Android Central

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• Viewsonic set to laugh at tablet sizes by introducing 22-inch behemoth?
• Huawei set to debut the Emotion UI for Android on June 9
• GameStop to sell Android tablets in over 1600 stores
• HTC Sensation XL Ice Cream Sandwich update rolling out
• Pebble Blue Samsung Galaxy S III delayed across the UK
• Sony Xperia U review
• Asus teases the 'Next Transformations' ahead of Computex 2012
• Monday Brief: Enyo team members head to Google, Absinthe 2.0 released, and more!
• Orange UK showing off the UK's first Intel Android smartphone this week
• Video of ICS on an Xperia S will whet your whistle until the real thing drops

Viewsonic set to laugh at tablet sizes by introducing 22-inch behemoth? Posted: 28 May 2012 03:54 PM PDT Yes, you did read that right. 22-inches. Putting Toshiba's 13-inch effort in the shade, Viewsonic could be about to go where no Android OEM has gone before by introducing a tablet the size of a PC monitor.  Touted as a "smart business tablet monitor," the colossal Ice Cream Sandwich device could be set for it's first public viewing at the forthcoming Computex show in Taipei.  What the average consumer could do with something like this remains to be seen. If it does exist though, it's an interesting concept and exciting to see companies thinking outside the box. Probably wouldn't want to take this on the bus to work though.  No word on prospective specs or pricing for whatever this turns out to be, but at 22-inches, it's not likely to be cheap. Computex is only a few days away though, so we'll know soon enough.  via T3

Huawei set to debut the Emotion UI for Android on June 9 Posted: 28 May 2012 02:47 PM PDT We can already hear the groans, another custom UI. Huawei are set to introduce their own brand of Android UI, dubbed Emotion, which will debut on June 9 ahead of a July arrival.  Details are scarce, but given the recent device unveilings at CES and MWC it wouldn't be too far fetched to imagine that it will be incorporated into builds of Ice Cream Sandwich. A July launch will also tie in with the supposed arrival of the Ascend D Quad, which may well have been put back to July with this in mind. Interestingly enough, the hands on we had with the D Quad at CTIA showed Huawei's current attempts at a custom UI.  There are no words on which devices may or may not get an update to Emotion, or for that matter if the western world will ever see it either. But, given Huawei's recent push to enter the global smartphone market, it's pretty likely we shall. What we really want though from Huawei, is the hardware.  via Unwired View

GameStop to sell Android tablets in over 1600 stores Posted: 28 May 2012 02:22 PM PDT Games retailer, GameStop, has pulled  the trigger and announced the availability of Android tablets at more than 1600 of its stores nationwide. This follows the initial offering of a selection of tablets back in November of last year.  The tablets -- which include the Acer Iconia A100, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Asus Transformer -- are being marketed as gaming devices. Each will come with some selected games pre-installed free of charge, which include so far Sonic CD and the pretty awesome Riptide GP.  As with other products sold by GameStop, a new tablet can be bought with a trade-in of an old game, or perhaps even one of those iDevices that has been sat gathering dust in your bedroom.   via Pocket Gamer

HTC Sensation XL Ice Cream Sandwich update rolling out Posted: 28 May 2012 01:47 PM PDT The HTC Sensation XL is the latest Android phone to be graced with an update to version 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich. According to forum reports, the update is now pushing out over the air to devices in Europe and Asia, so if you're rocking the Beats-toting 4.7-incher, then head to Settings > About phone > Software updates and hit that button. The new version brings the Sensation XL up to Android 4.0.3, while HTC Sense remains at version 3.6. So XL owners will get many of the benefits of ICS (the new app dock, multi-tasking menu and face unlock), only without the completely re-vamped UI found on Sense 4.0 devices. This is the same version we've seen before in ICS updates for phones like the Rezound and (OG) Sensation. Bear in mind that the update weighs in at just under 200MB, so if you're on a fixed data allowance, you may want to wait until you're on Wifi before downloading the new software. Source: XDA

Pebble Blue Samsung Galaxy S III delayed across the UK Posted: 28 May 2012 10:53 AM PDT Sad news breaking this afternoon for anyone in the UK -- or abroad if you just couldn't wait -- that has pre-ordered a new Samsung Galaxy S III from Clove Technology. Just over 24 hours before the first appearance of the phone, the latest update from Clove has put the shipping dates back for both white and blue versions of the latest Samsung flagship.  If you've ordered a white one, the delay is less. Instead of shipping on May 30, they will now begin shipping the following day, June 1, instead. It's the Pebble Blue variant that has a slight ring of alarm bells around it. But only slight.  The first stock is now expected to arrive at Clove from June 5. The uneasy part, is that this date is still to be confirmed.  For now, lets try not to panic too much. Yes, there have been rumors all over the interwebs about issues with the Pebble Blue Galaxy S III, and subsequent delays because of said rumored issues. At the moment, it is only Clove that have published details of any stock delays.  We've reached out to our friends over at Clove to see if we can dig out some more details on this one. But, in the UK it's now out of office hours, so we may have to wait until morning. Sit tight folks.  Update: The plot thickens, as it's now becoming clear this is a widespread delay -- Things are the same over at HandTec. They're on track for a May 31 release of the white version, but have no date available for the Pebble Blue. ​   ​​Digging through the UK carriers, it's clear that there is a blanket delay on the Pebble Blues. Three are showing a pre-order button for the white version, but "out of stock" next to the blue. O2 is the same story. Orange haven't changed from "coming soon" since the product page first went up, and T-Mobile still seem to be taking pre-orders for both versions. Over at Vodafone, the blue Galaxy S III is on back-order, with the aim to deliver within 2-4 weeks.   There are some small nuggets of good news though. The official Samsung store at Westfield has told us that they will still be holding their early launch for pre-order customers tomorrow, ahead of general release on May 30.   A press release from Carphone Warehouse today indicates that the retailer plans to stage an "early" launch on the evening of May 30, ahead of the Galaxy S III's general launch across its stores nationwide on May 31. No word on which colors will be available.   Supermarket giant Tesco -- who also have a phone network -- have added the following message to their website: “Please note: we have been advised by Samsung that stock of the Samsung Galaxy S III in Blue has been delayed. We will despatch your pre-order as soon as stock is available.” Keep it locked to Android Central, we'll keep you posted as anything new comes in. Source: Clove Technology

Sony Xperia U review Posted: 28 May 2012 09:56 AM PDT Despite some successes last year with devices like the Xperia Arc, Sony’s gotten off to a shaky start in 2012. It was first to market with a new flagship device, in the form of the Xperia S, only to be eclipsed just a month later by HTC One X. And with the formidable Samsung Galaxy S III looming, Sony’s flagship product looks set to remain on the sidelines. So could the Japanese manufacturer fare better in the entry-level space, with a phone like the Xperia U? At first glance, the device sounds like a winner -- and entry-level smartphone with a dual-core CPU, Sony’s Bravia Engine display tech and and excellent build quality. But could this be undone by a focus on visual gimmickry, and the inclusion of an aging version of Android? Find out after the break as we kick off our full review of the Sony Xperia U.   Good build quality, solid specs and decent performance. Excellent value for money, and an ICS update due in the weeks ahead... …but in the meantime, it’s yet another Gingerbread phone. Swappable plastic bottoms are a bit of a gimmick. Dismal 4GB of media storage. Over-compression issues with the video camera. A few intermittent software bugs. The Xperia U isn’t a flawless performance from Sony, but it is a nicely balanced entry-level handset all the same. The tiny amount of media storage, and lack of any expandable options, will be a deal-breaker for many. But around this price point, it's difficult to think of a phone that offers better value for money.   Inside this review More info Video walkthrough Hardware review Software review Camera tests Xperia U MWC preview Xperia S review Xperia U forums read more

Asus teases the 'Next Transformations' ahead of Computex 2012 Posted: 28 May 2012 09:48 AM PDT "Join us as we introduce the truly incredible Next Transformations." The message delivered by Asus in a teaser trailer ahead of their Computex 2012 showcase in Taipei. Computex is right around the corner, and any big trade show needs some product teasers to whet everybody's appetites.  Other than this, and blatant cloud talk, there really isn't anything to go on. Nor, for that matter is there anything Android related to go on. At the point all we have is pure, un-bridled speculation. But, given Asus' record, it does leave us wondering if we're about to be treated to some more goodies from the Taiwanese OEM. Remember too, back at MWC we got a hands on with the Transformer Pad Infinity, which is still to make it to market. So, that could be involved in some way. Or, we could get something completely new and breathtaking. Either way this is Asus, so it's definitely one to keep watch over. Check the video out for yourselves after the break  Source: Asus (Youtube) read more

Monday Brief: Enyo team members head to Google, Absinthe 2.0 released, and more! Posted: 28 May 2012 06:08 AM PDT   Mobile Nations Podcast Feed Mobile Nations on iTunes Mobile Nations YouTube EVO 4G LTE is making its way into users' hands Beautifully redesigned Google+ experience is here! HTC Bluetooth Car StereoClip review BlackBerry Messenger will not make its way to iOS or Android Research In Motion's head of Global Sales, Patrick Spence, exits after 14 years BlackBerry 10 Jam World Tour registration now open Key members of Enyo team quitting HP, moving to Google [Updated with statement from HP] HP's Q2 2012 earnings call the beginning of a major company restructuring - 27,000 jobs to be lost Best webOS apps for Cooking and Grilling Untethered jailbreak your iPhone 4S, new iPad and more with Absinthe 2.0 for iOS 5.1.1 The 16:9 iPhone iPhone & iPad Live 295: iPhone 5 rumor round table Nokia Lumia 900 shakes its booty in Flo Rida's newest video BBC iPlayer to be available on Windows Phone in coming weeks, not so for Sky Go Skype and the Nokia Lumia 610: Here's the current situation

Orange UK showing off the UK's first Intel Android smartphone this week Posted: 28 May 2012 04:59 AM PDT We've known Intel Medfield powered Android devices have been on the horizon now since CES in January. This little invite just landed in our inbox though. This coming Thursday, May 31, Orange UK will be showcasing their own-brand Intel phone, codenamed Santa Clara, which  will also become the first Intel Android device to hit the UK market.  Naturally, we can't tell you where and when -- that's top secret -- but we've been waiting to get our hands on some Intel hardware since the grand unveiling in Las Vegas. We've also been told that Santa Clara won't be the device's launch name, so we should see a little more information on that as well. We'll also be looking to receive some launch dates and pricing information. Price is going to be the key component for the Santa Clara to be a success. Orange's own brand phones have traditionally been low end, low price affairs picked up by pay-as-you-go customers.  One of the burning questions for prospective buyers is, will it see Ice Cream Sandwich? It's also sure to be one of the questions asked at some point during the session -- most probably by us -- so fingers crossed we'll come away satisified.  Orange are sure to be marketing this one -- and the Intel Inside branding -- quite hard. Intel is a brand that the majority of average consumers are familiar with, so playing on it makes a whole heap of sense. Us though, we're more interested in what it can do. It'll be filled with Orange branding, Orange apps, Orange wallpapers -- a whole lot of Orange. But hopefully that won't detract from the real nuts and bolts of the phone. In any case, we're looking forward to going hands on. Intel's going to be a big deal.

Video of ICS on an Xperia S will whet your whistle until the real thing drops Posted: 28 May 2012 03:29 AM PDT First the Xperia S was going to get Ice Cream Sandwich in mid-April, then late May or early June, then finally sometime in Q2 (which will probably be June, just not early June). As the days drag on and your appetite for Android 4.0 grows, we're happy to bring you tidbits when we can that can satiate the incredible desire for the latest and greatest. Our friends over at XperiaBlog happened to get their hands on a leaked video of Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, running on an Xperia S (courtesy of Sony XP). A couple of highlights include Sony's take on the lock screen, a slick music player, and a gorgeous, streamlined gallery. I've always said seeing is believing, though, so we've got said video after the break. Source: SonyXP via XperiaBlog read more

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