Wednesday, March 28, 2012

AndroidGuys

AndroidGuys


Qualcomm: 36,000 miles, 20 days, one charge for Snapdragon processor

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 12:27 PM PDT

So you're a big fan of your current Android smartphone save for the fact you seem to charge it every few hours.  What to do for your next smartphone?  Qualcomm believes you ought to consider a Snapdragon chipset for the Android handset and/or tablet.  To help illustrate just how great the Snapdragon's battery life is, Qualcomm decided to show off a bit by filming a video over the span of 20 days and one charge.  The video below, Around the World in One Charge, shows a handset making its way around the globe on one singular charge.

Additionally, Qualcomm is implementing a contest on their Snapdragon Facebook page where you are encouraged to submit photos or videos of what you can do with one charge. Winners of the One Charge Challenge will receive Snapdragon enabled tablets and/or smartphones.

Prizes: The Overall Prize winner will receive one (1) Smartphone and one (1) Tablet from the list of prizes below. Actual Smartphone and Tablet models shall be awarded at Sponsor's sole discretion and ARV will reflect the prizes awarded (listed below). Each First Prize winner will receive one (1) of the following prizes: One (1) HTC Vivid (Approximate Retail Value ("ARV"): $399.99); OR one (1) HTC Rezound (ARV: $729.99); OR one (1) Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 (ARV: $399.99); OR one (1) Nokia Lumia 710 (ARV: $329.99); OR one (1) Blackberry Torch 9810 (ARV: $489.99); OR one (1) Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket (ARV: $509.99); OR one (1) Samsung Galaxy S II (ARV: $649.99); OR one (1) Pantech Element (ARV: $299.99); OR one (1) T-Mobile Springboard (ARV: $99.99).

 

Qualcomm: 36,000 miles, 20 days, one charge for Snapdragon processor originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Rumor: Google Drive to be released “sometime during the first week of April”

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 12:15 PM PDT

After many false alarms, Google's cloud storage service has been coming for multiple years. The latest rumors came almost two months ago, when we found that a Dropbox-like service would be offered by the search giant. But today's unofficial news is a bit more exciting, as it states that "Google Drive," as it's being called, will be released "sometime during the first week of April."

This comes from GigaOM, a renowned tech news site, and they claim that the sources giving them this info are "well-placed and familiar with Google's plans."  As it goes with many new rumors, this one comes with a bit of extra details about the service.

The sources affirm that Google will be offering 1 GB of free storage, and charge for extra storage space. This comes as a surprise, since Google usually offers its services for free, or at least very affordable compared to the competition. But in this case, Dropbox would have the advantage by offering 2 GB for free. Not to mention Box's and Amazon Cloud Drive's free 5 GB.

None of this is set in stone just yet, as it is still a rumor. Prices for extra storage are still unknown, and that is where Google might have the advantage. Extra GBs could be more affordable than the competition, so it'll be interesting to see where they go with that.

In addition, it is mentioned that this service will launch for Google Apps customers, and will look much like Google Docs in regards to the interface. The search giant has also developed an API for developers to be able to make use of Google Drive.

The odds of this rumor coming to life are unknown, as they usually are. But we know Google must be getting ready for it, so we'll keep our eyes peeled. One of our readers even found a hidden "Add to my Drive" button within the Gmail coding.

This means that the service could be coming very soon. Maybe even early next month, as this rumor states. As always, take it with a healthy amount of salt until we get some more news. For now, the best idea is to stay tuned and hope to see this come to life soon, and with better offerings.

So, are you convinced that Google Drive is on the way? Anyone?

Update

The guys from Talk Android have received a nice leaked image of what seems to be the PC client for Google Drive. The website's sources claim the same, but they state that the date of release has been changed to "the week of April 16th." But what makes this screen shot special is that it goes against GigaOM's claims that users will get 1 GB of free storage.

This image (along with the sources) confirms that users will get 2 GB of free storage, instead. This sounds much more enticing, but as mentioned above, it still does not beat the competition. We expect more from you, Google!

Rumor: Google Drive to be released “sometime during the first week of April” originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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HTC gears up to improve HTCSense.com service

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 11:16 AM PDT

HTC's Sense UI has been much lauded by customers and the media, even if it has gotten a bit out of hand with the past few updates. Over the years, various changes and feature additions have been made, including integration with HTCSense.com, a service tailored specifically for HTC Android phone users. Those who have used HTCSense.com know that service adds some great features like phone tracking and theft protection, as well as backing up some  things that Google doesn't, like messages and call history. According to HTC, we can expect some "improvements" to this already great service, though they stayed mum as to what these might be.

Given Beats Audio's rumored acquisition of MOG, we can always hope for some sort of media integration, but that seems a bit too soon. Anything at this point would be pure conjecture, but one thing HTC does warn customers of is loss of data while they're going through these changes. As such, they're providing a handy information download tool so that any information you've stored through the service isn't lost in the void of Cloud-land.

Any HTCSense.com users should have gotten an email about these changes, which you can see in the screenshot above. So what do you think these "improvements" could be? Do you even use the HTCSense.com service as it is? Let us know in the comments!

HTC gears up to improve HTCSense.com service originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Amazon now rumored to be prepping three tablets for 2012

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 09:39 AM PDT

When it comes to a successor to the Kindle Fire, it's not a question of whether or not Amazon will release one this year.  Rather, the question seems to be just how many Amazon is working on.  We previously reported that the online retail behemoth was readying a pair of Android-based tablets to succeed the Kindle Fire, however things are changing yet again.  New details from Taiwan's Economic Times tell us that Amazon is prepping three tablets for release in 2012.

According to their sources, we should expect to see an 8.9-inch model with a screen resolution of 1920x1200 as well as two 7-inch models.  One of these will be focused on the low-end with a 1024x600 resolution while the other should have a 1280x800 pixel display.

It stands to reason that Amazon will want to keep the $199 price point going for one of these three models, perhaps the low-end.  Depending on how the full hardware shakes out for the trio of tablets, we might look for prices of $249 and $299 out of Amazon.  As of now there is no indication as to when we will see any of these devices make their debut however it makes sense to hold off as long as the other is selling strong.

 

Amazon now rumored to be prepping three tablets for 2012 originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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TeleNav announces web-based HTML 5 navigation tools for developers

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 09:15 AM PDT

Telenav today announced that their "Scout for Apps" HTML5 voice-guided GPS navigation service is now available for developers.  If you're a development firm or independent startup looking to integrate free, turn-by-turn, voice-guided GPS navigation, this is where you'll want to start.  Whether creating for mobile or desktop experience, these  HTML5 tools will ensure that users have a seamless experience from a trusted source.

Telenav already has a number of developers who have pledged use of the new service, starting with Avantar's Yellow Pages app (iOS).  Down the road we can expect to see similar strategies employed by AroundMe, Life360 and WedVite.  What's more, Telenav has integrated the Scout for Apps feature directly into their own site, Scout.me.  Visitors to the website can send locations and directions to themselves or a friend via email or text, or sharing it via Facebook or Twitter.

"Previously, when users clicked on an address in our Yellow Pages app, we provided a standard map experience to help users get to their desired destinations," said Adrian Ochoa, CEO of Avantar. "Now with Scout for Apps, our customers will receive full-blown turn-by-turn, voice-guided directions, and they will never have to leave our app to get those directions and guidance. We love being able to offer this type of service on our platform."

We had a chance to see Scout in action back at CES and very anxious to see these tools roll out to new and existing applications. Currently optimized for iOS devices, we were pleased with the functions and features.  And while we saw a demo of Scout performed on an Android handset, Telenav is not quite ready to make any official announcements.

TeleNav announces web-based HTML 5 navigation tools for developers originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Coby’s budget-friendly ICS tablets now shipping

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 09:08 AM PDT

We've never known Coby to be a major player in the Android world, but that's not stopping them from releasing five ICS-powered tablets. They're all packing the same basic specs, which we'll get to in a moment. Going from smallest to largest, there's the 7-inch MID7042-4, priced at a cool $179, followed by the 8-inch MID8042-4, which is coming in at $229. Moving right along, we have the 9-inch MID9042-8 with a $259 price tag, the 9.7-inch MID9742-8 at $279, and finally, there are two 10-inch tablets, the MID1042-8 and MID1045-8. The only real difference between the two 10-inchers is the aspect ratio (the 1042-8 comes in at 16:9, while the 1045-8 brings a 16:10 aspect ratio to the table). The MID1042-8 will cost around $289, not far behind the $299 MID1045-8.

All strange numbered names aside, let's get into the good stuff: specs. All of the tablets mentioned above will be rocking a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage on the three largest models, 4GB on the 7-inch and 8-inch devices, MicroSD card expansion, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, and a camera of unknown megapixels.

Coby has announced that the 7-inch and 9.7-inch tablets will be available this month, which means anytime in the next week. The other three will debut sometime this spring. There's no official date on any of them, but we expect Coby will make an announcement when the time comes. The full press release can be found below.

So, is anyone impressed with the low-priced ICS tablets that Coby's cooked up? Anyone think they should just give up on tablets altogether? Sound off in the comments!

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

 

 

Coby’s budget-friendly ICS tablets now shipping originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Verizon announces $79 LG Lucid for March 29

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 07:49 AM PDT

Verizon and LG have officially announced their next smartphone collaboration, the Android-powered Lucid.  Expected to arrive in but a few days (March 29), the Android 2.3 Gingerbread handset will retail for $79.99 after $50 mail-in rebate.

Features for the 4G LTE-ready LG Lucid fall right in line with previous rumors and include 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, a 5-megapixel rear camera with 1080p HD video recording capability.  Although it will debut with Gingerbread, Verizon indicates that the Lucid will be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

We like the price point here as it is low enough to bring in new smartphone buyers but still packs enough hardware to satisfy the savvier crowd.  Considering where some of Verizon's previous 4G LTE smartphones are priced, the LG Lucid is in a good spot.

Step Up To The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network With Lucid™ By LG

Affordability and Simplicity Combine for an Ideal Mobile Experience

BASKING RIDGE, NJ —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 atwww.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 atwww.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.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Follow @VZWnews on Twitter for the latest news on Verizon Wireless.

 

Verizon announces $79 LG Lucid for March 29 originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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AMC Theatres introduces Android app for film junkies

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 07:23 AM PDT

AMC Theatres has become the latest theater chain to release their official mobile client for Android and iOS devices.  Hitting the Google Play Store just a few days ago, the app is free for Android smartphones running 2.2 and higher.  Features here are exactly what you'd expect from a theater franchise as large as AMC and include finding nearby movies, showtimes, and watching trailers.  Additional details include managing your AMC Stubs rewards account, AMC offers, and social network integration through AMC Buzz.

Taking things a bit further, AMC Theatres provides users with notations for showings in 3D, IMAX and ETX.  What's more fans of the traditional dinner and a movie date will enjoy the ease in which they can determine which films are screened in the chain's Fork & Screen or Cinema Suites auditoriums at AMC Dine-In Theatre locations.

Features of AMC Theatres for Android:

  • Find a Movie – Find all of the movies currently playing at AMC Theatres, access advance ticket sales and find more information about movies that are coming soon! You can get movie times by current location, zip code or state, and purchase tickets directly from the application! You can also check out the trailers for each movie, get a synopsis and see who is starring in the movie.
  • Find a Theatre – Find all of the AMC Theatres close to you, by zip code or by state and purchase tickets. You can also save your favorite theatres, ensuring they appear first every time you search for a theatre or a showtime..
  • My Movies – Keep all of the upcoming movies you want to see in one place. Did you love a trailer you saw recently? Save it to My Movies and be notified the moment tickets go on sale!
  • AMC Stubs – Access your AMC Stubs account from anywhere. Check your rewards balance, avoid reward expiration by keeping track of the dates, peruse your old stubs, and use your scannable virtual card every time you make a purchase. You can also register your card on the application or sign up to be an AMC Stubs member.
  • Offers – Keep track of all the current AMC Offers, store all your discounts and make sure you always have them at your fingertips, and take advantage of offers exclusive to AMC mobile app users.
  • AMC Buzz – Stay up to date with the AMC social community. You'll find the latest Facebook posts, tweets, AMC Blog posts, and YouTube videos!

AMC Theatres introduces Android app for film junkies originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Temple Run debuts in Google Play Store

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 06:30 AM PDT

Delivering on their promises, Imangi Studios' Temple Run has today arrived in the Google Play Store. Available as a free download for Android 2.1+ devices (tablets too!), the popular game has players testing their reflexes as they race down ancient temple walls and along sheer cliffs.Your job is to run, slide, jump, and collect coins while avoiding obstacles and evil monkeys.  After 45 million iOS downloads in roughly eight months we're certain this will do well on Android.

We've already blown through thirty minutes of our morning and can't wait to return to this later tonight.  Temple Run plays great on smartphone and tablet alike, scaling beautifully across multiple screen sizes.

Google Play StoreGoogle Play Store

 

 

Temple Run debuts in Google Play Store originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Officially licensed Phase 10 arrives in Google Play Store

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 04:15 AM PDT

After finding success on other platforms, Mattel's popular card game, Phase 10, has arrived in the Google Play Store.  Available in free and paid versions, the game works well on both smartphone and tablets alike.  Features include support for multiple languages (English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian), 15 playable avatars, and variable difficulty settings and card speeds.

The chief difference between the free model and the $.99 version is that the LITE model only offers three randomly created phases.  In other words, it's not ten phases of Phase 10.  Do yourself a favor and cough up a buck, you'll be glad you did!

We've spent the last week getting cozy with a pre-release copy and put together a quick video to show it off.  Here's a five-minute first look at Phase 10 for Android.

Officially licensed Phase 10 arrives in Google Play Store originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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