Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Android Central

Android Central


Machinarium for Android - The most beautiful (and beautifully frustrating) game you may ever play

Posted: 14 May 2012 03:24 PM PDT

Machinarium for Android

Spend even just a couple minutes with Machinarium, and two things are abundantly clear:

  • This quite possibly is the most visually stunning game I've ever played.
  • You're going to need some patience to get through this one.''

It's puzzles meet steampunk in this hand-drawn world. You guide Josef through the "legendary city of Machinarium. Each level has a series of puzzles or challenges that have to be completed, not unlike the Myst of yore. You get one hit per level, but there's a comic-like walkthrough book that will help you on your way, if you're willing to play the little in-app game to get to it.

The game's designed for tablets, but it'll run on higher-resolution smartphones as well. The developer warns that you'll not have the same experience, as the touch regions are affected, but you should get the idea.

Machinarium costs $3.99. But once you play it, you'll see it's well worth the price. Check out the demo video after the break.

Update: Oh, right. It's a 220MB download, so heads up.

Download: Machinarium
Need help? Check out the first two levels in our Machinarium walkthrough

read more



EVO 4G LTE shipping notifications, Beats Audio functions [From the Forums]

Posted: 14 May 2012 03:03 PM PDT

From the forums

With most of the larger events all wrapped up now and everyone all back where they belong, it's time we get back to some of regular scheduled programming. If you happened to miss out on anything from today, make sure you get yourself caught up both here on the blogs and in the Android Central Forums. Check out some of the threads below to get yourself started:

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.



Skullcandy protective cover for the HTC One S [case review]

Posted: 14 May 2012 02:48 PM PDT

Skullcandy cover for the HTC One S

The Skullcandy protective cover for the HTC One S is a hard-shell snap-on cover designed to keep the phone from getting scratched and dinged during everyday use. The cover simply snaps over the rear of the phone, protecting the U.S. version of the One S' gorgeous blue and grey gradient paint job but keeping the sexy thin profile of the phone intact. 

The cover fits well, and there isn't any risk of it falling off. The top and bottom are cut out for easy access to controls and the dual-microphones, and the precision cut-outs for the volume switch, USB port, and camera align perfectly. The camera cutout is generous, and doesn't affect the pictures you'll take with the One S' amazing camera in any way.

While not designed for serious abuse, the Skullcandy protective cover will keep your One S looking like the day you bought it, and when combined with a good screen protector should keep everything scratch-free in any purse or pocket. To get one of your own, visit your local T-Mobile store or their website.  We've got a handful of pictures after the break.

read more



Samsung publishes official Galaxy S III TV ad

Posted: 14 May 2012 01:08 PM PDT

Android Central

If you were watching Samsung's May 3 presentation closely enough, you might have seen this before -- it's Samsung's (slightly odd, if we're honest) TV spot for the upcoming Galaxy S III, which the manufacturer's uploaded separately for the first time today.  In amongst clips of happy, attractive people jumping around and enjoying their phones, you'll spot a series of broad slogans alluding to some of the major functions of the phone. Apparently the Galaxy S III is the phone that "keeps track of your loved ones," "recognizes who you are," "follows your every move," and "waits until you're asleep."

Sleep tight. We've got the video itself embedded after the break.

read more



Facebook rolling out improved News Feed layout for mobile devices

Posted: 14 May 2012 12:26 PM PDT

Facebook UI

For Facebook fans, it's always a little bit scary when Facebook decides to rollout some new layout changes considering you never know if they're going to make the experience better or worse. The latest update though appears of have made things a little better especially for those who post or view a lot of photos via Facebook. As noted on Facebook:

"Starting today, we’re rolling out an improved design for posts in news feed on your mobile phone. Now photos are up to 3x larger, and all posts will fill your mobile screen from edge to edge. The new design will be available on iOS, Android and m.facebook.com."

As you can see in the shot above, images extend out and fill up the screen better now where as before it would only show just a small preview and you would then have to click through to see the image or any set of images in your news feed. We'll let you all decide if it's better this way but in any case, it's live now for folks -- no update to the app itself needed as it is a server side change.

Source: Facebook



Motorola Mobility launches the Motorola Xoom 2 family of tablets in Sweden, elsewhere

Posted: 14 May 2012 11:40 AM PDT

Motorola Xoom 2

Motorola Mobility is continuing their global roll out of the Motorola Xoom 2 family of tablets. This time around, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark are getting some Motorola love with the release of the Motorola Xoom 2 as well as the Motorola Xoom 2 Media Edition.

  • Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition - Wi-Fi variant from 3595 SEK
  • Motorola XOOM 2 - Wi-Fi variant from 3595 SEK
  • Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition - Wi-Fi & 3G variant from 4395 SEK
  • Motorola XOOM 2 - Wi-Fi & 3G variant from 4795 SEK

All variations of the tablets are available now in Sweden through El-Giganten at the various price points listed above. Need some more info? Check out the Motorola site link below or have a look at our Motorola Xoom 2 review for more details.

Source: Motorola (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark)



Start your week with the Greatest Android Podcast in the World!

Posted: 14 May 2012 09:12 AM PDT

Android Central Podcast

It's Monday, and we're back to our first normal work week in a little while. Yeah, we didn't have a regular podcast last week -- instead we were live from the CTIA convention in New Orleans, where we got a look at the new Verizon Droid Incredible 4G LTE, some new fare from Kyocera, and a few other odds and ends.

The Android Central Podcast is your weekly peek into the world of Android, where we break down the news that really matters, and explain what's just a bunch of hype. Plus, we answer your e-mails and voicemails. You don't want to miss it. Check out the Android Central Podcast.



AT&T HTC One X out of stock online

Posted: 14 May 2012 08:49 AM PDT

AT&T HTC One X

In what either is good news for sales numbers or bad news for initial inventory numbers, the AT&T HTC One X currently is listed as "out of stock" on AT&T's website for both the white and gray versions. How long that'll remain the case remains unknown (and we're not quite sure how long it's been listed out of stock). The good news is if you're looking to get out, there are myriad options, including the ol' brick-and-mortar route.

But no matter how you go about snagging your AT&T One X, be sure to read our comprehensive review first!

More: AT&T HTC One X (white, gray)



ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #71: Andru USB Charger, Lucid 4G Snap-On Cover & more

Posted: 14 May 2012 08:42 AM PDT

Welcome back for another week of giveaway's from ShopAndroid.com! Today we'll be featuring the Andru USB Charger, Qmadix Snap-On Cover w/ Holster for LG Lucid 4G, OtterBox Commuter Case for T-Mobile myTouch 4G, and the Body Glove Flex Snap-On Case for Infuse 4G.

To become eligible to win be sure to leave your comment below telling us which item you'd like for your Android device.  One lucky winner will be chosen and announced next week. Good luck!

Andru USB Charger

Andru is a spectacular phone charger made especially for Android phones, though he'll gladly charge any phone or USB-powered device. His included cable has a micro-USB plug, but you can use your own if your device requires it. Let him keep you company at your desk, playfully tousle his antennae, tell him your problems. Andru comes with a desktop stand for when he isn't charging your device.

read more



State of the Mobile Nations Survey: Phone buying habits

Posted: 14 May 2012 08:30 AM PDT

State of the Mobile Nations

Help Us Help You! In our ongoing quest to better serve our community, we want to gain a better understanding into your phone buying habits. Are you buying your next phone in store or online? On contract, off contract or pay as you go? Those are the kinds of questions we're asking on this one.

The survey will only take you two minutes or less. Thanks!



Some Sprint stores opening at 8 a.m. Friday for the EVO 4G LTE

Posted: 14 May 2012 08:13 AM PDT

Sprint EVO 4G LTE

Sprint today announced that stores in a number of states will open at 8 a.m. local time for Friday's launch of the HTC EVO 4G LTE. Some stores will have special demonstrations set up. They include:

  • Plano, Texas: 1913 Preston Road, Suite 100.
  • Atlanta: 3400 Around Lenox Road, Atlanta, Ga., 30326, in the Around Lenox shopping center
  • Miami: 12540 SW 120th Street
  • Boston: 422 Boylston Street, at the corner of Boylston & Berkeley streets
  • ​Redmond, Wash.: Overlake Sprint Store, 148th Ave NE
  • South Denver: 9992 Commons Street, STE 100, Lone Tree, CO, just off E. Lincoln Avenue
  • Washington, D.C.: 1101 South Joyce Street, Suite B15, Arlington, VA 22202
  • San Francisco: 320 Gellert Boulevard, Daly City, CA, 94015 - cross street Hickey Blvd.
  • New York City: 175 Fifth Avenue
  • Los Angeles: 364 S La Cienega Blvd (between San Vicente and 3rd Street)

Sprint's announcing these locations one at a time, so we'll keep an eye out for any additions. We'd also recommend checking with your local store before showing up first thing Friday, just in case.

Source: Sprint PR; more: Sprint store locations
Also: EVO 4G LTE forums



T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G to get ICS update this Wednesday

Posted: 14 May 2012 08:02 AM PDT

Android Central

T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G owners will have been watching with envy as their phone's international cousin was updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich a couple of months ago. But now it seems the wait may finally be at an end, with T-Mobile announcing in its official support documentation that the Sensation's ICS update will be arriving this Wednesday, May 16.

The update promises the same mix of Android 4.0.3 and HTC Sense 3.6 that we've seen on a number of updated HTC devices over the past few months, with highlights including a re-vamped launcher, face unlock, data usage controls and home screen folders. Sure, it's not quite as pretty as the new-fangled Sense 4 that's bundled on HTC One phones, but it's a significant step up from earlier Sensation ROMs.

This Wednesday, Sensation 4G owners will want to head to Settings -> About phone -> Software updates to grab the update to the latest version of Android.

And hopefully Amaze 4G owners won't have too long to wait either, with the latest info out of T-Mobile indicating an ICS release "in the coming weeks."

Source: Android Central forums



LG Spectrum gets update to Android 2.3.6

Posted: 14 May 2012 07:34 AM PDT

Android Central

Looks like LG and Verizon Wireless have released a new software update for the LG Spectrum. Today's update -- version VS920V6 -- brings the Spectrum up to Android 2.3.6 (that's right, still no ICS just yet), and also adds in a few new fixes to the web browser, email and widgets on the phone.

The update is detailed on Verizon's support site and said to be "coming soon." However, posts on the Android Central forums indicate that some Spectrum owners are already receiving it through the carrier's PC-based Software Update Assistant program, a likely precursor to an over-the-air roll-out.

So if you're eager to get your LG Spectrum running a slightly newer version of Android, with all the fixes and tweaks that brings, then you'd best fire up that Update Assistant program.

More: VZW Support; Android Central forums



Deal of the Day: Mobi Products Hard Shell Case for Motorola Photon 4G

Posted: 14 May 2012 06:51 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The May 14 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Mobi Products Hard Shell Case for Motorola Photon 4G.  This hard case features a slim, low profile design that has cut-outs for all of the Photon 4G's features.  The case is a two-piece design and the screen is left exposed for full functionality. Comes in black, blue, red, purple, and pink.

The Photon 4G Mobi Hard Shell Case is available for just $4.95 today only, 75% off the regular price. Get yours today while supplies last!



Three UK HTC One S v1.78 firmware update now rolling out

Posted: 14 May 2012 06:44 AM PDT

HTC One S

In what has to be record time for a branded firmware update, British network Three has started pushing out its branded version of the 1.78 firmware for the HTC One S. This is the latest software update which began rolling out on unbranded One S phones last week. As we mentioned at the time, this update seems to remove some instances of the pesky virtual menu button in certain Google apps, in addition to fixing the ongoing Wifi wonkiness that's been affecting some HTC One phones.

The update weighs in at around 58MB, and includes a brand new kernel and radio too, if you're interested in that stuff. If you're rocking a One S on Three UK, head to Settings -> About phone -> Software updates to pick up the latest update. 



Monday Brief: More 7-inch iPad Rumors, BB10 secrets, CTIA recap, and more!

Posted: 14 May 2012 05:47 AM PDT


 

Mobile Nations

 



T-Mobile UK reveals Samsung Galaxy S III pricing

Posted: 14 May 2012 04:11 AM PDT

Android Central

T-Mobile is the latest British carrier to announce pricing details for its subsidized Galaxy S III handsets. Tmo UK is promoting the Galaxy S III on its "Full Monty" plan, which offers unlimited data, texts and T-Mobile to T-Mobile calls, in addition to 2000 minutes to other networks. If that's what you're after in a Galaxy S III price plan, then you'll pay £49.99 up-front, and then £36 per month for the next 24 months. Right now the network's not offering details of any other Galaxy S III plans, but it's likely the phone will be offered with a cheaper monthly bill, in exchange for a higher up-front fee for the phone.

The Samsung Galaxy S III will launch in the UK in just over two weeks, starting May 30. All five major mobile networks, including T-Mobile, are confirmed to be carrying the device.

More: T-Mobile UK



Motorola Motoluxe review

Posted: 14 May 2012 02:18 AM PDT

There's more to Android than high-end devices, as we take a look at Motorola's entry-level Motoluxe

Motorola Motoluxe

On the European side of the Android world, Motorola hasn't really made the same impact as it has in the US. Moto brings good hardware to the table, yet we live in a Samsung and HTC dominated world. That said, Motorola has been pushing its latest entry-level offering, the Motoluxe, quite hard in the UK.

As the weeks since the device’s launch have passed, we've seen press release after press release detailing yet more European mobile markets receiving it. It even made release in Canada these past few weeks. Motorola is promoting this as a style focused device, starting with a swanky London launch party. Truth be told, though, we're more interested in the device beneath the style. We've spent some time getting to know the Motoluxe over the past couple of weeks, and in our honest opinion, it isn’t all that bad. The important thing to remember is the market that this device is aimed at, and for those people it’ll do just nicely.

We'll take you through it after the break. 

read more



ASUS Padfone video reminds us it's a phone, tablet, laptop and stylus

Posted: 14 May 2012 02:17 AM PDT

Android Central

One of the more memorable moments of this year's Mobile World Congress involved ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih unveiling the multitude of components that make up the ASUS Padfone. The Padfone, if you'll remember, starts off as an Android 4.0 phone, which you can then plug into a tablet dock to transform into an Android tablet. Then, in typical ASUS transformer style, adding the keyboard dock gives you an Android laptop. And then there's the capacitive stylus which also doubles as as a headset. Because hey, why not?

We got to meet the Padfone a couple of months back in Barcelona (and we've got words and video to prove it), but today ASUS has published one of the promotional videos first unveiled at its MWC press conference. There's a complete rundown of all the Padfone's features, along with specs and details of exactly how much batter life the entire package delivers. Connect the phone to the tablet, then the tablet to the keyboard dock, and ASUS says you'll get up to 102 hours of use.

There's no word on any official release date just yet, but we've got the video embedded after the break to whet your appetite.

read more



Galaxy S III 'C Pen' stylus and other accessories appear for pre-order

Posted: 14 May 2012 01:23 AM PDT

Android CentralIf you were watching our coverage of the Galaxy S III launch event, you'll already be familiar with the wealth of accessories that were announced alongside the phone, and shown backstage in the sprawling demo area. We even gave them a full write up, and snapped some photos. Today a few of these accessories have appeared for pre-order over at UK retailer MobileFun, along with preliminary prices and some official promo images. Among the more interesting accessories on show is the "C Pen" -- Sammy's capacitive stylus for the Galaxy S III, which was nowhere to be found in the demo area at the launch event. MobileFun is also listing the official flip cover, Wifi Display Hub and phone holder/battery charger.

As you might expect from official, branded accessories, these don't come cheap. The holder/charger package comes in at £35 (~$56), while the flip cover will sell for £30 (~$48). It's also worth mentioning that you can't buy any of these just yet (for the Galaxy S III that you don't have), as these are just pre-order listings. We're hoping to see many of these on launch day, but we're already hearing from retailers that one of the more anticipated add-ons, the wireless charging accessory, isn't expected until September.

Source: MobileFun



HTC Desire C sighted once again, apparently coming to Vodafone Portugal

Posted: 14 May 2012 01:01 AM PDT

Android Central

The HTC Desire C -- aka HTC Wildfire C, aka HTC Golf -- has appeared in a couple of leaks over the past few weeks. First a leaked render started doing the rounds, then last week we got some early photos of the actual phone in the flesh. Now the upcoming entry-level smartphone has been sighted making an early appearance in Vodafone Portugal's product portfolio. GSMArena​ snagged a couple of shots before it was taken down, revealing a design and set of specs that'll be familiar to anyone who's been following the leaks.

Essentially, it's an updated version of last year's HTC Wildfire S. In terms of raw specs, Vodafone Portugal suggests it'll have 3.5-inch HVGA display, a 600MHz CPU, 5MP camera and 4GB of storage. Again, nothing to write home about, but this is a definitely a budget device we're dealing with here. We'll be watching with interest to see what price point the Desire C eventually appears at.

Source: GSMArena



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