Update - 45

EeePad Transformer ICS, Google VVM [From the Forums] Posted: 23 Feb 2012 04:23 PM PST In case you haven't noticed, things are heating up to the max now as we head on into Mobile World Congress. We've been hearing plenty of rumors, seeing plenty of videos and plenty of news has been flowing. We're skipping out on the podcast tonight, but no fear -- there is plenty of stuff to keep you all occupied here on the blogs and in the Android Central Forums. HTC Thunderbolt Forums - Google VVM What did I do wrong? Galaxy Nexus Forums - How do I stop ongoing downloads? SGSII Epic 4G Touch Forums - No music while using camera? Droid RAZR MAXX Forums - Razor Maxx Free WiFi?? ASUS EeePad Transformer Forums - First wave of ICS hits Taiwan If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.

Lookout launches Ad Network Detector, a new tool to manage privacy Posted: 23 Feb 2012 03:57 PM PST The folks over at Lookout Labs have released a new Android app today, and it's one that I think a whole lot of folks are going to love. Dubbed Ad Network Detector, it's an app that detects which advertisement networks are running in the other apps you've downloaded and installed, tells you what apps are using them, and lets you know a bit about what type of information they can be tracking about you. Lets get to the meat of the issue -- ads are not bad or evil. I've been known to wear a tinfoil hat on occasion, but even I recognize that advertisements are a great way for developers to offer apps for free, and make them accessible to everyone -- not just those with a credit card, who are willing to pay (or able to pay in their country) for them from the Market. Developers deserve to make money, I get it. But we also deserve to know what info these ad networks are collecting. Let's be honest, most folks don't bother to read the permissions screen when they install an app. None of these ad networks are going to do anything illegal or inherently evil, so there's no harm in knowing more about them, right? Here's an easy way to know all of that. Just install the app, run it and let it scan the applications you've installed on your phone. You get a handy list of things ad networks can do (including the horrible trick of putting ads in your notification bar), and how many of each you might have installed. A quick tap opens the tree, and you see the names of the culprits ad networks that are using each type of ad. Another tap and you get more information about how it all works and the apps that are using this type of placement or collection. From there, you can decide what to do. I love it when power is put back in the hands of the user, and knowing is the most important part. This is one I'll recommend to everyone with an Android phone. We've got the download link, and a few screen caps to see how it all goes down, after the break. Source: Lookout read more

Chile gets the Motorola Pro+, Argentina acquires the Spice XT Posted: 23 Feb 2012 03:45 PM PST Motorola today announced that the keyboard clad Pro+ wis now available in Chile, and the the touchscreen-only Spice XT can be found in Argentina.  The Pro+ sports that four-row keyboard for those who have to keep their thumbs typing, and it's got a 3.1-inch display on top of it. The Spice XT has a 3.5-inch HVGA display running Android 2.3 Gingerbread with an 800MHz processor. Argentina saw the Pro+ announced for Movistar earlier this week. Source: Motorola (Argentina, Chile)

Official Mobile World Congress app updated just in time for this year's event Posted: 23 Feb 2012 03:34 PM PST GSMA -- the organization that runs Mobile World Congress -- today updated its Android appliation for this year's event. Good thing, too, since it starts Sunday. For those of us going to MWC, it's a portal for the week's agenda, a list of exhibitors and attendees, discussions, and augmented reality feature, search, My MWC Zone (for keeping track of your stuff) and the hard-to-escape Mobile World Live section. And probably most important is a map of what's where, so you don't get too terribly lost in the Fira. We've got download links after the break for those who are going, and those who want to kibbitz. And don't forget to swing by our MWC page for all the goings on. read more

LG's latest devices caught on video ahead of Mobile World Congress Posted: 23 Feb 2012 03:29 PM PST LG seemingly didn't want to until Mobile World Congress to show the world what they've been working on. They've already gone ahead and announced eight new devices and while we're stuck waiting until we hit Barcelona to go hands-on with them ourselves, that doesn't mean they're not getting plenty of video love already. The Optimus 4X HD, Optimus 3D MAX, Optimus Vu and the Optimus L3 all got sneak peek videos taken, so if you're looking to get a look at what LG is bring to Mobile World Congress head on past the break and enjoy! Source: Telefonino read more

A look at Google's Mobile World Congress pins Posted: 23 Feb 2012 03:18 PM PST If you're lucky enough to be at Mobile World Congress next week in Barcelona, be sure to swing by the Google booth -- more like the Google hall, really. El Goog just gave us a look at the cool little logo pins it'll be giving out this year. Anyone have a favorite? Source: +Android

Heads up: No podcast tonight, catch us next week from MWC Posted: 23 Feb 2012 03:06 PM PST Just a quick note that the Greatest Android Podcast in the World is going to take a breather tonight and instead prepare for some smajor action starting Sunday at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Next time you hear our silky smooth voices, it'll be from Spain. In the meantime, be sure to head on over to our Mobile World Congress page for all the latest.

CM9 Alpha 2 for the HP Touchpad brings video playback fixes, Netflix support Posted: 23 Feb 2012 02:42 PM PST If you are looking for a way to repurpose that HP Touchpad that you got nice and cheap on the fire sale, you have probably been following the progress of the CM9 project pretty closely. The latest update, Alpha 2, brings better video support  which is a huge plus for many of us. Alpha 2 fixes choppy video that you may have previously seen, and also fixes apps like Netflix and others that rely on HTTP livestreaming to deliver content. If you are currently on one of the CM9 Alpha's you will want to be sure to update to this one, and if you have yet to check it out it may be a fun way to pass some time for yourself. Source: RootzWiki

Google adds your Google+ Circles to Google Voice, send that stalker circle to voicemail with ease Posted: 23 Feb 2012 01:53 PM PST It should come as no surprise to anyone that Google is completely focused on Google+ and they plan on integrating it with every one of their services that they can. Today Google has announced that they have integrated your Google+ circles into Google Voice so that you can easily manage your contacts and how they are able to reach you. Calls from your “Creepers” circle can be sent straight to Voicemail, only your “College Buddies” circle will hear you rap your voicemail greeting, or you can set your “Family” circle to only ring your mobile phone. Setting this up is extremely easy, just head into your Groups and Circles tab in Google Voice and customize it the way you prefer. Source: Google Voice Blog

Ice Cream Sandwich OTA rolling out globally for the ASUS Transformer TF101 over the next week Posted: 23 Feb 2012 01:24 PM PST If you are the proud owner of the ASUS EeePad Transformer, you will be thrilled to know that at some point over the course of the next week the offical update will be available to get your tablet on Ice Cream Sandwich. The update has started today in Taiwan, and will begin tomorrow for the folks in the United States, and will continue throughout the rest of the countries as the week continues.  Beyond all the normal goodness that you can expect from the ICS update, ASUS has also slipped in a few additional features, such as: Create folders in the Home Screen Quick launch of the camera from lock screen Additional screen capture method Additional browser functions Special camera effects and photo editing Swipe to close tasks or notifications Font size modification Other minor user interface changes Be sure you have your Transformer charged and ready for the update, and when it hits your neck of the woods be sure to let us know in the forums how the update goes for you! Source: ASUS

NVIDIA announces development of LTE modems for Tegra 3 devices Posted: 23 Feb 2012 01:07 PM PST NVIDIA has announced a joint venture with GCT Semiconductor and Renesas Mobile to develop LTE modems to go along with their 4-PLUS-1 Tegra 3 processors. One thing has been missing from those awesome gaming chips, and that's the ultra-fast network speeds available when using an LTE network. This announcement will allow current partners to build next generation products with NVIDIA powered parts that not only offer great performance, but the fastest network speeds available as well. With modern mobile gaming going to the next level in the graphics and physics departments, seeing an LTE solution from NVIDIA is great news. There's a lot of pixels and sprites to move around on your phone or tablet while playing intense games like Shadowgun, and that means a lot of data needs to move in and out of your phone for the best experience. An LTE powered Tegra 3 device is certainly going to take things to the next level. As we've seen time and time again, once we get the hardware, the software will follow. Developers will certainly have their eye on NVIDIA, and will be able to push the envelope a bit further. And it's not just games were talking about -- Tegra 3 and LTE will give mobile users the horsepower to handle things like desktop class web browsing and multimedia, and real-time video conferencing. Combined with a product like Citrix Receiver, and you've got the ultimate mobile office.  It's easy to see that NVIDIA is serious about mobile. They have the technology, and we've been using their products in our desktop computers for ages, and with the Tegra line they have proven themselves as a strong contender. We can't wait to see what else they might have in store. Source: NVIDIA

Box for Android updated, new UI and collaboration features along with 50GB free for everyone Posted: 23 Feb 2012 12:06 PM PST Box have been on somewhat of a roll of late. They've been offering out free storage to LG and Sony Ericsson owners by the bucket. Today they updated their Android application bringing with it some new collaboration features, and for a limited time only free 50GB worth of storage for everyone who downloads the app and logs in before March 23. I didn't get an additional 50GB, so we'll say that it probably doesn't apply if you already got 50GB free out of them before.  One of Box's stronger features is its collaboration tools, and now right from within the app you can invite people to collaborate on your files. They also put in support for commenting on individual files too. Pretty nifty.  The UI also gets updated, and now makes use of the standard action bar. Another useful addition is the ability to batch multiple file uploads at once and the app will now support being moved to the SD card.  Box are definitely going big, and while Dropbox is preferred by a good chunk of the market -- free desktop sync helps -- 50GB for free is too good to turn away. Hit the download links below to help yourselves. read more

Google reportedly (and unsurprisingly) picks Dennis Woodside to replace Sanjay Jha as Motorola Mobility CEO Posted: 23 Feb 2012 11:50 AM PST Google has selected Dennis Woodside to be the new CEO of Motorola Mobility, replacing Sanjay Jha, according to three people speaking to Bloomberg. Woodside is a Google executive who led the company's ad business in North America before overseeing the Google/Motorola Mobility merger. The deal was recently approved by both the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice, so it makes sense that these decisions are being made now. From the beginning of the acquisition, Google has insisted that Motorola Mobility will remain an independent entity. Google and Motorola Mobility have yet to issue an official announcement. Source: Bloomberg

Dropbox experimental build updated, improved camera upload function Posted: 23 Feb 2012 11:38 AM PST Dropbox's last experimental build for Android brought some sweet new features, and free storage for anyone testing it out. Today they've gone and updated the build fixing some issues previously found, adding a couple of handy improvements in the process.  Overall performance is improved in the camera upload feature. We also get bug fixes for issues where not all your photos and videos would be uploaded. Personally, I would appreciate the bug fixing that gave me 500MB of free storage, then took it away again -- hopefully I'm an isolated case.  In any case, a useful feature that has been added is camera upload numbering. Photos taken in quick succession now get numbered properly and don't overwrite each other when uploading to your Dropbox account.  As ever, this is an experimental build folks, so treat it with a degree of caution and shout out in their forums if you find any bugs. You can download a copy for yourself at the source link below.  Source: Dropbox

ASUS MWC teasers again hint at Padfone, high-resolution tablet Posted: 23 Feb 2012 10:44 AM PST ASUS has teased the long-awaited Padfone (not the first time it's done so), as well as the high-resolution TF701 Transformer Prime, in its first two pre-MWC promo videos. The first, entitled "divided we stand, together we rock," clearly hints at the Padfone's "phone within a tablet" functionality, allowing users to plug the smartphone into the tablet dock for a larger-screen experience. The second tells us that with "twice the detail" comes "twice the fun", and shows a box being filled with lots of small rubber balls which, like smaller pixels, make for a sharper image. The TF701 is expected to build on the original Transformer Prime's specs with a higher resolution 1920x1200 display. We've got both videos after the break, and we'll be covering ASUS's presser live next Monday from Barcelona. read more

Sony Xperia ICS beta ROM adds radios, new UI and more Posted: 23 Feb 2012 10:11 AM PST Sony Ericsson has released an updated beta ROM for a selection of its 2011 Xperia phones, based on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. This latest (and unsupported) release builds on the alpha version released back in December with new functionality. This includes elements of the "UXP NXT" user interface powering new phones like the Xperia S -- you'll notice the new app dock and live wallpaper in today's video -- and familiar ICS features like camera shortcuts and music controls on the lockscreen. Certain radio firmware has also passed certification since Sony released the alpha ROM, meaning mobile data and FM radio support is now enabled, though Wifi and Bluetooth are still unavailable. And needless to say, as it's a pre-release ROM, Google apps (including face unlock) are not included. Nevertheless, we expect it won't take too long for enterprising hackers in the Android community to shoehorn this functionality back into the device. If you want to get in on the pre-release action, you'll need an Xperia Arc S, Xperia Ray or Xperia Neo V that's fully up-to-date with the latest official software. For download and installation instructions, check the source link -- or if you want to see how the ICS update is shaping up without messing with your device, we've got the official preview video after the break. Source: Sony Developer World read more

Samsung 'GT-N8000' references suggest stylus-toting tablet may be on the way Posted: 23 Feb 2012 08:52 AM PST The rumor mill has been churning for a while with suggestions that Samsung may be working on a new 7 or 10-inch tablet with stylus functionality. But now, a newly-certified device on the Bluetooth SIG site gives weight to reports that Samsung may be preparing to bring its "S Pen" technology to tablets. The certified device is listed as "Samsung Mobile Tablet GT-N8000", and when you consider that the original Galaxy Note is the GT-N7000, it doesn't take too much imagination to arrive at the possibility of a Galaxy Tab-like device with pen input. The other possibility is that we may be due a Galaxy Note hardware refresh already -- given the speed at which Sammy's churning out tablets these days, we wouldn't be too surprised if this were the case. Last week, references to a "Galaxy Note 10.1" appeared on a casting website, as well as an official Samsung developer page, before being swiftly pulled. Having used the Wacom-based pen tech on the Galaxy Note, we certainly think it'd make sense on a larger screen. But we'll have to wait and see what, if anything, the manufacturer unveils at MWC. Source: Bluetooth SIG; via: Sammobile

Amazon Appstore proving lucrative for developers, according to new report Posted: 23 Feb 2012 08:19 AM PST The Amazon Appstore is less than a year old, and still isn't officially available internationally. Despite this though, the latest report from app analytics company Distimo states that a good portion of Android developers are making decent money there.  Of the top 110 apps appearing both in the Amazon Appstore and Android Market, the report claims that 42 of them are making more money from the Appstore. Additionally, 28 percent of the revenue from those top 110 came from the Appstore.  The Appstore is also proving to be a popular place for paid applications. 62% of the apps are paid apps compared to just 32 percent at present in the Android Market. The Kindle Fire launch last year has played a massive part in the growth of the Amazon Appstore.  Another interesting piece of information to emerge from this report regards Amazon exclusive applications. Distimo says that around 50 percent of Amazon's apps aren't present in the Android Market. While there isn't a clear definition on how many of these may be Kindle Fire versions of already established apps, it is still a surprisingly high percentage.  Seems the future is bright over in the Amazon camp. There have been mixed reactions since it's inception over pricing and how Amazon controls it, and indeed how they handle compensating developers involved in the free app of the day. But it seems that there is money to be made by submitting applications to Amazon. And with their tighter control over what makes it into the Appstore, quality apps may find opportunities to shine through. Just imagine what could happen if the whole world could take advantage. Source: GigaOM

ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #14: ThunderBolt Metallic Hard Case, EVO 4G OtterBox Impact & more! Posted: 23 Feb 2012 08:01 AM PST Wecome back to another ShopAndroid.com Daily Giveaway! Our featured accessories today include the HTC Metallic Hard Shell Case for ThunderBolt, OtterBox Impact Case for EVO 4G, Seidio CONVERT Extended Combo for Verizon Galaxy Nexus, and the Seidio SURFACE Case for EVO 3D. Leave a comment below indicating which featured accessory you'd like to win, and we'll announce the lucky winner of today's daily giveaway next Monday! HTC Metallic Hard Shell Case for ThunderBolt The HTC Metallic Hard Case has a soft touch finish that's comfortable to hold while providing superior grip for your HTC ThunderBolt.  The case is made of a hard polycarbonate to protect your device from everyday bumps and scratches, with a metallic finish that is sure to make your ThunderBolt look great while keeping it protected. This two-toned case also has cutouts for all of the ports and buttons of the ThunderBolt, including the kickstand. read more

Asus begins pushing ICS to its EeePad Transformer today in Taiwan Posted: 23 Feb 2012 07:52 AM PST Asus today announced that it is beginning to push its official Ice Cream Sandwich update to the original EeePad Transformer, just it had promised early last month. The OTA rollout of firmware 9.2.1.11 will start today in Taiwan, with other markets set to receive the update"soon after." Asus has been known to be committed to updating its devices in a timely manner: its Transformer Prime tablet is already running Android 4.0, while the original Transformer saw timely updates to Honeycomb. Although we will announce several new innovations at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week, we take great pride in delivering on-going enhancements and support for products that are well into their life cycle. We'll keep our eyes peeled for the OTA to hit US shores, and of course we'll bring you up-to-the-minute coverage of Asus' presence at next week's MWC. Source: Asus on Facebook

White Motorola RAZR coming to Phones4U in the UK from Mar. 1 Posted: 23 Feb 2012 07:31 AM PST Not wanting to feel left out in the flurry of pre-MWC announcements, Motorola has revealed the availability of the international (GSM) RAZR in white in the UK, starting at Phones4U next Thursday, Mar. 1. As you might've guessed, it's the same Motorola RAZR that's been available in the UK since late November, with a funky white trim. Phones4U appears to have scored brief timed exclusivity period with the white RAZR, so it's likely you'll need to pony up for a 1-2 year contract if you want one right away. But if you do manage to snag one between launch day and Mar. 25, you'll be entered into a draw to win tickets for the Snowbombing festival this April in Austria. Phones4U's pre-order page shows the white RAZR as available for free on a number of contracts with O2, Orange and Vodafone. The best deal seems to be a £21.50 per month package with O2, offering 200 minutes, 3000 texts and 500MB, though Orange has triple the minutes and double the data allowance for £28.50 per month. For more on the RAZR, check out our review of the Verizon version from last year. More: Phones4U, Motorola

ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day: Qmadix Vibe Flex-Gel Case for Motorola Droid RAZR Posted: 23 Feb 2012 07:27 AM PST The ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day for Feb. 23 is the Qmadix Vibe Flex-Gel Case for the Motorola Droid RAZR. The Qmadix Vibe Flex-Gel Cover accentuates your style and personality in vibrant color while protecting your Motorola Droid RAZR from the elements. This sporty yet rugged case features a transparent window and is made from durable, abrasion resistant-TPU. It's available in black, blue, red or white today only for just $14.95. Get yours while supplies last!

Privacy policies not exactly a new idea for Android apps Posted: 23 Feb 2012 07:20 AM PST So Amazon, Apple, Google, HP, Microsoft and RIM have all decided to hold hands and form a circle around the California attorney general and agreed to privacy principles designed to bring the industry in line with a California law" that requires apps to have privacy policies. Follow all that? It's privacy principles that the companies have all agreed to, as well as the need to conspicuously display them in the app somewhere. And chances are you'll see them all roll out some guidelines to developers in the coming months, rather than leaving the devs to come up with them on their own. Privacy policies aren't exactly a new thing for Android apps. Go all the way back to an Aug. 4, 2010 blog post from Nick Kralevich of the Android Security Team titled "Best Practices for Handing Android User Data." What's the No. 1 tip he had for developers? Maintain a privacy policy. The other nine suggestions really should be mandatory as well, including minimizing the permissions needed, giving users a choice regarding data collection, and using encryption. Common sense stuff. But it's wild world out there, no? Not every app has a conspicuous privacy policy -- that goes from Google to Android Central to, well, far more applications than we'd like to see. (You can find our site policies at the very bottom of this page.) The proprietors of the major app stores coming together for a common set of privacy policies as well how to best present those policies to the us, the users is a good thing. A very good thing. Now we just need to see better implementation. More: California Attorney General's Office; more at iMore.com

Samsung Rugby Smart coming to AT&T on March 4 for $99 Posted: 23 Feb 2012 06:59 AM PST Samsung and AT&T this morning announced the Samsung Rugby Smart, a 3.7-inch Android 2.3 smartphone that should stand up to a beating or a soaking or any sort of other torture you might put it through. In addition to being dustproof, it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for as long as 30 minutes -- quite a bit longer that you'd last -- and is also hardened against humidity, rain, shock and extreme tempertatures. Specs include: Operating System:  Android 2.3 Display:  3.7-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display External Memory: Supports up to 32GB via microSD™ Internal Memory: 4GB Dimensions: 122.4mm x 65.9mm x 12.19mm Weight: 4.2 oz Camera: 5MP rear facing with flash and auto focus with HD 720p video capture; 1.3 MP front facing camera; Battery: 1650 mAh LiIon Poly Talk Time: Up to 8 hours Standby Time: Up to 16 days The Rugby Smart will cost $99 with a two-year contract. We've got video of the Rugby Smart after the break. Source: AT&T read more

'HTC One X' image leaks out ahead of Mobile World Congress Posted: 23 Feb 2012 06:20 AM PST The pace of pre-MWC leaks shows now sign of slowing, as a new leaked image claiming to show the "HTC One X" (aka Endeavor) has surfaced over on PocketNow. As you can see, it looks like an HTC phone. And Sense 4.0 looks the same as in that leaked RUU. Hold tight, folks, just a few more days until HTC takes the lid off its MWC line-up. Source: PocketNow