Wednesday, February 1, 2012



Posted: 31 Jan 2012 05:06 PM PST
Android Central
The news coming out of Research In Motion just keeps on flowing. We're just over a week into the reign of new CEO Thorsten Heins, and the latest is this new image of the BlackBerry London secured by our cousins over at Crackberry. For those that aren't familiar with the going's on over in the BlackBerry camp, BB10 is the next generation QNX based OS that is supposed to herald a whole new era for the platform. The BlackBerry London is thought to be the first BB10 smartphone. 
In his first interview with Crackberry, Heins brought a lot of insight with him. He also, you may recall, gave them his thoughts on Android hardware and how it "all looks the same." Forgive us for saying this, but the London kind of looks a bit a lot like an Android smartphone. Droid X, anyone? It'll probably run Android applications as well, via the Runtime for Android Applications feature found in the forthcoming Playbook OS 2.0.
The first leaked images of the London were vastly different to this. With its angled corners, and the kind of brushed metal finish found on the ultra-expensive Porsche Design P'9981, that sure did look different. Different to anything RIM had ever put out, and definitely different to anything in the Android war chest. 
Crackberry Kevin thinks the London looks like a trimmed down version of a Blackberry Playbook. As a Playbook owner, I definitely see a resemblance. It's a little disappointing though if this is what the finished hardware will look like. Android does have an awful lot of black slabs, just as BlackBerry have an awful lot of QWERTY devices
Source: Crackberry



Posted: 31 Jan 2012 04:07 PM PST
From The Forums
With the Monday blahs kicked to the curb, it's time to get on with the rest of the week. If you happened to missed out on anything from the weekend or Monday, make sure ya get yourself caught up. Otherwise, check out some of the forum threads below and hop on in:
If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.



Posted: 31 Jan 2012 03:09 PM PST
Samsung Galaxy Note
We already know that the 4G LTE version of the Samsung Galaxy Note will be headed to TELUS and Rogers next month, but now we have confirmation that it's landing on Bell Mobility Canada too. The 5.3-inch monster phone, already released internationally and coming to AT&T in the U.S. in February, appears alongside a "coming soon" message on the carrier's official website.
In case anyone's keeping score, Bell's Galaxy Note is the same four-buttoned version that's coming to other Canadian networks, as opposed to the three-buttoned international version. This version is also rumored to sport a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon chip instead of the 1.4GHz Exynos CPU in the international Note.
If you're after more Galaxy Note goodness, you can check out our first impressions of the North American version, or our full review of the international model.
More: Bell Mobility; Thanks, Curtis!



Posted: 31 Jan 2012 02:53 PM PST
DroidDoodle - Lloyd Roid Razr Maxx
Thicker, longer-lasting -- and still without a neck.
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 01:44 PM PST
CWM recovery in-app purchase
There's a Market update available for ROM Manager, and it brings a new feature that many have been wanting -- automatic installation of ClockworkMod Touch Recovery.  ROM Manager itself is still free (you can buy the premium version for more features), but if you want to use it to flash CWM Touch, it's going to cost you.  The price is $1.99, and it's available as an in-app purchase from the ROM Manager app, billed through the Android Market, PayPal, or via e-mail with a redeem code.  
ClockworkMod Touch is still available for free, though.  If your phone is supported you can download and install it manually through fastboot from the ClockworkMod website.  What you're paying for is the convenience of having ROM Manager do it for you, or for not having to configure and install the Android SDK and set up fastboot.  As some of you know, sorting out fastboot and drivers for your computer can be a pain, so here is your way around it once again.
Anyone who hacks at their Android phone needs a custom recovery.  Besides having an easy way to flash modifications and new ROM's, a custom recovery gives us something that is indispensable -- a way to create a restore point for our phone or tablet and go back to it at any time.  While there's a lot of good to be said for the "old style" that forces you to read every option and select carefully, there's no denying the allure of a touch-based version for many folks.  If you're one of them, now you have an easy way to get it on your device.  Koush is currently adding more builds for more phones, so if your's isn't listed just keep checking.  Happy flashing!
Source: +Koushik Dutta.  More: ClockworkMod



Posted: 31 Jan 2012 01:30 PM PST

But still no hard numbers given on Kindle Fire sales

Amazon Kindle Fire
Amazon today released its fourth-quarter 2011 earnings numbers. Net revenue was up 41 percent year over year to $48.08 billion, but net income fell 45 percent to $631 million.
Amazon's already said that the Android-based Kindle Fire is its "best selling," "most wished for" and "most gifted device" of the 2011 holiday season, but until today it had yet to give any actual numbers. That trend continued today, though Amazon did announce that sales of all its Kindle products -- including the tablet and e-readers -- were up 177 percent over Q4 2010. Of course, the Kindle Fire didn't exist then, so large growth wouldn't be unexpected.
The Amazon Appstore did well for itself in the three months ending Dec. 31, 2011, however. Amazon says Appstore customers nearly tripled for the quarter, and than more apps were downloaded in those three months than in all previous quarters combined. The Appstore launched in March  2011.
A conference call is coming up -- we'll listen in for anything worthwile. Full presser's after the break.
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 01:30 PM PST
Android Central
Yesterday Samsung took the wraps off the Galaxy S Advance, a new mid-range device that fits somewhere between the Galaxy S and Galaxy S II in terms of hardware muscle. Now British network Three is the first to confirm that it'll be carrying the phone, though no firm release date is on offer just yet. For its part, Samsung has indicated that the Galaxy S Advance will be coming to Russia in February, with Europe and other territories following later in the year.
Head on over to yesterday's announcement post for more Galaxy S Advance details. Three has also published a sneak peek video of the Galaxy S Advance, which you'll find embedded after the break.
Source: Three UK
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 12:35 PM PST
Humble Bundle for Android
The gamers in the house will be familiar with the Humble Bundle; it's a batch of indie games that periodically go on sale for as much as you're willing to offer, split up as you like between the developers or charity. Traditionally, the Humble Bundle has only been available for PC games, but today they've expanded to Android, and the titles the developers are offering are fully cross-platform (meaning you can redeem these games to play on PC through Steam, or download directly on Mac and Linux).
The first game the Humble Bundle for Android is offering is Anomaly. It's basically a reverse tower defense, where you're the one trying to send your waves of troops through a treacherous maze. EDGE is a simple yet colourful puzzle game where you navigate a cube through a surreal and animated landscape. Osmos is a strategy game modeled after molecular biology - get bigger, and absorb the lesser cells. If you pay more than the average price (currently sitting at $4.95), you also get World of Goo, which is a classic physics puzzle that tests your structural engineering skills.
I'm a huge fan of the Humble Bundle and have bought into it once or twice before. The payment scheme is smart, simple, and new. The titles are quality, and a lot of money is raised for excellent causes. Now, the danger here is that a lot of people simply pay nothing and get some free games. That strikes me as a bit of a cheapskate thing to do, considering the earnest spirit in which these titles are being offered, but I guess it can't be helped that a lot of folks will pounce on a freebie.
Go on and drop a couple of bucks to support some awesome developers, some awesome charities, or a little of both.
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 12:13 PM PST
What is a QR Code?
What is a QR code? These things are everywhere nowadays. Little square barcode-looking things. They're on website, they're on pictures, they're on advertisements -- they're everywhere. So what's a QR code and what do you do with it?
In a nutshell, a Quick Response Code is used to tell your phone to do something. Invented by Toyota in the mid-1990s, they "store" more information than traditional UPC barcodes and work better with languages more complicated than English. (Which is to say, most of them, especially in Asia.)
The way it works is this: Using a scanning app (there's Google's own Goggles app, or plenty of others in the Android Market), your phone's camera scans the code and then interprets it. There are different versions of QR codes, which can contain different amounts of information. 
Most often, QR codes are used to link to a website or video or some other online content. Your scanning app should preview the link for you as a safety feature so that you can't be automatically redirected to a malicious (or otherwise untoward) website or video.
Here at Android Central, you'll regularly find QR codes to quickly link to applications in the Android Market.
Previously on Android A to Z: What is a PRL?; Find more in the Android Dictionary
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 11:29 AM PST
GetGlue Android Central
GetGlue, a popular social media application for the television and movie lover, has just released an update to its Android application that brings few new features to the table. For those unfamiliar with GetGlue (check out our review here) it allows you to "check-in" to the show or movie you are watching or even what music you're listening to, or something you and your friends are discussing.
The update adds a new visual stream of check-ins, which gives you all of your friends check-ins with some additional style. Each check-in will have user generated art, and if the user left a comment while checking in that will show over top of the image.
They have also added a real-time conversation mode which allows you to keep in the conversation about particular shows with ease. Each time you click to check-in to a show you are opening the gateway to a new conversation and now you are able to keep up with these conversations with ease. They have also included the ability to go back through other recent check-ins and view the conversations on those as well.
Finally they have added Guides, which aim to make it a whole lot easier to find things to watch, read or listen to. Each of these guides is unique and based on the users previous preferences and they are also updated regularly so you never have to fear being bored without something new to watch.
If you are a current GetGlue user you will want to grab this update and if you are not currently using it there is no better time than now to check it out. Download links are available after the break.
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:28 AM PST
Listia
Have a garage full of stuff you never see any more? How about a closet full of clothes that no longer interests you? Have you thought about ways to get rid of it all but give up after a while and just never do it? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you may want to have a look at Listia. They've released their new app in the Android Market and if you're looking to trade your old stuff possibly for new stuff, the app can help you do it:
  • List any item directly from your Android phone
  • Search, browse and discover items others are giving away
  • Keep tabs on your favorite listings, as well as the most popular items up for grabs
  • Get live alerts and reminders for items on your watch list
  • Review seller profiles before you buy
  • Bid and win the things you want!
  • Find listings close to you, in over 3,000 global cities
Listia works on a credits system, meaning any action you take -- can earn you credits. You sign up, that's 400 credits. You post an item that's 100 credits. There is no cash involved, so unlike eBay or Craigslist list you never have to worry abt losing out on actual money. You can hit the break to download the app and check out the service, or if you're looking for more info just hit the source link.
Source: Listia
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:07 AM PST
Android Central Android Central Android Central
Behold, the HTC Ville, seen here with Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich and HTC Sense Version 4.0.
The Ville (that's more than likely still a codename, which has been around since early November) appears to be done in the usual HTC fashion -- a rounded-off rectangle with a mix of soft-touch and metal. We can't help but be reminded of the HTC Desire and, of course, the Nexus One, but it's also pretty reminiscent of the newer Sensation as well.
It's a pretty extensive video walkthrough. The first thing that stands out is the 4.3-inch screen at qHD resolution, with a front-facing VGA camera up top. Then there's the fact that it has just three capacitive buttons below the screen -- back, home and menu -- exactly like the LG Spectrum. While the Spectrum's still running Gingerbread, we opined that the removal of the search button was to make way for the search integration in the ICS UI. We're not seeing quite the same search bar in this latest version of HTC Sense, but it still lines up. An interesting note -- what you see here doesn't quite match up with a render that leaked back in November, when it had four capacitive buttons. Figure it's easier to change a render than a device, so we'll expect three buttons when it gets official.
Other specs seen in the walkthrough include a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel camera, with Beats audio thrown in for good measure. The Sense dock has given way to a more traditional Android dock -- here we see icons for the phone dialer, e-mail, app drawer, text messaging and camera, and there are app icons for Fruit Ninja and Antivirus, among a slew of other third-party apps in the app drawer.
We're kind of starting to salivate over the Ville (figure we'll get to see it at Mobile World Congress in a few weeks), but, man, it's tough to go back to a qHD display once you've tasted 720p. We'll just have to see.
Source: Youtube; via HTC-Hub (translated);
More in our HTC Ville forums; Thanks, Bruno!
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:46 AM PST
Android Central
Attention Firefox for Android users: You're going to want to head on over to the Android Market, as version 10 of Mozilla's browser is there waiting for you right now.
There is a couple of new features to report, the implementation of anti-aliasing for WebGL and support for accelerated layers via OpenGL ES. You also get a smattering of bug fixes, and improved Firefox sync setup. What is still noticeably lacking is support for Adobe Flash and other plugins. Nevertheless, Firefox for Android is still a pretty strong browsing option so hit the links after the break to download yourself a copy. Changelogs can be found by hitting the source link.
Source: Mozilla Blog
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:14 AM PST
Samsung Galaxy Note
Samsung has been pretty vocal with their commercials these days and come Super Bowl Sunday we'll be seeing one for the Samsung Galaxy Note hit the airwaves, as noted by Samsung USA:
We're telling fans first: Next Sunday we launch a device so revolutionary only an ad in America's biggest game can do it justice.

To make our first ever SB ad as noteworthy as the #GalaxyNote itself, it will be one of the longest in the game. Look for it in Q4!

Sunday is our 1st ever SB... So we tapped legendary director Bobby Farrelly or his first ever commercial. Excited?
With the flurry of Samsung Galaxy Note announcements letting folks know it will be coming to AT&T, Rogers and TELUS we'll be tuned into the Super Bowl to see just what Samsung has lined up for everyone.



Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:54 AM PST
Free Android WallpaperToday's Free Android Wallpaper comes to us from member Jan Van Assche, who uploaded this shot of the brick streets in Hvar, Croatia.



Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:01 AM PST
Google Legal
Congress wanted answers regarding Google's updated and consolidated privacy policy that goes into effect March 1, and el Goog has responded with a blog post as well as a 13-page letter to eight U.S. representatives.
The long and the short of it is this:
  • Google's not using the updated privacy policy to collect new information.
  • The new privacy policy doesn't let Google sell your information or anything crazy like that.
  • The new privacy policy consolidates dozens of individual policies, with a few exceptions for legal reasons.
  • There are a number of Google services that you can use -- including Chrome, Search and Youtube, to name but three -- that you don't have to be logged in at all to use.
In regards to Android specifically, the good people in Washington asked for the following:
8. Please explain exactly how a user of an Android Phone will be affected by Google’s new policy. Is there any ability for users to opt-out, other than not purchasing and using an Android phone? How will Google’s new policy affect users who do not use an android phone but automatically stay logged into their Gmail accounts on their phones?
Google explained that the new privacy policy doesn't materially affect Android, nor do you even have to have a Google account (or at least be signed in) to use an Android device. That's technically true, of course, but you'll certainly lose some functionality. On the other hand, you have devices such as the Amazon Kindle Fire that have become successful without deep Google integration.
Here's Google's full response to that question:
Our updated privacy policy, like the prior versions, covers users signed into their Google Accounts on Android phones just as it does users signed into their Google Accounts from a desktop computer. So the change will not have any significant impact on users of Android phones, and we are not collecting any new or additional data about Android users in connection with this change.
Users can choose not to log into an Android phone with a Google Account and still use it to place phone calls, send text messages, browse the web and use certain Google applications that do not require account authentication such as Google Maps. Some Google applications such as Android Market and Gmail require authentication with a Google Account.
Be sure to hit the links below and read Google's complete responses.



Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:24 AM PST
Seidio SURFACE Case for HTC Rezound
The ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day for Jan. 31 is the Seidio SURFACE Case for the HTC Rezound. This case consists of interlocking top and bottom pieces that fit your HTC Rezound snugly, and Seidio's signature soft touch finish provides a great feel and better grip without attracting lint. And it's just 1mm thin, so you'll barely notice it. You can get the case in black, royal blue, garnet red or amethyst today only for just $18.95 -- that's 37 percent off! Get yours while supplies last.



Posted: 31 Jan 2012 06:57 AM PST
Android Central
The Steam beta app for Android which was released on the Android Market last week has now opened its doors to all users of the popular digital distribution network. A new update to the Steam app on the Android Market opens things up to everyone after a brief invite-only period. That means you'll be able to log in, browse the Steam store and use all of the app's community features without waiting for a beta invite.
To find out what to expect from the Steam mobile app for Android, check out our hands-on article. We've got Android Market links for you after the break.
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 06:45 AM PST
Android Central
UK satellite broadcaster Sky has announced that it'll be bringing its Sky Go service to selected HTC and Samsung smartphones from February. Sky Go, which has been available on iOS for some time, allows subscribers to view live TV and archived content from certain channels on the on mobile devices.
Initially, Sky will be limiting its roll-out to a handful of (fairly) recent HTC and Samsung smartphones "based on sales volumes", though it's promising a wider roll-out "in time". The first wave of supported devices includes the Desire, Desire S, Desire HD, Incredible S, Sensation, Galaxy S and Galaxy S II.
Android users will have access to 22 live TV channels through the Sky Go app right out of the door, with Sky Movies on Demand due to arrive at a later date. You'll find a full breakdown of exactly what Sky customers can expect from this new app over at the source link.
Source: Sky



Posted: 31 Jan 2012 06:00 AM PST
ASUS Padfone
The ASUS Padfone will be seen at Mobile World Congress. No more rumors, no conjecture. Done deal, at least as far as ASUS' press invite is concerned.
Android Central at Mobile World Congress The Padfone's actually not just a tablet, nor is it just a phone. It's both, actually, and neither is it new. It actually was announced way back in May 2011, and ASUS showed us the concept in a couple of promo videos -- a 4.3-inch smartphone docks with and powers a 10-inch tablet. Here's how ASUS described it at the time:
Innovation is at the heart of ASUS design and the new Padfone reveals exciting new possibilities for mobile computing and communication. This convergent device combines a smartphone and a tablet computer into one symbiotic gadget that allows consumers to choose the screen size that best fits their activities while seamlessly sharing data and 3G internet access.
We'd presume the Padfone we see in a few weeks will be running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (at least it better be), and we're intrigued by the prospect of a smartphone powering the tablet, an idea that's been tried (and failed) in years past. Anyone remember the Palm Foleo? But that was a device obviously before its time. There also are the obvious questions about design and implementation (check out the videos after the break for the early look at that) and probably more important -- how it handles battery life. Figure the tablet part of the equation has its own battery. But when connected, does the Padfone drain soley from the tablet, with the smartphone all but shut down? Does it still trickle from the phone? Inquiring minds want to know, folks.
Anyhoo. We'll be at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona to bring you the ASUS Padfone -- and anything else the company has up its sleeve.
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 04:45 AM PST
Waze this morning has taken the wraps off Version 3.0, which brings Foursquare and Yelp integration to the Android navigation app. It's also bringing a new minimal user interface, and social location stack, meaning more community-currated information than ever.
We've got the full press release and download links after the break.
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Posted: 31 Jan 2012 12:06 AM PST
Android Versions
We know what Google tells us about the number of devices on each platform.  We can also read server logs and get a pretty good idea of the versions of Android hitting the site.  But what better way to find out what versions of Android you guys are running than to ask?  We're not interested in the minor version numbers, just the platform version in general.  If you use more than one device, just answer for the one you use most to visit Android Central.  
Honeycomb is my choice.  What's yours?  Answer in the poll.




Posted: 30 Jan 2012 10:45 PM PST
NS4G
An internal testing Ice Cream Sandwich ROM for the Samsung Nexus S 4G has been leaked out of Sprint, containing a new software modem, bootloader, and a 4.0.4 build.  Some are reporting this is the final version and we'll soon see an OTA for the NS4G, but that's speculation at this point.  We do know that this seems to run smoothly, with everything working including the Wimax radio.  It's build number IMM26, with a final kernel build and the ROM is signed with release keys which makes it pretty likely.
Of course the OTA for the Nexus S 4G can't come soon enough for many users, who have seen the 3G version of the Nexus S and the Motorola Xoom get their ICS builds pushed to them.  We have to remember that Sprint not only has more network testing involved in their version, but the addition of Google Voice integration and Google Wallet means their release cycle will be longer.  I'll go out on a limb and say Nexus S 4G users will see ICS released long before any other handset gets it, even if it's not imminent.  We've seen extremely stable builds of Android 4.0 for the NS4G for a while now, and you know the developers already have their hands dirty (trust me, they are all over it) using tonight's leaked files to make things even better.  If you're not the type who follows the manufacturers update path, hit your favorite ROM developer in a day or two.
If you're not the waiting type, visit the links below and try it on for size.  Heed the warnings, and if you hit any snags visit the forums and holler!



Posted: 30 Jan 2012 10:03 PM PST
Koobe Jin Yong e-reader
Koobe, one of the greater China market's biggest maker of e-reader devices, has partnered with Qualcomm today at the Taipei International Book Fair to announce the mirasol display equipped Jin Yong reader.  Named after the modern Chinese-language novelist of the same name, the Jin Yong reader features a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, a custom OS built on Android 2.3 base, and a 5.7-inch XGA (1024 x 768) mirasol display with a screen resolution of 223 ppi. According to Simon Hsu, general manager of Koobe, Inc., 
Users of the Jin Yong Reader have come to expect a compelling reading experience in terms of both content and functionality.  By incorporating mirasol displays into this advanced version, we will offer our customers a new and compelling experience by adding color and interactive content without sacrificing outdoor visibility and battery life.
This sounds like quite the combination for an e-reader device.  The Jin Yong reader supposedly has a battery with enough power for "weeks of reading under typical usage", where typical usage means about a half hour of daily reading.  It's hardly likely we'll be seeing this one in the US, but hopefully someone manufacturers an e-reader with Qualcomm's mirasol display stateside.  Hit the break for the full press release.
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Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:55 PM PST
Bugdroid at Gasparilla
OK, OK. Maybe first thing in the morning was a wee bit early for that "smartphones in the bathroom" survey. Mea culpa. And we're not sure any time of day makes this one any better. So we're not even going to put the actual picture on the front page here. If you want to see that bugdroid is doing behind our own Lloyd here, you're going to have to click the source link below. But be forwarned: It'll offend a lot of people, and rightfully so, especially if you have daughters.
On the other hand, if you've ever been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, or Fantasy Fest in Key West, or San Francisco's Bay to Breakers or Folsom Street Fair, or New York City in general, you've seen worse.  
This one comes to us from the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, which essentially is a mashup of Mardi Gras and pirates and booze and more pirates, with a little extra booze thrown in. (Tampa also brought us Android at the Redbull Flugtag event, too.) Some parts of Gasparilla are more familiy friendly than others -- you can guess which category this one falls in. Anyhoo, hit the link if you wanna see the bugdroid doing something we bet Google would prefer not see him do.


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