Android Central |
- Pocket lead developer: Developing for Android is "quite enjoyable"
- AT&T HTC One X 1.85 update now rolling out over the air
- Chrome Beta for Android updated for stability and performance improvements
- Australian stores starting to receive Pebble Blue Galaxy S III
- Apple at it again, renews complaint against HTC and adds Galaxy S III to suit against Samsung
- LG Optimus LTE2 now available in white, still limited to Korean market
- Clambook aims to bring laptop capabilities to your Android smartphone
- HP TouchPad originally was to be an Android tablet, ex-webOSer writes
- Google Maps for Android getting offline access
- HTC releases unaudited May 2012 revenues, revises Q2 revenue guidance down
- Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 launches in the UK
- Where to order the Samsung Galaxy S III in the United States
- Deal of the Day: Krusell Luna Leather Pouch for Samsung Galaxy Note
- Sony Google TV update v2.1.1 arriving, Logitech Revue update news to follow
- TomTom for Android to launch 'fairly soon' according to company co-founder
- Intel powered Orange San Diego officially on sale today
- Instagram for Android updated with improved search, advanced camera fixes
- AT&T Samsung Galaxy S III now available for pre-order, shipping from June 18
- Dropbox update adds new streaming features and Korean language support
- Late-night poll: Samsung Galaxy S III -- white or blue?
- LG Optimus L7 now available from Fido in Canada
- Android A to Z: Haptic feedback
- Verizon's Samsung Galaxy S III to eventually support Global roaming
- Misbehaving Nexus, HTC One X supply [From the Forums]
| Pocket lead developer: Developing for Android is "quite enjoyable" Posted: 06 Jun 2012 03:41 PM PDT
We've all seen those reports from app developers on other platforms, saying how developing for Android is a nightmare, and isn't worthwhile (we file those with the "Android is doomed when the next XXX comes out" reports), so it's refreshing to see the other side of the coin. Max Weiner, lead developer for Pocket., (see our interview with the Weiner brothers here) has let us in a little of what goes one behind the scenes at Pocket, and the short version of how they developed one of the best and most popular Android apps to date. Starting with the Samsung Fascinate he got on contract for a penny, Max and company have certainly done well despite all the promises that they need hundreds of devices to test with and will face countless headaches developing for Android. It's a great read, and we look forward to seeing the rest of their tips for Android developers as the series continues. Source: Pocket 
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| AT&T HTC One X 1.85 update now rolling out over the air Posted: 06 Jun 2012 03:24 PM PDT
As noted by folks over on the Android Central forums, the AT&T HTC One X is now receiving an over-the-air software update to version 1.85.502.3. For those keeping score at home, that's the same version that leaked a couple of weeks back in the form of an RUU (ROM Update Utility.) AT&T One X owners can look forward to a variety of fixes in this latest update, including a solution for the intermittent Wifi drop-outs affecting many users. Here's the full change list --
To grab the 64.55MB update, head to Settings > About phone > Software updates, and hit that button. When you're done, be sure to let us know how you're getting on down in the comments. Source: AT&T HTC One X forums 
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| Chrome Beta for Android updated for stability and performance improvements Posted: 06 Jun 2012 02:56 PM PDT
Google Chrome Beta for Android has an update being pushed out right now through the Google Play Store. While a minor bump, it does focus primarily on performance and stability improvements. There's also a minor reorganizing of the settings options. The official changelog reads: Chrome for Android Beta has been updated to 0.18.4531.3636 on Google Play. In addition to changes through Chrome 18.0.1025.166 and a minor reorganization of Settings options, this update focuses primarily on stability and performance improvements. Known issues: Head on over to the Google Play store to grab yourselves the update. Download: Chrome Beta for Android 
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| Australian stores starting to receive Pebble Blue Galaxy S III Posted: 06 Jun 2012 02:27 PM PDT
While we're currently awaiting the Pebble Blue Samsung Galaxy S III here in the UK and across Europe, it seems our Australian friends don't have to wait much longer. Ausdroid is reporting that various stores they spoke to across Canberra had in stock the missing 16GB Pebble Blue version. Optus, Vodafone and Crazy Johns all had stocks, while Telstra and Virgin Mobile were set to receive theirs soon. In the UK, retailers such as Clove Technology originally said they expected to receive the Blue versions from this week. This can only be good news worldwide for any of us that have been holding out waiting for old Pebble Blue. If any of you have received notification, or even received yours yet where ever in the world you might be, hit us up in the comments or head on down to the Android Central Forums and show it off. Source: Ausdroid 
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| Apple at it again, renews complaint against HTC and adds Galaxy S III to suit against Samsung Posted: 06 Jun 2012 02:20 PM PDT
The final step in building a successful and desirable Android smartphone seems to be going to court to defend it against Apple. Determined to keep their mind share with the American public (they've lost the market share long ago), Apple has renewed the fight against HTC and is once again asking for for enforcement (read -- let's hold them at the border where they can't be sold) over the "data tapping" hyperlink menu. HTC claims to have worked around the patent, but Apple wants an emergency proceeding to get the following devices banned from import into the US:
That's a hell of a list (but they forgot the original Dinc). It's worth noting that Apple says their patent covers any data that returns a menu of multiple actions -- like share, copy, or open in Web Browser. Like the one you'll probably see if you right click on any detected data in this post. I'm not even going to guess the outcome of this one. But wait, there's more! Apple has also tossed the Samsung Galaxy S III in with their complaint against the Galaxy Nexus, and are trying to have it stopped at the border as well. They claim the phones violate the same "data tap" patent, as well as slide to unlock, word completion, and methods of unified search. To keep things going in a timely fashion, Apple is limiting it's request for injunction to only the data tap patent and unified search patents, which they claim infringes on Siri. Apple realizes it's important to keep the Galaxy S III off the shelves come June 21. It worked once, might as well keep trying until a judge or other official tells them to stop. This has moved beyond old rich guys fighting each other over what's in our wallets. Apple is determined to keep the American public from having what we want, and instead forcing their offerings on us all. Personal opinions aside, these sort of things are apt to be remembered, and Apple is heading down a very slippery slope. The biggest thing to remember is nothing is done until it's done, and any talk of bans and scare tactics from the usual suspects is still just that -- scare tactics. Remember that multi-billion dollar judgment many were sure Oracle was going to get ... 
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| LG Optimus LTE2 now available in white, still limited to Korean market Posted: 06 Jun 2012 01:14 PM PDT
LG announced today that its Optimus LTE2, the Korea-only device we first met back in May, is now available in a white variant. In case you’ve forgotten, the LTE2 comes packed with a 4.7-inch True HD IPS display, a 1.5 Ghz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, and 2 whole GBs of RAM. LG says that the LTE2 sold 150,000 units in its first 10 days on the shelves, which is certainly nothing to sneeze at for a phone limited to one market. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for that to change as we wait patiently for U.S. carriers to join in on the fun. Source: LG Korean (Korean) 
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| Clambook aims to bring laptop capabilities to your Android smartphone Posted: 06 Jun 2012 01:10 PM PDT
This one is a far cry in appearance from Motorola's efforts with the Lapdock. The newly announced Clamcase Clambook quite simply wants to bring a laptop experience to your Android smartphone. Bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Macbook Air and containing a 16:9 widescreen display, by connecting to your phone via an MHL adaptor it brings full native keyboard and trackpad capabilities with it. As well as this, it will charge your phone while it is docked. The Clambook also proudly boasts that it will work with Android 4.0, and the keyboard has dedicated home, app switching and back keys. Motorola users can use the Clambook to launch the in-built Webtop functionality too. Exact details and device compatibility are still absent at this time, as is any idea on price. But, if you yearn for an Android powered laptop this could be the answer to your prayers. Source: Clamcase 
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| HP TouchPad originally was to be an Android tablet, ex-webOSer writes Posted: 06 Jun 2012 11:21 AM PDT
The HP TouchPad originally ran Android. Or at least it was going to. Point is, it was an Android tablet before it was a webOS tablet before it was an Android tablet again. That revelation (new to some, not so secret or surprising to others) comes from Josh Marinacci, formerly of webOS developer relations, writing in response to the epic recap from The Verge of the rise and fall of former smartphone manufacturer Palm. Chris Ziegler's piece is well worth reading. I cut my teeth on a Palm Treo. Marinacci's post also has some interesting nuggets in it. That the TouchPad was designed by HP with Android in mind isn't that big a surprise. It certainly explains that one FrankenPad that appeared to come from Qualcomm with an actual native build of Android on board. Marinacci puts it thusly:
Another section caught my eye, where Marinacci talks about how the original Motorola Droid didn't necessarily kill off the Palm Pre Plus -- it was Verizon. Or, more specifically, that retail employees never got behind the Pre Plus, instead going for the Droid.
True enough, even in the Android microcosm. It's something to remember. Source: Josh Marinacci; more: webOS Nation 
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| Google Maps for Android getting offline access Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:19 AM PDT
Google today at a small event in San Francisco announced that it's taking Google Maps offline. That's right, no more will you be beholden to your data connection. Or if traveling abroad (or on a subway, for instance), you'll be able to kill data altogether and still find your way around. This, ladies and germs, is a big deal. What's more is that it's not just macro-level mapping. You'll be able to zoom all the way down into street view, sans data. You can't have it just yet, but Google says it's coming soon enough. Google also showed off a backpack-type Street View rig -- powered by Android, if you'll believe it -- that's taken us down to street level in places cars can't go. Pretty slick. And then there's 3D modeling in Google Earth. Google walked us through how it does things, making them better all the time. Its modeling has taken a big leap forward with the use of airplanes and oblique mapping, with computers doing some serious number crunching to make things impossibly smooth. It'll be coming to both Android and iOS devices in ridiculous resolution. 
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| HTC releases unaudited May 2012 revenues, revises Q2 revenue guidance down Posted: 06 Jun 2012 08:51 AM PDT
HTC's bumpy 2012 financial performance continues, with today's announcement of the Taiwanese manufacturer's unaudited revenue numbers for May 2012. The company reported revenue levels of NT$30 billion (~$1 billion), bringing the total unaudited consolidated revenue for the year up to NT$128.8 billion (~$4.3 billion). The numbers represent a slight fall in revenue from April, during which a boost in sales brought in NT$31 billion. HTC also revised its second quarter revenue guidance down, to NT$91 billion ($3.1 billion) in revenue with a gross margin of 27% and operating margin of 9%. The earlier guidance estimated revenue of NT$93.6 billion ($3 billion), with a 29% gross margin and 11.2% operating margin. HTC blamed the revised figures on weaker than expected European sales, in addition to the recent delays in getting some U.S. phones through customs. Source: HTC 
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| Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 launches in the UK Posted: 06 Jun 2012 07:44 AM PDT
Samsung sends word that its diminutive entry-level smartphone, the Galaxy Mini 2, has launched in the UK. The phone's 3.27-inch HVGA screen and 800MHz CPU is certainly a far cry from the specs found in the company's latest flagship. But as we discovered during our hands-on time at MWC, it's a well-built and relatively speedy entry-level phone that feels great in the hand. It's definitely a solid improvement over last year's Galaxy Mini. A cursory glance over a few online retailers reveals SIM-free prices of around £150, which isn't at all bad for this kind of handset. The Galaxy Mini 2 is also due to appear on-contract from T-Mobile and Orange in the UK. For more info, check out our hands-on preview from Mobile World Congress. 
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| Where to order the Samsung Galaxy S III in the United States Posted: 06 Jun 2012 07:36 AM PDT
The roll-out of the Samsung Galaxy S III has begun in earnest. From its announcement in London a month ago to release in Europe and elsewhere, and now with preorders well under way in the United States, the GSIII certainly has positioned itself as the phone to be reckoned with in 2012. Following is a quick roundup of where you get preorders, and when we expect phones to ship. 
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| Deal of the Day: Krusell Luna Leather Pouch for Samsung Galaxy Note Posted: 06 Jun 2012 06:57 AM PDT
The Krusell Luna Leather Pouch is available today for only $18.95, 46% off the regular price. Supplies are limited, so pick yours up today! 
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| Sony Google TV update v2.1.1 arriving, Logitech Revue update news to follow Posted: 06 Jun 2012 06:55 AM PDT
It's been a while since we heard of any updates coming to the Sony Google TV and even longer the Logitech Revue but there is some action finally happening on that front as we now know thanks to an update from Google TV Developers. The Sony Google TV has an update on the way that in addition to adding support for watching movies purchased through Google Play also includes support for watching videos via the YouTube Movies page. Logitech Revue owners aren't so lucky as of yet though, don't fret as the Google TV developer team has noted there is some update news coming your way as well sooner rather than later. Source: Google TV Developers 
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| TomTom for Android to launch 'fairly soon' according to company co-founder Posted: 06 Jun 2012 04:41 AM PDT
TomTom for iOS has been out for a long old time now, but there's never really been any traction behind an Android version appearing. There is now hope though, as co-founder of TomTom, Peter-Frans Pauwels, has told Pocket-lint that the app will be released "fairly soon." He couldn't put an exact date on the launch, but went on to say "I can confirm it is real" and that the "summer season is important for us." He also confirmed that the Android version would contain the same feature set as is iOS compatriot. There was no indication of price, but make no mistake. TomTom is a premium application that will come with a premium price. Many Android users would question the need for TomTom -- especially given the length of time without having it -- when we have a perfectly good, and free, satellite navigation system in Google Maps Navigation. Only time will tell on that one, but for many TomTom is satellite navigation so we're looking forward to seeing it land. Source: Pocket-lint 
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| Intel powered Orange San Diego officially on sale today Posted: 06 Jun 2012 03:33 AM PDT
The Intel era has officially reached European shores, as the Orange San Diego becomes the first device to launch carrying their hardware. The device was unveiled in London last week, but officially goes on sale today priced at £199.99 on pay-as-you-go, and free on a 2-year contract starting at £15.50 per month. As you can see, we've got one, and over the next week or so we'll be putting it to the test to really see what's what. First impressions are good based upon an albeit brief hands-on at the launch event. As a phone, it's relatively unassuming. It has a nice screen, it's light enough, it has 16GB of on-board storage and 1GB of RAM -- but that's not really what we're interested in. It really is what's inside on this one, and we'll be spending a lot of time looking at how this Intel device stacks up against other higher priced, higher spec'd devices. Battery life is key, as is performance. Can Intel really deliver high-end performance, with the added bonus of superb battery life. There's only one way to find out. Stay tuned. More: Orange San Diego hands-on and first impressions 
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| Instagram for Android updated with improved search, advanced camera fixes Posted: 06 Jun 2012 03:07 AM PDT
The latest Instagram for Android update has now appeared in the Google Play Store and is ready for download. This release looks to solve a number of issues users were having with the app, and the folks from Instagram has ever so nicely laid out the full change log for everyone --
If you happened to come across any of those issues in your use of the app, then the you'd best grab the update and see if things are fixed for you. Head to "My Apps" in the Google Play app to update to the latest version, or use the Google Play web interface. 
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| AT&T Samsung Galaxy S III now available for pre-order, shipping from June 18 Posted: 06 Jun 2012 03:01 AM PDT
It's Wednesday, June 6, and that means AT&T's version of the Samsung Galaxy S III is now available for pre-order over at the carrier's website. The phone's pre-selling for $199 on a 2-year plan, or $549 without a contract, and it's available in marble white and pebble blue, just like the international model (though a limited edition red version is slated for launch later in the summer.) Follow the pre-order process all the way through and you'll be informed that your order will ship in under two weeks time, on Monday, June 18 -- that's a few days earlier than most other U.S. Galaxy S III models, which are due to appear from June 21. The AT&T Galaxy S III features a 4.8-inch 720p SuperAMOLED display, a dual-core Snapdragon S4 CPU, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. If you're still on the fence, be sure to check out our exhaustive review of the international version for a broad idea of what to expect. Source: AT&T 
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| Dropbox update adds new streaming features and Korean language support Posted: 06 Jun 2012 02:33 AM PDT
Cloud storage service Dropbox has updated its official Android app to version 2.1.4, introducing a couple of new features that some may find useful. Firstly, Korean language support has been added, opening the app up to the multitudes of Korean Android users. And Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich users get a "custom-tailored" video streaming interface, which it seems plays a little more nicely with virtual buttons on ICS devices. To pick up the latest version, head to the "My Apps" section of the Google Play Store app, or use the web interface to install from scratch. 
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| Late-night poll: Samsung Galaxy S III -- white or blue? Posted: 05 Jun 2012 11:05 PM PDT
This one's for Dana (she loves the Samsung Galaxy S III in white), who wrote in and asked me to find out which color the Internet loves most -- Marble White or Pebble Blue. It's not very often that we get a choice of color, especially when black isn't one of them, so I'm curious, too. And lest we forget, there's now a red option coming later this summer from AT&T. Let's throw that one in as well, even if we've not yet seen it. If you're getting one, or even if you're not, let Dana and me know what color looks best.
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| LG Optimus L7 now available from Fido in Canada Posted: 05 Jun 2012 08:19 PM PDT
Although Future Shop, Rogers and Fido gave up the goods a little early, the LG Optimus L7 has now popped up on the Fido website and is ready for purchase. Fido has decided to start this one off at $0 with a new three-year contract, $50 with a two-year contract or if you're looking to avoid contracts altogether you can hand over $300 and it'll be yours outright. If you're looking for more info, check out our hands-on with the device or hit the Fido link below to get your order for one placed. Source: Fido 
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| Android A to Z: Haptic feedback Posted: 05 Jun 2012 06:10 PM PDT
We're back with another installment of Android A to Z, and this time we're looking at haptic feedback. It's one of those little things that can make a big difference, and something we never really think about. Simply put, haptic feedback (commonly referred to as haptics) is the use of touch feedback to the end user. You know how your Android phone vibrates a tiny bit when you tap one of the navigation buttons? That's haptics at work. Since the screen on your Android phone or tablet is pretty much just a smooth sheet of glass of some sort or another, it's difficult to register any sort of tactile feedback to our fingers. When we type on a computer keyboard, we know when our fingers have pressed a key down. Our mouse (and some trackpads) do the same thing with a healthy click when we press the button. On a smartphone, we just have to trust we've done something, and wait for it to happen. Haptics helps here. The short and light vibration when typing out a message with an on-screen keyboard can make a big difference for many of us, and I can see myself being pretty frustrated if an on-screen button didn't let me know I had pressed it. Haptics go beyond navigation and the keyboard though. They can be a very important part of mobile gaming. Gunning your way through an enemy horde is much more satisfying when you feel every shot from your rifle, and nothing lets you know you've hit the wall in your favorite racing game like a harsh vibration from your phone or tablet. Probably the best thing about haptic feedback on Android devices is the way it can be customized. The OS itself is open, meaning OEM and developers can adjust things to get them just the way they like, including leaving the settings wide open to the user like we see in CyanogenMod ROMs. More importantly, application developers have access to the hardware controller to customize haptic feedback for their products. It goes one step further with the addition of things like the Immersion haptic SDK to the mix, where developers have an almost unlimited way to make their applications register with your fingers as well as your eyes and ears. Sometimes, the little things mean a lot. Check out the complete Android Dictionary 
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| Verizon's Samsung Galaxy S III to eventually support Global roaming Posted: 05 Jun 2012 05:59 PM PDT
Most recently, Verizon came clean on a list of devices that will see updates that allow for global roaming. For those unfamiliar with the term, the update will allow Verizon customers to roam internationally on 2G and 3G GSM networks. Missing from the list at that time, presumably due to it not being official was the Samsung Galaxy S III. Now that the device has gone official on Verizon, they've confirmed that it too will see a global roaming update eventually. For now, Verizon isn't saying much about when the update will arrive other than to say it won't be there at launch but will come via a software update in the near future. Source: PhoneScoop 
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| Misbehaving Nexus, HTC One X supply [From the Forums] Posted: 05 Jun 2012 05:31 PM PDT
If you've been waiting for AT&T and HTC to get things in order, then today was the day you've been waiting for. Missed out on the news? If so, go ahead and get yourself caught up here on the Android Central blogs and once you're done there, head on into the Android Central forums for some more conversation:
If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today. 
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