Thursday, April 19, 2012

Update - 282



Posted: 23 Mar 2012 02:10 PM PDT

For those times that you’d like to transfer some files from your smartphone to your thumb drive, but you don’t have your computer handy, you can turn to the Sanwa USB Reader/Dock. This nifty little gizmo is quite handy for those on-the-go quick transfers. Your plug-in options consist of a full-size USB port, SD card slot, micro SD card slot and a micro USB port. Sanwa has conditioned this tool to work with a small portion of phones at this time including the Samsung Galaxy S2, Sony Xperia NX SO-02D, Sony Xperia arco HD IS12S, Toshiba REGZA Phone T-01D, and Sony S-series Tablet. Interested buyers can snatch one up for around $40 USD by clicking the source link below.
source: Sanwa via Everything USB




Posted: 23 Mar 2012 01:13 PM PDT
Google Play Music has come a long way since it originally hit the market as Google Music beta and if the Google Operating System website is anything to go by, it could be about to get even better. The sneaky snoops managed to unearth the Google Play Music source code and the bounty within gives a few clues towards some forthcoming features. The most interesting discovery was a ‘Music Labs’ page and if you know your Google, you’ll know that Labs is used as a testing ground for experimental features and works in progress that may or may not make the final product.
Some of the new features we can expect to see include a browser based music uploader which would likely replace the desktop application. There’s also a new history section which is likely to show you play counts and other trends. It also looks like there will be different visuals available, perhaps allowing you to skin the music player to your taste.
There’s no timeline on when we could expect to see these new features and in typical Labs fashion we may not even see some of them at all, but we can be certain to see the evolution of Google Music as the year rolls on.

source : Google Operating System





Posted: 23 Mar 2012 11:56 AM PDT
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 was announced last September and has been available overseas for quite a few months. It finally made it’s way to the U.S. as the latest 4G LTE tablet on Verizon Wireless. There’s certainly no shortage of tablets available, but if your next tablet purchase has to have LTE connectivity, your choices are more limited. If you’re looking for a mid-sized tablet with solid LTE coverage, you really only have two choices; this one or the DROID XYBOARD 8.2. This is my full review, but you can also check out my initial hands on as well.
Design
The first thing you notice when you pick up the Galaxy Tab 7.7 is it’s thin. It’s one of the thinnest tablets in the world as it comes in at 7.9mm thick. That’s 1mm thinner than the DROID XYBOARD 8.2. It’s also very light as it weights 340 grams, which is 46 grams less than the XYBOARD. My biggest complaints with most devices is the shiny finishes, of which Samsung has been the most guilty of. Although it’s glossy and somewhat slippery, I do have to admit it’s an improvement from past devices. The backing is a brushed metal, which is a nice change for Samsung. For tablets, I prefer a rubberized backing like what the Toshiba Thrive 7′ offers, but I can live with this one.
Samsung chose to put the speakers at the bottom (in portrait mode) so unfortunately when watching a movie, its impossible to get proper stereo sound. The bottom also includes the charging port, which forces the tab to be in portrait mode when utilizing the keyboard dock. More on that later. One other quirky placement is the IR port which is on the right side (again in portrait mode). To me this would be more suitable at the top just like the DROID XYBOARD 8.2. Other than these things, the rest of the design is basic. You will find the LTE SIM card slot and the microSD slot on the left side with protective covers and the power is at the top right with the volume rocker just below that. At the top, you will find the microphone jack. All in all the Galaxy Tab 7.7 looks gorgeous and feels solid.
Hardware
The Galaxy Tab 7.7 LTE features a 7.7-inch (1280 x 800) Super AMOLED Plus display (196 ppi), a 1.4 GHz dual-core Exynos processor, 1GB of RAM, 3.2MP rear camera (with 720p recording), 2MP front camera, 16GB of internal storage, microSD for up to 32GB of extra storage, an IR port, HDMI through an optional dock or adapter, Enterprise SAFE, Bluetooth 3.0, and WiFi.
Battery
One of the high points of the Galaxy Tab 7.7 is the battery. Being a 4G LTE device I didn’t expect much from the 5100 mAh battery, but I was pleasantly surprised. While connected to LTE, you will easily get a few days with light use, but where it really impressed me was the video rundown test. I ran continuous video while connected to LTE, and I was able to get 10 hours. It should also be noted that I had the display brightness set to about 2/3′s, which means you could easily get closer to 12 hours with a setting more closer to 50%. That’s incredible for a tablet that is connected to LTE and only 7.9mm thick.
Performance
The 1.4 dual-core Exynos screams. This isn’t a quad-core, but the power of the Exynos will satisfy the majority of people. Unless you’re a serious gamer, there’s no reason to believe the Galaxy Tab 7.7 won’t be able to handle whatever you throw at it. I’ve never been a big benchmark fan as I always lean on “real world” experience, but I did run the AnTuTu Benchmark, which came in at 4948. This is surprisingly just above the Amazon Kindle Fire, but to me it performs way better. This is the reason why I’m not a fan of benchmarks. Trust me, you won’t have any complaints.
As to the display, you can’t give it enough praise. The 1280 x 800 Super AMOLED Plus display is stunning. You won’t find a better display in any other mid-sized tablet period. The colors are spot on with deep blacks. It would’ve been nice if the PPI was closer to the new iPad’s 264 PPI, but this is a 7.7-inch screen so that’s just me attempting to find something wrong.
Accessories
I had a chance to try out the keyboard dock, which I highly recommend if you plan on doing a lot of typing. It works very well with the shortcuts that Samsung implemented. Here is a quick video showing how it works.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Software
Disappointingly, Android 3.2 Honeycomb is on board. At this point in the game Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich should be the OS of choice, but it seems to be a widespread problem as way too many devices are still stuck at Gingerbread, or in the case of tablets, Honeycomb. When the ICS update will land is anyone’s guess, but I’m positive that this device will get it at some point. On top of Honeycomb is Samsung’s UI called TouchWiz. There’s nothing unique about this version of TouchWiz as opposed to the other Galaxy Tab’s. It’s one of the more subtle UI skins and has some really nice enhancements like the notification panel and the ability to take a screen shot with the added softkey
Since this a Verizon branded device, you will get your share of bloatware. You will find apps such as AllShare, Amazon Kindle, Backup Assistant, Blockbuster, Dead Space (EA), Netflix, QuickOffice, Samsung Apps, Peel Smart Remote, Social Hub, The Daily, UNO, VideoSurf, and VZ Navigator. Samsung also included Pen Memo for taking quick memo’s, but you will have to type or use your finger for writing. They also included a photo editor app that will let you resize, crop, and add color effects.
Camera
If you’ve read any of my previous tablet reviews, you know the camera isn’t worth mentioning, but since it’s there, I will. I would rather see manufacturers concentrate on the front facers for tablets since it’s more likely that they will be used. Samsung chose to put in a 2MP lens up front which was very nice, but they totally skimped out with the 3.2MP rear facer. I know I shouldn’t care, but in my opinion, if you’re going to put one in, you might as well make it at least 5MP. Either way, it’s not a big deal and certainly not a reason to stay away from this tab. Here are some example photos if you’re at all concerned with it.
Closing
The Galaxy Tab 7.7 LTE is a solid tablet, but it’s not cheap. It’s priced at $499, but that’s with a 2-year contract. You really have to look at the off contract price to really understand how expensive this is. If you walked into Verizon and didn’t sign a contract, it would cost you $699. That’s really steep considering this is a 7.7-inch tablet. If you really need a tablet that has data connectivity beyond WiFi, I guess it’s not a bad deal. However, I would probably lean towards the DROID XYBOARD 8.2, which has a little bit bigger screen and better IR integration for less money. It goes for $429 on contract or $599 off contact.
For me personally, I don’t require anything more than WiFi so I would either wait for a WiFi version to become available or grab the Motorola WiFi-only XYBOARD 8.2 for as low as $399, and right now Motorola is throwing in an HD Dock and portfolio case for free. If you don’t mind going a little larger, there is an amazing deal right now on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9. Best Buy is offering it for $349 with the keyboard dock for free.




Posted: 23 Mar 2012 10:34 AM PDT
Well what have we here? It looks like Samsung has a some sort of event planned next week at the flagship Phones 4U store in London. Pictures taken by a passerby show that something is going to happen on the 30th of March but other than that it’s a complete mystery. Could this be a sign that the Galaxy S III is merely only a week away? Or is it something else? The store in which this display is located is actually the flagship shop in which Samsung chose to exclusively sell the Galaxy Nexus at launch… Coincidence? It seems rather unlikely for the retailer to make such a big fuss and include a date if it was only going to be an announcement of some kind but it surely isn’t the GSIII is it? Thankfully it’s only a wait of seven days before we know exactly what the heck is going on.
What are your thoughts? Do you think it’s time for the GSIII to see the light of day, or is it too soon? Let us know in the comments below and as always, we will fill you in if we learn anything new.
source: Eurodroid





Posted: 23 Mar 2012 10:29 AM PDT
Verizon IndyCar fans everywhere will rejoice with the new INDYCAR Mobile app for smartphones and tablets. The latest version of the app now puts speed-oholics in the drivers seat allowing fans access to live coverage of the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Firestone Indy Lights Season. From in-car camera action to in-the-moment driver-pit crew transmissions, the INDYCAR Mobile app has all the excitement to get your motor running. Fans will also have access to the most up-to-date news and coverage on all cars participating in these two events including the No.12 car, driven by Will Power and sponsored by Verizon Wireless. The app is exclusively available to Verizon phones and tablets comprising of more than 35 Android smartphones, tablets and iOS devices on their network. Android phones can dial **INDY (**4639) to download the latest version of the INDYCAR Mobile app and Android tablets can search in the Google Play Store for “Indycar”.
qrcode
03/22/2012 - Just in time for the start of the IZOD IndyCar® Series and Firestone Indy Lights seasons, the new INDYCAR® Mobile 3.0 application puts fans in the heart of the action.
INDYCAR Mobile runs like a finely-tuned machine enabling fans to see and hear drivers in real-time with features like in-car cameras; live driver-pit crew transmissions; and real-time leader boards. With the addition of a mosaic screen for all live videos, fans can view up to four videos at one time.
The INDYCAR Mobile app also gives customers access to the latest news, photos, videos and information about the No. 12 car, sponsored by Verizon Wireless and driven by Will Power, as well as all other IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights drivers. There are many extra features to enhance the racing experience for viewers throughout the 2012 season including the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.
Available exclusively to Verizon Wireless customers, the app is available on iOS smartphones, a variety of tablets and more than 35 Android™ smartphones, giving fans unprecedented access to the sport that's all about speed on the network that's redefining it.
The 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series kicks off on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., on March 25. The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race takes place on Sunday, May 27, with Pole Day on Saturday, May 19.
To download the latest version of INDYCAR Mobile, customers with an active data plan on their Android or iOS devices can dial "**INDY (**4639)." Customers with Android tablets such as the Motorola XOOM™, DROID XYBOARD tablets by Motorola or the Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 or 7.7 can search for "Indycar" in the Google Play Store (formerly known as Android Market™).
The INDYCAR Mobile web app, available for iOS devices only, can be accessed by visiting http://indy.vzw.com/ using the Safari browser on the device. Data charges may apply for download and use of this app.
For more information on INDYCAR Mobile, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/indycar. For the 2012 schedule of events, check out www.indycar.com/schedule.
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Posted: 23 Mar 2012 07:37 AM PDT
 
Well we know that ICS for the UK versions of Samsung Galaxy S II devices are on the way, but aside from Three UK pushing the update out officially— we hadn’t heard too much detail from mobile carriers highlighting when owners of the device would get the update. Mobile carrier Orange UK has finally come out and confirmed the update will arrive on devices in April, though it stopped short of indicating when exactly it will arrive. That means owners of the smartphone won’t know if they’ll get new features such as Facial Unlock until next week at the earliest, though it could be as late as the end of next month.
It could be worse for you Orange UK subscribers— other carriers such as T-Mobile UK and Vodafone hasn’t even specified to its customers when the updates will arrive on their devices. Here’s hoping you all on Orange UK will get the update (much) sooner than later.
source: CNet Crave UK




Posted: 23 Mar 2012 07:13 AM PDT

AT&T is making a serious push to ensure the best quality is met for its various devices by making sure Android 4.0 gets pushed out to many of its premium offerings released in the last year. After formally introducing the ICS update for the HTC Vivid yesterday, AT&T has officially confirmed several additional devices will get ICS “in the coming months.” Naturally we already knew some devices from OEMs like Motorola and Samsung would be getting ICS ahead of AT&T’s announcement. Here’s a quick rundown of the devices that will be getting a heaping portion of that sweet, sweet treat:

  • LG Nitro
  • Motorola ATRIX 2
  • Motorola ATRIX 4G
  • Pantech Burst
  • Pantech Element
  • Samsung Captivate Glide
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
  • Samsung Galaxy S II
  • Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
Kudos to AT&T for re-iterating it will ensure the best quality possible for its devices. If you’re an AT&T subscriber, you see your device on the list and don’t plan on changing or upgrading your device, it looks like you have a lot to look forward to for 2012. Hit the break for the full presser from AT&T.

 

AT&T the First U.S. Carrier to Issue Latest Android Version via Upgrade

Update Includes Beats By Dr. Dre Audio™ and Updated HTC Sense™ Experience
Android Upgrades for Several AT&T Devices to Follow
DALLAS, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T* today announced the availability of Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) for HTC Vivid™ customers. After installing the software update, customers can now enjoy the optimized audio experience of Beats By Dr. Dre Audio™ and new and improved HTC Sense™ experience. Information about these features and more can be found at http://www.att.com/vividupdate. HTC Vivid™ will be the first U.S. smartphone to receive Ice Cream Sandwich as an update and the first to be issued by a wireless carrier. It will be followed by several other AT&T devices in the coming months:
  • LG Nitro
  • Motorola ATRIX 2
  • Motorola ATRIX 4G
  • Pantech Burst
  • Pantech Element
  • Samsung Captivate Glide
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
  • Samsung Galaxy S II
  • Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
Focused on bringing the power of Android to the surface, Android 4.0 makes common actions more visible and lets you navigate with simple, intuitive gestures. Refined animations and feedback throughout the system make interactions engaging and interesting. An entirely new typeface optimized for high-resolution screens improves readability and brings a polished, modern feel to the user interface.
New User Features for HTC Vivid
Beats By Dr. Dre Audio™ – Enhance your music and video experience with Beats By Dr. Dre Audio. Whenever a media file is played using the media players or most third party applications, customers will experience richer, more authentic sound. AT&T recently debuted the Beats™ By Dr. Dre™ Beatbox Portable high performance wireless audio system. The superior portable system and Beats accessories are available at AT&T company-owned stores or online.
Face Unlock – Android 4.0 introduces a completely new approach to securing a device, making each person’s device even more personal — Face Unlock is a new screen-lock option that lets you unlock your device using facial recognition. It takes advantage of the device’s front-facing camera and state-of-the-art facial recognition technology to register a face during setup and then to recognize it again when unlocking the device. Just hold your device in front of your face to unlock, or use a backup PIN or pattern.
How to Upgrade
Beginning today, customers can download the update via Wi-Fi by visiting http://www.att.com/vividupdate. If Wi-Fi is not available, you can download the software upgrade to a PC and install it via sideload. On March 23, HTC Vivid customers who have not downloaded the upgrade will begin receiving an SMS notification of upgrade availability.
*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.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.
© 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.




Posted: 23 Mar 2012 07:05 AM PDT
When Google Music launched last year with a limit of 20,000 songs per account, we never imagined there could be a streaming limit, but one such user encountered one. Turns out that apparently there is a daily streaming limit, but that it has been set high enough that the majority of users are unlikely to hit it. Whether the limit is a certain amount of songs or actual time, we don’t know, but it appears you probably need to stream your Google Music for at least half the day to hit it. The good news is that if you do hit it, you will be good to go for the next day. How about you guys? Anyone hit the limit? I bet a few of you are going to try it. Go ahead and let us know what you find out.
source: droid-life




Posted: 23 Mar 2012 06:34 AM PDT
Ah yes, that elusive and mysterious LG Optimus LTE P936 smartphone. When we last saw it, the P936 was trying to pull a fast one and sneak past the FCC without anyone noticing, but it has since made another appearance— this time really making a splash by showing itself off in a video of itself getting benchmarked. As you can see the device runs through the Quadrant gauntlet with flying colors and achieves a not too shabby 2564 score, beating out such devices as the Samsung Galaxy Tab and even the Galaxy Nexus.
While there’s no specific information of this gorgeous black toy, there is some general details about the device that has been leaked out. We know there’s a 1.5GHz processor inside (though we don’t know if it’s a dual or quad-core processor), 720p display with 320 ppi on an estimated 4.6-inch screen and a sweet 8MP camera. It’s pretty unlikely this device will be headed within the U.S. lines, but it looks like those abroad may have yet another solid phone to look forward to.
Enough chit-chatter— I’m sure you’re all aching to see the benchmark, so be sure to check it out in the video below.
Click here to view the embedded video.

source: GSM Dome
via: pocketnow




Posted: 23 Mar 2012 06:25 AM PDT
We’ve already seen a nice press image of the upcoming LG Lucid 4G for Verizon Wireless, so now all we need is the specs. Unfortunately there is nothing to wow you, but this could make a really nice mid-level 4G LTE phone. Specs include a 4-inch (800 x 480) IPS display, 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 8GB of internal memory, 11.4mm thick, 1700 mAh battery, and Android 2.3 (Ugg!). This one might come in at $149, which for a dual-core 4G LTE phone isn’t bad when you consider Verizon’s non-competitive pricing. if you aren’t tied to a carrier, the AT&T Pantech Burst at $49 might be the better buy.
source: droid-life

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