Sunday, April 15, 2012

Update - 212



Posted: 14 Mar 2012 04:29 PM PDT
From the Forums
We've rolling through this week like there was no tomorrow, so if you happened to miss out on anything you'll have to skip on back a few pages and get yourself caught up. Looking for some Android help or maybe you got a new ROM to drop? We've got a spot for you in the Android Central forums. Check out some of the threads below:
If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.



Posted: 14 Mar 2012 04:27 PM PDT
Android Central
Archos aren't exactly everyone's first choice of Android tablet despite offering good value for money. At an event in Paris today though, the company teased some of their 2012 offerings including their new flagship G10 xs range.
There are due to be three seperate lines this year. The low end Arnova range, the Archos Elements range that will have Google certification, and their new 'premium' G10 xs range. The Arnova devices will be retailing between 50 and 150. With no Google certification specified though, these will definitely be low end devices.
The Elements range bear more than a passing resemblance to the current G9 tablets, and will retail at 129 - 199. These will be coming with Google apps on board, and there may well be Ice Cream Sandwich too given the likely launch schedule.
It's with the new G10 xs though that Archos will be finally trying to make a name for themselves. With prices starting at 200, the G10 xs is an incredible 7.6mm thin -- thinner than the new iPad as was proudly displayed -- and there will be an option that will mate with a keyboard dock.
Otherwise, details are sparse. No actual devices are expected to launch until September, so it's a pretty safe bet that the G10 xs at least will launch with Ice Cream Sandwich. Specs haven't been shown off yet, but it isn't too much to imagine at least one version with a huge amount of on board storage as is usually the case. An incredibly short teaser video can be found after the break
Source: Arctablet
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Posted: 14 Mar 2012 03:37 PM PDT
Google Offers
Google has expanded their Google Offers service with 4 new cities and 11 new partners, bringing the totals to 30 deal partners in 40 cities. Users in Austin, Houston, Philadelphia, and Miami will now be able to get more daily deals via the Android app or through their inbox, and the partner sites will get even more exposure now that they have aligned themselves with the big G.
The new deal partners look to expand things with deals for just about everyone.  8Moms, APDailyDeals, AT&T Interactive, Boston.com, DailyDeals.com, DoubleTakeDeals, Half Off Depot, Morgan’s Deals, Savored, Signpost and Urban Dealight are the latest additions, and should offer a varied mix to fit just about every taste.
I know many of us are deal-watchers. I spend more time and money than I should searching them out, and no day trip to downtown DC is complete without seeing what I can save while out and about. Now we all have even more partners to look forward to in our daily emails. And that dinner at The Cajun Experience looks artery-cloggingly delicious. 



Posted: 14 Mar 2012 02:56 PM PDT
Beautiful Widgets
Widgets are a great feature built into Android and a ton of folks use them on a daily basis. One of the most popular widget apps in the Google Play Store known as Beautiful Widgets has now rolled out their latest release and it's looking to fill the demands of folks everywhere.
The update bumps the app into v4.0.1 and aside from the content already offered within the app, LevelUp Studio has added a new Web Skin Market where you can now download a ton of skins for your widgets to make use of, as well as mix them up using the Skin Mixer.
Another requested feature comes with this release as well and that's the addition of multi-forecasts within the weather application provided. Now, you can have multiple locations added, all of which can be viewed by simply swiping back and forth across your screen to see whatever locale you wish.
This update is available in the Google Play Store right now, it'll set you back a little under $2 but with the many improvements found in this release, it's an easy to swallow price. Hit the break, grab the download and start customizing your device how you want.
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Posted: 14 Mar 2012 01:41 PM PDT
Every good mobile operating system needs a solid flight simulation app, and Android has found that in Stealth Chopper 3D. What else sounds more fun than flying the infamous SEAL Team Six around four different environments, looking like a fool while controlling the chopper with your accelerometer, and shooting enemies out of the air and off the ground? (Well, I can think of plenty of things...) Nothing, that's what.
While I will admit, the graphics remind me of old N64 games (which are still awesome, by the way), the menus are pretty bland and hideous, and the on-screen controls look like they were made in Microsoft Paint, the game itself runs really well. Your chopper chirps along at a steady 60FPS, realistically swinging to-and-fro in the air, matching your every tilt, twitch, and sneeze you throw at it.
Aiming the chopper's guns is a pretty huge pain, a direct result of the incredibly small aiming reticule and the fact that you have to steady your hands and arms to near death-level stillness to keep your chopper from rocking. Changing between Air-to-Ground versus Air-to-Air doesn't make the aiming any simpler, but hey, at least enemies anywhere will feel your firestorm of bullets (assuming you can hit any of them).
As a pure flight simulator, I think Stealth Chopper 3D really excels. The throttle control is responsive, and while there's the potential for wonkiness, adapting to tilt controls doesn't take too terribly long. (I picked this up much faster than I did arcade racing games.) It's also fairly unforgiving; come in too fast or at the wrong angle and your SEALs will find themselves in a world of hurt as your chopper explodes into many pieces. So at least it's got that going for it.
Stealth Chopper 3D is $3.99 in the Google Play Store. We've got download links after the break.
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Posted: 14 Mar 2012 01:14 PM PDT
Minecraft: Pocket Edition
It hasn't been all that long since we last heard from the folks at Mojang but that doesn't mean they took a break from what they do best. In fact, a new update to Minescraft: Pocket Edition is now available for download and it brings some nice updates to the game.
This release, introduces pigs into the survival mode as well adds a new split touch control scheme for normal play in addition to the new flying control scheme. To top it all off, Mojang has cleared up some bugs with this release so that game-play looks better and less pixelated. The update is available now, you can jump past the break for the link.
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Posted: 14 Mar 2012 11:49 AM PDT
Google Earth
Google Earth just got a bump to Version 6.2, which brings a number of new improvements. Probably the biggest is the addition of the Earth Gallery, which highlights such things as new imagery updates, real-time earthquakes, real-time flights and other cool layers. There's also an updated touring mode that lets you launch from the gallery or inside balloons. Sharing is updated so you can push through Google+ (or other social networks), and there are new zoom and pinch gestures, along with bugfixes.
We've got download links after the break if you need 'em.
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Posted: 14 Mar 2012 11:37 AM PDT
Slacker Radio
Just a quick heads up that if you can't watch the games in the NCAA Tournament (things get going in earnest tomorrow), Slacker Radio will be streaming audio through the championship game on April 2.
And be sure to check out our NCAA Tournament apps roundup.
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Posted: 14 Mar 2012 10:48 AM PDT
Android Central
Getting into shape can be quite a struggle, and without being able to track your progress it makes it even more difficult. When I began running it was very hard for me to understand how far I ran, how long it took me, and more importantly how I was going to be able to track how I progressed daily. Runkeeper for Android is a great application that is available as a free download that not only allows you to track your runs, but nearly any other physical activity you can think of as well.
Getting set up with Runkeeper is an extremely easy process, an account will have to be created but it requires only basic information. After you enter your height, weight, gender and some other information your account is set up and ready to be used. The main screen that launches from here will allow you to select what type of activity you will be performing, whether it be running, cycling, walking or any other type of physical activity.
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Posted: 14 Mar 2012 10:18 AM PDT
President Bill Clinton
Maybe you've heard of him?
Former president Bill Clinton is scheduled to give the Day 3 keynote at CTIA in New Orleans in May. He'll "share his unique perspective on preparing leaders to meet the challenges of global interdependence and implementing innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues."
And, no, they're not talking about bootloaders.
The CEOs of Sprint, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are doing a roundtable discussion on Day 1. We'll be on the ground in NOLA to bring it all to you in just a couple short months.
Source: CTIA



Posted: 14 Mar 2012 10:00 AM PDT
Opera
When it comes to mobile browsers there are quite a few options and one of the rather popular, and constantly expanding ones is Opera. When it comes to the mobile space Opera is no stranger, they have been around for a while and the browser is available on several platforms. Opera is proud to announce that teXet, one of the fastest growing electronics brands in Russia, has decided to use the Opera browser on their mobile devices. Having just recently unveiled Opera Mini Next and Opera Mobile 12 at MWC, it is obvious that Opera takes the web browsing experience seriously, and teXet is very excited to partner with them.
“The browser has become one of the main differentiators on the competitive market of Android phones,” said Dmitry Sitnikov, Software Manager, Electronic Systems Alkotel, Ltd. “With our latest line of advanced handsets powered by super-fast Opera technology, we’re entering the world of mobile in a big way, giving our consumers the best web experience for a reasonable price.”
Could this be the start of good things to come? Will we see more manufacturers partnering with third party browser companies to ensure they are delivering the best browsing experience on their Android devices? Let us know in the comments if you would prefer this, or if you would rather the stock Android browser.
Source: Opera



Posted: 14 Mar 2012 09:14 AM PDT
LTE
Verizon today announced eight new locations that will be receiving its 4G LTE service starting March 15. They are:
  • Dothan and Enterprise, Ala.
  • Naples, Fla.
  • Greenville, N.C.
  • Altus and Durant, Okla.
  • Longview/Marshall, Texas. 
Additionally, LTE service will be expanding in:
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Elkhart, Ind.
  • Baltimore, Md.
  • Columbus, Miss.
  • Northern N.J.
  • Wilmington, N.C.
  • Duncan, Okla.
  • Allentown/Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Pa.
  • Hilton Head, S.C.
  • Cleveland, Tenn.
  • Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
  • Kenosha, Madison and Milwaukee, Wis.
Verizon also said it'll have more than 400 LTE markets online by the end of the year.
Source: Verizon



Posted: 14 Mar 2012 09:04 AM PDT
This week we have a brand-new surprise for people looking to get their hands on what Phil sees as "Easily the best-in-class smartphones for Sprint and Verizon" — your choice of either the stunning Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G in your choice of Black or White running on the Sprint Network or the equally great Galaxy Nexus running on Verizon.
This Wednesday and Thursday only, ShopAndroid.com in conjunction with Best Buy Mobile Solutions are bringing you a deal that is much too low to show as it is the very lowest price that you'll find anywhere for this amazing smartphone.
How much of a deal?  You'll need to follow the link below to find out but we can tell you that if you're looking to start a new Sprint account with a 2 year contract you'll get the  Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G at up to $200 less than most options online and if you've been wanting to renew or upgrade your existing Sprint contract you'll still be looking at up to $70 less than other offers.  If you're looking to start a new Verizon account with a 2 year contract you'll get the Galaxy Nexus at up to $200 less than most options online and if you've been wanting to renew or upgrade your existing Verizon contract you'll still be looking at up to $100 less than other offers.
So if you've been lusting to get your hands on the huge display and power of the Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G or Ice Cream Sandwich of the Galaxy Nexus there probably hasn't been a better time to do so than right now via the link below.
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Posted: 14 Mar 2012 07:52 AM PDT
With all the talk of building a base on the moon, I started thinking about space travel, other planets, and eventually retiring on Mars. I understand that Mars will probably be a hot commodity in the future, so I'm willing to settle on a distant exoplanet, if need be. Picking the right one looked to be a real challenge, but then I discovered Exoplanet Explorer, by the same gent who made Solar System Explorer.
Let me tell ya, if you're looking to know about every exoplanet we've discovered since we started discovering them, this is the app to have. Exoplanet Explorer uses the same gorgeous 3D models that Solar System Explorer uses, the same tranquil, ambient background music, and the same overall layout, but because we're talking exoplanets and not just the solar system, things are much, much larger.
For starters, Exoplanet Explorer gives you all sorts of cool buttons to toggle on and off when you're checking out one of those far, far away exoplanets. You can overlay our own solar system's planets and their orbits, what would be considered a habitable zone (based on where our own Earth is), and compare the size of your exoplanet of choice against all of the planets in our solar system.
Aside from all of those visual goodies, there's also some fairly in-depth search options. You can use a standard search filter to find what you're looking for or pull up a grid loaded with different categories (or classifications) of exoplanets. Want to see only the warm terran exoplanets we've discovered? Too bad! There are none! Cold Jovian, you say? We've got 157 to oogle. Hot Neptunian? Well, you get the idea.
I'm telling you, the deep space retirement bidding war is only going to intensify as time moves on, and the only way to make a smart decision is to be well informed. With Exoplanet Explorer, there's no way you won't be. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Most of all, do it for the future.
Exoplanet Explorer is $2.99 in the Google Play Store. We've got download links after the break.
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Posted: 14 Mar 2012 07:51 AM PDT
HTC
HTC on its blog has reiterated which current phones are slated for an update to Android 4.0. It's not a new list -- we've seen all of these phones announced previously (here, here, here and here) -- but it's good to see it all in one place. In alphabetical order, they are:
  • DROID Incredible 2 by HTC
  • HTC Amaze 4G
  • HTC Desire S
  • HTC Desire HD
  • HTC EVO 3D
  • HTC EVO Design 4G
  • HTC Incredible S
  • HTC Sensation
  • HTC Sensation XL
  • HTC Sensation 4G
  • HTC Sensation XE
  • HTC Raider
  • HTC Rezound
  • HTC Rhyme
  • HTC Thunderbolt
  • HTC Vivid
As we've already reported, the Sensation and Sensation XE are getting their updates now. The Sensation 4G (that's T-Mobile's version) and the Sensation XL are next, though no time frame was given.
So maybe the HTC One line (that's the HTC One X above) isn't in the cards for you. Maybe you have to hold out for Ice Cream Sandwich on your current device. We hear ya. We've got phones that are languishing with Gingerbread, too.
​Source: HTC blog



Posted: 14 Mar 2012 07:43 AM PDT
Today's ShopAndroid.com Daily Giveaway items include the the Seidio CONVERT Combo for Motorola Droid Bionic, Mobi Hard Shell Case for Motorola Droid 4, Seidio Spring Clip Holster for Motorola Atrix 4G, and the Mobi Extended Battery Fit TPU Case for HTC ThunderBolt.
Be sure to check out our hands-on videos and leave your comment below stating which accessory you'd like to win for your Android device.  The winner of today's giveaway will be announced next Monday.  Good luck!

Seidio CONVERT Combo for Motorola Droid Bionic


The Seidio CONVERT Combo is an extremely robust case, and utilizes three layers of protection for your Motorola Droid Bionic. The first layer is a hard plastic SURFACE Case, second layer is a rugged skin, and the third is a skeleton which wraps around the skin, protecting the corners and sides against impacts.  The CONVERT Combo also comes with a durable holster that features a swivel clip that rotates in seven different positions.
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Posted: 14 Mar 2012 06:55 AM PDT
Xperia Sola
When Sony unveiled the Xperia Sola yesterday, it was keen to tout its new "floating touch" technology as a major selling point. Unlike other touchscreen phones, the Sola can detect when a finger is hovering over the screen, not just when it's made contact. This, potentially, could present some interesting new ways of interacting with touchscreens -- for example, the Sola's browser will allow users to hover their finger over the screen like a cursor when selecting links.
Today, Sony has gone into more detail about exactly how this "magical" new technology works, debunking our theory of millions of tiny wizards living under the screen. On the company's mobile developer blog, engineer Erik Hellman explains exactly what's involved. Essentially, the Xperia Sola contains two types of capacitive sensor. There's a mutual-capacitive sensor, used for multi-touch, and a self-capacitive sensor, which generates a stronger signal, allowing it to detect conductive objects (like your greasy paws) from further away. Self-capacitive sensors aren't multi-touch capable, and mutual-capacitive sensors aren't strong enough to detect objects at a distance, but if you combine both in a single screen, you get the best of both worlds -- multi-touch when you're touching the screen, and floating touch when you're not.
We're definitely interested to see what third-party devs can do when they get hold of this tech. In the meantime, more technical details can be had over at the source link.



Posted: 14 Mar 2012 06:54 AM PDT

Deal of the Day Grab the Case-Mate Tough Case for Motorola Droid RAZR for $16.95 today only.  That's $18 off the list price!

Built to withstand sudden drops and accidental falls, the Droid RAZR Tough Case is the epitome of protection. A snug, form fitting silicone wrap provides shock resistance, while the hard shell protects against impact. The lightweight, slim case adds support and shields your Droid RAZR, keeping your emotional state intact, one drop at a time. Get yours today while supplies last!
List Price: $34.95          Today: $16.95



Posted: 14 Mar 2012 06:16 AM PDT
Android Central
Nokia have been trying to perfect their maps web app for some time now. They've just flicked the switch on the latest addition to the service, which Android 2.3 and above users can take advantage of. Voice guided turn-by-turn navigation is now included, but only for walking routes. 
Taking advantage of voice guided navigation requires downloading a 2MB data file before you're good to go. Nokia say that this feature is only available on walking routes, as the web app itself is targeted at urban use. Live traffic and public transport map views are two other features that put themselves into this category. 
A couple of questions do come to mind. Firstly, how good is it? But secondly, and perhaps more importantly, why would an Android user choose this over the native Google Maps application? 
In answer to the first question, it's very good. Nokia -- once Ovi -- maps have long been a killer piece of map software. I tried the voice guided navigation this morning as I took a walk around a town I don't know very well. It didn't miss a beat once, and with a headset plugged in there's no chance of missing that vital "turn left" notification. 
The answer to the second question is much tougher. On the face of it, Android comes with Google Maps and the excellent Google Maps Navigation -- which of course you can use in the car. Google Maps is pretty much the industry standard. And of course, it isn't a web app. 
If Nokia were to release this as a native Android application -- and brought their excellent Nokia Drive satellite navigation with it -- then it would definitely be a serious contender to Google Maps. As it stands though, it's very good, but it's not quite enough. To try it out for yourselves head on over to m.maps.nokia.com from your device. 
Source: Nokia Blog



Posted: 14 Mar 2012 05:38 AM PDT
Super Monkey Ball 2
Building on its ever-growing back-catalog, SEGA has just released primate-based puzzler Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition for Android. Monkey Ball, which rolled its way onto iOS months ago, joins SEGA classics like ChuChu Rocket and Sonic CD on the Android Market Google Play from today.
So here's the deal with Super Monkey Ball -- you've got a monkey, which is sealed inside a ball. You've got to roll around eating bananas, because that's what monkeys do, and being encased within a hurtling transparent spheroid isn't going to change that. Like on iOS, controls are primarily tilt-based, as you guide your chimp of choice to the end of the stage with as many bananas as possible. Yeah, we're not exactly dispelling any monkey stereotypes here.
Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition is out now for devices running Android 2.1 and above, promising 125 levels of ape-based antics. The current price is just $0.99, which SEGA says is a special introductory offer. We've got the usual Google Play links after the break.
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Posted: 13 Mar 2012 11:56 PM PDT
Seekdroid
You might have noticed that we're going to talk a little extra about security and privacy this week here at Android Central. It's a discussion worth having. We've asked a few security and/or privacy related questions in polls past, things like lockscreen security (use it), app permissions, and Google's privacy policy, but we haven't hit this basic one just yet. Tonight, let's change that.
Do you use a security application?
One of any type -- a malware scanner, a remote lock and wipe tool, a "find my phone" tool, or even a net nanny app for the kids. If you use one, let us know!




Posted: 13 Mar 2012 08:32 PM PDT
HTC is mighty proud of the Micro Arc Oxidation process they use on the upcoming HTC One S. Based on what we've seen from hands-on time with the S, we think they have good reason. The process turns the aircraft-grade aluminum into something that looks and feels like ceramic, and gives the S a new sleek look that gets more than a few of us interested. They showed a bit of how it works during their Mobile World Congress presentation, and now they have given us a 98 second look at the process and some behind the scenes info. Have a look, the "awesome lightning striking the phone" is pretty cool to watch. We'll be able to see how nice the finish is ourselves soon enough, as the One S will be hitting the shelves in Europe and the U.S. this spring.
Source: Youtube



Posted: 13 Mar 2012 06:47 PM PDT

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer
The introduction of Android 4.0 on the ASUS Transformer TF101 looks like it didn't go as smoothly as what ASUS had hoped. Some folks in the Android Central forums had issues after installing the update, unstable WiFi, random reboots among other things were reported. ASUS however, is now rolling out a new update for the device labeled 9.2.1.17-20123012 and while the verdict still seems to be out on what, if anything the update fixes -- it's an update.
Did your device get the update yet? If not, go ahead and check for updates. If you find it there waiting for you -- give it a go. Once your done giving it run through, drop into the forums and let us know how it's working out for you.
More: ASUS Transformer Forums; Thanks to everyone who sent this in!



Posted: 13 Mar 2012 05:20 PM PDT
Xperia S PlayStation Store
For whatever reason, Sony wasn't able to finish up PlayStation support for the Xperia S before the phone hit store shelves in Europe. Today, though, that placeholder link in the Xperia S app drawer now loads a web page where the PlayStation Store and PS Pocket app can be downloaded. The same goes for the Xperia S's Japanese counterpart, the Acro HD, which launched in late February.
To get your fill of classic 32-bit titles, you'll first need to enable non-Market applications in Settings > Applications, then run "Let's start PS store" in the app tray. Next, download the two apps, which in turn will let you buy and play games. We're seeing around a dozen titles available on our review unit, though some of those are still only playable on the Xperia Play. And it should be noted that you'll need a PlayStation Network or Sony Entertainment Network account to access Sony's mobile gaming catalog.
The manufacturer plans to bring PS certification to all its 2012 phones, including the Xperia P, U, Ion and the recently-announced Xperia Sola.



Posted: 13 Mar 2012 05:19 PM PDT
MOTOACTV
Although you could have picked it up from a few online retailers previously, the Motorola  MOTOACTV has now officially been released in Canada. The Android-based fitness tracker that has seen a few large updates since it's general release will be sold at select Running Room locations across Canada as well as online at thesource.ca with a MRSP of $249.99 (8GB) including a watch strap. Looking to learn more? You can check our full review here.


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