Posted: 10 Feb 2012 03:50 PM PST  The LG Optimus Vu has appeared in a picture next to the Samsung Galaxy Note, giving us all a great side by side look at the next phablet to hit the pipeline. As we can see from the picture, the Vu's overall size is pretty close to the Note, meaning both are big, bold, and in your face. The 5.3-inch Note is slightly taller than the Vu, but the latter's 4:3 aspect ratio makes it the wider of the two. The unofficial specs are said to be a 1024x768 display, a dual-core Qualcomm WPQ8060 processor running at 1.5GHz, 1GB or RAM, 8GB of ROM, and an 8MP camera. We still don't know much more about this one, but now that it's showing off for the camera we expect we will see it at Mobile World Congress in a week or so. the real question remains -- is the world ready for a phone this big, or are we entering the tablet space once we go past ginormous on the size chart. 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 03:14 PM PST  Heads up to those who are on the cusp on buying a new device on AT&T. According to this screen shot sent through the Android Central app, AT&T's getting ready to double it this Sunday, Feb. 12, from $18 to $36. That's not a whole lot of money, we suppose, but it's still 100 percent higher than what it is currently, and nobody likes paying more. The reasoning? According to AT&T's talking points here, it's because "overall costs associated with upgrading to a new device have increased," and that "devices today are more sophisticated than ever." AT&T has confirmed the upgrade fee increase to Android Central and tells us that it's actually the first time it's increased the fee in nearly a decade. Said an AT&T spokeswoman:
Clock's ticking if you want to get in before the change, folks. Thanks, anon! 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 03:05 PM PST 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 02:37 PM PST  As one of the first Android phones with a dedicated HDMI-out port, the HTC EVO 4G is the perfect candidate for a multimedia dock. The official HTC HDMI dock is that perfect multimedia dock. It's stylish, simple, and works great -- which is what most of us look for in our electronic accessories. Inside the box is everything you need to get going. The dock, a 72-inch (that's six feet) HDMI cable, and a quick and easy set of directions and you'll soon be watching video on your television or monitor. And the dock's small size makes it perfect for carrying along with you to share video and pictures from your EVO on any television. Just plug one end of the cable into the dock, the other into the TV, and go. There's even a microUSB port on the dock so you can charge while watching. The dock itself is weighty, and has four rubber feet to keep it from sliding around while using it. You precious EVO 4G fits tightly, and there's no fear of breaking anything because it fell out of the connector. The HTC EVO 4G was one of the most popular Android phones ever, with good reason. It was a real game changer, and the current crop of big, bright displays and media-centric devices can all trace their roots back to it. And you know what? It's still great. Hit the break for a few more images. read more
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 01:40 PM PST  Jumping forward to the present, Acer apparently just won the iF Product Design Award for outstanding achievement in design with a AcerCloud enabled device called the Acer CloudMobile but the full details and specs surrounding the device are still pretty slim. What we did learn though is that the Acer CloudMobile will be the first device coming equipped with AcerCloud services, it will be packing Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in a body less then 10MM thick with a 4.3-Inch HD display and Dolby audio and to top it all off, it's expected to see a full unveiling at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. We'll see. Source: Pocket Lint, iF Product Design 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 12:45 PM PST  read more 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 12:39 PM PST   Once you receive some junk mail you wish to stop, you simply snap a picture of the senders information, you don't need to include your own since it is already in your account settings, and upload it through the application. The team at Readabl will submit a request to the offending company requesting you be removed from their lists, and just like that the junk mail ends. It will take a little bit of time to process on their end -- the image runs through the database of companies they have, and you can monitor the progress of the submission right through the application. After the submission has been processed you will receive a push notification to alert you. The only unfortunate thing is currently there is no control over the sounds it makes so you can't set them to silent, yet. The process is so simple, you snap a picture, upload it and let the people behind the scenes do the work for you. Watch for results as you fetch less and less junk mail from your mailbox, and only the important things you wish to receive. Head on past the break for download links. read more 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 12:36 PM PST  Choosing a Bluetooth earpiece can be difficult. You want one that will work seamlessly, as well as look good, and the options out there don't always combine those factors in an affordable package. Plus, who wants to have the same earpiece that everyone else has? The creative team behind Earloomz saw this challenge and rose to the occasion, designing a Bluetooth earpiece with style and functionality all wrapped up in one. With hundreds of designs to choose from, you're sure to find one that will suit your personality. Each image is mechanically painted onto the earpiece and finished with a moisture resistant coating, guaranteeing quality and durability. Each Earloomz earpiece comes with 2 earhooks and 4 earbuds as well as a lanyard holder so you always have it handy. Compatible with most mobile phones, set-up is a breeze and took less than a minute when I paired mine. Multipoint technology allows you to stay connected with 2 devices at once, and the earpiece has a range of 33 feet. Headset controls include call/answer, last number redial, and call waiting, all in one button. Keep reading for technical specs of the earpieces, contest details, and information about Earloomz campaign for a national Hands-Free Initiative. read more 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 12:05 PM PST  We paid special attention to the post editor on theses devices, enhancing the layout to make it super simple to edit your post content in either landscape or portrait orientation. You’ll find everything there that you’d want in a WordPress app, including support for editing post content, adding media, viewing your stats, comment notifications, and more.Now, you can do all the mobile blogging you want from your device. Each of the apps are available in their respective stores. Click on the source links below to get the apps downloaded. 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 10:55 AM PST Multiple reports this week have said that Google will get regulatory approval on its intended acquisition of Motorola Mobility as soon as next week. If this happens as expected, the acquisition should close shortly thereafter. This isn’t much of a surprise. When the deal was unveiled in mid August, 2011, Google had offered $40 per share. Motorola shares immediately spiked to over $38, reflecting small risk of the deal falling through.  In other words, nobody really believed Google would have trouble gaining regulatory approval. And why shouldn’t they get it? If Apple can own an entire platform and gain so much market share in the smartphone world, why shouldn’t Google be able to make its own hardware and aim to control the entire platform from software, to network infrastructure, to hardware?Google says it wants Motorola’s patents, but also talks up the company’s hardware design capabilities. But I still think Google wants to own the entire platform so that it can solve the fragmentation problem before it gets out of control. There really aren’t any mobile OS vendors who don’t have significant stakes in hardware companies. RIM and Apple are the obvious examples, but so is Microsoft, with its quarterly $250 million dollar “platform support payments” to Nokia. Android isn’t really open. That’s not a knock. It’s just the truth. The whole “open” argument does seem kinda brilliant though. Look how many vendors adopted it. Look how much market share Google now has in the mobile OS market. Do they really care about the long term success of the vendors? Maybe, but maybe not. Google cares about people using Google services and showing Google ads. They only need to support vendors until critical mass is achieved. As soon as the OS has critical mass among hardware vendors, app developers and consumers (check, check, and check) it has won. Google can then move onto fix problems such as fragmentation and integration into the larger consumer product ecosystem (home entertainment, etc). The battle is changing, and Google is adapting along with the market. We’ve already seen that 8.5 percent of Internet use comes from mobile devices. That number is nearly double its year-ago level. Where do you think it will be in 2, 3 or 5 years? Probably a lot higher. Google is an advertising company. It’s critical that they position themselves such that user eyeballs are on services or content that Google controls. In my opinion, buying Motorola was a risk worth taking to protect Android’s growth and sustainability. Chris Umiastowski is a former sell-side equity analyst at Orion Securities and TD Securities. Before that, he was an engineer for Nortel Networks. Chris is co-host of the Mobile Nations Stock Talk podcast. 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 09:28 AM PST  If you've never seen the San Diego skyline, you've missed out. And Android Central reader androidforall has you covered with this picture taken downtown with a Canon 60D.
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:24 AM PST Podcast MP3 URL: http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/acpc87.mp3 Thing 1: Chrome for Android!
Thing 2: Google Wallet cracked, hacked, covered and diced
Thing 3: Other odds and ends
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 07:54 AM PST  LinkedIn, the business professionals choice in social networking, is set to introduce advertising into their mobile applications according to their Chief Executive. On an earnings call this week, Jeff Weiner said that the company is ready to "start to introduce advertising in our mobile solutions." No timeframe was offered for this, but he went on to talk extensively about the mobile opportunities for the network. Rumours are rife around the internet that Facebook are also set to introduce advertising into their mobile applications as well. Whatever happens with both of these networks, it is sure to be met with a fair share of criticism from users. Source: The Telegraph 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 07:53 AM PST Happy Friday, folks! Let's wrap up this week with one more ShopAndroid Giveaway featuring the OtterBox Commuter Series Case for Galaxy Nexus, Ballistic SG Series Case for HTC EVO 4G, Seidio ACTIVE Holster for Samsung Skyrocket, and the AT&T Galaxy S II Seidio SURFACE Case. Leave a comment letting us know which of these featured accessories you'd like to get your hands on, and we'll announce a winner on Monday's Giveaway post. OtterBox Commuter Series Case for Samsung/Verizon Galaxy NexusSafeguarding the screen from scratches and the corners from bumps and shocks, the OtterBox Commuter Case offers a unique design with reliable strength for your Galaxy Nexus. The case features three layers of protection: A clear protective film, durable silicon mid-layer, and a one piece custom molded polycarbonate shell. There is access to all ports and buttons of the Galaxy Nexus, and even silicon plugs to keep dust and debris from your ports. read more 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 07:41 AM PST  The ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day for Feb. 10 is the Motorola Standard Dock for the Droid Bionic. Specifically designed for the Droid Bionic, it serves as a desk clock and alarm system, has a quick-start guide, a 3.5mm audio jack for listening to music and comes with a microUSB charger. And it's available today only for just $23.95 -- that's 40 percent off! Get yours while supplies last. 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 07:31 AM PST  The most significant change is the upping of the screen's resolution -- from QVGA to HVGA. This was one of our biggest complaints about that device, so we're hoping the extra pixel density will result in a little less eye strain when using the Mini 2. For what it's worth, the LCD itself is a little larger, at 3.3 inches compared to 3.2 on the original. As we said, spec bumps elsewhere are pretty minor -- the CPU gets a boost from 600MHz to 800MHz, while internal storage is increased to a total of 3GB. HSDPA speeds remain at 7.2Mbps, though unfortunately there's no mention of HSUPA support. And on the software side of you've got Android 2.3 Gingerbread, likely backed up by Samsung's TouchWiz UX. Though the gap between super-high-end and entry-level phones is growing wider, the updated specs on the Galaxy Mini 2 should make it a a reasonable device for those on a budget. According to today's leak, the Galaxy Mini 2 will start shipping internationally later this month. Source: GSMArena 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 06:19 AM PST  Want to feel even more awkward and self-conscious making calls on your Galaxy Note in public? Why not pick up the upcoming "berry pink" version of Samsung's 5.3-inch monster. It's reportedly launching internationally during the ninth week of the year -- that's last week of February (or "crazy week" as we like to call it around here). The leaked promotional shot, obtained by GSMArena, reminds us of the pink Galaxy S II. Like that device, the pink Galaxy Note comes with a pink back cover, a pink bezel, and presumably a pink S Pen to boot. And we're talking bright pink. Discrete this thing most certainly is not. In any case, it's worth remembering that this pink version is based on the GT-N7000 -- the international Galaxy Note, which has different internals to the North American LTE version. Somehow we don't see this color arriving stateside any time soon, but if you're up for importing it, then the girliest phone ever should set you back around $790. Source: GSMArena 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 04:57 AM PST   Following last week's HTC Ville leakage, a new, unannounced HTC smartphone running Ice Cream Sandwich with Sense 4.0, and a Droid Incredible-style back panel has appeared online. The photos above (and a few more) have surfaced over on PhoneArena, suggesting that a 4G LTE-powered Droid Incredible 2 successor could be coming to big red in the future. While there's no Verizon branding on the chassis (likely due to this being a prototype), that's unmistakably the carrier's 4G LTE logo in the first image. Additional images show a device running Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich alongside HTC Sense 4.0 -- the same updated Sense experience that we previously seen in the Ville leaks. Hardware-wise, HTC's mystery slab is powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU with 1GB of RAM. There's a 8MP shooter on the back, as well as a VGA front-facer, and the screen is apparently an AMOLED offering rather than SLCD, which was used in many 2011 HTC products. All in all, it looks like we've got ourselves a CDMA/LTE counterpart to the HTC Ville, which we'll likely see at MWC in a couple of weeks. We're not expecting to see any Verizon-specific stuff in Spain, but if we had to guess, we'd say this thing is a likely candidate for an unveiling at CTIA next month. You'll find more pics over at the source link. Source: PhoneArena 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 04:30 AM PST  Independent UK retailer Phones4U has today launched a new service which could allow customers to keep up-to-date with the latest handsets throughout the life of their contract. JUMP ("Just Upgrade My Phone") splits customers' monthly bills into a phone service part, payable to the carrier, and a "JUMP service agreement" bill, payable to Phones4U. Then, after six or more months, customers can choose to upgrade their handset, trading in their existing phone in the process. The remaining JUMP balance that's payable until the end of the contract is then offset against the price of the phone, and a new handset can be chosen, the cost of which is added to the JUMP balance. The bottom line is that you'd be able to upgrade your phone during the life of your contract, in exchange for a somewhat increased monthly fee. It takes a while to wrap your head around what's actually going on, but effectively customers are being given the chance to re-jig the part of their monthly payment that covers the cost of the phone. It's probably not going to be economical to upgrade three times within a 24-month contract, but it is at least more affordable than blowing £500 on a new handset in the middle of your contract. JUMP is launching in Phones4U stores from today, and online from May. We've got the full presser after the jump. read more 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 03:51 AM PST  The Motorola Droid 4 is now available from Verizon's website (and will be in stores in just a few short hours) for $199 on contract. As the name implies, this is the fourth phone in the line that for all intents and purposes put Android on the map. As you'll recall from our hands-on at CES, the Droid 4 takes the classic Droid stylings -- a larger screen and a physical keyboard -- and refines them even further. From the front, it looks like a cousin to the new Droid RAZR MAXX, albeit a tad smaller with a 4-inch display at qHD (540x960) resolution. Slide open that 4-inch display and you've got what might well be the best physical keyboard on any smartphone. The keys are backlit and laser-cut and are extremely easy to navigate. One odd feature of the Droid 4 is on the backside. You can remove the battery cover -- and must do so if you want to get to the microSIM card (which is what provides the 4G LTE data) and microSD card. But it takes a weird little unlocking tool (included with the phone) to do so. But even then you can't actually remove the 1785 mAh battery -- at least not without likely breaking anything. That could be a deal-breaker for many. Check out our Droid 4 walkthrough video for more on that. The phone's running Android 2.3.6, and Verizon is already promising to update it to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Other specs of note:
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Look for our full Droid 4 review in the coming days. Source: Verizon Wireless More: Droid 4 specs, Droid 4 forums 
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Posted: 10 Feb 2012 03:41 AM PST  The global rollout of the latest in the LG Prada family continues, with the news that Vodafone Australia will be offering the device from April. The release of the Gingerbread powered device will be exclusive to Vodafone, and is being launched for use on its 850MHz network. RRP is said to be AUS$799, but the carrier has indicated that exact pricing and availability will be announced in "coming weeks." Prada branded phone not enough? A range of branded accessories will be accompanying the launch to include cradles, Bluetooth headsets and phone pouches. In other LG Prada news, the went on wider release at retailers in the UK this week, following a short exclusivity period with Phones4U. Source: Ausdroid 
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Posted: 09 Feb 2012 11:33 PM PST  We had another good look at the Motorola Droid 4 today, non-removable battery and all. Well, the battery door cover is removable (unlockable even!), just not the goods underneath. We're seeing how well it's 1785mAh battery lasts on LTE, but that's another story for another day. Tonight we wanna talk about phones that do have a removable battery, and get an idea just how many folks use that feature regularly. So let us know in the poll! 
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Posted: 09 Feb 2012 07:18 PM PST  According to documents unearthed by Bloomberg, Google just might be building a dedicated retail outlet in Dublin, Ireland at their European headquarters. A planning application submitted to the local authorities there states that the "Google Store" would be open to the public and include 123 square meters of space. At present Google has tried out the retail experience in a smaller setting, by setting up a dedicated space for their Chromebooks in PC World and Currys in the UK. Google has a retail store for their merchandise in California that isn't open to the general public. But this planning application passed on Jan. 23 this year paints a different picture. There are also plans for a staff swimming pool at the facility should this all go ahead. 
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Posted: 09 Feb 2012 05:48 PM PST |
Saturday, February 11, 2012
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