Android

Google Glass could allow control via winks and two fingers

Google Glass users may be able to snap a photo just by winking.

Code uncovered in the MyGlass companion app by a Reddit user named fodawim lists several intriguing options for users of the high-tech specs.

One snippet of code reads "EYE_GESTURES_WINK_TAKE_PHOTO," which clearly sounds like a mere wink of your eye would be enough to take a photograph. Another line says "BROWSER_TWO_FINGER_ZOOM," which suggests the ability to zoom in and out of the browser simply by moving your thumb and index finger, just like on a touch-screen device.

Two more slices of code called HEAD_GESTURES_HEAD_WAKE_ENABLED and HEAD_GESTURES_HEAD_WAKE_DISABLED … Read more

CBS invests in TV-streaming tech provider Syncbak

CBS has made an investment in Syncbak, the company said today, giving it a minority stake in the television-streaming technology provider as it continues its focus on mobile.

Syncbak, a privately held company founded in 2009, makes location-based authentication technology that allows local television stations to stream their signals to in-market customers. Essentially, Syncbak "localizes the Internet" for broadcasters, networks, and TV studios, allowing retransmission of live television over the Web in much the same way it works over cable and satellite. The company's app is available for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, but it doesn'… Read more

HTC selling unlocked HTC One for $574

Smartphone buyers willing to shell out some cash to grab an unlocked version of the HTC One now have their chance.

HTC is selling an unlocked edition of its new flagship phone for $574. The unlocked flavor comes with 32GB of on-board storage and sports the same features found in the carrier-based version.

The unlocked phone comes on the heels of the debut of the HTC One Developers Edition earlier this month. That model costs $649 but comes with 64GB of storage and includes an unlocked bootloader for people who want to root and modify the phone with custom ROMs.… Read more

Google activists try to sabotage Google Glass auction

Since Google announced the names of those who would get the first exemplars of Google Glass, I have been barely able to focus for wondering what Newt Gingrich is doing with his.

I await his new and vital perspective on Washington with rapt excitement.

However, others have resorted to more mundane activities, posting their little Google Glass movies for all to see (and so all can feel their eyes glaze over).

Perhaps the most mundane activity to which some have resorted is to try and make money out of their gadgets.

Before the winners of #IfIHadGlass were even announced, one … Read more

Verizon's Galaxy S4 sign-up page is finally live

Verizon's Samsung Galaxy S4 page is finally live, giving America's largest wireless carrier a way for folks to get in line for what's been the most anticipated new phone of this year so far.

Earlier in the week, Verizon Wireless tweeted that the GS4 would be hitting its 4G LTE network in May and promised that more details would soon be forthcoming.… Read more

How to get your hands on the HTC One

The HTC One, otherwise known as the phone that we're sort of in love with right now, hits various online and retail stores today.

Two carriers that offer the device, AT&T and Sprint, start selling the device today via both their respective online and retail stores.

However, only AT&T carries both storage capacities for the HTC One.

Contract-free carrier T-Mobile also starts selling the handset today, though users can only purchase it online for now. Starting on April 24, it will be available in the carrier's retail stores.

Unfortunately, Verizon will not offer the … Read more

Nexus 5: The likely price, specs, camera tech (video)

When it was first glimpsed, the Nexus 4 looked pretty similar to other smartphones -- quad-core, with a high-res display and a decent camera, and the latest version of Android chucked in for good measure.

What we weren't counting on however was the simply astonishing $299 price, which let smartphone owners working on a budget acquire a phone that was every bit as capable as the Samsung Galaxy S3, but cost half as much. A lack of LTE was painful to bear, but at this cost, who could complain?

Now we're standing on the prow of the good … Read more

HTC One hits retailers today

Consumers eyeing the new HTC One smartphone can finally buy one starting today.

The phone -- which CNET Reviews calls a "beautifully crafted, near-ideal smartphone" -- is now available both online and in several retail stores. Offered by AT&T and Sprint, the HTC One can be purchased directly through both carriers, online, and via their retail outlets. Shoppers will also find the phone at Best Buy, RadioShack, Walmart, Target, Amazon.com, Costco, Car Toys, Sam's Club, HSN.com, and HTC.com.

AT&T is selling the 32GB version of the HTC One for $199 … Read more

Samsung Galaxy S4 lands at Verizon in May

Verizon subscribers awaiting Samsung's Galaxy S4 will be able to pick one up next month.

The carrier tweeted late yesterday that the S4 will arrive in May, and it promised to reveal more details soon via the Samsung Mobile US Twitter account.

Verizon is the last major U.S. carrier to chime in with a time frame for the Galaxy S4.

Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile recently confirmed that the phone will hit stores later this month. Meanwhile, AT&T and U.S. Cellular kicked off preorders for the S4 this past Tuesday.

Verizon hasn't yet revealed its … Read more

Larry Page: Android powers Google Glass, obviously

Google uses its Android mobile operating system to power its Glass devices, Chief Executive Larry Page confirmed yesterday.

"Obviously Glass runs on Android," Page said toward the end of the conference call reporting Google's strong first-quarter financial results.

It's not a surprise, given how the engineering resources Google already has poured into Android. But the company hadn't confirmed it, even when it detailed Google Glass specifications last week.

Fragmentophobes might freak out that Android is being stretched to yet another device: it's hard enough for programmers to keep up with the diversity in screen … Read more