Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Acer Iconia Tab A510 No Longer Shipping Due To Defective Hardware

Posted: 22 May 2012 07:33 PM PDT

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A faulty component in the Acer Iconia Tab A510 is causing delays with both the WiFi-only and 3G versions of the quad-core tablet. Acer made the news available today via their German Facebook page, and although they wouldn’t say exactly what was wrong with the tablets, reading over some user reviews on Amazon apparently something in the hardware is causing freezing issues. The Amazon listing has also been updated to reflect the A510 as “under review,” and is no longer shipping.

While you can still find a few being sold from 3rd party retailers, that probably wouldn’t be the best route until we get official word from Acer that everything has been worked out. Might wanna let your friends and family know to hold off on a purchase as well. Anyone notice any funny business with their Acer Iconia Tab A510?

[Acer Facebook | NetbookNews]

 

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Gets New S Pen Slot and Quad-Core Exynos [Pics]

Posted: 22 May 2012 06:44 PM PDT

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We’ve known for quite sometime that the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet will soon be making its debut, but when it was shown off at MWC this year, some were surprised to find a complete lack of an S Pen slot, to sheath Samsung’s  stylus. As Samsung so often does, they’ve gone back to the drawing board, retooling the design of the G-Note tab, this time adding not only a quad-core Exynos processor (fantastic move, Sammy), but also a holster for the S Pen inside the table as well.

The newly designed Galaxy Note tab was pictured at a Samsung event in Europe, and you may have noticed, Samsung has slimmed down the stylus considerably, but makes available an optional S Pen holder kit for those that like a little more girth in their hands. We’d suspect that this will also add the erasing functionality we saw when Rob took a look at the tablet during MWC a few months back. Current rumors are pointing towards a June release for the tablet.

Google Grabs Handful of Patents To Help Protect “Project Glass” from Possible Future Legal Action

Posted: 22 May 2012 05:34 PM PDT

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One of the best ideas to come out of ‘ol Mt. View since Android — Google is looking to protect their latest idea from that other company, by securing patents related to Project Glass. Four patents in particular give Google sole rights to a device secured by a set of spectacles, with a camera over the eye area and a nose-pad sensor to tell the device when it’s being worn. A couple of slightly more complicated patents were also apart of the paperwork. You’ll notice a little something about displays over both eyes, in which different information is displayed on each. Sounds like that could take some getting used to.

It’s sad that the first thing that comes to mind when a company rushes to grab patents for a unique invention is Apple and their legal team. Still, it’s nice to see Google planning ahead. Crazy times we live in.

[USPTO 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Engadget]

Mass Effect Infiltrator launches in the Google Play Store

Posted: 22 May 2012 03:07 PM PDT

Electronic Arts has released Mass Effect Infiltrator to the Google Play Store. The game is priced at $6.99 and serves as a standalone adventure in the Mass Effect universe while still acting as a companion piece to the recent console hit Mass Effect 3. The game is a rail shooter developed by the same team as Dead Space’s mobile counterpart and is supported on most high-end handsets and tablets. For fans of the Mass Effect series it should be well worth the high price, but newcomers to the series shouldn’t be turned off by the cost, either.

Google Play Link: Mass Effect Infiltrator

[via Android and Me]

 

HTC Sensation 4G and Raider 4G LTE on Bell updated to Android 4.0

Posted: 22 May 2012 01:24 PM PDT

Users of the HTC Sensation 4G and HTC Raider 4G LTE on Bell in Canada are getting some good news today. Both devices are receiving their official update to Android 4.0. The upgrade in Android OS comes along with a move to HTC’s Sense 3.6 user interface. To see if Ice Cream Sandwich is ready for your device, head over to the system updates dialog under About Phone in the Settings app. Virgin Mobile users with the HTC Sensation can also pull the update to their devices starting today.

[via MobileSyrup]

Motorola shows off three new ICS handsets for China, might hint at Droid Fighter design

Posted: 22 May 2012 12:36 PM PDT

Motorola recently showed off three RAZR-esque new smartphone designs destined for China. The XT885, XT889, and MT887 will land at China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile respectively, but will feature largely the same specs aside from radio configurations. Notable is the presence of Ice Cream Sandwich and the absence of physical Android buttons, eschewing the older Motorola style for something a bit more in line with Google’s current vision. Otherwise you will find a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 8MP camera, and 4,3-inch qHD display.

The three phones will debut in China on June 2nd, but might hint at what to expect from the upcoming Droid Fighter rumored for Verizon, particularly the M887 (far right in the above photo). That device has yet to be officially announced, but it should be coming sooner rather than later.

[via Engadget]

HTC releases Android 4.0 update timeline, announced devices to receive ICS by August

Posted: 22 May 2012 11:25 AM PDT

HTC has released a detailed roadmap for devices receiving the update to Android 4.0. All phones slates to be upgraded are scheduled to receive Ice Cream Sandwich by August. Most devices, including the HTC Rezound, HTC EVO 3D, and HTC Desire S should see the update by July, while others including the HTC Thunderbolt and Droid Incredible 2 will get the new software by the final days of the eighth month.

The list is quite exhaustive and chances are if you have picked up an HTC device on the higher end of the hardware spectrum within the past year yours is included. Head on over to the source link below to see the full timeline.

[HTC via DroidDog]

ASUS publishes Transformer Pad 300 bootloader unlock tool

Posted: 22 May 2012 11:12 AM PDT

Sticking to their policy of playing nice with the Android developer community, ASUS has released the bootloader unlock tool for the Transformer Pad 300. The  utility picks up where the Transformer Prime left off, which was the first ASUS slate to receive and official unlock treatment. Despite the official nature of the tool, it still carries the caveat that deploying it on your Transformer Pad will void the warranty and take the device off the official update path. Head over to the source link below for the download and instructions.

[ASUS via AndroidPolice]

Latest Ice Cream Sandwich leak for the Droid RAZR features global radio support

Posted: 22 May 2012 10:44 AM PDT

Yesterday Verizon confirmed that select 4G LTE smartphones will be upgraded with global capabilities this summer. The latest Ice Cream Sandwich leak for the Motorola DROID RAZR confirms this and alludes to the fact that world radio support will be bundled with upcoming Android 4.0 updates. Navigating to the  network settings menu now reveals a “global” option under preferred network modes alongside the other standard options.

As of now, Verizon has the Droid RAZR along with the RAZR MAXX, Droid 4, and HTC Rezound on the docket to receive global support. A recently update timeline pegs those devices to receive ICS sometime during Q2 or Q3.

[via DroidLife]

Sprint’s Galaxy S III rounds out major carrier tour of the Bluetooth SIG

Posted: 22 May 2012 10:24 AM PDT

First we saw T-Mobile and AT&T’s variants, then Verizon’s. Now Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy S III is putting a cap on the Bluetooth SIG’s look at the four major US carrier editions of the upcoming smartphone. The phone is listed with model number SPH-L710, one character off from the SPH-D710 designation of the Sprint Galaxy S II.

The listing doesn’t provide any additional info that we didn’t already know, but it confirms that the four largest US carriers will indeed carry the GS3. When that will occur and at what cost has yet to be announced.

[via Android Police]

Spacetime Studios announce new MMO Arcane Legends

Posted: 22 May 2012 09:21 AM PDT

Android users will soon be enjoying a new entry into the Legends series by Spacetime Studios. They’ve announced “Arcane Legends,” a new MMO that will give you three classes — rogue, warrior, and sorcerer — to craft your character with.

This title is more like a fantasy game than the epic medieval and ancient myth vibes of yesteryear. Unfortunately we’re a bit far from a launch as they’ve only given “fall” as a window, but we expect to see some nice hype leading up to then.


Samsung Galaxy S3 already available in Dubai

Posted: 22 May 2012 08:56 AM PDT

Folks living in the emirate of Dubai will be happy to know that they are among the first lucky souls to get a chance to own the Samsung Galaxy S3. The device have been spotted around retail stores starting today, with one user having the money on hand to take one home.

That user tipped images of it and its packaging to The Verge. Meanwhile, one redditor also posted a photo of a sign advertising the phone as being up for sale. It was originally believed that the UK would be the very first market to see the Samsung Galaxy S3, but that clearly isn’t the case.
If you have a friend around those parts see what you can do about an import. [via The Verge, Reddit, thanks Joel!]

$49 Android PC from Via revealed

Posted: 22 May 2012 08:04 AM PDT

Via, a known name in the circuitry world, seems to be dabbling in the Android game with an interesting new product. They’ve introduced an Android PC that will cost $49 and whose motherboard is about the size of a small tablet.

The device comes with an ARM 11 800MHz processor, 2GB of NAND flash (storage can be increased using a microSD card slot or possibly using one of 4 full-sized USB ports), 512MB of RAM, a VGA port, an HDMI port, an ethernet port, and more.

The device’s chassis is nothing special — a black, plastic-based case is the norm for most computers and that’s exactly what you get here: no frills. For $49 you can’t expect much out of a PC, especially when it’s only running Android 2.3 (for now). But this will be perfect for those who want a cheap computer to do very basic things on like web browsing, playing 2D games, and listening to music.

We should know more about this bundle once we get closer to launch (Via isn’t saying when that launch will happen), but take a look at a preview video embedded above. [via Netbook News]

Unlocked GSM Galaxy S3 up for pre-sale on Amazon for $800 (and why you should probably wait)

Posted: 22 May 2012 07:25 AM PDT

It looks like at least one merchant is prepared to offer the Samsung Galaxy S3 soon in the states. Amazon.com listings for an unlocked GSM Galaxy Nexus for both Pebble Blue and Marble White editions have appeared.

The seller’s name is BLUTEKUSA, and a little Googling shows they’re a legit reseller of wireless phones. While their track record seems rather unproven, the Better Business Bureau stamped them with an “F” grade meaning there’s not a whole lot to know about BLUTEKUSA. In other words, they’re untrustworthy until proven otherwise.

With that little disclaimer out of the way, they’re apparently offering the Galaxy S3 for $800 unlocked for use on GSM carriers worldwide. For that price, Americans can get the device as early as June 1st if the listing is to be believed.

Should you, though? That’s up to you. Those on AT&T will probably find better, more reliable, and cheaper import options from Canada. But even with that, you have to factor in the belief that AT&T’s Galaxy S3 will come with LTE while any import won’t. And the phone is set to launch in the United States this June anyway and we imagine AT&T or T-Mobile will be one of the first carriers offering the device.

If it were my decision I’d definitely hit the “wait” button, but if you want to take advantage of an offer that comes with a wide degree of uncertainty, find both versions here and here. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Google-Motorola deal has officially closed

Posted: 22 May 2012 06:31 AM PDT

The day has finally come, folks. Google and Motorola are now wed in holy matrimony… or something like that. The $12.5 billion deal that has Google acquiring Motorola Mobility has been closed. It’s a deal that took the two parties a little bit over a year to complete due to standard antitrust investigations and other regulatory processes for major acquisitions.

There was little doubt that Google and Motorola would be able to get through this, though China’s lengthy investigation and negotiations delayed the timeline just a tad. Google and the Chinese government eventually reached an agreement that would ensure Google would keep Android open to any licensees for at least five years to ensure Motorola isn’t given special treatment.

The impact of this deal won’t be immediate. Aside from potential layoffs in the near future, Google and Motorola Mobility have maintained that the latter would continue to operate as a standalone entity. One thing caught my eye in the initial press release, though.

New Motorola Mobility CEO Dennis Woodside stated they would focus their talent on fewer and bigger bets, meaning we should see a lot less mid-range and entry-level smartphones compared to what we saw in 2010 and the early parts of 2011. This new focus has already been mirrored on store shelves, particularly on Verizon and Sprint, and many other carriers in North America and Europe.

But for now, Google has Motorola and they have the single biggest thing that they wanted the deal for: Motorola’s massive stack of wireless patents that Google will no doubt use to protect Android from the hungry eagles of today’s ecosystem. Read on for full press details.

Google Acquires Motorola Mobility

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced today that the acquisition of Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) has closed, with Google acquiring MMI for $40.00 per share in cash.

The acquisition will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business.

Sanjay Jha, who revived Motorola’s Mobile Devices business and led the company through this acquisition, has stepped down as CEO, although he will continue to work with Google to help ensure a smooth transition.

Dennis Woodside, who has overseen integration planning for the acquisition and previously served as President of Google’s Americas region, has become CEO of Motorola Mobility.

Larry Page, CEO of Google, said, “I’m happy to announce the deal has closed. Motorola is a great American tech company, with a track record of over 80 years of innovation. It’s a great time to be in the mobile business, and I’m confident that the team at Motorola will be creating the next generation of mobile devices that will improve lives for years to come.

“Sanjay Jha, who was responsible for building the company and placing a big bet on Android, has stepped down as CEO. I would like to thank him for his efforts and am tremendously pleased that he will be working to ensure a smooth transition as long-time Googler Dennis Woodside takes over as CEO of Motorola Mobility.

“I’ve known Dennis for nearly a decade, and he’s been phenomenal at building teams and delivering on some of Google’s biggest bets. Dennis has always been a committed partner to our customers and I know he will be an outstanding leader of Motorola–and he’s already off to great start with some very strong new hires for the Motorola team.”

Dennis Woodside, CEO of Motorola Mobility, said: “Motorola literally invented the entire mobile industry with the first-ever commercial cell phone in 1983. Thirty years later, mobile devices are at the center of the computing revolution.

“Our aim is simple: to focus Motorola Mobility’s remarkable talent on fewer, bigger bets, and create wonderful devices that are used by people around the world.”

Dennis Woodside has hired a small number of leaders who will immediately join Motorola’s executive team, including Regina Dugan (former Director of DARPA), Mark Randall (former supply chain VP at Amazon and previously at Nokia), Vanessa Wittman (former CFO of Marsh & McLennan), Scott Sullivan (former head of HR at Visa and NVIDIA), and Gary Briggs (former Google VP of Consumer Marketing). In addition to these new leaders, many members of Motorola Mobility’s team will continue in their current roles: Iqbal Arshad (Product Development), Marshall Brown (Chief of Staff), Fei Liu (Mass Market Products), Dan Moloney (Home), Scott Offer (General Counsel), Mark Shockley (Sales), Mahesh Veerina (Software & Enterprise) and Jim Wicks (Consumer Experience Design).

Woodside added: “Motorola Mobility has many outstanding leaders, including people who were behind the original RAZR in 2004 and recent successes like the Droid and RAZR MAXX. Our colleagues joining the team come from varied backgrounds, from DARPA to Amazon and NVIDIA, but they all share a track record of leading innovation at speed, and a great deal of excitement about the mission ahead.”

About Dennis Woodside
Dennis Woodside oversaw Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility, and is former President of Google’s Americas region. He has worked with partners, governments and advertisers in more than 30 countries. Most recently, Dennis was responsible for Google’s Sales & Operations in the Americas. In the U.S. alone, Dennis and his team drove revenue from $10.8 billion to $17.5 billion in under three years. He also was the lead business partner for Google’s advertising product development team, helping launch new ad products globally. Dennis started his career at the company spearheading investment across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He was responsible for the overall go-to-market, product offering and acquisition strategies in these markets, which boasted a 20-fold increase during his tenure. Revenues grew to over $2 billion.

About Google Inc.
Google’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google’s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Google or its management “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” “estimates” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the future impact of the Motorola Mobility acquisition, including its financial impact, and other statements of management’s beliefs, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. It is uncertain whether any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on Google’s results of operations, financial condition, or the price of its stock. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the ability of Google to successfully integrate Motorola’s operations, product lines and technology; the ability of Google to implement its plans, forecasts and other expectations with respect to Motorola’s business and realize additional opportunities for growth and innovation; and the other risks and important factors contained and identified in Google’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Google does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
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