Check the weather in style with Solar

While you get your basic weather information covered by Google Now, Solar for Android introduces a bit of style into your weather checks. The free weather app provides you will colorful, visual information at a single glance. You get the basic temperature, date, current conditions and time on the main screen and you just need to swipe down the main screen to view the three-day forecast for your area. You have to scroll up (not swipe) to see the clock spin and provide you will the 24-hour forecast complete with animation for snow and rain and color change for sunrise and sunset. Swipe in the other directions and see what other functions Solar has for you.

Do not expect to receive temperature notices on the notification panel though or a home screen widget. Solar wants you to experience the app on its own. You can download the app here. If you use an iOS device, Solar has been available for a while now and you can get it for yourself here.

Source: Lifehacker

Samsung files for patent to allow mobile devices to track head movements

Credit: European Patent Office

As the rumours of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5 continue to surface, CNet reports that Samsung has a new European patent application that specifies a method to control smartphones with the front-facing camera registering head movements. There have been no confirmation when the technology will even be put to use but speculation suggests this new tech might make its debut on an upcoming device from the Korean IT giant.

The application indicates the technology is meant for times when users can’t touch the phone or are wearing gloves that make it hard for the touch-screen to recognize. Operating the phone at those moments can then be done through eye movement, nodding, or even pronounced eyebrow raising.

Google to shut down goal-sharing service Schemer

Google has announced plans to shut down Schemer goal sharing service in February. Data on the app will be deleted after February 7. You can access your data by logging into schemer.com with your Google account. From there you will find “Email me my schemes” at the top of the page. You will then receive an email from noreply_announce@schemere.com with CSV and HTML attachments that you can download. The discontinuation announcement can be seen in full here.

Sony reportedly pursuing release of Windows Phone device

Sony has already been linked to rumours of a Windows Phone device release. Now, the mobile chief of the tech company’s European division, Pierre Perron, told TechRadar they don’t plan on being a manufacturer for just one operating system. "[Working with Microsoft] is an interesting proposition for us in the PC environment, and we continue our engagement with them,” Perron said. "We are exploring this as part of our discussion in mobile space too. One thing is using the platform [Windows Phone] itself, and another is 'what can we deliver on top of it'?"

Perron, however, will not comment on a specific timeline for Windows Phone. He says discussions are still tentative.