Android Central |
- TELUS offers up revised ICS device update schedule
- Microsoft releases on{X} automation app for Android
- AT&T selling the HTC Media Link HD for $90
- Verizon eying second week of July for its Galaxy S III release?
- Android 4.0.4 factory image for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus now available online
- Pebble blue Galaxy S III stock reportedly arriving in some European stores
- Verizon announces new LTE markets in Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina
- Google acquires Quickoffice, looks to bring tech to Google Apps suite
- Best Buy offers preorders for the Sprint, AT&T And Verizon Galaxy S III
- Sony Xperia U now available in Canada
- Verizon's Motorola Xoom finally gets Ice Cream Sandwich
- AT&T's HTC One X back in stock online
- AT&T's eco-friendly Samsung Exhilarate available June 10 for $50
- Deal of the Day: Mobi Products Softshell TPU Case for Galaxy Nexus
- T-Mobile's HTC One S getting its maintenance update starting this week
- NVIDIA partners with Nyko to launch game controllers for Android tablets
- PlayStation Suite rebranded PlayStation Mobile, HTC named as first third-party hardware partner
- Samsung Galaxy S III review
- Corning promises flexible displays with its new Willow Glass technology
- AT&T Galaxy S III, Camera quality on the EVO 4G LTE [From the Forums]
| TELUS offers up revised ICS device update schedule Posted: 05 Jun 2012 03:32 PM PDT
TELUS has been doing a good job of keeping folks in the loop when it comes to their Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich update schedule and last week, a new revised update was posted. The HTC Amaze 4G roll out has already begun and next on the list is the Samsung Galaxy S II X slated for June 12th with a small break between it and the HTC Desire HD on July 25th unless by some miracle someone approves the Galaxy Note update early.. Sadly, there are a few devices that still have no firm dates associated to them as of yet, despite what Samsung says. Source: TELUS (pdf), Thanks Mike! 
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| Microsoft releases on{X} automation app for Android Posted: 05 Jun 2012 02:20 PM PDT
In one of the day's stranger announcements, Microsoft has announced a brand new smartphone automation service for Android devices, dubbed on{X}. On{X} combines an Android application with a Javascript-based back-end, hosted on Microsoft's onx.ms site, and allows numerous tasks to be triggered based on location, date, speed, weather and countless other conditions. Essentially, it's a bit like Tasker, only controlled remotely via a web interface, with a few more options. Conspicuously absent is any support for Microsoft's own smartphone OS, Windows Phone. As on{X}'s functionality relies on capabilities not present in Windows Phone, the Android platform is a natural place to test things out while Microsoft prepares the next version of its OS. To get started, you'll need to grab the app from Google Play, and sign in using your Facebook account. Then, from the onx.ms site, you can add rules based upon MS's own "recipes," through a visual interface, or by directly editing code. Once you're done, you can even upload your own recipes for others to use -- a surprisingly open approach from the team at Microsoft. Unfortunately we haven't had much luck getting the Facebook login to work, so bear in mind that things may be a little shaky to begin with. Hit the link below to get started, or join us after the break for Microsoft's introductory video. And if you've managed to get it working, be sure to let us know got on down in the comments. More: On{X} on Google Play; Source: WPCentral 
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| AT&T selling the HTC Media Link HD for $90 Posted: 05 Jun 2012 01:46 PM PDT
The HTC Media Link HD (see our first-look video) has been available in some outlets for a little while now. But starting this Friday, AT&T will be selling the Wifi Direct device for $90. (Yes, that's the full retail packaging you see above. And, interestingly enough, it's been listed on AT&T's website before today. No matter.) The Media Link HD is the second generation of the device that, in a nutshell, lets you easily sent content from your phone to your HDMI-enabled television. We'll have a full review in the coming days. But we've been using a prerelease unit for some weeks, and it really is as simple as swiping your fingers up the screen. Your homescreens, images, videos -- even games -- are automagically beamed to your television, live and in living color. Oh, and following up on this morning's story that the AT&T HTC One X is once again available online, HTC has also announced that stores should have full stock on Sunday, June 10. Pricing remains at $199 on contract. More: HTC Media Link HD at AT&T
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| Verizon eying second week of July for its Galaxy S III release? Posted: 05 Jun 2012 01:27 PM PDT
Let the ridiculousness begin! Verizon on Monday announced that its preorders for the Samsung Galaxy S III would go live this Wednesday, for $199 on contract. What it didn't announce was an actual release date. As in, when you'll get the thing in your hands. Fast forward 24 hours, and we've now already seen not one but two possible dates cross our desks. (We've been discussing this one all day in this forum thread.) The first date mentioned was July 6. That would put it a little more than two weeks after the Sprint and T-Mobile releases, which will come on June 21. But that July 6 date already has been switched for July 9, which is noted in the screen shot you see above. Is it possible the date could shift again? Absolutely. Verizon has yet to announce anything officially yet. So keep that in mind. Nothing's "delayed." Nothing's set in stone. But this much is clear: It can't come soon enough. More: Galaxy S III forums 
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| Android 4.0.4 factory image for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus now available online Posted: 05 Jun 2012 01:03 PM PDT
Google has posted the IMM76K factory restore image for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus online, making it available for those who have hacked their device beyond repair and need a path back. Using the posted files, anyone who was able to flash custom software to their Nexus should be able to flash the official version, and be back to square one -- ready to do it all over again. Do note that like the Sprint versions, these are provided "for reference only" -- but still contain the files you would need to build the software from code yourself if that's how you roll. Grab the image at the link below. Source: Google. Thanks everyone who sent this in! 
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| Pebble blue Galaxy S III stock reportedly arriving in some European stores Posted: 05 Jun 2012 11:28 AM PDT
It looks like the famously-delayed "pebble blue" version of the Samsung Galaxy S III may be about to emerge from hiding in some European stores. According to reports from SamMobile, The Phone House (the Dutch wing of the Carphone Warehouse) now shows the blue version as available on its website. And rival Dutch retailers Coolblue and Castle Telecom have reportedly received initial stock too, with the first units being prepared to go out to pre-order customers. So lucky buyers may be able to get their hands on the blue version of the S III sooner rather than later. However, as Samsung indicated last week, stock is expected to be in limited supply for the next couple of weeks, so if you're without a pre-order, you have to make do with a marble white S III, or wait until later in the month. Source: SamMobile 
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| Verizon announces new LTE markets in Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina Posted: 05 Jun 2012 10:34 AM PDT
Verizon's continued rollout of LTE, erm, continues, with Big Red announcing new markets in Indiana and Michigan. On June 21, the cities of Columbus and Seymour, Ind., and Traverse City, Mich., are slated to get their fill of sweet, sweet 4G goodness. Update: And as is usually the case, Verizon's decided to pile on the press releases. Add Hickory, N.C., to the list, plus expansions in southeast Massachusetts and Charlotte, N.C. Verizon's now got some 258 LTE markets nationwide, and a number of smartphones able to use it, including the Galaxy Nexus, and the upcoming HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE and the Samsung Galaxy S III. Source: Verizon Wireless
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| Google acquires Quickoffice, looks to bring tech to Google Apps suite Posted: 05 Jun 2012 09:52 AM PDT
Google is to acquire mobile office app-maker Quickoffice, the company has announced on its official blog. Describing its new acquisition as a "leader in mobile productivity solutions" with "an established track record of enabling seamless interoperability with popular file formats," Google said it'll work to "[bring] their powerful technology to our Apps product suite." The most obvious candidate here is the mobile app for Google Drive, the new cloud storage service which replaced Google Docs a few months ago. Google also committed itself to supporting existing Quickoffice users following the acquisition, so even after Quickoffice's tech has made its way into Google products, the stand-alone app will remain. However, it's unclear whether the Google buy-out will affect existing deals with manufacturers and carriers that see Quickoffice pre-loaded on some handsets. This isn't the first time a major mobile platform player has acquired an office suite developer. RIM snapped up DataViz, creator of Documents To Go, back in 2010. For its part, DataViz has continued to develop for iOS and Android even after the acquisition. We'll be watching with interest to see how things pan out with Google and Quickoffice. Source: Google Blog 
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| Best Buy offers preorders for the Sprint, AT&T And Verizon Galaxy S III Posted: 05 Jun 2012 08:17 AM PDT
If you prefer to do your smartphone shopping at Best Buy, the retailer this morning let loose that it's now taking preorders (they call 'em "presales") for the Galaxy S III at stores nationwide. Best Buy's doing the AT&T, Sprint and Verizon versions of the GSIII, so you're on your own for T-Mobile and US Cellular. Oh, and if you've yet to read it, be sure to check out our World Famous Galaxy S III review! Source: Best Buy; More: Galaxy S III forums
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| Sony Xperia U now available in Canada Posted: 05 Jun 2012 08:03 AM PDT
Sony announced today that they're offering the Sony Xperia U in Canada on Fido for $30 on a two-year contract, or free on a three-year contract. As you might expect, this little guy is fairly entry level, but that doesn't mean he's lacking in style. Besides, it's hard finding a decent phone at an affordable price without signing on for a three-year agreement in Canada; good on Fido providing a solid two-year option. Here's a quick run-down of the specs.
Yeah, it's sad to see it waiting on ICS, but then again, isn't everybody? I'd be interested in seeing if the Xperia U finds its way to other Canadian carrier -, at the very least Rogers, considering Fido's a subsidiary. You can pick up the Xperia U at Fido over here, but be sure to check out our review before taking the leap. 
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| Verizon's Motorola Xoom finally gets Ice Cream Sandwich Posted: 05 Jun 2012 07:39 AM PDT
OK, ladies and germs. It's finally happening. The Verizon Motorola Xoom is finally getting its update to Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. The list of changes for software build IMM76L is pretty impressive, and you'll want to hit the changelog link below for the full skinny. But more important is that your Xoom finally is caught up on the upgrade path. Huzzah! And don't forget to swing by the Xoom forums should you have questions. More: IMM76L changelog (pdf); image via sikpupi 
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| AT&T's HTC One X back in stock online Posted: 05 Jun 2012 07:18 AM PDT
Just a quick heads up that the AT&T version of the HTC One X is back in stock on the carrier's website. It had gone missing for a couple weeks as part of that pesky International Trade Commission review, but everything's copasetic now. You can snag the white or gray version for $199 on contract, or $549 outright. Before dropping any cash, though, be sure to check out our comprehensive AT&T HTC One X review and swing by our One X forums! More: AT&T
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| AT&T's eco-friendly Samsung Exhilarate available June 10 for $50 Posted: 05 Jun 2012 07:02 AM PDT
AT&T this morning announced that the Samsung Exhilarate, a 4-inch Android device that is the carrier's first eco-friendly device, made from 80 percent recycled material, will be available next week. (You might remember this guy from its announcement way back at CES in January.) It's also packaged with an energy-efficient charger. Spec-wise, it's got a Super AMOED display and dual-core Qualcomm Scorpion processor at 1.2 GHz. It sports a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 1.3MP shooter up front. The Exhilarate also is an LTE-capable device, so it's got that going for it, which is nice. No, it's not the Galaxy S III. But it does have an actual release date of June 10 and will run just $50 on contract. AT&T's got some preview video after the break. More: AT&T 
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| Deal of the Day: Mobi Products Softshell TPU Case for Galaxy Nexus Posted: 05 Jun 2012 06:41 AM PDT
The Mobi Softshell TPU Case is available for just $4.95 today only, 75% off the regular price. Pick yours up today while supplies last! 
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| T-Mobile's HTC One S getting its maintenance update starting this week Posted: 05 Jun 2012 05:39 AM PDT
OK, all you loyal T-Mobile HTC One S onwers. (That'd be those of you in the U.S., by the way.) That maintenance release that was delayed a week should be pushing out now. Improvements in software version 1.84.531.2.710RD include fixes to the splash screen, the voicemail notification not showing up when on Wifi calling, improvements to Wifi calling itself, fixes to the camera and signal fluctuations. Do note that TMo has said there's no manual download option for the update, and you'll have to wait for it to push over the air. It's not clear whether that means the server from which the download originates will be obfuscated, and thus no manual download will be possible (that's hardly unheard of these days), or whether it's referring to an RUU or something. Keep an eye out for the update and logcat at the ready, and we'll see what's what. T-Mobile says the update will be pushing through July 7. Source: T-Mobile, more: HTC One S forums; thanks to everyone who sent this in! 
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| NVIDIA partners with Nyko to launch game controllers for Android tablets Posted: 05 Jun 2012 04:43 AM PDT
Peripheral makers Nyko have announced a partnership with NVIDIA and have unveiled a line of game controllers for use with Android tablets. The controllers, the Playpad and the Playpad Pro, are optimized for use with Tegra devices and should work flawlessly with the Tegra 3 chipset. Devices are also required to be running Android 3.0 and above with Bluetooth capabilities. The controllers will be useable right from the outset, no rooting, hacking or tweaking is required. Through a free application too known as Playground, support for legacy apps that aren't optimized for Tegra devices will be possible as well providing they meet the necessary criteria. The Playpad will be the smaller of the two devices, and will come with dual analog sliders, a carry case and a collapsible tablet stand. The Playpad Pro by contrast is a full sized gaming controller, with dual analog sticks, a D-pad, shoulder buttons and face buttons. Source: Nyko via Pocket Gamer 
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| PlayStation Suite rebranded PlayStation Mobile, HTC named as first third-party hardware partner Posted: 04 Jun 2012 08:28 PM PDT
Sony has taken the stage at this years E3 and like Microsoft they came with some mobile news to share with everyone. Back when Sony Mobile was known as Sony Ericsson they launched the PlayStation Suite SDK to the masses however, it was only available for "PlayStation Certified" devices which naturally were all Sony devices. That has all changed now though as Sony has just announced PlayStation Suite will be rebranded to PlayStation Mobile and to help get things off right, they've gone ahead and named HTC as the very first third-party hardware partner. That begs the question. Will we finally get the PlayStation phone of our dreams now? Source: Sony 
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| Posted: 04 Jun 2012 05:56 PM PDT
The most-anticipated Android phone of the year is finally upon us. Find out whether Samsung's new flagship lives up to the hype in our definitive Galaxy S III review.Last year’s Samsung Galaxy S II came out of nowhere to dominate a generation of Android phones, selling over 20 million units in the process. It was instrumental in securing Samsung the 2011 smartphone crown, and cementing its place as a rival not only to other Android OEMs, but to the almighty Apple. At the time, in our own review, we proclaimed it “a supremely impressive device,” and that remains true to this day -- the Galaxy S II has become a vintage Android handset. So how do you follow up such a technological marvel? There’s been no shortage of Samsung phones since the S II’s launch in the spring of 2011, but it wasn’t until twelve months later that the wall of secrecy surrounding its true successor began to crumble. And in early May, at a glitzy (and frankly surreal) event at London’s Earl’s Court arena, Samsung finally unveiled the Galaxy S III. The initial reaction was a unsurprising mix of excitement and jubilation, tempered by the revelation that after all the hype, the Galaxy S III was just another high-end smartphone with its own imperfections and compromises. Well, now the phone’s out in Europe, and enough time has passed for the initial novelty to wear off, so let’s get right down to business. Just how does the Galaxy S III shape up in the fiercely competitive smartphone market of 2012? And can it hope to match the stratospheric success of its progenitor? We’ve got all these answers, and so much more, in our definitive review of the Samsung Galaxy S III. 
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| Corning promises flexible displays with its new Willow Glass technology Posted: 04 Jun 2012 05:10 PM PDT
Corning today introduced its newest display technology, a thin and flexible surface its calling "Willow Glass." The glass maker says that its latest design will support thinner backplates and color filters for OLED and LED technologies, but most importantly it will be flexible, enabling curved displays for smartphones, tablets, and notebooks. Corning, the makers of the popular and durable Gorilla Glass, is using a fusion process to shrink the thickness of its glass down to that of a sheet of paper, which also translates to high performance under high temperatures. What does all the gibberish mean? Well, for Android, it means more options for phone displays, and more curved screens à la what we've seen most recently on the Galaxy Nexus. While phones that mold to the shape of your hand are probably still a way's away, Corning is making sure that its glass is ready for evolving technologies. The full presser can be found after the break. Source: Corning 
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| AT&T Galaxy S III, Camera quality on the EVO 4G LTE [From the Forums] Posted: 04 Jun 2012 05:00 PM PDT
Well, it's certainly been an exciting Moday especially for those looking to pick up a Samsung Galaxy S III in the U.S. Of course, plenty of other Android news happened as well today. A couple of Google acquisitions, some funky announcements from Computex and even some possibly unexpected E3 news. Missed out? Get yourself caught up and then discuss it all in the Android Central Forums:
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