Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

HTC One X Quad-Core vs HTC One X Dual-Core [Video Roundup]

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 06:22 PM PDT

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One of the biggest misconceptions in Android that more cores always equals better performance. Much like the “ricer” vs muscle car argument, there are other factors involved when calculating speed. Qualcomm makes a pretty nice little dual-core S4 processor, using more advanced Cortex “A15-class” cores providing for nice torque. Compare that to Nvidia’s Tegra 3 quad-core processor that, while based on an older A9 architecture can pull a bit more weight when performing tasks like graphic intensive gaming.

It’s rare when we get to compare 2 of the exact same devices, with the same screen resolution, running on the same version of Android (mostly similar HTC software) — only with different processors. Well, I came across a few videos on YouTube showing off the differences in benchmarks between the HTC One XL (essentially the US version coming to AT&T) with its dual-core Qualcomm S4 processor, and the international HTC One X packing a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor. So, which version of the HTC One X performed the best? Well, watch the videos below and see for yourself.

HTC One X vs HTC One XL

Antutu Benchmark

  • HTC One X (Tegra 3): 9713
  • HTC One XL (S4): 5640

HTC One XL vs HTC One X

AndEBench

  • HTC One XL (S4): 4117 native, 161 Java
  • HTC One X (Tegra 3): 9997 native, 311 Java

CF Bench

  • HTC One XL (S4): 9531
  • HTC One X (Tegra 3: 13,719

Antutu Benchmark

  • HTC One XL (S4): 6693
  • HTC One X (Tegra 3): 10788

Quadrant Standard

  • HTC One XL (S4): 4668
  • HTC One X (Tegra 3): 4780

Smartbench

  • HTC One XL (S4): 3002/2669
  • HTC One X (Tegra 3): 4453/2697

GLBenchmark

  • HTC One XL (S4): 5669 50fps
  • HTC One X (Tegra 3): 7325 65fps

HTC One X (AT&T) vs HTC One X (International)

Quadrant Standard

  • AT&T HTC One X (S4): 4794
  • HTC One X (Tegra 3): 4988

Linpack

  • AT&T HTC One X (S4): 206.699
  • HTC One X (Tegra 3): 132.184

NenaMark2

  • AT&T HTC One X (S4): 57.9fps
  • HTC One X (Tegra 3): 48.2fps

Of course, you’ll always have those that say the results were skewed for whatever reason. I’ve heard everything from one phone could have had more apps running in the background to, another was in airplane mode, to one was being held the wrong way, or even that the two devices were different colors. And really, if that were the case, then benchmarks are completely useless given these variables and what would even be the point of them? Well, that’s as good a question as any. I prefer to take them as they are, looking at the results and seeing if it matches up to what I see in real-world performance. What’s interesting is that when comparing dual-core and quad-core variations of the One X, Nvidia’s Tegra 3 mostly came out on top. However, things sort of flip flopped once you compared the US AT&T version of the One X against the Tegra 3 international version.

What did you guys think of the results? Did you feel they were a bit unfair or biased? Have they changed your mind about your perceptions of dual-core vs quad-core processors? Let’s pretend you had 2 HTC One X’s in front of you — do you think you would even be able discern which which processors the 2 were powered with?

[Android Forums: Official Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE Pre-release Thread]

Thanks, Nate and Tommy!

U Prepaid Coming Soon To A Walmart Near You From Alltel and US Cellular

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 05:14 PM PDT

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Just like Straight Talk, which was the result of Walmart teaming up with TracFone back in ’09, Walmart is teaming up with a few regional carriers to offer a new no-contract cellphone service for thrifty consumers. “U Prepaid” will be the fusion of both Alltel and US Cellular in collaboration with Walmart to offer wireless service with an emphasis on easy to understand service plans, minus the contract.

U Prepaid will be available in 500 Walmart locations, spanning across 18 states. Depending on where you live, will determine whether or not you’ll be able to receive service from either US Cellular or Alltel. Pricing for plans hasn’t revealed just yet but the handset lineup will include the Samsung Repp powered by Android as well as a few feature phones like the Samsung Chrono, LG Attune and LG Saber. U Prepaid is expected to go live next month. Full press release below.

CHICAGO AND LITTLE ROCK (April 30, 2012) - U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and Alltel Wireless have joined together to begin offering U Prepaid, a no contract wireless service, in select Walmart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) in local communities across 18 states beginning in May. The alliance, the first of its kind in the industry, offers customers flexible payment options without signing a contract.

“Teaming with Alltel to gain distribution in Walmart gives us another opportunity to be where our customers want to shop and to offer more customers a prepaid service that helps them control their monthly budgets,” said Carter S. Elenz, executive vice president of sales and customer service for U.S. Cellular. ”U Prepaid customers with U.S. Cellular will be backed by our high-speed network, which has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier.”

The new alliance provides Walmart customers simplified, easy-to-understand service plan choices. Depending on where customers live, the U Prepaid service will run on either U.S. Cellular’s high-speed national network or Alltel’s advanced coast-to-coast network.

“Alltel is proud to bring the strength and equity of our U Prepaid brand to U.S. Cellular to create this unique alliance,” said Lesa Handly, chief marketing officer for Alltel Wireless. “Together, we can leverage our position as the “local” wireless carrier offering a hometown alternative in the communities we serve.”

Customers will be able to select one of four U Prepaid devices that best meets their personal needs. The Android-powered Samsung Repp is a touchscreen smartphone for customers who want to stay productive while on the go. The LG Attune/LG Exchange and LG Saber make staying connected to friends and family easy with full QWERTY keyboards, and the Samsung Chrono provides the features and functionality for customers who prefer to use their phone for calling and texting.

Customers will be able to choose from a variety of value-packed plans to match how they use their phones. There are multiple data options and plans that include unlimited talk and texting. All of the plans are nationwide with no roaming charges.

Motorola DROID Bionic soak test underway

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 03:09 PM PDT

The Motorola DROID BIONIC looks poised to receive a software update soon as users have begun receiving notifications regarding a soak test. As usual, there’s no telling what these tests will bring but as we haven’t heard about Ice Cream Sandwich updates for some of Motorola’s most recent devices, it’s hard to imagine that the DROID Bionic is getting a special early nod. But, again, anything can happen. [Thanks Aaron!]

Closing statements have been presented in the Google/Oracle case

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 02:38 PM PDT

Another important milestone in the case between Google and Oracle has been reached. Both sides have presented their closing arguments, meaning they’ve exhausted all of their firepower and are now ready to let the judge and jury make their verdicts.

Oracle closed by saying Google’s wrongdoing is evident due to the chain of emails between Eric Schmidt, Andy Rubin, and Tim Lindholm where all parties acknowledged the licenses needed for them to use Java to construct Android.

They also declined to respect Google’s claim of fair-use, stating that Android, while free to license, is still used as a commercial product to gain revenue. They are no doubt referring to revenue generated by mobile searches, ads, and the cut they get from paid apps in the Google Play Store.

Google fired back by saying that Oracle’s idea that SSO (structure, sequence, and organization), in terms of the 37 APIs Google infringes on, can be copyrighted was made up to support their lawsuit.

They also point out that out of 15 million lines of code in Android, only nine lines infringe on these patents. Finally, Google expectantly cited Sun’s former CEO Jonathan Schwartz, who admitted Sun allowed Google to use the code without legal recourse. The agreement was never formal, but it could go a long way for Google.

With that, we may be extremely close to the moment of truth. Will Google be allowed to carry on with Android like they always have, or will the judge rule in favor of Oracle? And, if the latter takes place, what would it mean for Android? It’s all very interesting and we patiently await the results of this significant battle. [via The Verge]

Verizon Xperia Play receives update with great new enhancements

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 01:53 PM PDT

Verizon’s Xperia Play has received a new update that adds a couple of important enhancements, but also adds a bit more bloatware. To start, VZ Navigator and Video On-Demand have been pre-installed. The power button can be held down to take screenshots. The right trigger can be used as a camera button within the camera app. Finally, you can record video in 720p mode with continuous autofocus. Oh, and the version of Android has been bumped to Android 2.3.4. Bug fixes are also present, and you can read what they are in the changelog at Verizon’s site. [thanks Han!]

Huawei MediaPad receives Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 12:58 PM PDT

Despite being available for close to half a year, not many devices have received Ice Cream Sandwich. Another device was added to the somewhat exclusive club today, though, as Huawei brought the goods to their 7 inch MediaPad tablet. This 330MB update isn’t available over-the-air so you’ll have to download software to your PC to apply it. T-Mobile users need not apply. [via Liliputing]

KegDroid users NFC and Android to make pouring beer fun again [Smartbeer]

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 12:35 PM PDT

Slap me silly and throw me down a well, I’d be lying if I said this latest Arduino-powered gadget doesn’t get me excited. Engineer Paul Carff is introducing KegDroid, and as its name implies  this is sure to be a desirable item for beer lovers like myself. KegDroid makes use of three essential technologies – Arduino, Android devices, and NFC – to create a smart rail of sorts.

Using an NFC-enabled tag or badge, a user can simply tap the NFC reader with the badge and be authenticated to whatever beer they want. Using Google+, the user is greeted with their name and a small photo, but most won’t care because a nice selection of beer will be sitting right beneath that.

The display would allow you to not only select which beer to drink, but how much beer you want to pour. This is possible thanks to flow sensors which will pour the exact amount that you specify. Of course, the pour job in the video probably isn’t the best example of that (I’ve never seen that much head in my life) but you get the idea.

But rather than listening to me ramble on about it, why not let Paul explain it himself? Take a look at the video above. After you’re finished watching, proceed to fill his YouTube comments up with request to bring this thing to all who’ll take it. [Google+]

Galaxy Nexus Case Review: Cruzer Lite Clear TPU and Generic White Bumper [Video]

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 11:24 AM PDT

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When it comes to my Android devices, I have a tendency to treat them as if they were my babies. And not only because I would do whatever it takes to keep them safe, but I also find some kind of weird pleasure in dressing them up in various outfits to suit my mood. Whether it was my OG EVO, or my brand new Galaxy Nexus, I learned early on in my Android life that you don’t have to spend very much to keep you device looking good, and protected in style.

That being said, I found that there are varying degrees of protection when dressing up your device. In most cases, the only real threat your phone will ever faces is taking a short spill out of your pocket onto the floor below. In which case, keeping your phone layered behind 3 layers of silicone and plastic doesn’t sound all that necessary. That’s why today, I want to show you guys a few affordable options for keeping your Galaxy Nexus protected, while still being able to enjoy the phone’s slim form factor.

Cruzer Lite Clear TPU Case – $10

First, we have a traditional TPU case, manufactured by our friends at Cruzer Lite. Now, I’ve purchased some cheaper, lesser quality TPU cases from eBay (in an effort to save a few bucks) and those were hit-or-miss (mostly miss). Cruzer Lite on the other hand, prides themselves on providing high-quality TPU for a reasonable price.

The case of theirs I checked out was a semi-clear high-gloss TPU case (looks great on a white device). The inside of the case is a matte finish, while the outside is high-gloss. This gives the case a unique “cloudy” look and compliments a white device perfectly. My only real complaint was that the cutout for the camera wasn’t quite a perfect fit and covered some of the edges around the camera area but, it also raises the camera away from a surface when laying the phone flat, so not too bad. Once again, another great case from Cruzer Lite. The best part? Cruzer Lite makes these cases in a plethora of varieties, for most of the newer handsets. (Search Cruzer Lite + your specific phone on Amazon).

Generic Plastic Bumper Case – $5

Next up we have a white bumper for the Galaxy Nexus. Before I start — I know, not everybody is going to find this level of protection adequate. But let me explain. Generally speaking, most smartphone users have some kind of screen protector installed on their device. So, that means the front of your device: protected. The back of your device: replaceable. A battery cover is the one part of your phone that can easily be replaced if damaged. The only real vulnerable area of your phone is that metal rim around the screen. And that, my friends, is where the bumper case comes into play. The bumper protects the entire rim of your phone, while still raising the camera a mm or 2 off of a surface when laying on it’s back. The difference is a bumper wont add any extra thickness when holding your device like your traditional case. I know this type of case definitely isn’t for everyone. But for those who are obsessed with enjoying the thinness of their device, while providing protection of your phones vulnerable areas, this makes a great option (and one which is personally, my favorite).

The bumper case I found on eBay was only around $5 and is available in either black or white. The first time I received it, I’ll admit. It fell apart. But, in the bumper’s defense, I wasn’t exactly gentle with it. There’s a rubber rim that holds onto your phone and connects to the plastic part of the bumper. Well, that started separating after I installed and removed the case from the phone a few times. I will say, the seller on eBay kindly replaced it, and the one I have now is holding up fine (just have to be careful-ish). There is actually a method for installing it that you can see in my video for those willing to buy one. The cool thing about the bumper case is basically, you’ll never have to remove it. The battery can easily be accessed in case of emergency or SIM swap. Just set it — and forget it.

So, that just about covers it for this edition of my Android case review. If you guys have any questions, suggestions or recommendations on some of your favorite cases, let me know and maybe I’ll give ‘em a try next episode.

Cruzer Lite Clear TPU Case for Galaxy Nexus: Amazon

Generic Galaxy Nexus Bumper: eBay

Weird little Android plug: eBay

Verizon announces new prepaid plan; exclusive to the Samsung Illusion for now

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 11:22 AM PDT

Those of you who aren’t fans of contract-based plans will be happy to know that Verizon is adding another prepaid option. The plan is exclusive to the Samsung Illusion for now, and will included unlimited calling and texts, plus 1GB of data for $80 per month. All things considered, it sounds like a very decent offering.

You can get the phone and plan bundled for $170 starting May 1st at Verizon stores and VerizonWireless.com, and third party retailers will be offering it shortly afterward. Read on for full press details.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 30, 2012

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Brenda Raney

Verizon Wireless

908.559.7518

Brenda.Raney@verizonwireless.com

 

VERIZON WIRELESS ANNOUNCES NEW PREPAID PLANS

 

Unlimited Talk, Text and 1 GB of Data Smartphone Plan for $80 per Month; First Prepaid 4G Jetpack Offers a Variety of Mobile Broadband Data Plan Options

 

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - Verizon Wireless today announced the availability of a new prepaid plan beginning May 1, offering unlimited talk and text messaging, as well as 1 GB of data for $80 per month.  This monthly plan, available on the prepaid Samsung Illusion™, provides customers with an affordable, flexible option to take advantage of the nation’s largest, most reliable 3G network without the commitment of an annual contract.  The Samsung Illusion prepaid package will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online atwww.verizonwireless.com for $169.99.  In the coming weeks, the Samsung Illusion prepaid will also be available at Best Buy®, Target®, RadioShack and Walmart.

 

Additionally, starting May 1, customers can purchase a prepaid Verizon Jetpack™ 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510L and take advantage of new prepaid Mobile Broadband plans.  With the prepaid Jetpack, customers can now create a personal Wi-Fi cloud capable of sharing the high-speed Internet connectivity of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously.  Prepaid 4G LTE Mobile Broadband plans are as follows:

 

  • ·        $15 for 250 MB of data weekly
  • ·        $60 for 3 GB of data monthly
  • ·        $90 for 10 GB of data monthly

 

The Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi 4510L prepaid package will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $129.99.  In the coming weeks, it will also be available at Best Buy, RadioShack and Walmart.

 

From keeping in touch with friends to surfing the Web, Verizon Wireless gives customers the power and flexibility to stay connected, with no annual contract, to America’s largest and most reliable high-speed wireless network.  For more information on prepaid plan offerings, visitwww.verizonwireless.com/prepay. 

 

For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

 

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Samsung pushing Android 4.0 update to Galaxy phones in Canada

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 08:45 AM PDT

Samsung Canada has announced that the update to Ice Cream Sandwich will being today for “select devices” with rollouts continuing through the end of the quarter. The specific smartphones and tablets to receive Android 4.0 weren’t named, but candidates include the Galaxy S II, Galaxy Note, and Galaxy Tab. In a statement Samsung said, “The availability and scheduling of the software upgrade and specific models upgradable to Android 4.0 will vary by market and wireless carriers’ requirements. For carrier specific details, please visit your nearest carrier retailer."

[via MobileSyrup]

CyanogenMod 9 makes its way to the HTC One X

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 08:02 AM PDT

Arguably the best custom Android ROM has made its way to arguably one of the best Android handset with a build of CyanogenMod 9 reaching the HTC One X. The early take on CM9 for the HTC flagship phone surfaced over at the MoDaCo forums and is a relatively complete build offering a stock Android 4.0 alternative to the One X’s Sense 4.0. In its current state the ROM does not support the handset’s camera or mobile hotspot functionality, which should keep most from using it as their default choice until a little more work is done (the One X’s camera, after all, is one of its biggest selling points). But for those interested in getting a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich on a quad-core handset, this is the ticket.

[via Engadget]

LG to focus Android efforts, no plans for future Windows Phone handsets

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 06:54 AM PDT

Windows Phone has had its share of ups and downs as the operating system struggles to gain a foothold in a smartphone market dominated by iOS and Android devices. It is this dominance that has LG backing away from Microsoft’s mobile OS in order to refocus efforts on Android development. Speaking to the Korea Herald, an LG spokesperson said, “the total unit of Windows Phone sold in the global market is not a meaningful figure.”

LG hasn’t necessarily experienced smooth sailing on the smartphone seas, but committing to a single operating system should allow the company to get the most out of their mobile division. The Korean manufacturer showed off a number of new handsets at this year’s Mobile World Congress but has yet to make the sort of global splash that competitors Samsung and HTC have enjoyed.

Did LG abandon Windows Phone too soon? The argument can surely be made. With a major backer in Nokia and a fair amount of positive buzz, Windows Phone might yet have its day in the sun. It’s just not today, and LG is making the safe and sure bet with Android.

[via WinSource]

Huawei investing in gesture control, cloud storage research

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 05:49 AM PDT

Though Huawei has yet to make much of a name for themselves outside of China, the mobile manufacturer isn’t hurting when it comes to research and development money. We were already surprised by the reveal of a quad-core processor developer in house for use in tablets and smartphones — now it sounds like Huawei has their sights set on other things.

Speaking to Computerworld, Huawei’s North American research chief John Roese revealed that the company is currently looking into 3D gesture support for smartphones. As he envisions it, the system would make use of dual front-facing cameras and powerful processing to decipher a stereo video feed and interpret “three-dimesional interaction.”

In similar news, the company is also said to be investing heavily in new research into cloud computing, accumulating over 15 petabytes of data in the process. Huawei has teamed with CERN for the research, which the Chinese brand believes could “change the economcics of storage by an order of magnitude.” Sounds like Huawei is looking for the cheapest, most efficient way to provide users with plenty of space in the cloud.

It’s no surprise that Huawei is looking to gesture support and cloud services as the future. The two trends are rapidly emerging as some of the hottest in the mobile industry today.

[via Engadget]

New Galaxy S3 leak suggests 4.8-inch display for Samsung’s next flagship

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 05:13 AM PDT

Yet another image purported to be of the Samsung Galaxy S3 has surfaced. It appears to be the same handset spied last week, which in turn seems to take a page out of the Galaxy Nexus’ book, design-wise. We can’t make out all the same details as in the earlier leak; a glowing home button and soft keys appear absent (but this may be simply due to a lack of backlighting). In the latest photo the phone is posed next to a ruler.

Given the measurements presented, the phone is similar in overall size to the Galaxy Nexus but the display definitely appears slightly larger. Guestimating based on what we are seeing here, it seems likely the phone will have a 4.8-inch display. Then again, we have seen some claims that the most recent round of GS3 photos are little more than cleverly ‘shopped images of the Galaxy Nexus. We won’t have to wait much longer to find out the truth. Samsung is unveiling the Galaxy S3 this week in London.

[KnowYourMobile via GSMArena]

LG launching Cloud service May 1st, Android app incoming

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 04:52 AM PDT

LG is the latest mobile entity to announce their own cloud storage offering, which will allow users to stream content to a smartphone, PC, or TV set. The cleverly named LG Cloud will launch in beta on May 1st and gets its own Android app that will automatically sync content from a user’s smartphone for playback on various devices “almost instantaneously.” Apps will also be available for PCs and LG’s line of Smart TVs.

Both free and paid versions of LG Cloud will exist, but exact pricing plans will vary from market to market and won’t be announced until the service rolls out in earnest. The service sounds most useful for those with an abundance of compatible LG products (namely their Smart TVs), but provides yet another alternative for those looking for access to their media files wherever they go.

[LG via The Verge]
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