Sunday, April 15, 2012

Update - 113



Posted: 11 Apr 2012 02:09 PM PDT
April 22 appears to be a big day because not only is that the day Verizon‘s $30 upgrade fee is kicking in but that may be the day that the HTC One XL drops as well as the Inspire 4G reaching its EOL or end of life. According to leaked photos web-based training (WBT) has started at AT&T for the One XL. Another leaked photo (below) shows that the Inspire 4G will see its EOL on the 22nd of this month. The leaked photo above (as well as the one below) is thanks to XDA member EGBTMagus.
It was also said that an HTC Rep previously stated that the Vivid would replace the Inspire at its listed price point and the ONE XL would take over the Vivid’s old price point. The One XL, like the One X, is said to be delayed until May 6th. Until the day the official announcement breaks however, nothing can be confirmed. If it’s true though we should see the HTC flagship phone within the month. Keep it locked here as we will update you as the story breaks. Stay tuned!
Thanks Kevin!
source: XDA
Posted: 11 Apr 2012 01:44 PM PDT
Last month HTC spoke quite highly of their micro-arc oxidation process that they used on the HTC One S. The whole process explained, sounded very interesting. You can read more and see a video from the HTC YouTube channel by checking out our previous article on the specifics of this process HTC used, including claims that you wouldn’t even need a case for your beloved Android device.
Well there looks to be a turn of events a month later. This process HTC was bragging about in March may actually not be so great, and they may have to make some improvements.  Based on some photos provided by XDA members enlan and robban87, there could be a real issue.
To follow were replies from a number of other members of the well-known developer forum, claiming that they never dropped their HTC One S and they are seeing this same defect in this process that HTC claims to be 3x stronger than steel.
Although we haven't found any reply from HTC on this, but hopefully we will.  If you or someone you know has an HTC One S, comment below and tell us if you're seeing similar signs of unnatural wear on your new device.

source: xda
Posted: 11 Apr 2012 12:41 PM PDT
With the HTC One series landing on Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile, where does this leave Verizon Wireless? We would like to think the upcoming HTC DROID Incredible 4G will be a One X, but rumored specs don’t jive. In fact it doesn’t even line up with the One S. What was known as the Fireball is supposedly featuring a 4.3-inch qHD (960 x 540) display, 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor, 1GB of RAM, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and Sense 4. I’m referring to it as a DROID, but honestly we don’t know if will be marketed as such, but I would be surprised if it weren’t. Sadly, this will only be the second device on Verizon to launch with ICS on board.
With the Rezound’s price drop, I would imagine we will see this one in big red stores pretty soon.
source: pocketnow
Posted: 11 Apr 2012 09:50 AM PDT
In a move that probably surprises no one, Verizon has taken to their web site to announce the fact that as of April 22nd you will be paying an extra $30 to upgrade your device. Upgrade fees are not uncommon as we saw AT&T double their upgrade fee from $18 to $36 back in February. Ever since their attempted implementation and redaction of their $2 dollar bill-payment convenience fee they have been looking at ways of making some extra cash. As Verizon puts it in regards to this new fee:
“This fee will help us continue to provide customers with the level of service and support they have come to expect which includes Wireless Workshops, online educational tools, and consultations with experts who provide advice and guidance on devices that are more sophisticated than ever.”
For those of you that are pissed about this extra charge there are ways to supplement or remove the fee all together. For instance, you could use Verizon’s “Green” Trade-In program. Otherwise if you’re not wanting to pay this fee I would recommend getting your device upgrade in before April 22nd.
What about you folks out there? Does this sit well with you or is this enough to make you jump ship? Sound off in the forums or in the comment section below!
Thanks to all that sent this in!
source: Verizon
Posted: 11 Apr 2012 09:23 AM PDT
HTC and Sprint held their event last Wednesday, and next Wednesday the 18th, it’s going to be HTC and T-Mobile. Our inbox just got the press invite and T-Mobile isn’t trying to be coy about this one as you see HTC One S is front and center. Looks like this is going to be a pretty big party because there’s going to be a musical performance by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. For now we’re anticipating an April 25 release, but we will know for sure next week.
Posted: 11 Apr 2012 08:34 AM PDT
For those of you on Staten Island who are patiently waiting and secretly jealous of those areas around you (like Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens) of having AT&T LTE service then you’re in luck as AT&T has flipped up the ON switch for you. You can now enjoy AT&T 4G LTE speeds in your area. And even more good news as folks in St. Louis can now enjoy the same service as well.
This is apart of the 12 city push that AT&T announced back in March and is following the launch of the service in three areas on April 8th. So go out and enjoy your new break-neck speeds on your 4G device and if you haven’t purchased one yet maybe the rumor of the Galaxy Nexus on AT&T might entice you to consider one. Hit the break to read the official press release. And for those folk left on the list of cities who are patiently waiting for this service don’t worry I’m sure you’ll get some LTE goodness sometime in the near future. Enjoy!
AT&T 4G LTE Expands in Staten Island
More customers to benefit from ultra-fast mobile Internet on the latest LTE devices
NEW YORK, April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T* has expanded its 4G LTE network in Staten Island, bringing more customers the latest generation of wireless network technology. The expanded coverage is part of its ongoing rollout across the market. AT&T 4G LTE coverage now includes all five boroughs.
AT&T 4G LTE provides several benefits, including:
Faster speeds. LTE technology is capable of delivering mobile Internet speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G. Customers can stream, download, upload and game faster than ever before.
Cool new devices. AT&T offers several LTE-compatible devices, including new AT&T 4G LTE smartphones and tablets, such as the first LTE Windows Phone Nokia Lumia 900, Samsung Galaxy Note™, and Pantech Element™ tablet.
Faster response time. LTE technology offers lower latency, or the processing time it takes to move data through a network, such as how long it takes to start downloading a webpage or file once you’ve sent the request. Lower latency helps to improve services like mobile gaming, two-way video calling and telemedicine.
More efficient use of spectrum. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource, and LTE uses spectrum more efficiently than other technologies, creating more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better network experience.
“We’ve seen positive response from customers on our 4G LTE launch, and as today’s expansion shows, we’re continuing our rollout of fast LTE speeds to more areas of Staten Island,” said Tom DeVito, Vice President General Manager for New York and New Jersey.
AT&T’s 4G Network
AT&T customers have access to the nation’s largest 4G network, covering nearly 250 million people. Even as 4G LTE expands, AT&T customers are able to enjoy widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G speeds on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you’re on a much slower 3G network.
Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. Deployment ongoing. 4G LTE device and data plan required. Up to 10x claim compares 4G LTE download speeds to industry average 3G download speeds. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more about 4G LTE at att.com/network.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
4G LTE From AT&T Available in St. Louis
Customers to benefit from ultra-fast mobile Internet on the latest LTE devices
ST. LOUIS, April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T* has turned on its 4G LTE network in St. Louis, bringing customers the latest generation of wireless network technology. AT&T 4G LTE provides several benefits, including:
Faster speeds. LTE technology is capable of delivering mobile Internet speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G. Customers can stream, download, upload and game faster than ever before.
Cool new devices. AT&T offers several LTE-compatible devices, including new AT&T 4G LTE smartphones and tablets, such as the first LTE Windows Phone Nokia Lumia 900, Samsung Galaxy Note™, and Pantech Element™ tablet.
Faster response time. LTE technology offers lower latency, or the processing time it takes to move data through a network, such as how long it takes to start downloading a webpage or file once you’ve sent the request. Lower latency helps to improve services like mobile gaming, two-way video calling and telemedicine.
More efficient use of spectrum. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource, and LTE uses spectrum more efficiently than other technologies, creating more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better network experience.
“We continue to see demand for mobile Internet skyrocket, and our 4G LTE network in St. Louis responds to what customers want from their mobile experience – more, faster, on the best devices,” said Nancy Garvey, AT&T’s vice president/general manager for the Greater Midwest Region.
AT&T’s 4G Network
AT&T customers have access to the nation’s largest 4G network, covering nearly 250 million people. Even as 4G LTE expands, AT&T customers are able to enjoy widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G speeds on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you’re on a much slower 3G network.
Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. Deployment ongoing. 4G LTE device and data plan required. Up to 10x claim compares 4G LTE download speeds to industry average 3G download speeds. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G speeds not available everywhere. Learn more about 4G LTE at att.com/network.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
Posted: 11 Apr 2012 08:21 AM PDT
Google+ is now used by over 170 million people, but to take it to the next level, Google is introducing a more “functional and flexible” Google+.
Here’s a quick run down of the changes:
Navigation
No more static icons at the top. Instead there’s a dynamic ribbon of applications to the left. You can drag apps up or down in the order you want, you can hover over certain apps to show quick actions, and you can show or hide apps by moving them in and out of “More”

Click here to view the embedded video.
Conversations
Changes include full bleed photos and videos, scan and join discussions easier with a stream of conversation “cards,” and an activity drawer highlights the community around your content.
A dedicated Hangouts page
A new dedicated Hangouts page will give you more opportunities to connect in person giving you a constantly updated list of invitations from people in your circles, quick access to all public and on air hangouts, and a rotating billboard of popular hangouts.
Explore, Profiles, and Chat
A new Explore page will show you what’s interesting and trending across the network. They are also updating the profile page, which will have bigger photos, and a new chat list that puts your friends in the forefront.
I would say this is a pretty major update. We can expect to see these updates over the next few days. No word on an Android app update, but I’m sure some of these changes will make its way to your Android device soon.
source: Google Blog more: learn more
Posted: 11 Apr 2012 07:35 AM PDT
 
When people think of the biggest story for 2011, Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility immediately comes to mind. The initial thought was Google may have had plans to use Motorola to create a new line of 
Nexus
 premium devices, but really the more likely theory for Google’s major purchase has to do with MOTO’s vast number of patents— 17,000 to be exact, which would help in the legal fights against Microsoft and Apple as seen here… and here… and here again as some examples. Despite the sheer number of patents which would help, Google still has to deal with all facets of MOTO including the 20,500 MOTO employees working in 92 major facilities across 97 countries and set top cable box business in addition to mobile division. Google can be applauded for being aggressive and trying to make bold moves, but could it have gotten ahead of itself when making this big of a purchase? More importantly, could Google actually be considering a sale of MOTO so it can focus on its core strength– web search– instead of getting into the handset business? There are some indications that points to yes.
It looks as if Google began preliminary discussions on how to get rid of its newest purchase. According to the Wall Street Journal, there have been rumors in Asia swirling around that Google “has already offered it (Motorola Mobility’s handset division) to China’s Huawei at a high price”. Naturally Google denies such a thing has happened, but if the speculation is even remotely true, it would make sense for a few reasons. One is because it allows Google to focus solely on the development on the Android platform and its core business– web search. The second is Huawei is a up-and-coming brand which is only scratching the surface of its potential. Motorola’s patents and technology combined with Huawei’s strategic thinking and presence in China would assist with Google’s protection from additional legal battles from Microsoft and Apple.
The bigger picture is the acquisition still has yet to be formally approved. However– once it is approved, we could see either a) Google believing it could be all things to all people which would be the “scariest part of all for Google’s investors” or b) The initial makings of what will be a new manufacturing giant.
source: WSJ
Posted: 11 Apr 2012 06:39 AM PDT

Ah yes the Intel Medfield-powered Lenovo K800. We already know it’s possibly positioned to at least keep up with the competition, but we still have yet to get a view of the device in real life or even an idea of when we may see it land in stores. Well gang, it looks like it’s only a matter of time before the intriguing Intel Medfield-powered Lenovo K800 arrives— and with a few tricks up its sleeve. Using the microblogging site Weibo, Intel China head honcho Sean Maloney announced the device is not only set to arrive by the end of next month, but the K800 will be featuring Intel’s new “Avatar Technology”.
No word yet on what “Avatar Technology” is exactly, but it’s pretty safe to say that it will likely be awesome. Stay tuned with Talk Android for additional information or details for the device.
source: Engadget
Posted: 11 Apr 2012 06:31 AM PDT
Asus has begun bringing their lineup of tablets to market starting with the Tranformer Pad 300, which was dubuted at MWC this year along with the Transformer Pad Infinity and Padfone.  The Pad 300 should be rearing its pretty little face anytime now as it’s been currently listed with several online retailers.  The 32 GB model popped up in France for €499 ($650) however, according to the folks over at The Verge, they rendered Google Shopping results showing $379 (16GB) at J&R.  We’re unable to duplicate those findings so we’ll just take their word for it.  Just to recap on the Pad 300, it’s touting a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset, a 10.1-inch display with 1280 x 800 res, a gig of RAM and a pretty decent 8 meg camera for its main shooter.  Stay tuned as we patiently await for the official launch of the device along with its cousins the Infinity Tab and Padfone.  Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
source: Pocketnow

Posted by at 11:22 AM

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