Facebook Home expands beyond the US, now up for download in Canada and the UK

Facebook promised that other countries would be getting Home for Android sometime after the US rollout, but it didn't have much more to offer in the way of specifics at its launch event earlier this month. It turns out the wait wasn't too long for some countries, though, as the Home app is now available for download in at least Canada and the UK. Of course, you'll still need one of the phones already approved for use to actually run it -- namely, the Samsung Galaxy Note II, Galaxy S III, HTC One X+, One X or One. As for the one phone that Home actually ships pre-installed on, the HTC First, it remains a US-exclusive on AT&T; EE and Orange have confirmed that they'll be carrying it across the pond, but there's still no word on Canadian availability.

Via: Financial Post, Android Central

Source: Google Play

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By: Unknown On 10:43 AM

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A Game of Thrones Android app guides you through the world of Westeros and beyond

Perhaps the second screen experience for HBO megahit show A Game of Thrones provided through Xbox 360's SmartGlass functionality and HBO Go's iPad app isn't enough for you? And maybe you want a bit more of a George R. R. Martin touch to your Game of Thrones book companions? This week's release of "A Game of Ice and Fire" for Android -- the previously iOS-only Game of Thrones app that acts as an "official guide" to the series and its myriad characters / relationships / political struggles / etc. -- is clearly for you. And yes, it goes beyond what just the show covers; it can even be customized for spoilers based around how far you are.

The initial cost to download is nothing and comes with several characters as well as a companion for the first book, but for books two through five you'll need to grab the upgrades: $1 apiece, or $5 for those four plus an additional "InfoPack" which would otherwise cost $2 by itself. Those $2 "InfoPacks" include, "new characters and places and additional data and background info" (whatever that means), and more are expected in the future. The third season of A Game of Thrones kicks off on March 31st, and wouldn't you know it, this app is perfectly timed to accompany it. That's what we call synergy. Head to the Google Play link in the source link and grab it for free, or risk *paying the iron price.

*Thankfully, in this case, that price is just potentially looking ignorant about A Game of Thrones. So ... not that big of a thing, actually.

Via: Mashable

Source: Google Play

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By: Unknown On 1:24 PM

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Google Maps and TiVo integration on Nintendo Wii U delayed beyond January

Nintendo's Wii U was supposed to get TVii when the console launched back in late November. That did not happen. Then, when it did launch in late December, two key features were missing: TiVo and Netflix. Despite insistence that the former would arrive in January 2013, Nintendo tells us that both are delayed beyond January to an unknown point in "early 2013." The company specifically notes that said integration is planned for the United States.

Google Maps and Street View, custom-tailored for the Wii U's tablet-like GamePad, were also given a January 2013 launch window when we first heard back in early December that they were headed to the Wii U. As it turns out, those are also delayed, albeit to a more precise "first quarter of 2013." This news comes on the heels of below expectation Wii U console sales, and word of not one, but two console updates coming later this year aimed at optimizing the hardware -- an issue we struggled with during our review of the console last year.

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By: Dilusha On 6:07 PM

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Google+ Pages gain interaction with those beyond their circles, will get analytics soon

Many running Google+ Pages for their companies have likely been frustrated by the lack of interaction with some of their fans -- if visitors haven't already put the brand in a circle, they've been off-limits regardless of their interest. A quiet change may have just opened the floodgates. Pages can now share, comment on and +1 posts from those who weren't already followers. Google hasn't made the change official, but it is promising a feature that's ultimately complementary: Pages should get their own analytics for demographics and social activity in the "coming weeks," giving owners an idea as to who they're attracting. While we hope that the loosened restrictions don't lead to unwanted conversations in our feeds, they're undoubtedly valuable to companies that just want to share good news or offer a helping hand.

Filed under: Internet, Google

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Via: The Next Web

Source: Talking Moose Media (Google+), Google+ for Business

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By: Dilusha On 7:15 PM

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Apple patents a method to refine curved glass for displays and beyond

The curved screens of Samsung's Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus helped them stand out in the smartphone crowd, but it's clearer than ever that the company doesn't have a lock on the idea. Apple is exploring the concept as well: it just received a patent for a technique that molds thin glass into bent or curved shapes without a drawn-out process or using risky chemicals. By having alignment tools shift along with hotter temperatures during a glass slumping process, where the material shapes itself around a mold, Apple can bend glass without any interference -- leading to curvy surfaces that are both quicker to make and higher quality. A patent doesn't mean that we'll see a curved iPhone in the immediate future, though. Apple leaves its options open and suggests that anything from mice to TVs could be candidates, should the company take action at all. If the patent ever applies to real-world products, however, we'll have an inkling as to how the bendy shapes came to be.

Filed under: Cellphones, Displays, Peripherals, Apple

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Source: USPTO

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By: Dilusha On 9:06 PM

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