Sunday, March 11, 2012

Update - 55



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 03:41 PM PST
Arc S
According to a tip received by MobileSyrup, Rogers customers will soon be seeing the SE Xperia Arc S on the shelves. The Arc S is a slight bump from the current Xperia Arc that Rogers now offers with it's 1.4 GHz Qualcomm processor, and it's pretty likely that this will be the last Sony Ericsson branded device to hit North America now that Sony is sole owner of the name and franchisee. The Arc S is a lovely handset, and with Sony releasing a beta version of Ice Cream Sandwich already, it's going to be a fun one to play with. 
While it's always just a rumor until Rogers says differently, expect to see the Arc S next week with a possible price point of $30 (CAD) on a 3-year contract, or $475 (CAD) outright.
Source: MobileSyrup



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 03:36 PM PST
Android Central
This is it, folks! The countdown for Mobile World Congress kick-off has begun and you're gonna want to keep it locked to Android Central for all the latest news coming from Barcelona. We've got plenty of people on hand to take it all in and bring it all back to us when things get rolling but in the meantime, check out the Android Central forums for a lot more discussion.
If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 02:07 PM PST
Toshiba Excite X10
While we were at CES 2012 we got a look at the Toshiba Excite X10, the 10-inch tablet dubbed the thinnest ever. Since then, we've not heard a whole lot about the release of the device but it has no popped up on the Future Shop website for pre-order.
The Toshiba Excite X10 will come in 2 different variations, being a 16GB and 32GB version. The Excite X10 packs a dual-core 1.2 GHz OMAP 4430 processor, 1 GB of RAM and has a 1280 x 800 IPS touch display but you can check out the full specs here. Pre-order pricing is set at $550 for the 16GB with the 32GB costing only $50 more to bring to $600.
Source: Future Shop; Thanks, CrackTight!



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 02:02 PM PST
Samsung Galaxy Note
In regards to this AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note review, we, the writers, editors and readers of Android Central, hereby stipulate the following:
  • It is a BIG smartphone. Anyone who says differently is just wrong.
  • Not everybody's sold on using a stylus; nor will everyone ever be - and that's OK.
  • If we never see another Galaxy Note press release, it'll be too soon. (Unless it's the one saying it's being updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.)
  • Anyone who calls the Galaxy Note a "phablet" in an un-ironic manner should be unmercilessly ridiculed even more than they likely already are.
Seriously. It's BIG. We know it. We get it. Nothing we say will change that fact.
So what it is about the Galaxy Note that's made it so popular? Samsung's shipped more than 1 million so far. That's different than "sold," but a million is not a small number. And will that popularity translate over to the North American markets? Will Samsung's aggressive marketing win out? Will it just be too darn BIG for our American sensibilities?
It's a smartphone. A BIG smartphone. With a stylus. Not so hard to wrap your head around. But wrapping your hand around it? That's another matter.


The Good

A BIG, beautiful display. Fast processor. Great software tweaks. The optional stylus is nicely hidden away when not in use. Has access to AT&T's new 4G LTE network.
The Bad

It's friggin' HUGE for a phone. Not quite comically so, but it's certainly a handful. Launches with Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread instead of the newer Ice Cream Sandwich. Does not have NFC.
Conclusion

If the 5.3-inch display isn't too BIG for you, and if you don't have to have NFC, and if you're willing to wait for an update to the latest version of Android, the Galaxy Note is a great OVERSIZED smartphone. That sounds more negative than it should. But save for the stylus and SUPER SIZE, at its core it's a very solid Samsung Android smartphone.

Inside this review

More info

read more



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 01:52 PM PST
The Sophos security website has reported a new bit of Android malware, and this time it's being spread on Facebook. If you watch the video above, you'll see how an unknown person on Facebook send you a link, which you dutifully click (because we all click random Facebook links from people we don't know, right?) and it downloads a malware ridden apk file to your phone. It's a trick folks have to use now that Google has a Bouncer at large in the Market.
Unfortunately, the video stops there and leads the viewer to believe that it's another cause for panic and that we need to be up in arms over this. The reality is far different, and this is a classic case of sensationalism. What happens after the part where the video ends is really the important bit.
After the file downloads, you'll have to choose to install it. This also depends on you having disabled the security feature that prevents third party apps from being installed, and failing to read the permission warning that pops up when you verify that you want to install this random file. Of course, across the Internet you'll probably not hear this part, because Android and malware in the same title generates hits. We've seen it before. 
So how do you stay safe? It's easy:
  • Don't interact with random people on Facebook
  • Don't click random URLs from random people
  • Don't install random apps that you didn't download
With Android, you get the freedom to install apps from anywhere, not just an official store where the folks that make the OS get 30 percent. You also get notified of what every app can do, and are forced to accept those terms. With that in mind, use just a little bit of common sense and you'll be fine.
Source: Sophos



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 01:49 PM PST
Transformer Prime OTA
The ASUS Transformer Prime is getting its third OTA update in a month today, with reports of a large-scale rollout happening as we speak. This update puts the build number at 9.4.2.15, and is reported to address the widespread random reboot issues folks have been seeing since the last update a few weeks ago. There's likely other changes, but ASUS hasn't released a change log just yet. 
What we do know, and this is all based on user reports, is that this update seems to run poorly the first few minutes after a reboot, so give it some time to settle after you apply the OTA. You can check for the update yourself by going into the settings and forcing the check in the About Tablet screen. We'll keep our eyes open for an official change log, and update when it appears. In the meantime, hit the forums and join the discussion!
Thanks everyone who sent this in!



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 12:14 PM PST
With the Google+ user base growing daily, we suppose it had to happen eventually. Yes, BlackBerry users now have themselves a Google+ app to make use of. It's not an official app mind you, it's one that was created by a company called Smarter Apps but it does indeed work for Google+ access.
Some features are still missing, most notably hangouts and messenger but the basics are there. Needless to say, the Android version is still better no matter how you swing it. Check out the video above to see the BlackBerry and Android version go head-to-head and don't forget to follow Android Central on Google+.
Source: CrackBerry



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 12:13 PM PST
Android pin template
The folks at Android like to have a bit of fun, especially when they're out of the office. Like we saw last year, they've designed a set of 85 Android pins and scattered them throughout the vendor booths at MWC, and collectors, bloggers, and Android nerds alike will certainly have a lot of fun collecting as many of them as they can. For the rest of us, who are stuck at home and not carousing the Mediterranean working the floor at MWC, well we can have some fun, too.
The +Android page wants to see your take on a pin design. Grab the template above, doctor it up as best you can, and drop a link on their Google+ post to the image. We wanna see as well, so be sure to drop a link to your picture in the forum thread we just set up so we all can have a look. For inspiration, here's a link to the 85 designs for 2012. Let's see what ya got!
Source: +Android



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 10:59 AM PST
Android Central
Chrome Beta for Android has received a mystery update over in the Android Market, updating the mobile version of Google's browser to version 0.16. There's nothing in the changelog to indicate what's new in this version, but we've noticed no new features, so we can assume it's just the usual mix of bug fixes and performance tweaks.
However, if you're using CyanogenMod 9, or another ICS-based custom ROM, you may want to hold off updating, as there are reports in the Market comments section of this new version breaking things for those on using custom firmware. If you're running a custom ROM and still want to update, we recommend backing up your current version of Chrome before proceeding. Hopefully Google will be able to issue a fix for those affected before too long.
We've got Market links for you after the break.
Thanks, edhe!
read more



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 10:43 AM PST
ViewPad G70
ViewSonic doesn't want to be left out of all the fun at Mobile World Congress, and today we heard about three new dual-SIM phones, and we're hearing rumors about the ViewPad G70 tablet (pictured). All four devices will ship with ViewSonic's custom version of Ice Cream Sandwich, and are decidedly entry-level.
The ViewPad G70 is said to have a 7-inch, 1024 x 600 display, 4 GB of internal storage, 1 GB RAM, a 2 MP rear and front camera, microSD card slot, HDMI port and both a micro and mini USB port. The 3G version is expected to retail around $350.
Of the three dual-SIM phones ViewSonic will show off in Spain next week, the best of the three in terms of specs is the ViewPhone 4s, a 3.5-inch device with an IPS display at 640 x 960 resolution. It will have a 1 GHz processor, a 5 MP rear camera and VGA front camera, and of course the dual-SIM card setup as mentioned. The ViewPhone 4e is a 3.5-inch device with a 320 x 480 display, has a 650 MHz processor, and a 3 MP rear camera. Last, but not least (especially in terms of raw size), the ViewPhone 5e is a 5-inch device with a 480 x 800 resolution.
We've heard nothing about price or availability, but the fact that they are dual-SIM devices probably means that we'll see these in the far east or in eastern Europe. We'll know more next week. In the meantime, the pictures are after the break.
Source: KisPlay blog (Chinese). More: Mobile-Review
read more



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 09:46 AM PST
White Samsung Galaxy Note
Three UK announced today that the Samsung Galaxy Note will soon land on its network. Pricing and a release date have yet to be announced, though Three says that the Note will initially launch in white and will surf on the carrier's HSPA+ network. The 5.3 inch behemoth comes equipped with a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, 16 GB of internal storage, an 8 megapixel camera, and a Super AMOLED display, and launched here in the States equipped with LTE this past week.
We reviewed the international version of the Note (the same one that Three will soon launch) back in November, and we were quite smitten with what has come to be known as Samsung's "phablet." While we wait for an official release date and pricing from Three, you can check out our review here.
Source: Three UK



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 09:25 AM PST
Analyst
An analyst with DisplaySearch (not exactly a household name) apparently has told CNET that Google will put its own tablet into production in April. And that's all he knows. No more. Quit asking.
However, Shim said it is not clear how Google will market the device. "I don't know how they plan on marketing it. If it's going to be a premium device, or if it's going to be a Kindle Fire type competitor," he said.
We generally don't put too much stock into reports like this for the obvious reasons. But if indeed Google is working on its own tablet, that time frame might make sense, seeing as how the Google IO developer conference was moved to the end of June from May. There also are no promises that it would be some sort of "Nexus tablet," no matter how hard the bloggers wish it to be so.
And as always, it's entirely possible it's all bunk.
Source: CNET; analyst image via Shutterstock



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 08:47 AM PST
Happy Friday, folks! Today's the last ShopAndroid.com Daily Giveaway for this week, and we're featuring some cool new accessories including the Cruzerlite Androidified A2 TPU Case for Galaxy Nexus, Qmadix Snap-On Cover for Motorola Droid Bionic, Seidio SURFACE Case for EVO 3D, and the Seidio ACTIVE Case for HTC ThunderBolt.
As always, be sure to leave a comment below letting us know which featured accessory you'd like to win.  Winners from this week's daily giveaway's will be announced in a post on Monday.

Cruzerlite Androidified A2 TPU Case for Galaxy Nexus


The Cruzerlite Androidified A2 TPU cases are made from shock absorbent and scratch resistant thermoplastic polyurethane.  They're slim-fitting, and provide great protection for the Galaxy Nexus from day to day use and accidental bumps and spills.  The sleek, lightweight design of the A2 TPU cases fully wrap around the Galaxy Nexus while also raising the front of the device to protect the screen while face down.  Featured on the cases are custom designed Andy the Android prints.
read more



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 07:43 AM PST
Bell TV app on the Samsung Galaxy Note
One of Canada's big three carriers, Bell, recently shot me a build of their upcoming on-demand streaming TV app for Android and a Samsung Galaxy Note to try it out on. I've already established that I'm a fan of the Note's big screen, and I was eager to make use of it with some high-quality streaming video. That, plus it's a ton of fun taking screencaps of the evening news guy and drawing a moustache on him with the stylus. Nyuk, nyuk.
read more



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 07:21 AM PST
Motorola MOTOLUXE event
Motorola's getting ready to launch the MOTOLUXE in the UK, and the invite we just received makes it look like it's going to be quite the soiree. Come March 8 in London, we'll get to see the "new ultra-vogue, ultra-stylish smartphone." Not sure if we'd go quite that far -- as you'll recall from our look at the MOTOLUXE at CES last month it's a fair-to-middlin' 4-inch Android 2.3 device with an 8MP camera and some nice UI tweaks.



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 07:15 AM PST
Case-Mate Tough Case for Motorola Droid RAZR The ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Case-Mate Tough Case for Motorola Droid RAZR. Built to withstand sudden drops and accidental falls, the Droid RAZR Tough Case is the epitome of protection.  A snug, form fitting silicone wrap provides shock resistance, while the hard shell protects against impact. The Tough Case comes in black and is available today for just $16.95-- that's 52% off the original price! Take advantage of this Deal of the Day while supplies last.



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 06:20 AM PST
Transformer Ice Cream Sandwich
We said it was coming today (OK, ASUS said it was coming today), and sure enough the ASUS EeePad Transformer is in the midst of getting its Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update. In addition to the standard ICS features, you'll get the ability to use:
  • 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
Go! Download! Now!



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 05:18 AM PST
Android Central
The Sony Ericsson Xperia NX, the Japanese variant of the Xperia S, has today launched nationwide in Japan on the country's largest carrier, NTT Docomo. As expected, the device is now available in black and white, just like the Xperia S. Interestingly, it seems the Xperia NX will retain the old-style Sony Ericsson branding, whereas international models will sport the new Sony-only branding.
The Xperia S, the NX's international cousin, is expected to make its debut in Europe from the second week of March, while the AT&T variant, the Xperia Ion, is slated for a Q2 release. For more on both devices, check out our hands-on comparison from CES.
Source: NTT Docomo



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 05:06 AM PST

Android Central
If that pink Galaxy S II was just too pedestrian for you, then good news! You'll soon be able to exchange your hard-earned cash for the exclusive Bobbi Brown version of the phone, which comes in a slightly different color, with a matching make-up kit. So it's pretty clear that Samsung's targeting women with this latest version of its most popular handset.
The only catch is that this version is available in Korea only for the moment. But we're sure you'll be able to find someone willing to import one for you, if you're mad enough to want this kind of thing. A special microsite will be going live later today at the source link, if you're interested in learning more.



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 05:04 AM PST

Acer Liquid Grow
Acer has announced it'll bring the Liquid Glow Android 4.0 smartphone to Mobile World Congress next week in Barcelona, Spain. The Liquid Glow sports a 3.7-inch display and will be available in the colors you see here -- Sakura Pink, Alpine White and Cat's-eye Black. (Otherwise known as black, white and pink.) It's got a 5-megapixel rear camera with Flash, has NFC and will be available in the summer.



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 04:32 AM PST
Recon HUD
Recon Instruments will be showing their patented, Android-powered HUD (Heads Up Display) in the Android booth at Mobile World Congress. Last month at CES Recon unveiled their HUD SDK for Android, and this time around we will get to see the MOD Live (Recon's name for this unit) in Barcelona. They're currently working with partners like Polar and Contour to third party apps to the HUD, but for now folks can use Recon’s free HQ Mobile app to access playlists on their phone, view and share run stats, see incoming calls, display text messages, and reply via the wearable wireless Bluetooth low energy remote. 
Android Central at Mobile World Congress
Currently available for snowsport enthusiasts, Recon plans to branch out to other outdoor sportsmen and partner with more manufacturers. Dan Eisenhardt, CEO of Recon Instruments says:
We are happy to be at the Mobile World Congress with Google at the Android stand. It is a great opportunity to show the diversity and customizable nature of our Android-powered MOD Live. Our HUD technology is currently available to snowsports enthusiasts and we will be bringing an adapted HUD solution into a number of different industries in the near future partnering with leading goggle, helmet and sunglasses brands to provide the optimum choice of fit, function and fashion to the public.
Recon Instruments' MOD Live currently works with Uvex, Briko, Zeal Optics, Alpina, and Scott and Smith brand "Recon Ready" goggles, and are available for $399.99 (€360) at major retailers around the globe. 
More info:  Recon Instruments



Posted: 23 Feb 2012 11:29 PM PST
Launcher
One of the best things about Android is that the OS allows us to customize things that are built deep into the system. Things like keyboards, or the messaging application, or the home launcher. Using applications from the market, it's easy to make our Android phones look and feel like our Android phones. Before we got a little taste of Ice Cream Sandwich, a custom home launcher was a must for many a power user. But did that change with the stock Android launcher? It's the most customizable stock launcher yet, and for many the new folder system and launcher bar are just what the doctor ordered. For others, they need even more. And what about third party vendors, and their versions of Android? The TouchWiz launcher is pretty customizable, and the Sense launcher looks beautiful. Even Blur has come a long way and we don't have a lot bad to say about it any longer.
There's plenty of pros and cons either way, so which camp do you fall in? Let us know in tonight's poll.



Posted: 23 Feb 2012 09:16 PM PST
Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher has made it's way out of the beta stage and into the Android Market. This Ice Cream Sandwich launcher is chock full of features you won't find in the stock launcher, and comes highly recommended by our own Android Central forums Super Moderator Cyber Warrior. A look at the feature list and we see why:
Custom homescreen grid
Scrollable dock
Scroll effects
Infinite scrolling
Custom folder icons
Backup/Restore
Custom app icons
The paid version offers up even more, like gestures, dock swiping, and the ability to hide apps in your app drawer. 
If you found the stock Android launcher in ICS a bit lacking, you should really give Nova Launcher a look. It requires Android 4.0 and both free and a paid $4 version are available in the Market. We've got a link to the free version after the break.
read more



Posted: 23 Feb 2012 08:13 PM PST
Foursquare update
Android's Foursquare check-in app got an update this evening, bringing a few bugfixes. They are:
  • Bug fixes for the 2-08 release.
  • In-line commenting on Check-in Details.
  • Updated language translations.
  • Android Beam now redirects to the Android Market if receiving user doesn't have Foursquare.
Snag it now in the Android Market or at the link in this post.
read more



Posted: 23 Feb 2012 05:45 PM PST
Droid X
We've known now for quite some time that it was coming but for all you Droid X owners out there, the v4.5.621.MB810 update is now rolling out to the masses.  As noted in the change log, this release covers a lot of bug fixes:
  • Prevents lockups or resets after the Over the Air (OTA) update.
  • OTA update notice screen displays the correct estimated update time.
  • Improved browser security with the Google Security Patch from Android 2.3.6.
  • Fixed issue where the device may power ON without user interaction.
  • Resolved possible device resets while playing music.
  • Adjusted camera settings will be saved, even after the device is powered down.
  • Reduced Out of Memory errors.
  • WAV files can be played from Visual Voice Mail.
  • Device is enabled with the Wireless Alerting System.
  • Improved stability of Music Player reduces resets.
  • Shortcuts to applications remain on the device even after applications are moved to the SD card.
  • Improved connectivity with 3G Mobile Hotspot data connectivity.
  • Addressed error that replicated thumbnails in message threads.
  • Corrected errors where Yahoo! mail notifications were not displayed properly.
  • Reduced duplicate message errors.
  • Improved ability to access and receive Gmail when the Mobile Hotspot is turned on.
  • Sorted contact groups.
  • Device recognizes Multimedia ringtones after purchase.
  • Button background lighting turns off while in the desktop cradle.
It's not Ice Cream Sandwich sadly but it's a massive update either way. Go ahead and check for software updates, it should be there. If not, sit tight it will be along shortly and don't forget to drop by the Android Central Droid X forums and let us know how it's working out for you when you get it.



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