Posted: 19 Feb 2012 08:28 PM PST  Following the huge success of the Kindle Fire tablet/E-reader is the Kindle 2, the next-generation tab that’s been rumored to sport a larger 10-inch display. We’ve been waiting all this time for Amazon to announce a follow-up to the fiery Kindle Fire. Thankfully, the well-established Taiwanese China Times has recently released a publication citing Foxconn as Amazon’s newly nominated ODM to manufacture the Kindle 2. This makes Foxconn the second major ODM next to Quanta – the sole developer of the original Kindle Fire. It’s also important to note that Amazon has a good list of manufacturers up its sleeve. Among them are ACES, Prime View, CviLux, Singatron and of course the aforementioned Quanta and Foxconn. The China Times also added that Amazon is now the one handling the selection and certification of components in order to cut the overall manufacturing cost. Amazon has learned its lesson. When Amazon unveiled the Kindle Fire last year, the Bezos-led company decided to sell the device at a very low price of $199 in spite of the fact that each tablet costs nearly $250 to make. Amazon’s bold and risky strategy worked – at least for its customer-base. And, it proved to be worth it. With the rising demand of the Kindle Fire and with its popularity soaring high like never before, the market appears to be strongly established and ready for anything that will come.  Introducing the Kindle 2 should be easier for Amazon this time around. But, can we expect the pricing to increase as well? That we don’t know yet. Unfortunately, other than the 10-inch display, other detailed specs of the Kindle 2 have not been disclosed. But what we do know is that it will be released soon with the commencement of component deliveries in March and with shipments scheduled sometime in May or June. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
This article, Amazon Names Foxconn as 2nd Major ODM for Kindle Fire 2, Shipments to Commence in May , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. |
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 08:06 PM PST  LOL! That's all we can say right now for the AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note. Although it's slated to retail tomorrow, developers have already been able to root the device. This has led us to believe that while both Samsung and AT&T have been busy with the unit's hardware, experts have been tinkering with the software of the device. With this new information, you may be excited to know that the root can enable you to enjoy your Galaxy Note to its full potential. The party responsible for rooting this device is, of course, none other than XDA Developers. A developer from the site named Da_G has made it possible to flash the kernel via ODIN. As a result, this kernel has enabled custom boot animations, init.d and adb root scripts. While you get to enjoy some things from rooting your Galaxy Note, you have to realize that there are some threats to your security; such as in the case of the recent Google Wallet pin issue. Moreover, you stand the risk of voiding your warranty or even bricking your device. So make a wise decision if you really need to root your Samsung Galaxy Note; or any device for that matter. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
This article, AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note has been Rooted Before Its Release , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. |
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 05:36 PM PST Living the life of the jet-set can be a bit confusing. Traveling to various countries is a pain enough as it is with the different languages, customs and businesses – it’s even more of a problem if a businessperson is there to do business. Whether it be buying some trinkets or brokering a deal, the main problem with foreign transactions is the need for an accurate conversion into the local currency. Money changers are available but a shrewd businessperson knows that often the best deals need a bit of verification. Plus, traders specializing in international trade may need an instant update wherever they may be. This is why it’s fortunate that there’s a host of currency conversion apps available for Android smart phones. Here’s some of the cream of the crop. 1. Currency Converter Pocketools’ Currency Converter is a simple yet powerful app for any trader. Able to handle a host of popular currencies, it also has several options that would recommend it to most business people. First is that it can operate in offline mode – to save on the bandwidth time. In addition, it can track most changes in the international markets and display it as a graph, helping to predict future trends. Paired with a constant update of currency news, this is a helpful little tool for any trader looking for an edge. 2. XE Currency XE.com should be familiar with most people trading in foreign currencies. One of the web’s best currency sites, it can be depended on for accurate and fast information. Users can have dependable to such information via the use of the XE currency app. Utilizing a pleasing and easy to use interface, the app presents the latest data on world currencies and precious metals. Users can even have all such data tracked real-time! Offline use is also available, along with historical data of shifts in prices. 3. Convert Pad Convert Pad is another useful app – this time more than just for businessmen. More a unit converter, it specializes in converting one unit to another, whatever sort of measurement it is. Supporting 160+ currencies and 23 languages, this is definitely an international app. It is also easily customized to handle whatever unit of measurement or currency is needed to be converted. Users can even define their own units of measurement for conversion. 4. Currency Converter The problem with currency converters is that they usually share the name “Currency converter.” A good example is e6bapps’ own Currency Converter. A simple and easy to use app, it is a very basic app. If a user needs an application that doesn’t hog up CPU power, this one is for them – no fancy graphs or additional features, just straight-up conversion. Updates are needed to keep the currency rates in line with the market, but they can be automatically scheduled or even manually initiated. 5. Exchange Rates Another simple currency conversion app, this particular app is both free of ads and free. Able to handle every world currency, it has an integrated calculator and a multiple currency display. It also automatically syncs for updates to the daily exchange rate and also features access to a currency Wikipedia. Anyone looking for a free app with a wealth of features can do worse. 6. Unit Converter More than just a currency converter, this app handles several unit conversions. Multiple conversions are available as well as over 60 currencies from all over the world. Simple and easy to use, the best thing about this app is its free – with no ads in the way. 7. Forex Currency Rates CodeAndro’s Forex Currency Rates is a very comprehensive app for use in currency trading. It helps to keep track of all world currencies in one simple app, helping to deliver to the user the latest news on money trends. It also happens to support precious metals – excellent for gold and silver trading. Users can easily set up a favorite currency table for daily perusal – weekly and daily rates can also be viewed with ease. The app can also be transferred via SD card to another Android device in a pinch. Definitely a boon for any traveler or trader. 8. Currency Converter Plus For those looking for something very basic, this app is for them. Supporting only 36 currencies, it’s basically a calculator. The upside is that it will work with any low quality smartphone with its basic system requirements. 9. Mobile Converter A free app, Mobile Converter is another simple currency converter. Constantly updated every time the app is started, it has access to 168 world currencies and can handle their conversion. It can also easily be set-up to display the user’s favorite denominations so that the rates can be easily consulted. 10. My Currency My Currency is a great little conversion app that handles over 160+ of the world’s active currencies. Updated automatically, the interface is simple and easy to understand. It also handles several of new virtual currencies – Bitcoins, Facebook Credits and Linden Dollar. Charts that trace daily, monthly and yearly trends are also provided by this app. Automatic updates are also available so as to keep the user current with the world’s exchange rates. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
This article, Top Currency Converter Apps For Android , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. |
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 02:25 PM PST  Judging on Motorola's history, we have reason to believe that this leaked photo is the Motorola Atrix 3. Apart from this, the device does not have any capacitive buttons on it; keeping it in line with the previous render released of the Medfield-powered handset. While this is not 100% definite, we're pretty excited to see the device; especially since its specs have been unveiled in the leak. The device is equipped with a 4.3-inch 720p screen, 2GB RAM, quad-core Tegra 3 processor, and 3300mAh battery. Wow, right? Moreover, the camera is powered with a 10MP feature complete with dual LED flashes. With these specs, we have reason to believe that the leaked photo is part of the Atrix clan. But we have to wait until Motorola gives an official statement, especially since the device is larger in size as the previous Atrix devices; though it's size may be part of a new look the Atrix 3 is equipped with. What do you think? YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
This article, Leaked Photo Believed to be the Motorola Atrix 3 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. |
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 12:20 PM PST  After partnering with NBA team Phoenix Suns, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 strikes again! This time, Samsung has signed a deal with Fort Lauderdale's Atlantic Hotel Resort & Spa; which places a unit of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in over 100 guest rooms of the establishment. By providing the tablet in these rooms, guests get to access hotel services easily. This makes us want to fly over to Florida right away just to be one of the first to use the tablet! The Galaxy Tab 10.1 has been equipped with a system named iGet; which is actually a hospitality focused method that operates the Runtriz Hotel Evolution Software. Through this software, guests get a first-rate experience during their stay at the hotel. The system has been developed by Adjacent Innovations and contains pre-installed apps and games intended for each hotel guest. Genius, huh? So should we say goodbye to calling front desk or speaking with the hotel concierge? I think we're not yet fully ready for that. What do you think? Which hotel will be next to have this system? Let us know your bets in the comments below! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
This article, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is Now Available in over 100 Rooms in a Fort Lauderdale Hotel , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. |
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 10:11 AM PST  If you're quite familiar with LG's growing series of Android-powered Optimus devices, you're in for a real treat! The company has just announced that they will be launching a new logo for the powerful line. As the company has mentioned, the new logo will be debuted at the Mobile World Congress happening next weekend. According to LG, this new Optimus logo is 'designed to accentuate the metallic edges and slim shape of the 2012 smartphone line-up.' Moreover, all the other devices with the LG Optimus name will be using this new logo from then on. We're really excited to see what this new logo will be! We're thinking it will be a mecca of silver and black, to compliment the brand. What do you think? Full press release below. NEW LOGO FOR LG SMARTPHONES DEBUTS AT MWC 2012 LG to Transform Its Optimus Brand Logo with New Design-oriented Handsets SEOUL, Feb. 17, 2012 – LG Electronics (LG) renews the logo design of its signature mobile phone brand, the Optimus, reflecting the company's reinforced design leadership. The incumbent Optimus brand was initially introduced two years ago in line with the launch of the LG Optimus Q, LG's first smartphone. The new Optimus logo is designed to accentuate the metallic edges and slim shape of the 2012 smartphone line-up unveiled at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC). It embodies modern and seamless simplicity, which is the core for LG's design philosophy for mobile devices. With the new logo and desired specifications, LG will offer superior smartphones that bring design prestige to users seeking aesthetic beauty on technological devices. Also, the company's commitment to raise the ante by offering best quality products to consumers will be further reinforced. Further details regarding and a live demo of the new smartphones with the new logo will be offered at LG Stand (Hall at MWC 2012 from February 27 to March 1. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
This article, LG Optimus Line Gets a New Logo, Debuting at MWC , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. |
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 06:02 AM PST  Uh-oh! BIG uh-oh! If you're planning to go to the Mobile World Congress next week, you better be ready; and we mean not just with your camera, food, water, and energy to keep you going throughout the day! We just learned that there will be a transportation strike from Barcelona's main public transportation operator, the TMB. While the strike has been slated for February 27 to March 1, there is reason to believe that it will not affect the event itself. However, if you're going to MWC and hoping to get some shopping sightseeing done, this transportation strike may affect you. The strike has also been believed to affect all major bus and metro routes throughout Barcelona. It is also believed that there will be 60,000 attendees during this strike. Here's the official statement from GSMA, the organizers of the Mobile World Congress. The metro and bus workers from TMB, the main public transport operator in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, have announced plans to strike during Mobile World Congress which will be held 27th February through 1st March 2012. The GSMA has senior executives in Barcelona and they have been meeting regularly with government officials from the City of Barcelona, Catalonia Regional Government, Spanish Ministry of Industry, the Fira and the various police authorities since the strike was first announced. The GSMA has advised the government authorities that they should do everything to avert the strike and we have been assured that negotiations are ongoing in order to try and resolve the issues. In the event the parties do not reach agreement, comprehensive contingency plans are in place to ensure that all participants of the Mobile World Congress have unfettered access to and from the Fira during all days of the event. We will announce the details of those contingency plans as necessary should the strike take place. The GSMA remains confident that the issues will be resolved and that there will be little, if any, impact to the Mobile World Congress. Further, the Barcelona government has offered the GSMA its strong assurances that Mobile World Congress attendees will not be affected and all participants will be able to arrive and depart the event safely and without disruption. So if you don't know your way around, make sure you prepare yourself with a map or even Google Map app. Just a friendly reminder from your favorite Android website, Android Authority! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
This article, A Friendly Advice for MWC Attendees from Android Authority , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. |
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 04:01 AM PST  A lot of people have been anticipating when Samsung will reveal information about the rumored Galaxy S3. But because the company has announced they will not be showing it off at the Mobile World Congress this month, this anticipation has turned to disappointment. This has then led people to wonder if there really is a Galaxy S3 anywhere in the plans of Samsung. Recently, we have obtained from our source that Samsung's download center has leaked information on a GT-i9300 unit. This has started to generate much speculation that this may be the Galaxy S3 that many people have been hoping for. So is it? Well, we have gained an understanding that the Galaxy S3 is listed on the company as the GT-i9500; so really, this isn't the device we're hoping for. Moreover, the GT-i9300 has been listed to be equipped with a 1024×600 resolution display. This just shows that the GT-i9300 is a different breed than the Galaxy S3. If you consider the Galaxy S2 was the GT-i9100, and the GT-i9250 was the Galaxy Nexus, it would make sense that the Galaxy S3 would be the GT-9300. While 1024×600 is certainly a step up from the Galaxy S2′s 800×480 resolution, it’s nowhere near what the Galaxy Nexus’ massive 1280×720 HD Super AMOLED display is packing. Additionally, Samsung released the Galaxy S2 HD LTE several months ago with a 4.65 inch display, with the same resolution as the Galaxy Nexus – 1280×720, so we find it highly doubtful they would release their next major flagship with a lower-spec’ed display. While we may not be seeing the Galaxy S3 at the MWC next week, we're hoping that Samsung reveals official information about the unit after the shindig in Barcelona. We’ll be there to dig up all the juicy rumors. Would you be disappointed if the Galaxy S3 featured this display? We certainly would. Stay tuned. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
This article, Is the Samsung GT-i9300 the Awaited Galaxy S3? Hopefully Not , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. |
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 03:35 AM PST  One of the best features about Android is having total control over how you customize your device. More specifically, Launchers and Skins give Android users access to tons of new user interfaces and features. In addition, a bunch of Android devices are subject to bloatware. When this happens, the average user probably is not interested in playing around with custom ROM’s or even rooting. Putting aside some of the more well known launchers, SPB Software recently release SPB Shell 3D. The app, which will cost you $14.95 in the Android Market, will bring a whole new look and feel to your Android 2.1+ device. Over 100,000 people, including us, have already downloaded the launcher. Don’t be scared off by the steep price tag, SPB Shell 3D packs dynamic folders, custom widgets and panels, sweet animations and a full 3D experience. Once you download this app, no additional skins or plugins are needed. The second you start using the Launcher, you’ll notice that it fits your screen much better than the standard launcher by utilizing just about every pixel. Also, swiping between screens is incredibly smooth. You’ll notice that SPB Shell 3D is different than other launchers because it does not simply give you a set amount of screens to mess around with. Instead, SPB starts their users off with pre-loaded panels such as: 
As you can see in the image above, all of your panels are arranged side-by-side in an infinite circle. When you click the ovular button in the bottom of your customizable dock, the launcher zooms out so you can have a birds-eye view of all of your panels. In addition, after waiting a second or two after pushing that button, SPB Shell 3D will take you on a tour of your panels. In this tour, any folders or widgets that were created by SPB will become animated. As previously mentioned, the app is $14.95 in the Android Market. SPB Shell 3D will completely reinvent your phones user interface. The app was just released not long ago and it has already been purchased by over 100,000 Android 2.1+ users. After having the privilege to test SPB Shell 3D, I highly recommend this application, especially to someone looking for a way around the standard Android launcher. Check out the video below for a full walk-through and demo of SPB Shell 3D: Any thoughts? Will you be downloading this and giving it a try? Let us know in the comments! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
This article, SPB Shell 3D Launcher – Android App Review , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. |
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Update - 18
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