Android Phone Fans

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• Steve Jobs Biographer: Yes, Jobs Really Did Hate Android
• HTC Says Farewell To Beats Headphones – Will No Longer Bundle Them With Future Devices
• A Much Clearer Look At Sergey’s “Google Glass” Prototype IRL (Bonus Parody Video)
• Instagram update brings tablet support
• Office Depot prices Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) at $399.99
• T-Mobile-branded HTC One S pictured, flashes impressive Quadrant score
• New malware threat recycles GingerBreak exploit to gain root access
• AT&T’s HTC One X pictured, you won’t notice the difference
• Report: Galaxy Note 10.1 delayed until June, will launch with quad-core Exynos CPU
• IMDb for Android Update Brings 720p Trailers
• Max Payne for Android Coming to the Google Play Store April 26th
• Newegg Has the Galaxy Note N7000 for $570 [Deal]
• HTC’s Unaudited Q1’12 Financial Report Confirms Brand Was Getting Stale
• Three New Samsung Phone Name Trademarks Registered: Galaxy Lift, Sire, & Perx
• AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II Ice Cream Sandwich ROM Leaked

Steve Jobs Biographer: Yes, Jobs Really Did Hate Android Posted: 06 Apr 2012 06:46 PM PDT Don’t let the sweet, sugar coated words of Google’s CEO Larry Page fool you. Steve Jobs really did hate Android and yes, he wanted to destroy it. This was reaffirmed by “Steve Jobs” author, Walter Isaacson who spoke at the Royal Institution a few nights ago. Isaacson explained that, contrary to Larry Page’s sentiments that Steve Jobs’ anger was “just for show,” the hate was, in fact, very real and began when — according to Jobs –  Apple’s devices were copied “verbatim” by Google’s own mobile OS. What really set Jobs off was when Android began stealing Apple’s smartphone market share after Google “promiscuously” licensed Android to anyone with the hardware to support it. It was out of this hatred (and fear?) that it no longer became about the money for Jobs and he was famously quoted as saying, “‘You can’t pay me off, I’m here to destroy you.’” Given the length Apple has gone to in an effort to indirectly attack Android, this makes perfect sense. Isaac did go on to mention that Job’s sentiment isn’t shared by current Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, whom he believes will most likely settle the lawsuits. We’ll have to wait and see. Do you guys think this is a fight Apple will eventually back down from? [Cnet]

HTC Says Farewell To Beats Headphones – Will No Longer Bundle Them With Future Devices Posted: 06 Apr 2012 05:25 PM PDT If you were planning on picking up an HTC EVO 4G LTE, or any other future device from HTC with expectations of getting your hands on the included Beats Audio headphones — let me stop you right there. The Taiwanese manufacturer has finally come their senses and apparently, will no longer bundle the (arguably over priced) headphones along with their devices. HTC’s product executive told Cnet today, “An accessory like the headphone doesn’t factor in when someone is buying a smartphone. If they want a Beats headphone, they’ll buy it directly.” But, when it comes to Beats Audio software, HTC will continue integrating the software into future devices, branding them with the famous “B” logo. Still, even with bassy software integration, that $300 million HTC paid to acquire a majority stake in Beats a few months ago sounds like a whole lot less of a value when actual hardware is no longer involved. If you listen carefully, you can hear Dr. Dre laughing his way to the bank.

A Much Clearer Look At Sergey’s “Google Glass” Prototype IRL (Bonus Parody Video) Posted: 06 Apr 2012 03:55 PM PDT Late last evening, we showed you guys a preview snapshop of Google co-founder Sergey Brin wearing Google’s latest project “Google Glass” augmented reality glasses. Well, the picture wasn’t as clear as we would like. But, as promised, I dug up these higher resolution pictures here for us to examine (or scoff at depending on your position). As a self conscious tech enthusiast who is always excited to try out the latest gadgets — I just can’t see myself wearing something like this out in public. I admit, the idea is great. Augmented reality is the next frontier when it comes to the future of technology but coming from a geek who already looks silly enough in his skinny jeans and wacky hair… this is just too much of an eyesore for me. But — detach that main component piece on the right side of Sergey’s face there, and allow me to attach to my favorite pair of sunglasses/spectacles and then you may be onto something. The thing with Google Glass is that it has to be worn and that begins to blur the lines between technology and fashion. One of the few areas I don’t see Google excelling in anytime soon. But, with the help of a few of your favorite celebrities, maybe it’s possible these specs will become the next hot item. For kicks, I’ve added a this funny video I came across while traveling around the interwebs. It shows us what the world would be like with a bunch of Android nerds wearing these distracting augmented reality glasses (NSFW for language).

Instagram update brings tablet support Posted: 06 Apr 2012 03:30 PM PDT Instagram has a new update available in the Google Play Store. For fans of using bulky tablets to take photos, the app now supports Android devices of the larger variety. Otherwise we get bug fixes and the option to install the app to an SD card. You can grab the latest version over at Google Play now. Google Play Link: Instagram [via DroidLife]

Office Depot prices Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) at $399.99 Posted: 06 Apr 2012 02:27 PM PDT The 10.1-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 has been priced at Office Depot’s website, but those hoping to pick one up will have to wait. The 8GB model is listed for $399, in line with the lower pricing we were expecting and offering a quality slate for a benjamin less than the $499 sweet spot. The Galaxy Tab 2 was recently spied slinking through the FCC, but rumors suggest that the release of the tablet has been delayed in order to launch with Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box. [via Engadget]

T-Mobile-branded HTC One S pictured, flashes impressive Quadrant score Posted: 06 Apr 2012 02:16 PM PDT After spotting AT&T’s branded HTC One X, another member of the One family has shown its face with US carrier branding. The HTC One S has been spotted with a T-Mobile logo above its screen as the handset remains rumored for a late April launch. If you’re the type to put stock in Quadrant benchmark scores, we also see quite the impressive result from the One S’ Snapdragon S4 processor. The One S looks to be exclusive to T-Mobile for a full six months and will first be available in its blue-tinted variant. A version featuring the micro-arc oxidization treatment should come sometime during the summer. Check out the source link for a few more pics. [via TMoNews]

New malware threat recycles GingerBreak exploit to gain root access Posted: 06 Apr 2012 01:40 PM PDT There’s a new version of Legacy Native (LeNa) rearing its ugly head in the seedier Android app exchanges disguised as several popular apps. The malware utilizes the GingerBreak exploit to root a user’s device and then communicates with a remote server to download even more nasty code and push URLs to the handset’s browser. While the bad apps have yet to infect Google Play, they include popular new release Angry Birds Space. Given the full functional nature of the game, users may be blissfully unaware of any potential threat. The latest version of LeNa affects Android devices running version 2.3.3 or lower and has so far been used primarily to push an application package for a Chinese game market. The result doesn’t seem so malicious, but the appearance of the market on a device is a sign that it has been compromised. Still, as with most malware threats, the best remedy is to practice caution when downloading new games and apps. Know their source and read over the permissions before installing an app to your device. [via TomsGuide]

AT&T’s HTC One X pictured, you won’t notice the difference Posted: 06 Apr 2012 12:06 PM PDT One look at the AT&T HTC One X and you could hardly tell that the quad-core Tegra 3 processor of the international version has been swapped out for a dual-core Snapdragon S4 and LTE support. If you can deduce the internals of a phone just by glancing at it your powers are better served elsewhere. As expected the AT&T variant of the handset is identical in its outward appearance, right down to its white paint job and Beats Audio logo. We’ve seen plenty of evidence to suggest users won’t notice much of a difference between the quad-core and dual-core setup, and the added LTE speeds will surely sweeten the pot. No official announcement has been made, but the One X is expected to arrive at AT&T some time in early May. [via WirelessGoodness]

Report: Galaxy Note 10.1 delayed until June, will launch with quad-core Exynos CPU Posted: 06 Apr 2012 11:49 AM PDT A new report has surfaced that claims the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is getting pushed back to June, but for good reason. A Korean economic daily claims the delay is due to a change in processor from the dual-core model shown off at Mobile World Congress to an edition that will feature Samsung’s upcoming quad-core Exynos platform. The model we saw at MWC largely resembled a Galaxy Tab 10.1 with S Pen support, but the change to a beefier processor — if the report pans out — will equate to a big jump in power. The June release date would follow the likely release of the Galaxy S III, which is rumored to be the first device to utilize the new Samsung Exynos CPU. [via PocketDroid]

IMDb for Android Update Brings 720p Trailers Posted: 06 Apr 2012 09:54 AM PDT Fear not, HD lovers: IMDb is now serving up your movie trailers in 720p. With the advent of HD phones and HDMI ports, IMDb finally found it necessary to add support. You’ll be able to switch between standard and high definition, and you’ll be able to instruct the app which to use based on connection type (WiFi or cellular data). Other than that, it’s still IMDB. Grab it from the Google Play Store here.

Max Payne for Android Coming to the Google Play Store April 26th Posted: 06 Apr 2012 09:03 AM PDT Rockstar Games has just announced that Max Payne for Android is on its way. Unfortunately we have a bit to wait compared to our iOS counterparts who will be getting the game April 12. The wait isn’t long, however, as they have given us a solid date of April 26th. The third person shooting title follows Max Payne, an ex-NYPD cop turned DEA agent who is taken on a thrill ride full of lush story-telling, engaging gameplay, and a world filled with interesting characters. If that last line sounded like a line straight out of a 30-second ad, it’s because I’m such a huge Max Payne fan that I, myself, wouldn’t mind chronicling and narrating his life. The game will feature HD support, high-resolution textures and customizable controls. Expect there to be wireless controller support for the Android version. They didn’t give us a price to look forward to just yet, but based on GTA’s release we should be seeing no more than a $10 asking price. Obviously, I’m excited (especially as Max Payne 3 approaches consoles). Are you? [via Rockstar]

Newegg Has the Galaxy Note N7000 for $570 [Deal] Posted: 06 Apr 2012 08:21 AM PDT Just a quick deal alert for those of you looking for the Galaxy Note N7000 (international unlocked version) at a reasonable price. Newegg has the GSM device on sale for just $570, $130 less than its usual cost. While this may not seem like much of a deal compared to devices intended to be sold here in the United States, this version of the Galaxy Note has to be imported and you’ll likely end up paying close to the $700 that it normally is. Of course, this will only work on AT&T or T-Mobile, as well as Canadian carriers up north, so don’t bother if your carrier doesn’t use SIM cards. Being a quad-band phone, it can work on all GSM networks in North America. Get the deal here. [Thanks Ashley!]

HTC’s Unaudited Q1’12 Financial Report Confirms Brand Was Getting Stale Posted: 06 Apr 2012 07:50 AM PDT It wasn’t too long ago that HTC admitted they were going about things the wrong way in the smartphone game, and it was even sooner that they did something about it. The Taiwanese company released its unaudited Q1 2012 earnings report today, and things just aren’t looking good. The report shows that HTC took sharp hits in both revenue and net income compared to the same quarter last year. Their total revenue was down 35% from $3.5 billion in Q1 2011 to $2.3 billion last quarter. More than that, profits were way down from Q1 2011 – by an alarming 70%. There were no losses to report, but they definitely didn’t have the huge gains that they’re used to. It’s troubling for them to think that things could possibly get even worse as they transition their portfolio and strategy. The HTC One series was HTC’s “rebirth,” so to speak, as they sought to show people that they could return to their innovative ways of yesteryear. Their strategy is to introduce less smartphones each year, which will allow them to give more attention to each individual smartphone. The end-result should be better quality and more focused marketing, and it looks like it is working. The HTC One X released to rave reviews with many touting the powerful camera features, internal hardware and a toned down, revamped version of HTC Sense as killer features. The design of the phone also received high praise. It remains to be seen whether or not things will improve much in Q2, but we’re willing to bet it’ll take more than a few quarters to see if HTC’s latest moves have been enough to steer the ship in the right direction. [HTC (PDF) via Next Web]

Three New Samsung Phone Name Trademarks Registered: Galaxy Lift, Sire, & Perx Posted: 06 Apr 2012 06:58 AM PDT Samsung’s at it again, folks. They’re snapping up more and more names and are trying to get them registered as trademarks with the USPTO. This time, we’ve got names for three Galaxy smartphones in the “Galaxy Lift,” “Galaxy Sire,” and “Galaxy Perx.” As always, it’s unclear what Samsung will use these names for, and if they’ll even use the names to market any specific devices. They certainly don’t sound like names you’d expect Samsung to market, but you never know. All we know is that they’re most likely tied to Android as Samsung reserves the “Galaxy” brand specifically for phones running the operating system. Let your imagination run wild on this one. [USPTO 1|2|3 via Fusible]

AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II Ice Cream Sandwich ROM Leaked Posted: 06 Apr 2012 06:50 AM PDT Another new Ice Cream Sandwich ROM has leaked for a Samsung-made AT&T device. It’s the Samsung Galaxy S II SGH-i777 and the leaked build brings ROM users up to 4.0.3 from Gingerbread. The ROM comes rooted and deodexed, and there’s no list of major bugs to be found (though it is worthy to note that bugs may very well exist). Download links and instructions are available at the ROM’s XDA-Developers thread. Happy flashing and be safe!

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