Saturday, March 10, 2012

Update - 28


Posted: 21 Feb 2012 03:00 PM PST
Mobile World Congress is edging closer and closer, and rumor has it that Intel is planning to show off their first mobile-based processors there. Apparently, they're going with the name of Medfield, at least for the time being, to refer to their mobile processors. We already know that Motorola and Lenovo are on the list to get these chips, so we expect something on that in Barcelona next week. Word on the street also points to Atom-based processors, so there might be more than one avenue to follow.
It's worth noting that currently, Intel's mobile processors will only be able to handle 3G speeds, so unless they come up with a 4G chipset, they might be out of the game before they even get started. Intel reportedly plans to introduce basic chipsets first, and gradually release more powerful and advanced processors. Something about that tells me they won't be very successful in a rapidly changing market like this one, but only time will tell.
Analyst Patrick Moorhead had this to say about Intel's entrance into the smartphone market:
While Intel has a long way to go in proving themselves, they have the start they never had before at a time to take advantage of the mammoth growth in smartphones. Never count Intel out.
More on this as it develops. So what do you think about the 3G limitations of Intel's first mobile processors? Anyone think Intel will rise to new heights in the smartphone market? Let us know in the comments!
Source Statesman
Intel preparing to launch mobile processors at MWC? originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 02:20 PM PST
It appears that Google quietly applied for a patent back in September, that might just make Google TV a lot easier to use. Essentially, the technology they're trying to patent would use an Android phone as a transmitter of sort, and the user could give voice commands to Google TV through the phone. Voice commands are nothing new to Android, but they've been previously lacking in Google TV, at least on this level.
There's also hints at GPS-based actions, such as turning on the TV when the user is within a quarter mile of their home, and setting it on a specified channel. We honestly can't say we're too surprised at this patent, as it's been a highly requested feature for quite some time, and we assumed Google was smart enough to pick up on that. No word on whether the patent will be approved, but something tells us that if it is, we'll see massive updates to Google TV devices fairly quickly.
So what do you think about this patent? Any Google TV users out there that can't wait for this to become a reality? Sound off in the comments!
Source Engadget
Previously filed patent could bring voice commands to Google TV originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 01:45 PM PST
We haven't heard much from Google on their location-based Latitude service, until now. The Google Maps app was recently updated, and by extension, the Latitude service. The update brings something that just might help it compete with other services like Foursquare: a leaderboard. Now Latitude users can check in, and they'll get points for doing so. The points are displayed on a leaderboard that includes the user and any Latitude friends they have.
So it's a few years later than the other check-in apps out there, but Google seems to have hit a home run with the new Latitude. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out over the next few months.
Have you updated to the latest Google Maps? How do you think the new Latitude stacks up against its competitors? Let us know in the comments! Haven't updated to the latest Google Maps? You can do that by using the box below!
conversione applicazioni iphone android

Google Maps
Google Inc.
FREE
>250,000
Link Android Market
Source Engadget
Google steps up its check-in game with latest Google Maps update originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 01:38 PM PST

The head honcho behind Google's Chrome effort, Sundar Pichai, recently spent a bit of time chatting with CNET about where the browser is now and where it's going.  Rather than break down the full details, we'll just pull apart the stuff that matters more to Android users.  In other words, what's up with the new Chrome app for Android and what can we expect?
When asked about early feedback and download figures, Pichai suggested that Google was very pleased with the 100,000-500,000 market.  Considering that it's a beta release on a platform that accounts for 1% of all Android devices, it makes sense that this is a good start.  As Android 4.0 hasn't really hit many tablets, Pichai advises that the larger display sizes is where the browser will shine.  Like any good beta product, Chrome is expected to iterate often and will add new features all the time.
We are going to continue releasing Chrome for Android at a pretty healthy pace. In a year from now, we're going to take leaps and bounds.
Speaking on the subject of likes and dislikes, Google has heard plenty of love for the speed of the browser, bookmark sync, and the tab stacking.  On the other end of the spectrum Google sees improvement in the ability to view desktop versions of sites and full screen browsing.   As far as the concerns about Adobe Flash support, Pichai indicates that the heavy push for HTML5 should not make for too much of a problem.
Be sure to head over to CNET to check out the rest of the interview, especially if you're a fan of Chrome on your desktop.
You Tell Us
What features would you suggest to Google for the Chrome app for Android?
Google’s Sundar Pichai chats future of Chrome, Android app originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 12:48 PM PST

Panasonic, looking to toss their name into various smartphone conversations, has unveiled an ultra-thin, high-end Android handset ahead of Mobile World Congress. Dubbed the Eluga, the hardware puts the device right in the mix with some of today's elite Android combatants.
Thinner than most smartphones, the Panasonic runs Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread and offers a 4.3-inch (540x960) qHD display, a 1GHz TI OMAP dual-core chip,1GB RAM, and 8GB internal storage. There's a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera on the backside however there's no front-facing shooter.
Additional specifications for the waterproof and Eluga include NFC connectivity, HSPA+ 21.1 Mbps, and a 1150mAh battery.  Yeah, that sounds a little bit low to us although we're on board with Eco Mode doing its part to save juice.
Look for the Panasonic Eluga to land in Europe in April with pricing and carrier details between now and then.
As nice as this sounds to us, we could be in for even more from Panasonic.  According to Pocket-Lint, the company will announce a "premium" smartphone at Mobile World Congress.  Larger display, faster CPU, and Lumix technology sounds like something we can get behind.  You?

Panasonic announces ultra-thin Eluga for European crowd; More expected next week? originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 11:59 AM PST

The first two images of AT&T's upcoming Samsung Rugby Smart have arrived online, giving us a glimpse into what lies ahead for Ma Ball customers.  Uncovered by Pocketnow, the official-looking renders show a very basic, albeit rugged, form factor. Details for the yet-announced smartphone are said to include Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread, 512MB RAM, HSPA 3G connectivity, and a 1650 mAh battery.
We initially expected to see this handset surface earlier this week as rumors had it coming to AT&T on February 18th with a $99.99 price tag.  Given that we're a few days beyond that date we aren't quite sure when we'll see the SGH-I847 Rugby Smart.  Mobile World Congress doesn't make a ton of sense to us as it's a U.S. handset, however CTIA is still a few months off.
First look at AT&T’s Samsung Rugby Smart originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 08:55 AM PST

NVIDIA and ZTE have together unveiled the first smartphone to boast both a Tegra 2 processor and Icera modem.  Called the Mimosa X, the phone runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and powered by a dual-core CPU, the handset boasts a 4.3-inch qHD (960x540) display, 4GB internal storage (microSD expansion), 5-megapixel camera, and  front-facing VGA camera.  Although pricing and carrier details have yet to come to light, the Mimosa X is expected to arrive in the second quarter of this year.
Drilling down to the Icera modem a bit, we did not anticipate seeing one of these until next year so we're equally surprised and pleased.  As to what this means for average users it will equate to lower cost smartphones with high-end performance and wallet friendly prices. Potentially this may mean $150-$199 off-contract price tags before too long.
NVIDIA® Icera® soft-modem chipsets deliver high-performance communication engines for cellular products. Their unique system architecture enables the highest user throughput and advanced modem features with the smallest footprints and the lowest costs. This gives you a powerful solution for creating smaller, faster, and more affordable high-technology devices.
Mimosa X features
  • Tegra 2 dual-core CPU with GeForce GPU
  • Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
  • 4.3-inch qHD (960x540) display
  • 5MP rear camera
  • VGA front camera
  • 4 GB storage (microSD expansion for 32GB)
  • A2DP Bluetooth, Dolby audio, DLNA video
  • Dual microphones, Built-in gyroscope
Icera 450 platform features:
  • HSPA+/3G/2G multimode
  • Multiband HSPA+ Cat 18 (28Mbs)
  • HSUPA Cat 6 (5.7Mbps), Cat 7 (11Mbps) HSUPA upgradable
  • Quad-band GPRS/EDGE
  • Full 3G and 2G voice
  • Radio Interface Layer (RIL) for Google's Android™ operating system
  • MIPI high-speed interface to multiple leading application processors
  • Major PCB savings due to integrated baseband and integrated RF chips
  • 3GPP Release 7 features inc MIMO and higher order modulation to enhance performance and improve spectral efficiency
  • IceClear® interference-cancellation technology to improve cell edge performance
  • Targeted for high-performance HSPA+ Android-based smartphones
ZTE Mimosa X is first NVIDIA smartphone with Icera modem originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 08:07 AM PST

Barnes & Noble, not afraid to take the fight directly at Amazon, has today announced a $200 version of their Nook Tablet.  What's the difference between this and the $249 model announced last year?  Rather than 16GB internal storage capacity, this guy comes with 8GB of memory for holding your books,apps, and magazines.  Aside from that, this should be more than enough for the average e-reader and entry-level tablet user.  Shifting gears just a bit, the company's first "tablet", the Nook Color, has seen a nice price drop, dipping down to a very attractive $169.99 price point.

Barnes & Noble Introduces NOOK Tablet 8GB For Incredibly Low Price of $199
New Addition to Hot-Selling, Highly Rated NOOK Tablet Line Offers Fastest, Lightest, Most Powerful Tablet with the Best in Reading and Entertainment, Now in 8GB, at an Amazing Value
Award-Winning NOOK Color Now Offered at its Lowest Price Ever – $169

New York, New York – February 21, 2012 – Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, today expanded its portfolio of bestselling NOOK® devices with the introduction of NOOK Tablet with 8GB of memory, a tremendous value for the company's fastest and lightest tablet at just $199. NOOK Tablet 8GB version offers reading and mobile entertainment enthusiasts another great option in the NOOK family of devices. In addition, the company's highly popular NOOK Color just became an even greater value at $169.
"For any customer who likes to read digitally, watch movies or TV shows, browse the web, or help their kids read and learn through interactive books and apps, our new $199 NOOK Tablet with 8GB is the best product value on the market," said William Lynch, Chief Executive Office of Barnes & Noble. "NOOK Tablet is the highest-rated wireless media tablet in the 7-inch class, ultra-portable at under a pound, offers our exclusive VividView screen technology, and since its introduction this holiday has received rave reviews from customers about all its great features. We're pleased to now offer customers the ability to experience NOOK Tablet's unmatched content experience for only $199."
The newest member of the NOOK Tablet family offers the great features of top-selling NOOK Tablet 16GB, but with 8GB of on-board memory, 512MB of RAM and a lower cost of just $199. NOOK Tablet 8GB version includes all of these great features also available on NOOK Tablet 16GB ($249):
  • A highly tuned 1GHz dual-core processor for streaming video and lightning-fast Web browsing so customers can surf their favorite sites, and built-in email to stay easily connected with friends and family
  • Breakthrough battery life, with 11.5 hours of reading time or nine hours of video viewing
  • With on-board storage plus convenient microSD memory expansion, customers have ample space for their reading and entertainment content, regardless of Wi-Fi availability
  • The world's most advanced VividView display for viewing content, with 16 million colors and a resolution purity that's simply gorgeous
  • Popular movies, TV shows and music from top services including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Flixster, Pandora®, Rhapsody®, Grooveshark, MOG and many more.
  • Thousands of top-rated, high-quality NOOK Apps, all optimized for NOOK Tablet's ultra-responsive 7-inch color touchscreen, in categories including Games, Kids, Travel, Education, Lifestyle & Interest, News & Weather, Social, Productivity and others. Favorites including Cut the Rope, Disney Publishing's It's a Small World and more are coming soon to the robust NOOK Apps catalog.
  • Barnes & Noble's award-winning reading experience, featuring more than 2.5 million digital books, periodicals, children's books and more, including:
    • NOOK Newsstand: An expansive collection of more than 450 digital periodical titles, which includes the largest digital collection of top 100 magazines available for subscription and single copy purchase. Colorful interactive magazines offer Barnes & Noble's ArticleView, animated page turns and smooth pinch, zoom and panning. Many special edition NOOK Magazines feature videos, quizzes, image galleries and more.
    • NOOK Kids: More than 1,400 interactive children's picture books, some featuring animation and engaging activities, and more than 12,000 chapter books. With Read and Record, customers can use NOOK Tablet's built-in microphone to record and save their reading of any NOOK Kids picture books so children can listen to their favorite storytellers anytime.
    • NOOK Comics and graphic novels: A vast collection of full-color comics, graphic novels and kids' comics in high resolution and the largest digital collection of Marvel's graphic novels available through a third party, as well as other titles from leading publishers including Archie, IDW and Dynamite. Through a partnership with VIZ Media, LLC, the largest publisher of anime and manga in North America, NOOK customers can access more than 30 series, featuring nearly 430 volumes.
    • Books and more: Continuously expanded NOOK Storewith the vast majority of books available for $9.99 or less. Barnes & Noble's digital book collection includes PagePerfect NOOK Books featuring cookbooks, craft and art books rendered with rich precision to retain all the beauty of their stunning print versions, and enhanced reading with PDF thumbnail page views, and image pinch, zoom and pan in books and PDFs.
    • Discover and socialize: Learn what to read next from Barnes& Noble's knowledgeable booksellers with personalized recommendations, or connect through NOOK Friends to share thoughts, lend books through the exclusive LendMe® technology and more via email and sites like Facebook.
    • Continuous reading: Read what you love, anywhere you like on NOOK devices and with FREE NOOK Reading Apps. Sync your library, last page read, bookmarks, etc. across all of your devices through NOOK Cloud.
  • Sleek and thin with a soft touch back design, and lightweight at under a pound (14.1 oz.), making it easy to carry in a handbag, briefcase, backpack or suit jacket pocket for reading and entertainment on-the-go.
Customers can, as always, access their personal NOOK Library through the free, reliable and secure NOOK Cloud service, which also powers the seamless integration and synchronization between devices, as well as NOOK's best-in-class shopping experience and social features.
Says Lynch, "NOOK Tablet, NOOK Color and NOOK Simple Touch represent the highest-quality portfolio of reading and entertainment products on the market at the best value. Whether it's movies, music and apps on-the-go that you crave, or a simple, immersive reading experience, we offer great products and more choices than ever before with our product portfolio, starting at just $99."
NOOK Color: Now $169
The highly acclaimed NOOK Color, offering access to top video and music services, popular apps, comics and more, is now available at a new low price of just $169, starting today. The first Reader's Tablet, NOOK Color combines an award-winning reading experience with tablet essentials including apps, Web and email. NOOK Color customers can download Netflix to watch movies and TV shows, access a wide array of books, periodicals and comics, enjoy top music services and thousands of apps, browse the easy-to-use, social and streamlined NOOK Store.
Availability
NOOK Tablet 8GB version is available for purchase today for $199 at www.nook.com and in Barnes & Noble stores, and will be available in leading retailers including Best Buy, Target and Walmart in the coming weeks. NOOK Color is now available in Barnes & Noble stores and www.nook.com for $169. Experience NOOK Tablet, NOOK Color and NOOK Simple Touch at www.nook.com or at the NOOK Digital Shops™, which feature the full portfolio of NOOK digital devices and FREE NOOK Reading Apps, or displays in one of Barnes & Noble's nearly 700 bookstores and other leading retailers. Barnes & Noble offers Always Free NOOK Supportin all of its neighborhood bookstores, with more than 40,000 NOOKsellers across the country ready to assist customers with setting up their NOOK devices or choosing their next great read.
Barnes & Noble announces $199 Nook Tablet, $169 Nook Color originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 07:55 AM PST

Barnes and Nobles will be launching a cheaper 8GB version of the Nook Tablet in Wal-Mart stores across the country this week. Apart from the memory, everything will be the same under the hood. Due to less internal memory, the price will be shaved to at least $199.99. B&N also plans to knock the price of the Nook Color down to $169. Hopefully we will see the new Nook in stores this Wednesday.
So is anyone planning to purchase the 8GB Nook Tablet? Anyone going to grab a Nook Color at just $169? Drop a comment below!
Source TGDaily
B&N launching 8GB version of Nook Tablet, slashing price of Nook Color originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 07:38 AM PST



Just like with my Jawbone JAMBOX, the packaging for Jawbone products are premium and are a prelude to what will be found inside.  Maybe not as good as Apple iDevices yet but they are getting close.  At first glance the Jawbone ICON HD could be just another bluetooth headset...not so.  With it's light and compact body that can be worn without an  earloop (over-the-ear), it quickly becomes a must have for the mobile lifestyle.
Because of its small size, this thing is easy to lose track of so take note of where you leave it.  After the first charge, it worked like a charm and pairing was status quo.  I had to travel to the north side of Atlanta for a meeting and found the volume to be very good in the car.  *I could not say the same for the Blue Ant Q1.  As this is usually the problem with  single ear speakers, the sound is neither loud or full enough to use in business conversations.  Not so with the ICON HD.  Due to the 25% increased speaker size, compared to the ERA, the HD (no pun intended) sound is also good enough to listen to podcasts and music in the same fashion.


The Multipoint connecting worked as I had used the ICON HD simultaneously on my Motorola XOOM and my SGN.  So in theory, I should be able to use it on my laptop with Skype and answer calls from my phone.  And based on what I saw with the two devices aforementioned, I don't know why it would not.  And although, I didn't have a chance to really test the NoiseAssasin noice cancellation technology, this Jawbone video pretty much says it all: http://jawbone.com/headsets/iconhd/overview.  Just another reason to use this headset for business calls over my usual wired stereo ear buds.



It only has two physical buttons: Talk and On/Off.  The Talk button is used to connect and disconnect calls, and used to listen to remaining talk time.  The power button is an honest to goodness physical slider.  Great for you mobile users who may be dismayed to find their BT headset was activated by mistake.  It also comes with the aforementioned earbuds in three different sizes as well as four pads and one earloop.  Oh, and in case you are wondering, the volume is controlled by your phone's volume rocker, i.e. Set it and forget!
While the Jawbone Companion app is nice to have, I found it to be more than a little buggy as there were occasional force closes.  I thought this was because I used it on a Galaxy Nexus with Android 4.0, but after reading the comments in the Android Market I saw the same complaints for Android 3.x.  But when it works, it announces your calendar appointments and the number ID of incoming calls, and shows on-screen battery meter of the ICON HD.  And with Android 4.0, my speech always seemed to be clear as the words were translated correctly by the SMS and Twitter app for status'ing while driving.



The last goodie from Jawbone?  A wall charger and mini-USB charging cable.  One charger to rule them all!  I can now use one charger for everything EXCEPT my iPod Nano when traveling.

The Good:
- HD sound and loud volume
- Military grade noise cancellation technology
- Can be work with or without earloop
- Battery life announced with one touch
- Good value for $99.99



The Bad:
- Very small and easy to lose
- Android app can be flaky but will not interfere with everyday use

* My review of the Blue Ant Q1.
Jawbone ICON HD Bluetooth Headset – [Review] originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 07:20 AM PST
Samsung made it clear that there will be no sign of the Galaxy S III at MWC, and we heard that it might be scheduled for April, while others said it will come in May. Now Samsung Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) has sent invitations to people and the only description of the event is "Samsung Line-up 2012."
It clearly means that Samsung will launch their new devices at this event, and it's possible that the Galaxy S III is part of this line-up. The event will take place on March 15 in Amsterdam, and we'll be sure to mark our calendars as the invitation suggests.
As you can see the image above, Samsung has thrown in a mysterious shape, which could be a clue as to what they'll be announcing, or it could be the designers at Samsung just goofing off. Do you have any idea as to what the figure means? What  do you think Sammy will launch at the event itself? Let us know in the comments!
Source Sammobile
Samsung to announce Galaxy S III on March 15? originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 07:18 AM PST
U.S. Cellular has become the latest carrier to announce the Samsung Galaxy S II as part of their Android lineup. Stopping shy of giving us a specific launch date, we do know all the details that go into the U.S. Cellular iteration of the popular flagship phone.  Specs include a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, an 8-megapixel camera (LED flash), 16GB internal storage, and 3G connectivity.  Pricing will be $229.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate however those of you who trade in an existing smartphone could qualify for up to $150 credit.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S II COMING SOON TO U.S. CELLULAR
Android-Powered Smartphone Delivers High-Speed Multi-tasking Capabilities
CHICAGO (Feb. 21, 2012) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Galaxy S® II. The Android™-powered smartphone is designed to deliver advanced multimedia features with a powerhouse 1.2 GHz dual-core processor. The 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display shows brilliant colors, providing a vivid and crisp viewing experience. The Galaxy S II runs on U.S. Cellular's high-speed nationwide 3G network, which has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier. It will be available for $229.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate.
The Galaxy S II is ideal for the multi-tasker who also wants easy access to entertainment wherever they go. You can quickly update your calendar and browse the web to read the latest news, check the weather or get driving directions. The multimedia functions allow you and your family to keep up with your favorite TV shows and keep the kids entertained while you're traveling with HD Games. With its superior screen display, camera, webcam and access to thousands of helpful applications in the Android Market™, customers will be able to get more done throughout the day.
"The Galaxy S II is the ultimate phone for people looking to simplify and organize their lives," said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. "The features combined with U.S. Cellular's unique benefits, like our Battery Swap, make it the go-to device for customers who depend on their smartphone to keep up with their busy schedules."
Highlighted features:
  • 1.2 GHz dual-core processor (Samsung Exynos C210)
  • Powered by Android™ 2.3 (Gingerbread)
  • 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED Flash
  • Swype™ technology for quick text, picture and video messaging
  • 16 GB user memory – supports up to 32GB microSD™ cards
Smartphone enthusiasts who switch to U.S. Cellular get unique benefits, like new phones faster without continuously signing contracts, free Overage Protection and can participate in U.S. Cellular's Trade-In Program. Through the U.S. Cellular Trade-In Program, customers can receive up to $150 on qualifying smartphones by trading in their current phone.
U.S. Cellular offers customers the only points-based rewards program in the industry to get benefits for doing simple things like paying their wireless bill on time, adding a line or referring friends and family. Points can be used for new phones faster, additional lines, devices, accessories and ringtones. It's one of the reasons U.S. Cellular has the happiest customers in wireless.
For more information about all of U.S. Cellular's deals, plans and phones, and other restrictions on these offers, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.
The Samsung Galaxy S II will be available for $229.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. Purchase of a data plan is required, and a new two-year agreement and activation fee may apply for new customers. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply.
U.S. Cellular gets the Samsung Galaxy S II originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 07:05 AM PST

Samsung, in a pre-MWC mood, has decided to announce a pair of new Android smartphones ahead of next week's big mobile conference.  Although neither is the Galaxy S III, there should still be a market for these particular devices.
First up is the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2, which runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread with Samsung's TouchWiz UI, and gets its power from an 800MHz dual-core processor.  Additional specifications include a 3.8-inch WVGA screen, 768MB RAM, 4GB internal storage, a 5- megapixel camera with flash, and VGA front-facing camera. Of course, if you need more room you can always add a microSD card for up to 32GB added space.
On the other hand we have the less powerful Samsung Galaxy mini 2 which also runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread with TouchWiz UI.  In terms of hardware, this guy has a single-core 800MHz processor, a 3.27-inch HVGA (320x480) display, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage, and a 3-megapixel camera.
The Galaxy Ace 2 is expected to hit the UK starting in April whereas the Galaxy mini 2 arrives in France next month (March).  Look for pricing and additional availability to surface in the coming weeks.
 
Samsung
Samsung announces Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy Mini 2 originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 06:45 AM PST
We recently heard that Motorola is planning to launch ICS updates for their devices later in Q3. The Droid RAZR i's scheduled for a Q3 update, but someone on DroidRzr forum posted a lot of screenshots of his Droid RAZR running on Android 4.0. Based on the screenshots, it seems to be a fully functioning build, complete with the new version of Blur. The Android version is 4.0.3 and the Blur build is 6.7.407, but what's picking at us is that Q3 is still months away, and this seems to be a working build. If Motorola doesn't release ICS within a month or so, users are going to get frustrated.
Have a look at the images below, which give us a better idea of what BlurWich will look like. Below is the app drawer and homescreen.
  
Moving on, Motorola has put some visual touches on the camera and editing tools.












The dialer also looks reminiscent of previous Blur builds.
  
We have to admit, the ICS folders and Blur-themed settings look pretty awesome.
 
So with that being said, who's looking forward to ICS for their Droid RAZR? Tell us what you think about it in the comments below!
Source Droid-Life
Droid Razr ICS screenshots leaked, surprisingly looks good originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 06:34 AM PST

LG today introduced a new "L-Style" line of handsets, Optimus L3, Optimus L5 and Optimus L7, putting them on our radar just in time for Mobile World Congress.  Expected to be officially announced next week on February 27th, the three models each come with a different size and, presumably, selling points. We do know that these stylish phones come with thin, square corners and a back that resembles leather.
On the smaller end of the spectrum is the Optimus L3 which runs Android 2.3 and offers a 3.2-inch display and 1500mAh battery.  Stepping up a notch, the Optimus L5 is powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and packs a 4.0-inch screen.  Going just a tad further, the Optimus L7 also runs Android 4.0 and provides a 4.3-inch display.
Assuming we don't learn the juicy details in the coming days, look for more details to surface next week as LG formally announces the trio of smartphones.  Mobile World Congress gets started in less than a week and Barcelona should be buzzing with Android!
LG (translate)
LG debuts new “L-Style” line of phones for Mobile World Congress originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Posted: 21 Feb 2012 06:16 AM PST
It seems that Amazon is now planning to a launch a bigger version of the Kindle Fire in Q2. This new tablet will reportedly feature a 10-inch display, which we've heard whispers of in the past. Foxconn, a company that has manufactured such devices as the iPad, iPhone, Kindle and more, will also be manufacturing the 10-inch Kindle Fire, according to a report from DigiTimes.
Right now, there's no word on the specs of the tablet, but as it's launching under Kindle Fire branding, I believe that it will feature some amazing specs like a dual-core (or perhaps even a quad-core) processor, possibly a camera, and a balanced price tag like the current version.
We're hopeful that Amazon will let it slip at MWC what their plans are in the tablet market. At any rate, who's looking forward to a 10-inch Kindle Fire? Would you buy it if it had a camera, unlike its smaller predecessor? Drop a comment below!
Source BGR
Amazon to launch 10-inch Kindle Fire at MWC? originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
Follow AndroidGuys on Facebook and Twitter and download the free AndroidGuys app for your device! Save a bunch on your next Android. Check out Amazon's best sellers! UPDATED HOURLY



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