Tuesday, January 31, 2012



Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:10 PM PST
There's no better way to start the week than with a blurry photo and information about a new upcoming Android smartphone. The device in the photo above is supposedly the upcoming Samsung Epic 2, which will be the successor to the original Epic 4G. Our friends over at ACS got their hands on an image which indicates that the device showed up on CelleBrite's system as the SPH-D705 Epic 2.The model number of the original Epic 4G is SPH-D700, and the Epic 4G Touch is SPH-D710, so this device is probably somewhere in between.
The Epic 2 is rumored to be packing a 4-inch qHD display, 1.2GHz single-core Hummingbird processor, and a 8-megapixel camera. These are not the final specs, so we
will hopefully
might see some changes before it's released. ACS is reporting that the device will hit Sprint, but Verge is saying that it may not, because they are considering more high-end devices right now. More on this as it develops.
EDITOR UPDATE: Just got word from PocketNow which clears things up a little bit...
"The image comes from http://pocketnow.com/smartphone-news/first-test-photos-htc-runnymede-samsung-gt-i9210-20-more and we never claim that the phone pictured is the SPH-D705, only that the image is taken BY the SPH-D705.
So who's planning to get this Samsung device? Any OG Epic 4G owners out there that aren't impressed with the specs? Drop a comment below!
Samsung Epic 2 shows up on CelleBrite, launching soon? originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:32 PM PST

If you remember, Asus introduced the PadFone, a tablet/smartphone hybrid, last year. Although we haven't heard much about the PadFone in quite some time, MoDaCo has some juicy news that caught our attention. They're reporting that Asus has confirmed that they will launch the extraordinary device at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 27th.
Rumors are flying that the PadFone will be packing Android 4.0, along with a Tegra 3 processor, despite the fact that we heard the phone will feature a Qualcomm processor. We also learned that the tablet half of the PadFone will be able to use the dock from the original Asus Transformer, which gives users even more functionality. In any case, MWC is a month away, so it won't be long before the mystery of the PadFone is revealed. The video below gives us a better idea of what ICS and the PadFone will be like.

So what do you think about the new and improved Asus PadFone? Anyone excited to see this thing drop at MWC? Let us know in the comments!
Asus to launch PadFone at Mobile World Congress? originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:28 PM PST

New details have emerged which confirm that Verizon is getting closer to announcing shared data plans.  You know what we're talking about here - a bucket of data that can be shared across multiple devices or users.  Much like the way we divvied up minutes in the mid-00's, we're soon going to be able to split up data over more than one handset or tablet.  Rumors got started back in December when Verizon indicated that they were ready to bring such an idea to market in 2012.
Tech site Engadget recently received a leaked image and some details from one of their readers who advises that we'll soon be able to add-on devices to main data plan.  In other words we'll have a our normal data bucket for Device A and the a $10 fee for Device B, Device C, and so on.  Rather than a $30 (or more) fee to deal with for every internet-enabled product you own, it would be much cheaper to go about it this way.
Think about for a moment... One data plan of $30 a month for your smartphone, plus another one for your tablet... and another one for your son or daughter... and so on.  It stands to reason that Verizon could rope in a ton of new customer if they told you that one could share their internet with the phone and tablet. Without a tethering plan or new contract.
How many times have you tried to sell someone on the idea of an Android phone or tablet only to be told it was too expensive in the long run?  Can you think of anyone who might buy a tablet or second smartphone if the data plan/options were better?
New details confirm Verizon’s plans to offer shared data packages originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:51 PM PST

Is Samsung going to tweak the Galaxy Nexus for Sprint, and possibly other carriers?  If recent benchmarks are to be believed then yes, that's exactly what they're going to do.  It wouldn't be the first time Samsung announced a slightly modified version of a Galaxy handset and it won't be the last.  According to figures posted on NenaMark and noticed by Droid Life, we might look forward to a Galaxy Nexus with a processor that could range from 1.5GHz to 1.8GHz.  Considering that the original model comes with an under-clocked 1.2GHZ CPU then we're in for a rather decent performance boost.
It also stands to reason that Samsung might take the opportunity to adjust the camera from 5-megapixels to 8-megapixels.  As a matter of fact we were surprised when the Galaxy Nexus was announced with the 5-MP shooter as many of their 2011 models offered the 8-MP camera.

Samsung to tweak Galaxy Nexus CPU, camera? originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 30 Jan 2012 10:20 AM PST
T-Mobile has started clearing their shelves in an attempt to make room for new smartphones and tablets.  As you know it's a new year and we're expecting a host of products to be announced at Mobile World Congress and CTIA.  And when you have stuff like the HTC Ville on the horizon then you won't want to hang on to last year's models for very long.  So what's getting cut?  According to information gathered by TmoNews, there are no less than six devices on the chopping block.
The list of phones nearing end of life includes the following Android handsets.
  • HTC myTouch 4G Slide
  • HTC Sensation 4G
  • HTC Amaze 4G
  • LG Doubleplay
  • LG myTouch
  • LG myTouch Q

As to exactly how long it takes before these models are completely gone will vary from device to device.  It's possible that we could see some stick around for a while, especially given that T-Mobile is still advertising them.  Others like the LG devices never really got any love nor will they likely be missed.
T-Mobile prepares to bid farewell to half dozen Android handsets originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST
Android Tablets are quickly catching up with iPads and TabClones for market shares, and we have our non-Google 7-inch powerhouse the Kindle Fire to thank.
It's blazed past all competitors in 2 short months since it's release in November to now be neck-and-neck with the Samsung Galaxy Tab for the title of "Most Used Android Tablet" Check it out:
My question is: How in the world did such a mediocre Tablet with a muddied up UI that hardly resembles a true android do this to our tried-and-true Samsung? Flurry says "Amazon's launch of Kindle Fire had more in common with an Apple-style launch than it did with aligning with the Android system." So instead of bragging that we can hit 210 MPH and have no rev limiter, the competition should have been attracting people with a pretty open hood-scoop and nice suspension for a smooth ride.
Turns out even tech geeks get weak in the knees something that just works.
After acquainting the Fire's success with Apple's, this next statistic should come as no shock;


That means for every dollar spent by Galaxy Tab users, Kindle Fire users are Spending $2.53, and that's Impressive. Kudos, Amazon.
Who out there has a Fire? Are you spending more money on apps than you did on your old tablet? Hit the comments below!
Kindle Fire Neck and Neck with Galaxy Tab originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:00 AM PST

Are you looking for unlimited LTE data on Google's latest flagship phone? If you answered, "heck yes" (like myself), you can now register for information updates for Sprint's iteration of the Galaxy Nexus, set to debut sometime later this year. The device will be Sprint's first LTE phone, so it'll be interesting to see how their network stands up. Let's hope for better performance than their current WiMax fare. Click the link below to register yourself, and be sure to let us know in the comments if you're looking forward to the Sprint Galaxy Nexus.
[source: Google via Android Central]
Registration Open for Sprint Galaxy Nexus originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:55 AM PST
Samsung this morning announced that the big, beautiful Galaxy Note arrives at AT&T on February 19th with a $299.99 price tag.  Pre-orders begin this coming Sunday, Feb. 5 with delivery expected by Feb. 17th.  Yep - that means if you buy yours ahead of time then you'll have possession for a full two days over all the others.  Of course that $299.99 sticker means you'll have to agree to a two-year service agreement with a requisite data plan*.   Look for two color options - ceramic white and carbon blue.
Accessories for the Galaxy Note include the following:
  • Desktop Dock to get the most out of your Galaxy Note at home
  • Spare Battery Charging System that allows for a convenient backup charging solution
  • Protective Flip Cover Case, available in multiple colors including tan, black, pink, red, white, blue.
  • Galaxy Note S Pen Holder Kit which offers a solution for users in need of a more traditional writing instrument. With a spare S Pen included, the S Pen Holder secures the navigation tool inside and offers a comfortable grip and allows for more detailed use.
Looks like you actually have something to do on Sunday how eh?  Oh wait, there is that one football game too.
*Samsung Galaxy Note requires a new 2-yr wireless agreement with voice (min $39.99/mo) and min monthly data plan ($20/mo). Subject to Wireless Customer Agrmt. Credit approval req'd. Activ fee $36/line.
$300 Samsung Galaxy Note arrives at AT&T on Feb 19 originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:36 AM PST
Samsung today announced another member for their Android-based Galaxy series of handsets in the form of the Galaxy S Advance.  Expected to arrive in February, the smartphone runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread and features a dual-core 1GHz processor, 768MB RAM, and up to 16GB internal storage.  Additional specifications include a 5-megapixel camera, 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, support for 14MBps HSPA, and all the other Android requisite connectivity.
Don't look for the Galaxy S Advance to come to the United States anytime soon as it's not listed in the press release. That's not to say that we'll never get one of these stateside, rather it's got a handful of other places to stop first.  On the horizon are Russia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Southeast and Southwest Asia, China, and Latin America.  Whew!

Samsung offers style and power with GALAXY S Advance
January 30, 2012
Latest addition to Android-powered GALAXY portfolio delivers sleek curved design with Dual Core performance
SEOUL, Korea – January 30, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY S Advance. Designed for those who define themselves by the phone they carry, the GALAXY S Advance strikes a balance of style, power and performance. It will be available in Russia starting from February, and then be gradually rolled out in CIS, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Southeast and Southwest Asia, Latin America and China.
"The GALAXY S Advance adds to the successful track record of the GALAXY smartphone range with a phone that combines power and style with all the versatility of Samsung's Hub services," said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.
Dual Core performance, curved design and Super AMOLED display
Powered by a dual core 1.0 GHz processor and HSPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity, the GALAXY S Advance has been built with power and connectivity in mind, delivering great versatility and a highly responsive user interface for easy multitasking. Application start-ups are faster with virtually no lag time, and the user experience is boosted with smoother screen transitions, faster image processing, and enhanced Web download and browsing performance.
The GALAXY S Advance's curved glass design enhances handling of the phone and fits the user's facial form easily and naturally. Its 4.0" Super AMOLED display provides the stunning visuals users have come to expect of Samsung GALAXY smartphones, offering unparalleled color reproduction and ensuring that photos and videos captured with the device's 5MP camera can be enjoyed with vivid clarity.
The Samsung user experience
Running on Android Gingerbread and featuring Samsung's TouchWiz user interface, the GALAXY S Advance enables users to stay connected through the Samsung Hubs and ChatON services. Music Hub offers a full music store experience with access to over 11 million tracks and the ability to fully personalize users' own music catalogues. Readers Hub offers access to over 2.3 million e-books, 3,500 magazine and 200 newspaper titles; while the hugely popular Game Hub offers access to thousands of catalogued games supplemented by gamer news feeds and news.
Samsung's cross platform communication service, ChatON connects all phone users into a single community using phone numbers instead of usernames and passwords, provides aneasy instant messaging, group chatting and sharing of content in multiple formats-images, video, voice, contacts, calendar-to make messaging simpler and more intuitive than ever.
The GALAXY S Advance also features Find My Mobile, a unique lost-phone management system that ensures secure phone data encryption in case of phone loss, and that enables users to trace their lost phone directly via the Web or even delete the device's data remotely.
Samsung announces Galaxy S Advance for international markets originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:27 AM PST
Koush, well-known developer and man of Android magic, has just released the beta of his new touch recovery. No more volume up / volume down / power to control what you want in the dark land of recovery. Just boot it, tap it, and flash it.
Below, you'll find the download links. The recovery works on both CDMA and GSM for the Galaxy Nexus, and GSM for the Nexus S. Also, for those who are wondering, it does work on the NExus S 4G, as I'm currently running it on mine.
The recovery has to be flashed from fastboot, so be sure you've got your ADB drivers all lined up and your device installed correctly.
Galaxy Nexus (CDMA and GSM)
Nexus S (GSM)
Touch Clockworkmod Recovery beta available for Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 30 Jan 2012 07:01 AM PST
We here at Android Guys like to cover only the most important, relevant news to our readers' lives. The latest and greatest phones, security updates, and - of course - which mobile users are probably tweeting from the toilet (or "twoilet", as it were).
According to a recent survey by 11mark, 87% of a pool of 1,000 people that were Android users admitted to being pretty darn likely to use their device while taking the Browns to the Super Bowl. Next in line is Blackberry users at an 84% likelihood of texting at the log cabin, followed by 77% of iPhone users facebooking at the oval office.
So next time you Spotify while you're at the Johnny-On-The-Spot, remember that you're not alone out there. Let us know what you think in the comments, if you dare.
Source: IT In The Toilet via Android Central
Survey shows Android users more likely to use their devices on the toilet originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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