AT&T launches cryptic web series Daybreak to promote HTC One X and other devices

This afternoon a social media marketing agency offered to send me an AT&T HTC One X if I would check out a “multi-platform story experience about the power of technology and its ability to improve our lives”. I already reviewed the One X, but I was intrigued by this mysterious campaign and figured I could give away the device in another contest.

Enter Daybreak. It turns out AT&T has teamed up with producer Tim Kring (creator of Strange World, Crossing Jordan, Heroes, and Touch) to produce a new online series that debuts tonight at 9 PM ET. It will be directed by Jon Cassar (of 24 fame) and advertising partner BBDO is describing the concept as a “Bourne Identity-type adventure.”

The online show follows the story of  Ben Wilkens, an “Everyman” character, who finds himself at the center of a global conspiracy. When he discovers a dodecahedron, an ancient and powerful object, he quickly learns that he must restore the object to its rightful place so that humanity will be able to make its next evolutionary leap forward.

Daybreak will span five episodes, each around 10 minutes, and will be released each Thursday on the Daybreak site, YouTube, and Hulu. Viewers at home will be able to interact with the show using an Android app tied to a site JackBoxers that lets them dive deeper into the weekly missions and unsolved mysteries.

I have no idea if the show will suck, but AT&T has shared just enough details to keep me curious. Tonight I’ll be tuned into the Western Conference Finals as my Spurs look to extend their 20-game winning streak, but I’ll definitely check out Daybreak later on just to see what it’s like.

We have seen a ton of terrible advertisements for Android products, so it will be interesting to see how this branded content performs. Check out the video teaser below and grab the app if you want to play along at home.

Does Daybreak look like a winner?

[Review] ZAGGkeys Flex Bluetooth Keyboard For Android And iOS Devices

It's no secret that I love tablets - I find them to be incredibly useful and fun tools. In fact, I've spent a lot of time as of late reviewing and comparing the most recent additions to the tablet world to one another. As much as I love tablets, though, they're not the best for productivity without some good accessories. Of those accessories, the most useful addition is, without a doubt, a Bluetooth keyboard; truth be told, I actually prefer a good Bluetooth keyboard and stand over the Transformer Series' keyboard dock in most cases - it's just a more portable and convenient option for me.

Thus, when I got a chance to review the new ZAGGkeys Flex keyboard, I jumped on it. This keyboard is a really neat accessory to have, as it caters especially to those who have both an Android and iDevice, and it can sync to both for easy switching (granted, you will have to pair it each time if using with multiple devices).

So, without further ado, let's take a look at the good and bad aspects of this keyboard.

How much does it cost? $80 ($55 on Amazon)Okay, where can I buy it? ZAGG or AmazonThe Bottom Line: If you're looking for a lightweight, portable keyboard to pair with your Android device, then the ZAGGkeys Flex is not only a fantastic option, but one that I whole-heartedly recommend.Several Android-specific keys: Home, search, cut/copy/paste, music playback controls, volume controls, "menu," browser, and lock. Excellent! ALT + arrow keys work as home/end, while CTRL+ arrow jumps to the beginning/end of each word, much like on a desktop computer. Shift + arrows highlights words. Shift+ Delete actually deletes characters (delete normally works as backspace).Form factor is excellent. It's extremely light; you won't even realize it's in your bag!Pairing/Reconnecting literally takes a few seconds. Easy Peasy.Speaking of, it can pair with both Android and iOS devices. And that's awesome.Recharchable battery that charges over USB, and has extremely long battery life. Should only need to be charged three or four times per year, maybe less if you don't use it all that often.The short USB cable that comes with it is pretty awesome. I love easy-to-carry USB cables, and this one would pair nicely with a good portable charger for your juicing your phone on the go (like the ZAGGsparq). Suh-weet.Touch typing is nothing short of pure enjoyment on this keyboard. I actually typed most of this review using it.The tablet stand is much more sturdy than one would think at first glance. It has magnets that keep it together - brilliant idea!Caps-lock light! Never again yell at someone on accident.Very well thought-out design. When wrapped up in the protective case/stand, the keyboard's design elements are highlighted. Classy.Should look good paired up with any tablet (read: not overly iDevice-looking). 

 

If the speakers are on the bottom of the tablet (Acer A510, Toshiba Excite 10, for example), they are muffled by the stand.The keys are slightly loud; especially the space bar.Feel slightly cheap. Could be because it's so light, or perhaps because some of the keys feel "loose."The keys are undersized, so it takes a bit of getting used to. However, if you can type on a netbook, then you'll be able to type on the ZAGGkeys Flexx without issue.I would like to see some other Android-specific keys incorporated, like notification toggle, recent apps, and the app tray. If it had that, you could almost use your tablet without touching the screen.

As you can see, there's a lot to like about this keyboard - it's functional, light, has incredibly battery life, and, most importantly, is a pleasure to type on. I readily recommend the ZAGGkeys Flex to anyone looking for a good keyboard to pair with their Android tablet or smartphone, as well as their iDevices - I'll probably never leave the house without it again.

[Lightning Review] Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard For Android 3.0+ Devices

Earlier this week, I took a look at the new Bluetooth keyboard for mobile devices from ZAGG, the ZAGGkeys Flex. Since one can never have enough gadgets for their gadgets, today we're going to look at Logitech's offering to the Android tablet realm. While this keyboard isn't brand-spanking new (it has been out for a year or so), it's still just as relevant as it was on release day; given the increase in popularity of Android tablets, perhaps even more so.

Before we get into the the good and bad aspects of this keyboard, though, let's first take a look at the details.

 

What is it? It's a Bluetooth keyboard for Android 3.0+ devices with a carrying case that doubles as a tablet stand.How much it is? $70 directly from Logitech, or about $55(ish) on AmazonWhere can I buy it? Logitech or Amazon

 

It's a full-size keyboard, so it brings a desktop-like experience to your tablet.Typing on the keyboard is pretty fantastic - not cramped in the slightest and the keys have a good amount of travel. It's definitely comparable to a full computer experience.Very, very solid. There's nothing flimsy about this keyboard - it feels incredibly well made.Hotkeys for Calendar, Music + controls, volume, home, and back, as well as normal shift+arrow, ctrl+arrow, and alt+arrow line navigation.Classy black and blue color scheme with matching case. It looks quite nice. The case easily converts into a stand for your tablet.Speaking of, the stand offers more than one angle, which is very useful.Very simple pairing/reconnecting process.

 

Non-rechargeable batteries - it uses AAA sized batteries, which is just inconvenient. Since it's Bluetooth, however, it shouldn't need new batteries very often.At 398 grams, it's surprisingly heavy; in fact, it weighs nearly the same as many tablets.It doesn't "sleep" after a specified amount of inactivity, which could lead to faster battery drain. The stand slides around when tapping the device's display (I'm sure this varies with different types of surfaces, but I had to hold onto the tablet while using it on my desk).Not as many Android optimized keys as other Bluetooth keyboard options.

There's no doubt that the Logitech keyboard for Android 3.0+ devices is a dang nice keyboard to type on. It makes inputting information on your tablet a breeze, offers a pleasant typing experience, and looks great doing it. However, it is a bit on the heavy side, especially compared to the ZAGGkeys Flex keyboard that I looked at earlier in the week. For some users, however, the tradeoff of a full size keyboard may be worth the added bulk -- just make sure you carry extra AAA batteries everywhere you go so you never run out of juice.

[Review] ZAGGkeys Flex Bluetooth Keyboard For Android And iOS Devices

It's no secret that I love tablets - I find them to be incredibly useful and fun tools. In fact, I've spent a lot of time as of late reviewing and comparing the most recent additions to the tablet world to one another. As much as I love tablets, though, they're not the best for productivity without some good accessories. Of those accessories, the most useful addition is, without a doubt, a Bluetooth keyboard; truth be told, I actually prefer a good Bluetooth keyboard and stand over the Transformer Series' keyboard dock in most cases - it's just a more portable and convenient option for me.

Thus, when I got a chance to review the new ZAGGkeys Flex keyboard, I jumped on it. This keyboard is a really neat accessory to have, as it caters especially to those who have both an Android and iDevice, and it can sync to both for easy switching (granted, you will have to pair it each time if using with multiple devices).

So, without further ado, let's take a look at the good and bad aspects of this keyboard.

How much does it cost? $80 ($55 on Amazon)Okay, where can I buy it? ZAGG or AmazonThe Bottom Line: If you're looking for a lightweight, portable keyboard to pair with your Android device, then the ZAGGkeys Flex is not only a fantastic option, but one that I whole-heartedly recommend.Several Android-specific keys: Home, search, cut/copy/paste, music playback controls, volume controls, "menu," browser, and lock. Excellent! ALT + arrow keys work as home/end, while CTRL+ arrow jumps to the beginning/end of each word, much like on a desktop computer. Shift + arrows highlights words. Shift+ Delete actually deletes characters (delete normally works as backspace).Form factor is excellent. It's extremely light; you won't even realize it's in your bag!Pairing/Reconnecting literally takes a few seconds. Easy Peasy.Speaking of, it can pair with both Android and iOS devices. And that's awesome.Recharchable battery that charges over USB, and has extremely long battery life. Should only need to be charged three or four times per year, maybe less if you don't use it all that often.The short USB cable that comes with it is pretty awesome. I love easy-to-carry USB cables, and this one would pair nicely with a good portable charger for your juicing your phone on the go (like the ZAGGsparq). Suh-weet.Touch typing is nothing short of pure enjoyment on this keyboard. I actually typed most of this review using it.The tablet stand is much more sturdy than one would think at first glance. It has magnets that keep it together - brilliant idea!Caps-lock light! Never again yell at someone on accident.Very well thought-out design. When wrapped up in the protective case/stand, the keyboard's design elements are highlighted. Classy.Should look good paired up with any tablet (read: not overly iDevice-looking). 

 

If the speakers are on the bottom of the tablet (Acer A510, Toshiba Excite 10, for example), they are muffled by the stand.The keys are slightly loud; especially the space bar.Feel slightly cheap. Could be because it's so light, or perhaps because some of the keys feel "loose."The keys are undersized, so it takes a bit of getting used to. However, if you can type on a netbook, then you'll be able to type on the ZAGGkeys Flexx without issue.I would like to see some other Android-specific keys incorporated, like notification toggle, recent apps, and the app tray. If it had that, you could almost use your tablet without touching the screen.

As you can see, there's a lot to like about this keyboard - it's functional, light, has incredibly battery life, and, most importantly, is a pleasure to type on. I readily recommend the ZAGGkeys Flex to anyone looking for a good keyboard to pair with their Android tablet or smartphone, as well as their iDevices - I'll probably never leave the house without it again.

[Lightning Review] Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard For Android 3.0+ Devices

Earlier this week, I took a look at the new Bluetooth keyboard for mobile devices from ZAGG, the ZAGGkeys Flex. Since one can never have enough gadgets for their gadgets, today we're going to look at Logitech's offering to the Android tablet realm. While this keyboard isn't brand-spanking new (it has been out for a year or so), it's still just as relevant as it was on release day; given the increase in popularity of Android tablets, perhaps even more so.

Before we get into the the good and bad aspects of this keyboard, though, let's first take a look at the details.

 

What is it? It's a Bluetooth keyboard for Android 3.0+ devices with a carrying case that doubles as a tablet stand.How much it is? $70 directly from Logitech, or about $55(ish) on AmazonWhere can I buy it? Logitech or Amazon

 

It's a full-size keyboard, so it brings a desktop-like experience to your tablet.Typing on the keyboard is pretty fantastic - not cramped in the slightest and the keys have a good amount of travel. It's definitely comparable to a full computer experience.Very, very solid. There's nothing flimsy about this keyboard - it feels incredibly well made.Hotkeys for Calendar, Music + controls, volume, home, and back, as well as normal shift+arrow, ctrl+arrow, and alt+arrow line navigation.Classy black and blue color scheme with matching case. It looks quite nice. The case easily converts into a stand for your tablet.Speaking of, the stand offers more than one angle, which is very useful.Very simple pairing/reconnecting process.

 

Non-rechargeable batteries - it uses AAA sized batteries, which is just inconvenient. Since it's Bluetooth, however, it shouldn't need new batteries very often.At 398 grams, it's surprisingly heavy; in fact, it weighs nearly the same as many tablets.It doesn't "sleep" after a specified amount of inactivity, which could lead to faster battery drain. The stand slides around when tapping the device's display (I'm sure this varies with different types of surfaces, but I had to hold onto the tablet while using it on my desk).Not as many Android optimized keys as other Bluetooth keyboard options.

There's no doubt that the Logitech keyboard for Android 3.0+ devices is a dang nice keyboard to type on. It makes inputting information on your tablet a breeze, offers a pleasant typing experience, and looks great doing it. However, it is a bit on the heavy side, especially compared to the ZAGGkeys Flex keyboard that I looked at earlier in the week. For some users, however, the tradeoff of a full size keyboard may be worth the added bulk -- just make sure you carry extra AAA batteries everywhere you go so you never run out of juice.

Chrome 19 desktop browser released, keeps tabs with your mobile devices

Todays release of the stable version of Google Chrome 19 brings with it a killer feature which really does beg the question -- why would you use any other browser? 

When signed in to Chrome 19 on the desktop, as well as Chrome Beta on your Android 4.0 device, all currently open tabs will be synchronized between every device you're signed in on. Put simply, you could be reading Jerry's awesome review of the Sprint Galaxy Nexus on your computer, but you have to leave for work before you're done. Open up Chrome Beta on your Android phone or tablet, and there it is, ready for you to open and get right back to reading. 

The tabs are displayed within the "other devices" section found within the main menu on Chrome Beta, and the new tab menu on Chrome desktop. 

There are some other new features included in the release of Chrome 19 that are desktop only, but the merging of Chrome on desktop and Android can only be a good thing for the future. Hit the break for Google's promo video. 

Source: Google Chrome Blog

WSJ: Multiple Nexus devices from different manufacturers by Thanksgiving

A report out of the Wall Street Journal has us thinking differently about the Nexus program. According to the report, Google may be going all-in on their new Nexus strategy, partnering with not one, but multiple OEMs on Nexus devices that Google would sell directly to customers similar to its recent Galaxy Nexus offering. Google hopes to have a full portfolio of devices available by Thanksgiving, and is working on giving multiple OEM partners early access to the next version of Android, currently codenamed Jelly Bean.

This marks a stark change from Google’s previous strategy, where Google exclusively partnered with one key manufacturer to provide the flagship device for its latest OS. Sources for The Wall Street Journal believe this strategy is being taken to provide Google with greater control over the operating system and apps that run on it, thus reducing the impacts wireless carriers have over devices. We assume this will be because the Nexus devices will launch with stock Android, as opposed to the custom skins manufacturers are keen on putting on their devices.

Many are speculating that the move is a response to appease manufacturers concerned with Google’s acquisition of Motorola and what that means for the rest of the Android industry. Taking the potential for Google to play favorites off the table will likely persuade these manufacturers to keep producing and innovating with Android devices.

This story is obviously developing, and Google was unavailable for comment at the time the WSJ story went live. We’ve reached out to Google as well, and will update you as we learn more of the expanded Nexus line rumored for later this year.

HTC Unloads Kernel Source Code For A Bevy Of Devices, Including The One V

HTC, keeping up with its recent pattern of speedy source release, has dropped official ICS kernel source code for a heaping handful of devices, perhaps most notably the One V, a member of HTC's new One line which hasn't yet debuted in many countries.

Other devices include the US variant of the Vivid and several iterations of the Sensation, with the Desire HD and myTouch 4G Slide's Gingerbread (2.3) kernel source also being dropped.

Those interested in tweaking or developing with the official kernel source of the above devices should head over to HTC's Developer Center (linked below) to grab the downloads.

Source: htcDev