Wednesday, February 1, 2012



Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:45 AM PST
For all those users of the popular Firefox browser for Android we have good news today. Firefox 10 has just landed in the market and the update is available now thanks to Mozilla. Along with tons of improvements to overall stability and performance we have a faster and easier set up and sync, but Adobe’s Flash Player is still missing.


I’ve been watching Firefox for Android since about version 6 and while they are making huge improvements I still don’t see myself ever using it. The stock browser is excellent, not to mention the Android 4.0 ICS browser is awesome. I don’t even use a 3rd party browser these days. However, with Firefox 10 page scrolling and zoom seems to be steadily improved and is actually more fluid than stock — but that is about all I’m enjoying.
I swear I remember release plans and even release notes saying Flash would be here with FF10 but it still seems to be missing, although it was added to a beta last year. The latest update still requires a missing plug-in as shown below and we are stuck with ugly grey boxes instead of videos in Firefox. Everything isn’t all bad and they’ve added a few important changes. Anti-Aliasing for WebGL is now implemented and probably has a lot to do with that extremely smooth scrolling, not to mention accelerated layers in OpenGL ES and faster firefox-sync.
I did still have a random crash even though I only used FF for around 15 minutes this afternoon — so that was a bit disappointing. For fans or those that must have all the plug-ins and add-ons head to the Android Market via the link below and get it today. More details on the change-log can be found here.
Market Link
ff10 ff10missing

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:21 AM PST
After Valve finally released an official Steam app for Android just a few short days ago users have been leaving all sorts of comments to release it out of beta. After only a select few could use the late to the party application, today it has left beta and is now fully open and available to anyone that already has a Steam account.


We all asked and Valve has listened — now if they’d only release HalfLife: 3 everyone would finally be happy. I have a feeling it is coming in 2012 though, just a thought. Just like we mentioned in our original announcement post the app is still under construction and says so in more than a few areas while browsing. I was hoping to see my recently played games but at the moment that button doesn’t respond to my taps.
Not only is the app out of beta for current Steam users, but all those other 3rd party apps are now being pulled from the Android Market — without notice too. While a few remain it is clear that Steam’s official app will be the only one moving forward even though their API is open to developers. If you aren’t a current Steam user just make an account and jump on the beta list and you’ll be up and running in no time over here on Android.
Once again, give me HalfLife: 3 and I’ll never complain again Valve — until I want 4 in 2018.
[via Android Market]

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:53 AM PST
Do you live in the UK? Love TV? Jealous of Hulu? (Don’t be – we have to pay for it on Android.) Own a recent Samsung or HTC Android phone? Then you’re in luck: the other British broadcaster, Sky, has plans to release its Sky Go on select Android devices at the end of February. UK cell phone site 3G broke the news. Unlike most contemporary video streaming apps, the Sky Go app is live TV, letting users choose between 39 different channels at once. Sky Go was previously exclusive to iOS, because Sky
hates fun
didn’t recognize the incredibly growth of the Android platform at the time.

Unfortunately, the list of initial supported devices leaves something to be desired. HTC customers can use the Desire, Desire S, Desire HD, Incredible S and the Sensation, while Samsung owners only get the Galaxy S and Galaxy S II. Even limiting themselves to the top two Android OEMs, that’s a depressingly small number of phones, and Samsung’s family of Galaxy Tabs (where a video app would be most welcome) seem to be left out in the cold. Sky said nothing about expanding support to more phones or tablets, or adding more manufacturers.
That said, it’s encouraging to see more and more media producers awaken to the reality of the mobile landscape. Time Warner could take a lesson – their Android app is still limited to remote control functions, while iOS users get the full Monty of video channels. Limited device support will be a pain, and echoes the woes of Netflix’s early Android app, but rest assured someone out there will make a modded universal version sooner rather than later.

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:15 AM PST
Motorola didn’t know they were setting off a fashionista arms race when they announced the DROID RAZR way back in November. The super-skinny superphone has drawn admiring reviews and no small amount of immitation, though Moto remains the only one close to its 7.1mm crown in the US market. The latest contender is the NEC MEDIAS N-05D (rolls off the tongue, dunnit?) slated for release on Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo. The 6.7mm Android smartphone will launch in the first quarter of this year.

Surprisingly, the MEDIAS retains some very respectable specs inside its slinky frame. The screen has a full 720p resolution, a first for the ultra-slim form factor, with a diagonal size of 4.3 inches. A dual-core 1.5Ghz processor and 1GB of RAM should be plenty for Gingerbread, and the 8.1MP rear camera meets or beats other current phones. Extras like NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 (with connectivity to the latest Casio G-Shock watches) and a TV tuner make for an interestingly versatile little package. The only real downsides are a measly 4GB of internal storage and a relatively small 1400mAh battery.
Of course, you shouldn’t expect to see the MEDIAS coming to America any time soon. NEC is fairly limited to the Asian markets, especially when it comes to high end hardware. That said, the latest is an impressive retort to Fujitsu’s Arrows phone, which also registers 6.7mm on the calipers. Black, white and pink will be on offer for anyone who wants it.
all-medias medias medias-side
[via TechCrunch]

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:49 AM PST
Rooting and modding Android phones isn’t always easy. And even when it is, it cal always be easier. That’s the philosophy that drove XDA user “pvyParts” to create Auto-Installer, a simple Android app that adds the ubiquitous ClockworkMod custom recovery software to any Sony Xperia phone made in 2011. What’s more, it does so via a sneaky little partition setup that doesn’t touch the phone’s bootloader – thereby preserving user’s manufacturer warranties.

Installation couldn’t be simpler, though you do have to have a rooted phone in order to apply the software, and it only applies to phones that have been updated to Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Download the free app from the Android Market, run the CWM installer and reboot your phone – bingo bango, instant mod time. Alternately, you can download the app from the original thread and install it via the standard non-Market method.
The other options included in the app follow the pattern established by ROM Manager, the official ClockworkMod Recovery app. You can reboot directly into recovery, make an automatic Nandroid backup via the app, and check your root status. This is a major boon for those who have a less popular phone that hasn’t made its way into the official support list yet. The app is now on its fourth revision, so most of the kinks have been worked out already.
Oh, and there’s a Nyan Cat in the background. Nice.

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:37 AM PST
Last week Symantec made headlines, claiming that somewhere between 1 million and 5 million Android users had been infected with a particular kind of malware identified as Android.Counterclank. In an alarming blog post, the security software retailer notes Android.Counterclank’s overly broad permissions and ability to send personal data through a network connection. Now rival security software vendor Lookout Mobile Security claims that Symantec’s post was overblown, and that the code executing in the 13 apps identified is overly aggressive adware, not malware.

According to Lookout, the Apperhand package is the common code running in al l13 offending apps. Once executed it places a search icon on the Android home screen which links exclusively to partner ad websites. Lookout disagrees with Symantec’s assessment that the relevant apps qualify as “malware”, though they do say that most Android users wouldn’t want the ads running on their phone or tablet. Syamntec is sticking with its classification. The ad network identifies individual phones via IMEI number, pushes ads to the phone (as if they were SMS or email messages) and drops bookmarks into users’ browser apps, but Lookout still does not consider this “malicious” activity.
What we have here is a battle of interpretation. Symantec classifies the apps as malware based both on their observed activities and their capabilities – namely, the possibility that the apps can send personal information through an otherwise necessary Internet connection. Lookout disagrees, asserting that Symantec’s original claims were overblown. While Symantec’s post is certainly self-serving, it doesn’t appear deceitful – they outline the capabilities of the Android.Counterclank API and why users should be worried. However, since not all of the 13 apps originally identified by Symantec have been removed form the Android Market by Google, users can assume that whatever objectionable content is to be found in their code does not constitute “malware” by Google’s definition.
[via eWeek]

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:01 AM PST
Nexus S owners were among the first to get an official update to Ice Cream Sandwich, direct from the source at Google – at least, those with the GSM model were. Owners of the CDMA-equipped Nexus S 4G have had to be content with community ROMs and other unofficial fare ever since December (and boy, haven’t they let us know). Good news, Nexus faithful: a leaked ROM of Android 4.0 made its way to XDA in the wee hours of the morning. It appears to be the real McCoy, even sporting Android 4.04 – which isn’t even part of the official source code yet.

Adventurous ROM flashers can download the package now to try it out on their CDMA phones, either via the Odin application or the mod-friendly Clockworkmod Recovery method. It goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway) that the risk is entirely yours – make a backup first! All the standard features and user interface enhancements seem to be in place in Ice Cream Sandwich, though it’s hard to tell what’s changed in version 4.04 as compared to previous builds. That being the case, you can expect carriers to start the over-the-air update for the new software any day now.
Counting the Nexus S 4G as a separate phone from its GSM counterpart, that gives us three devices that have seen over-the-air ICS updates directly from Google: two Nexus S models and the Motorola XOOM. A further two have gotten official updates from their manufacturers already, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime and the Huawei Honor. Various early official builds have been leaked (notably the Samsung Galaxy S II with TouchWiz) and of course dozens of devices have community-authored ROMs built from open-source Android code.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Nexus S 4G
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier : Unknown
    Announced Date : March 21, 2011
    Release Date : May 08, 2011
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.00 Inch
  • Resolution : 480x800
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 4.88 Inch
  • Width : 2.48 Inch
  • Depth : 0.44 Inch
  • Weight : 130 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1500 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : 713 hours
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MP3
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : Cortex A8 Hummingbird
    CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz
    Core : 1
    Ram : 512 MB
    Internal Storage : 16.384 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :5 MP
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 720p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
    CDMA Band:
  • 800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 2.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via Android Police]

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 06:37 AM PST
Exciting news for HTC fans this morning, as one of the two models expected to debut at Mobile World Congress in February has jumped through the loops of secrecy to grace YouTube. The HTC Ville is one of the Taiwanese manufacturer’s “hero” devices for 2012, with impressive specifications, a slim profile and subtle styling. One of the most notable features of the Ville (likely a code name) is that it’s rumored to be one of the first HTC phones to reach retail with Ice Cream Sandwich.

Appropriately, HTC Hub broke the news and brought the YouTube video to the attention of the Internet. The three-minute spy video doesn’t show much – it appears to be the Ville in an office somewhere, probably being tested before a carrier announcement, almost certainly in Europe. While it’s claimed that the hardware on display is a prototype, it looks pretty complete as-is, even including the HTS SENSE tag on the back battery cover. Speaking of which, the skin running on Android appears to be Sense UI 4.0. That implies (but doesn’t guarantee) that the phone is running Ice Cream Sandwich. The software menu states that both Sense 4 and Android 4.0.1 are running. Interestingly, the model on display uses the three Ice Cream Sandwich navigation buttons, but they’re capacitive buttons below the screen.
Check it out for yourself below – unfirtunately, 360p is the best we’re going to get for the moment.


The HTC Ville’s rumored specs are as follows: a dual-core 1.5Ghz processor powers a 4.3-inch screen running at qHD resolution. That’s not mind-boggling by any means, though the Ville is expected to use an AMOLED display panel. The Ville is expected to be the thinnest HTC device to date at just 8.4mm 0 for refference, that’s almost exactly in between a DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX. Not bad for a company known for rather bulky designs. The Ville is expected to have a formal unveiling at Mobile World Congress in late february, along with the new quad-core flagship, the HTC Edge.

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 06:12 AM PST
There are three universal forces that can never be resisted: death, taxes, and the 5:30 weekday traffic in Atlanta. Waze has been resisting the latter with its community-powered traffic system, which gathers data from thousands of active users to create a live map of the worst traffic in any given city – and how to avoid it. The popular app updates today with version 3.0, bringing in an overhauled interface and new integration with social services. The app is still free, and you can download Waze in the Android Market.

In addition to the standard GPS-based navigation and traffic streamlining system, Waze now includes APIs for Foursquare and Yelp. This isn’t for updates for your friends (“Michael is still suck on I-20″) but rather a searchable database of restaurants and other attractions. Regular Android users will recognize this as yet another feature “borrowed” from the built-in Google Maps application, namely the “Places” feature. But while Places only includes information from reviews on Google Maps, Waze now has access to the much more rich database of Yelp reviews and active participants via Foursquare. Of course, once you reach a location you can review it or check in.


The user interface adjustments are notable as well. Waze points out the at the new active map GUI has only two large buttons, the better to safely use while behind the wheel. Bigger, more readable fonts and integration with Android’s voice-control functions enhance safety and usability. Users can quickly report road issues or speed traps with just two taps, and the social gaming elements that put Waze on the map (so to speak) remain intact.

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 10:11 PM PST
Despite how blazing fast Verizon’s 4G LTE is, it’s also quite expensive – especially for an entire sporting smartphones. We discussed how Verizon had planned to offer a family-share plan in 2012, but had no hard evidence to back it up. Now, it seems we have a leaked snapshot displaying a new option in Verizon’s computer system.


If you squint real hard, you can see a selection (currently unselected in the picture), that reads “All Lines on Data Share”. It will only cost $9.99/line for family members to tap into the allotted data. This could potentially save hundreds on many bills once it’s put into effect.
This document still doesn’t give us a specific date for when the plan could be released publicly – but knowing it’s coming should make many of you excited. The absence of family-share plans from Verizon’s lineup has really been the only piece missing in the puzzle. Customers of other carriers will likely switch as a result, because after all – who wouldn’t like 4G at an affordable price?
[via SlashGear]

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:38 PM PST
Many of us were skeptical at first, but there’s no doubt tablets have revolutionized the way we run our daily lives – that is, if you have one. It’s estimated the tablet market will group from 72.7 million units to 383.3 by 2017. But what does this mean for the average consumer? That tablets are right on there way to hitting the “sweet-spot” price point that we’ve been waiting for.


After all, the economy isn’t doing quite as good as we would like – thus shipments would certainly increase if prices decline. That’s what we’ve seen in countless tablets as of late: Kindle Fire, NOOK Color, and about a hundred other small-named brands have reduced the price by hundreds. But could it go lower? How about $100?
We saw what happened when the HP TouchPad ‘Firesale’ commenced last year. It was utter chaos for any company with them in stock. Another reason tablets will soar is their ability to replace laptops for the light computer user. Some just want to hop online to make online purchases, and you don’t need a laptop for that.
[via TechCrunch]

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 07:47 PM PST
Those of you out there surfing T-Mobile’s airwaves should know of upcoming changes your carrier will be putting into effect fairly soon. On April 5th, they plan on capping your domestic off-network data roaming usage. Limits are extremely low, so it will be important to keep an eye on data consumed while roaming.


When the limit is reached, users will not be able to access data services of any kind until they are reconnected to T-Mobile towers. Many smartphone users tend to purchase the 2GB data package, and this will land you 50MB of off-network usage after the change in April. The limit resets every billing cycle.
There a couple reasons why customers buy into “Unlimited” plans as soon as they become available: The first, for the comfort of knowing hidden fees won’t show up later. And second, knowing you’re going to have an unlimited amount of data – regardless of where you are in the USA. What do you T-Mobile customers have to say about this? Let us know in the comments below.
[via TMoNews]

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 05:34 PM PST
A lot of gamers got excited when the mobile Steam app was released last week for iOS and Android. (At least until they tried to log in and found out they weren’t part of the inner Beta circle.) But now it seems that dozens of unofficial Steam apps, including the pretty awesome application from IBF Programs featured on Android Community a month ago. There’s no word from Google or Valve, the creators and administrators of Steam, but it’s a good bet that the publisher and retailer has at least some say in the proceedings.

Within the last 24 hours, nearly all of the Steam apps in the Android Market have disappeared. The exception seems to be Staticon for Steam, though it isn’t clear why this application has remained. Droid Gamers notes that the apps in question use the Steam API, which is publicly available to anyone – by the admittedly loose standards of mobile development, that would seem to be free license to make an app that takes advantage of the API. It might be that the apps that have been removed were taken down due to copyright claims (featuring “steam” too prominently in the title of the app, for instance) but the takedown has happened so quickly and completely that it could only have happened with Google’s help.
The frustrating part of this for developers is that Steam has arrived late to the game, and assuming that they’re responsible for the removals, acted with little or no warning. The frustrating part for Steam users is that the mobile app is still locked behind a closed beta (though you can get in fairly easily – just log in and you’re put on the short list). We will almost certainly hear more from the developers of the affected apps this week, and hopefully an official explanation from Valve.

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 05:04 PM PST
We’re pretty stoked about the Samsung Galaxy Note finally making its way stateside – but not nearly as excited as Samsung themselves. Today the Samsung Mobile US Twitter account teased an upcoming Super Bowl ad, and their wording leaves little doubt that it’s promoting the 5.3-inch smartphone bound for AT&T later in February. Samsung claimed that the ad will be “one of the longest in the game”, which points to at least a 60-second spot and maybe even a 90-second one. Considering that a single 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl runs about 3-4 million dollars, Samsung is poised to spend a heck of a lot of money for a single promotion. They’ve even hired the producer of Dumb & Dumber and There’s Something About Mary to oversee the project.

Of course, big-budget Super Bowl ads are nothing new. Apple’s been running the pricey spots for years, and given their recent influx of cash (the better to pay their lawyers, my dearie) you can bet they’ll be representing. Google made a big push last year during Super Bowl 45, using the airtime to put a more human face on its search service. But since Samsung and Apple are running neck-and-neck as the largest smartphone producers in the world, their ads will shape perception for the spring and summer, at least among US viewers.
On that note, Samsung has already been fighting Apple hard with its collection of iPhone-bashing ads over the last couple of months. The “Next Big Thing” series makes light of Apple’s most devoted fans and their Starbucks-slurping ways, not to mention Apple’s penchant for barely passable hardware updates. Up to now, the commercials have all focused on the Galaxy S II. We might see one or two of these ads during the game as well. That being the case, Samsung better hope that the Galaxy Note is a smash hit – it’s got a lot riding on it.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : DROID RAZR
    Manufactuer : Motorola
    Carrier : Verizon
    Announced Date : October 18, 2011
    Release Date : November 03, 2011
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.3 Inch
  • Resolution :
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED Advanced qHD
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.15 Inch
  • Width : 2.71 Inch
  • Depth : 0.27 Inch
  • Weight : 127 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1780 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : 8.9 hours
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : OMAP 4430
    CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 16.384 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
    CDMA Band:
  • 800
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1700
  • 1900
  • 2100
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :


Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:23 PM PST
Coming in under the radar and pretty quietly to the streets of Sweden is the new LG Optimus L3 budget-friendly smartphone. The LG Optimus L3 phone is being listed as the E400 and we don’t know much about this phone but it appears LG is shaking up their design plans yet again. Running on Gingerbread the capacitive buttons seem to be hiding at first glance.


Being spotted on the Swedish site cdon.se this phone looks like a blend between the Optimus One and a Samsung Galaxy S international version. Coming in with extremely low, entry level specs at the same time. We have a 3.2″ display and Android 2.3 Gingerbread on board but the details are pretty scarce.
While the screen size and resolution both appear to be lacking we do have a 3 megapixel camera around the rear for shooting some decent pictures and even a micro-SD slot but that just about rounds it up. We have no details on the CPU, RAM, internal storage or anything else but judging by the screen size and resolution it wont be anything spectacular and most definetaly headed for the budget crowd — but hey, they do have a white version coming too.
[via GSMArena]

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:59 PM PST
Everyone’s favorite firesale tablet is still going strong, at least as far as developers and modders are concerned. The HP TouchPad got a port of CyanogenMod 9 ice cream sandwich just a few weeks ago, and the progress made thus far is impressive to say the least. While still in Alpha, the ROM build has graduated to Alpha 0.6, with a number of additions to the stability and user interface of Android. Adventurous flashers can download the build from RootzWiki now, and install it normally through Clockwork Mod Recovery.

The biggest changes to the software have been made in the alert area, which is now scrollable. Tap the clock and the familiar quick info screen pops up. Tap it again and you’ve got access to a bevvy of quick settings, some of them stock and some of them added in by the CyanogenMod team. The CM settings section that long-time users will be familiar with is now embedded into the main settings menu, though most of the options are still left blank. One important change (especially if you still use the default WebOS software with any regularity) is the expanded reboot menu, which now allows you to go to the OS selection screen or Clockwork Mod from the ROM itself.
Here’s a look at Alpha 0.6 from YouTube user RolandDeschain79.


There’s still a lot of work to be done – this isn’t anywhere near finished enough to be your daily driver. The biggest missing features at the moment are the camera function and video acceleration, which means that apps like Netflix, HBO GO and the HD videos in the YouTube app won’t work. But thrifty modders live and breathe this stuff, so I’m sure that more than a few of you aren’t even reading this and have already started downloading the ROM. Happy flashing!

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:54 PM PST
Recently here at Android Community we’ve been enjoying many different kernels for the Galaxy Nexus and have even featured a few here in the recent past. While many are great and work well today we have what appears to be one of the absolute best at the moment. That is the Franco kernel. More details and impressions after the break.


Now since I love a few different kernel builders like Morfic I’ve decided to add in a few screenshots of the Galaxy Nexus running stock, Morfic’s Trinity kernel, and the latest Franco build for a good comparison. We have a few Quadrant benchmark tests below for those interested although benchmarks aren’t everything. Daily usage performance needs to also be better, and that is exactly what we have with Franco’s latest update that dropped today.
If you’ve been looking for a kernel that will make your Galaxy Nexus scream with performance while giving you exceptional battery life then look no further than Franco. It really is the best we’ve tried thus far and was actually quite impressive. From loading up the browser, launching the gallery and even benchmarks — performance was boosted across the board. We’ll have to update on battery life but so far things are looking good.
Running the Galaxy Nexus completely stock on Verizon with Android 4.0.2 Ice Cream Sandwich we get roughly 1600 in Quadrant — quite low for a 1.2 GHz dual-core device although daily usage suggests otherwise as it performs great. With a good CM9 build and Franco’s latest kernel build #15 with tons of updates and improvements this boosts way up to 2600 and I/O results were increased 5 fold. It’s safe to say that while stock this device is great, but with the addition of this latest kernel build from Franco it simply flies.

Obviously there are a lot of different variables here with settings, overclocking, the ROM you are running and more but all of these tests were on the stock settings right after flashing. Trinity performs great and we’ve been running it for a few days now but the benchmark tests were extremely low. Looking through the changelog and extremely close attention to detail from Franco we can safely say his kernel is as good as it gets — for now.
Check out the screenshots below to see the results from stock, Trinity, and then Franco and see for yourself just how impressive it really is. If you’re the kernel flashing type, running Android 4.0.3 and would like to give it a try check out the XDA Thread here for all the details, changes, and download links.
franco-about franco-main gnex-franco gnex-stock gnex-trinity franco-numbers

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : GALAXY Nexus 4G [Verizon]
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier : Verizon
    Announced Date : December 14, 2011
    Release Date : December 15, 2011
    Also Known As : Nexus Prime
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.65 Inch
  • Resolution : 1280x720
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.33 Inch
  • Width : 2.67 Inch
  • Depth : 0.37 Inch
  • Weight : 150 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1850 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : 150 hours
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.0.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.264 / AVC
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : OMAP 4460
    CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 32 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :5 MP
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
    CDMA Band:
  • 900
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via +Vincent Nguyen]

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:21 PM PST
Here’s a surprising turn of events: Wireless Goodness spotted the cute ‘lil DEFY MINI going through the FCC at the behest of Motorola. The budget phone was revealed early this year for various international markets, but we didn’t think it would be headed to the US any time soon (at least not with the same branding). The wireless bands that the test phone was sporting point to an AT&T release – or not, since those are the same HSPA+bands that are used in many countries around the world. Manufacturers often send phones and tablets through the FCC as a formality to show off to prospective carriers, or on their way north to Canada.

The DEFY MINI is small 3.2-inch Android phone with low-end specs and a low price. If Android phones fit the old Starfleet naming pattern, we’d call this one “Wildfire class“. A 600mHz processor and 512MB of RAM won’t win any races, but the phone is designed to be durable, with Gorilla Glass and a water-resistant body. A 1650mAh battery is huge for such a small phone, and thanks to a small 480×320 screen should outlast most superphones. A 3MP camera with a bonus front-facing cam round out the package. If you live in the UK you can pick one up now for £174.99 contract-free.
As noted above, going through the FCC isn’t a guarantee of a US release, but it is a pretty good indication that it’s headed somewhere in North America. Unfortunately the DEFY MINI’s launch partner, the unique MOTOLUXE, is nowhere to be seen. Odds are pretty good that we’ll see one or the other headed for various world markets at Mobile World Congress next month, so if the DEFY MINI strikes your fancy, stay tuned.


Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:32 PM PST
LG’s Optimus LTE – which for the purposes of our American readers is known variously as the LG Nitro HD on AT&T and the Spectrum by LG on Verizon – is the company’s current flagship. That puts carriers in an awkward position, since LG is definitely a second fiddle to the likes of Samsung, HTC and Motorola, at least here in the US. This being the case, Verizon prices the Spectrum at $199.99 on a two year contract, a full $100 less than HTC’s Rezound, Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus and Motorola’s DROID RAZR/DROID RAZR MAXX. So, can you get a top-of-the-line smartphone for a mid-market price, or at least what’s become mid-market on Big Red? Let’s find out.

Hardware
As noted above, the Spectrum shares its innards with the LG Nitro HD: a 1.5Ghz dual-core processor is paired with a full gigabyte of RAM, and the now-standard 8 megapixel camera does its duty on the back end of the phone. For storage you get a relatively feeble 4GB, but a freebie 16GB MicroSD card may be more useful, depending upon whether you like a little more flexibility in your storage. Without a doubt thew most impressive part of both smartphones is the screen, a 4.5-inch 720p panel that’s a true IPS LCD, the same technology that goes into professional graphics monitors.
And here we see the first and most recognizable shift from the Nitro HD: while both phones feature the same screen on their spec sheet, the Spectrum’s is undeniably clearer, brighter and much more pleasing to look at. When the Nitro HD launched it had the highest-resolution screen on AT&T, but the various Galaxy S models outshone it thanks to Samsung’s Super AMOLED panels. The screen on the Spectrum isn’t quite as bright as an AMOLED, but it’s close, and the vividness and color accuracy are at least as good. Add to that the impressive viewing angles of IPS, and you get a screen that rivals almost anything out there. To illustrate my point, here’s a photo of both phones on either side of a Galaxy Nexus, all at maximum brightness. The Spectrum is on the left.

Unfortunately, the Spectrum falls short of the Nitro HD in basic ergonomics. A glossy plastic exterior (shared with the international version) makes the phone slip and slide in your hand – not helped by the fact that it’s noticeably heavier than other high-end smartphones. Part of that is due to the 1830mAh battery, which does it credit, but other phones have the same or more juice in a smaller body. It’s attractive enough, in a vanilla sort of way -spun aluminum accents make for a phone that isn’t just another slate. I appreciate the ability to remove the MicroSD card without pooping out the battery, but I’m not overly fond of designs that kick the search button to the curb, as LG has been doing for some time.
Software
Gingerbread beckons for all new Android buyers save those choosy Nexus folk, and here we see it in LG’s customized interface garb. LG’s skin isn’t unattractive, but it does get in the way more often than it helps – particularly in the Spectrum’s app drawer. You’re given two options: an alphebetized vertical list or a grid that’s split up by category. If you want an A to Z grid – as almost all smartphone users will be expecting – you’re out of luck.

Launchers aren’t necessarily a death knell for a phone’s software, since they’re almost literally a dime a dozen on the Android Market. But pre-installed apps, particularly those that can’t be removed, are. I counted no less than 24 superfluous apps from LG and Verizon, none of which can be removed by the user. Old mares that no one really wants like Blockbuster and the Vcast App Store rear their ugly head, and while I use things like Kindle and Netflix on a regular basis, the fact that they’re include by default and I’ve got no say irks me something powerful. If you’re an advanced user and intend to root or otherwise mod the Spectrum, find a good ROM or prepare to spend lots of time cleaning the device of unwanted apps.
All that said, the phone does zip through the interface well. It positively aced the Quadrant test, with a score hovering in the 2650-2700 range. A little experimentation with some of my favorite high-end games confirmed that this wasn’t a fluke. There’s plenty of power justifying the bulk in the Spectrum, so gamers and video junkies will not be left wanting.

Call quality and battery
Like the Nitro HD, the Spectrum handles calls very well. Even in my relatively isolated home, a couple of bars’ worth of signal provided a loud, clear conversation. It must be said that the Spectrum performs much better than the Galaxy Nexus in that regard – though that isn’t saying much. Battery life is likewise good. Even spoiling myself with a screen near full brightness (the better to make those colors pop!) the phone lasts through a full day of moderate browsing, calling and texting without complaint. I’d say that it’s got the best battery on Verizon… if I didn’t also have the downright amazing DROID RAZR MAXX sitting next to it.
Media 
That brilliant screen isn’t just for looking at text and glossy icons, you know. Videos, whether streamed via Netflix, Youtube or played locally, look great on the Spectrum. Thanks to the IPS panels color accuracy and AMOLED’s tendency to oversaturate, it’s even better than the Galaxy Nexus. If you’re a video junkie, the LG Spectrum is well worth your consideration for the screen alone, to say nothing of the LTE wireless connection to banish buffering. The 8MP camera doesn’t fare so well. Even in ideal light is has a habit of washing out, and in indoor settings grain and blur become problems fast.
Wrap up

There’s a lot of great options on Verizon right now: The Galaxy Nexus for the die-hard modder, the DROID RAZR for the fashionista, the Rezound for the audiophile. Where does the Spectrum fit in? Well, at $199 it fits well below the others, and has an excellent screen, solid battery life and great call quality to recommend it. If these things are the most important to you, by all means go for it. The only real downside is LG’s software and the non-removable apps within it. If you can get over this, the Spectrum is a good choice at a good price – just don’t expect it to win any beauty contests.


0130121522 IMG_4295 IMG_4303 IMG_4309 IMG_4311 IMG_4313 IMG_4316 IMG_4320 IMG_4323 IMG_4328 IMG_4412 IMG_4420 IMG_4424 IMG_4431 IMG_4439
Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Spectrum
    Manufactuer : LG
    Carrier : Verizon
    Announced Date : January 09, 2012
    Release Date : January 19, 2012
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.5 Inch
  • Resolution : 1280x720
  • Screen Type : True HD IPS
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.33 Inch
  • Width : 2.71 Inch
  • Depth : 0.42 Inch
  • Weight : 142 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1830 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • 3GP
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
  • WMV
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : Snapdragon S3
    CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1024 MB
    Internal Storage : 4 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
    CDMA Band:
  • 800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
    Location Features:
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :


Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:46 PM PST
Samsung is looking to take things up another notch and have introduced personal engraving options for their new and popular new Galaxy Note smartphone. According to Samsung’s official Flickr page, buyers in South Korea can now get personalized custom engraving with their purchased from now until March 31st at select Samsung locations. Nice touch Samsung!


Samsung isn’t the only one offering this unique option and the folks over at Apple have had this same thing for years. Offering custom laser engravings on iPod and iPads for as long as I can remember. Is Samsung taking another play from Apple’s playbook just because they can? Or will Apple start another lawsuit for this too?
A popular option on Apple.com this type of customization hasn’t been seen in the world of Android but Samsung may be looking to change that. Whether this will be available to multiple devices and locations isn’t yet known but for now it’s only available for South Korea and the Galaxy Note. Now you can get the impressive 5.3″ AMOLED display rocking Galaxy Note smartphone with a personal touch or “note” right on the back for your loved ones. Too bad we can’t do this stateside because it would make a great gift for Valentines Day — especially with the AT&T 4G LTE Note launching February 19th.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Galaxy Note
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier :
    Announced Date : September 01, 2011
    Release Date : TBA
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 5.30 Inch
  • Resolution : 800x1280
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.78 Inch
  • Width : 3.27 Inch
  • Depth : 0.38 Inch
  • Weight : 178 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 2500 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : 390 hours
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AMR
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
  • WMV
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU :
    CPU Clock Speed : 1400 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1024 MB
    Internal Storage : 32.768 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • GSM
    GSM Band:
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

No comments:

Post a Comment