Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Android Authority

Android Authority

Huawei announces ICS “demo version” rolling out to U8860 Honor, other phones to follow soon

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 03:21 AM PDT

Although we've been expecting Huawei to make a strong push towards the high-end smartphone market niche this year, the charge has been delayed for some reason. Neither the Ascend D Quad, nor the P1 and P1 S have been released in the US, and we don't even have official release dates for the phones.

In the lower end sector, however, Huawei is making efforts to keep customers happy. The U8660 Honor, a mid-ranger available in the US at AT&T, has just received the much awaited Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update, available for download at this link.

Other low-end and mid-range handsets from Huawei will themselves receive ICS upgrades "through Q2 and Q3", including the U8860 Pro, Honor C8860E, Mercury M866, Honor U8860-51 and G300. Neither of these phones have exact update dates next to their names and time frames are ambiguous at best (Q2 ends in June and Q3 in September).

Another thing to be worried about is that Huawei has made available a "demo version of ICS Android 4.0" for the Honor and the exact same version, which "may have limitations", will be coming to the other phones as well. No words on what are those limitations, but if you own an Honor and you're willing to give this "demo" ICS a chance, you can download it and let us know what to expect. The software package "weighs in" at a pretty hefty 258.11 MB, so make sure you have the storage space to go around before downloading.

No words on when (or if) to expect full versions of Android 4.0 on any of the devices mentioned above, so for the time being you’ll have to make do with these “demos” to quench your Ice Cream Sandwich thirst.

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This article, Huawei announces ICS “demo version” rolling out to U8860 Honor, other phones to follow soon , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Panasonic Toughpad A1 fights its way through the FCC, to be finally released soon

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 03:15 AM PDT

Usually, when a technology manufacturer unveils a gadget and bothers with any kind of marketing campaign, you can expect the product to be made available for sale in a matter of weeks or months. Moreover, when video teasers pop up, you can almost be sure that you'll see the device start shipping very soon.

That, unfortunately, was not the case with Panasonic's Toughpad A1, a 10-inch ruggedized tablet unveiled way back in November 2011, but left to be forgotten ever since. The "fearless" Toughpad was teased in a very cool YouTube video clip back in the day, but for some reason we haven't heard a thing about it ever since.

And right when we were starting to lose hope and think we'll never see the Toughpad become reality, an FCC filing came our way. Boom, the 10-incher is alive, kicking, and still ready to become the Chuck Norris of Android-based tablets!

While we don't have a release date, a price tag or any kind of official information from Panasonic on the tablet, we can assume that the Toughpad is in line for a summer launch. We can also be certain that the indestructible gadget will come with WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. Other than that, the FCC confirmation documents don't seem to offer any more details about the Toughpad, but you can check them out yourselves and maybe you'll strike some gold.

We pretty much knew what to expect from Panasonic's Toughpad in terms of tech specs and features since last year, but we would think that the 10-incher has suffered some kind of changes in the meantime. The device was supposed to run Android 3.2 Honeycomb and feature a Marvell 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, a 10.1-inch display with 1024 x 768 pixels resolution, 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of on-board memory, 5 MP/2MP cameras, and a hefty 4,590 mAh battery.

We would surely like to see the Toughpad sport a nicer screen and pack a snappier processor. Also, we expect it to run ICS and not that raggedy Honeycomb, especially considering that it will supposedly be extravagantly priced ($1,299 was the suspected price tag last fall).

As far as functionality and looks go, the Toughpad teased last year was supposed to come with IP 65 certified water, dust, shock and temperature proofing and with a very bulky figure (966 grams in weight and 0.67 inches thickness). Needless to say that we would love for all the functionality to be there, but for some of that bulkiness to have gone away. We know, however, that you can't have it all, so we don't expect the tablet to have shrunk overnight.

The Toughpad A1 was supposed to come with a smaller brother too, a 7-inch B1 Toughpad, about which we don’t know anything just yet. The 7-incher might get its own FCC approval soon enough, though, so keep in touch!

What do you guys think? Would a "fearless" Toughpad still be something worth looking for? Drop us a line below and let us know!

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This article, Panasonic Toughpad A1 fights its way through the FCC, to be finally released soon , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

AT&T’s Daybreak webseries marks a new age for branded content

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 03:04 AM PDT

daybreak
While smartphone advertising has definitely got its share of bad apples (no pun intended this time) in the past, the occasional interesting campaigns rear their beautiful head here and there. On a personal level, I believe Sprint's involvement with Fringe is one the best examples on how to promote technology these days. As it turns out, I may not be the only one who shares this point of view, as AT&T has just released the first episode of Daybreak, an online show that marks a new age for branded content.

Daybreak is produced by Tim Kring (the guy behind hugely popular shows such as Touch and Heroes) and directed by Jon Cassar (best known for directing 24). The web series is in many ways similar to the Bourne series, although there are some who notice Fringe elements sparkled in various places. The show ("airing" on the official Daybreak website, Youtube, and Hulu each Thursday) will span five episodes, each one 10 minutes in length, and will depict the story of Ben Wilkens, an everyman that must overthrow a powerful global conspiracy in order to make sure that humanity will take the next evolutionary step. Sounds interesting, right?

Catch the first chapter below, then make sure to let us know what you guys think about AT&T's campaign in the comment section below!

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This article, AT&T’s Daybreak webseries marks a new age for branded content , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Android 4.0 rolling out to LG Optimus LTE in Korea, Optimus Vu and LTE Tag to follow

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 02:55 AM PDT

LG hasn't done the greatest job in providing its customers with (official) updates to the latest and greatest Android version, 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, but, fortunately, things seem to be on the brink of a change.

Just a few days after officially announcing three phones as set to get ICS in June, the first of the trio is already reported as receiving the much awaited and anticipated upgrade. The Optimus LTE, one of LG's most popular smartphones in Korea, is currently getting the OTA update to Android 4.0, as well as a UI bump to the newly released Optimus 3.0 overlay.

The guys at The Verge were the first ones to report on the news, after picking up a tweet from Ken Hong, one of LG's PR reps in Korea, but we're unsure if all Optimus LTE users have had the chance to install the software update or just some of them.

If you're living in Korea and you own an Optimus LTE, but you haven't yet received an update prompt message, you should check for a better network connection or try rebooting your phone one or two times. If that doesn't work either, you should probably give it a few more hours for the OTA update to reach you.

While this news comes as a blessing for the million Optimus LTE users in Korea, we still don't know when or if the update will hit phones in the rest of the world. The LG Nitro HD and Spectrum are the US versions of the Optimus LTE, but the company's officials are still keeping quiet about possible upgrades for the two.

We also don't have any new information about LG's Optimus Vu and Optimus LTE Tag, both phones scheduled for getting the software bumps "starting on June 4", but you should keep in touch with our website over the coming hours and days and we will let you know about any story developments.

Do you think that LG could regain some of its lost popularity with these Ice Cream Sandwich updates? Is it too little too late? Let us know in the comments section below!

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This article, Android 4.0 rolling out to LG Optimus LTE in Korea, Optimus Vu and LTE Tag to follow , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Best Android apps for public speakers

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 09:00 PM PDT

Let’s be honest: Public speaking can be a horrifying experience. It makes and breaks people, especially when you’re expected to speak in front of not just your friends but also strangers.

You might be working already, and you’re asked to talk about your ideas in front of people from the lowest ranks to the topmost. Stage fright is absolutely normal and the very prospect of having to present your own words to a crowd can make most people uncomfortable.

Where do you begin formulating your speech? Are you using the right words? How do you look like when you’re talking on stage? How do you dress?

We’ve come to your rescue, and we’ve put together a list of some of the best apps for public speakers. We’ll guide you through making your speech to presenting it, and all you’ll need is the help of your Android device.

TED Air

What’s the first step in making a speech? Being inspired, of course, and what could be more inspiring than listening to some of the most interesting people on earth share their ideas. Listen to prominent figures like Positive Psychology’s Martin Seligman discuss his latest ideas or Mythbuster’s Adam Savage talk about obsession. You can even listen to Bill Gates talk about how state budgets are breaking schools or learn more about the Egyptian revolution with Wael Ghonim.

There’s no end to inspiration with TED Air on your Android device. Using TED Air’s fast and powerful search engine, browse for videos by their tags or look them up by themes. You can enjoy subtitles in over 80 languages with auto-translation or you can opt to have them shown in English by default.

Keeping in the spirit of TED’s tagline, if you find an idea worth spreading, you can easily share a video with friends so they can be inspired, too. You can also save on data fees by downloading the videos you want straight to your device or bookmarking them in TED Air. Be inspired with TED Air on your Android device; download it for free from the Google Play Store.

Evernote

Now that you’re sufficiently inspired, it’s time to get cracking. But, unless you’re a practiced speech writer, your speech is going to start manifesting itself in small bits and pieces.

Not all of us can stay at home or stay attached to our laptops until all the words are out of us.  It’s for this reason some people carry notebooks, but others who prefer to travel lighter use Evernote.

You’ve probably heard of Evernote before; it’s one of the most used apps by Android users. For the unfamiliar, Evernote makes note sharing and synchronizing among your different devices a dream.

Say you start on your speech on your desktop but you need to go to school or to the office. Instead of e-mailing yourself your speech, you can pick it right back up on the Evernote app on your Android device.

You’ll need Evernote’s desktop counterpart to be able to sync your notes, of course, but that’s no problem. Evernote is also available for iOS so you’ll never be without your notes wherever you go. Relocate to a quiet coffee shop to finish your speech or even work at it in class.

Download Evernote for free from the Google Play Store.

Funny Facts Free 8000+

A little humor won’t kill you and sprinkling a little humor on your speech is definitely going to keep your audience’s attention. If you’re talking about serious, heavy stuff, it won’t take long for your audience’s brain to shut itself off.

Insert a well-timed joke or a relevant humorous fact and your audience will definitely stay awake. If you’re worried that your jokes may be overplayed or your audience won’t get your punchline, alter tactics a little and throw in funny facts.

With Funny Facts Free 8000+ on your Android device, you will have no shortage of things to spice up your speech. Look up facts in categories like the human body, nature, science, celebrities, world records, strange laws and of course, sex. Just make sure that the jokes you inject into your speech are not just context-relevant but also age-appropriate.

If you’ve found a fact that you like, bookmark it so you can easily access it next time you’re sitting down and working on your speech.

Dictionary.com

Does it seem that, suddenly, there are not enough words in the English language? Are the words appearing on your virtual page familiar but you can’t quite remember what they mean? Make sure that you’re using the right words in the way you intend with Dictionary.com.

Developed by Dictionary.com, LLC, this app gives you dictionary and thesaurus content right on your Android device. You’ll have access to 375,000 words and definitions. If you feel like you’re repeating the same words, look up over 300,000 synonyms and antonyms.

Not sure if you’re using the word in the right way? Dictionary.com also provides you with example sentences, and if you’re still looking for fun facts, you can even look up word origins and their history.

When you’re reading the speech aloud to yourself, you can make sure that you’re pronouncing the words correctly by using Dictionary.com’s audio and phonetic pronunciation aids.

Want to hang on to a word in case you can somehow wiggle it into a conversation in the future? Tap on the star and favorite that word. You can access all your favorite words right from the app’s homescreen.

ColorNote Notepad Notes

Let’s presume that you’ve gotten the basic flow of your speech down and you’ve read it aloud a few dozen times, it’s time to let go of it. You read that right. Let go of your speech and start practicing without looking at your guide.

This is an important step because you’re never going to get those words to stick to your brain if you don’t test yourself. But, since recalling a huge wall of words can be difficult, use ColorNote Notepad Notes as your guide. You can write down the key points of your speech to guide you through each transition.

ColorNote Notepad Notes can do more than just that. With a built-in calendar, you can add notes to important days. Don’t forget that your big day is coming up soon. You can also mark by which days you should achieve a certain mastery level.

You can also use ColorNote Notepad Notes to remind you if there’s anything you need to pick up or purchase. To make sure you’ll never forget, assign each note its own color. If you’re having trouble finding a note, ColorNote Notepad Notes allows you to sort by Modified Time, Created Time, Alphabetically, by Color, and by Reminder Time.

Mirror

You’ll hear it time and time again. Practice in front of a mirror. People think that this piece of advice is ridiculous but on the contrary, it’s perhaps one of the most important bits of advice you could ask for. How could you expect to speak in front of a crowd when you can’t even face your own reflection?

Mirrors help speakers to get used to being watched, even if it’s by themselves. Eventually, when you’ve shaken off that initial discomfort of seeing someone else in front of you, you can start tailoring your expressions, your posture, and your gestures to be more inviting.

You’ll be able to see if you look too stiff or too silly, flapping your arms around and adjusting your body language accordingly.

But, what if you’re away from home and you want to practice in front of a mirror? Why, turn your Android device into a mirror of course! Mirror lets you check how you look or helps you put on a contact lens, but it also packs features like zoom and exposure controls and awesome image visibility.

Practice wherever you go with Mirror on your Android device. It’s free on the Google Play Store.

Tape-a-Talk Voice Recorder

So, you’re confident with how you might look in front of an audience. Great! We’re almost ready for your big day, but we’re still not quite ready yet. It’s one thing to actually speak in front of a mirror, but have you tried hearing yourself speak? Have you been slurring your words, eating them sometimes, or just plain talking too fast?

The mirror might have helped out your posture, but nothing quite gives the same feedback as recording your voice. Use Tape-a-Talk Voice Recorder next time you’re practicing your speech.

Tap on that red button to start recording and if someone interrupts you while you’re in the middle of your speech, pick it right back up by pausing and starting again when you’re in private. It’s a great way to tell if you’re going too fast or if you’re not actually enunciating enough.

Catch those fillers, like “ah” and “um,” before it’s too late. If you need a second opinion, save your recording and share it with your friends via Dropbox and FTP clients.

StopWatch & Timer

The key to an effective speech is brevity. If you ramble on for too long, not only will your audience lose focus and get bored but you’ll also lose your own focus. Now that you’ve corrected your speed and pronunciation and you’re confident in your body language, it’s time to reel in your words and get them under a specific amount of time.

TED talks generally last less than 20 minutes, but speakers can cover a whole range of topics. Some speakers need to get their whole message out of their mouths and to their audience in less than 15 minutes. A handful need to get their messages in even less. It’s not impossible but it’s a matter of pacing.

Make sure that you’ll always get your message out in under the right time with StopWatch & Timer. This app is clean, simple, and reliable, helping you keep track of time. Set it to your desired time and the app will tick down. Now, start speaking.

You can switch StopWatch & Timer easily between portrait mode and landscape mode. If you want to gradually reel your time in, StopWatch & Timer also supports several timers that you can switch between easily.

Clothing

You’ve got your speech memorized, you’ve injected it with just the right amount of humor and you’ve nailed your speech in less than 10 minutes. What are we missing here? As the days are ticking down to your big day, it’s time to focus on things that also matter. Like your clothes.

If you’re trying to sell an idea in front of a crowd, you’re going to need to look credible. People who dress well inspire confidence in their audience, and also draw away attention from your clothes and instead focus attention on your words.

Clothing is an Android app focused on men, packing different categories like hairstyle, suits, shirts, pants and jeans, jackets, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and sport shoes. You’ll be covered in all aspects of your wardrobe. Check pictures of male models and gather inspiration for your big day’s stylish look.

If your other guy friends are also having trouble dressing themselves for their own public speeches, then share the Clothing app with them on Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, and SMS.

Stylish Girl – Fashion Closet

We haven’t forgotten about our lady readers, of course. Looking good is just as important for women. If you’re planning on going shopping before your big day, then take Stylish Girl – Fashion Closet with you.

This app prides itself in being the ultimate style planner and shopping app, taking into account the clothes in your closet and the clothes you’d love to have. On the app’s homescreen, you can easily access Wardrobe, Outfits, Wish Bag for the clothes you want to have, Suitcase, the Best Deals, your Calendar so you can plot your looks for the month, the Shopping Mall and the Fashion Lounge for the latest looks and trends in fashion.

Featured in a number of fashion blogs, you’ll get a better idea of how to mix and match your clothes. You can catalog your closet and wish items, so you can carry your whole wardrobe right on your Android device.

Check celebrity looks for the latest styles this season and get the hottest news from fashion blogs and magazines. If fashion inspiration strikes you while you’re commuting, have no fear. Take your Android device out, launch Stylish Girl and put together outfits virtually. Share your fashion ideas with your friends through Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail.

Now that you’re ready for your big day, take a deep breath and walk out on that stage proudly! You’ve managed to compose your speech, shake off that stage fright and dress to impress with the help of a handful of applications and your Android device. Good luck!

If you’ve got an app that helped you prepare for your public speech, share it with us in a comment below.

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This article, Best Android apps for public speakers , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Giving your Android device a dose of Windows 8′s Metro UI via Windows 8 GO Launcher Theme

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:00 PM PDT

One of the best things that makes the Android OS the prime choice of many users is its flexibility in adapting to the latest trends in technology.  The ability to run custom homescreen launchers is a plus factor because it can transform any Android device into something different that rival OSes can't catch up with.

You have probably heard of the popular GO Launcher EX and Launcher Pro homescreen launchers that offer blazingly fast performance in navigating in and out of your homescreen. This time around app developer Seize Ent has upped the ante of the popular homescreen launcher by adding a little twist in bringing the elusive Metro UI launcher to Android devices.

One of the most beautiful homescreen launchers to date, the Metro UI homescreen launcher, is in fact found in the upcoming Windows 8 OS. Android users can still experience the thrill and feel of the Windows 8 launcher just by installing the GO Launcher theme on their device. The task is quite simple as you don't need need hacking or modifying skills to get that Windows 8 feel on your device.

To install the theme all you need to do is to download the GO Launcher EX application to your Android device. After installing the launcher, you are now ready for the next step. Just download the Windows 8 Go Launcher Theme app from the Google Play Store and GO Launcher will automatically require you to install it. Press the Menu button on your home screen, and click Theme. Browse for the "Windows 8 Go Launcher theme," and hit the Apply button to see the results.

Strictly speaking, it is not really the Metro UI launcher. But, then again, the tiles are all the same size and are arranged in pretty much the same way as in Android or iOS. Nonetheless, its clean and very minimal approach will almost certainly shine to fans of the Windows 8 genre.

Navigating through the homescreen feels like that on either the Gingerbread or Ice Cream Sandwich stock launcher. The only thing notable about the theme is that most of your icons are changed into the equivalent Metro UI icons found in the original Windows 8 OS.

In a nutshell, the Windows 8 Go Launcher Theme from Seize Ent remains pretty much like Android. The only difference has to be the icons for every app you have. You might be expecting the real thing like rectangular and square-shaped app icons that are neatly arranged like Tetris blocks, but you may be disappointed with how it looks. If you really just want a simple alternative look for your Android stock launcher, then the Windows 8 Go Launcher Theme is a must-have. Download it for free on the Google Play Store.

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This article, Giving your Android device a dose of Windows 8′s Metro UI via Windows 8 GO Launcher Theme , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Asus to bundle BlueStacks Android emulator software on its Windows computers

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:11 PM PDT

Having secured $7.6 million in funding from several investors a year ago and the financial backing from Qualcomm recently, BlueStacks can finally breathe a sigh of relief after it landed the big break it has been looking for. The start-up company has inked a deal, which CEO Rosen Sharma said will boost the accelerating merger of mobile and PC, with the world's fifth-biggest PC maker AsusTek to have its software come pre-installed in Asus PC computers. The software allows users to run Android apps on their Windows computers in full-screen mode.

BlueStacks has been hard at work in the last year to improve the compatibility of the software with more Android apps. Some notable titles that have been mentioned to run without a glitch include Evernote, Pulse, Talking Tom, and gamer's favorite Fruit Ninja – while other  popular Android apps like Draw Something and Instagram seem to be working fine as well.

The two companies didn't mention the figures of the deal, though a year ago, BlueStacks said that it was looking to push for at least a $10 share from every computer that ships with its software. As for what customers will be getting, the deal includes a free six month access to the bundled Android apps that come with the player. Those who need more can opt for an upgrade to use the premium features.

If you want to see what the fuss is all about, the BlueStacks App player can already be downloaded for free. Because Google Play Store isn't bundled with the player, you'll have the option to sync the apps on your Android phone to your Windows PC by first installing the BlueStacks Cloud Connect app or purchase the apps from other markets within the virtual environment itself. The BlueStacks App player can run on non-touch and touch-enabled computers.

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This article, Asus to bundle BlueStacks Android emulator software on its Windows computers , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

New SwiftKey special feature allows you to text like Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 12:16 PM PDT

Have you ever dreamed of being the queen or king of an imaginary realm while growing up? Sure you have, especially those of you growing up in Great Britain, where monarchy is a political system upon which the region was founded.

Well, starting today, you might get an inch closer to seeing your dream become reality, as you can start texting on your mobile device like Her Majesty the Queen of the Commonwealth. The very popular Swiftkey Android app just got a nifty little update, adding to the languages supported the "English, Queen's version".

The new feature has been added to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, which has taken place over the past weekend celebrating the 60th anniversary of the accession of Her Royal Majesty to the throne.

According to the app's developers, the newly created language will be available on Swiftkey for a limited time only. However, we don't know when the feature will be disappearing from one of Android's best-selling apps in Google Play, so you should enjoy it while you can.

Based on an artificial intelligence software and the analysis of Queen Elizabeth II's speeches ever since 1952, when she became the UK's monarch, the new Swiftkey function will suggest distinctive words and phrases frequently used by Her Royal Majesty.

Surprisingly enough, you shouldn't expect for the app to suggest very pretentious or formal words and expressions, but rather words revealing a "generally optimistic frame of mind". "Confident", "delighted", "glad" and "please" are some of the words most used by The Queen, while if you start writing "My" the auto-suggest feature of SwiftKey will most likely complete the phrase with "Government will".

The Swiftkey X Android app is available for purchase on Google Play for just $2.99. You can also try out the app for free for one month, while if you already have it installed on your device and want to start "royally texting", you'll need to simply refresh your language options.

Tried the new feature on for size yet? Do you feel more distinguished when texting on your Android device? Let us know below!

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This article, New SwiftKey special feature allows you to text like Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Demolition, Inc Android game comes available for non-Tegra devices

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 11:30 AM PDT

Previously released as a game only for Tegra devices, the entertaining destroy-the-world game dubbed Demolition, Inc is now also available for non-Tegra Android phones and tablets. Simply put, this game is almost the same as the one made for Tegra devices and is said to be almost as good in terms of performance, gameplay, except perhaps for the graphics which might be a bit inferior to the graphics in the Tegra version.

For those who have not played this game before, this is an entirely physics-based game with all the goodies that you’ll expect in a sci-fi action game – meaning you’ll get to use cool weponas and tools. You’re primary objective – demolish human cities. By the way, you take the role of a UFO so if that sounds exciting, you’ll most likely enjoy this game.

Adding a unique factor into the game is the fact that everything is not predetermined. This means that during one run, what you’ll do in a particular point in the game might be different the next time you take the game for a spin. Hence, blowing up a building in one game, that building might fall to the right, but then fall to the left the second time you passed through that point in the game.

Other features of Demolition, Inc include fully simulated car and buildings, endless use of combining tools and weapons, various tools and weapons, exciting leves with 6 cities and 30 districts, skills improvement, rampage mode, and online high scores.

Finally, you can grab Demolition Inc on Google Play  for $1.99. If you own a non-Tegra phone or tablet, give the game try and tell us your first impression.

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This article, Demolition, Inc Android game comes available for non-Tegra devices , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Sony Xperia Tipo ST21i and Xperia Tipo Dual ST21i2 set to join the budget smartphone war

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 11:24 AM PDT

GSM Arena

You're probably already familiar with Sony's upcoming budget Xperia phone, which is known so far by its model number and codename as the Sony ST21i Tapioca. After it made an appearance on the website of one Indonesian telecommunication regulator, we can finally put a (retail) name to the handset. Prepare to get acquainted with the Sony Xperia Tipo.

Along with the Xperia Tipo, the website reveals that the model may have a cousin in the form of the Xperia Tipo Dual, otherwise known as the ST21i2. Does this mean Sony is working on a smartphone with dual-SIM capability? That's a possibility given how popular this type of phone is in the Asian market. Combined with the right price and the Sony brand, this will give the Japanese company some much needed sales boost in the region.

We expect both phones to come with the same specs, save for the extra SIM card slot for the Xperia Tipo Dual . The Xperia Tipo is expected to come with a thick body and a rather ho-hum set of specs with its 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7227 processor, Adreno 200 GPU, 3.2-inch HVGA display with no BRAVIA engine, and a 3MP rear camera. The saving grace of the phone will be the inclusion of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box.

We still don't have information about the phone's price and availability, but you're welcome to check out the hands-on experience of the Sony Xperia Tipo that we reported a while back.

Do you think Sony is churning out too many Xperia models this year? The strategy didn't really work in HTC's favor last year, but perhaps different timing combined with the same strategy will be successful for Sony.

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This article, Sony Xperia Tipo ST21i and Xperia Tipo Dual ST21i2 set to join the budget smartphone war , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.
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