Sunday, January 29, 2012



Posted: 28 Jan 2012 12:52 PM PST
Recall the Boot Manager app we covered a few months ago?  Well, similarly, but slightly different, you're unable to boot into different ROM's like Boot Manager, however, SwitchMe is much less complicated to navigate.  The application allows as seamlessly as allowable and with the touch of a button, to create a new installation of your current ROM minus all of the tweaks and settings.  The application is extremely "tweak-able" if you will.  The app is scaled down well for battery optimization as it allows you to switch through a number of profiles.  Here's some more suggestions from the dev as well:
The technology behind SwitchMe saves all of your applications and data, protects it and stores it as a file in memory. You can then log out of an account and log into a fresh installation of Android or another account with its own unique content.
Privacy—the most obvious benefit is that you can securely share one device among multiple users, which gives you privacy and peace of mind.
Testing—if you are a developer, you can use profiles as clean sandboxes to test your applications and their interaction with the system.
Gaming—with multiple installations of Android on a single device, you can now play online MMOs as different characters.
Speed—the games your kids play slow down your tablet, but with SwitchMe you can easily create profiles in without games or messengers.
Battery life—when the battery is low but there are important emails or documents to edit later, switch to a profile which only contains these essentials.  
In addition, if you just wanted to use the app to dual-boot and not switch between ROM's constantly, SwitchMe is a great way to go.  You can check more information on the application via the download links below.  Give it a go and don't forget to let us know what you think in the comments section.  The app is free but also offers a pro key for $2 which allows you to create an unlimited amount of profiles as well as password protect them for added privacy.
SwitchMe_2 SwitchMe_4 SwitchMe_1 SwitchMe_3
Android Market Link
qrcode
Posted: 28 Jan 2012 09:14 AM PST
There's been some talk of this happening and over the past week it has. As of January 26th, the company, Sony Ericsson, is solely owned by Sony. Their former partner Ericsson sold their stake for $1.47 billion. Sony Ericsson had a rough year, clsoing out 2011 with a $318 million dollar loss in the 4th quarter of 2011. Moving forward the company's aim is to update their device line to ICS  in hopes that consumers will pick up their devices on confidence of updates. Of course, they also have some exciting new devices slated including the Xperia Ion and Xperia S. Here's hoping Sony makes good of their acquisition.
Posted: 28 Jan 2012 09:04 AM PST
The sequel to the original Samsung Epic 4G was rumored to be seen on Sprint's network way back in quarter three of last year. However there hasn't been much in terms of news regarding this device since then. Heck, the phone hasn't even seen a release since it was first announced. Well it appears that we may actually see a release after all, as the device (SPH-D705) has made a showing in the Cellebrite system (see below). Usually this means that the release is imminent in the near future.
Photo Courtesy of ACSyndicate
While it's nice to see the possible release, as you can see near the Epic 4G Touch, at this point the phone's specs aren't really that impressive; at least in today's multi-core age. It comes with a 4-inch qHD display with 1.2GHz single-core Hummingbird processor, and an 8MP camera. Who knows, maybe they've beefed up the phone since its first showing with some upgraded specs. We will have to wait and see.
So while being in the Cellebrite system doesn't guarantee that we will see the phone released it sure is a sign that the phone is moving forward. Why would Samsung add support for a phone that wouldn't be released? Again, only time will tell so keep it locked here as we bring you more information regarding this device.

[top image courtesy of PocketNow]
Posted: 28 Jan 2012 08:41 AM PST

So any of you sporting the original Galaxy Tab have likely realized by now you're never going to see an official ICS update. Don't let it get you down though cause there's an alternative that in all likely hood is even better. The Galaxy Tab is now supported by CyanogenMod 9. This device was added just recently so there are still some kinks, such as the camera not working; a typical omission at this stage in development. You'll also have to build this one from source. If those aren't hurdles for you check in at the XDA thread for full instructions.
By the way if you have a Galaxy Tab of the 10.1 variety, I have it on good authority that a certain kang of CM9 is a brilliant. You can check that one out here.
Posted: 28 Jan 2012 08:18 AM PST
The most recent analytics from Flurry show the startling rise of Kindle Fires popularity. Back in November when the Fire launched it accounted for about 3% of tablets used. The reigning champ at the time was the Samsung Galaxy Tab accounting for 63%. Fast forward to this January and the numbers tell a strikingly different story. The Fire has since garnered 33% more share tying it with the Galaxy Tab at 36%.
Flurry's method of data collection isn't necessarily the most accurate because the data aggregation is incorporated into certain apps, but its no secret that the Fire has been a hit with consumers. Amazon's low entry point seems to have made the Fire the little tablet that could.
Posted: 28 Jan 2012 07:56 AM PST

The Nook Tablet by Barnes & Noble has been rooted again. Sure this isn't the first root it has ever received, but newer roots almost always promises bigger and better things. The fine individuals at XDA were at it again bringing a bigger, better root to the Nook. This latest root not only roots the device, but allows crafty users to get that ever-important Android Market onto their devices. You'll have to use an SD card in order to get Google Apps this time around, but if you've had experiences with partitioning SD cards, it should be a breeze of a process.
Be sure to visit the XDA thread for full details and instructions on how to root the Nook. It includes essentially everything you need to know in order to make the root a success. If you do end up achieving the root, please do tell us the warm feeling you get having the Android Market and Google Apps back on your device.
Posted: 28 Jan 2012 07:37 AM PST
Always fancied that Sprint Epic Touch 4G phone, but was concerned about the steep price of the phone? Well you will want to pay a visit to Amazon, ASAP.  The online retailer is offering the ever-popular Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G for a lowered price. Yup, it's offering the 1.2GHz Exynos-powered Gingerbread handset for a lowered price which should entice more than a few people. It is offering the popular Black version for $79.99 while the intriguing white version is offered at a cool $99.99 for new customers. If you're a current Sprint customer and you want to upgrade, the upgrade price is a mere $149.99 for both versions. Also keep in mind it is offering free 2-day shipping when you order the phone by 3PM Monday-Friday. You can hit up Amazon today to grab either of the phones and when you do, let us know what you think of them when you finally get your greasy mitts on the great phone.
Posted: 28 Jan 2012 07:09 AM PST

We just got our Razr Maxx and  have already posted our unboxing early this morning. From the look of things the Maxx is very similar structurally. All of the components are in the same place. Really all that seems to have changed is the thickness in response to that massive 3300mAh battery. What's perhaps more exciting is that the software hasn't changed. They have identical versions, builds, webtops, and kernels. So, in theory, all of the customizations available for the original DROID Razr should be applicable to the Razr Maxx. This is fantastic news for those looking to pick up the Razr Maxx, and perhaps just a tad frustrating to those who bought into the plain Razr.
Posted: 28 Jan 2012 05:40 AM PST
I remember when I first saw the DROID RAZR MAXX at CES, and a Motorola rep told me it had a 3300mAh battery. I didn't think I heard him correctly, so I asked again. Owners of any 4G LTE phone know the struggles with battery life. Making better batteries is still a long way off so Motorola decided to shove a huge battery into a 8.9mm body. How they did it, I don't know, but hardcore users who are shopping for a new phone on Verizon really need to take a serious look at the DROID RAZR MAXX. Being a Gingerbread phone is an issue, but I know a lot of mainstream consumers won't mind waiting a few months for the Ice Cream Sandwich update, which Motorola says is coming in quarter 2.
Other than the huge 3300mAh battery, the specs are essentially the same as the DROID RAZR, which include a 4.3-inch (960 x 540) Super AMOLED display, 1.2GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430 processor, 1GB RAM, 8MP rear camera with 1080p video recording, 1.3MP front camera, 16GB internal storage, 16GB microSD card included (upgradable to 32GB), 4G LTE compatible, Bluetooth, WiFi, micro HDMI, and Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread.
Look for my full review soon, but for now here's my unboxing and initial hands on.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Posted: 27 Jan 2012 08:56 PM PST
Meet Thorstein Heins, the poor sap who just took over RIM. Thorstein is to be RIM's saving grace, using his "hip" guy attitude he is supposed to turn RIM's image around. However, if you take into account his recent interview with Crackberry, it's obvious that like his predecessors he's pretty much oblivious to the competition. Take this quote for example.
Just take a look where the Android OEMs are. I leave this to you. Take a look at their recent announcements and what you will immediately see is there is just no room for differentiation because they are all the same.
Well Thorstein, either you're confusing Android with the one size fits all iPhone, or you're just plain wrong. Haven't you heard your own customers crying fowl at Android for fragmentation? The only way you could legitimately qualify that statement is if your were to belittle it to the point where "Why yes, they are all phones." Oh wait except for the tablets, and the TVs, and the cameras, and the car stereos….. If anything differentiation isn't an issue for Android, its easily the most diverse mobile OS in existence. We saw a range of devices this past year big and small, 3D cameras and screens, and who could forget the Kyocera Echo. Honestly Thorstein why do you even try to make a point of this? Do you not only not know the competition but also your own product line?
Exhibit A:
I don't see much differentiation there. Look Mr. Heins, I'd like to see you, quote, "Rock and Roll This" I really would. Competition benefits all of us. Seeing as how you're adamantly against adopting Android though,well, best of luck in your endeavors.



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