Friday, April 6, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Best Buy Says HTC Rezound On Schedule To Receive Android 4.0 Tomorrow – RAZRs Not So Fortunate

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 06:53 PM PDT

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Best Buy sent out an internal memo to their employees yesterday, notifying them that scheduled Android 4.0 update for the Motorola DROID RAZR and Droid Razr Maxx had been indefinitely “delayed.” We suspect they may have gotten ahead of themselves, expecting ICS instead of another bug fixing update, the same one we told you about yesterday. Don’t worry too much, I’d be willing to bet the next update will finally be the fabled upgrade to Android 4.0 and Motorola is simply tidying up things before rolling it out.

But we do have some good news for HTC Rezound users. Best Buy also mention in their email that the Beats rockin,’ HD totin’ device was on schedule to receive its portion of Ice Cream Sandwich tomorrow, April 6th. Given Best Buy’s track record, we’re hesitant to take that with anything more than a grain of salt. It’s only the fact that we’re talking about an HTC device here that we’re more inclined to believe this date. Guess we’ll find out soon enough!

[Droid-Life]

Warning: Galaxy Nexus (GSM Version) Suffering From Signal Loss Issues After Android 4.0.4 Update

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 05:56 PM PDT

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Should have seen this coming. Bugs after an Android update are often a common occurrence ’round these parts, and now it’s Galaxy Nexus user’s turn to share in the sorrow after updating their devices to Android 4.0.4. Apparently, this bug is a pretty nasty one. Users have taken to Google’s Android issue tracker and are reporting that after updating to Android 4.0.4., their device has been experiencing connectivity issues whenever entering sleep/screen off mode. Once asleep, the Galaxy Nexus will completely lose signal, causing missed calls, texts, push notifications and anything else that requires signal. Yeah, not good.

Google has acknowledged the issue and is asking for users to submit bug reports to help with developing a solution. In the meantime, rooted users can either clock their CPU’s minimum clock speed to 700MHz to help alleviate the issue or simply revert back to Android 4.0.2 where I currently am sitting pretty. Oh, and if you’re on Verizon Wireless with a CDMA version of the Galaxy Nexus, don’t worry. The issue seems to only be with GSM versions of the device. Any GSM Galaxy Nexus users who have updated to 4.0.4 affected by the bug?

[Google Android Code | XDA | PhoneArena]

EVO 3D 4G LTE Prototype Makes Cameo Appearance In Latest HTC Video

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 04:50 PM PDT

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Oh, will you look at that. Seems a certain dual-camera’d device made a cameo appearance in HTC’s latest behind the scenes video for the HTC EVO 4G LTE. Let’s just call it the “EVO 3D 4G LTE” for kicks (even if the original dropped the “4G” moniker). A prototype shell of that device was briefly shown and although the device was never announced or “leaked” in any way, shape or form, we can only wonder if HTC is planning for a sequel to the controversial EVO 3D. With a Qualcomm S4 processor, 3D HD display, dual 8MP cameras on back — would you guys consider going 3D with a spec sheet like that? Or is 3D for the birds? You can see the device for yourself in HTC’s design video below.

[TheVerge]

Friendcaster for Android Receives Huge Update

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 03:25 PM PDT

Friendcaster for Android has received a pretty big upgrade – we’re up to version 5.0 – in the Google Play Store. Like Plume’s update earlier, Friendcaster 5.0 enhances the user interface for those running Android 4.0 devices. While a new user interface is always exciting, there are a bunch of other things to look forward in this massive package. Real-time notifications, 6 color schemes (more are on the way), the ability to tag more than one person at a time in a status update, and a whole lot more are on its way to your phone. Check out the full list of changes in the Google Play Store where you can also find the download.

Sprint Nexus S 4G Receives Ice Cream Sandwich

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 02:28 PM PDT

If you’re the owner of Sprint’s Nexus S 4G and you’ve been sick of Gingerbread while waiting for Ice Cream Sandwich, you’ll want to drop everything you’re doing an poll Sprint’s servers for an update in the settings menu. They’ve finally released Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. While they’re employing the usual staggered process for rollouts, those who don’t wait can pull it down by checking for an update. The rest of you should be seeing a notification for it sometime between now and a few weeks from now. Head here for instructions by Sprint. [via Sprint, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Samsung Has “No Immediate Plan” to Put 3D in Phones

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 12:57 PM PDT

Samsung took a moment to clear the air on all the “3D on Galaxy S III” rumors that have been flying around. According to a representative speaking to Engadget, Samsung has “no immediate plans” to include 3D on any of their smartphones. They acknowledge that they continue to explore new technology, which would lead us to believe that they are at least still working on autosteroscopic 3D for AMOLED displays.

Although Samsung Electronics is constantly exploring new technologies for our mobile devices, we have no immediate plan to include displays featuring 3D technology in our upcoming smartphones.

And this quote doesn’t necessarily rule out the possibility of future phones using the technology. With the quote, you could say it’s safe to assume not to expect the functionality on the Galaxy SIII, which would in turn rule out the possibility of seeing dual cameras on the back of the device. That being said, we’ll just let the rumor rest in peace for the time being.

Plume for Android Update Adds ICS Elements

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 12:41 PM PDT

Plume (formerly Touiteur) for Android has received an update that should please owners of Ice Cream Sandwich devices. It brings the “swipe” philosophy Google introduced with this version of Android as well as the in-line context menu button that replaces the menu button. It pretty much looks like it was designed with Ice Cream Sandwich in mind as you can see in the screenshots above.

The tablet version of this app has always been available and designed for Honeycomb, but they’ve made a couple of minor changes to make it more like a native Ice Cream Sandwich app. Other changes include TMI.me support for extending long tweets, MyPict.me support for photo uploads, the ability to resize pictures depending on network speed and some bug fixes. Find the client in the Google Play Store here.

 

Will Google Eye be the name of Project Glass?

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 11:51 AM PDT

When Google unveiled Project Glass, a frame of augmented reality goodness to put over your eyes, many assumed they’d eventually market it as Google Goggles. That assumption is plausible, all things considered. But you have to wonder whether Google wants to steal the name of one of its own existing products, and you have to assume that they won’t be looking at other names.

That’s where today’s story comes in: Google owns a domain that would suggest they could name it Google Eye. The domain “googleeye.com” is a domain that Google registered back in 2003. Since it isn’t a recently registered URL, it’s not guaranteed they’ll use it for the product. But why has Google been holding on to it for 9 years with no use whatsoever?

Perhaps they had a completely different project in mind that never took off. Perhaps this project was in mind but the technology just wasn’t there. There are a lot of possibilities, and the possibility that they could finally put this name to use for Project Glass just adds on to the heap.

It’s worthy to note that the domain will expire June 6th this year, but there’s no reason to believe Google won’t renew it if they’ve let it go on for this long. The  name “Google Eye” would be a very good name, in my opinion. It’s simple and it pretty much fits the product without needing an explanation. What do you guys think? [Network Solutions via TechCrunch]

Instagram for Android Update Fixes Image Size Issue and HTC Device Issues

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 11:32 AM PDT

Instagram for Android received a very quick update, today. It fixed a few annoying errors that users have been suffering for the short time it’s been out. They’ve fixed an issue where some HTC devices (namely the HTC One X) was not supported, an issue which caused some cameras to crash, a “File not found” error message when importing an image from the gallery and an error which reported images being too small. And while it’s not an error, let’s hope they lift that file limit so we aren’t told our images are too big, what with all these 8 megapixel cameras floating around nowadays. Find the update in the Google Play Store.

Best Buy offering $50 off select Motorola handsets with trade-in

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 08:48 AM PDT

Best Buy is sweetening the pot on their trade-in deal for a selection of Motorola handsets. With the trade in of any mobile phone, the retailer will offer a $50 credit towards the purchase of the Motorola Atrix 2 for AT&T, Motorola Photon 4G for Sprint, and Motorola Droid RAZR for Verizon. The offer is good at any Best Buy or Best Buy Mobile location. For those not interested in picking up one of the previously mentioned devices, Best Buy reminds us that trade-ins can pay out up to $200 in the form of a gift card. Other deals include $50 off any Sprint phone on a two year activation and up to a $50 gift card when trading in the HTC EVO 4G. Check out the source below for a few more details.

[via BestBuy]

Skyhook CEO hints at non-Google Experience device from ‘major’ brand coming this year

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 07:53 AM PDT

Amazon Phone? Facebook Phone? We’ve heard all the rumors, but we have yet to see the drastically forked Android smartphones they describe. There has been the INQ Cloud series and HTC Salsa and ChaCha, but those were basically standard Android experiences with glorified social integration. The Kindle Fire has demonstrated Amazon’s ability to create an Android tablet that differs drastically in appearance and ecosystem from all others, but a smartphone it is not. One thing the Kindle Fire has done is proven to manufacturers that launching an Android product without the final approval of Google can be a worthwhile endeavor.

Skyhook Wireless CEO Ted Morgan recently revealed to Technology Review that Android manufacturers are starting to sour on Google’s control over Android and looking to Amazon as a model of how to successfully cut ties with the big G. Morgan should know a thing or two about Google’s power over handset makers after the tech giant forced OEMs to use their own location technology in place of that developed by Skyhook. Skyhook, which earns its keep thanks to technology that uses nearby WiFi networks to help better pinpoint a user’s location, took Google to court over the whole ordeal.

That chip on the shoulder comes along with the revelation that Skyhook technology will be implemented in a “major” handset release that bucks the Google Experience in favor of a more unique Android device. Morgan provided no clues as to who would make the handset, but Amazon and Facebook are obvious possibilities. Amazon is hard at work on future Kindle Fire models and could very well be using the platform as the starting point for a mobile phone. Facebook has been pumping tons of money into R&D, and as The Verge points out has very little to show coming out the end.

The introduction of such a device, if it proves as popular as the Kindle Fire, will be a further roadblock in Google’s attempts to eliminate Android fragmentation and develop a standard implementation of their mobile OS. Though fragmentation has long been named as a huge problem for the ecosystem, the fight to end it is starting to look like one Google can’t win.

[via The Verge | image via IdentityMine]

Samsung Galaxy S Aviator is US Cellular’s first 4G LTE smartphone, available today for $199

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 07:21 AM PDT

US Cellular has announced the availability of their Samsung Galaxy S Aviator. The phone, which features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, 8MP camera, and run Android 2.3.6 can be purchased online and in stores for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. In select markets currently covered by US Cellular’s 4G LTE network, the price is set at $99.99 after rebate for a limited time.

The Galaxy S Aviator was announced alongside US Cellular’s first 4G LTE device, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, but it marks the first smartphone from the carrier to take advantage of the next-gen network. Check out the release below for more details.

U.S. CELLULAR LAUNCHES FIRST 4G LTE SMARTPHONE:SAMSUNG GALAXY S AVIATOR
Aviator Available Online and In Stores Today

CHICAGO (April 5, 2012) - U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.1, have announced that the Samsung Galaxy S® Aviator™ is available today, both in stores and online at uscellular.com. The Android™-powered smartphone runs on the 4G LTE™ network, with speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G, and is the first 4G LTE smartphone in the carrier’s device line-up. The Galaxy S Aviator will be available for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. For a limited time, the smartphone will be available for $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate in select markets covered by the 4G LTE network. Visit uscellular.com for detailed pricing.

Powered by Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread), the Galaxy S Aviator has a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED™ Plus touchscreen and front-facing camera for easy video chatting. This sleek and slim smartphone allows you to connect quickly to entertainment and the Internet on-the-go. Users also have access to Google Play, formerly known as the Android™ Market, a one-stop shop for Android users to access nearly half a million apps, millions of songs and books, and thousands of movies.

"We are excited to bring our customers our first 4G LTE smartphone to help them get more done in less time," said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. "The faster downloading and browse and talk function make it the go-to device for customers who depend on their smartphone to keep up with their busy schedules."

Highlighted features:
· Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread)
· 4.3-inch Super AMOLED™ Plus touchscreen
· 8 megapixel rear-facing camera
· Front facing webcam
· HDMI port

The 4G LTE network builds on the 3G data services that U.S. Cellular customers already enjoy on the carrier’s high-quality nationwide network. The Galaxy S Aviator will be available to all U.S. Cellular customers and will run on the 4G LTE network in markets where it is available and on U.S. Cellular’s nationwide 3G network in all other areas.

U.S. Cellular customers enjoy unique benefits, such as new devices faster without resigning contracts, free Overage Protection and free Battery Swap. U.S. Cellular also offers customers the only points-based rewards program in the industry, which rewards customers for simple things, such as paying bills on-time, adding a line or referring friends and family. Points may be used for faster phone upgrades, additional lines, devices, accessories and ringtones. It’s one of the reasons U.S. Cellular has the happiest customers in wireless.

U.S. Cellular, in partnership with King Street Wireless, currently offers 4G LTE service in select cities in Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. In the second half of this year, 4G LTE coverage will expand to cover select cities in Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. By the end of 2012, 54 percent of U.S. Cellular customers will enjoy faster 4G LTE speeds. For more information about the 4G LTE experience, visit uscellular.com/4G.

The Galaxy S Aviator will be available for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. For a limited time, the smartphone will be available for $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate in select markets covered by the 4G LTE network. Visit uscellular.com for detailed pricing. Purchase of a data plan is required and a new two-year agreement and activation fee may apply for new customers. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply.

Motorola launches 3G-capable XOOM 2 and XOOM 2 Media Edition in the UK

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 07:09 AM PDT

Motorola is introducing the UK to a few new members of the XOOM family today, launching the 3G-enabled version of the XOOM 2 and XOOM 2 Media Edition. The WiFi-only editions of the tablets have been available since last year, but Motorola had been holding out on models with a cellular radio. Specs remain same for the Android 3.2 tablets, including a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU.

Motorola’s entire range of tablets is available for purchase through Carphone Warehouse as of today, both online and in stores. The Motorola XOOM 2 3G + WiFi, which features a 10.1-inch display, retails from £499.99. The smaller Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition 3G + WiFi sports an 8.2-inch display and is priced from £399.99.

[via Motorola]

Windows Phone ROM brings mock Metro UI to Android

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 06:40 AM PDT

The readers have spoken. The results of a poll we posted yesterday say that the majority of folks out there are perfectly content with Android and won’t be purchasing the Nokia Lumia 900 or another Windows Phone any time soon. For those looking for a bit of both worlds we present the WP7 ROM. The custom-built ROM features a launcher that attempts to mimic the Metro UI made popular by Windows Phone 7, though from the looks of it it doesn’t come across with quite the same polish. It actually does a pretty good job of making Metro, which most will agree is visually appealing while functionally flawed, pretty darn ugly.

The ROM isn’t available in a widespread format just yet; the latest build just hit the ZTE Warp. For more information and installation instructions check out the AndroidForums link below.

[AndroidForums via WinSource]

Sony Xperia P spotted at the FCC

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 05:46 AM PDT

Distributor Brightstar Corp. recently announced that it would be bringing a selection of Sony’s latest Xperia handsets to the US, likely for small regional carriers. The Xperia S and Xperia U were also named, but the Xperia P is the first of the bunch to show movement towards US shores. An FCC filing was uncovered that details the handsets quad-band GSM support and HSPA capabilities as well as WiFi, GPS, and NFC. Nothing from the FCC’s report suggests a specific carrier at this time.

The Xperia P features a dual-core processor and qHD display and joins the upcoming Xperia Ion, another US-bound Sony phone headed to AT&T.

[via Engadget]
Posted by at 8:15 AM

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