Friday, May 4, 2012

Android Central

Android Central

Latest SwiftKey beta brings back the comma, promotes voice-to-text

Posted: 03 May 2012 04:42 PM PDT

Swiftkey Beta

SwiftKey, recipients of the prestigious 2011 Android Central Editor's Pick for third-party keyboard, today unleashed a new beta version of the SwiftKey 3 keyboard that, ahem, fixes a few things in the UI department. Most notably, the comma key has resurfaced -- albeit as a secondary function, though the reshuffling also brought the voice-to-text microphone to the forefront, so we're not going to complain too much.

Also of note in this beta update:

  • Improved the UI: there is now a dedicated comma key, and the <123> key is now in the bottom-left corner. 
  • Refined the Smart Punctuation pop-up.
  • Reintroduced the Long-press duration setting.
  • Improved Smart Space functionality.
  • Further reduced lag on some devices.
  • Fixed a number of bugs, including the missing decimal point in the numpad and the "What's New" dialog popping up all the time.

In addition to being the 2011 Android Central Editor's Pick for third-party keyboards, SwiftKey also won a Webby this week, which is pretty close in prestige. (Note to Android Central editors: Give away gongs.)

More: SwiftKey VIP forums (registration required)

 

Flipboard for Android - we go hands-on!

Posted: 03 May 2012 02:26 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S III

Flipboard is finally coming to Android. Well, sort of. Flipboard is coming to Android on the Galaxy S III. Exclusively on the Galaxy S III, we're told, at least for some amount of time, though Flipboard's website today informs that it'll be available on "Select Android phones" at first, so that could mean more than just the SGSIII.

What's all the fuss about? If you're a fan of Google Currents -- and judging by the more than 321,000 subscribers to Android Central on Google Currents, a few of you are -- you'll also be a fan of Flipboard. The idea is that you take a traditional news feed and turn it into a more visually appealing medium. "Magazine-style" is the phrase we use a lot, and it's a great way to read traditional online stories, online or offline. And Flipboard was one of the first apps to do it really well, and until now it's only been available on iOS devices.

But no more. Flipboard is coming to Android. We don't know exactly when (well, May 29 for those of you in Europe, we suppose), and we don't know how long it'll be SGSIII-only. But if you've been waiting for Flipboard on Android, it's coming. Probably. 

We've got a brief hands-on look after the break that'll give you the idea of what's in store.

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Galaxy S III 'Pop-up Play' picture-in-picture demonstration

Posted: 03 May 2012 02:25 PM PDT

Samsung showed off a host of new features on the new Galaxy S III today, but one of the most eye-catching was the “Pop-up Play” capability, which brings picture-in-picture video viewing to the device. Activated from within the native Gallery app, Pop-up Play creates a smaller, draggable window that hovers on top of other apps, which sits there playing your video of choice. And in the background, you’re free to run whichever apps you please.

Sure, we’ve seen kind of thing implemented by the rooting and hacking community before, but this is Samsung is the first manufacturer to offer this picture-in-picture viewing out of the box. And combined with the Galaxy S III’s wealth of supported codecs, we’re sure this feature will be of use to many an S III owner in the months ahead.

Check our hands-on video above, and be sure to read the rest of our Galaxy S III coverage for even more info on Samsung’s new flagship smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy S III versus the HTC One X!

Posted: 03 May 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S III and the HTC One X

You're going to make me choose, aren't you. You're going to make be choose between the HTC One X and the new Samsung Galaxy S III. Fine. I'm a big boy. I can do that.

The One X has the better display. Maybe it's the slightly higher pixel density, thanks to the slightly smaller display (4.7 inches compared to the GSIII's 4.8 inches). Or maybe it's just that I prefer Super LCD2 to Super AMOLED HD. Regardless, I choose the One X on that spec. 

I'm going to take a pass on processor and chipset for the moment. That's something that's better tested in the real world and not after a few hours of demos. But chances are we're going to see pretty good battery times on the Galaxy S III, due in part to it having a greater capacity (2100 mAh) compared to the One X (1800mAh).

Samsung Galaxy S III and the HTC One X.I'm not crazy about the physical home button on the GSIII, but if history repeats, U.S. carriers might well opt to get rid of it when the phone hits the states. (On the other hand, it's nice to have a menu button, and multitasking by holding the home button is intuitive enough.)

If you've listened to our Galaxy S III podcast, you know that I'm not crazy about the latest version of Touchwiz. As far as home screens and the launcher go, they're functional, but they're more of the same. But Samsung's camera app, and the S Voice and motion tweaks are pretty killer. We'll call that one a wash, perhaps, because a third-party launcher will cure some what Touchwiz ails. At the end of the day, though, it doesn't feel like you're using an Ice Cream Sandwich device like it does on One X.

When it comes down to that "feels good in the hand" factor, though, the Galaxy S III wins out. It's more curvy than the One X, and it's a full 0.3 millimeters thinner. It's 3 grams heavier, though, but it's nicely balanced and doesn't feel overly hefty.

So which one would I choose? Which of my children do I prefer more than another? 

Gonna sleep on it. In the meantime, enjoy the hands-on video after the break.

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Samsung Galaxy S III heading to the US in June

Posted: 03 May 2012 01:24 PM PDT

Android Central

We know that heading into tonight's Samsung Galaxy S III launch event, one of the big questions you guys had surrounded any US availability. We got a couple of answers that should tide you over. 

Yes, there is a 4G LTE version of the Galaxy S III, and yes the phone will be coming to the US. As this slide from the keynote shows us, we're expecting the first signs of the new Samsung flagship in the US in June. What we still don't know at this point, is whether or not this will be the launch, or the availability of the device.

For now, we'll just have to wait until the US carriers start to announce the device, but worry-ye-not American Samsung fans. This time around there won't be that long wait that came for the Galaxy S II.

Samsung Galaxy S III international availability

Posted: 03 May 2012 01:23 PM PDT

Android Central

Update: Carphone Warehouse is now offering a pre-order price for the Galaxy S III, at £499.95 -- about the going rate for a high-end smartphone in the UK.

We're just back from Samsung's Galaxy S III unveiling at the 2012 Unpacked event in London, where it's been announced that the phone will go on sale in Europe from May 29. Following the S III's public debut the usual host of carriers and retailers have announced that they'll be stocking the device.

We already knew that O2 UK and Vodafone UK would be getting Samsung's new flagship smartphone, but we can add Three and Orange to that list, as both have today confirmed that they'll range the S III. And Vodafone says it'll exclusively offer the 32GB version in the UK for the first month of its availability. And we've had confirmation from Phones4U and Carphone Warehouse that they'll stock the Galaxy S III, too.

Elsewhere, Samsung will revealed a world tour event that'll take place in several cities around the world. Venues will include Moscow, Beijing, Zurich, Dubai, Seoul, Delhi, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, New York and an unannounced location in  South-East Asia.

Stay tuned for the first details on U.S. availability.

Source: Three Blog, Orange Blog, Carphone Warehouse

Samsung Galaxy S III official images

Posted: 03 May 2012 12:27 PM PDT

Android Central.

Want official renders of Samsung's new baby, the Galaxy S III? We've got you covered. Check out renders of the white and blue versions in all their shiny, curvaceous glory after the break.

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Samsung Galaxy S III S Voice demonstration

Posted: 03 May 2012 12:16 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S III S Voice

Being able to talk to your phone and have it talk back to you isn't necessarily a new feature, but it's certainly been made popular with Siri on the iPhone 4S. And in some brief testing today on the Samsung Galaxy S III, we found it to work pretty well. We're going to wait to give it the full what-for when we're out of the demo environment and on the mean streets, where seconds count when you're finding out whether it's raining out, where to hide a dead body -- or how much wood a woodchuck can chuck.

When not chucking wood, S Voice does such menial searches as voice dialing, sending text messages, searching contacts, find navigation routes, records memos, adds to your schedule and can set tasks, among other items.

But, really, it's all about the woodchuck.

We've got some hands-on video after the break.

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Samsung Galaxy S III versus Samsung Galaxy Nexus!

Posted: 03 May 2012 12:15 PM PDT

You didn't think we'd come all the way to London to see the Samsung Galaxy S III and not put it up against the Galaxy Nexus, did you? Physically, you can see some differences, of course. The SGSIII is a little more sleek, a little less angular. The glossy finish (especially the Pebble Blue color) is easier on the eyes, certainly less industrial feeling than the GNex, especially when you trade the textured battery cover in for a smooth surface.

The displays are fairly close in size, at 4.65 inches for the Galaxy Nexus, while the Galaxy S 3 is a full 4.8 inches diagonally. But in terms of display quality, we're going for the GSIII, which a the very least seems to have fewer issues with whites than its older cousin.

Under the hood, we're also going to pin a winner on the Galaxy S III. The Nexus is fast, to be sure, but something appears to have been put into overdrive on the SGSIII, even with Touchwiz and livewallpapers a'blazin.

We'd have no problem trading in Touchwiz for stock Ice Cream Sandwich, but maybe not all of it. The GNex camera app is spartan at best. Samsung's custom motion tweaks are a fun addition (for example: When you're looking at a friend's contact info, you can simply raise the phone to your ear to place a call), and S Voice is a competent interactive companion. (OK, OK. A Siri "competitor.")

Build quality on the SGSIII certainly is as good as on the GNex, if not better. It's a solid-feeling phone, though it does tend to feel a little more like a hunk of plastic, whereas the GNex has hints of rubber.

Our one turn-off in comparing the two phones is that for while we're not necessarily against improving on the Ice Cream Sandwich user interface, Touchwiz doesn't necessarily do so. The app drawer is decent enough and mostly stick with the ICS paradigm. But the Touchwiz widgets don't look anymore sophisticated than they did a year ago. And considering how far Android itself has come since then, it's perhaps time for something new.

Samsung Galaxy S III available in Europe May 29

Posted: 03 May 2012 12:14 PM PDT

Galaxy S III date

SO you've seen all the hoopla about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S III, and decided you have to get one in your hands. We don't blame you one bit. The question now is when can we expect to see it on the shelves? If you're in Europe, Samsung will be unleashing the beast on May 29 across various markets. No word on what it will cost you, but how do you put a price on something this beautiful?

If you're stateside, you'll have to wait until "this summer" for the HSPA+ and LTE versions to hit. We'll wait with ya, and there's always the forums to keep you company.

Samsung Galaxy S III camera app hands-on

Posted: 03 May 2012 12:04 PM PDT

Samsung has had some pretty good cameras in its phones for some time now, and the Galaxy S III is no exception. The SGSIII finds itself with an 8-megapixel rear shooter, and a 1.9-megapixel camera round front. Sammy's mantra as far as the camera goes is that it wants you to "never miss a picture-perfect moment."

The camera app remains impressive. The shutter snaps as soon as you touch the screen (some people prefer that, others prefer it to trigger on release), and there's virtually no lag between touch and picture. You've got some pretty standard options -- panorama mode, macro, etc. -- and HDR imaging (that's the one where pictures of differing resolutions are combined for a more dynamic look) is now built in as well.

A feature Samsung's particularly proud of is burst mode, which will capture up to 20 images in a single take by holding down the shutter button. (You do have to first enable burst mode in the settings.)

Facial recognition is another high point, as Samsung's making a big deal out of being able to identify your friends faces, tag photos, group them, and share them. In demos it's seemed to work well enough. We'll reserve ful judgment for when we get to use it in the real world.

Shooting video works as expected, and Samsung's also got the ability to snap still images while recording motion at 1080p. (Unlike HTC's video playback, however, you can't take still images while reviewing a video.)

All in all, though, a pretty solid performance by the Samsung Galaxy S III in the optical department.

Android Central 95: The Samsung Galaxy S III

Posted: 03 May 2012 11:47 AM PDT

Podcast MP3 URL: 
http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/sgsiii-final.mp3

The Samsung Galaxy S III podcast

Samsung officially announces the Galaxy S III

Posted: 03 May 2012 11:28 AM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S III

After all the rumors, leaks and hype, we finally get to lay eyes on the Samsung Galaxy S III -- the unicorn of the Android world. It's impressive to say the least, big, beautiful, and built with natural curves to set it apart from the pack. We're even digging the fact that it isn't just your basic black. It's safe to say Samsung has went all out to bring us the best they have to offer.

There's a lot of new technology packed in there as well. Natural Interactions recognize your voice, and your face, and new motion gestures make it something new and different. We love new and different. 

Regarding U.S. availability, Samsung's official statement:

Samsung Mobile is planning a U.S. version of Galaxy S III, optimized for the fastest LTE and HSPA+ networks in the U.S., which will be available in the summer of 2012.  Exact timing and retail channel availability is not being announced at this time. We believe the Galaxy S III is the most anticipated product in the 20-year history of Samsung Mobile; therefore, we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Hit the break to see the full press release.

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Samsung Galaxy S III hardware hands-on

Posted: 03 May 2012 11:23 AM PDT

Galaxy S III

It’s impossible to talk about the next Samsung flagship without first reflecting on the string of rumors, leaks and hype, both official and unofficial, that’s paved the way for what’s become the most anticipated Android phone of the year. The secrecy surrounding the device has been unprecedented, and the lack of verifiable information, combined with a tantalizing pool of rumors, has had the Android community buzzing for months. But today all the waiting, rumors and speculation can finally came to an end, as Samsung officially unveils the Galaxy S III -- a curvaceous 4.8-inch phone sporting a quad-core CPU, a 720p HD SuperAMOLED display and a new version of TouchWiz.

Join us after the break for the start of our full coverage of the Galaxy S III, including our complete hands-on video.

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Samsung Galaxy S III gallery

Posted: 03 May 2012 11:17 AM PDT

Android Central.

Well folks, here it is.  The Galaxy S III.  We have all the pictures you'd ever want.  Head past the break to see them all.

 

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Samsung Galaxy S III software hands-on

Posted: 03 May 2012 11:16 AM PDT

Galaxy S III

As you may have heard, Samsung’s just taken the wraps off the new Galaxy S III, a 4.8-inch quad-core beast powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a brand new version of TouchWiz. Samsung’s UX has been given a minor facelift on the Galaxy S III, bringing in visual and audio elements from the device’s new “inspired by nature” design choices. And there are a few exciting new features to boot, incorporating NFC, face recognition and Wifi Direct.

Join us after the break for our full walkthrough of the Samsung Galaxy S III's software, along with more videos!

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Get ready for Samsung Unpacked - AC is in the house!

Posted: 03 May 2012 10:36 AM PDT

About thirty more minutes folks. Get your popcorn, and get ready for Phil, Alex and Richard live from London!

ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #64: Incipio Inscribe Stylus, SURFACE Case for RAZR MAXX & more

Posted: 03 May 2012 09:11 AM PDT

Today's ShopAndroid.com Daily Giveaway will feature the Incipio Inscribe Stylus, Seidio SURFACE Case for Droid RAZR MAXX, Belkin Grip Sleeve, and the Smartphone Experts Side Case.

Take a moment to check out our brief hands-on videos with each accessory and be sure to leave a comment telling us which item you'd like for your Android device.  One winner will be selected at random and announced next week!

Incipio Inscribe Stylus

The Incipio Inscribe Stylus features an omni-directional tip and offers increased control when writing, sketching, tapping and dragging on your tablet or smartphone. The Inscribe's integrated clip easily attaches to pockets or luggage for durable transportation and engages instantly with your capacitive touch device right out of the box. Designed to mimic your finger, this stylus offers a soft rubber tip.

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Orange UK opens up registration page for Intel powered Santa Clara

Posted: 03 May 2012 08:22 AM PDT

Orange Santa Clara

So "register your interest" pages aren't usually much to shout about. But, this latest one from Orange UK is a little more interesting. The Orange Santa Clara was announced back in February, and will be the first Intel powered Android device to hit the UK. Today the British carrier has opened up the registration page for the device, while also stating that Santa Clara is just the pre-launch name for the device. 

We haven't heard much since the product announcement, besides some sneaky benchmarks taken by someone who got an early hands on. We're pretty intrigued to see just what the Intel Medfield architecture can bring to the table, and judging by this, in the UK at least, we may not be waiting much longer.

Source: Orange UK 

Gameloft releases another teaser video of N.O.V.A. 3, still no word on a release date

Posted: 03 May 2012 07:49 AM PDT

NOVA 3 Promo

We've already had our first teaser of Gameloft's forthcoming sequel, N.O.V.A. 3, but we've just been given another. This time we're treated to some actual in-game footage, and it looks good. It looks really good. 

There's nothing more in the way of a release schedule for the game, Gameloft still teases that detail is coming soon. In the meantime though, click on past the break, and enjoy. 

Source: Gameloft

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LG Optimus L7 now available in Europe and Asia

Posted: 03 May 2012 07:18 AM PDT

Optimus L7

LG Korea has announced the availability of the LG Optimus L7 starting May 2 in "major" European and Asian markets. In case you forgot, the Optimus L7 is the high-end model of the L series phones we saw at Mobile World Congress (check out the hands-on), with a 4.3-inch screen and running a new Android 4.0 based Optimus UI. 

There's no mention of which markets in Europe and Asia that LG considers major, so at this point we'll just have to wait for carrier announcements. And any words on a release on this side of the Atlantic haven't been said yet.

Source: LG Korea (Korean)

Deal of the Day: Cruzerlite Androidified TPU Case for HTC Rezound

Posted: 03 May 2012 06:56 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The May 3 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Cruzerlite Androidified TPU Case for HTC Rezound. The Androidified TPU Case is made from shock absorbent and scratch resistant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This slim-fitting case features prints of Andy the Android and provides great protection from day to day use and accidental bumps and spills. Available in smoke, clear, blue, red, purple, pink, teal, green, and orange.

The Cruzerlite Androidified TPU Case is available for just $4.95 today only, 75% off the standard price.  Grab yours while supplies last!

Motorola Defy Mini heading to Turkey

Posted: 03 May 2012 06:46 AM PDT

 

Motorola Defy Mini

Motorola are continuing the European onslaught with yet another device launch. This time around, the Motorola Defy Mini has been announced for release over in Turkey.

The 3.2" rugged phone promises to be water, dust and scratch resistant and comes packing a Gorilla Glass display. We're not looking at a high-end device here, but should you be in the market for something rough and tough, the Defy Mini may be the answer. 

The Defy Mini is to be available sometime in May, and will cost TRY 499 including VAT. Click on past the break for the full presser from Motorola.

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Samsung Galaxy S III specs

Posted: 03 May 2012 05:44 AM PDT

Android Central

As Samsung announces its latest flagship smartphone, take a quick look under the hood and see what's powering the new Galaxy S III --

  • Quad-core Samsung Exynos chip @ 1.4 GHz, as previously announced
  • HSPA+21 and LTE versions
  • 4.8-inch HD SuperAMOLED 720x1280 screen
  • 8MP / Front 1.9MP camera (720p video recording)
  • 2100mAh battery
  • 1GB RAM
  • Wifi Channel Bonding
  • Bluetooth 4.0(LE)
  • Accelerometer, Notification light, Digital compass, Proximity sensor, Gyro, NFC, Barometer
  • 1080p video playback
  • Various multimedia codecs supported
  • MHL/DLNA
  • Dimensions: 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6mm
  • Weight: 133 grams
  • Available in blue and white.

Live in London: Samsung Mobile Unpacked 2012!

Posted: 03 May 2012 05:25 AM PDT

Samsung Unpacked

Enough teasers. It's finally time to do this. We're at Earl's Court, London, for the Samsung Mobile Unpacked 2012 event. You might recall previous Unpacked events in which we saw the original Galaxy S, the Galaxy S II, the Galaxy Note, and now ...?

Look, we're all expecting to see the Samsung Galaxy S III. Or the Samsung Galaxy S3. Or Something with the name Galaxy. Or at the very least, something with the name Samsung in it.

Here's the best part: You get to be here with us for the entire unveiling. Need some deets?

  • What: Samsung Mobile Unpacked 2012
  • Where: London
  • When: 1900 BST, 1400 EDT, 1100 PDT
  • Official stream: Samsung's beaming this one worldwide, which is darn nice of them. 
  • Online chat: Doing a liveblog of something that's being broadcast live is sort of silly. So here's the plan. Join myself and Alex Dobie for a live chat from the event. (It's embedded after the break in this post.) We're not going to just tell you what's going on. You can see that for yourself in the stream. We're going to keep you up to date on everything you can't see in the stream. It's the least we can do.
  • And much more: Presumably we're going to get some face time with whatever's announced, so check back early and often.

We'll see you back here this evening -- or this afternoon, or whatever time it is wherever you are -- for some hot smartphone action! In the meantime, be sure to hit up all the awesome Samsung Galaxy S III discussions in the forums!

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