Vonage’s New App Offers Free Calls to US, Canada or Puerto Rico for a Limited Time Posted: 08 Feb 2012 03:59 PM PST With the release of a new version of the Vonage Mobile app today, the company made a large advancement in the long standing war with Skype.  While Vonage has struggled in recent years, they are upping the ante by promising  rates around 70 percent cheaper than mobile carriers, and 30 percent cheaper than Skype.  Those percentages are based on per-minute rates to the top 50 countries called.  In addition, Vonage is offering a limited time offer of free calls to any landline or mobile phone is the US, Canada or Puerto Rico for up to 3,000 minutes per month, according to the description in the Android market. The app is free and you do not have to be a Vonage customer to use the app.  Adding calling credit is simple through the Android market, using increments of $4.99 and $9.99. The app works on Wi-Fi and 3G/4G worldwide, making it a true mobile VoIP provider.  It will allow you to call or text current Vonage users for free.   The app will use your existing contacts and will display a separate list of those current Vonage users who you can call or text for free.  Vonage assures good international rates when calling anyone who has not yet downloaded the app.   When you call someone, they will see your mobile number on their caller ID. If you’d like to give the new and improved Vonage app a try, hit up the link below.   Android Market Link Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

Amazon and Viacom join forces for streaming video venture Posted: 08 Feb 2012 03:44 PM PST Amazon has announced a new partnership with Viacom in a deal that will bring major TV stations such as MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, Nikelodeon, Spike, TV Land, BET, CMT and logo to their Amazon Prime subscribers. Prime members will be able to enjoy a myriad of prime time TV shows on over 300 devices including top-selling (hybrid) android tablet, the Kindle Fire. The partnership could prove to be quite a coup for Amazon and will instantly boost their library from 13,000 to 15,000 titles. Throw in the recently released SlingPlayer application and the Kindle Fire is fast turning into a media powerhouse. Things are really heating up in the battle for video streaming supremacy. Earlier this week we brought you news of Verizon’s recent deal with Redbox and now tech giant Amazon are upping their game, it could prove to be tough at the top for current market leader Netflix. Who are you currently using for your streaming service and will you be considering any of these news services? Let us know your thoughts!    Press Release Amazon today announced that it’s reached a streaming agreement with Viacom that will bring television shows from MTV, Comedy Central, Nikelodeon, TV Land, Spike, VH1, CMT and Logo to Amazon Prime subscribers — and that means to the Amazon Kindle Fire as well. That pretty much runs the gamut from the worst television has to offer – Jersey Shore, The Hills,The Real World – to the best of Comedy Central (Chappelle’s Show and The Sarah Silverman Program are mentioned; here’s to hoping The Daily Show is included as well) and Nikelodeon, including Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and Yo Gabba Gabba. All GTL kidding aside, this is yet another big deal for Amazon, which already has a killer streaming offering through Amazon Prime. Package this up with perhaps a slightly higher-resolution Kindle Fire, and we’re going to go through the roof. Full presser’s after the break. SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb. 8, 2012– Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced a licensing agreement with Viacom that will allow Amazon Prime members to instantly stream TV shows from MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, TV Land, Spike, VH1, BET, CMT and Logo. This deal will bring the total number of Prime Instant Videos to more than 15,000. Amazon Prime members can enjoy this selection on over 300 different devices, including Kindle Fire—the Kindle for movies, TV shows, music, magazines, apps, books, games, and more. Right out of the box, Kindle Fire users experience the benefits that millions of Amazon Prime members already enjoy — unlimited, commercial-free, instant streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Instant Video and the convenience of Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items from Amazon.com. Prime members will have access to thousands of episodes from Viacom through Prime Instant Video over the next several months. Titles will include kids' favorites, stand-up comedy, and reality TV. Amazon will offer MTV shows including The Hills, Jersey Shore, The Hard Times of RJ Berger, several seasons of The Real World, and Comedy Central shows such as Chappelle’s Show and The Sarah Silverman Program. For kids, Amazon brings Nickelodeon episodes of iCarly, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, Yo Gabba Gabba, along with TV Land favorite, Hot in Cleveland. “Over the last year we have received fantastic customer feedback about Prime Instant Video. We are constantly working to improve the service by adding the shows that our customers enjoy the most," said Brad Beale, director of video content acquisition for Amazon. "This deal with Viacom brings Prime customers and Kindle Fire users thousands of comedies, kids' shows, reality TV and much more from some of the best cable networks available. We now offer more than 15,000 movies and TV shows in Prime Instant Videos and are working hard to add even more great content." About Prime Instant Video Prime Instant Video is a benefit for paid Amazon Prime members. Prime members get unlimited, commercial-free, instant access to more than 15,000 movies and TV shows. Since the launch of Prime instant videos last year, Amazon has secured licensing deals from partners such as CBS, Fox, PBS, NBCUniversal, Sony, Warner Bros, Disney-ABC Television, Viacom Media Networks and many more. About Amazon Instant Video For customers who are not Prime members, or who are looking to instantly purchase or rent movies and TV shows, Amazon offers Amazon Instant Video. Amazon Instant Video is a digital video service offering downloads or streaming of more than 100,000 titles including new release movies, TV shows the day after they air, as well as contemporary and classic videos in SD and HD. Customers can instantly watch movies and TV shows from Amazon Instant Video or Prime Instant Video on a Mac, PC or directly on a TV with any of the 300 compatible devices, including the new Kindle Fire. About Prime Amazon Prime is an annual membership program for $79 a year that offers customers unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items including books, home and garden products, electronics, video games, clothing, and much more. Amazon Prime members also get access to unlimited instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows and access to tens of thousands of books to borrow for free, as frequently as a book a month, with no due dates from a Kindle device. Customers who receive free Prime shipping benefits through our Amazon Student or Amazon Mom programs can upgrade to an annual paid membership to receive Amazon Prime's digital benefits. About Viacom Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB) is home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in approximately 160 countries and territories. With more than 160 media networks reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers, Viacom’s leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, SPIKE and Tr3s. Paramount Pictures, celebrating its 100th year in 2012 and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world’s most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. About Amazon.com Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. The new latest generation Kindle is the lightest, most compact Kindle ever and features the same 6-inch, most advanced electronic ink display that reads like real paper even in bright sunlight. Kindle Touch is a new addition to the Kindle family with an easy-to-use touch screen that makes it easier than ever to turn pages, search, shop, and take notes – still with all the benefits of the most advanced electronic ink display. Kindle Touch 3G is the top of the line e-reader and offers the same new design and features of Kindle Touch, with the unparalleled added convenience of free 3G. Kindle Fire is the Kindle for movies, TV shows, music, books, magazines, apps, games and web browsing with all the content, free storage in the Amazon Cloud, Whispersync, Amazon Silk (Amazon's new revolutionary cloud-accelerated web browser), vibrant color touch screen, and powerful dual-core processor. Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.it, and www.amazon.es. As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

Autonome is a Charger, Battery Module and Case All in One Posted: 08 Feb 2012 03:37 PM PST A mobile phone isn’t really “mobile” if your battery is running low and you’ve forgotten your charger at home.  Even if you own the DROID RAZR MAXX, with its fabulous 3300 mAh battery, you don’t want to stray too far from your charger for too long.  Designer Francois Rybarczyk has a sophisticated solution to this common dilemma.  The Autonome is a one piece magnesium frame that puts the power adapter right on the back of your phone.  If you’d like to be using your phone instead of having it plugged into the wall, just detach the additional battery module, charge, and reattach the battery onto the case when you need additional power.  While the market is saturated with lots of extended battery packs and cases to choose from, the Autonome concept rolls the case, charger and battery all into one.  It appears that this idea isn’t in production yet, but we’re hoping it will be soon.  You’ll never have to end a phone call with “Sorry, gotta go – my battery is dying!” again.   Source: Yanko Design Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

Videotron Officially Adds Galaxy Nexus To Its Lineup, Available For $149.99 On-Contract Posted: 08 Feb 2012 02:26 PM PST What better way for Quebec mobile carrier Videotron to step in the world of Android than to begin selling the hottest Android on the planet? Yup you read right folks, Videotron is all set its first Nexus device, the Galaxy Nexus smartphone. That means the lucky French-speaking Canadians will finally be able to enjoy what the rest of Canadians have been able to enjoy for a few months now. Pricing will start at 149.99$ (with a monthly plan of 40$ or more) to a “meager” 599.99$ if you purchase it outright. Of course the price doesn’t quite match up with what the rest of the Canadian carriers have to offer but hey, beggars can’t be choosers at this point. If you’re living out in the Quebec area and have been drooling over the Galaxy Nexus, now’s the time to get it as it’s available in Videotron stores today. source: Videotron Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

HTC Velocity to be Germany’s First LTE Phone, Available on Vodafone Posted: 08 Feb 2012 02:02 PM PST Thanks to Vodafone, Germany will have their first LTE phone with the HTC Velocity in a few short weeks.  In the US, we know this HTC phone as the Vivid, while in South Korea it’s called the Raider.  In our review of the Vivid, we found it to be a solid device, although the small 1620mAh battery meant that you’ll be charging it more often than you’d like.  Here’s a refresher on the specs: 4.5-inch qHD Super LCD display 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 8MP rear camera with 1080p recording and a 1.3MP front camera 16GB internal memory, expandable memory to an additional 32GB with microSD card Android 2.3 Gingerbread with HTC Sense UI While Vodafone declined to name a release date or price, they were certain the HTC Velocity would be in stores shortly.  The official information will most likely be announced at a press conference next week. Source: Computer Woche (German) Via: The Unwired Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

Chrome to Mobile sends Webpages from your Desktop to Chrome on your Android phone or tablet Posted: 08 Feb 2012 01:56 PM PST Have you ever found yourself reading a page on your computer and wishing you had a fast way to get that same page on your phone or tablet?  With the recent release of Google Chrome Beta, an extension for your desktop’s Chrome browser will allow you to send your web pages from your computer to your mobile device in an instant.  The extension is named Chrome to Mobile, and you can choose which device you’d like to send the webpage to, and you can even send a copy for offline viewing.  This a perfect feature to keep you occupied on a long (and normally boring) airplane ride.  This feature is very similar to Chrome to Phone that debuted with Android 2.2 Froyo; however, Chrome to Phone will not allow you to specify to which device you’d like to send the web page. To get started, install Chrome to Mobile on your computer (see source link).  Next, install and sign into Google Chrome Beta on your phone, but keep in mind that it is currently only available for devices running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.  Finally, just click on the phone icon in the browser’s omnibox, and send away!  The rest of us who are not running Ice Cream Sandwich will have to hope for this function to be available in the coming months. Source: Chrome Web Store Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

Review: Tree Of Life Live Wallpaper For Android (Video) Posted: 08 Feb 2012 01:18 PM PST If it’s one thing I love the most about Android, it would have to be the ability to run Live Wallpapers.  Live Wallpapers are a dime a dozen on the Android Market but it’s really rare to find a good serene one that brings nothing but tranquility when you need it most. The Tree Of Life Life Wallpaper for Android offers just that, a serene atmosphere no matter what time of day it is.  The background is truly stunning and graphics are pleasure to stare at.  The application follows you in real time so when it’s daytime, you’ll see a great sunrise in the morning, its normal course throughout the day followed by a truly beautiful sunset in the evening. If you have your heart set on either one or the other you can change the settings to constantly stay in night mode or day.  Night mode offers you a beautiful array of lively fireflies and butterflies which are responsive to the touch.  And whether day or night, you’ll always be able to tell the time with the cool fluffy cloud clock.  In addition to the night life, you can check out the cool northern lights display which gleams across the sky and can easily be tweaked for even more effects.  The application will run you $1.04 in the Android Market and is well worth the change.  Check out some of the screen shots below as well as a hands-on video.  Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments below.   Click here to view the embedded video. Android Market Link Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

ASUS Transformer Prime Receives OTA Update, More Than Just Minor Posted: 08 Feb 2012 11:06 AM PST Great news for Transformer Prime owners, as I woke up to an OTA update notification this morning! The new update is currently without a changelog, but from my experience and others on XDA, the device receives a new kernel (2.6.39.4) and updated versions of Wi-Fi (6.1.1.18) and Bluetooth (9.26). Folks are reporting a solid improvement, with random reboots, screen flickering, and  app crashing being a thing of the past. I have been lucky and haven’t experienced the random reboot/lock-up issue so I cannot confirm the fix. As for better app stability and screen flashes, I can honestly say I have noticed an improvement over the past hour of use.  Also, Wi-Fi is noticeably better with a slight increase in download and upload speeds. I have yet to experiment with Bluetooth. This new update WILL BREAK ROOT so for those of you who are rooted and want to remain that way, I suggest running Voodoo rootkeeper before installing the update. You can find the Voodoo app in the Android Market. The OTA update will bring your Transformer Prime up to version 9.4.2.13, and should be waiting for U.S. residents right now. People outside of the U.S. are reporting that the update hasn’t shown up yet so this is probably going to roll out in stages. If you haven’t seen the notification yet, you can try and force the update by going to Settings -> About Tablet -> System Firmware Update. There you should be able to download the goods. For those of you who get the update, be a pal and report your finding in the comments below. Thanks! Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

You Will Not See a Press Conference From Samsung at MWC Posted: 08 Feb 2012 10:42 AM PST As you folks know the rumored Galaxy S III announcement at the Mobile World Congress was refuted by Samsung and they went as far to say we wouldn’t see it at their press event in France either. Well it appears that the Korean company is going a step further by saying that they will not be holding a press conference at this year’s global trade show. Known for their elaborate product unveilings, Samsung will still showcase new products in Barcelona, just not in their usual over-the-top fashion. This suggests that Samsung’s presence at MWC will be very low key but we will have to wait and see. After it was refuted that we would see the S III debut at the event, it was rumored that Samsung would show off their new tablet with the dual-core Exynos 5250 processor. Chances are though we will see the S II Plus that was leaked a week ago and that the Korean company will be hosting their own event for the launch of the S III, as well as any other major product announcements this year. So even though we won’t see a big showing from them you can still expect to see something new and exciting. As Samsung said it in an official response last week, ”Samsung is looking forward to introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products at Mobile World Congress 2012.” source: PC Mag Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

4G LTE And 3G Enhancements Coming To Baltimore And Kansas City Sprint Customers In 2012 Posted: 08 Feb 2012 09:58 AM PST Good news for Sprint customers in the Baltimore and Kansas City areas, as Sprint announced this morning their intent to bring 4G LTE services and enhanced 3G service to users in these cities. This comes on the heels of Sprint’s announcement that Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio will also be getting the same treatment, with a targeted date around mid-2012. These new services and enhancements will enable faster speeds for data applications, better signal strength, expanded coverage and better in-building signal. Full press release after the break. Baltimore and Kansas City Sprint Customers to Benefit from 4G LTE and 3G Enhancements in 2012 Sprint adds to the list of cities to benefit from new and improved network technology by mid-year OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), February 08, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced that Baltimore and Kansas City are expected to receive 4G LTE and upgraded 3G service by mid-2012. Sprint recently announced that 4G LTE and enhanced 3G service are also expected by mid-2012 in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Sprint 4G LTE will enable faster speeds for data applications, and the enhanced 3G service promises better signal strength, faster data speeds, expanded coverage and better in-building performance. The launch of these large metropolitan areas demonstrates the continued commitment by Sprint to invest in its network through Network Vision. Sprint customers in these areas will soon enjoy ultra-fast data speeds and improved 3G voice quality. Whether a Sprint customer is using a smartphone to share a video of a double overtime game between the Kansas Jayhawks and Missouri Tigers or a Baltimore chef is checking the Web via a mobile hotspot for a new way to serve crabcakes, Sprint 4G LTE will make it easier. And, when someone makes an important voice call, they can expect to find a clearer connection and a stronger signal in more areas. "Sprint is investing in its CDMA network and delivering on our commitment to ensure customers experience superior wireless voice and data service at an unbeatable value," said Bob Azzi, Sprint senior vice president-Network. "We continue to deploy multi-mode base stations across Sprint's nationwide cell sites and are expecting improvements in voice quality, signal density and data speeds. Today's good news demonstrates the phenomenal progress that our teams are making toward implementing this new technology." The initial devices already announced to run on 4G LTE will be Galaxy Nexus™, boasting a pure Google™ experience, LG Viper™ 4G LTE with eco-friendly features, and Sierra Wireless™ Tri-Network Hotspot, a 3G, 4G and 4G LTE mobile hotspot. More information is available at www.sprint.com/4glte. Sprint has been a 4G innovator since first launching the technology in 2008. Sprint has launched more than 25 4G-enabled smartphones, USB connection cards, notebook/netbook products, mobile hotspots and routers. Sprint offers a proven, reliable 4G experience for millions of customers compared to other national wireless carriers. Additionally, Sprint is a leader in value, with Sprint Everything plans with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM, including unlimited data, texting and calling to and from any mobile phone in America while on the Sprint network. With Sprint's unlimited data plans, customers don't have to worry about throttling or data overage charges on their monthly bill as they might with tiered data plans from other carriers. About Sprint Nextel Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in its 2011 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint. “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 * This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the securities laws. The statements in this news release regarding network performance, coverage and capabilities, business and network efficiencies, migration of services new technologies, timing of deployment, and products and services, as well as other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words "estimate," "project," "forecast," intend," "expect," "believe," "target," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are estimates and projections reflecting management's judgment based on currently available information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. With respect to these forward-looking statements, management has made assumptions regarding, among other things, development and deployment of new technologies; efficiencies and cost savings of multimode technologies; customer and network usage; customer growth and retention; service, coverage and quality; availability of devices; the timing of various events and the economic environment. Sprint Nextel believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date of this release. Sprint Nextel is not obligated to publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release. Sprint Nextel provides a detailed discussion of risk factors in periodic SEC filings, including in Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2011.