Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Tizen OS set to run Android apps

Posted: 15 May 2012 03:37 PM PDT

Have you ever heard of the Tizen Operating System? Neither had we until today however what we do know about it is that the HTML 5 based, open source platform is looking to Android’s flourishing Play Store to give it a leg-up. Tizen has clearly taken some inspiration from RIM who famously solved the riddle of how to attract developers to a new platform by sidestepping it completely and simply loading the Android Market to the Blackberry Playbook.

Open Mobile is the company behind the trick, a solution it has named ‘Application Compatibility Layer‘ (ACL) which supposedly allows you to run Android applications on a Tizen device with 100% compatibility and maximum responsiveness. Impressive indeed if the claims are well founded.

Check out the video below that demonstrates Android applications running on Tizen. Will you be keeping your eye on the development of this new platform? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Click here to view the embedded video.

source : The Handheld Blog

KDDi working on an Android powered set-top box

Posted: 15 May 2012 02:57 PM PDT

You’d be forgiven for thinking what you’re looking at here is a Nintendo Wii. The clear white finish, the vertical standing rectangular design, even the remote control is a dead ringer for a Wii remote. What you’re actually looking at is a set-top box that runs Android 4.0 and is designed to sync with other Android devices for TV and media streaming. The device is all set to be tested as early as this summer with a view to an end of year launch. Early indications are that it will initially only be available in Japan.

No further details about the Smart Box are known at this time but as ever we’ll be sure to bring you the updates as they arrive.

Do you think this device can bolster Google’s assault on the illustrious TV market? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

source : Newlaunches

BBC will provide 24 live Hi-Def streams of the Summer Olympics

Posted: 15 May 2012 01:08 PM PDT

The Summer Olympics of 2012 is upon us. What's your favorite sport, or which will you be sure not to miss, as long as you have access to the live event? Could it be Football, Basketball, Water sports, Rowing, Shooting, Cycling, and the list goes on. As for myself, I will pick up and watch a little of whatever I can. With the help of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) there's a good chance you'll get to see your favorite sport live.

The BBC is pulling out all the stops to get this year's Summer Olympics in London broadcast in as many ways as possible. They will be streaming 24 live HD streams throughout the event. Included, you'll be able to stream to any one of your Android devices, or web-enabled TV by way of the BBC mobile sports site or mobile applications. The Android app will support streaming HD video over 3G and WiFi, giving the ability to watch live any one of the games. So prepare yourself for overload of Olympic coverage, and enjoy the Summer Games!

Source: techradar

 

Sorry T-Mobile Users, Free Tethering Ending with ICS Update

Posted: 15 May 2012 10:20 AM PDT

Yesterday we told you how tomorrow will come with a sweet update for your Sensation 4G device and that the Amaze 4G device would be seeing its update “in the coming weeks.” While this is exciting in itself the secondary news following it isn’t so much. Those of you that have been using T-Mobile‘s free tethering on your devices will no longer be able to do so after you update. This suggests that a $14.95 a month tethering plan will be mandatory should you wish to have the ICS update and the hotspot tethering options.

This was made clear in the Sensation upgrade support document and said the following:

 ”HTC Sensation 4G will be required to add Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot feature in order to use the service after completing this update.”

The difference between the Sensation 4G and Amaze 4G documents is that that quote is missing out of the Amaze 4G documentation. Although users have reported that T-Mobile is blocking the WiFi tethering feature on that very device. The confusion arrived in the fact that although T-Mobile has always charged $14.95 per month officially for a tethering option some users have been able to use this service freely. A T-Mobile representative had this to say:

“T-Mobile began offering a Smartphone Mobile Hotspot plan in November 2010. However, due to technical limitations with software, customers were not being charged for the feature on select T-Mobile products. Customers who choose to upgrade their HTC Sensation 4G to the optional Android 4.0 (ICS) software update will be required to sign up for the $14.99 Smartphone Mobile Hotspot plan.”

Other users were given a kind of grace period for this feature. A T-Mobile customer support representative wrote this last year:

“T-Mobile may not immediately block you from Wi-Fi sharing until it is verified that you are using your device as a modem…and at that time you may be blocked and then required to purchase a feature to continue using it. That said, there may be a period of time where you are able to tether without having the feature added on the account.”

While you won’t be charged to upgrade to the latest flavor of Android you will be charged monthly should you want to continue to use this service. While rooted users are able to use various WiFi tethering apps of their own and both ClockworkMod Tethering and FoxFi brings root free tethering to dvices, this may not be as big of a sting as it could be. However those apps can lead to risk of being caught and your data plan being changed, dropped, etc. With that being said, the update is still on for tomorrow, it’s just that you may need to find other tethering options if you don’t feel like dropping $14.95 a month.

 

source: T-Mobile Support Docs
via: PC Mag

LG Spectrum Firmware Update rolling out now (VS920V6)

Posted: 15 May 2012 10:17 AM PDT

That's it folks, The latest update is being pushed to the LG Spectrum. This isn't an Ice Cream Sandwich update, that I'm sure you'd all rather see. This is however a pretty significant update. I won't go in to every little detail, as TalkAndroid did give you the 411 the other day that it was on its way. You'll see plenty of updates to various applications, including some bloatware apps, and bug fixes. So watch that notification bar for the alert, And check out our previous post for the full list of changes.

-Thanks to Marty

Facebook for Android to Receive Update Today, Timeline Photos Up to 3X Larger

Posted: 15 May 2012 09:46 AM PDT

Facebook is going through some much needed changes lately and today’s update should make your timeline look a little prettier. At some point today you will start to notice that the pictures in your timeline appear bigger, because they are (or will be). Timeline pictures will now be up to three times larger than before and instead of thumbnails that you need to tap in order to view the image, the pictures will now almost stretch from “edge to edge” of your device’s screen. Not only will the Android app be graced with this update, the mobile website version is due for the change-up as well. Those of you who are frequent Facebookers may recognize this upgrade as it is something they changed on the desktop version of the app a while back.

To reap these photo benefits there is no need to update your Facebook app through the Google Play Store. This update will take place on the server side of things so you should eventually notice the change once the Facebook team flips the proverbial “update switch.” I would tell you that I will monitor the app to let you now when the update is in place, but I recently switched over to Fast for Facebook for the little Facebooking that I do. So if you guys happen to notice the update, be a pal and let us know in the comments section below. Thanks!

source: Facebook

Sony Confirms ICS Update Will Arrive For Xperia S Smartphone By Early June

Posted: 15 May 2012 08:50 AM PDT

Sony’s Xperia S has been an awesome phone except for well, its lack of Ice Cream Sandwich. While it’s questionable to launch a device of that nature with Gingerbread 2.3 in a world of Android 4.0, Sony has taken the time to finally give us what we have been waiting for— a concrete date for when the Android 4.0 update will arrive on the smartphone. The update is very much real and on its way as it is all set to arrive by late May or early June at the latest.

Keep in mind while the approximate release date of the update is set, the actual push of the updates will vary among the variations of the device. It’s expected the first to receive the update will be the unlocked or unbranded versions which will roll out in phases. The carrier-branded versions will follow suit but as you know unfortunately— it’s up carriers to decide if or when the devices can get the update. Here’s hoping we see the update sooner than later, especially for those of us planning on buying that Xperia Ion.

source: Sony Mobile Thread
via: Unwired View

Twitter For Android Gets Update, Packs In A Load of Bug Fixes

Posted: 15 May 2012 08:38 AM PDT

For those of you that use the official Twitter for Android App you’ll be happy to know that there is an update waiting for you. Hit the My Apps section of the Google Play Store and you’ll find the update. It fixes issues with sync settings as well as fixes issues that people who are running Android 2.0/2.1 were having. Upon checking the What’s New tab in the play store you can see that it:

  1. Fixes missing avatars on devices running Eclair (Android 2.0/2.1)
  2. Accurately displays sync settings based on system sync setting
  3. Fixes Top Tweets appearing out of order in search and discover
  4. Fixes various other bugs and crashers

This brings Twitter for Android to v3.2.2 and should be available to you folks now. For those that are wanting to check it out hit the Play Store link or QR Code after the break. While I personally use Plume and Boid for all my Twitter needs, it’s nice to see Twitter push these bug fixes quickly. Enjoy!

 

 

Google Play Store – Link

 

Mini PC FXI Cotton Candy ships this month with ICS and Ubuntu support

Posted: 15 May 2012 08:28 AM PDT

The FXI Cotton Candy is something we heard about late last year and then we got a good look at it at Mobile World Congress. It’s a mini PC that’s only 8 centimeters (3-inches) long that supports Android Ice Cream Sandwich and Ubuntu. It features a 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex A9 processor, a quad-core ARM Mali-400MP GPU, 1 GB of DRAM, micro SD for up to an additional 64GB of storage, a 1080p-ready HDMI port, a USB 2.0 port, and a micro USB port.

Pre-orders begun at Mobile World Congress for $199 and now FXI is announcing that units will ship by the end of the month in Scandinavia (FXI is based in Norway). Unfortunately we probably won’t see it in other parts of the world until the end of the summer. Hit the break for another photo and feature video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

source: engadget

 

Virgin Mobile Launches the LG Optimus Elite

Posted: 15 May 2012 08:16 AM PDT

A few days ago Virgin Mobile began taking pre-orders for the LG Optimus Elite. Today, Virgin Mobile actually released the device so if you didn’t get your pre-order in already you should have no problem stopping by your local pre-paid retailer and picking one up. The LG Optimus Elite is the eco-friendly successor to the Optimus S and will run you $150 with Virgin’s pre-paid plans beginning at $35 a month. This is a pretty sweet deal for a device that is equipped with NFC capabilities and you know what that means, that means you get to enjoy a little Google Wallet action as well. Other features include a 3.5-inch HVGA screen, an 800MHz processor, and a 5MP rear camera with flash. Head to your local pre-paid retailer or check out Virgin Mobile’s website to pick one up. Full press release after the break.

WARREN, N.J. & SAN DIEGO (BUSINESS WIRE), May 15, 2012 – Virgin Mobile USA answers to A Higher Calling™ once again, announcing with LG Mobile the availability today of LG Optimus Elite™ in Titan Silver for $149.99. The device operates on Virgin Mobile's industry-leading, no-contract Beyond Talk plans with unlimited data and messaging starting at $35 a month. Stylish and slim, LG Optimus Elite comes with Google Wallet™ and is now available at virginmobileusa.com and major retailers nationwide.

LG Optimus EliteTM Makes its Way to Virgin Mobile USA on May 15. http://www.virginmobileusa.com (Photo: Business Wire)

A successor to the popular LG Optimus V™, this highly customizable full-featured smartphone keeps customers organized with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and other key features, including a 3.5-inch HVGA screen, 800MHz processor, 5MP autofocus rear-facing camera and camcorder with flash, and a virtual QWERTY keyboard.

A first for Virgin Mobile USA devices, LG Optimus Elite comes with Near Field Communications (NFC), allowing customers to access true value features, such as Google WalletTM, an app that allows payment using a mobile device from participating retailers at select Macy's, RadioShack, Walgreens, Gap and more.

“Our customers fell in love with the LG Optimus V™, so bringing another great device to our lineup of Android™-powered devices from the Optimus family goes right along with our promise of A Higher Calling™,” said Jeff Auman, vice president for Virgin Mobile USA. “LG Optimus Elite offers full integration of social networking apps, Microsoft Outlook Exchange email, and advanced messaging capabilities. Combined with our awesome Beyond Talk monthly unlimited data plans, customers can realize true savings with no contract and no surprises.”

Operating on the Sprint Nationwide Network1, Virgin Mobile USA offers tremendous value for those customers who text, IM, post, email, friend, like and tweet more than they talk. Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plans start at just $35 a month for 300 minutes of voice and include unlimited messaging and data. For those looking for a bit more talk time, the $45 plan offers 1,200 minutes of voice, and the $55 plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month. All plans include unlimited messaging and data (plans include 2.5GB of full-speed data).

“LG Mobile strives to provide the best technologies and services that are not only extremely useful, but also accessible to everyone,” said Tim O'Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile. “The LG Optimus Elite not only has amazing features, but with add-ons such as Google Wallet, Box and Virgin Mobile's affordable monthly plan, consumers will be getting a great smartphone with incredible value.”

Customers can also download Box on LG Optimus Elite and receive 50GB of free cloud storage and sharing2 directly from LG, an estimated value of $240 per year, so they don't have to stress about storing all of their favorite music, files, photos and other memories.

About Virgin Mobile USA

Virgin Mobile USA, one of Sprint's prepaid brands, offers millions of customers control, flexibility and connectivity through Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk™ no-contract plans with unlimited data for mobile phone service, including Android-powered smartphones and prepaid Broadband2Go high-speed Web access on the Nationwide Sprint Network. Virgin Mobile-branded devices are available at more than 40,000 retail stores, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy and RadioShack. Top-Up cards are available at approximately 150,000 locations nationwide and can be used for Broadband2Go services. Experience Virgin Mobile on the Web atFacebook, Twitter, You Tube and purchase Virgin Mobile USA products at www.virginmobileusa.com.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances. With 117 operations around the world, LG achieved global sales of USD 49 billion (KRW 54.26 trillion) in 2011. LG is comprised of four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions – and is one of the world's leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.

About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company

The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a global leader and innovator in mobile communications. With its breakthrough technologies and innovative designs, LG continues to establish a number of benchmarks in the smartphone market, while also helping create a better lifestyle for consumers by delivering a wholly enhanced smartphone experience. As a leader in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, LG continues its commitment to developing groundbreaking LTE technologies and fulfilling consumer demands with differentiated LTE devices of the highest quality, all of which are based on the company's wealth of LTE patents and technical knowledge. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

Google, Android, and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc.

1 Virgin Mobile customers have access to the Nationwide Sprint Network which reaches more than 280 million people for voice services and 276 million people for 3G data services.
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