Android Phone Fans |
- Dual-Core Samsung Galaxy S3 with 2GB of RAM Headed To Japan – Could The US Be Next?
- Deal Alert: T-Mobile Offering Buy-One-Get-One Free Deal on 4G Smartphones – Starts This Weekend
- Sprint brings carrier billing for books, movies, and music
- ASUS Eee Pad Transformer receives 9.2.1.24 OTA update
- Go unauthorize some of your devices from Google Music right now [UPDATE: Google Issues Statement]
- Bug-fixing OTA update heading to the LG Revolution
- Sprint officially acknowledges EVO 4G LTE delays; says there’s no definitive shipping date
- Verizon will not honor grandfathered unlimited data if you upgrade this summer onward
- Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II now available in the Google Play Store; comes infused with Tegra-optimized graphics
- Sprint doing away with early upgrade program starting June 1st?
- Droid 4 sees first Ice Cream Sandwich build leak
- Google Music device authorization limit could cause headaches for ROM lovers
- LG touts “unobtrusive and simple” Optimus UI 3.0 for Ice Cream Sandwich devices
- Galaxy S III gets unboxed on video a few weeks ahead of launch
- Android 4.0 arrives May 21 for Amaze 4G at T-Mobile, Sensation 4G gets ICS today
| Dual-Core Samsung Galaxy S3 with 2GB of RAM Headed To Japan – Could The US Be Next? Posted: 16 May 2012 06:46 PM PDT
Yesterday, we told you guys about the Samsung Galaxy S3 (and 19 other devices) slated to arrive in the land of the rising sun via Japanese carrier NT Docomo. Normally that wouldn’t be considered very important news to you guys, but get this — NT Docomo is listing their GS3 with the same dual-core S4 processor that’s been leaked to arrive in the US and, get this — it will supposedly arrive with 2GB of RAM. Now, this could be nothing more than a typo from a carrier with more high-end Android devices in their lineup than they know what to do with. But it got me thinking… If Samsung does opt for a slightly less powerful Qualcomm S4 processor for the US (to ensure compatibility with our LTE bands), it could make some sense that they would try to pick up the slack by increasing performance in other areas. When it comes to marketing, sometimes specs are a purely a numbers game. If Samsung wants to make sure the GS3 makes a big splash here in the US, that extra 1GB of RAM could give them a leg up on the competition (especially when they can’t boast “extra cores”). Would you guys be happy if Samsung threw us a bone with 1GB of extra RAM to make up for an admittedly, very capable dual-core CPU? Via TechnoBuffalo | SammyHub | NTDocomo (PDF)
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| Deal Alert: T-Mobile Offering Buy-One-Get-One Free Deal on 4G Smartphones – Starts This Weekend Posted: 16 May 2012 05:26 PM PDT
Starting on Friday, T-Mobile will be throwing another one of their “Magenta Deal Days” BOGO promotions. New or existing T-Mobile customers with an available upgrade can take advantage of T-Mobile’s buy-one-get-one deal on some of the hottest 4G phones T-Mo has available. Simply buy two phones — yup, you’re going to have to fork out the cash for both up front — and T-Mobile will reimbursed for the second via a mail-in rebate. HTC One S and Samsung Galaxy S II (Hercules) are both included in the deal. Calling up my parents right now to let them know what’s up (they just bought a One S yesterday). Mark it on your calendars, because it’s only good until May 28th. Which 2 phones will you be getting?
[T-Mobile: Magenta Deal Days | Via TMoNews]
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| Sprint brings carrier billing for books, movies, and music Posted: 16 May 2012 02:48 PM PDT Up until recently, the Google Play Store only supported carrier billing for applications and games. When Google added music, movies, and books to the Play Store they didn’t bring that functionality over. They finally announced its development last month, but no carriers were on board with carrier billing with those pieces of media.
That changes today, though, as Google announced on Google+ that Sprint has become one of the first carriers to sport the functionality. It’s no surprise they are the first considering their longstanding and fruitful relationship with Google. They were the first (and are still the only) to bring Google Wallet, and they were the first (and are still the only) to bring Google Voice carrier integration. We’re sure AT&T and T-Mobile will jump on board for widespread carrier billing before too long, but for now Sprint customers are an exclusive crowd of those who can get anything the Google Play Store has to offer without having to pay for it until they pay for their monthly bill.
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| ASUS Eee Pad Transformer receives 9.2.1.24 OTA update Posted: 16 May 2012 02:40 PM PDT
The original Eee Pad Transformer by ASUS has received a firmware upgrade to version 9.2.1.24 today, and it brings with it some fixes and enhancements that I’m sure a few people will appreciate. One new feature that many of you should definitely appreciate Face Unlock. Sure, it’s not the most secure and practical method for unlocking a device, but it’s still nice to have. Other changes include the ability for the status bar to maintain on the display during gameplay, and improvements to the email application. Head to the About Tablet section of the device and hit the firmware update to check for it. This should only be available to the US and Canada for the time being. [via AndroidForums.com]
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| Go unauthorize some of your devices from Google Music right now [UPDATE: Google Issues Statement] Posted: 16 May 2012 01:19 PM PDT Earlier today it was reported that Google may have imposed a device deactivation limit of four devices per year on Google Music. This was likely to protect the recording industry against music sharing, but this adversely affects many users in ways Google probably overlooked. Namely, ROM updates and installs can sometimes be counted as a new device on your Google Music list. Once you hit 10 devices you have to unauthorize some to use Google Music on another device. Most ROM users will find that their list is filled with duplicate entries, and if they can’t deauthorize devices more than four times in a single year, they’ll soon be SoL on using Google Music on future ROM installs.
You either limit the ROM installs or you get rid of Google Music, and it’s a choice that yours truly was faced with upon hearing this news. Users tried to deauthorize more than four devices earlier to confirm that this was the case, and they were indeed met with an alert. But it seems Google’s lifted the limit for now. We’re not sure if they’re doing this temporarily to allow users a chance to deauthorize, if this is a permanent move, or if they’re looking into a different method for counting authorized devices (a MAC address or IMEI number would work great, we think). We’re hoping it’s the latter two situations, but Google hasn’t released any official word to let us know either way. If you need to unauthorize more devices, now is your chance to do so. Head to Google Music and click the ‘music settings’ button in the upper right corner. UPDATE: Google has issued this statement via their Google Play FAQ:
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| Bug-fixing OTA update heading to the LG Revolution Posted: 16 May 2012 12:41 PM PDT
Verizon’s posted a changelog for a new update that appears to be coming to the LG Revolution. Little more than bug fixes will be found this time, but you’ll still want to know what’s new. Android security patches have been applied, picture messages will be sent properly if you’re connected to WiFi, an issue with duplicate text messages has been fixed, and more. Check out the full changelog int his handy .PDF file sitting on Verizon’s servers. The update isn’t rolling out yet, but past happenings indicate we should be seeing it sometime very soon. [via Android Police]
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| Sprint officially acknowledges EVO 4G LTE delays; says there’s no definitive shipping date Posted: 16 May 2012 12:09 PM PDT Yesterday, news surfaced that HTC’s newest devices, the EVO 4G LTE and the HTC One X for AT&T, have hit a bit of a road bump on their way to the United States. US Customs and Border Protection delayed the shipment of the devices due to inspection to make sure they don’t infringe on Apple patent #5,946,647, a patent dealing with clickable links inside of a browser.
Yep, that’s the punchline. While HTC chose not to get into specifics about the status of each of those phones, Sprint took some time to address their customers about the EVO LTE. Unfortunately, all they’re keen on doing right now is confirming the delay. How long the delay will last depends on how long Customs’ inspection takes, and Sprint aren’t prepared to make any estimations right now. The least they’re doing is allowing pre-orderers to cancel their orders. You can find more info on how to do that at the source link. [Sprint, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
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| Verizon will not honor grandfathered unlimited data if you upgrade this summer onward Posted: 16 May 2012 11:49 AM PDT We knew this was coming. When and how, we weren’t sure, but we know it was coming. I’m referring to Verizon’s plan to get rid of unlimited data for those who are grandfathered in. When Verizon originally axed unlimited data they honored standard grandfathered clauses that allowed people to keep their unlimited data. Even if you upgraded after that change you were able to keep your data. You can say goodbye to that soon. Verizon Wireless CFO Fran Shammo announced in a conference call that users who wanted to upgrade their phone that’s on a grandfathered data plan from this summer onward would be forced to switch to the tiered and shared data plans that Verizon is looking to introduce.
We assume the policy will be enforced starting on the day those new plans start, but we don’t have a launch window outside of “summer” for those. For the time being you can upgrade and keep unlimited data, but you better act before it’s too late. It wasn’t clear whether or not this policy would apply to those who buy their phones off-contract either through Verizon, a retailer, or another source, but we’ll be trying to dig for confirmation. I know many of you will be disappointed by Verizon’s decision, but I’m sure you’re no less surprised. Unlimited data is a dying breed and to expect Verizon to honor grandfathered contracts forever would be setting your hopes at an extremely high and unrealistic level. Sure, some less important perks may have lasted longer but Verizon’s bread and butter is data and they have to leverage that every way they can. As a customer of Verizon, I’m going to do everything in my power to keep my unlimited data. If that means going without an upgrade, then so be it: my Galaxy Nexus should suffice for a fair amount of time beyond late 2013. And if people can last on the G1 this long (there are still some out there), then it should be no problem for me. Thoughts? [via The Verge]
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| Posted: 16 May 2012 10:38 AM PDT Sega has officially announced the launch of the second episode of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 for Android. It continues where episode one left off as you control Sonic and lead Tails on a fast-paced, ring-filled journey. The Tegra 3 version of this game will impress you with higher resolution textures, more on-screen objects, and better lighting.
Those improved graphics will really shine through on a tablet. Playing it on the Transformer Prime was a thrill and all of that screen real estate makes you appreciate the time and effort that went into optimizing the game to take advantage of the quad-core GeForce-equipped Tegra 3 processor. Having played Episode one on my Xbox 360, I can say that these graphics are comparable, if not nearly identical. I almost feel like I shouldn’t even be purchasing the console version as I’d be able to take the Tegra 3 version on the go, and I could use my tablet as a console via HDMI and a wireless controller if need be.
Don’t have a Tegra 3 device? Well, you have a chance to win one thanks to NVIDIA’s Player’s Choice Awards voting sweepstakes. If you submit your votes for the best Tegra games in three different categories, you’ll be entered to win one of seven Transformer Prize Packs, including an ASUS Transformer Pad 300, a wireless game controller from Logitech, and a Jawbone JAMBOX Bluetooth boombox. Get your votes in by clicking here or by snapping the QR code you see below. We’ll also be holding our second contest and announcing the winner of the first contest tomorrow so stay tuned for that! As for Sonic 4: Episode II, find that in TegraZone and in the Google Play Store.
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| Sprint doing away with early upgrade program starting June 1st? Posted: 16 May 2012 09:09 AM PDT
A memo leaking out of Sprint and into the hands of TechnoBuffalo has the carrier doing away with their early upgrade policy for existing customers. The move comes at a time when Sprint continues to hack away at customer-oriented policies. The carrier is citing “high costs” as the reason why customers will no longer be able to upgrade to a new phone at a discounted price 10-14 days prior early. The cost cutting maneuver was likely brought about due to the expense of rolling out an LTE network to compete with AT&T and Verizon and the high price Sprint paid to carry the iPhone. With Dan Hesse and crew feeling the crunch, it may be just the first of several cost-cutting moves. The end of early upgrades shouldn’t turn away too many existing customers, but what’s next? The end of unlimited data? Let’s hope Sprint doesn’t get that far. [via TechnoBuffalo]
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| Droid 4 sees first Ice Cream Sandwich build leak Posted: 16 May 2012 08:55 AM PDT
Another Motorola device has seen an early leak of Ice Cream Sandwich, though it is far from the build that should eventually reach handsets. The Android 4.0.4 leak for the Droid 4 comes direct from Moto and is available for installation, but only the more adventurous users need apply. The test build likely needs some more work before it is ready for deployment. Those installing now may fall victim to the tendency for leaks to not so easily revert to manufacturer approved software when flashed with available fastboot files, often resulting in a bricked phone. Still, if you are all too antsy to get a taste of ICS on the Droid 4, you can give the new leak a spin by following the source link below. [via DroidLife]
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| Google Music device authorization limit could cause headaches for ROM lovers Posted: 16 May 2012 08:14 AM PDT
Google Music’s current allowance of 10 authorized devices to be attached to any one account sounds like plenty for the average user. After a laptop, desktop computer, smartphone, and tablet there are is still plenty of room to work with for the likes of Google TV or additional mobile devices. And should you reach your limit of 10 authorized devices and need to add another, it should be as simple as de-authorizing one you aren’t currently using and simply adding the new one, right? Wrong. It is unclear how long the limit has been in place, but Google Music will only allow a user to de-authorize four devices per year after they have been added to an account. For the average user this will never be a problem. As we mentioned earlier you could connect a whole fleet of personal devices to your Google Music account and still have room to spare. But for folks that enjoy flashing new ROMs onto their Android devices this could be a problem. With ROMs, it is often hit or miss as to whether or not new software will cause Google Music to detect your phone as the one currently registered with Google Music or a new one altogether. It is possible, then, that a rooted user flashing new software builds onto their phone could quickly chew through their 10 available device slots without even knowing it. Once the max has been reached the limit of four de-authorizations becomes a problem. While Google’s intention were likely never to meant to punish those that enjoy modding their Android devices, there probably isn’t much that can be done. The authorization limit is in place to protect the rights of music labels and the artists they serve. If you could simply add new devices at will there is nothing stopping you from sharing your entire music library with all of your friends or even complete strangers via a shared account. The best users can do is take some time to research how a custom ROM may alter your devices profile as it would appear to Google Music and keep an eye on the number of authorizations currently on your account. [via DroidLife]
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| LG touts “unobtrusive and simple” Optimus UI 3.0 for Ice Cream Sandwich devices Posted: 16 May 2012 07:10 AM PDT
If there is one major area where LG’s offerings have fallen flat in the past it has been the custom user interface deployed on their Android devices. The Korean smartphone maker hasn’t quite stuck a balance between Android functionality and value-added features. They hope to make some strides in that department with the release of the Optimus UI 3.0, which will feature on the company’s Android 4.0 devices. The UI is being touted as “unobtrusive and simple,” with enhancements that include Quick Memo — a method for quickly jotting down notes — and new lock screen features. The highlight reel of features includes
The Optimus UI 3.0 will debut on the LG Optimus LTE II, which launches this week in Korea. It will then make its way to the LG Optimus 4X HD in June. Back at Mobile World Congress when we first got a look at some of LG’s latest hardware we proclaimed that the manufacturer would need to up its software game if it wanted to stay a relevant Android contender. Here’s hoping the new UI enhancements are a step in the right direction.
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| Galaxy S III gets unboxed on video a few weeks ahead of launch Posted: 16 May 2012 06:12 AM PDT The launch of the Samsung Galaxy S III is only a few weeks away, but this unboxing video is enough to cause anyone eager to own the new Android superphone to lose their patience. The above video comes to us courtesy of Italy’s HDBlog and features the retail version of the Galaxy S III. For good measure the phone is compared to several other recent Galaxy models as well as the HTC One X and HTC One S. While it doesn’t reveal much about the phone we didn’t already know it gives us a good idea of what to expect come launch day. So who is picking one up? [via AndroidandMe]
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| Android 4.0 arrives May 21 for Amaze 4G at T-Mobile, Sensation 4G gets ICS today Posted: 16 May 2012 05:39 AM PDT
T-Mobile has updated their support pages with an exact date to expect Ice Cream Sandwich for the HTC Amaze 4G. Previously the update was pegged as coming sometime in the next couple of weeks. Now users can look forward to Android 4.0 (but only Sense 3.6) on May 21st. In related news, the upgrade to ICS for the HTC Sensation 4G should begin pushing today, just as promised. Any owners of the T-Mobile handset receive the prompt to update yet? You can manually pull the software by navigating to the “About phone” menu under Settings and checking for any new software updates. Let us know how things work out! [via AndroidCentral]
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