Sunday, May 6, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Verizon to start allowing texts to 911 emergency services

Posted: 05 May 2012 05:18 PM PDT

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We can all agree that 911 emergency services can be a life-saver. Therefore, it is a service that should be improved as much as possible, and it seems Verizon Wireless will be the first to take the next step forward. Big Red is currently working on rolling out the ability to send text messages to 911.

Whether you are in a hostage situation or have speech/hearing disabilities, calling 911 can simply be inconvenient (or impossible). Just imagine how many lives could be saved with this feature? And it is a bit disappointing to hear that companies have been taking their sweet time with this since it was suggested by the FCC in 2010.

It might also be a good idea if our phones’ GPS and location services could activated once one sends a text to 911. That would probably be a software issue, but it is definitely possible. I know this could raise certain privacy concerns, in terms of location. Personally, I would be more than willing to give my location to the authorities during emergency situations, though. But what do you think?

Verizon is said to have this feature ready by early 2013, at the soonest. It will simply go through Verizon’s towers as normal text messages, so no upgrades or changes will be needed once the service rolls out. Until then, we will have to stick with good ol’ calling when we want to reach 911 operators. So, what is next? 911 E-mail?

[Via: Engadget]

Titanium Backup adds Google Drive support [root users]

Posted: 05 May 2012 04:24 PM PDT

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Google Drive is fresh off the oven. That did not stop developers from getting it baked into their apps, though (even without an official API available. Titanium Backup has just updated their popular application with Google Drive support, and now you can send your backup straight to Google’s servers (PRO users).

The developer was able to do this by using the Google Docs API, as Google Drive is pretty much an improved Google Docs. It just has sync and more functionality.

It will be great to see more services work along with Google Drive. The cloud storage service will definitely play a big part in Android users’ life, as do most Google services. Everything will probably become much more accessible once the official API is used.

Do remember that this specific application requires root access, so it is not for everyone. It is mostly used by people who tend to format reset their devices often (like ROM flashers). It saves all your app, data and settings in order to provide for a much smoother and faster experience.

The app is also compatible with Box.net and Dropbox, for those that prefer one of the other popular cloud storage services. Just head over to the Google Play Store and get your update to get started! And just out of curiosity, how many of you save their backups in the cloud?

[Via: Android Police]

Facebook goes back to BlackBerry stalking days with its new Messenger update v1.7

Posted: 05 May 2012 03:59 PM PDT

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Remember when we all had Blackberries and people could see if we had read their messages on Blackberry Messenger? Well, it seems Facebook is liking the idea, and has decided to incorporate it to their Messenger app with the latest update.

Other users are able to see if you have already read their messages. Also, there is an optional message that lets you know where users are when they send a message (location).

We can see many of you freaking out over this new update (version 1.7). Not only will users be able to reach you no matter what, but they will actually know if you have read the message or not. Something that is bound to start a good deal of arguments, for sure.

So, if you want the stalking to start, go ahead and download the update from the Google Play Store.

[Via: Engadget]

Samsung looking to acquire companies for better software – Android or its own?

Posted: 05 May 2012 03:13 PM PDT

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Samsung has just taken the throne as the top phone manufacturer. While much of this success is due to their strong commitment with the Android OS, that does not mean that Samsung will not try to become a big player in other areas. And what is the main area Samsung is not doing as well as it could? Software.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Samsung has started putting a major emphasis in software development. Pushing this movement rather strongly, the company has gone in a hiring spree, taking software developers under its wing. This includes people from Pakistan, India and other countries. Not only that, but it seems Sammy is also eyeing smaller software companies for a possible acquisition.

“The technology industry is growing very quickly and it is too much of a burden to try to do everything in-house. There are many qualified workers from India that are very skilled in software. And there are small companies that we can acquire that have good research and development capabilities. If the opportunity allows, we will do M&As. There is something in the works right now.” – J.K Shin, President of Samsung Mobile Business

It is still unknown what these “software improvements” are all about. We know most users are not very fond of Touchwiz, and they are not investing in Windows Phone software (they can’t touch modify it). The company is also denying any interest in RIM. So there are two main options Samsung could be focusing on. Either they are trying to improve TouchWiz, or they are aiming for the stars and improving their own software (Either Bada or something unknown).

If a new major mobile OS is to shake the market, there is no doubt that a company as large as Samsung could be a great contender. We also know that Sony is keeping an open mind about expanding their Vita OS to mobile devices. In some years, we might be seeing some good competition for both our favorite OS (Android) and Apple’s software.

Regardless of Samsung’s plans, though, the Korean manufacturer does plan to stick with Android for some time. It is the most popular mobile OS in the market, and will continue to ensure its success. We certainly hope that Samsung uses some of its new resources for improving TouchWiz, now that HTC has done some major improvements to its own UI overlay. But the future is still unknown, as well as Sammy’s plans. Do you see a major OS being launched by Samsung? And if so, how do you see this affecting our favorite OS?

[Source: WSJ Via: Mobile Syrup]

Motorola Cliq 2 getting Gingerbread 1.5 years late and not OTA

Posted: 05 May 2012 02:26 PM PDT

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While it is true that it is better late than never, Motorola/T-Mobile has crossed the line with this one. It has been about a year and a half since the Motorola CLIQ 2 was announced, and it is now getting its Android 2.3 update. And to make matters even more inconvenient, the update will not be pushed over the air.

The update is said to come with Gingerbread and includes improved cursor controls, as well as better battery performance and a good list of other fixes. So if you are still holing on to your Cliq 2, you will be very glad to know that the waiting has paid off.

As mentioned above, though, the update process won’t be as intuitive and has to be done manually. Users can head to Motorola’s site for instructions and downloads. So if you want some Gingerbread goodness (now that ICS is the big boy), go right ahead and update your device.

[Source: Motorola Via: The Verge]

Rumor: HTC DROID Incredible 4G to hit the streets by May 31st

Posted: 05 May 2012 02:02 PM PDT

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We have no idea if Verizon will be getting globally expected devices like the HTC One X or Samsung Galaxy S3, but many Big Red customers are also waiting for the rumored HTC Droid Incredible 4G. And it seems you won’t have to wait that much longer, as the latest rumors are indicating that the Incredible 4G will be released on May 31st.

Enough proof that the device is close to its release has already come around. The extended battery is already available, The DROID Incredible 2 has reached its end-of-life, and the device even appeared briefly at Verizon’s Droid Does website. This rumor just might be the right one.

We have seen multiple rumored release dates, but CTIA is just around the corner, and odds are in favor of a DROID Incredible 4G announcement. We will definitely be there to bring you all the juicy details, so stay tuned for next week’s CTIA coverage.

But tell us guys, could this be your next device?

[Via: Phonedog]

Deal: OG Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 for $299

Posted: 05 May 2012 01:38 PM PDT

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The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is no longer the high-end tablet that we loved and admired last year, but it definitely continues to be a good device. If you are not looking for the best of the best and want a solid Tegra 2 10.1-inch tablet, this deal might come as good news – It is going for only $299 from Walmart.

The device does happen to be refurbished, but it also comes with a 90-day warranty. It is not a full year, but this warranty timing has become standard for most refurbished products. The tablet comes with a 1 GHz dual-core Tegra 2 processor, 1 GB of RAM and Android 3.2 Honeycomb. It should be getting Android 4.0 at some point, though.

For $300, you can probably find some fair options if you shop around. But the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a good reputation, and you may not want to risk it. If you want to pocket out an extra $100, though, you can go ahead and purchase the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. It is now available for pre-order, and should be available by next week. Or if you are a fan of smaller tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is now available for only $250.

If you are still interested in purchasing this tablet, you can just head to Walmart’s site and order it. But what do you guys think? Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 still a good catch for only $300?

[Source: Walmart Via: Android Community]

Keep your promises, HTC, and unlock the AT&T One X’s bootloader

Posted: 05 May 2012 12:32 PM PDT

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When HTC announced last summer of their decision to provide unlocked boot loaders for all their future devices, the Android developer community rightly gave the Taiwanese company a huge round of applause. After years of getting flak for their practices, the company had finally made a move in the right direction.

Which only makes the reports regarding the AT&T variant of the One X, which will come with a locked bootloader, even more annoying. Having seen the positive response that followed their earlier decision, HTC have taken a step back, making an official statement that cites “restrictions” (no prizes for guessing from whom) as the reason.

HTC has unlocked the bootloaders on most of their Verizon offerings, usually a little while after launch, so I’m hopeful that it’s the same case with AT&T’s One X. However, there’s a lot more riding on this from a developer perspective: if HTC fails to keep their promise, a significant degree of trust would be lost.

[MoDaCo via Android Central]

Adobe pushes security bug fix for Flash

Posted: 05 May 2012 12:10 PM PDT

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If you’ve been visiting tech blogs for the past 24 hours or so, you might have read about a serious security issue inside of Adobe Flash that can be exploited that could “cause the application to crash and potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.”

Wanna keep your phone/tablet safe? Then head on over to Google Play and update the Flash Player. And while you’re at it, updating Flash on all your other devices might be a good idea, too.

[via Android Central]

Gameloft teases Men In Black 3 and Asphalt 7: Heat

Posted: 05 May 2012 09:18 AM PDT

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Ahead of a pretty busy summer, with Men In Black 3 and sequels to the Asphalt and N.O.V.A franchises imminent, developers Gameloft have released a couple of teases for the mobile gaming community.

First up is a simple image of Asphalt 7: Heat, which might be heading into Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit territory with the rumored addition of police chases to the most popular car racing game series on Android. It was reportedly shown on stage during the Galaxy S III announcement, though I can’t find any reference of this in any of the live-blogs I followed. Considering the connection with the S3 announcement, we could see the game launch with the phone, and maybe even come pre-loaded or for free or on discount in the Samsung App Store (this being more of my gut feeling than any inside talk).

Moving on to Men In Black 3, the game is known to launch on the same day as the movie, i.e., May 25th. Gameloft have released this little video which gives us a sneak peek to the gameplay.

How many of you are looking forward to these games? Unless the reviews are horrible, I’m definitely going to get my hands on Asphalt 7, though I can’t say the same of M.I.B.

[via Android Community (M.I.B. 3 & Asphalt 7: Heat)]

Latest Facebook app update gets rid of those camera and messenger shortcuts

Posted: 05 May 2012 08:18 AM PDT

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Well, that was fast. About two weeks ago, Facebook updated their Android app to version 1.9 which brought along, amongst other things, new Camera and Messenger shortcuts in the app drawer. While it was understandable why did that, understandably a lot of people were annoyed to find their app list further congested (including me).

Edgar had even posted last weekend of a little hack that allows you to get rid of those shortcuts, but thankfully enough, you no longer have to put any effort in to achieve that goal. In a minor update, Facebook have booted those shortcuts by default.

A little question at the end of all this: how many of you found those shortcuts helpful? And are you generally OK with an app having multiple entries in the app drawer, if it were to provide genuine advantages?

Thanks, Aaron!

[Google Play]
Posted by at 7:37 AM

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