Thursday, June 14, 2012

Android Central

Android Central

This Galaxy Nexus desktop dock is the perfect car dock

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 04:57 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Nexus desktop dock

What do you do if the official car dock for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus just isn't good enough for you? If you're like ItsDrew in our forums, you put the ol' noodle to good use and make things work. ItsDrew tells it pretty good, so here's his story:

I was really excited to see Google selling these accessories so I purchased two desktop docks and one vehicle dock. The desktop docks rock! The vehicle dock, however, was the worst dock experience I have ever had. It takes tremendous force using both hands to push the phone into the dock and twice the amount of force to get it out. Twice, my phone popped out so hard that it flew into my back seat. The Audio worked when I put it in the dock for the first time, but then never worked again after that. I sent it back to Google and didn't have to pay re-stock fee because the Audio was broken.

Now I simply use a Desktop dock in my truck, and it works perfectly.

Brilliant! Let it never be said that the folks in the Android Central forums aren't resourceful.

Anybody else have some accessory hackery they'd like to share?

Read: "I just returned the Galaxy Nexus Vehicle Dock - Fail!"

Peter Chou: HTC won't 'destroy brand image' by releasing super-low-end phones

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 03:26 PM PDT

Android Central

HTC Chief Executive Peter Chou has reaffirmed the company's commitment to focus on higher-end devices in 2012, saying it wouldn't "destroy" its brand image by releasing "cheap, cheap phones" in order to increase product shipments. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the HTC boss added, "We insist on using better materials to make better products that offer premium experience. Many consumers like that."

In the past six months, HTC has refocused its efforts on "hero" products at every level, including the HTC One series at the high end, and phones like the Droid Incredible 4G LTE in the mid-range market. So it's important to recognize what Peter Chou is referring to when he talks about "cheap, cheap phones." Devices like the recently-launched Desire C and One V may be low-end and inexpensive by Western standards, but there's a whole other ecosystem of super low-end phones coming to market in China and developing countries. In China, HTC offers phones around the 2000 yuan level, while the likes of Motorola are pushing for even cheaper 1000 yuan devices. At this price point, Chou says, "we won't have good products."

Whatever the case, this more or less confirms that HTC doesn't intend to release phones that are any cheaper than current budget offerings like the Desire C, and that design and build quality remain priorities for the manufacturer (though that's long been clear to anyone who's used HTC's phones.) In the fiercely competitive smartphone market of 2012, HTC will be hoping its focus on mid-level and above devices will set it apart from its competition.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Official My Xbox Live app released on Android, reminds us it isn't Smartglass

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 02:38 PM PDT

Android Central

Been hankering after some mobile Xbox Live action like your iOS and Windows Phone buddies? Hanker no more, today the official My Xbox Live application has made its debut on Android. 

We heard rumors way back in January that Microsoft were potentially readying themselves to bring Android into the Xbox Live party, after a suspiciously suggestive job advertisement was spotted. Seems there was something behind it, and that Microsoft employed that someone with Android development experience to create what we see today.

There's more than just a whiff of the Metro UI about it, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But, we're not all about looks around here, what about the nuts and bolts of it. 

My Xbox Live for Android promises a pretty respectible feature set: 

  • View, manage, and message friends
  • View and compare your achievement progress with friends
  • Read and Edit your full LIVE profile (name, bio, motto)
  • See your 3-D Avatar and customize it while on-the-go
  • Access your recent activity and manage your Beacons
  • Stay connected to the Xbox LIVE community via Spotlight

Coming out of E3 there's actually plenty of reasons to be excited about Microsoft bringing cool new stuff to Android, including, of course, the forthcoming Xbox Smartglass. Just in case you were confused though, there's a little paragraph that comes with this just to clarify things: 

No, this is not Xbox SmartGlass that we unveiled last week at E3. This is a milestone update to the My Xbox LIVE app on iOS and the first release of the app on Android.

Yes, we do intend to bring Xbox SmartGlass to several platforms over time, but have no details to share right now.

So, if you're one of the legions of Xbox Live gamers, head on over to the Google Play store now and pick yourself up a copy. 

Download: My Xbox Live

Source: Major Nelson

Update: Amazon jumped the gun; Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 not yet up for preorder

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 01:45 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Update: Samsung just pinged us to say that Amazon put this page up in error, and that the Note 10.1 isn't yet available for preorder. And, sure enough, the page has been killed. (Samsung also points out the errors that many of you spotted in the specs as another clue that Amazon wasn't quite ready for this one to go live.) The good news is that Sammy's now well aware of how excited you all are for the Note 10.1, so there's that.

Original post follows.

Pop quiz: What's 10.1 inches in diagonal, looks like a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 but acts like a Galaxy Note? Oh, and it's available for preorder at Amazon U.S. If you answered the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, you'd be correct. And for bonus points, you'd know that it's up for preorder for $549.99.

Amazon says it'll ship in 3 to 5 weeks, but it wouldn't surprise us if that's just a ballpark and it shifts either way. In the meantime, be sure to check out our hands-on from Mobile World Congress back in February to see what you're getting yourself into.

Preorder the Galaxy Note 10.1 at Amazon; via Unwired View

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ASUS Transformer Prime sees a minor update, brings face unlock

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 01:27 PM PDT

Transformer Prime

ASUS is pushing a minor OTA update to Transformer Prime users, which brings the promised face unlock feature as well as a few bug fixes. According to ASUS' Facebook page, the update brings the system to ICS 9.4.2.28, and includes the following changes:

  • GPS dongle fix and local notification
  • Ethernet UI support to set Ethernet connect policy when screen off
  • Add system bar lock settings for showing/hiding system info
  • Enable face unlock feature
  • Support Bluetooth HDP
  • Third party app upgrades
  • Other bug fixes

We're hearing from users on both sides of the pond that the OTA is ready and waiting for them when they check, but if you're the unlucky sort like I am and never get OTA's on time, you can grab the files directly from ASUS here. 

We've heard that this update is rootable if you're into that sort of thing, but just in case I'm going to recommend that you run rootkeeper prior to updating just in case. Of course if you're not running stock software you won't be able to flash the update at all and will need to wait for updates from the folks who built your ROM. If you hit any snags, or need a bit of help, be sure to holler in the forums.

Source: ASUS on Facebook (1), (2)

Huawei's Ascend P1 gets priced in Europe

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 12:57 PM PDT

Android Central

If you're after a nicely balanced mid-to-high-end smartphone running the latest version of Android, you could do a lot worse than the Huawei Ascend P1. As we noted in our recent review of the device, Huawei's upped its game significantly with its latest phone for international markets. And with a release due in the next couple of months, pre-order prices are starting to appear across European retailers.

Ascend P1 prices at Amazon Germany and Unieuro Italy are set around the €450 mark (~£365, ~$565), placing it alongside HTC's One S in terms of unsubsidized prices (though these are, as always, subject to change in the run up to release). That makes sense considering the Ascend P1 comes close to that phone in terms of raw hardware specs, and it's clear the P1 is going to mark the start of Huawei's big play for the higher-end smartphone market. We'll be interested to see which European carriers the manufacturer's able to recruit to its cause this summer.

For more on the Huawei Ascend P1, check out our full review.

Source: Amazon Germany; via: UnwiredView

Updated HTC OpenSense SDK available with new APIs

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 12:21 PM PDT

Android Central

HTC has released a brand new version of its OpenSense SDK (software development kit), featuring the new APIs that were announced at Mobile World Congress a few months back.  These new programming hooks allow third-party apps to better integrate with Sense 4.0 features like the lock screen and Beats Audio sound enhancements. (Update: the MediaLink HD API is still yet to come, HTC tells us.)

HTC says its intention is to allow app developers to add Sense-specific features with a minimal amount of time and effort. And to that end, it's included some sample code showing how devs can simply implement a check to see what the sound enhancer is doing, and act accordingly. The manufacturer's also added more code in its HTCDev.com Developer Center, so app makers shouldn't have to look far to get to grips with other APIs.

Devs can find the updated SDK and sample code over at the source link. We look forward to seeing what they can cook up using HTC's new development tools.

Source: HTC Blog

Adonit Jot Pro stylus review

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 12:03 PM PDT

Stylus

The Adonit Jot Pro  is possibly the most unique stylus we have come across. If you are looking for a way to take notes and capture your handwriting on your Android phone or tablet - look no further.

The Adonit Jot Pro is unlike any other stylus on the market today. What makes the Jot Pro unique is that it uses a thin clear disk instead of a typical stylus nib on the end.

The clear disk rotates to provide an ideal writing angle –always giving you maximum contact on the screen.

The Jot Pro more closely resembles writing with a ballpoint pen than any other stylus. It takes some getting used to, but it is a unique and unparalleled experience.

Read on for our full Adonit Jot Pro stylus review!

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ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #83: OtterBox Commuter for Rezound, Galaxy Nexus Snap-On Cover w/ Holster & more

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 09:59 AM PDT

Today's ShopAndroid.com Daily Giveaway will feature the OtterBox Commuter Case for HTC Rezound, Qmadix Snap-On Cover w/ Holster for Galaxy Nexus, Motorola Folio Case for XOOM, and the Mobi Crystal Case for AT&T Galaxy S II. Get your chance to win the item of your choice by leaving a comment below stating which accessory you'd like for your Android device.  One lucky winner will be chosen and announced next week.

OtterBox Commuter Series Case for HTC Rezound

The OtterBox Commuter Case features three layers of protection for your HTC Rezound.  A clear protective film covers your screen preventing scratches, a durable silicone mid-layer help absorb impact, and finally the one-piece custom molded polycarbonate shell that brings it all together encasing the entire device-- making it an excellent option for the outdoor user.

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Listen to the Greatest Android Podcast in the World on Stitcher

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 09:58 AM PDT

Android Central Podcast on Stitcher

Attention, people of the Internet! You already listed to the Greatest Android Podcast in the World. We know you do, because thousands and thousands of you download it every week. But we're also aware that more than a few of you are into Stitcher as your podcatcher. And that's awesome. Stitcher's an interesting podcatcher because it's compatible with the Chevy MyLink system. (Yes, that's the same one we demoed at GM's test facility last summer.)

And, in fact, so many of you are listening to the show on Stitcher that we're already No. 35 on the new Sticher List for all things technology. (That's right above "Transistors of Yesteryear" and right above "Arduino and Me," for those of you counting at home.) So if you're in the market for a new podcatcher, take a look at Stitcher and let's see how high we can get the show to go. Download links are below.

Download: Stitcher for Android; Android Central Podcast on Stitcher

Listen to the Greatest Android Podcast in the World on Stitcher

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 09:58 AM PDT

Android Central Podcast on Stitcher

Attention, people of the Internet! You already listed to the Greatest Android Podcast in the World. We know you do, because thousands and thousands of you download it every week. But we're also aware that more than a few of you are into Stitcher as your podcatcher. And that's awesome. Stitcher's an interesting podcatcher because it's compatible with the Chevy MyLink system. (Yes, that's the same one we demoed at GM's test facility last summer.)

And, in fact, so many of you are listening to the show on Stitcher that we're already No. 35 on the new Sticher List for all things technology. (That's right above "Transistors of Yesteryear" and right above "Arduino and Me," for those of you counting at home.) So if you're in the market for a new podcatcher, take a look at Stitcher and let's see how high we can get the show to go. Download links are below.

Download: Stitcher for Android; Android Central Podcast on Stitcher

 

ZAGGsparq Contest Winners!

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 09:26 AM PDT

Android Central Contest Winners

If you're a registered member here at Android Central then you know our forums always have a contest happening. And if you're not registered, well -- now is as good a time as any. This week's winners are as posted after the break, and if you were chosen watch your email as we'll be following up during the week. Stay tuned for more upcoming contests folks. Congrats to the winners!

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DC Comics [Android App Review]

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 08:02 AM PDT

DC Comics

If you’re a comic fan and you use an Android device, you’re definitely going to want to check out the DC Comics app. Now of course if you’re a Marvel-only guy/girl, this probably won’t be the app for you. But if you’re a fan of Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern, or any of the other characters from DC’s universe, I’d highly recommend this app.

The home screen displays three tabs up top that allow you to navigate through the app. The My Comics tab allows you to view all of the comics that you’ve purchased, see those that have been recently downloaded or viewed, and filtered by series and creator. The Featured tab is much like the featured apps in the Play Store; it displays a variety of titles, both free and paid, from different superheroes. In addition to the featured material, you can see the comics that were just added or narrow them down to free-only. The final tab, Store, allows you purchase any of the comics within the app. You can search for a particular title, browse by series, genre, creator, publisher, most popular or storyline and also browse the free section.

One thing that I like about the app is that when you are ready to purchase a comic, the transaction is handled through the Play Store, so you don’t have to give your credit card to the app. When you purchase a comic, it will download it straight to your device so that you can start reading. If you want to ensure that your space is sufficient, you can go into the settings, where there is an option to manage storage. That is the only place in the app where you can delete a comic from your device. I wish it was easier to delete content, maybe in a future update.

This is a great app if you’re a comic fan and obviously if you are favorable to the DC universe. It allows you to purchase and view comics right from your Android device. With The Dark Knight Rises hitting theaters in about a month, this is a good time to get acquainted with the source materials that Christopher Nolan has drawn from.

DC Comics is a free app from the Google Play Store. We've got download links and screenshots after the break.

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Amazon Kindle app updated for better tablet support

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 07:34 AM PDT

Amazon Kindle for Android

Android's Amazon Kindle app got a nice little update today, bringing a couple of welcome improvements to tablets. Here's the full changelog:

  • Tablet users: customize your reading experience with new margin and line spacing controls.
  • Tablet users: see two pages side-by-side in landscape mode.
  • Fixed a bug that required some users to re-register when returning to the app.
  • Several bug fixes.

It's been a little while since I've used the Amazon App on a tablet that's not the Kindle Fire. We really didn't have proper side-by-side pages, eh? Well, it's fixed now. get your download on.

Download: Amazon Kindle for Android

Rebtel brings free, high-quality VoIP calling to Android tablets

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 07:02 AM PDT

Rebtel

If you're looking for VoIP services, there is a few options out there and one of those options is Rebtel. Previously having built their Android app only for phones, Rebtel today announced they'll be rolling out v2.0 of their free calling app that will now support tablets in addition to smartphones and as such they've ensured to pack it full of features:

  • Optimized Tablet Experience - Inspired by Rebtel 2.0 for Android smartphones, the new Android tablet app features optimized high-resolution graphics and takes full advantage of the larger tablet screen real estate to give the user an immersive Rebtel experience.
  • Free Rebtel to Rebtel Calls - Rebtel 2.0 for Android tablets incorporates free calling between users running any one of Rebtel’s apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android smartphones, PC, or starting today, Android tablets. Calls are seamlessly connected using Wi-Fi or 3G (applicable to 3G-enabled Android tablets only).
  • Low-Cost Calls to Any Phone - Users of the Rebtel Android tablet app are not limited to our free Rebtel to Rebtel calls. Browse through your native tablet address book, select any contact with a number and get talking at rates up to 98 percent lower than an average carrier, and up to 60 percent lower than current Skype Out rates.
  • Native Address Book Integration - No more syncing issues that mess up your address book. Rebtel for Android tablets seamlessly integrates with the regular native Android address book, providing a clear view of which contacts are available to call for free, and which contacts can be reached at very affordable rates.
  • Low-Cost SMS - Prefer texting over talking? Send low-cost international text messages to friends in more than 196 countries with an average cost savings of up to 60 percent when compared to your regular carrier. If you want to ensure your friend can reply without being charged, tick the Collect Reply box and include a link in your message that lets your friend reply via a mobile web page while you pick up the tab.

I've not used Rebtel in the past but do use Skype a lot so I'm going to give this one a full go to see how it works out in comparison, if you're looking for a solution as well this may be it. If you're looking for more info, you'll find it below for your browsing pleasure along with a download link.

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Deal of the Day: Body Glove Flex Snap-On Case for Samsung Infuse 4G

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 06:25 AM PDT

Deal of the DayThe June 13 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Body Glove Snap-On Case for Samsung Infuse 4G. This case features a durable hard shell wrapped in a textured glove material that's easy to grip and protects your Samsung Infuse 4G  from scratches. This case allows for access to all controls along with the charging port.

The Body Glove Flex Snap-On Case is available for just $12.95, 57% off the normal price today only. Grab yours while supplies last!

Entry-level Sony Xperia Tipo announced

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 06:25 AM PDT

Android Central

Hot on the heels of the Xperia Miro, which emerged on Facebook last night, Sony Mobile has announced the Xperia Tipo, a new entry-level smartphone running Android 4.0 on a 3.2-inch screen. Like the Miro, the Xperia Tipo rocks an 800MHz single-core Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, and comes in four colors -- black, white, red and blue. Other notable features listed by Sony include a 3.2MP camera, 1500mAh battery "with more than 24 hours of usage time." In terms of internal storage, you've got 2.5GB media space and 766MB for apps. That's way, way less than we'd like, but at least it's expandable via a microSD card slot.

So it's a decidedly low-end smartphone, though it should be interesting to see at which price point this device emerges. Sony's already done a pretty good job with its slightly-more-expensive budget offering, the Xperia U. If the Tipo can push things closer to the £100 mark, it might be worth a look.

Both Xperia Miro and Xperia Tipo are due for launch in Europe sometime in the third quarter of the year. Full presser's after the break.

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Pre-order the Acer Iconia A700 tablet today - 1080p, Tegra 3, 32GB for $450

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 05:00 AM PDT

A700

Acer has announced that the Iconia Tab A700 will be available for pre-order today online and at "national electronics retailers" across the US. The 10-incher comes in two models, black or silver, both checking in with 32GB of storage. In addition, this is one of the first devices we've seen to officially support 64GB microSD cards (many others will, but don't "officially" support them) for a grand total of 96GB of storage. You'll likely be using that storage for a video or two, as the A700 is sporting a 1080p display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 800:1 contrast ratio and a 178 degree viewing angle. Underneath, NVIDIA's Tegra 3 and 1GB of RAM should deliver the content very well.

We had a look at the A700 back at Mobile World Congress, and were rather impressed with both the screen and how thin and portable the tablet felt. If you've been waiting for the 1080p tablets to come, you might want to have a look at this one. In the meantime, we've got a slew of images and the press release after the break.

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Swiftkey gets the XKCD treatment

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 04:04 AM PDT

Swiftkey on XKCD

Swiftkey -- the Android Central 2011 Editor's Choice for third-party keyboard -- today has received an honor most of us can only dream of, having been immortalized as an XKCD comic by the genius Randall Munroe. The comic actually centers on the Swiftkey 3 beta, the shining feature of which is the ability to type without worrying about hitting that pesky space bar. The prediction engine takes care of that for you, going as far as completing sentences that you never started in the first place. And, as you can see, hilarity ensues.

Swiftkey's also asking what your default sentence is. Just hit the middle of the three prediction keys and see what you get. You'll need to actually be using Swiftkey, of course. (And if you're just getting started, expect to see "I am a beautiful person." You can share your result here.

Source: XKCD; download the Swiftkey 3 beta

Samsung TecTiles brings new rewritable NFC tags solution

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 03:45 AM PDT

Samsung TecTiles

Looks like it's time for NFC tags to hit the big time. Samsung tonight announced TecTiles, its own rewritable NFC tag solution. 

For those of you new to the game, NFC stands for "Near Field Communication" -- think of it as very short-range wireless data transfers where you literally tap your phone against something to initiate the transfer. NFC tags are little stickers that, when touched by an NFC-enabled device, can then cause an action to happen. 

We got the opportunity to give them a spin last week in New York City and, guess what -- they're rewritable NFC tags. But they're going to be pretty darn handy.

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Three UK launch new EU data roaming deal

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 03:18 AM PDT

Android Central

Following on from fellow UK carriers O2 and Vodafone, Three UK has pulled the wraps off their own EU data roaming deal, known as the Euro Internet Pass. Todays announcement is huge news for Three customers, and is made possible by the recent EU legislations on mobile roaming. 

So, what exactly is on offer? Your data, only in Europe, put simply. There is no tethering included, so even if you're on the almighty One Plan, you will not be able to take advantage of your tethering capabilities when abroad. Other than this, you have unlimited access to data for just £5 per day. There are some exceptions to valid countries, for example Norway and Switzerland aren't included. In contrast, in countries that aren't supported or if you haven't activated your pass, data is charged at £1.28 per MB. If however, you're heading to one of the countries below, you're in luck:

  • Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal (incl. Azores & Madeira), Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (incl. Balearic & Canary Islands), Sweden, Vatican City, Monaco.

Not supported is:

  • Aland Islands, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey), Croatia, Cyprus (North), Faroe Islands, French Guiana, Georgia, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Isle of Man, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Martinique, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Reunion, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, Turkey, Netherlands Antilles and the Rest of the World.

Activating your pass is incredibly simple too, with nothing to do back in the UK before you leave. Upon activating your phone in one of the supported countries, Three will send you a text message containing a link within. Clicking the link takes you to purchasing information, and from there you're all set until Midnight UK time that day. It can also be obtained by visiting http://mobile.three.co.uk/europass on your phone.

Source: Three UK

Samsung Galaxy S III will launch on time, Apple's push for early injunction hearing denied

Posted: 12 Jun 2012 08:43 PM PDT

Galaxy S III

Apple won't be able to hold back the Galaxy S III tide in the US, as their request for an early injunction hearing against Samsung's latest has been denied by U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose. Because her calendar was so full she had no time to hear the case before the June 21 Galaxy S III launch, effectively dashing Apple's hopes to keep it out of your hands. This does not affect the trial itself, which will go on as planned -- just not when Apple wants it to.

This is a big deal to both sides. The Galaxy S III is expected to sell well, and many users will be under a new two-year agreement when Apple releases their next model sometime later this year. According to analyst Dan Levine (read the source link), postponing the launch of the Galaxy S III was a major part of Apple's strategy in the battle for smartphone dominance, and we have to agree. Once users get the new Galaxy S III in their hands, they may not want to look at any other phone for a while. 

Source: Reuters

Sony announces the Xperia Miro

Posted: 12 Jun 2012 08:15 PM PDT

Android Central

Sony's countdown timer has reached zero (a good week or so ahead of the original date), and the manufacturer has announced its new mid-range, social-focused smartphone, and the Xperia Miro.

Unveiled initially on Sony Mobile's Facebook page, the Xperia Miro takes some design cues from the Xperia Sola. It's a sleek-looking 3.5-inch device with a 5MP camera, and that's about all Sony's saying on hardware for the time being. On the software side you've got Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, backed up by Sony's UXP NXT software. Based on the promo video that Sony's just published, there's been some expansion of the company's "Facebook Inside Xperia" initiative, bringing even closer integration between the phone and the social network (and it also explains the Facebook-centric promo campaign, we guess).

The Xperia Miro looks to be a Europe-only device for now, and there's no word on US availability just yet. As you'll see from our image above, the Miro is a colorful beast, coming in silver, black, pink and gold. If you want to see more, we've got a few extra pictures after the break, along with Sony's announcement video.

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Ice Cream Sandwich wins Gold Prize for best platform experience at Parsons' 2012 UX Awards

Posted: 12 Jun 2012 06:44 PM PDT

Matias Duarte and team have reason to be proud this evening, as Ice Cream Sandwich has won the Gold Prize for best platform experience at Parson's School of Design's annual user experience awards show. We all demand a beautiful and functional interface on our smartphones, and Android really stepped up with Ice Cream Sandwich. As Durate's first real work with Google, it implements all the good from previous versions along with good looks and effects that make it stand out. 

The video you see above was the clip reel shown to the audience, which really does embody the eye for design and simplicity that went into Ice Cream Sandwich. Congrats, Matias and team on an award well deserved!

Source: +Matias Duarte. More: Android developers on Youtube

Are you ready to Party Your Apps Off?

Posted: 12 Jun 2012 06:33 PM PDT

Party Your Apps Off

So there's a little event coming up in a couple of weeks in San Francisco. It's called Google IO, and if you somehow haven't heard of it, it's Google's yearly app developer conference. Lookout Mobile Security is hosting their annual "Party Your Apps Off" event at a top secret location in downtown San Francisco on the night before Google IO begins, June 26. Last year's party was amazing with free food, unlimited drinks, tons of Android giveaways, and of course awesome people to mingle with. This year is going to be even better, because on top of the free food, drinks, and incredible giveaways, the Lookout team will have some passes to the exclusive Ninja Party at DefCon in July to hand out, as well as a photobooth, one of the city's best Food Trucks, and more! You never know, you might even run into Phil or one of the other Android Central guys at the party!

Lookout has provided us with 20 passes to the Party Your Apps Off event to pass on to you guys. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below telling us why you should be chosen, we'll pick winners Sunday night and announce them on Monday. The lucky winners will receive two passes to the party (so you can take a friend, yay!) but that's it. This is not a pass to the conference, and it doesn't come with a hotel room or transportation. If chosen you are responsible for all of those things so keep that in mind. You don't have to be attending Google I/O to attend the party, but you do have to be in San Francisco on June 26th. Also, the party is 21 and older only, so take that into consideration.

That's it. Let us know in the comments why we should pick you! 
Posted by at 5:58 AM

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