Friday, April 6, 2012

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Google Android News Android Forums

Is Beats Audio Preparing to Release A New Streaming Music Service?

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 03:55 PM PDT

As if creating the most popular and arguably the best sounding personal audio equipment wasn’t good enough, Beats Audio co-founder Jimmy Lovine revealed to Bloomberg Businessweek that the company is looking to attack the streaming music market next. Lovine told BB that ”subscription music online is culturally inadequate” and “it's not satisfying right now.” He feels that a new streaming service done in the proper manner could provide something far beyond the downloading experience that iTunes currently provides. Make no mistake, he is not looking to compete with Apple and even says the company’s music service is ”very, very good.” Lovine merely wants to create a streaming service that attracts hundreds of millions of subscribers, making the business model more viable and more successful than the services we currently have available.

As it stands right now, Lovine isn’t saying what will be different with this theoretical service but something must be in the works as he tells BB, “I can't show the magic trick, but right now the services are utilities. We only see things in a complete thought.” As far as the previous rumor of a MOG buyout goes, we have heard stories that the deal is complete but we have yet to hear any confirmation from either company. Who knows, maybe HTC’s next flagship phone will not only have Beats Audio integration, it could have some sort of Beats streaming music player as well.

source: Bloomberg Businessweek
via: Electronista

Sprint Begins Rolling Out the Official ICS Update for the Nexus S 4G

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 03:03 PM PDT

It wasn’t too long ago that the official and final ICS build for the the Nexus S 4G was leaked and we knew it was only a matter of time before Sprint began to rollout the update to all devices. We just received word that the IMM76D update has began rolling out today and we even have a change log to go along with it. This will be the first Sprint phone to receive the illustrious Android 4.0 update and users can expect the following enhancements.

  • A refined, evolved user interface that is simple, beautiful and useful
  • Android Beam™: quickly share web pages, apps, contacts and YouTube™ videos with your friends by simply tapping two Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled phones together
  • Redesigned camera, which introduces panorama mode, effects like silly faces and background replacement and a powerful photo editor
  • Data Usage helps you avoid data overage charges by allowing you to instantly see your data usage for any period of time or any app – and get notified before reaching your limit; you can even restrict background data for individual apps
  • Web browser now lets you sync Google Chrome™ bookmarks, request full desktop versions of sites, see your open tabs in a new layout and even store web pages for offline reading
  • People: browse friends, family and coworkers, see their photos in high-resolution and check their latest status updates from Google+
  • Improved keyboard with incredibly accurate typing, an inline spell checker and improved copy and paste support
  • New Calendar app that lets you add events quickly, sync with Google Calendar™ or Microsoft Exchange and even pinch to adjust your calendar display
  • Redesigned Gmail™ app that now lets you swipe between conversations to catch up quickly, and search for emails even without a data connection
  • Google+ integration that lets you hangout and video chat with up to 10 friends using your front-facing camera

Sprint says the rollout should reach all devices within a month but if you are the antsy type who doesn’t like waiting for the finer things in life, then you can visit our how-to guide to snagging the same update right now. If you’re the type who likes to read the official stuff, jump past the break for the full changelog and a link for those who may have further questions.

Thanks Michael!

 

  • Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system upgrade
  • Customizable favorites tray visible on all 5 home screens just above the hard keys
  • Contacts application replaced with People application that provides improved integration with Gmail, Email, Google+ and other apps
  • Multitasking for easier access to switch between recently used applications by tapping/holding Home key
  • Create folders on the home screen by dragging and dropping one app onto another to create a folder
  • New lock screen actions allows access to the camera and to pull down notifications without unlocking device
  • Left to right swipe to dismiss individual notifications, close apps from recent apps list, and close browser tabs
  • Data usage controls for monitoring and managing network data usage
  • Camera enhancements include capturing panoramic photos, continuous focus, zero shutter lag exposure stabilized image zoom and decreased shot-to-shot speed
  • Android Beam allows two NFC-enabled devices to exchange apps, contacts, music, videos, and more

source: Sprint

Next Issue brings Netflix-like service for magazines to Android tablets

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 12:38 PM PDT

If you love to read magazines, you might want to take a look at Next Issue. It’s basically Netflix for magazines. You pay a monthly fee and get unlimited access to a library of magazines. The service starts at $9 per month, which will give you access to monthly magazines. If you want access to weekly magazines, it’s $15 per month.

These aren’t just PDF’s, they are enhanced digital editions and custom designed for tablets. You will find enhancements like videos, bonus photography, and interactive features.

I don’t know about you, but this price seems a little steep. Netflix costs $7.99 per month and allows you to stream its entire library. The $9 per month plan is already higher, and I feel like Netflix offers so much more. They are offering a free 30 day trial so it doesn’t cost anything to give it a try. Hit the break for the full list of titles, a demo video, and the download links.

All You, Allure, Better Homes and Gardens (10" only), Car and Driver (10" only), Coastal Living, Conde Nast Traveler, Cooking Light, ELLE (10" only), Entertainment Weekly, Esquire, Essence, Fitness, Fortune, Glamour, Golf Magazine, Health, InStyle, Money, Parents, People, People en Espanol, People Style Watch, Popular Mechanics, Real Simple, Southern Living, Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated Kids, Sunset, The New Yorker (7" only), This Old House, TIME and Vanity Fair.

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

qrcode
Play Store Download Link

 

 

Motorola brings the XOOM 2 and XOOM 2 media edition tablets to the UK

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 12:16 PM PDT

Motorola announced they are finally bringing the XOOM 2 and XOOM 2 Family Edition to the UK via the Carphone Warehouse. These are the same tablets as the DROID XYBOARD 10.1 and XYBOARD 8.2 that are available now in the U.S. Starting today, Carphone Warehouse will have 3G and WIFI variants starting at just £299.99 ($475).

Both the XOOM 2 and XOOM 2 Media Edition feature a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 10.1-inch (XOOM 2) or 8.2-inch (Media Edition) (1280 x 800) display, 1GB of RAM, 5MP rear camera, 1.3 front camera, 16GB of internal storage, Gorilla Glass, splashguard coating, and Android 3.2.

Full press release after the break:

Motorola Mobility Launches Two New Additions to the Motorola XOOM™ 2 Family in the UK

Powerful, portable and ready to take on the world – 3G and Wi-Fi capable Motorola XOOM™ 2 and Motorola XOOM™ 2 Media Edition available today from Carphone Warehouse

April 05, 2012

LONDON – April 05, 2012 – Motorola Mobility UK Ltd. is today expanding the Motorola XOOM™ 2 family in the UK with the addition of 3G and Wi-Fi capable Motorola XOOM 2 and XOOM 2 Media Edition tablets. The full range of XOOM 2 tablets, including Wi-Fi only variants, are available from today both online and in-store at the Carphone Warehouse starting from just £299.99.

"Tablets are quickly becoming a must-have tool for staying connected, getting work done and having fun at home and on the road," said Victoria McManus, UK and Nordics marketing director, Motorola Mobility. "We are very excited about the latest additions to our tablet portfolio that builds on the success of the original Motorola XOOM and the XOOM 2 Wi-Fi variants to deliver even more choice when it comes to tablet experiences in the UK."

Motorola XOOM 2 and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition both feature Android™ 3.2, a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, brilliant displays with scratch resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass and a splashguard coating for a go anywhere, do everything attitude. In addition, all Motorola XOOM 2 tablets include Motorola's MotoCast™1 app that lets you stream all your music, photos, videos and documents between your computer and tablet without any media tools, apps, or cords.

 

Motorola XOOM 2: Lighter and Brighter

Motorola XOOM 2 sports a 10.1-inch widescreen HD display and Android 3.2 Honeycomb like its predecessor, but the similarities end there. The display is brighter and more vibrant than before with color enhancement, and the edges have been strategically designed to make the tablet more comfortable to use. Motorola XOOM 2 is loaded with Business Ready2 features like Virtual Private Network (VPN) support and data encryption.

Approximately 100 grams lighter than the original Motorola XOOM, the Motorola XOOM 2 makes it even easier to take on the road, and with a battery delivering more than 10 hours of video playback it will be always be ready when you are3.

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition: Beat your Boredom

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition is easy to hold with one hand thanks to its 8.2-inch display, and easy to take with you wherever you go, weighing less than the best-selling paperback you've been carrying around. Optimised for entertainment, it has a wide, 178 degree viewing angle. Hold it up to someone across the room, or share it with someone sitting next to you, and everyone gets a brilliant view.

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition also has a 20 percent improvement in graphics performance over the original Motorola XOOM for smoother gaming, featuring adaptive virtual surround sound with booming bass that’ll delight your ears and make you stand out from the crowd with one of the fastest multi-tasking in its class. It can even be a universal remote control for home entertainment equipment with the personalized, custom remote control app pre-loaded on the tablet.

Accessories to connect to your life easier, from anywhere

With the Work and Play kit, plug your tablet into the HD Multimedia Station to connect to your HDTV, speakers and other peripherals for large-screen entertainment. Get more done, faster with the included keyboard and mouse with Bluetooth® technology.


Pricing and Availability

Both 3G and Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi only variants of both the Motorola XOOM 2 and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition are available from today at Carphone Warehouse.

 

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition – Wi-Fi variant From £299.99
Motorola XOOM 2 – Wi-Fi variant From £349.99
Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition – Wi-Fi & 3G variant From £399.99
Motorola XOOM 2 – Wi-Fi & 3G variant From £449.99

 

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.

Best Buy is offering an extra $50 on top of the normal trade-in program on select Motorola smartphones starting April 8

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 08:59 AM PDT

If you’re in the market for a Motorola Atrix 2, Photon 4G, or the DROID RAZR you might want to consider Best Buy’s latest deal. As you might already know, they have a trade-in program in which you could receive up to $200 in the form of a Best Buy gift card for the value of your old mobile phone. To top it off, starting April 8 they’re also offering an additional $50 discount off the smartphones listed above as long as you trade in any mobile phone. So it’s basically a double dipping sale, Grab $50 off the purchase price plus get a Best Buy gift card for whatever the value is of your old phone that you’re trading in. The deal ends on May 5.

They also have another deal in which they’re giving $50 off of any Sprint smartphone, plus an additional $50 for trading in an HTC EVO 4G. This might be a good deal, but I would only trade my EVO 4G for the new EVO 4G LTE that was just announced yesterday. Unfortunately pre-orders for that one don’t start till May 7, and it’s unknown if they would honor it or when this particular deal ends.

Full press release after the break

Best Buy and Motorola Deliver Exclusive Smartphone Savings with Best Buy Trade-In Program

Save $50 on select Motorola smartphones and receive a Best Buy gift card valued up to $200 with a trade-in of any mobile phone at Best Buy

Beginning April 8, customers will be able to save $50[i] on select Motorola smartphones across major carriers when they trade-in any mobile phone at Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile specialty stores (in store only). Additionally, customers can get up to $200 intrade-in value in the form of a Best Buy gift card for trading in their old phone. This exclusive offer runs through May 5, 2012.

This offer to save $50 is available on three of the top award-winning Motorola smartphones:

Best Buy brings consumers the choice of any carrier, any phone, any plan with lots of unbiased advice at the more than 1,100 Best Buy stores and 305 Best Buy Mobile specialty stores. In addition, it offers an array of services aimed at improving customers’ experience, including Walk Out Working, Upgrade Checker, Happy 24 and a full array of accessories for customers to protect and personalize their new mobile devices.

[i] Trade-in any mobile phone and get $50 off a new Motorola phone purchased in store. You will receive a $50 discount on your new Motorola phone PLUS a Best Buy gift card equal to your phone’s traded-in value.  One phone trade-in per Motorola phone purchased. You are responsible for removing any data from your device before providing the product for evaluation. Not available in all store locations. Not available in Puerto Rico.  Visitwww.bestbuy.com/tradein for all terms & conditions and to find a store near you or to use our online trade-in program. The condition of the phone and available documentation and accessories may affect the estimate provided on www.bestbuy.com/tradein. Trade-in value may depend on our evaluation of a number of factors, including condition, product age and specifications, documentation, etc.  You will be required to agree to the terms & conditions. Coupon must be presented and scanned on same receipt to receive package savings. Savings not valid in conjunction with other offers. Savings on the ATRIX(TM) 2 is limited to its selling price of $49.99. See associate for details.

U.S. Cellular releases their first 4G LTE smartphone: The Samsung Galaxy S Aviator

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 08:15 AM PDT

On the heels of the U.S. Cellular’s first 4G LTE tablet (The Galaxy Tab 10.1), they just announced that their first ever 4G LTE smartphone is now available. The Samsung Galaxy S Aviator (aka DROID Charge) is now available for $99.99 after a $100 mail-in-rebate. According to the presser, it will only be available in select markets covered by 4G LTE. What are those markets? For now they are Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. They are expecting to expand coverage to Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia in the second half of the year. Some of the specs include:

  • 4.3-inch Super AMOLED™ Plus touchscreen
  • 8 megapixel rear-facing camera
  • Front facing webcam
  • HDMI port
  • Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread

Full press release after the break:

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. Visituscellular.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.

Update for Google Play Books adds new features for Froyo and Gingerbread users

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 07:54 AM PDT

Google has just released a new update for their popular Google Play Books app that will add a little finesse for those of you still rocking Android 2.2 Froyo and 2.3 Gingerbread. Version 2.4.3 will bring a new UI along with 3D page-turn animations. Some other nifty tweaks include new home screen shortcuts for single books, the screen will now stay on during text-to-speech (TTS) and the in-book search function will now work offline. Hit the Play Store link below to get the goods.

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Play Store Download Link

Google Play Store updated. Grab the download now!

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 07:21 AM PDT

The Google Play Store has ran into one or two teething problem since it replaced the long-standing Android Market. Google has already pushed out a couple of updates in a short space of the time with the most recent seemingly causing more issues than it fixed. Frustrated users have been reporting a series of force closes, glitches whilst browsing and disappearing paid apps.

Fret no more as Google has started rolling out v3.5.16 which promises to fix the reported issues. There doesn’t appear to be a major overhaul here, it’s primarily just bug fixes. Paid apps are back, force closes fixed and early feedback suggests that navigating the menus is quicker and smoother.

If you don’t want to hang around until Google gets round to pushing the update then why not fetch it yourself. Click any one of the links below to get going.

 

source : Android Police

Download mirror 1
Download mirror 2
Download mirror 3

 

500 Paramount movies coming to Google Play and YouTube thanks to a new licensing agreement

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 07:04 AM PDT

Google just announced a new licensing agreement with Paramount Pictures, which will bring approximately 500 new movie titles to both Google Play and YouTube. Paramount is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and has been responsible for titles such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Hugo, Transformers, and the Godfather.

With the addition of Paramount, Google now has five of the six major studios and has a nearly 9,000 movies available for rent. They plan on continuing to add more titles and hopefully open up shop in more countries this year.

As far as the new Paramount movies goes, some of the titles are already available, but it might take a couple of months for all of them to show up.

source: youtube

 

Pre-orders for the ASUS Padfone start tomorrow in Taiwan

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 06:39 AM PDT

When ASUS finally unveiled the Padfone at Mobile World Congress, they promised an April release. Looks like things are on track because it’s going up for pre-order tomorrow in Taiwan with a mid-April release. If you want to buy the phone on its own, the cost will be NT$17,990 ($610). This is where things get really expensive. If you want the tablet set which would include the phone, tablet dock, and bluetooth stylus/headset combo, the cost is NT$24,980 ($850). Now if you really have some money to burn you could throw in the keyboard dock for a final price of NT$28,901 ($980). For those that pre-order, they will throw in an extra battery.

We knew this bad boy wasn’t going to be cheap, but please understand these are “no contract” pricing. If you really think about it, the tablet dock is $240 which isn’t bad considering that you will have full connectivity with the carrier at no extra charge. You would have to pay upwards of $600 (off contract) for a tab with carrier connectivity, not to mention you would have to pay for data. What do you guys think?

source: engadget

 
Posted by at 6:01 AM

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