Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

HTC Vivid’s Ice Cream Sandwich Update Boosts Performance By 66%

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 07:22 PM PDT

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Aside from all the new apps and features Android 4.0 brings with it, probably the one of the biggest reasons users like me are most excited about receiving the update on their device is simply because of the expected performance increase it will bring. Having a shiny new Android firmware capable of firing on both cylinders (cores) means an OS that should, in theory, explode with unspeakable power.

HTC Vivid users were the first lucky Android users in the US to take advantage of Ice Cream Sandwich over-the-air update on their once Gingerbread running devices. So, did ICS really bring da pain? In a word, yes. As VentureBeat tested and reported, users were met with about a 66% boost in overall in performance. Here are the results from some of the more popular benchmarking apps in the Play Store when compared to the same device running Android 2.3 Gingerbread pre-update.

Those benchmarks don’t lie. Now, the only question I have to ask is: HTC Vivid users, have you noticed a speedier, more kicky fast Vivid after updating to Ice Cream Sandwich? How’s the update running so far?

HTC Cooks Up iPod Touch Challenger Complete With Kickstand and Slide Out Stereo Speakers

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 05:35 PM PDT

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In a patent filed back in Q1 of 2011, it looks like HTC could be introducing an iPod Touch competitor in a market where Apple remains largely unchallenged. The device detailed in the patent shows it will come without broadband networking capabilities making this a WiFi-only handset. Design cues seem to follow HTC’s older style with a mix between the Vivid’s pyramid shaped back and the Thunderbolt’s speaker grill.

And speaking of speakers, HTC seems to be taking the original idea from their HTC Surround and running with it. You’ll notice this guy features slide-out rear and front facing speakers making this an ideal media player for watching movies, listening to music or playing games.

What better time to drop this device onto the masses than right now when Google is diving head first into the digital media market. What do you guys think? If priced — and more importantly spec’d right, would you consider this device to compliment your Android lineup?

[PatentBolt]

ASUS Teases Firmware Update For Transformer Prime – Says New Features Will Be “Awesome”

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 04:27 PM PDT

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ASUS is teasing a new firmware update for the Transformer Prime on their Facebook page today. The update is said to bring “new features” but last we heard, the latest firmware was Ice Cream Sandwich which the T-Prime was already running. Here’s what ASUS had to say:

Perhaps they’re talking about Android 4.0.5 with a few specialty ASUS apps added for good measure. It’s too early for Jelly Bean, right? Perhaps they’ve jumped straight to Key Lime Pie? One thing is certain. Some type of firmware update is indeed coming for the T-Prime and it will be “awesome.”

[ASUS Facebook | Via AndroidPolice]

Conversion kit turns your Droid RAZR into a Droid RAZR MAXX for $110

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 02:11 PM PDT

Kicking yourself for not having the foresight to know that Motorola and Verizon would release a phone identical to the Droid RAZR only with a whopping 3300mAh battery? For $110 you can relieve some of your regret. Cellphone Repair Shop is offering a kit of genuine Motorola replacement parts that will convert the scrawny original into  Droid RAZR MAXX. It turns out the similarities in the two phones go a bit deeper than the spec sheet. Performing the procedure requires only replacing the battery and back cover. Surprise, surprise. They fit without any modification.

Given that the RAZR isn’t a device designed to be user serviceable, a few special tools for prying it open are required to complete the operation. They can be bundled with the repair kit at an additional cost. So, does anyone bite on this?

[via DroidLife]

T-Mobile’s HTC One S caught on video

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 01:42 PM PDT


The HTC One S is going through the paces on its way to a release on T-Mobile and has now found itself in front of the camera for a brief hands-on appearance. The One series handset will make its way to quite a few carriers and not only TMo in the states, but it looks to retain a similar experience in all its incarnations. Rumors have suggested its big brother the One X may get a stock Ice Cream Sandwich build for a release on Magenta.

One thing to point out is that the device being handled in this video doesn’t show any clear T-Mobile branding. The software, however, definitely appears to be built for the network. Whether this is a ROM installed on an international handset, a pre-production model for T-Mobile, or something else the result is the same. An HTC One S running on T-Mobile.

[via DroidDog]

Even elephants prefer the Galaxy Note [VIDEO]

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 12:51 PM PDT


After I watched this video the first time I was convinced that some of the scenes showing Peter the elephant using the Galaxy Note had to be making use of a handpuppet. But I was proven wrong after watching the behind-the-scenes video below. Looks like they finally found the user best suited for Note’s massive 5-inch display.

Judge denies Hasbro request for Transformer Prime ban

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 12:30 PM PDT

When it comes to lawsuits we now expect a company like Apple to pursue endless legal action to stay ahead of competitors, but surely a toy company like Hasbro would be a little more lighthearted. Right? Wrong. The maker behind the ever-popular Transformers line has been taking ASUS to task after the tablet manufacturer chose a name that doesn’t stride too far from Autobot leader Optimus Prime’s. But the Transformer Prime has been spared the rage of a thousand transforming vehicles as a US court has rejected Hasbro’s request to preliminarily ban ASUS from using the name.

The judge presiding over the case decided that few folks were likely to mistake the tablet for a Hasbro product. Hasbro wasn’t so happy with the court’s decision and plans to keep on fighting their fight all the way to trial.

[PaidContent via Engadget]

Samsung Galaxy Beam up for pre-order in the UK

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 11:57 AM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy Beam is now up for pre-order in all of its pico projector glory for folks residing in the UK. Clove has the handset available for £454.80 after VAT, a reasonably high asking price for a phone with a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, and 4-inch display. Did we mention the built-in pico projector rated at 15 lumens that is also factored into the cost?

The Beam is destined to be one of those strange devices that doesn’t gain much traction in the popular market, but for some users it’s just the ticket. Word on availability in North America hasn’t trickled out (and we may never see the phone given a proper US release). The phone is expected to be available sometime in April in at least India. Exact details on the UK launch date aren’t clear. Check out our hands-on from MWC for more details on the Beam.

[via Clove UK]

Seesmic for Android updated, Pro version introduced

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 11:26 AM PDT

A new update is available for users of Seesmic’s Android app. In its latest version Seesmic gains the ability to view Instagram and Twitter posts within a user’s timeline, direct image uploads to Twitter, and the expected bug fixes and software tweaks. That’s certainly worth the download, but some will be disappointed to find that the new update is ad supported. But there is a method to that madness.

For those that can’t be bothered with advertising, Seesmic Pro is now available bringing all the features of the latest update plus a few premium ones to boot. Priced at $2.99 you can say bye bye to the ads, as well. The main draw here is the ability to combine your Facebook and Twitter streams on one screen for a unified viewing experience.

Both versions are now available in the Google Play Store. Head on over to check them out.

Google Play Link: Seesmic

Google Play Link: Seesmic Pro

[via AndroidPolice]

Report: Amazon to offer two 7-inch Kindle Fire configurations alongside 8.9-inch model

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 11:03 AM PDT

Though recent reports suggested that Amazon might forego an 8.9-inch Kindle Fire in favor of focusing on a larger 10-inch tablet, new rumors originating with Taiwan Economic News claim that the smaller of the two sizes is still on track for release. The same story also reiterates plans to upgrade the original 7-inch Kindle Fire, but adds the twist that it may soon be offered at two pricing levels.

The lower-tier Kindle Fire would ship with the same 1024×600 display as the original, while the model falling in a higher pricing tier would see the resolution bumped to 1280×800. The 8.9-inch model is said to have a screen with an iPad-challenging pixel density thanks to its 1920×1200 resolution. Amazon is apparently contracting with new parts suppliers for additional displays and looking to better managing the manufacturing process to drive down costs.

While the rumors remain unsubstantiated, there is little doubt that Amazon will be offering at least two Kindle Fire models by the end of the year. It has been hinted that a summer launch is possible, but at this point we wouldn’t expect anything until closer to the fall.

[via Electronista]

Rumor: Google Drive Coming This April

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 09:49 AM PDT

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We all know Google Drive exists. It’s in the works, at the very least. But Giga OM has allegedly learned, from a close source, that it’s close to being finished. And, more than that, it’s close – close enough to launch in the first week of April. We’re not sure what to make of the claim, but crazier things have happened.

The cloud storage service is said to be bringing users 1GB of free storage, with an option of expanding storage if you pay. Box.net, DropBox – sort of like that. The difference with Google Drive, however, are the APIs Google’s planning on providing. They will allow other apps to store files in a user’s Google Drive account. Their report also states it will be available for Google Apps customers. No word on how the Android app might work could be given.

While the API support is interesting, it’s not clear if it would be enough to draw people away from their favorite services to which they’re already attached, especially if Google is offering no more than 1GB of storage for free. Of course, this figure could be wrong or it could always increase in the future.

Remember that Gmail’s storage per user has been increasing ever since its beta launch, but that is fundamentally different. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Google bump the free storage to at least 2GB like their competitor DropBox (before free incentives). We won’t know until it happens, though, so we’ll just have to wait a couple more weeks to see if this source isn’t bluffing.

Samsung Epic 4G FC09 Update Released to Address Force Close Issues

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 09:24 AM PDT

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Sprint’s Samsung Epic 4G Touch seems to be getting a software update starting today. The update isn’t Ice Cream Sandwich (again, don’t get your hopes up on that ever happening) but it does fix a very important bug. The force close people would suffer when receiving a call has been fixed, and they’ve also optimized network connections for improved battery life. All users won’t see the update right away but rest assured it’ll be pushed to everyone by six months’ time. Head to Sprint’s support forums for more information. [via Samsung Hub]

Google I/O: Sold Out in 28 Minutes or 28 Seconds?

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 07:58 AM PDT

It appears Google I/O has already sold out faster than it did the previous year, something we predicted would happen in our reminder post. Droid-Life professes the event sold out in 28 minutes. That time would still have beat the record of 59 minutes set last year. But most people are saying that, unless you ordered tickets the very second the site opened, you weren’t going to get any even one minute into the sale.

Our own Rob Jackson attempted to purchase a ticket for one of our developers as soon as registration went live, but was ultimately denied and told that they were all sold out. Reports from many others indicate the same. Even fabled developer Koushik Dutta was shunned. (For what it’s worth, CyanogenMod head Steve Kondik successfully purchased one.)

We’re eager to hear what the official number will be as told by Google, but no matter if it were 28 minutes or 28 seconds, it’s impressive.

More than impressive, I can also imagine that it’s very frustrating to feel like you’ve never even had a chance. Whether it’s due to a site not optimized to handle traffic (you would think Google would be capable of handling that considering they are one of the most visited sites on the web) or because there is simply way too much demand and not enough space, Google clearly has a large stable of developers who want to be on the Android and Google Chrome train.

Perhaps they could try expanding their event into other areas of the Moscone Center, or perhaps find a new venue. Or perhaps they’ll just do nothing. Who knows? And I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up, but Google could hold another sale in the near future and give away tickets on their Twitter account.

It’s happened before, so it’s plausible to suggest it could happen again. Also, you can expect to see some Google I/O tickets listed on eBay before too long, though listings will be scarce and the prices will be heavily and grossly inflated. Let us know if you were able to get a ticket or not. [Update]: It seems getting a ticket from anyone but Google is not a good idea. They’re saying that anyone scalped tickets will be null and void.

LG Lucid 4G Official; Coming March 29th for $80

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 07:12 AM PDT

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After spending some quality time inside the rumor mill, it looks like Verizon is officially ready to allow the LG Lucid 4G to emerge. They’ve announced that the device will be on its way March 29th and will cost just $80 with a new two-year agreement.

It’s a four inch device which has a 1.2Ghz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 5 megapixel 1080p HD camera, and Android 2.3. Don’t fret, though, as Verizon promises Ice Cream Sandwich will be in tow for anyone who buys the phone. It looks like LG’s custom UI will remain on top of that, but we’re hardly surprised in this day and age. Read on for full press details.

STEP UP TO THE VERIZON WIRELESS 4G LTE NETWORK WITH LUCID™ BY LG

Affordability and Simplicity Combine for an Ideal Mobile Experience

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - Verizon Wireless and LG Mobile today announced Lucid™ by LG, exclusively for Verizon Wireless, will be available starting March 29 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com.

Lucid by LG is designed to create an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use experience for first-time smartphone users. The slim and compact design features a stunning 4-inch touchscreen display protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass that gives customers superb brightness, enhanced clarity and readability, even while outdoors. Powered by America’s fastest 4G network, Lucid by LG customers have access to 4G LTE coverage in over 200 markets covering more than 200 million people.

Lucid by LG is packed with features to make the smartphone experience easy, while also increasing productivity. Customers can use the lock screen shortcuts to instantly access the phone, messaging, voicemail and camera application from the lock screen. Customers also no longer have to stop what they’re doing to reply to texts by using the Quick Reply feature, as text message notifications pop up on the screen and allow customers to reply directly from the Quick Reply notification. The Quick Dialer widget lets customers make calls directly from a home screen panel without having to open the phone application. Additionally, Lucid by LG has Guided Tours right on the device, which provides step-by-step tutorials for customers who want to learn more about their new phone.

Business professionals can take advantage of the Polaris Office app on Lucid by LG which allows customers to easily open, create and edit Microsoft® Office documents, including Word, PowerPoint® and Excel®. Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network takes Lucid by LG to the next level, loading websites 10 times faster than 3G, making it that much easier for a professional to stay up to speed on recent news and keep in touch with colleagues. The mobile hotspot feature lets professionals connect to up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, making it easy for teams to work from a remote location.

Additional features:

· Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread, upgradable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

· 5-megapixel rear-facing autofocus camera with flash and full HD (1080p) video capture

· Front facing camera for video chatting with friends and family

· Video Producer - create and edit HD videos right on Lucid by LG

· 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM for fast Web browsing and multitasking
· Virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype® technology

· SmartShare - share media with friends and colleagues wirelessly to DLNA®-enabled devices

Pricing and availability:

· Lucid by LG will be available starting March 29 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $79.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.

· Customers who purchase a Lucid by LG will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

Google I/O Registration Goes Live in an Hour!

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 06:00 AM PDT

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If you haven’t already heard, Google I/O registration goes live today! Students and developers who want to sign up for this year’s event will finally get the chance to do so in one hour from the timestamp on this post (or 10am Eastern). Believe me when I say you guys better be on your A-game. There are at least two reasons why:

  • Each year, registration sells out faster than the previous year. The 2009 event sold out in 90 days. The 2010 event sold out in 10 days. Last year’s event sold out in 59 minutes. It’s needless to say that you’ll want to drop everything and get to the Google I/O site as soon as registration goes live, but we’ll say it anyway.
  • Each year, demand for access to the show grows. That’s evidenced by the bullet point above. With that demand, the Google I/O site tends to get hammered, and a lot of people last year were unable to fully complete registration, let alone access the site in a timely fashion. Some people weren’t able to get through to the site until after Google sold out.

Let’s hope Google has taken measures to handle the surge in traffic this year. If they are successful, we might see Google I/O 2012 being sold out even faster than in 2011. Fingers crossed for a smooth process and be sure to have your credit card information handy! Just a couple of housekeeping notes:

  • The registration page will go live here.
  • Make sure you have a Google Account. If you don’t, be sure to sign up for one right away.
  • You will need a Google Wallet account to pay. To save a TON of time and have a better chance of getting a badge, set your account up and enter your payment options ahead of time.
  • You will need a Google+ account. This is as simple as going to plus.google.com and signing in with your Google Account, then confirming that you want to join Google+.

Good luck, developers!
Posted by at 8:01 AM

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