Friday, June 15, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

LG Eclipse with Quad-Core S4 Headed To Sprint and AT&T – Gets Bluetooth Certified, Benchmarked, and Expected Launch Date

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 06:42 PM PDT

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Sprint’s LG Eclipse 4G LTE (LS970) is rearing its head once again, after being mentioned at the Bluetooth Special Interest Group but this time — it’s brought along a friend. The E970 was also outed in documentation sporting cellular bands perfect for AT&T and their LTE network (although, there is a possibility that model could end up in Canada as well).

Easily the most spec’d out Android device we’ve come across, LG’s pride and joy is said to feature a quad-core Qualcomm S4 processor with beefy Adreno 320 GPU. What’s more, the AT&T version (or possible Canadian version) popped up in a User Agent Profile confirming those rumored specs along with a 1280×768 resolution display. Couple that with 4.67-inch screen, 13MP camera and 2GB of RAM — you have a spec sheet that would make a grown fanboy cry.

For all you benchmark junkies out there. If you’re curious to see how the device(s) perform on paper, the Adreno 320 packing Eclipse (and its sister) showed up on a few benchmarking sites. GLBench’s offscreen Egypt test placed the LS970 (Sprint version) at 125fps and the E970 (AT&T version) at 113fps. NenaMark jotted down 58.8 for the E970, while the LS970 received an 11,663 on AnTuTu. Why the different results in GLBench? Well, AnTuTu might have an answer to that. Apparently, the Sprint version is only carrying a regular ‘ol 1280×720 (fewer pixels require less processing power to push). Still nothing to sneeze at, just an interesting discrepancy.

As for a rumored launch date, that Bluetooth SIG documentation we told you about earlier states that both models are scheduled to arrive in North America around October 31st of this year. Trick or treat. Can’t wait to see what rival Android OEM’s pump out around then.

[Bluetooth SIG | LG UAP |  GLBench: LS970, E970 | Nenamark | AnTuTu | Via Engadget]

Motorola Atrix 3 Passes Through the FCC On Its Way to AT&T

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 05:10 PM PDT

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Last week, the Motorola Dinara was leaked in the image you see above you. Also known as the Atrix 3, the next flagship to come out of the now Google owned Motorola has just been officially cleared by the FCC under the model number MB886, giving us a clue that the device could be soon launching in stores in the coming weeks. Of course, AT&T’s LTE bands make an appearance in the spec sheet, which naturally leads us to believe the device will pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor. Like the rumored Motorola Droid RAZR HD, this guy will also come with a high-resolution 720p display and launch with Ice Cream Sammy. We don’t see much of ‘ol Motorola outside of Verizon Wireless, but new, high-spec’d Android handsets are always welcomed.

[FCC |Engadget]

AT&T Samsung Galaxy S2 on sale for $9.99 [Father's Day Deal]

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 02:57 PM PDT

Father’s Day is a bit different than Mother’s Day. The latter has you thinking about buying jewelry, roses, and other gifts which you think a mother would like. When it comes to the former, you’re thinking of power tools and electronics.

AT&T’s taken heed to this and have made one of their best smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S2, available for $9,99 throughout the “manufactured” holiday. The Samsung Galaxy S3 is more desirable for its long list of features, of course, but $9.99 is about as good a price as any for a smartphone this powerful.

Angry Birds Seasons update takes us to the beautiful underwater world of Piglantis

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 02:27 PM PDT

Rovio have released a nice new update for Angry Birds Seasons that’s perfect for the summer months. The summer update takes us to the underwater world of Piglantis, an obvious play on Atlantis and the dastardly pigs who’ve set this whole war off by stealing eggs. The update adds 30 levels of new gameplay dynamics as flinging birds isn’t quite the same underwater as it is on land. As usual, this update is free so go ahead and find it in the Google Play Store.

Imangi and Disney/Pixar come together to release Temple Run: Brave for Android

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 02:21 PM PDT

A nice new spin on Temple Run has hit the Google Play Store for $.99. Imangi and Disney have partnered up to bring Temple Run: Brave, a mashup of the popular mobile game and Disney’s animated film launching June 22nd. This game isn’t just some Temple Run rehash with new skins.

With new environments, improved graphics, and a new archery gameplay feature you’ll practically play a brand new experience. As a bonus, Imangi are offering $.99 worth of gold coins (that’s 2,500 coins) for a limited time. Get it while the getting is hot here.

Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 ship date now July 10th

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 12:48 PM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy S3 for Verizon was said to be June 9th, but new evidence suggests the handset will begin shipping July 10th. Nothing too alarming, of course, but interesting nonetheless.

The ship date may not necessarily coincide with the day users will actually get it, though. It could be anywhere from 3 days to a week afterward that it actually starts showing up at doorsteps, but we have a feeling the wait won’t be grueling for many.

The wait for the ship date alone is long relatively speaking, though, considering most major carriers will be offering the device starting June 21st.

Whatever the case may be, wake us up when the delay is more than a week — one day shouldn’t deter anyone who was already planning on buying it. [via Droid-Life]

Flipboard for Android Beta updated

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 12:14 PM PDT

Flipboard’s beta application for Android has gotten itself a brand new update. Improved memory footprint and battery optimization are present and are always a plus in my book. Alongside those changes, they’ve tweaked the styling of dialog boxes and have improved the application by fixing various bugs. While the app is not present on the Google Play Store, a handy in-app update process is available for your convenience. If you haven’t gotten the APK yet be sure to grab it here. [via Android Central]

T-Mobile LTE trials to begin next month, network to launch early 2013

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 11:14 AM PDT

T-Mobile’s making steady progress on its LTE network, it seems, as they’ve announced that LTE trials will begin next month. These trials are a tad lengthy, but it’s a necessary step to ensure the network will take off and stay up without a problem. But the wait for the network won’t be long as T-Mobile have committed to early 2013 to begin their widespread launch.

We’re still not sure what to expect for their device lineup once that window approaches, but we’re sure they’ll have a compatible smartphone or two available by that summer. Sure, they’re late to the game but as the cliche saying goes: “it’s better late than never. [via Android Community]

Max Payne Now Available – We Go Hands On With Rockstar’s Latest [Video]

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 09:10 AM PDT

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It’s that time, folks. Max Payne (Mobile) just landed in the Google Play Store late last night and without hesitation, I’ve downloaded and installed the latest from Rockstar Games onto my Galaxy Nexus.

One of the few games I’ve ever played to completion, (I have a hard time finishing what I’ve started) I’m sure you already know exactly what this game is about. But for our younger readers, I’ll go ahead and give you the spiel. You’re a cop, with a chip on his shoulder who finds himself on the wrong side of the law after his family is brutally murdered in his home. The first game to make use of the now famous “Bullet Time” gameplay mechanic, you shoot the face off of everything, and everyone that comes your way in order to exact revenge on those responsible. The game uses photo realistic graphics (cutting edge back in its day) and mixes a unique graphic novel style cutscenes, with dark, noir storytelling.

Okay, we know the game is awesome. That’s pretty much a given. But how well does it play on Android? Well, check out my quick hands-on video to find out.

So, as you can see from my video, Max Payne is pretty much unplayable unless you’re using some kind of bluetooth controller. It can be played without, but you’re probably not going to enjoy it much. Also, keep in mind that Max Payne will require at least 1.33GB of free space on your device’s storage to allow for system resources (took me about 9 minutes with a speedy WiFi connection). You can find the game right now in the Google Play Store for the low-low price of $3.

[Play Store Link]

Minor OTA update to software version 5.9.905 rolling out to all Motorola Droid Bionic owners

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 08:46 AM PDT

After testing the waters by pushing the update early to about 20,000 users last week, Motorola and Verizon have commenced the rollout of software version 5.9.905 to all Droid Bionic owners. The minor update won’t bring the Bionic to Android 4.0, but it does address stability issues and improves the Bluetooth experience during phone calls as well as tweaks VZW’s Visual VoiceMail app.

Most Bionic owners, however, will want the update for the 4G LTE connectivity issues it addresses, though early reports have some users still experiencing problems with 3G/4G data switching. In those cases, the issue may have more to do with network signal strength in a particular area rather than any actual glitch in the software. Droid Bionic owners should be able to pull the update by heading to Settings > About phone  and checking for available updates. Head on over to AndroidForums to read up on the new software and join in on the discussion.

[via AndroidForums]

Sony Xperia Ion launches June 24 at AT&T, $99 on two-year contract

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 06:47 AM PDT

And six months after officially unveiling the Sony Xperia Ion to the world, AT&T has finally come clean with details of its availability. The LTE-enabled handset will be available June 24th at a price of $99 on a new two-year contract, a solid price considering what you get. While the Ion won’t give the HTC One X or Samsung Galaxy S III a run for most powerful smartphone, it does sport a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor (albeit of the S3 variety), 12MP camera, and a Bravia-enhanced 4.6-inch 720p HD Reality display.

Unlike recent flagship releases from competitors, the Xperia Ion will ship with an older version of Android, Gingerbread 2.3.7. An Ice Cream Sandwich update is planned, and we expect Sony to deliver on the goods soon enough given their recent handling of Android 4.0 updates for other Xperia devices. For a few more details check out the press release below. For a refresher on the Ion, hit up our hands-on from CES back in January.

EXPERIENCE HD ENTERTAINMENT EVERYWHERE WITH XPERIA™ ION FROM SONY, AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT AT&T JUNE 24

Sony’s First 4G LTE Smartphone Ideal for Creating and Showcasing Premium
Entertainment with Video, Photo, Gaming and Music

DALLAS, June 14, 2012 - Entertainment fans longing for a better mobile HD experience will soon have an all-new 4G LTE Android smartphone to covet as the Xperia ion from Sony arrives exclusively in all AT&T* channels June 24. The new Xperia ion builds on Sony’s reputation as an innovator and leader in imaging and entertainment and costs just $99.99 with a two-year agreement.

AT&T customers have access to the nation’s largest 4G network, covering more than 260 million people. As 4G LTE expands, AT&T customers are able to enjoy a widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G experience on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you’re on a much slower 3G network.

Sony’s first 4G LTE smartphone comes with a 4.6-inch HD Reality display (1280 x 720), as well as the ability to view HD content on the big screen via HDMI. The HDMI connection also opens the Xperia ion’s TV launcher, a customizable home screen carousel of application shortcuts. You can navigate the TV launcher and the rest of the Xperia ion’s menus at your convenience using your TV’s remote control.***

Shutterbugs will love the Xperia ion’s 12-megapixel Fast Capture camera and quick launch feature to seize life’s unexpected moments. With its dedicated camera button, the Xperia ion swiftly goes from standby to first camera shot in just 1.5 seconds and then from shot-to-shot in less than a second, ensuring you don’t miss a moment. Xperia ion boasts all-around HD video recording, so whether capturing memories or video chatting, you can be sure to have high-quality video on the go using either your rear or front-facing cameras.
Xperia ion is complemented by SmartTags****, which let you do things you normally do on your phone, but more quickly and easily, with just one tap. Using near field communication technology, SmartTags let you store device preferences for a variety of locations and situations - like opening and controlling volume on the music player if you head out for a run, turning on GPS and Bluetooth in the car or turning on your alarm and silencing your ringer at night.

Sony Entertainment on the Go
Taking your music and videos with you everywhere just got easier than ever thanks to the Sony Entertainment Network (SEN). Sony Music Unlimited puts a global catalog of more than12 million songs at your fingertips, and Sony Video Unlimited makes sure there is never a dull moment with the latest Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows from all major studios available for you to rent or buy.

For the Xperia ion, both Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited are available for download from the Google Play store. AT&T customers who buy the Xperia ion will get to try the premium service level of Music Unlimited free for thirty days. The Xperia ion is also ready for advanced gaming as it is PlayStation® Certified. The hardware is optimized to deliver an exceptional gaming experience and users will have future access to PlayStation titles as the catalog is developed. With so much entertainment to be enjoyed, the Xperia ion comes with plenty of internal memory, with the option to add up to 32GB external (microSD™) memory.

For more information, customers can visit http://www.att.com/aboutus.

Key Specs:

4.6″ (measured diagonally) 720p HD Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine for unbeatable HD viewing
HD imaging excellence from Sony: 12MP camera with Exmor R™ for Mobile camera sensor, 1080p HD video recording, 1 MP 720p HD front-facing camera
Easy multi-screen connectivity with HDMI and DLNA®
1.5Ghz dual core processor
16GB internal memory with microSD™ expansion slot supports up to 32GB
PlayStation Certified for high quality mobile gaming
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not
by AT&T Inc.
**Data rates apply.
***Compatible with Bravia Sync enabled devices. Limited functionality supported on most HDMI enabled TV’s.
****SmartTags sold separately.

Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. 4G speeds delivered by LTE, or HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, where
available. Deployment ongoing. Compatible device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at
att.com/network.

Limited-time offer. Sony Xperia ion requires a new 2-yr wireless agreement with voice (min $39.99/mo) and min monthly data plan ($20/mo). Subject to Wireless Customer Agrmt. Credit approval req’d. Activ fee $36/line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. Coverage and svcs not avail everywhere. Taxes and other charges apply. Data (att.com/dataplans): If usage exceeds your monthly data allowance, you will automatically be charged overage for additional data provided. Early Termination Fee (att.com/equipmentETF): After 30 days, ETF up to
$325. Restocking fee up to $35. Other Monthly Charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges, fees and charges for other gov’t assessments. These are not taxes or gov’t req’d charges. Visit a store or att.com/wireless to learn more about wireless devices and services
from AT&T. Downloadable content may be subject to additional charges.

The Dark Knight Rises brings its open-world mobile brawling to mobile later this summer

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 06:34 AM PDT

 

The Dark Knight Rises is one of the most highly anticipated movies of the summer after the previous entry in Christopher Nolan’s gritty Batman trilogy raked in the dough at box offices worldwide. Promotional tie-ins are ramping up ahead of the movie’s July 20th release date, which means we are getting our first look at the film’s accompanying mobile game.

Seen here is the iOS version of the open-world action title, which should feature plenty of butt kicking all over the streets of Gotham City. Other than what we see here, there is little known about the actual game, but we are sure to see all the big characters from the movie make an appearance. Gameloft recently announced that the game will be making its way to Android at some point later this summer, but whether it will be a simultaneous release with its iPhone counterpart is unknown.

[IGN via DroidDog]

Sony Tablet P now receiving Android 4.0 update

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 06:15 AM PDT

Although arriving a few week later than expected, Sony is now pushing the Tablet P’s update to Ice Cream Sandwich in “selected markets.” With the new software the clamshell slate will be back on the same page as its more conventional counterpart, the Sony Tablet S, which received Android 4.0 back in April.

Aside from changes expected with the move from Honeycomb to Ice Cream Sandwich, Sony has added in a few of their own bells and whistles to the new OS version. Users get direct access to the tablet’s SD card, the half app/half widget “Small Apps,” and an improved photo viewing experience. There is no word on which specific markets have the update available, but owners of the Tablet P can check under the “About” menu in Settings to see if Android 4.0 is ready to download and install.

[Sony via AndroidCentral]

How they did it: Samsung details how they kept the most anticipated Android smartphone under wraps

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 05:25 AM PDT

While plenty of leaks appeared over the past six months claiming to be images or renderings of the Samsung Galaxy S III, the internet’s legion of bloggers and tech enthusiasts were left questioning the legitimacy of every single one. It turns out, we might have been staring at the GS3 and not even known. Samsung has an interesting post up over on the Samsung Tomorrow detailing how the team of engineers behind the new smartphone were able to keep the thing a secret, keeping us all guessing until the last minute.

One method we already knew about: dummy cases concealing the true appearance of the device. But did you know that Samsung concurrently designed three different versions of the Galaxy S III, developing each as if it were the final product? Aside from keeping their R&D team on their toes with several functional designs in the works at the same time, Samsung also had the Galaxy S team sworn to secrecy, not even able to share details of their work with their families at the risk of losing their jobs.

Plenty more went into keeping the GS3 one of Samsung’s best kept secrets, but the wait and reveal were worth it. Head over to Samsung’s blog post for even more details.

[Samsung Tomorrow via SammyHub]

Amazon Mobile updated with refreshed navigation, new sorting options

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 05:09 AM PDT

After updating their Kindle app yesterday, Amazon has released version 1.6 of their mobile portal for Android. The new Amazon Mobile for Android provides a refreshed navigation UI in version 1.6, with a shortcut to your shopping cart and popular Amazon destinations highlighted via a dropdown menu. Other enhancements include the ability to launch the price-comparing barcode scanner directly from the homescreen, new options for sorting and flitering search results, and the ability to add items to existing wish lists.

The app features support for eight countries after the update and addresses bugs and performance issues. You can find now in the Google Play Store, free of charge.

Google Play Link: Amazon Mobile

[via AndroidPolice]
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