That was fast: Google already launches Android 4.2 update to fix Google Voice bug

Google has already released an update for Android 4.2 that fixes bugs with Google Voice.

Android 4.2 may be Google’s newest mobile operating system update, but new doesn’t always mean perfect. The latest iteration of Jelly Bean has reportedly caused issues with Google Voice, but the search giant has already issued a fix.

Within 24 hours of its release, Google launched an update for the operating system that fixed inaccuracies with Google Voice. The app has experienced problems ever since the fresh, treat-themed upgrade launched alongside Google’s new Nexus 4 handset and Nexus 10 tablet. Some complaints said that the bug would Force Close a text message if you tried to add a new contact at the same time. This text messaging glitch appears to be the most significant issue, but the update is believed to address any and all compatibility problems between Android 4.2 and Google Voice.

Luckily, the majority of Android users have probably never even encountered this inconvenience. Android 4.2 is only currently available for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the LG Nexus 4, which means that the bug has only affected a small number of Android users. The updated operating system will also ship with the Nexus 10 tablet that debuted on Tuesday and almost instantly sold out in the U.S. and UK within minutes (though we don’t know how many sales it took to sell out).

Android 4.2, initially believed to be called Key Lime Pie, represents the next major software upgrade for Android devices. Google introduced the previous edition of Jelly Bean, Android 4.1, at its I/O conference in June along with its Nexus 7 tablet. The search engine giant emphasized the “buttery smooth” interface that users would experience with Jelly Bean, and its new iteration promises the same.

The update boasts new features such as the ability to open multiple windows and apps simultaneously and Android Beam integration. This is Google’s term for its Near-Field Communication (NFC) capability, which lets users share photos, YouTube videos and other content by touching Android devices back-to-back. One of the most noteworthy additions is the new Photo Sphere camera, which takes snapshots in various directions and stitches them together to form one big picture.

While this may seem exciting, it could take a while for the update to completely roll out. Google recently announced that the Nexus S and Motorola Xoom will not be getting Android 4.2, and data collected by the company shows that Android 4.1 is still barely present on most devices.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

RIM introduces BBM Voice to help convince you and your friends to come back to BlackBerry

Research in Motion has added an interesting new feature to BlackBerry Messenger named BBM Voice, which lets you call fellow BBM users for free provided your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network. It's a great idea, provided your friends also use BlackBerry phones.

Research in Motion knows it needs to win back the general public’s support, and it also knows that one way to do so is by coming up with a feature that will save someone money. BlackBerry Messenger was that feature several years ago, as it made use of the BlackBerry network plan you had to pay for anyway, and provided “free” text message conversation with fellow BlackBerry owners.

Now though, a high percentage of the dedicated BlackBerry owner’s friends use iPhones and Androids, rendering BBM a relic from better days past. Now RIM has come up with BBM Voice, which it claims is “for the times when you want to hear a friend’s laughter instead of reading LOL.”

That’s right, BBM has become Skype, as it now offers the chance to call your BBM friends through version 7 of the software, using only a Wi-Fi connection. There are no geographical borders and no time limits, and as it doesn’t count towards your monthly bill, no extra charges either.

RIM makes no mention of whether BBM Voice will break free from a Wi-Fi connection and use a 3G/4G data connection in the future. It’s hardly a surprise, as networks — particularly in the U.S. — are rarely enamored by features that lose them money.

BlackBerry Messenger will show who in your contact list is available to call using BBM Voice, and a split screen display lets you send text messages or files at the same time, plus the service is compatible with Bluetooth headsets too; setting it up perfectly as a way to work collaboratively while away from the office. Those not using a BlackBerry for business will appreciate the chance to avoid massive international roaming bills too.

So, free messages and free calls, all through a single app. Sounds great, right? It is, but — and here’s the problem — to take advantage of BBM Voice, your friends and colleagues all have to have BlackBerry phones too, and as we’ve established already, they’re now using iPhones and Androids.

BBM Voice is a beta program at the moment, but you can bet it will have been perfected by the time BlackBerry 10 arrives after January 30 next year, as being able to say “free calls and messages with BlackBerry 10” should help people take notice of the new OS. All RIM needs is for those people to convince their friends/family/acquaintances/dog it’s a good idea too.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

How will Sony’s PlayStation 4 protect account info? By scanning your DNA

A new Sony Computer Entertainment patent describes the biological lengths Sony will go to to profile its users.

Microsoft’s Kinect can recognize your voice and face. “Big deal!” says Sony. The PlayStation 4 will be able to recognize your fingerprints, irises, and DNA in addition to your mug and pipes. Based on new Sony patents, the company is going to make user identification a whole lot more complex.

A new Sony Computer Entertainment patent titled “Process and Apparatus for Automatically Identifying User of Consumer Electronics” was published on Thursday, and PlayStation Lifestyle detailed the contents in a new report.

The technology will use biometric information to allow access to online accounts and even specific devices like a game console. “[Suitable] biometric sensors include fingerprint sensors, hand sensors, face recognition systems, iris scanners retinal scanners, voice pattern analyzers, and DNA analyzers.” The images in the patent show diagrams of game controllers, mobile phones, and a PC mouse where the buttons on each are actually sensors compiling the data.

The purpose of the technology described is manifold. First is user protection. Any saved sensitive information—particularly credit card details like those stolen during the PlayStation Network hack in 2011—would be protected in a device that could only be biologically activated by the owner. The second purpose is anti-piracy. The technology ensures that only one account on a given device can access paid for content. If that isn’t insidious enough, the patent also describes how the tech can be used to better target users with tailored advertising.

“[A] user profile may be generated… user behavior may be monitored and information gleaned from patterns of user behavior may become part of the profile,” reads the patent, “The profile can be used to tailor the operation of the device to a particular user… In the case of a video game console, the user profile may include information about particular types of games that the user downloads… Embodiments of the invention can be used to prevent unauthorized sharing of online accounts.”

It’s similar to the abilities of the Kinect as shown off in early promotional videos of the device when it was still called Project Natal, only far more terrifying in their physical invasiveness.

There have been many rumors about the restrictions Sony will place on its next PlayStation. Some rumors suggest that Sony will even attempt to block the use of used games on the device. Tying a game to someone’s DNA would certainly do the trick.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Sprint’s HD Voice won’t work with iPhone 5

The iPhone 5 will support HD Voice, but not on Sprint's network, we've learned.

Apple’s faster, lighter, and thinner, new iPhone 5 was unveiled yesterday. We learned that it supports 4G LTE and it will be released on Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T in the US.

We’re now hearing that there’s bad news for Sprint customers. Despite the fact that Sprint is the first U.S. carrier to embrace HD Voice, a new technology that enables much clearer phone calls over a cellular network, the iPhone 5 will not work with the carrier’s HD Voice service. Sprint spokesperson Michelle Leff Mermelstein told Phone Scoop that the iPhone 5 will not support Sprint’s version of the wideband audio technology. The reason is, of course, quite technical. A majority of carriers use WCDMA networks to improve the quality of speech audio on phones, but Sprint uses CDMA 1x Advanced technology, which isn’t compatible with Apple’s new flagship smartphone. Ever the stickler to streamline its manufacturing processes, Apple is not making a custom version of the iPhone 5 specifically for Sprint.

Out of the 240 carriers that will sell the iPhone 5 worldwide, only 20 of them currently support HD Voice and none of them are in the United States. AT&T and Verizon have no support for wideband audio right now, but it is expected soon.

HD Voice should take off alongside LTE networks and it will drastically increase the quality of call audio, but it’s likely to be 2013 before it sees widespread adoption stateside.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Google Voice Search learns 13 new languages from across Europe

Google Voice search is great, but if your language isn’t supported you have to make do with English and hope it recognizes your accent. Well, with the latest update, Voice search should work for 100 million new users across Europe in their mother tongue.

Google supported 29 languages up until, but now 13 new ones are joining the list for a total of 42 languages and 46 accents. Here go the new additions:

• Basque
• Bulgarian
• Catalan
• European Portuguese
• Finnish
• Galician
• Hungarian
• Icelandic
• Norwegian
• Romanian
• Serbian
• Slovak
• Swedish

Romanian was reportedly easy for Voice search to learn, while Swedish took extra effort. No matter, if you have an Android 2.2+ device, the update should get to you soon (it’s rolling out in stages).

If you don’t have Voice search on your phone, you can grab it from the Play Store.

Note that Voice actions work only in US English, this update only allows you to search in those languages, not control your phone (e.g. ask for a song to be played, to get directions to some address and so on).

Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

Siri’s in for some Google competition on iOS, Voice Search coming soon

Google is on track to revamp its Search app on iOS and improve the voice search by adding Google Now-flavored recognition.

The update will be available soon with no further specifics provided as to when exactly.

Google Voice Search will be better at interpreting natural speech and can even give you spoken replies at times. It can check weather for you, give you cinema schedules and more. It will be a direct competitor to Siri on iOS although it won’t be able to launch apps or work with the built-in navigation in iOS 6.

Also Google is bringing its Knowledge Graph outside of the US to the entire English-speaking world. Knowledge Graph combines more than 500 million people, places and things with more than 3.5 billion connections between them. It will provide users with location-specific answers to online queries, for example if you search for “chiefs” in Australia you’ll get the Aussie rugby team complete with scores, players and history.

Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com