Hasta La Gadget!

While Android 4.3 is a relatively minor upgrade in the grand scheme of things — bringing restricted profiles and some added graphical grunt to the platform — it seems that the new OS version is wreaking havoc on some Nexus 4 devices. On Google’s Product Forums, most people having problems report that after the update is downloaded and installed, their handsets either freeze on the ‘X’ splash screen or get stuck in a never-ending boot loop. For now, folks report that the only fix is to factory reset their handsets or flash to an older version of Android, and lose all of their saved data in the process. While there are no shortage of people apparently stuck in update purgatory, it’s unclear exactly how widespread the problem is; our own in-house Nexus 4 received 4.3 without issue.

Additionally, the new Android version isn’t playing nice with Netflix on Nexus 4’s, either. After upgrading, launching the Netflix app is causing some handsets to freeze up — and only resetting the phone with a long press of the power button will get the phone working again. Android engineer Dan Morrill has said that Google is aware of the Netflix issue, however, and that its working on a fix. Regardless, Nexus 4 owners might want to think twice before upgrading. We’ve reached out to Google for an official comment on these problems, and will update this post should we receive one.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Google

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Via: Phones Review

Source: Google Product Forums

While there are smartphones apps that take some of the hassle out of finding parking, Audi’s bringing similar time- and frustration-saving features to a different screen in your ride, through its Audi Connect infotainment systems. Announced at the Telematics Detroit conference, Audi is tapping Inrix’s parking spot data so you can find car-friendly floor space from within its dashboard navigation platform. After telling the car where you want to go, you’ll have the option to see parking info at the journey’s end, including the nearest locations, operating hours, prices and real-time space availability, depending on what data is available from each garage. The sat-nav will also direct you straight to the entrance of the lot, and should you want to know what that entrance looks like, Google Street View will show you. Audi’s new parking feature should start hitting Connect-equipped cars from today via an OTA update, so the “finding a space was a nightmare” excuse won’t fly next time you’re late. But don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone.

Update: Turns out that Inrix gets its data from ParkMe, the makers of the app we link to in the first sentence, which explains why Audi’s new feature is so similar.

Filed under: Transportation, Software

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Source: CNET, Seattle Times

Quick: what’s the difference between a broadcast TV network (Fox, CBS, ABC and NBC) and a cable channel (TBS, TNT, ESPN, etc.)? Oh, only millions and millions of viewers. Nevertheless, Fox’s COO Chase Carey is perturbed enough by the mere thought of Aereo getting its way, that he’s already claiming that the network will go dark in favor of becoming a cable channel — if and when OTA network streaming over the internet is completely legalized, that is. Causticism aside, Carey’s remarks are certainly indicative of how the networks feel about the potential disruption of their revenue stream, and moreover, showcases just how far we are from living in a world that isn’t dominated by the same old processes when it comes to entertainment.

Carey stated: “We need to be able to be fairly compensated for our content. This is not an ideal path we look to pursue, but we can’t sit idly by and let an entity steal our signal. We will move to a subscription model if that’s our only recourse.“

Is it possible that Fox would suddenly vanish from over-the-air antennas everywhere, screwing up countless programming agreements with a near-endless amount of partners? Sure… but it’s also possible that the ninth circle of Hades will be converted into an NHL arena. We’re calling your bluff, Carey.

Update: According to the New York Times, Univision chairman Haim Saban joined the saber rattling, stating that his network is ready to consider all options, including converting to pay-tv.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD

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Source: Bloomberg

No, Nexus 4 users, Google hasn’t forgotten about you. About a day after Google started pushing Android 4.2.2 to most Nexus devices, the company’s latest and greatest smartphone is also getting the patch over the air. When it shows, there will be a pair of small additional rewards for running the latest hardware — the Nexus 4 now plays a unique sound when wireless charging kicks in, as well as an updated low-battery sound. We wouldn’t upgrade just to get the new tones, but they cap what’s proving to be a more significant update than the version number would suggest.

Update: As Brian Klug over at AnandTech notes, Google both giveth and taketh away — that very, very unofficial LTE access disappears with the update. When 4G only worked in limited areas, and was never going to get official support, we won’t cry too much.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google, LG

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Source: Android Central, Google Git

Ever since its humble (and very ambitious) beginnings, Aereo has suffered a few hiccups along the way, but that’s not stopping the service from kicking off the new year with a rather striving scheme. The company today announced that it’s expanding outside of NYC and bringing its over-the-air TV broadcasts to 22 more US cities in 2013, with said move expected to reach cities such as Boston, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Baltimore, Denver, Detroit and Washington, DC. According to Aereo’s CEO, Chet Kanojia, the firm’s been “working hard to bring Aereo to consumers across the country and we’re excited to expand our reach to these 22 new cities,” adding that “consumers want and deserve choice.” Dear, Chet, we wholeheartedly agree. The full list of new markets can be found in the PR after the break, and we can only hope there’s plenty more to come as the year progresses.

Continue reading Aereo plans to launch its streaming TV service in 22 more cities this year

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD

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Source: Aereo