Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Android Central

Android Central


Dropbox on the One X, Tips for navigating between apps [From the Forums]

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 04:28 PM PDT

From the Forums

In case you haven't noticed, we did some cleaning up over the weekend and it looks like it arrived just in time. Monday kicked off with plenty of news both here on the blogs and in the forums so, if you happened to miss out on anything -- now is your chance to get yourself caught up:

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.



Check out the newly redesigned Free Android Wallpaper Gallery!

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 04:02 PM PDT

Free Android Wallpapers

If you're looking to download wallpapers for your Android smartphone or tablet, you've come to the right place. We've got hundreds and hundreds of wallpapers ready to go, and more are being added every day. Have a wallpaper you want to share with the world? Upload it to the gallery!

And best of all, it's all completely free! Check out the Android Central Wallpaper Gallery today!



Dropbox for Android updates, folder linking now available

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 02:37 PM PDT

Android Central

The Dropbox app for Android (and the related web service and desktop apps) has been updated today with "performance improvements and bug fixes", along with the option to share links to specific files or folders. The idea is to make it easier to make stuff you've uploaded directly accessible by providing a button next to them on the web site and mobile app. If you recognize these new features, it's because they've been in beta testing for a while, but from today they're accessible to all Dropbox users.

The timing of the update is interesting, with Google rumored to be unveiling its competing "Google Drive" service sometime this week. If it's to succeed in taking users away from Dropbox, Google will have to offer a compelling sharing solution of its own, particularly in light of today's new additions.

We've got the usual Google Play Store linkage waiting for you after the break, along with today's press release.

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From the Android Forums: Would an HTC One XL ROM work on the AT&T One X?

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 02:32 PM PDT

HTC One X

Sddfdds asks in the Android Central forums,

Just thinking out loud ... would this be possible? Take the XL ROM from HTC (do they provide stock (stock Sense that is) images for their phones in the same way you can get them from Google for the Nexii?) and slap it onto the AT&T One X to get rid of whatever crap they put onto it, and even do the occasional free tether in a pinch? (Do the HTC ROMs have the stock android tether app?)

It might work. I know that's not much of an answer, but every One XL and the AT&T One X may not be identical. Different LTE frequencies may need different equipment, and there's a chance that we'll see several different versions of HTC One XL hardware, with the AT&T version matching some of it (Rogers in Canada comes to mind), or not matching any of it. Hopefully, this isn't the case, but until the "right" people get in there and dig around, the safe bet is to consider the possibility of two (or more) separate animals. Yeah, it can get confusing. The good news is that even of they are different, developers will be able to use bits and pieces of both. This is all hypothetical, as HTC really has no incentive to sell an unbranded, unlocked LTE phone. 

HTC probably won't provide images for the One X or XL the way we see Google provide them. They aren't required to, and with so much proprietary software at play we don't see them bucking the trend any time soon. Chances are someone will be able to leak out RUUs, they seem to get them for every HTC phone, so there will be a "stock" image out there, albeit not necessarily factory authorized.

My best advice, without knowing how everything will play out, is to prepare to root and install custom software if you plan on changing things. You'll be voiding any warranty by swapping out to an XL image anyway, and this way you'll find exactly the options you're looking for. The AT&T version of the One X is bound to be a popular device, and hacking at it will follow shortly after release. 

Have a question you need answered? (Preferably about Android, but we're flexible.) Hit up our Contact Page to get in touch, or hop into the forums!



Samsung announces Galaxy Note S Pen App Challenge winners!

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 01:50 PM PDT

Monkey Write

The Samsung Galaxy Note S Pen App Challenge of which our very own Phil Nickinson was a judge, has now concluded, and the winners have been announced. The grand prize winner has scored $100,000 with second place pulling in $50,00 and third taking home $20,000. The goal was to create apps that make use of the Samsung Galaxy Note's S Pen in unique ways and according to Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile the results exceeded expectations both in terms of quantity and quality. So who won? Check out the list below:

  • Best Overall App – Grand Prize - $100,000 “Monkey Write * Learn Chinese” by Chiu-ki Chan (Square Island LLC): Learn to write Chinese with Monkey Write – a game that makes it fun to learn. Chinese characters are written in a specific order to give them structure. Follow the stroke numbers to learn to write each character.
  • Best Overall App – Second Prize - $50,000 “Maze Racer” by Roger Peters (SmartyPantsGaming) and David McCanless: Maze Racer is a simple maze inspired game where you draw a line from start to finish. In Maze Racer, you get rewarded stars based on how quickly you reach the finish. Maze Racer is optimized for precision from the S-Pen over traditional finger input.
  • Best Overall App – Third Prize - $25,000 “Drawing Pad” by Christopher Lott and Daren Murtha (Murtha Design): Drawing Pad is a mobile art studio with a beautiful user interface that puts the fun into creating art. Drawing Pad provides amazing realistic textured brushes with the pressure sensitivity data of the S Pen.
  • Popular Choice - $2,000 and a Galaxy Note - “SignDoc Mobile” by Softpro North America: Professionally capture user handwritten signature using pressure sensitivity of the S Pen

In addition to the top three winners and the popular choice award, Samsung also opened up a segment for honorable mentions where the winners took home $2,000 and a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note. Congrats to winners! You can check out the full press release beyond the break.

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Verizon drops the price of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus by $100, pick one up now for only $199

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 01:06 PM PDT

Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Just in case you're on Verizon and haven't picked up a Verizon Galaxy Nexus as of yet, Verizon is making it harder to resist. What originally started off as a $299 buy in cost has now been dropped by $100 making the grand total of picking one up only $199 with a new two-year contract. We're gonna go out on a limb and say Sprint might have had something to do with the price drop but however you want to look at it, a savings of $100 is something to be happy about. If for whatever reason you avoided the Galaxy Nexus thus far, have a look at our full review and then hit the link below if you're going to be picking one up.

Source: Verizon; thanks to everyone who sent this in!



Android Central weekly photo contest winner: Shapes and texture

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 12:43 PM PDT

jumboadam

Join me in congratulating the winner of last weeks photo contest, jumboadam. This picture of an old railing, taken with the Motorola Droid X, really captures the ideas of shape and texture, is nice and clear, and visually appealing. Those are the kinds of pics we're looking for each week. Nice work jumboadam, watch the email inbox you used to register for the site for info about your prize.

The entries this week were absolutely amazing, as many a comment in the contest thread agrees with. We'll have a new one set up soon, so keep practicing and playing with the different settings and effects on your Android camera. We like it when you guys "wow" us! Hit the break to see the rest of the top 10, in no particular order.

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Cincinnati Bell pushing Ice Cream Sandwich to HTC Sensation users

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 11:56 AM PDT

HTC Sensation

Cincinnati Bell has announced the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the HTC Sensation starts rolling out today. Sensation owners will get updated to Android 4.0.3, but there's no word on what version of HTC Sense to expect. We're fairly certain it will be 3.6, just like the other Sensations received. The OTA starting today is expected to be completed by April 30. Cinci Bell also stresses that users will not have to visit a store, nor will they lose any data during the update. Interestingly, they also state that customers don't have to update their phones, which is in contrast to most carriers who require the latest official version for any technical support. Holler out if you see this one!

Source: Facebook; More: Sensation forums;
thanks, Anon!



AC forum member goes hands-on with the AT&T HTC One X

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 11:09 AM PDT

Android Central

With HTC One X demo units now appearing in some AT&T stores, one Android Central reader has taken it upon himself to go hands-on with the upcoming device. Forum member ​garment69​ has written up a quick report over in the AC HTC One X forum based on his time playing with the demo unit. Among the highlights, he says, are the phone's 720p SuperLCD 2 display and the general responsiveness. And as we said in our review, the One X captures images at a fantastic speed thanks to HTC's ImageSense tech.

On the negative side, our forum member wasn't too happy with HTC's app-switching setup, or the fact that the AT&T One X is left with under 10GB of internal storage for personal files (compare that to the 25GB or so on the international Tegra 3 version).

For more AT&T One X impressions from garment69​, be sure to check the forum thread linked below. The phone became available to pre-order yesterday, and is due to launch on May 6.

Source: Android Central forums: AT&T HTC One X hands-on



Review: HTC One X Hard Shell Case with White Flip Stand

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 09:51 AM PDT

Android Central

Having seen the video of the HTC One X drop test, regardless of how well it stood up I decided it was time for a case. I'm not usually one for phone cases, but having dropped a cool £450 on this phone, I'm a little more protective of it. 

So what did I settle on? An official HTC case for one, but this one combines screen protection, a hard shell, and a kick stand all into one. The HTC One X Hard Shell with White Flip Stand -- try saying that 10 times fast. 

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ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #56: Kindle Fire ACTIVE Case, EcoLife HYDRO Case & more!

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 09:16 AM PDT

Welcome back to another week of giveaway's from ShopAndroid.com! Today we're featuring the Seidio ACTIVE Case for Kindle Fire, EcoLife HYDRO Side Case, Mobi Crystal Case for Motorola Photon 4G, and the Dooney & Bourke Leather Pouch.

Take a moment to check out our brief hands-on videos of each accessory, then be sure to leave your comment below letting us know which item you'd like to win for your Android device.  Check back next week when we announce the lucky winner!

Seidio ACTIVE Case with Multi-Purpose Cover for Kindle Fire

The Seidio ACTIVE Case is a dual-layer cover for Kindle Fire  that features a compact and lightweight polymer with a precisely positioned hard skeleton for added protection on the corners and sides. Included in the ACTIVE Case is a built-in kickstand that allows for up to 10 different viewing angles in landscape mode and portrait orientation. 

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Sprint officially reminds us the Epic 4G Touch is getting Ice Cream Sandwich

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 08:33 AM PDT

Epic 4G Touch

That the Sprint Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch is getting Ice Cream Sandwich shouldn't be a surprise -- we've already seen several leaked builds make their way out. But if case you need something more official in the way of an announcement, Sprint's just given it in its community forums.

Sprint will begin to roll out Google's latest version of Android™, Ice Cream Sandwich, to our customers in 2012. Ice Cream Sandwich will be available via an over-the-air update to a variety of devices including Galaxy™ S II, Epic™ 4G Touch and Nexus S™ and other key products in our line-up. Stay tuned for more details and exact timing.

The Nexus S 4G (never mind that Sprint calls it a mere "Nexus S" here), of course, is already getting its ICS update. So there's not a whole lot of meat here. But some word is better than none.

Source: Sprint



Vodafone UK to carry the 'next Galaxy' from Samsung

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 08:29 AM PDT

Android Central

It's not often that a network boasts that it'll carry an unannounced phone with no name, no official specs and no release date, but the Galaxy S III next Galaxy is no ordinary phone. Vodafone UK is the first carrier to confirm it'll offer Samsung's upcoming flagship device, about which we've heard plenty of leaked details, but nothing official.

It's not too surprising to hear that Voda will range the device -- we're expecting to see it on every British network, 'cause that's how we do things on this side of the pond. In any case, if you're due an upgrade on Vodafone and fancy a bit of Galaxy S III, then you can sleep a little sounder tonight.

Source: Vodafone UK



HTC developing a new SoC with ST-Ericsson

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 08:05 AM PDT

Android Central

HTC continues to branch out.  After being a Qualcomm-centric handset maker they decided to source SoC's from more than one source, deciding to go with nVidia's Tegra 3 for the international version of the One X.  Well it looks like HTC is looking to take the next logical step and create an SoC of their own.  Only this isn't for their flagship phones.  It's for the mid and low-end devices, which is a market HTC has dabbled in, but not really competed with the likes of LG, Huawei, and to a lesser extent, Samsung.

HTC is making moves to become more and more like Samsung and Apple, both of which produce their own SoC's.  In the long run this could give HTC an advantage over other handset makers by giving them more control over hardware and cost.

Source: Unwired View



LG Optimus 3D Max now available in Europe, other markets coming soon

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:58 AM PDT

LG Optimus 3D Max

LG announced this morning that its next flagship 3D device, the Optimus 3D Max, will begin its global rollout in Europe today. The Optimus 3D successor first appeared at Mobile World Congress in February, flaunting a 1.2 GHz dual-core OMAP processor, a 4.3-inch WVGA display, and LG’s new 3D converter technology, which turns regular old 2D apps like Google Maps and Google Earth into 3D experiences. The Optimus 3D Max will ship with Gingerbread under the hood, though LG has said that an Ice Cream Sandwich update will be available shortly.

The Max will arrive in Germany first, with other European countries to soon follow. No word on carriers, pricing, or a US release, but we’ll be happy to keep our eyes and ears open for any more word. LG’s announcement (with full product specs) can be found after the break.

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HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE outed on DroidDoes site

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:10 AM PDT

Droid Incredible 4G LTE

Update: And it's been pulled. But not quickly enough.

We've been hearing rumors of a third Droid Incredible for some time, and today it looks like the device has been outed a little early on Verizon's "Droid Does" site. Head to droiddoes.com/droidincredible4g and sure enough, you'll find images and specs for the HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE.

The new Incredible's specs are a close match of one of HTC's new high-end GSM phones, the One S. It's got a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, a 4-inch qHD SuperLCD display, and on the software side it's running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and Sense 4. It's rocking the same dual and rear camera setup as the One S too, with a VGA front-facer and an 8MP rear camera, presumably the same HTC ImageSense shooter that's found on the manufacturer's other 2012 handsets. The site says it'll come in at $299 on contract, which is in line with other leading Verizon devices.

We've got a full list of specs after the break. But do note that we're still waiting on official word from Verizon, so specs and pricing could still change.

Thanks @joshgatewood!

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Verizon Droid Incredible 4G LTE specs

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:08 AM PDT


Verizon Droid Incredible 4G LTE

Initial specs for the Verizon Droid Incredible 4G LTE, as seen at DroidDoes.com:

  • 1.2GHz dual-core processor
  • 1GB RAM
  • Sense 4.0
  • 4-inch Super LCD display at qHD resolution
  • Storage: 8 gigabytes internal, up to 32GB microSD card
  • Beats Audio
  • Pandora
  • Slacker Radio
  • $299 on contract
  • 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with flash
  • VGA front-facing camera
  • 4G LTE hotspot
  • 4-inch display
  • Size: 2.4 x 4.8 x 0.46 inches
  • Weight: 4.66 ounces
  • Battery: 1700 mAh


LG Optimus 3D Max now available in Europe

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 06:58 AM PDT

LG Optimus 3D Max

Having announced the device during Mobile World Congress the folks from LG have slowly been rolling out the LG Optimus Max 3D and now it's time for it to land in Europe. The phone's arrival in Europe signals the global launch of the second-generation 3D device from LG and as noted by Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company:

“This device has evolved significantly since we introduced the first Optimus 3D at Mobile World Congress in 2011. Our second generation glasses-free 3D smartphone is as thin and light as any other high-end smartphone while still delivering a spectacular picture in either 2D or 3D.”

We took a hands-on look at the LG Optimus Max 3D shortly after it was announced and noticed quite a few software improvements that made the overall experience better then its predecessor. However, we came to the conclusion that if you didn't buy into the whole 3D thing before, you're not likely to with this device either. You can catch the full press release from LG past the break, though it does seem a little short on release info and pricing.

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Deal of the Day: Incipio NGP Semi-Rigid Soft Shell Case for Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 06:41 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The April 23 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Incipio NGP Semi-Rigid Soft Shell Case for Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX. This case safeguards your RAZR MAXX with a semi-ridi polymer shell, and features custom-cut holes allowing access to your camera hole and other functions. The NGP material is malleable enough to slip around and snugly hold your RAZR MAXX, but firm enough to withstand impacts and scrapes.

The Incipio NGP Case comes in black, magenta, mercury, and is available for just $12.95 today only, 35% off the regular price.  Grab yours while supplies last!



Asus Transformer Pad TF300 launching in the UK in May

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 06:38 AM PDT

Android Central

Asus' latest tablet offering, the Transformer Pad TF300, has only been with us for a day and a night now. Thankfully for those of us on the European side of the Atlantic, release information has started to emerge with the news of its UK launch. 

The slightly cheaper, slightly less spec'd version of the Transformer Prime will be with us in stores in Blighty from "late may." The tablet will be exclusive -- at least initially anyway -- to the Dixons group of retailers, including high street chains PC World and Currys. The TF300 will go on sale online from "early may" with the devices being available to purchase in the groups physical stores later in the month.

The device will hit other retailers from "late June" -- notice a pattern here? No exact dates are being tossed around at the moment, but we'll surely find out soon enough. As with the US, the Royal Blue version will be on sale initially, followed by the Iceberg White and Torch Red in June and July respectively.

So what about the price? Including the keyboard dock, the TF300 will set you back £399. In all honesty, that isn't a bad price at all when the dock is included. Not to mention taking into account Asus' record for keeping their devices up to date. If you're considering a TF300, then don't forget to check out Jerry's extensive review.

via Eurodroid



Monday Brief: Oracle almost bought Palm, another Galaxy S III, BB10's comeback, and more!

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 05:48 AM PDT



Mobile Nations

 

 



Motorola Motoluxe now available in the UAE

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 05:17 AM PDT

Motorola MotoluxeMotorola this morning announced that the Motoluxe is now available in the UAE. It's the latest in a European/MEA launch for the 4-inch, Android 2.3 device. As you'll remember from our hands-on at CES, the Motoluxe features a widget-heavy display and also has an 8MP rear-facing camera.

“With every aspect of the UAE’s breathtaking evolution informed by cutting-edge style and design, it is no surprise that its citizens are extremely demanding when it comes to their smartphones,” Raed Hafez, general manager, Middle East & Africa, Motorola Mobility, said in a new release. “Boasting a winning combination of sleek looks and Android brains, MOTOLUXE has all the ingredients needed to succeed in country where style goes hand in hand with substance.”

Specific pricing and carriers were not announced. 

Source: Motorola



Samsung releases Galaxy S III teaser video

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 04:06 AM PDT

Samsung

Following on from yesterday's teaser site countdown, Samsung has today unveiled the first trailer for its upcoming flagship smartphone, presumed to be the Galaxy S III. The video offers little in the way of new information, mostly showing off a range of galactic imagery, along with the blue and white metallic pebbles we're all familiar with from last week's press invite. And there's the obligatory swipe at Apple near the end (we won't spoil it).

Check past the break for the full video. We'll be live from London on May 3 to bring you all the developments as they happen.

Source: TheNextGalaxy.com

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Yes, the Sprint Galaxy Nexus is a Nexus; no, you can't build it from AOSP

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 03:12 AM PDT

Sprint Galaxy Nexus

With the Sprint Galaxy Nexus finally seeing its release today, it's worth a reminder of where, exactly, it stands in the world of Nexus and the Android Open Source Project. And Google's Jean-Baptiste Queru has done exactly that this weekend.

The short version is that, no, you can't compile a pure AOSP build for the Sprint Galaxy Nexus directly from Google. That's because there are licensing issues with some files for CDMA devices that keeps the code from being released under AOSP. And because compiling without those files would leave you with a phone that doesn't quite work (if data and voice are important features, anyway), it remains not quite as open-source as GSM Nexus devices. That's just the way it is.

This isn't new, of course. It's what got folks all sorts of frustrated earlier this year when Google changed up the AOSP documentation and everyone went off half-cocked about whether Verizon's Galaxy Nexus was a real Nexus, or whether Google still supported CDMA devices or whatever.

To recap: Yes, the Sprint Galaxy Nexus is a "Nexus." Yes, it's supported by Google. Yes, it'll likely get newer versions of Android more quickly than other devices. (And maybe even more quickly than GSM versions.) Is it something to stay up nights worrying about? Nope.

Source: +JBQ



Bell set to release the HTC One V on May 3

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 02:49 AM PDT

HTC One V

Some good news for those of you interested in the HTC One V who also happen to be Canadian. Bell will have the device available as of May 3 according to the information above and while pricing isn't shown here, it is expected to come in under $300 given the fact it is considered the entry level offering in the One series. If Bell isn't your preferred carrier, you can hold off and wait, as TELUS is expected to have the device eventually, but currently there is no timeframe for their release.

Need more info, or are you on the fence and not sure what to expect? Check out full review of the HTC One V via the link below.

Read our full HTC One V Review

Source: MobileSyrup



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