Sunday, March 11, 2012

Update - 56



Posted: 24 Feb 2012 05:14 PM PST
It looks like a major breakthrough in Android smartphone and tablet design is upon us. Rumor has it that Samsung is secretly working on a bezel-less device, meaning a device featuring an all-screen front may soon be within our grasp. Because Ice Cream Sandwich utilizes virtual buttons, it makes total sense that devices with smaller or no bezels appear on the horizon– which is why Sammy is rumored to be developing the Galaxy B smartphone.
Before you all get excited and go nuts, please note this Galaxy B bezel-less device is based off pure speculation. That means this could all be some sort of sick rumor and bezel-less devices may not be a reality just yet. Let’s hope that Sammy comes through and gives us some sort of leak or hint soon. MWC perhaps?
source: Mk
via: Phandroid
Posted: 24 Feb 2012 03:47 PM PST
Yesterday, HTC released a little teaser for the general public in the form of an official render of the One X. Today we’re seeing some leaked photos of its little brother, the One S. Previously given the name “Ville”, the One S is speculated to be featuring a dual-core Snapdragon S4 running at 1.5GHz, 4.3-inch super AMOLED display, beats audio and and 8MP camera with 1080p video recording. The phone has recently appeared on the  NenaMark2 results page providing us with a sneak peak at the brute force the handset is set to offer.
The photos were originally believed to be updated shots of the One X, but upon a closer look, it appears the official render of the One X sports a different look around the earpiece area, which helps us ascertain that this could in fact be photos of the One S. Both the One S and One X are expected to be officially released at the Mobile World Conference coming up in 3 days, which you can be sure TalkAndroid will be following the entire time.
Posted: 24 Feb 2012 02:57 PM PST
“We think you should never be surprised about the info an app is accessing.” This is the mantra that sparked the creation of Privacy Advisor by Lookout Labs last year and is the reason for the newly created Ad Network Detector that’s available now in the Android Market. In beta this app was known as the Push Ad Detector and has since graduated to the app we have today. It looks to add transparency to information being collected from you.
Basically with Ad Network Detector you will be able to see what information the ad networks within apps on your device have access to. Ad networks collect personal identifiable information to use in advertising campaigns and are used to show more relevant ads, much like those found in web email. The ads generated in turn makes money which allows for some of the games and other apps you see to be free for use. So while they can be used for good, someone with less-than-good intentions could look to score from this information too.
Also, with the Carrier IQ scandal that came to light recently, folks are worried about what kind of information is being sent out and they are worried that their once private information won’t be so much anymore. Well folks, you can now rest a bit easier knowing where your information is going. For those of you who want the app hit the break below get a QR code and market link.
With the rise in doubt about our private information’s security and even though Congress is stepping in, it’s good to see companies take steps towards transparency of information. Does this put your mind at ease?
source: Lookout Blog
Posted: 24 Feb 2012 01:30 PM PST
If you have an unlocked Sony Xperia from last year then I have some great news for you. Sony has released a beta Ice Cream Sandwich ROM for your flashing pleasure. This ROM is said to fix issues that the alpha ROM release was having as well as adds some much requested features to the mix. While the alpha was a preview of what was to come, the beta ROM has passed some certifications like the Modem type approval as well as important functions like GSM and FM radios being turned on and gives us an idea of what a finalized release would look like. Although it is said that more certifications and approval will be needed before we see an official version of Android 4.0 released on Sony devices. The update adds the following:
  • Updated UI – We hope you will be happy to see that we have added a number of UI elements from ICS, as well as some new UI features already introduced in the Xperia™ S we announced in January.
  • Lockscreen and Face Unlock – We have added a shortcut to the camera directly from the lockscreen. Also, when you're listening to music you can control the music player without unlocking the phone by using the music control icons on the lockscreen. In the coming final ICS upgrade, we will also include the face unlock app from Google for all phones that has a front-facing camera. The Face Unlock feature uses the front-facing camera in combination with advanced object recognition algorithms to provide a new way to unlock the phone. However, since Face Unlock is a Google Mobile Services (GMS) app, it is not included in this ICS beta ROM.
  • Connectivity turned on – Since we published the ICS alpha ROM, the GSM modem and FM radio have passed the certification and type approval, and they are therefore turned on in this ICS beta release. 
  • Updated email client – The UI has been updated, and simplified email management has been added.
  • Quick dial – We have added a quick and easy way for you to make phone calls. See how it works in the ISC beta ROM demo video.
This release puts them on course for an end of March/beginning of April release like they announced. Google Apps (like Gmail, Google maps, Face Unlock, etc.) Bluetooth, and WiFi aren’t included in the released as they are waiting certification and approval finalization.
If you are interested in flashing this to your device then hit the source link for download links and full instructions. Sony does want you to make note of the fact that if you do decide to unlock your bootloader you will not be able to install the finalized, official ICS release to your device and that this is for “advanced” developers only. However if this doesn’t deter you, again hit the source to find instructions on doing so. If you’re brave enough to flash the ROM, let us know what you think in the comments section below. If you aren’t, scroll down a bit further to check out the beta on video. Enjoy!!!
source: Sony Mobile
Posted: 24 Feb 2012 12:29 PM PST
Mobile World Congress this year will play host to some amazing boothes and products. Included will be Recon Instruments and their patented, Android-powered HUD. The MOD Live as it’s called will make its debut in Barcelona. Working with partners Polar and Contour they will be bringing third party apps to the HUD. Right now though, you can use Recon’s free HQ Mobile app to access playlists on your phone, see incoming calls, display text messages and reply through the wearable wireless Bluetooth low energy remote, and also view and share run stats.
While only available right now for folks who are into snow sports, it is planned that these devices will branch out to other outdoorsy folk and Recon is also planning on partnering with more manufacturers. As they put it:
“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.”
Right now the MOD Live is compatible with Aplina, Briko, Scott, Smith, Uvex and Zeal Optics brands that are dubbed “Recon Ready.” You can get them from major retailers globally for $399.99  (€360). While different than the HUD glasses we will be seeing by the end of the year this is a pretty awesome use for the Android OS. What do you guys think?

source: Recon Instruments
via: Android Central
Posted: 24 Feb 2012 11:23 AM PST
For those of you Android owners who are rooted and love a little custom ROM action, I just might have some good news for you. Last night the CyanogenMod team released the first nightly of the CM9 ROM for the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S and Xoom tablet. I am sure some of you have already been using one of the few CM9 kangs that are floating around, but rest assured this is the real deal. This is as official as it gets.
Before you get all antsy on me and wipe all your data from your device let me fill you in on some of the details. I haven’t had the chance to check it out yet but according to Reditt user thastig, a few of the CM9 functions are not available yet and appear as dead options. Just because the ROM doesn’t have all of its additional features activated yet doesn’t mean your device won’t be fully functional. Everything is working so you don’t need to worry about loosing any of the stock features from your device (and now you can enjoy that cool boot animation!). As far as custom ROMs and developers go, the CM team and their series of ROMs are one of the most stable options available, support and updates are top notch too.
You can’t go wrong with this ROM, but if you are used to running CND or something similar, be aware you will loose some of the additional features you have come accustomed to. That’s not to say this isn’t an absolute treat by any means, I am super excited to see that we have reached the point of nighties. It’s only going to get better from here folks!
Jump past the break for Galaxy Nexus install directions/links and a link to other device builds.
Galaxy Nexus Install Instructions:
  1. Download the Google Apps package from Goo-Inside.me (a must! CM9 does not include them)
  2. Download the CM9 nightly
  3. Reboot into recovery through ROM Manager
  4. Create a nandroid backup under “backup and restore”
  5. Wipe data/factory reset
  6. Wipe “cache”
  7. To be safe wipe “dalvik cache” under the “advanced” menu
  8. Select “install zip from SD card” then select “choose zip”
  9. Select “downloads” folder (if thats where you placed the above downloads)
  10. Select the “NIGHTLY-toro-signed.zip” file and flash it
  11. Select the “gapps-ics-20120215-zip” package and flash it
  12. Select “back” and then “reboot”, profit!
You can find the Nexus S and Xoom builds here.
source: Google+
via: Reditt
Posted: 24 Feb 2012 08:37 AM PST
Acer just announced they will be showing their new Liquid Glow smartphone at Mobile World Congress. LG says they are a “handful of friendship and fun.” They feature a 3.7-inch display, 5MP rear camera, NFC, and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
They will feature Acer’s signature look with nice curves, chrome details, and a soft-touch casing to deliver the perfect size, grip and feel. For those that like color choices, you will have your choice of Sakura Pink, Alpine White, and Cat’s-eye Black. Not only that, the onscreen display style is different for each external color. LG promises a release in the early summer, but I’m sure we will see more next week.
Full press release after the break:
The New Liquid Glow Smartphone – A handful of friendship and fun

24 Feb 2012
Acer presents its Liquid Glow smartphone at the 2012 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Based on the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, this smartphone brings the ultimate balance between style, performance and affordability — ideal for today’s fun-seeking, social-networking youth.
The Liquid Glow sports a 3.7-inch screen and portrays Acer’s signature look with nice curves, chrome details, and a soft-touch casing combined to deliver the perfect size, grip and feel. This new smartphone will be available in a series of trendy colors: Sakura Pink, Alpine White, and Cat’s-eye Black. Going a step further, the onscreen display style varies with the external color, making each smartphone a unique fashion statement.
The Liquid Glow brings together the power and the convenience of Ice Cream Sandwich, providing a user-friendly interface along with widgets to easily stay connected, entertained and updated. It also works with the latest voice-input engine from Google, which guarantees a continuous “open microphone” experience and streaming voice recognition.
The smartphone’s 5 MP rear camera features an LED flash for low light, as well as panoramic image capture and touch focus. With Android Beam, photos can be shared by a single tap with another NFC powered Android device, without the hassle of launching application or pairing. What's more, Android Beam can also share anything like contacts, favorite apps, music or videos instantaneously through NFC.
Please come and see the new Liquid Glow smartphone at Acer Pod, located inside the Google Android Booth, Hall 8 – 8C25.
The Acer Liquid Glow will be available in early summer 2012.
Posted: 24 Feb 2012 08:36 AM PST
Hey ladies! Have I got something cool for you to check out today… and yes it’s pink. Samsung recently teamed up with Bobbi Brown ( the makeup manufacturer, not the music artist. I wouldn’t submit you to any of his shenanigans) and released a pink version of the Galaxy S II. Not only do you get the most popular and best selling Android device ever in pink, you also get a small set of Bobbi Brown makeup and key ring to go along with it. By the looks of the pictures, the phone comes packaged in a sexy black box with a mirror on the lid, and you will also get a few eye shadow colors and a pink lip gloss, you know you love lip gloss!
Anyway, Sammy is doing this collaboration in celebration of selling over 5 million Galaxy S II’s in the Korean markets. That being said I must mention that this limited edition model is only available in Korea at this time and there is no word on its availability elsewhere. Sorry if I got your hopes up but if it’s just the pink SGSII you’re after, you can get that in the UK, Sweden and in Taiwan currently. For those who live in Korea and want the Bobbi Brown version, starting today you can get this device at Samsung’s “How To Live Smart” side project through the link below. Anyone getting one, or wish they could get one? Let us know in the comments.
source: How to Live Smart
via: UnwiredView
Posted: 24 Feb 2012 07:47 AM PST
The very high-profile Sony Xperia S smartphone has officially launched, well in Japan at least. We certainly hope you’ve had your wallets prepared for this moment, the Xperia S— known as the Sony Ericsson Xperia NX in Japan has arrived and will operate on NTT DoCoMo’s mobile network. As we previously highlighted before, this phone is branded under Sony Ericsson and not Sony. This is unusual because the other variants of the Xperia S (including the Xperia Ion) will be under the Sony brand.
All curiousity aside, if you live in Japan and are ready to get one of the hottest phones of the year, go grab that phone today. If you do get it, let us know what you think in the Comments section below.
source: NTT DoCoMo
Posted: 24 Feb 2012 06:58 AM PST
ZTE continues its major charge towards MWC next week. It just gave us a peek at its sexy Mimosa X and two other sexy devices earlier this week, but is now set to introduce more smartphones at the event. While ZTE is tightlipped about the specific details for the new devices, it has indicated we can look forward to items such as LTE and multicore processors to differentiate some of them. It’s also wise to point out ZTE does in fact have cloud computing services according to Slash Gear, but it’s uncertain how the company plans to implement its services into its devices. Looks like ZTE is giving us more and more reasons to look forward to next week. Are you as excited as I am?
source: Slash Gear

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