently pictured in detail. 

Amazon Best Sellers

If it hasn’t appeared on our list yet and it’s worth buying, chances are you’ll find it on Amazon’s Best Sellers list. Below find all the phones that are still raking in the sales despite the fact that we didn’t have room for them on our own list.

1. Samsung Galaxy S4


2. Samsung Galaxy Mega


3. Samsung Galaxy Note 3


4. LG G2


5. Samsung Galaxy Note II


6. Samsung Galaxy S III


7. HTC One M7


8. Samsung Galaxy S4 Active


9. Casio G’zOne Commando


10. LG G Flex

What say you?

That’s our take on the top Android phones out there. What’s the view from the peanut gallery? Did we leave your favorite phone off? Are our rankings all wrong? Sound off in the comments below and let us know your pick for the top Android phone available!

more info...

Best New Android Games from July 2014

See new games from previous months

Today marks the beginning of August, which means July is officially over. Shed a tear. We are now entering the “dog days of summer.” When the heat gets unbearable you will need to seek refuge in the air conditioning. You’ll also need some new games to keep you entertained. Luckily July brought us a plethora of awesome new Android titles. In case you missed some of them we have this handy list. Here are the best games from July.

99 Bricks Wizard Academy

The idea of Tetris is to stack blocks without letting the stack get too high. What if a game took that idea in the exact opposite direction? 99 Bricks would be the result. The goal of this game is to stack the Tetris blocks as high as you can. The only problem is the blocks don’t lock together. You have to carefully stack them so the tower doesn’t fall over. If you’re wondering where the “Wizards” come in just wait until you get a power-up.

Batman Arkham Origins

Prove your worth as Batman, facing off against a slew of deadly assassins and their thugs in the Arkham Origins. Fight your way through Gotham City’s most dangerous locales in this beat-em-up brawler. It’s Batman beating the crap out of villains. What more do you need? If you own the console version of Arkham Origins you can unlock exclusive content. The game is free to play, but there are many in-app purchases that will try to steal your money.

Bug Heroes 2

Every day while you’re away from home, an epic battle of swords, guns, and armor rages on your counters, on your floors, and in your yard. At least that’s what happens in this game. Bug Heroes 2 features MOBA-like competitive and coop multiplayer modes, tons of single player content, and 25 unique heroes to master. If you’ve always wanted to go face to face with a bug this is the perfect game. Bug Heroes 2 is available for $1.99.

Denny’s Atari Remix

You know what arcade games are really missing? Cheap diner food. Denny’s has solved that problem by teaming up with Atari to release “Denny’s Atari Remix.” Take a nostalgic trip into the past with three classic games infused with breakfast foods. Destroy Hashteroids, fight off the Centipup, and break down walls in Take-Out. These great games are only available for a limited time, so download today and get them while they’re hot. This game is free.

FFFFF2P

FFFFF2P stands for “FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE TO PLAY.” This game mocks all the ridiculous “free-to-play” games that have become so prevalent in mobile gaming. Princess Pixel is being held captive by Ug, the evil ogre. It’s up to you to rescue her and restore order to the world. This is not going to be easy. To save the Princess, you’ll have to run, jump, and close the falling ads. The goal is to collect enough coins to free the princess, or you could, of course, just spend $3 and win the game.

Fish Out of Water

Fish Out Of Water is the story of six feisty fish longing to soar above the ocean. Fish who want to fly? Sounds like fun. To help them get airborne, you simply throw the fish out of the water and watch as it flies through the clouds and skips along the waves. Battle the elements and choose your throw wisely as the weather changes every few minutes. Expect the unexpected with crazy tsunamis, icebergs and even an immense jellyfish swarm. This game is free.

INDY 500 Arcade Racing

If you are a fan of the INDY 500 you need this game. In cooperation with Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this game includes the official INDY 500 track and 33 meticulously detailed open-wheel INDY cars. You won’t find a better INDY experience on Android. Moving at speeds well over 200mph, INDY Arcade Racing features amazing 3D graphics and an adrenaline-pumping driving experience. This game costs $2.99, but is well worth it for racing fans.

Kapsula

All you need to know about this game can be summed up with “retro-futuristic Soviet space colonies.” Sound crazy? It is. Crazy fun. This game is a cross between a puzzle game and racing game. Players race down psychedelic tracks (that change depending on time of day) and try to avoid running into obstacles. The premise is crazy, but it’s a lot of fun. Kapsula is still ind development, but you can get it now for just $0.99.

Leo’s Fortune

Leo’s Fortune is a 2D platforming adventure game that’s been receiving high praise since launching on iOS back in April. Many people have described it as one of the most beautiful mobile games to date. You’ll be hard pressed to find another title with such vibrant and crisp visuals. The premise of the Leo’s Fortune is simple: you play as Leopold, a fluffy hairball with a wicked mustache who must track down the mysterious thief who stole his fortune. Th game costs $4.99, but it worth every penny.

Lost Toys

Lost Toys is a mentally engaging 3D puzzle game of profound beauty, depth and challenge. Toys are lost, broken, or forgotten. Fixing them promises to right this hauntingly gorgeous chamber and restore the childhood innocence that has been lost. To fix the toys you need to spin them around and solve like a Rubik’s cube. This game will exercise you brain like no other. If you’re looking for a challenge you can download Lost Toys for $2.99 in the Play Store.

Modern Combat 5

Modern Combat 5 is the new Modern Combat game. It is a lot like the previous Modern Combat games. Create a squad, add your friends and test your individual and team skills against other squads in dynamic multiplayer warfare. Is single player your thing? Then step into a world on the brink of anarchy and shoot your way out of one dire situation after another to expose a lunatic who’s trying to tear the world to shreds. For $7 you get this game and no annoying in-app purchases.

Nuts!

Aw nuts, this game Nuts! is super cute and fun. Help Jake, your nimble squirrel hero and his squirrel friend Miranda dodge branches and climb to new heights on the majestic Infinitree. To control the squirrels you simply tilt your device to the left or right. The goal is to simply get as high up in the tree as possible. It’s simple, cute, fun, addictive, and completely free. If you’re  not afraid of heights this is a great game.

ReactionLab 2

Let your inner mad scientist shine by drawing elements onto the canvas and watching them interact in real-time. Featuring well over 50 elements, hundreds of different particle types, and nearly 80 achievements to attain. There are endless creative possibilities and undiscovered combinations. Try to find every reaction, or just build something awesome, it’s up to you. ReactionLab 2 is available for $2.99 in the Play Store.

Snap Attack

Snap Attack  is a brand-new, fast-paced word-building tournament that challenges your brain in 2 1/2-minute rounds. score points by building words with colored movable letter tiles that connect to fixed black letter tiles on the game board. Snaps are valid words that can be read from left to right or top to bottom. Players from around the world compete on the same board, using the same clock, making as many Snaps as possible. The awesome thing about this free game is it has Xbox Live integration.

Superfrog

Superfrog HD is an update of the classic side-scrolling, platformer from the early 90′s. You must explore and traverse 24 finely crafted levels and additional boss levels across 6 differently themed worlds. The goal of each level is to collect a set number of coins, and then reach the exit. The ultimate goal, just like it was in 1993, is to save the day, beat the witch and get the girl. If you were a fan of this game back in the day, the $0.99 price tag is worth it for the updated graphics.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

A new movie means a new game for our favorite teenage turtles. Take back the streets of NYC with the most shell-tastic team of secret superdudes ever. Play as Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello or Raphael and activate fierce Ninjutsu attacks against the Foot Clan, bosses, and mutants. The art style for this game is really great, and the combat controls work well. If you want to feed the Hollywood reboot machine you can grab this game for $3.99.

The Great Prank War

This game from Cartoon Network is a spin on the show “Regular Show.” When Gene, the manager of rival park East Pines, gets his hands on a time machine, he goes back in time so he can win the Great Prank War and take over the park. Now it’s up to you to take it back, but it won’t be easy. The game also features awesome new Regular Show character designs and animation styles for maximum prankiness. Cartoon Network games are usually pretty good, and this one is no different.

The Wolf Among Us

The Wolf Among Us is a five-part (Episodes 2-5 can be purchased in-app, as they become available) from the creators of The Walking Dead. Fairytale characters are being murdered in this hard-boiled, violent and mature thriller based on the award-winning Fables comic book series by Bill Willingham. As Bigby Wolf you will discover that a brutal, bloody murder is just a taste of things to come in a game series where your every decision can have enormous consequences. Note: this app is only available from Amazon.

Thomas Was Alone

Meet Thomas, a curious rectangle, and help him unravel the mysteries of his existence in a wonderfully strange world. With over 100 levels of award-winning platform gameplay you will have plenty of time to discover everything about Thomas. The game is filled with very simple squares and rectangles with long shadows everywhere, but it still feels strangely deep. For $5.39 you can try your luck and figuring out why Thomas was alone.

Wayward Souls

Wayward Souls is an action-adventure game built for quick playthroughs and massive amounts of replay value. Procedurally generated random levels mean that every time you play the game, it’s a different experience. Control one of six characters, all with their own unique play styles, abilities, and equipment. Explore and fight for survival, in combat where your tactics, positioning, and timing matter. Wayward Souls is available for $5.99.

See new games from previous months

What a great month for new Android games. Some of our personal favorites include FFFFF2P, Leo’s Fortune, and Fish Out of Water. What was your favorite new game from July? Did we miss any other great new games? Let us know!

more info...