Friday, April 27, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Republic Wireless Beta Wave 1 Invites Being Sent Out – Specs For Device Lineup Revealed

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 05:01 PM PDT

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For those that signed up for notifications, Republic Wireless, is now sending out invites to a lucky few to come and try out their upcoming beta. Those who are willing, will be placed on a wait list and once notified again, will have to pony up the cash for one of their specialty devices. And that’s where things get interesting. The rock bottom low wireless service comes with the option of 3 tiers of handsets ranging from low-end, to high-ish end devices. No concrete word on manufacturers for their device lineup, but here’s the specs we’re looking at.

  • $200 Entry Level: 3.5-inch touchscreen, 600MHz CPU, 500MB of storage and a 5MP camera.
  • $300 Mid-range: Supposedly, the device will come from a “well known” manufacturer and feature a 3.7-inch touchscreen, 1GHz processor, 1GB storage, 5 MP camera with front facing camera.
  • $500 High-End: 4.3-inch touchscreen phone with a 1.2Ghz dual-core processor, 8GB storage and 7MP camera (typo?).

For a $20 monthly phone bill (that relies heavily on your home WiFi connection), it looks like Republic Wireless might get it right. Originally, it looked like they were only going to offer the low-end LG Optimus One, which was a turn off for most die-hard Android enthusiast, but said they’d look into more options. Just imagine if they could snag the now $400 Galaxy Nexus — would any of you consider switching? Which 3 devices do you think they should choose for their Android lineup?

[Engadget | Reddit]

Twitter for Android updated for more languages, slight design changes, and more

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 03:23 PM PDT

The official Twitter for Android application has recently gotten another update. A lot of performance issues were addressed in the previous update so most of the changes here are features. For starters, we’ve got some new languages — Traditional Chinese, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Polish, Hungarian, Thai are all now supported.

They’ve made some changes to the Discover tab, too, including UI updates and more information regarding what your friends are doing on Twitter. You’ll see when they update their lists, when they follow someone new, and when they retweet or favorite a tweet. You’ll also get push notifications when your own tweets have been favorited, retweeted, or when you have a new follower. This 2.5MB update is available in the Google Play Store.

Former Sun CEO: Google didn’t need licenses to use Java APIs for Android

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 02:53 PM PDT

An interesting testimony was made today in courts where Oracle is facing off against Google. Former Sun CEO Jonathan Schwartz, who resigned from the company once Oracle bought it in 2010, says Sun didn’t have a problem with Google using Java APIs without a formal license. At the same time, he said they didn’t like what Google was doing.

They originally wanted Google to sign on with them and call any products with Android on it “Java phones,” something I’m sure many of you remember seeing advertised on the back of phone boxes back in the mid-late 2000s. Google declined, of course, but that didn’t stop them from using Java’s APIs anyway. Any company would be peeved, no?

Well, they were. But they thought it was good business not to get into a fist fight with the search giant, citing Nokia’s battle against Apple as a prior example. So what is he saying?

Sun knew about it, and they didn’t like it, but they turned the other cheek and they weren’t going to have any problems. That’s unless, of course, Google were to use the Java name to advertise their products without Sun’s permission. They never did, and that was that. This could be a very huge testimony for all things considered.

While what they were doing wasn’t formal, Sun felt it wasn’t severe enough to enforce their licensing policies at the time and that could go a long way in backing Google. We’re not sure that it’s enough to put this case away, but it’s definitely one of the biggest, if not the absolute biggest, testimonies so far. The ball’s in your court, Oracle. [via CNet]

Leak shows several Verizon devices will complete Ice Cream Sandwich testing in early/mid May

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 01:54 PM PDT

It seems we have an idea of where some Verizon Wireless devices are in the process of receiving Android 4.0. A new leak has revealed dates for the conclusion of testing for the HTC Rezound and the Motorola DROID RAZR and its MAXX cousin. The former will complete testing on May 7th, while the latter two are scheduled for May 17th.

While these time frames may already account for the time needed for testing any unexpected bugs, these days could change at any time. Naturally we’d expect an OTA to come out shortly after testing is complete, but anything can happen.

As you can see in the image above, the Motorola XOOM 3G and 4G finished testing about a week ago, and its updates are being held waiting for Google’s green light. In related OTA news, the LG Revolution, HTC Rhyme, LG Spectrum, and DROID Bionic all have updates either in testing or on hold and ready to be rolled out, but these sit under a list different from the Ice Cream Sandwich list. Expect little more than bug fixing updates from those, for the time being. [via Reddit, thanks Kevin!]

This photo of Charlie Rose was taken with a Project Glass prototype

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 01:28 PM PDT

Wondering if Project Glass is in a working state yet? At least one feature seems to be working out OK for Google in this ambitious venture. In an interview with Charlie Rose, Google engineer Sebastian Thrun took a photo of the subject with the pair of glasses.

Using nothing but gestures, the photo was taken and uploaded straight to Google+, promising functionality if I say so myself. Sure, the camera quality on this photo is pretty rank, but we have to remember that it’s only a prototype and the purpose here is to show and make sure that it works.

It seems to work fine, and when some higher quality sensors are brought into the project these glasses could make for some very useful photo-journeying. Head to the 30 second mark in the video at the source link for the Project Glass bit. [Google+, Charlie Rose video via The Verge]

Max Payne for Android delayed for a week or so

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 12:50 PM PDT

I know I’m not the only one who woke up this morning feverishly searching the Google Play Store for Max Payne. Rockstar was slated to release the game today, but users were met with a bunch of guide, wallpapers, and other apps that are related to the series, but weren’t the original game itself. Well, that’s because it’s been delayed.

Rockstar says the wait shouldn’t be too long, however, as they look to have it out in another week or so. Naturally, they didn’t clue us in on what caused the delay, but these sorts of things tend to happen due to last minute critical bugs that surface. Sit tight, folks — you’ll get your service pistol and DEA jacket before too long. [via Twitter]

Dark Meadow: The Pact survival horror game released for Tegra 3 devices

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 12:10 PM PDT

Those of you who have a soft spot for games like Resident Evil, Alan Wake, Condemned, Silent Hill, and other creepy survival horror games will be happy to know that a new option has landed in the Android market. Courtesy of Phosphorus Game Studios, it’s called Dark Meadow: The Pact and it places you in the shoes of a character who wakes up in a hospital with your ordinary case of amnesia.

This hospital isn’t quite so ordinary, though, as no one else there except an old man who is too frail to break free. The reason he’s too frail is because an evil witch must be killed before whatever spell she has on that hospital is lifted.

It’s up to you to kill her using weapons like a bow and arrow, swords, and more. I’ve been playing the game on the Transformer Prime (our review is coming soon) and the Tegra 3-optimized version of the game really helps make it more captivating.

It was developed using the same engine that Gears of War 3 was developed with, Unreal Engine 3, and it definitely shows. Look no further than the trailer I’ve embedded above to get an idea of what I’m talking about.

For now, this one’s Tegra 3 only. If you have a Transformer Prime or any other phone or tablet with Tegra 3 check the game out in Tegra Zone and the Google Play Store. Oh, and it’s free — can’t really go wrong there! [via NVIDIA]

Motorola RAZR MAXX reaching the UK in mid-May, pre-order now for £430

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 09:23 AM PDT

The Motorola RAZR MAXX charging its battery for the long trip to Europe, and it looks like one of its first stops will be in the UK. Moto has announced the pre-order of the device today, which will sell for £429.99 through various retailers including Clove, Expansys, and Amazon.co.uk. The RAZR MAXX follows the uber-thin original with a massive 3,300mAh battery for hours upon hours of use. Other than gaining a few millimeters around the waste, the specs remain identical to the first Android-powered RAZR.

Motorola plans to ship the RAZR MAXX to UK customers in mid-May. Release dates for other European regions have not yet been released.

Motorola Mobility Brings RAZR™ MAXX to the UK

Up the ante with Motorola RAZR MAXX – giving you the longest talk time of any smartphone1

April 26, 2012

BASINGSTOKE, UK - April 26, 2012 - When it comes to buying a new smartphone, pocket appeal and a long battery life are two of the top priorities according to a recent report from Strategy Analytics2. So step in the Motorola RAZR™ MAXX - which delivers this and so much more!

With its impossibly thin and lightweight design, this iconic handset boasts features with the wow factor and a battery that can handle even the most demanding lifestyle. The Android™-powered Motorola RAZR MAXX is expected to be available in the UK from mid-May, so you can start talking, texting, typing, watching and more… for even longer.

RAZR MAXX delivers up to 17.61 hours of talk time so you won’t spend your day plugged into the wall. Similarly, its 1GB RAM combined with a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and Android operating system will ensure you are always entertained, delivering a lightning-fast user interface and the power to multi-task like never before. You can rock your playlists while checking email, breeze through photos - all day, every day, all at the same time.

Still seriously thin at just 8.99mm, RAZR MAXX is the exact opposite of frail. It’s made strong with KEVLAR® fibre, while Corning® Gorilla® Glass defends the hyper-vibrant 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Advanced display from scratches and scrapes. And every part of the Motorola RAZR MAXX is protected by a splashguard coating, which even extends to the electrical boards inside, ensuring a go anywhere, do everything attitude.

Smart Actions, the remarkably intelligent application exclusive to Motorola Mobility, pushes the limits even further by automating everyday tasks based on triggers like time of day, location, battery levels and more. Never forget to put your phone on silent in meetings, turn up the volume when your boss calls and even maximize your last ounce of power by dimming the display and turning off power hungry services.

Motorola RAZR MAXX also comes preloaded with the Motorola MotoCast™ app3, giving you the power to stream or download content from a home or work computer straight to the device so your docs, pics and music are always available - anytime, anywhere. No uploading to a third party means no wasted time or forgetting to upload that crucial presentation, and everything stays protected, right on your computer.

“Since we re-imagined the iconic RAZR brand, the Motorola RAZR has wowed consumers across the globe by combining the pinnacle of design with mind-blowing power,” said Victoria McManus, UK marketing director, Motorola Mobility. “RAZR MAXX builds on those same principles, delivering an incredible battery life that is perfect for people who want to push their smartphone to the limits and banish the low battery beep to history.”

Motorola smartphones offer some of the industry’s most powerful enterprise features available, and Motorola RAZR MAXX is no exception, including government-grade encryption and productivity tools that rival the capabilities of desktop PCs. Collaborate in real time with GoToMeeting® and create and edit files right on your phone with QuickOffice®.

Availability

Motorola RAZR MAXX will be available for pre-order from Clove, Expansys, Amazon.co.uk and other Motorola authorised resellers, with an expected delivery date of mid-May. For more information on Motorola RAZR MAXX click here.
About Motorola Mobility
Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people’s lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.

Galaxy S II receives Ice Cream Sandwich in Australia

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 08:59 AM PDT

Samsung is taking its Android 4.0 rollout down under with the arrival of Ice Cream Sandwich for Telstra’s Galaxy S II. The Australian carrier is pushing the 200MB update over-the-air, though users can also find the OS refresh via Samsung’s Kies software. Installation brings the GSII to an Android 4.0.3 build skinned with Samsung’s TouchWiz interface.

The update doesn’t cover the Galaxy S II 4G also available from Telstra. Owners of the standard variant can check for their taste of ICS via the system updates dialog within the phone’s settings.

[via AndroidCentral]

Samsung Galaxy S Advance to hit Vodafone UK on April 30

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 08:08 AM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy S Advance, announced in January and available unlocked since February, will be making its UK carrier debut next week. While not as enticing as the Galaxy S3 announcement that will shortly follow its release, the Galaxy S Advance features a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, 1GHz dual-core CPU, and Android 2.3. The phone also sports a 5MP rear camera and 1.3MP front-facing camera, 768MB RAM, and 8 or 16GB storage options.

Designed to offer high-end specs at a budget price, the Galaxy S Advance has been selling for around £350 off-contract at Clove. It will be available from Phone4u and Vodafone starting April 30th.

[via AndroidCommunity]

Verizon roadmap hints at Galaxy Note competitor from HTC

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 07:22 AM PDT

A new report from BGR claims to have the inside track on Verizon’s summer and fall device roadmap, the highlight of which could launch as a direct competitor to the Samsung Galaxy Note. HTC is said to be on target to release a 5-inch smartphone with Scribe pen (as first seen with the HTC Flyer) this fall. It would feature a 1080p HD display (non-PenTile), quad-core Krait CPU with Adreno 320 graphics, and HTC Sense 5. It’s still early, but if those specs hold up they will be just about the most impressive we have seen on a smartphone to date.

Other revelations from the Verizon roadmap include the pending release of the Galaxy S3 during the summer (after Verizon opted not to carry the GSII in favor of the Galaxy Nexus) and “multiple” Motorola RAZR devices. This should include the RAZR HD. Not surprising is the release of the next-gen iPhone in the fall.

The roadmap gives us a good idea of what flagship devices we can expect, but doesn’t offer much in the way of minor handset releases. Verizon should have a few new Android smartphones coming out soon, including the HTC Incredible 4G.

[via BGR]

Sony begins rollout of Android 4.0 for Tablet S

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 06:56 AM PDT

Sony is bringing it’s first Android tablet into the Ice Cream Sandwich age, announcing via the company’s blog that Android 4.0 is now making its way to the Tablet S. Sticking with a stock ICS experience, Sony gives us a rundown of what we can expect in the video below. The clamshell Tablet P should also receive Ice Cream Sandwich, but now is not its time.

If the idea of Android 4.0 on Sony’s tablet is intriguing, the Tablet S is being offered with a $50 instant rebate and free cradle through May 12th. The 16GB model starts at $349.

[via Sony]

Leaked service manual reveals Galaxy S3 sketch and final specs?

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 06:02 AM PDT

With Samsung’s Unpacked event still a week away, there is plenty of time to get in a few more Galaxy S3 leaks. The latest is a scan of a page purported to be ripped from the upcoming phone’s service manual. Aside from a sketch of the handset we see what could be the final list of specs, though a few of the bullet points conflict with official and rumored information alike.

The scan references a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED display while rumors have suggested we might see something closer in size to the Galaxy Nexus at 4.6 or 4.7 inches. A quad-core CPU clocked at 1.5GHz goes directly against Samsung’s announcement of a 1.4GHz quad-core Exynos chip to feature in the next Galaxy phone. It’s always possible that the manual was put together based on rough information and that we are looking at an outdated edition here. It’s also possible that we are looking at a clever fake.

The sketch if the device itself doesn’t come off as inspired, but it’s hard to make a judgement based on a 2D black-and-white line drawing. If anything, the device definitely looks like a handset from Samsung’s Galaxy lineup. May 3rd can’t get here soon enough.

[via SamMobile]

Samsung hires protestors to occupy Australia Apple Store

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 05:34 AM PDT


“Wake up.” That was the message of a crowd of protesters hired by Samsung via Australian marketing firm Tongue as they rallied outside of an Australian Apple Store. The demonstration was a far cry from Occupy Wall Street and seems to be part of a larger marketing campaign. As has been Samsung’s fixation lately, the mock protest and its accompanying website are not-so-subtly aimed at deriding Apple and what the maker of the Galaxy S series of phones sees as a sheep-like culture surrounding the iPhone and iPad. Ironically, it’s the same sort of culture Samsung hopes to build around its own products.

[via Android and Me]

Samsung introduces tablet-ready DVD drive with Android compatibility,

Posted: 26 Apr 2012 05:15 AM PDT

Samsung has unveiled a new DVD drive designed with portability and tablet compatibility in mind. The SE-218BB DVD/CD writer is an ultra-thin (in terms of external optical disk drives) powered by a USB connection and ready to plug-and-play with Mac, PC, and Android 3.1+ hardware. It measures in at only 14mm thick, which Samsung says “18 percent thinner than conventional DVD writers.”

There are a few obvious concerns (such as increased battery drain), but it’s almost surprising we haven’t seen something like this sooner. Here’s a free tip for Samsung: you’d almost definitely sell more if the new external drive carried the Galaxy brand, tying it directly to the popular lineup of Android devices. The price is right. $60 could turn your tablet into one powerful and portable DVD player.

[via Engadget]
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