Saturday, May 5, 2012

Android Central

Android Central


Motorola Droid 3 getting a sizable update, but not to ICS

Posted: 04 May 2012 04:24 PM PDT

Droid 3

The Motorola Droid 3 has a large system update queued and ready to roll out, but it's just another version of Gingerbread. The 5.7.905.XT862 update checks in about 230 MB, and is chock full of fixes, patches, and enhancements -- all very welcome for most any user. With "only" 512 MB of RAM, we didn't really expect the Droid 3 to ever officially run Ice Cream Sandwich, but there's always that glimmer of hope when we see the system update prompt. What did get fixed and updated? I'm glad you asked.

  • A Google Security Patch has been added to improve the security level.
  • Fixed issue where the device may power ON without user interaction.
  • Avoid device interruption when accessing an application prior to the storage being fully mounted on the device.
  • Improvements in device stability help avoid device power cycles.
  • When connected to a Bluetooth® headset or HDMI cable, the device will no longer lock up and power cycle.
  • Improvements to the camera’s auto focus will reduce the shutter response time and enhance the quality of captured imagery.
  • Device is enabled with the Wireless Alerting System.
  • Use a wired headset without the interruption of a high pitched tone.
  • Plus code dialing has been enhanced, improving the experience while traveling.
  • Playback media can be heard while using a Bluetooth headset.
  • Place a call to the appropriate recipient using the contact widget.
  • When moving applications to the SD card, shortcuts to these Apps will remain.
  • After updating the contact database from the Messaging App, the Messaging UI will display the latest contact information.
  • Successfully post and play videos on Facebook.
  • Purchased ringtones are now able to be downloaded, saved and used where appropriate.
  • Contact pictures display properly in Google Voice.
  • VZ Navigator 3D City is now preloaded.
  • Resolved excessive data usages and continuous downloading for VZ Navigator® 3D City downloads.

For more information about the update process, hit the Verizon support link below. For the more experienced Android users, just start hammering on the update button. 

Source: Verizon support



Live wallpapers on the Samsung Galaxy S III

Posted: 04 May 2012 01:52 PM PDT

Android Central

Like live wallpapers? You'll find a couple of interesting new ones pre-loaded on the Samsung Galaxy S III, and we shot some video of them during our recent time with the phone. In addition to the standard ICS live wallpapers like "Bubbles" and "Phase beam", the Galaxy S III features a re-vamped version of Samsung's "Deep Sea" animation, and a new one called "Luminous Dots," which is a bit more subtle. We should also mention that there's no slowdown when you're using a live wallpaper on the S III. The launcher handles all the background animations without breaking a sweat, which is impressive when you consider that many Android phones continue to struggle with live wallpapers.

Or if you prefer the static kind of background, the Galaxy S III's got those too. Check past the break for a quick video demo of both.

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A lucky few getting their AT&T HTC One X today, check out that camera!

Posted: 04 May 2012 01:33 PM PDT

HTC One X camera sample

A number of folks who pre-ordered the AT&T HTC One X are getting their phones delivered today, and while perusing the forums I came across a thread for camera pictures. I've been playing with the camera on the One S for a few days now, and AC member Pauley (who was kind enough to share some of his shots) and I have come to the same conclusion -- the new HTC camera is amazing. It's one thing to read about it in a review, but forums threads like Pauley's really drive the point home. Take a minute, and have a look.

Photos taken with my AT&T One X



Hands-on with 'S Beam' on the Samsung Galaxy S III

Posted: 04 May 2012 01:14 PM PDT

Android Central

Samsung announced a slew of new features on the Galaxy S III at yesterday's Unpacked event in London, and one of the most interesting was "S Beam", a new file transfer capability based around NFC and Wifi Direct. Similar to ICS's Android Beam feature, you start by finding a file, photo or video in one of the built-in applications, then tap the screen to start the transfer. The phones are then instantly paired, and a Wifi Direct connection is established between them to handle all the heavy lifting. Because the Galaxy S III supports Wifi channel bonding, files can be transferred at up to 300Mbps, though that's dependent on how much interference there is in the area.

As you'll see in our video demo, it seems to work pretty well. See for yourself after the break.

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10-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 pre-order at Office Depot, ships May 11

Posted: 04 May 2012 01:12 PM PDT

Android Central

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1-inch tablet is now officially up for pre-order at Office Depot's online storefront. With a limit of two per customer, the 16GB version of the Tab 2 will set you back $399, and your order will ship next-day delivery (for free) on May 11. Starting May 13, they will be in brick-and-mortar Office Depot stores along with the full line of accessories.  

We had a nice long look at the Tab 2 at MWC, and we think Samsung did well with it. Dual-core CPU and 1GB of RAM under a very nice 10.1-inch IPS display and running Ice Cream Sandwich. If you're interested in picking one up, hit the link below to pre-order. The press release is after the break.

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1-inch

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Motorola Cliq 2 gets updated to Gingerbread

Posted: 04 May 2012 12:38 PM PDT

Motorola Cliq 2

The Motorola Cliq 2 is finally getting it's Gingerbread update. I'll spare you from the witty and/or snide remarks abut Gingerbread being 18 months old. It's not an OTA update, and you'll need a computer running Microsoft Windows to update your Cliq 2. I'll spare you from the witty and/or snide remarks about that, too. In their place, I offer this list of updates and enhancements.

  • Improved Cursor Control
  • Improved Word Selection and Copy
  • Number and Symbol Shortcuts
  • Sleep Mode
  • Dock Icon Functionality
  • App Groups
  • Rich Location App
  • App and Power Management Details
  • Download Manager App
  • New User Interface Icons
  • Tasks App Enhancements
  • Browser Search Engine
  • Emergent Groups and Smart Contacts
  • Updated Calendar Options
  • Device Control Capabilities Through 3LM
  • UI performance Improvements
  • Battery Fixes
  • Wi-Fi Calling Implemented fixes to improve reliability.
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot Signal Improved

That's a big, long list. You can find the full details, as well as update instructions in the links below. Now go get some Gingerbread if you're still using your Cliq 2!

Source: Motorola, Update support

Thanks everyone who sent this in!



Every major UK network will carry the Samsung Galaxy S III

Posted: 04 May 2012 12:05 PM PDT

Android Central

Following yesterday's Galaxy S III announcement in London, we some initial announcements from UK retailers and mobile networks, indicating broad availability for Samsung's new flagship phone when it arrives in late May. And today we have confirmation that the Galaxy S III will indeed ship on every major mobile network in the country, just like the HTC One S and One X before it. T-Mobile, Orange, Three, Vodafone and O2 have all done their official announcements, and many plan to stock it from May 30 (which leads us to believe that availability on the 29th may be limited to be select few stores.)

As we reported yesterday, Vodafone will exclusively offer the 32GB version in the UK for a limited time. Everyone else will get the 16GB variant.

O2 and Carphone Warehouse even have the first details of on-contract pricing. Carphone's offering the S III for free on £36-per-month plans from Vodafone and Orange, both of which offer 600 minutes, unlimited texts and 1GB. Cheaper monthly plans are also available, if you're willing to pay an up-front fee. And for those wanting to order through O2, on-contract prices range from free to £299.99. If you want the handset without any up-front fee, you'll have to stump up £46 per month, which'll get you unlimited minutes, umlimited texts and 1GB.

SIM-free prices, it seems, will float around the £500-550 mark -- according to Clove Technology and Carphone Warehouse -- which comes close to matching the November launch price of the Galaxy Nexus. However, this price point also makes the Galaxy S III a little more expensive than its main competitor, the HTC One X.

Are you thinking about dropping some cash on a shiny new Galaxy S III when it lands on May 29? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

Source: O2, Clove Technology, Carphone Warehouse



Galaxy Nexus case showdown - TPU vs. Silicone

Posted: 04 May 2012 11:22 AM PDT

We know a lot of folks out there want a flexible "skin" case for their Galaxy Nexus. We also know that with so many available, it's often hard to figure out which one is the best. Luckily, you've got AC and Raul to help make the decision easier. Raul dives in and compares the Cruzerlite Androidified TPU case against the CaseMate Droid Creature case -- two very popular choices. 

Check out the video and see Raul's comparison. We don't want to spoil the ending, but you can buy the winner right here. Thanks, Raul!

Source and more discussion: Android Central forums 



HBO Go and Max Go updated with ICS support, but for phones only

Posted: 04 May 2012 10:34 AM PDT

HBO Go

HBO Go and MAX Go, streaming video-on-demand services from Home Box Office, have both been updated to support Ice Cream Sandwich devices. It's been a long time coming, and subscribers to the pay channels who want to stream video to their Android devices can finally do so with the latest phones, but only phones. It seems that HBO has decided not to include tablets in this update, nor any Google TV devices. 

To be fair, we're not sure if this is an oversight, a technical issue, or something else. We are sure that it works on the iPad, and if coded correctly, any app that runs on ICS on our phones should run on our tablets as well. I've reached out to Home Box Office, so maybe they will have the answers. In the meantime, you can grab the apps at the links below and enjoy them on your phones.

download HBO Go | download MAX Go



ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #65: Galaxy Nexus 3800mAh NFC Battery, Aquapack Waterproof Case & more

Posted: 04 May 2012 08:19 AM PDT

Before this weekend kicks off, we're doing one more giveaway from ShopAndroid.com featuring the Seidio Innocell 3800mAh Super Extended Life NFC Battery for Galaxy Nexus, Aquapack Waterproof Case, Qmadix Metalix Snap-On Cover for Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX, and the Verizon Leather Side Case.

Be sure and leave your comment below telling us which item you'd like for your Android device.  We'll select one lucky winner at random and announce them next week. Good luck!

Seidio Innocell 3800mAh Super Extended Life NFC Battery for Galaxy Nexus

The Seidio Innocell Super Extended Life NFC Battery for the Sprint Galaxy Nexus or Verizon Galaxy Nexus is for the avid traveler who can't always get to a charger. It comes with a black replacement door featuring Seidio's signature soft touch coating, and NFC capabilities incorporated into the cell.

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Deal of the Day: HTC Tatami Hard Shell Case for EVO 3D

Posted: 04 May 2012 06:49 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The May 4 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the HTC Tatami Hard Shell Case for EVO 3D. Designed specifically for your device, hugging every curve, the Tatami Case will safeguard your Android without adding extra bulk. A unique pattern is featured on the back of the case along with openings for all the ports and buttons of your EVO 3D. Available in black, purple, and raspberry.

The HTC Tatami Hard Shell Case is available for just $8.95 today only, 64% off the regular price.  Grab yours today while supplies last!



Watch the entire Samsung Galaxy S III event!

Posted: 04 May 2012 05:11 AM PDT

We were there last night in London for the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S III. Wish you were, too. But now you can relive the entire event in the comfort of our own home. Enjoy, and be sure to check out our Galaxy S III recap for all the news from the event. (And we might even squeeze another post or two out of it yet.)

Via: TheNextGalaxy.com



Draw Something sees daily users decline by 5 million

Posted: 04 May 2012 05:03 AM PDT

Draw Something

No app developer wants to hear that they've lost 5 million daily users in the space of just 30 days. Sadly for the now Zynga owned OMGPOP, that is precisely the situation they find themselves in. 

Draw Something has been the hot ticket since its release on Android and iOS, amassing huge download figures on both platforms in a relatively short space of time. According to information provided by App Data​ though, the number of users is in decline. At its peak, Draw Something had over 15 million daily users. In just 30 days, that number has slipped by 5 million, knocking off a third of the daily user base. 

​App Data's ​numbers are based upon the Facebook login method of playing the game. This of course isn't the only way to play, but it is the most popular, so it paints a pretty clear picture. This then begs the question, are people already getting bored of Draw Something? How about you guys, are you still actively playing? Sound out in the comments below and let us know your thoughts. 

via Pocketlint



Samsung Galaxy S III launch day wrap-up

Posted: 03 May 2012 08:59 PM PDT

Android Central

It's been a busy day here in London, as we've spent the past few hours getting acquainted with Samsung's new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S III. So as the day draws to a close -- here in England, at least -- why not take a look back over our extensive Galaxy S III coverage. We've got exhaustive hands-on features on the phone's hardware and software, including a run-through of major software features like the camera, picture-in-picture, S Beam and more.

And when you're done checking out all of the day's news from Earl's Court, be sure to have your say over on our Samsung Galaxy S III forums.

Galaxy S III software hands-on

We get to grips with the new version of Samsung's TouchWiz UX.

Galaxy S III hardware hands-on

A sleek, shiny, curved design, quad core CPU and HD SuperAMOLED.

 Galaxy S III photo gallery

Our complete photo gallery of the white and blue Galaxy S III.

Samsung announcement post

The official announcement straight from Samsung.

Galaxy S III: Coming May 29

The Galaxy S III's European release date revealed

Camera app hands-on video

We take a quick tour of the new Samsung TouxhWiz photo app.

Android Central Podcast 95

Alex and Phil talk Galaxy S III in a special podcast from London.

Samsung Unpacked Liveblog

All the details from the announcement event as it happened.

S Voice demonstration video

Samsung's "Siri competitor" put through its paces in our video demo.

Flipboard for Android hands-on

Flipboard's coming to Android, and it's coming first to the Galaxy S III.

Pop-up Play demonstration

Samsung brings picture-in-picture to its new flagship phone.

Galaxy S III vs. HTC One X

HTC and Samsung's leading devices square off in our versus video.

Galaxy S III coming to USA in June

The first news on when the SGS3 will arrive stateside.

Galaxy S III international availability

Find out which countries and networks are getting the phone.

Android Central

Galaxy S III versus iPhone

Apple's leading smartphone compared with Samsung's latest.

Galaxy S III vs. Galaxy Nexus

We compare Samsung's new baby to the ICS torch-bearer.

Discussion on the Galaxy S III forums

Chat it up with the Android Central forum community.

Android Central

Samsung Galaxy S III accessories

Cases, wireless chargers and a tiny MP3 player.

Android Central

50GB Dropbox storage on SGS3

Samsung/Dropbox partnership gives users 50GB for 2 years.

 

 



LG announces Optimus LTE2 with a whopping 2GB of RAM

Posted: 03 May 2012 07:59 PM PDT

LG Optimus LTE2

LG has announced the new Optimus LTE 2 for the Korean market, and there's a couple specs on-board that may have you looking twice. Besides the True HD IPS Display (of an unknown size, but it looks "big"), the LTE radio, 2150 mAh battery, Ice Cream Sandwich and other goodies we expect on a high-end LG phone, the LTE 2 also packs in 2 GB of RAM and a wireless charging solution. The details on the wireless charging are a bit sparse, but we do know it complies with  the World Association of Wireless Charging (WPC) standards and can be charged with a standard charging mat, regardless of manufacturer. We like standards.

But we do know what 2 GB of RAM means. First off, it's at least double what the phone your using, or thinking about buying today, has. If you didn't buy a new laptop this year, there's a good chance the LTE 2 has the same amount of RAM as your notebook computer. For a smartphone, it's a lot -- as in a whole-hell-of-a-lot. That means more applications open and running at once, for better multitasking, and less re-drawing. We like more multitasking as much as we like standards.

The LTE 2 is expected to debut on five carriers in Korea this month, with other markets to follow. Will we see it in the United States or Europe? We sure hope so.

Source: LG Korea (Korean)



Samsung Galaxy S III versus the iPhone!

Posted: 03 May 2012 05:55 PM PDT

iPhone 4S and the Samsung Galaxy S III

There's not a whole lot to say here, right? We all know the iPhone backward and forward. There's really no way not to (especially when you've got the likes of iMore.com in your stable). And after we don't know how many Samsung Galaxy S III posts, we're fairly familiar with it, too. One's metal and glass. The other is predominantly plastic. But it's a skinny bugger. Lanky, almost wiry. 

Body styles notwithstanding, the major difference is in screen size. The iPhone still wins out in pixel density, but that's because it's still at a rather quaint 3.5 inches, whereas the Galaxy S III is a whopping 4.8 inches (crammed into a slightly smaller body).

So which would you choose? Made-for-human plastic? Or the cold, hard reality of aluminum and glass?

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

read more



Samsung show off a whole range of Galaxy S III accessories

Posted: 03 May 2012 05:52 PM PDT

Android Central

Everyone likes accessories, right? At tonight's Unpacked event in London, Samsung unveiled a whole heap of official accessories for the Galaxy S III. From cases, to docks and even a "Pebble." 

So the Pebble isn't just a Pebble. It's basically an updated version of the old Pebble MP3 players Samsung used to sell. Covered in the "Hyperglaze" finish as with the phone, it's designed purely as an accessory to the Galaxy S III. It has 4GB of internal storage, and one use case is taking it out on a run to listen to your music, without the need to take your new, expensive Galaxy S III with you. 

Cases are cases, and it's hard to get excited about them. But we've got them nonetheless. There's a selection of hard shell and leather flip cases available to protect your shiny new Galaxy. 

There's a few different docks available too. As you would expect, there's an official Car Dock which is basically an official Samsung branded cradle. No contact less charging on the Galaxy S III. The desktop is also taken care of, with a Desktop Dock and a simple battery charging stand. 

Samsung are also offering up their own, branded HDTV adaptor which is pretty much a standard MHL adaptor. There's also a pretty cool sounding wireless charger, which didn't seem to be out on show. 

We've got a few shots of what was out on show for you after the break.

read more



Galaxy S III owners to receive 50GB Dropbox storage

Posted: 03 May 2012 04:00 PM PDT

Android Central

Samsung, like HTC before it, has partnered with leading cloud storage provider Dropbox in its new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S III. The app comes pre-loaded on the S III, and Samsung's partnership gives owners 50GB of storage of two years -- double what HTC's offering on its One series, and matching the amount on offer through Box.net and Sony Mobile.

For more on the software packed inside the HTC One X, check out our extensive walkthrough.

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