Thursday, May 31, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Samsung Galaxy S3 with 2GB of RAM Confirmed for Canada – US Tour Begins June 20th In New York

Posted: 30 May 2012 06:40 PM PDT

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Earlier today, we let you guys know that the Samsung Galaxy S3 would be arriving for our neighbors to the north (Canada), starting June 20th. What we didn’t tell you is that the specs for the Canadian GS3 feature a few noteworthy items different from the international model. Just as we suspected, yes, the quad-core Exynos processor is gone, replaced instead with a more North American LTE friendly dual-core Qualcomm S4 processor. But here’s the juicy part — the Samsung Galaxy S3 for America Jr. (and hopefully America Sr. as well) will feature 2GB of multi-tasking RAM, which I would like to point out, now officially trumps my 1 year old netbook. Crazy times we live in.

In an extra tidbit, we’ve been hearing for awhile now the Galaxy S3 could launch in the US for T-Mobile as early as June 20th (same as Canada). Well, take this as you will but during a Vodafone live stream for the Galaxy S3 release in Australia, it was revealed that the GS3 would be making the first stop in its US tour in New York and the date? June 20th. Interesting… (scratches chin). You can read even more details on the Galaxy S3 in the full Canadian press release below.

Thanks, Tommy!

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 30, 2012 /CNW/ – Samsung Electronics Canada, today announces the models details and availability date of the much-anticipated GALAXY S III. Beginning June 20th, the Samsung GALAXY S III will be available through leading Canadian wireless carriers and authorized national retailers.

“We are very excited to bring the highly anticipated GALAXY S III to Canadians so they can experience firsthand, the power, performance and passion that Samsung is known for,” said Paul Brannen, Vice President, Enterprise Business Group, Samsung Canada. “This next generation of the GALAXY S series is sleek and stylish, and offers users features that promote sharing, and are intuitive and powerful, allowing Canadians to enjoy a more human experience with their smartphone.”

Natural Interaction

Smart enough to detect face, voice and motions, the GALAXY S III adapts to the user, providing users an interface that is convenient and natural.

  • With the innovative ‘Smart stay’ feature, the GALAXY S III recognizes how the user is using their device such as, reading an e-book or browsing the web. By having the front camera identify eye motion the phone maintains a bright display for continued viewing pleasure.
  • The GALAXY S III features ‘S Voice,’ an advanced natural language user interface, to listen and respond to user commands. S Voice presents powerful functions in regards to device control and commands, such as allowing the user to play a favorite song, turn the volume up or down, send text messages and emails, organize schedules, or automatically launch the camera and capture a photo.
  • With ‘Smart alert‘ the GALAXY S III will alert the user by catching any missed messages or calls with a vibration to notify missed statuses when picked up after being idle. If the user is messaging someone but decide to call them instead, they can simply lift phone to their ear and ‘Direct call’ will dial their number.

Easy and Instant Sharing

The Samsung GALAXY S III is more than a personal device that can be enjoyed by one user – it wants to share and experience smartphone benefits with family and friends, regardless of location with the following features:

  • With the new ‘S Beam,’ the GALAXY S III expands upon Android™ Beam™, allowing a 1GB movie file to be shared within three minutes and a 10MB music file within two seconds by simply touching another GALAXY S III phone, even without a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.
  • The ‘Buddy photo share’ function also allows photos to be easily and simultaneously shared with all friends pictured in an image directly from the camera or the photo gallery.
  • ‘AllShare Play’ can be used to instantly share any forms of files between GALAXY S III and tablet, PC, and televisions that are DLNA enabled, regardless of the distance between the devices.
  • The ‘Group Cast’ feature that allows users to share their screen among multiple friends on the same Wi-Fi network; users can comment and draw changes at the same time as co-workers- witnessing real-time sharing on individual devices.
    • The preloaded ‘Dropbox’ application provides an even more convenient sharing experience, supplying 50GB of free storage for two years for not just image and music files, but now also for video content. With the GALAXY S III files can also be instantly uploaded through data networks without requiring WiFi access.

Uncompromised Performance

With a 4.8″ HD Super AMOLED display, the GALAXY S III offers a large and vivid viewing experience. Samsung Mobile’s heritage Super AMOLED display even enhances to HD and 16:9 wider viewing angles. To ensure faster content sharing and connectivity, the GALAXY S III offers Wi-Fi Channel Bonding which doubles the Wi-Fi bandwidth.

The GALAXY S III not only presents features with enhanced usability, but also provides an ergonomic and comfortable experience through its human-centric design. Its comfortable grip, gentle curves, and organic form deliver a rich human-centric feel and design. Available in Pebble Blue and Marble White at launch, Samsung will introduce a variety of additional color options.

The GALAXY S III also sports a range of additional features that boost performance and the overall user experience in entirely new ways, with features such as:

  • ‘Pop up play,’ users can play a video anywhere on their screen while simultaneously running other tasks, eliminating the need to close and restart videos when checking new emails or surfing the Web.
  • An 8MP camera features a zero-lag shutter speed that lets users capture moving objects easily without delay, with the‘Burst shot’ function that instantly captures twenty continuous shots, and the ‘Best photo’ feature that selects the best of eight photographs, the GALAXY S III ensures users a more enhanced and memorable camera experience.
  • HD video can be recorded even with the 1.9MP front-facing camera, which users can use to capture a video of themselves. An improved backside illumination sensor further helps to eliminate blur in photos that result from shaking, even under low light conditions.
  • With Samsung Hubs, users can continually refresh phone content through the ‘Game Hub,’ which provides access to numerous social games, while Video Hub, a new service offering to the Canadian marketplace, brings users high quality TV and movies for rent . Furthermore, Samsung Music Hub will offer a personal music streaming service.

The GALAXY S III will be available for purchase in Canada starting on June 20, 2012.  Samsung is pleased to be working with all of the leading wireless providers in Canada, to give our customers a choice of service provider.  The SGH-i747 variation of the GALAXY S III will be available from Bell Mobility, Virgin Mobile, SaskTel, TELUS and Rogers Wireless.  The SGH-iT999 model will be available from Videotron, Wind and Mobilicity.

Additional Features Include:

  • Processor:
    • Snapdragon S4 Dual Core 1.5 GHz
    • Qualcomm MSM8960 Chipset
  • OS (Shipping): ICS 4.0.4
  • Data: LTE (SGH-i747 variation) and HSPA+ 42 (SGH-iT999 variation)
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM!!!
  • Dimensions: 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm
  • Weight: 133g
  • Memory: 16/32GB internal memory (SGH-i747)/ 16GB internal memory (SGH-iT999)
    • Expandable microSD up to 32GB
  • Display: 4.8 HD Super AMOLED 1280×720 (306ppi)
  • Connectivity: NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, DLNA, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, MHL Video Out
  • Camera: 8MP Rear-facing, 1.9MP Front-facing
  • Battery: 2100 mAh
  • Other:
    • TouchWiz with Motion UX
    • S Beam
    • AllShare Play enhance functionality
    • MP3/ACC+/WAV audio player
    • DivX/Xvid/MP4/WMV/H.263/ H.264 Video Player

For pre-orders, specific pricing and details, please visit your nearest carrier or retailer. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com. In addition, you can find a product introduction video at http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxys3/media.html.

* All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Android, Google, Android Beam, Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude, Google Play, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Places, Google Navigation, Google Downloads are trademarks of Google Inc.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Canada delivers unrivalled consumer experiences. Samsung enables Canadians to pursue their passions by offering abroad range of award-winning digital consumer electronics, IT, telecommunications and home appliance products. The Canadian arm upholds Samsung’s global mission to provide consumers with innovative digital convergence products that possess exceptional technology, quality, features, performance and value. As a result of its commitment to innovation and unique design, Samsung has become one of the most decorated brands in the electronics industry. The company was ranked #17 in BusinessWeek/Interbrand “100 Best Global Brands” and was named as one of Fast Company’s “50 Most Innovative Companies of 2011.”

For more information, please visit www.samsung.ca.

You can also Like Samsung on facebook.com/SamsungCanada or follow Samsung on twitter @SamsungCanada. For customer service inquiries, please call 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864).

[Vodafone]


Google Offices Raided Once Again By KFTC Officials In Korea Over Antitrust Concerns

Posted: 30 May 2012 05:56 PM PDT

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Google has long been the target of antitrust investigations and it looks like their offices in South Korea are the subject of a raid… again. Google’s offices in Seoul were once again greeted by an impromptu raid from the Korea Fair Trade Commission, who happens to be investigating Google over concerns the big G is using Android, and its market dominance, are give the internet search giant an unfair advantage over third-party search engines within their mobile OS. The complaint comes from a 2 South Korean Internet companies — Daum Communications and NHN — and as you may recall, is the reason the same Google offices were raided last September.

As most Android users know, OEM’s and carriers can (and often do) implement which ever search engine they want in Android. Google also testifies to this saying last year, “We do not require carriers or manufacturers to include Google Search or Google applications on Android-powered devices.” The KFTC also believes believes Google hasn’t been playing nice during the investigation, allegedly deleting sensitive documents during the raid. Google on the other hand says they’ll "continue cooperating with this and other government inquiries."

Google services aren’t mandatory. We’ve seen plenty of Android devices come devoid of Google applications and services. Apparently nobody sent the KFTC the memo. Google is facing the same issues in Europe where the European Union Competition Commissioner is giving Google until July 2nd to respond to with a settlement offer. Oh, Google…

[AllThingsD | Cnet | TheVerge | Engadget]


Who said the Google play Store would only sell devices? Galaxy Nexus accessories now available

Posted: 30 May 2012 03:08 PM PDT

Google’s just announced on Google+ that accessories for the Galaxy Nexus are now available for purchase on the Google Play Store. The official desktop dock, HD media dock, and a vehicle dock (yep, the one with the three-pin dock connector) are all available for purchase. Be warned that these accessories are only approved for use with the HSPA+ version of the device, such as the one Google is selling in the Play Store. Those on Verizon and Sprint aren’t officially supported, but you can take the chance if you want anyway. Get started here. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]


Sprint expects EVO 4G LTE shipments to arrive in the next few days

Posted: 30 May 2012 03:01 PM PDT

Sprint has released an official statement following news earlier that HTC’s devices have cleared US Customs inspections. Their stake in all of this lies with the HTC EVO 4G LTE, of course, which has only gotten shipped to those who preordered the device. They’ve not yet hit store shelves for a retail release, but all that will change soon.

They’re expecting shipments within the next few days, and while they’re not ready to give a solid date just yet we have a feeling Sprint won’t drag their feet on it, and they won’t let the day go by without letting all of us know. We’ll be bringing you that information as soon as it lands so circle back over the course of this week and possibly early next week. [via BriefMobile]

"While Sprint customers who pre-ordered their HTC EVO 4G LTE received their device last week, Sprint continues to wait for our full inventory from HTC. We recently learned that HTC devices have been released by U.S. Customs. We expect shipments of HTC EVO 4G LTE to enter the U.S. in the next few days. An exact availability date for HTC EVO 4G LTE will be communicated as soon as possible. To access the latest news and device information, visit our Sprint Community page where we’ll be providing regular updates. Thank you for your interest and continued patience."


Google Maps update brings Zagat scores, reviews from experts and people you know

Posted: 30 May 2012 01:54 PM PDT

Many of you may have noticed a big update hitting the Google Play Store for Google Maps. Google has improved the experience by adding scores and summaries provided by dining site Zagat. You can also view reviews of places from experts and your friends. Finally, directions to a place can now be displayed inside its bubble on the map, meaning there’s one less button you have to press to find your way to a certain destination. Get the updated goods in the Google Play Store here.


Flipboard for Android now available in beta form

Posted: 30 May 2012 01:09 PM PDT

The folks at Flipboard once committed to offering the iOS-bred app only on the Samsung Galaxy S III. A strange route to go, of course, considering there are many more Android devices out there with many users who probably aren’t getting a Galaxy S III.  The reasoning was simple: quality check.

They wanted to make sure it worked, and worked well, on at least one device starting out, but they’ve since come to realize that they won’t be very successful on Android with a one device model. That’s why they’re now releasing a public beta for all to get their hands on. Betas are nothing new, so you know the drill: things might not work as well as they should, and for that you shouldn’t scold them.

Reporting issues instead will do the trick. If you come across a force close, report it instead of just dismissing the prompt. And send an email off to the folks at Flipboard if something else is off in the app. Do your part and we should have an official release in no time. To get started, download the APK here. You’ll need a phone that is capable of sideloading apps. [via Engadget]


HTC devices officially pass customs

Posted: 30 May 2012 12:20 PM PDT

Good news is inbound for you HTC fans. The devices that were held up at US Customs, including the HTC EVO 4G LTE and the HTC One X, have cleared the regulatory body. The devices were being stopped for inspection to look for a US patent owned by Apple. The patent covered a method clicking hyperlinks in a web browser.

While we’re sure HTC would have preferred to avoid this hurdle, we were reassured that the devices were already being updated with new firmware that would free them of the infringement US Customs was looking for.

Most customers haven’t been affected by this, with the only major setback being a five day delay for those who were waiting on the HTC EVO 4G LTE. In other words, it’s back to business as usual for HTC and those looking to buy their latest products here in the United States.

1.Date of occurrence of the event:2012/05/30

2.Company name:HTC Corporation
3.Relationship to the Company (please enter "head office" or "affiliate company"):Head Office
4.Reciprocal shareholding ratios:N/A
5.Cause of occurrence:HTC has completed the review process with US Customs and HTC devices have been released, as they are in compliance with the ITC’s ruling. Future shipments should continue to enter the US and we are confident that we will soon be able to meet the demand for our products.
6.Countermeasures:N/A
7.Any other matters that need to be specified:N/A


SwiftKey 3 Beta brings improved suggestions and more [Download]

Posted: 30 May 2012 11:57 AM PDT

A new SwiftKey Beta, SwiftKey 3, has been released. It brings with it a nice number of changes and improvements, including improved suggestions, a better experience for Google Chrome Beta, improved gestures, and a whole lot more changes and fixes to sink your teeth into. Check out the full list below and download the beta here. Remember that some things may not be stable, being a beta and all. Report any problems you’ve run into to SwiftKey or submit feedback by joining their VIP Community. [via Android Police]

  • Improved prediction algorithms
  • Better, more consistent punctuation key behavior
  • Smarter Smart Space functionality (which will make it easier to enter email addresses etc)
  • A refined experience in Google Chrome Beta
  • Fixed missing predictions on the longpress of @ and .com
  • Improved gestures
  • Eliminated lag on letter pop-ups
  • Various other minor bug fixes and usability improvements

SwiftKey 3 Beta (phone): Download

SwiftKey 3 Beta (tablet): Download


Bug fixing update headed to T-Mobile’s HTC One S tomorrow

Posted: 30 May 2012 09:13 AM PDT

A minor update is on the docket for the T-Mobile HTC One S starting tomorrow, May 31st. Th 24MB patch will bring bug fixes and improvements including WiFi calling enhancements, better camera stability, and resolved signal fluctuation. The update leaves the One S at software version 1.84.531.2. More info and the particulars on the update process can be found at the TMo source link below.

[T-Mobile via AndroidPolice]


Evernote Hello launches for Android

Posted: 30 May 2012 09:05 AM PDT

Taking a break from issuing a new release of the company’s constantly improving namesake application, Evernote is launching Hello for Android today. Evernote Hello, which was previously exclusive to iPhone users, is an app designed to help make remembering those you meet easier than ever. We have all had one of those moments. A stranger approaches you at a party or business event talking as if they have been an acquaintance for years. The problem is, you don’t immediately recognize them despite realizing you have previously met them. Hello seeks to make this a thing of the past.

The app not only allows you to enter a person into your phone and put a face to the name, but it also builds up the context of where and when you met, what you may have had in common, or even what they were wearing. New features include LinkedIn integration for building business relationships; the ability to comb call history, texts, and calendar events to predict who you are about to meet; and an email function that will send your contact info and a photo to new connections to better establish relationships.

Hello seeks to make connecting with new people easier than ever by emulating the way the brain works to create a web of connections. The app should be hitting the Google Play Store today.

[Evernote Hello]

 


ARCHOS launches Alvin and the Chipmunks-themed Child Pad with Ice Cream Sandwich

Posted: 30 May 2012 08:00 AM PDT

ARCHOS is jumping into the kids tablet game with the release of the 7-inch Child Pad. The new slate designed for youngsters is loaded up with an Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 theme, but we’re more interested in a set of specs that doesn’t look half bad for a device of the Child Pad’s class. The tablet features a 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of storage, and WiFi connectivity. Better than that, it runs Ice Cream Sandwich.

ARCHOS is pre-loading the tablet with plenty of apps and games tailored to kids, including Angry Birds along with more educational fare. Additional titles can be downloaded from a curated list available through the AppsLib market. Plenty of Chipmunk related content and parental control software is also included.

The ARCHOS Child Pad is available immediately for $129.99 through a dedicated web site. It will head to other retailers soon.

[via ARCHOS]


Google+ for Android gets Local, find places nearby based on the recommendation of friends

Posted: 30 May 2012 07:53 AM PDT

The Google+ team has just rolled out a new element to the social network in the form of the Local tab. Local integrates nearby places into the Google+ experience, allowing you to search or browse for nearby restaurants, bars, and popular hangout spots based on the scores provided by your friends who have been there combined with Zagat ratings. The whole package is wrapped up in a neat and tidy Google+ page.

Of course, the new feature comes directly to Google+’s Android app, where you’ll find the same features built into the social network’s native interface. The update should be going live today and can be found at the Google Play link below. More info on Local can be found at Google’s blog sourced at the bottom of this article.

Google Play Link: Google+

[via Google]

 


Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus Android 4.0.4 update should be starting any day now

Posted: 30 May 2012 07:07 AM PDT

Yesterday we saw the support docs for the Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus update to Android 4.0.4 go live, a sure sign that new software is right around the corner. Today, multiple sources out of Big Red have been hyping the update, giving the impression that it could begin any day now, if not within the next 24 hours. A tweet from Verizon’s Albery Aydin says Android 4.0.4 “will soon be pushed,” while a spokesperson for VZW confirmed the same to DroidLife.

Our most recent check of the “System updates” dialog under Settings/About phone returned nothing at the time of this writing, but we’ll be sure to watch that space like a hawk until we can pull down a fresher Ice Cream Sandwich build. Be sure to let us know when the update hits your handset!

[via Twitter]


Samsung Galaxy S III now available at Three UK

Posted: 30 May 2012 06:47 AM PDT

With delays pushing back a wider release of the Samsung Galaxy S III in Europe, Three UK has pushed ahead with the launch of the flagship Android device. The Pebble Blue option is still backordered due to paint issues, but eager buyers can now pick up the white variant online and in store. The GS3 is priced as low as free when purchased in conjunction with a two-year, £34/month contract, which includes unlimited data and tethering. It remains to be seen whether or not delays will prevent the latest Galaxy device from shattering sales records, but expect the phone to be flying off of shelves.

[via AndroidCentral]


Flipboard beta in the works for more Android devices

Posted: 30 May 2012 06:09 AM PDT

While the Samsung Galaxy S III has the makings of a great Android phone, not everyone will be inclined to pick one up this summer. And those folks will miss out on the chance to get acquainted with Flipboard’s beautifully designed Android app. But all is not lost, as Engadget reports that the team behind the popular social news app may be close to launching a beta program for users of other Android devices.

Given the app’s reputation for looking great while aggregating a personalized “magazine” culled from the social web, it’s no surprise that Flipboard would focus on a single device with a single screen resolution to create the best experience for the company’s first Android release. But through beta testing with a select group of users the Flipboard team hopes to iron out issues that will keep the app from looking its best on all screens.

There is no exact timeframe for the beta program or an official release, but it sounds like it isn’t more than a few months off. In the meantime, there are other methods to get Flipboard on your Android, but mileage may cary.

[via Engadget]


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