Android Central |
- Sony Xperia S now available in Canada through Sony stores
- External storage capacity, SLCD, SAMOLED, Pentile, RGB does it matter? [From the Forums]
- LG showing off the Viper on Wednesday in New York, promises some good parenting lessons
- HTC One V review
- From the Android Forums: Using a UK HTC Sensation in New York
- Activate a Sprint Galaxy Nexus you'll get $50 in your Google Wallet instead of the usual $10
- DroidDoodle: Everything we know about Samsung's May 3 event
- More than 8,000 have installed the Android Central Forums app
- Motorola Defy Mini heading to Hungary
- Unlocked UK Galaxy S II ICS update finally released
- Sprint announces the 'eco-friendly' Optimus Elite, available April 22 for $29.99
- Google Chrome for Android updated for better bookmarking, adds switch for mobile view
- Read It Later, the "DVR for the web", is now Pocket
- Google Drive to launch next week with companion Android app?
- ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #52: Body Glove Side Case, Seidio SURFACE Case for LG Thrill 4G & more!
- Verizon announces a slew of expansions and additions to its 4G LTE network
- Breaking: We still have no idea what Samsung's 'next Galaxy' will bring
- Hooked unveils Critic's Choice, continues to deliver user-centric suggestions
- Deal of the Day: Mobi Products Hard Shell Case for Samsung Galaxy Note
- Google Maps updated with 'critical bug fix'
- The Best Android Apps
- TeamViewer for Meetings updated with VoIP support
- Late-night poll: Is GPS useful on a tablet?
- Temple Run updated with Twitter integration and numerous bug fixes
- ZTE Optik getting a minor update, brings some fixes and enhancements
| Sony Xperia S now available in Canada through Sony stores Posted: 17 Apr 2012 04:49 PM PDT
If you've checked out our Sony Xperia S review and have been wondering when you can get your hands on one of your very own in Canada now is the time to celebrate. Starting today, Sony stores throughout Canada have the device in stock and ready to be placed in your loving hands for only $100 with a new 3-year Rogers agreement or $500 if you're going no contract. While we still think Sony dropped the ball by shipping its first major handset of 2012 with Android 2.3, their refreshed focus hopefully means they'll get Ice Cream Sandwich out to the masses fairly quickly. Overall though, that 4.3-Inch 1280x720 display coupled with the Bravia engine and a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 chip set makes for some great hardware. Add in the other stuff such as the 12.1MP camera and 1GB of RAM with 32GB of internal storage and you have a nice package. You can check out the Sony site for retail locations and be sure to check out full review. Read our full Sony Xperia S Review Source: Sony; via: Mobile Syrup 
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| External storage capacity, SLCD, SAMOLED, Pentile, RGB does it matter? [From the Forums] Posted: 17 Apr 2012 04:19 PM PDT
We've been rolling out Android news all day for everyone and even managed to get ourHTC One V review up for you all. If you missed out on anything, get caught up both here on the blogs and in the Android Central forums:
If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today. 
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| LG showing off the Viper on Wednesday in New York, promises some good parenting lessons Posted: 17 Apr 2012 04:03 PM PDT
Hold onto your hats, folks. If the prospect of a T-Mobile HTC One S event on Wednesday night isn't enough to get your excited (never mind the prospect of a biker-chic Carly), LG's just dropped an invite to its own shindig in New York City. This one will have the Sprint LG Viper on hand. Oh, and model/actress/Miss USA 1996 will be there, too to discuss ways parents can use LG Viper to transform bad tech habits that interfere with quality family time. And so will we. Stay tuned for any news Wednesday night out of the Big Apple. 
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| Posted: 17 Apr 2012 02:26 PM PDT It's our definitive review of the HTC One V - the third in the new HTC One line of Android smartphones
HTC’s One series is all about hero devices. The One X is the all-singing, all-dancing flagship phone, while the One S delivers formidable specs in a smaller, sleeker form factor. And at entry level, there’s the HTC One V, a hero device for the mainstream market, which resurrects one of HTC’s iconic designs of old. Yep, it’s an updated version of the venerable HTC Legend, complete with aluminum construction and that famous protruding chin. That such a product is now considered entry-level, and priced as such, is a testament to the blistering pace at which smartphone technology is developing. The One V brings respectable hardware internals together with Android 4.0 and Sense 4.0, creating a smartphone that just over a year ago would’ve been considered a high-end device. So join us after the break to see how HTC’s mainstream champion holds up, in our full review of the One V.
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| From the Android Forums: Using a UK HTC Sensation in New York Posted: 17 Apr 2012 01:38 PM PDT
SteveDisco asks in the Android Central Forums,
Great question, with several good answers. Basically, yes, you can use your UK model HTC Sensation for 3G data in New York. The European Sensation uses a quad-band GSM radio that supports the frequencies used by AT&T here in the states. You'll need to make sure your Sensation is fully SIM unlocked (talk to your current carrier if you're unsure), and then you'll be ready to do a little research and make a decision. In the U.S., there are only two GSM operators -- T-Mobile and AT&T. But there are many MVNO networks (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) who rent and resell network space from either one, or even both. You'll not be interested in T-Mobile or any MVNOs using the T-Mobile frequencies, as your Sensation doesn't support them. But that's OK, as your choices are still pretty broad. Here's a small list of a few different operators that will sell you a no-contract SIM card to use while you're visiting: Don't be fooled by the words unlimited, as this refers to voice calls. Data rates will cost anywhere between $5 USD for 5MB to $20 USD for 2GB. Of course, this is just a few of the many out there, and you'll have to scour the web to see all the options. In the end, they all use the same network, so the deciding factor is price and how easy it is to get your SIM card and activation. Have fun in New York! 
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| Activate a Sprint Galaxy Nexus you'll get $50 in your Google Wallet instead of the usual $10 Posted: 17 Apr 2012 01:10 PM PDT
The other day when preorders for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus on Sprint went up a lot of folks got lost in the happiness of knowing the device would finally be arriving and instantly laid out the $199 for it requested by Sprint. That said, there were some details missing from the announcement. Some great details actually, if you're looking for some cash back on the that investment.
That's a nice little bonus for all you soon-to-be new Sprint Galaxy Nexus owners yeah? 
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| DroidDoodle: Everything we know about Samsung's May 3 event Posted: 17 Apr 2012 12:08 PM PDT | ||||||||||
| More than 8,000 have installed the Android Central Forums app Posted: 17 Apr 2012 11:56 AM PDT | ||||||||||
| Motorola Defy Mini heading to Hungary Posted: 17 Apr 2012 11:36 AM PDT
It seems like not a day goes by when we don't receive word of another European country getting a Motorola device launch. Next up is the turn of Hungary, and the arrival there of the Motorola Defy Mini. For those not familiar, the Gorilla Glass fronted Defy Mini is both water and dust resistant. For some this could be a real selling point, but behind that it's a distinctly entry-level Gingerbread device. The Defy Mini will be on sale from T-Mobile Hungary and Vodafone Hungary from the end of April. Pricing is set to be from 46,900 HUF. Source: Motorola 
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| Unlocked UK Galaxy S II ICS update finally released Posted: 17 Apr 2012 11:17 AM PDT
Being second in line to carrier branded versions of a device isn't really what you expect when you buy unlocked. But, in the UK those that opted to stump up their hard earned for an unlocked Galaxy S II have been in that very situation. All that can be put to one side finally, as Samsung have today started to push out the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the device. As ever, you'll be seeing the Touchwiz-ified version of ICS, but all the important bits are there underneath. The update isn't being pushed out OTA either, instead you'll have to download it via the Kies desktop application. But, it's here, and it's ICS. Have at it folks. Maybe things will be different when it comes to the Galaxy S III. via Slashgear 
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| Sprint announces the 'eco-friendly' Optimus Elite, available April 22 for $29.99 Posted: 17 Apr 2012 10:46 AM PDT
Today Sprint has announced that soon they will have their third Eco-Friendly device on the market, and it is again from LG. The LG Optimus Elite will be available on April 22, which is Earth Day, for a very favorable price of only $29.99 on contract. Featuring a 3.5-inch display, an 800 MHz processor, 512MB of RAM and more, this device looks to pack a decent punch for the price. If you are looking to pick up a new device, and want something Eco-Friendly that won't break the bank, this may be for you. Stay tuned for our full review in the coming weeks! Source: Sprint 
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| Google Chrome for Android updated for better bookmarking, adds switch for mobile view Posted: 17 Apr 2012 10:25 AM PDT
Heads up, boys and girls. Android's Chrome browser (still in beta, natch) just got a pretty significant update. Here's what's new:
Huzzah! Remember that Chrome is still only available for devices with Ice Cream Sandwich. We've got download links after the break if you need 'em. 
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| Read It Later, the "DVR for the web", is now Pocket Posted: 17 Apr 2012 09:30 AM PDT
Read It Later, the popular multi-platform "DVR for the web", is now Pocket, and is now available for free in the Google Play store. With a free account, Pocket will save the articles, photos, and videos of your choosing to your queue (or “pocket”), which is accessible from your phone, tablet or computer. The content you save is optimized in a layout that’s easy to read, and once you sync your pocket, it is available for offline viewing. Along with the new name, the update brings new content filters, more organizing tools, and faster syncing. Accounts are free, and your Read It Later account will work seamlessly with Pocket. Hit the break for the full presser and the Google Play link. 
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| Google Drive to launch next week with companion Android app? Posted: 17 Apr 2012 08:58 AM PDT
Google Drive has been one of those long rumored products that never seems to be released. Google has been steadily releasing increased functionality to Docs so that you can use it as a cloud drive, but there just isn't a desktop interface like the other competitors such as Dropbox. That all may change next week. According to a variety of sources, including The Next Web and Techcrunch, Google is planning to launch Drive as early as next Tuesday. Here are some details as to what the service may offer:
Sound compelling? I've used Docs for cloud storage for a variety of file types, but I do miss the ability to simply drop a file in a folder and have it sync. As much as I love Dropbox, Google Drive sounds as though it can offer more storage for cheaper. What will it take for you to switch from your cloud service of choice? Source: The Next Web 
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| ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #52: Body Glove Side Case, Seidio SURFACE Case for LG Thrill 4G & more! Posted: 17 Apr 2012 08:34 AM PDT Today's ShopAndroid.com Daily Giveaway will feature the Body Glove Side Case, Seidio SURFACE Case (with kickstand) for LG Thrill 4G, Incipio NGP Semi-Rigid Soft Shell Case for HTC Sensation, and the Qmadix Snap-On Cover with Holster for HTC Rhyme. Take a brief moment to watch our hands-on videos for these featured items, then be sure to leave your comment below indicating which accessory you'd like to win for your Android device. One lucky winner will be selected at random and announced next week. Body Glove Side CaseThe Body Glove Side Case shields your Android from bumps, scratches, and moisture and has a comfortable horizontal fit. The durable material is easy to grip and fits your phone like a glove. A low profile belt clip attaches to your belt, pocket, or purse for added convenience and gives you instant phone access. 
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| Verizon announces a slew of expansions and additions to its 4G LTE network Posted: 17 Apr 2012 08:05 AM PDT
Verizon has been quickly working to expand its 4G LTE network and today they announced more additions, expansions and enhancements for it. If you're city is on the list, you won't have to wait long, as these announcements will take effect April 19th. Additions:
Expansions:
Enhancements: It's always great to see more LTE support and its apparent that Verizon is trying to expand as quickly as possible. Source: Verizon Wireless 
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| Breaking: We still have no idea what Samsung's 'next Galaxy' will bring Posted: 17 Apr 2012 07:21 AM PDT
Unless you count any of the past months' fake renders and fan-made mock-ups (like the one above), Samsung's done a great job of keeping the Firstly, let's look at what we do know. Yesterday's press invite references the "next Galaxy" smartphone, and in an interview with BNN.ca, Samsung Canada's VP of Mobile Communications, Paul Brannen, says that it'll be a "flagship" phone, and the next evolution of the Galaxy line. Neither mentioned any specific branding, and Brannen in particular seemed to go out of his way to avoid doing so (for obvious reasons.) Today's latest set of rumors comes from CNET's Crave blog, sources for which suggest that the "Galaxy S III" will be more of an incremental upgrade than a revolutionary product -- "like the iPhone 4S was to the 4." The problem with that is Samsung already has plenty of incremental updates to the Galaxy S II. In 4G LTE markets, there's the Galaxy S II LTE (aka Skyrocket), and in Asia, there's the Galaxy S II HD LTE. And then there's the Galaxy Note, which already offers a larger screen in addition to both LTE connectivity and an HD display. Due in part to the lack of reliable leaked info, consumers' expectations are sky-high for Samsung's next flagship -- comment threads and forum discussions speculate on ridiculous features, like a 2GHz quad-core chip, 2GB of RAM and a 1080p display. With this in mind, it's possible that Samsung's merely trying to manage expectations going into a major product launch -- the old adage "under-promise and over-deliver" applies here. CNET's source also suggested Samsung may do away with its current naming convention, saying "don't expect it to be called the S3." We'd be surprised if Samsung completely abandoned its Galaxy S branding, though. The manufacturer's sold 20 million Galaxy S II's worldwide, and in its native South Korea, more than 10% of the entire population owns one. With such a popular device, it'd make sense to have a clearly identified successor. In a world of Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touches and HTC EVO 4G LTE's, the "Galaxy S III" name is clear and succinct enough to do just that. Spec-wise, reports have been circulating for months suggesting a quad-core phone with a 720p display. That's highly likely, but not even remotely surprising. The likes of HTC, LG and Huawei have already set the bar at this level for their 2012 flagships. So the bottom line is we still have no idea what to expect on May 3. And that makes the event all the more exciting, considering how rare it is to go into a major smartphone announcement knowing absolutely nothing. Whatever form it ends up taking, we'll be on the ground in London on the day to bring you full coverage of Samsung's next flagship. Source: BNN.ca, CNET Crave More: Samsung Galaxy S III forums 
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| Hooked unveils Critic's Choice, continues to deliver user-centric suggestions Posted: 17 Apr 2012 07:04 AM PDT
Ed. Note: Josh Munoz is one of the critics who participates in the critic's choice panel. Hooked, the Android application that looks at your gaming habits and suggests more of what it thinks you'll like, has launched a critic's choice section of their app, featuring suggestions from various writers throughout the blogosphere. What does this mean for the end user? Well, in addition to the normal, player-centered suggestions you've always received, there'll also be a new category, the Critic's Choice, that features a rotating lineup of games, along with a short description and the website the writer writes for. All in all, it's just another way to try and do what Hooked wants to do best: bring the best game suggestions to their users in any way possible. We've got the full press release and download links after the break. 
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| Deal of the Day: Mobi Products Hard Shell Case for Samsung Galaxy Note Posted: 17 Apr 2012 07:03 AM PDT
The Mobi Hard Shell Case is available for just $4.95 today only, 75% off the regular price. Order yours while supplies last! 
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| Google Maps updated with 'critical bug fix' Posted: 17 Apr 2012 05:55 AM PDT
We're not sure exactly what's involved in the 'critical bug' that's just been fixed in Google Maps for Android, but if you're a Maps user (and we're guessing most of you are), you'd best head to that apps list and get updating. The new Google Maps version 6.5.1 offers just a single bullet point in its change list -- "includes a critical bug fix." It seems whatever the issue is, it affects both tablets and phones alike, as we're seeing the update on our Honeycomb devices too. Head to "My Apps" list in the Google Play Store to grab the new version of Maps. And be sure to shout out in the comments if you've noticed anything different in this new version. 
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| Posted: 17 Apr 2012 04:53 AM PDT Android Central's guide to the best Android applications | ||||||||||
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TeamViewer for Meetings updated with VoIP support
Posted: 17 Apr 2012 04:51 AM PDT
The folks at Teamviewer have pushed out quite the update for their TeamViewer for Meetings app, bringing some minor bug fixes, full hardware acceleration for Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich tablets, and VoIP support. VoIP support on top of the already excellent Teleconferencing application really opens up things on a Wifi-only Android tablet, and better hardware acceleration support for those same tablets means a better -- and more productive -- user experience.
TeamViewer's apps and servers (they make an awesome Remote Desktop-style product as well) are 100 percent free for normal, non-commercial users. The Windows server has the ability to host meetings used with the mobile application, but as of yet the Mac and Linux versions do not, offering only the remote control abilities. We've got a mess of links below, and TeamViewer's press release after the break.
More: TeamViewer
Download the TeamViewer for Meetings Android app
Download the TeamViewer for Remote Control Android app
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Late-night poll: Is GPS useful on a tablet?
Posted: 17 Apr 2012 12:02 AM PDT
ASUS started sign-ups for the free GPS hardware thingy that should ease issues with location services on the Transformer Prime today. Right off the bat, I wanna say it was nice to see a company say "oops" and issue a timely fix for a hardware problem, rather than ignore it, -- or even worse -- blame the user for doing something wrong. A lot of people are giving ASUS shit for letting it get out the door with the issues, and I can't help but feel the same way, but we also need to acknowledge that they are doing the right thing. When a company does the right thing, I look their direction first the next time I'm shopping. OK, enough editorializing.
But we got to thinking. Just how useful is GPS on a tablet? Not the Galaxy Note or other mini-tablet, but a full blown 7-inch or bigger Android tablet. There's the fact that most folks have a Wifi only tablet, and you need a data signal to effectively use any navigation, but that's easy to overcome with map caching or hotspots. I think maybe the biggest obstacle is the sheer size. I know I don't have room (or desire) for a 10.1-inch Transformer Prime on my dashboard. But I'm sure many feel differently, and I'd like to know how many and why. Vote in the poll, then jump in the comments to let everyone know why you voted the way you did -- maybe you can bring something new to the discussion.
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Temple Run updated with Twitter integration and numerous bug fixes
Posted: 16 Apr 2012 09:16 PM PDT
With 10 Million people having now downloaded Temple Run for Android it has given the folks at Imagni Studios something to work on for the past little while and now, they've rolled out the latest update to address some bugs and features in the game. As noted in the change log, the latest release includes the following bug fixes:
- Fixed a bug with scoring that was making it harder to get points
- Fixed a bug that made the runner accelerate too fast
- Fixed a bunch of other bugs and some spelling mistakes
In addition to all those fixes, you'll find the latest update also has Twitter integration so that you may get your humble brag on when you get an epically high score in the game. If you happen to find any remaining bugs, by all means forward them on to Imagni Studios. In the meantime though, you'll find the Temple Run download link beyond the break if you've yet to give it a go.
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ZTE Optik getting a minor update, brings some fixes and enhancements
Posted: 16 Apr 2012 06:52 PM PDT
Sprint is pushing out a small update for the 7-inch ZTE Optik today, bringing a few welcome bug fixes to the tablet and some decent software enhancements. According to the official changelog, we should be seeing the following:
- Google DRM solution
- Google Music
- Google+
- Persistent notification after BT transfer
- Software version corrected in x-wap profile
- Sim City closes when attempting to purchase while connected to Wifi
- Sim City download issue fixed
- Response when connected to a computer via USB cable
As the Optik ships with Honeycomb, Google Music and Plus weren't baked in. This update changes that and drops the Google services, along with unwanted, but necessary, DRM solutions into the system itself. Add in some small fixes for Bluetooth notifications, app specific bugs getting addressed, and hopefully a fix for the issue where a computer couldn't communicate via the USB cable and you have the makings of a nice little update here.
I just finished up the review for the Optik this weekend, but I'll hold it back a few days and check out this new update.
Source: Sprint
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