Thursday, June 21, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

THIS Is How You Play Fruit Ninja On The Galaxy S3 – Using A Real Knife [Video]

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 05:48 PM PDT

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This video definitely isn’t for the squeamish. It hasn’t been talked about too much, but the Samsung Galaxy S3 actually features a fortified glass, better known as Gorilla Glass 2 (part deux). The sequel to last year’s Gorilla Glass, GG2 is actually just as tough as the original, while reducing thickness of the glass by 20%.

I guess the guy in this video decided to put manufacturer Corning’s claims to the test, playing Fruit Ninja (“like a boss”) while using a real honest-to-goodness knife as a capacitive stylus, slashing up fruit, and the Galaxy S3 display, in the process. Warning: extremely graphic content ahead. I think I’m going to be sick…

LG VS930 Hits The FCC – Could Be The LG Optimus LTE 2 Headed To Verizon

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 05:22 PM PDT

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Verizon Wireless’s lineup is no stranger to LG devices. In fact, they’ve had a pretty good track record of backing what I like to call, “the Android underdog.” We’ve seen Verizon launch the LG Revolution (VS910), make a big push with the ESPN endorsed LG Spectrum (VS920) and if this recent FCC filing is any indication, it looks like they’re about to get the LG Optimus LTE 2. All the supported radio frequencies were in the filing, leading us to believe that LG “VS930″ will soon arrive on Verizon (no doubt, branded with an entirely different name).

What’s interesting is the LG VS930 was also found with AT&T frequency bands along side Verizons. This means we could be looking at another world phone, ala HTC Rezound. You can expect the LG VS930 to carry largely similar specs to the Optimus LTE 2, with a completely overhauled custom UI new to Android 4.0, a 4.7-inch 720p “True HD” IPS display, Qualcomm dual-core S4 processor and carry 2GB of multitasking RAM. Sounds intriguing.

[FCC | Engadget]

HTC touting Rezound ICS update, but where is it?

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 03:25 PM PDT

HTC have gone ahead and posted details of the HTC Rezound’s Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade on their website. They say it’s available, but there’s no reason to suggest that it actually is: we haven’t seen any reports of users being able to pull it down, and Verizon haven’t even posted the details on their site. Take a look at the details below:

HTC Rezound™ Software Upgrade Instructions | 06.20.2012

This software update (Software Number: 3.14.605.10 710RD; Baseband Version:1.22.10.0421r, 1.22.10.0424r) is now available for your HTC Rezound. It will update your device to the Ice Cream Sandwich Operating System (OS) and provide several enhancements, fixes and features, including:

Applications & Widgets

  • V CAST Media Manager has been updated to Backup Assistant Plus with an enhanced user experience.
  • Caller Name ID application has been updated and added to All Apps.
  • Time zone issues have been resolved within the Clock widget.

Device Features

  • Device is enabled with the Wireless Alerting System.
  • Cisco AnyConnect support has been added to improve VPN functionality.
  • Improved data connectivity for a better user experience.
  • Improve device stability minimizes the number of resets.
  • Improvements to Mobile Hotspot connectivity.

Email, Messaging & Web

  • Improvements to default mail application now displays all Yahoo! mail contents properly

So there’s obviously a build out there that has HTC confident enough to post its details to their site, but we can’t say for sure a rollout has actually begun. If you want to check for yourself try going to Menu > Settings > Software Update > Check New. Let us know if you are able to pull anything down. [HTC via Droid-Life]

Sprint’s official reasoning for Galaxy S3 delays: demand is outweighing supply

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 02:45 PM PDT

As you know, most carriers have delayed the launch of their Galaxy S3 here in the states. Verizon was the only exception considering their launch isn’t until July 10th (subject to change, of course).

Sprint was keen on updating their official reasoning as to why they had to delay theirs, and it apparently came down to one simple thing: demand is outweighing supply.

Sprint says Samsung simply didn’t send them enough devices to support their launch. Most people who pre-ordered the 16GB version will see their phone shipping on the 21st, but 32GB orders are delayed until next week, as well as stock for their corporate stores.

We’re sure Sprint wanted this to be the very last thing that could happen considering the snafu with the EVO 4G LTE being held up at customs.

In any case, pre-orderers are the only crop of customers guaranteed to get their devices any time soon, and Sprint is saying it’s up to Samsung to determine the widespread launch date as they’re simply waiting on more devices. Read on for the full statement.

Due to overwhelming demand for Galaxy S III worldwide, Samsung has informed us they will not be able to deliver enough inventory of Galaxy S III for Sprint to begin selling the device on June 21. We are working closely with Samsung on a delivery schedule to support our launch.

We have begun shipping pre-orders for the 16GB version of Samsung Galaxy S III and anticipate they will be delivered by June 21. We hope to begin shipping pre-orders for the 32GB version next week as we receive inventory. Customers can check the status of their pre-order at www.sprint.com/myorder.

Ice Cream Sandwich coming to the AT&T Galaxy S2 through Kies

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 02:31 PM PDT

AT&T users on the Samsung Galaxy S2 (not the variants) can go ahead and pop some bottles as the device has finally received Ice Cream Sandwich. Users are having to go through Kies, Samsung’s companion software for PC, to get it. It’s better than nothing, though, so grab Kies here (Mac and Windows) if you don’t already have it and see if you can pull down this sweet treat. [via AndroidForums.com]

Something else Apple can sue Samsung for: Galaxy S3 suffers small explosion

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 02:16 PM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy S3 seems to be a fine device quality wise, but there appears to be at least one extremely faulty unit out there. Dillon, who goes by dillo2k10 on the interwarbs, sat and watched as his Galaxy S3 suffered a small explosion in his car.

The device apparently let out a small, white flame, then let out an unsettling, yet harmless bang to top it all off. This effectively killed the radios inside but everything else, such as the display, seemed to be working fine for him.

Let’s hope this is an isolated issue and that we don’t have an exploding Galaxy S3 pandemic sweeping the globe. Hit the source link for more photos. [Boards.ie, thanks Joel!]

More Samsung Galaxy S3 ads appear

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 02:01 PM PDT

Samsung’s releasing an onslaught of ads for the Galaxy S3′s eventual US launch. Two more have hit YouTube today, and the theme remains: how can the next big thing help you in your every day life? One quick 15 second video goes the more humorous route, however, as two friends respond “you can’t do that” to a guy texting and watching a video at the same time. If you need even more material to move you to buy this phone, be sure to check out the videos above and below.

T-Mobile Galaxy S3 pricing revealed to be more expensive than other carriers’

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 01:06 PM PDT

While most carriers are opting to release the Samsung Galaxy S3 for $200 for the 16GB and $250 for the 32GB version, T-Mobile’s revealed to be pricing them differently.

Engadget’s gotten their hands on a pricing sheet for the device for both value and classic plans. If you were to buy the 16GB device with a two-year contract on their classic plan you’d be paying $280 for the device up front, and that’s only following a $50 mail-in rebate.

T-Mobile’s also offering an early upgrade price of $450, a viable option for those who want the phone at a discount but don’t want to wait until their contract is up.

For value plan customers, you can put down $230 in-store to receive the device, with $20 monthly payments attached to your bill until the phone’s $630 off-contract price is paid off.

As usual, if you want to break out with the phone you’ll have to pay the remainder of its cost up front. We can’t be sure what T-Mobile’s reasoning is, especially considering they don’t even have LTE radios inside compared to their competitors, but that’s what we’ll have to accept for the time being. Is anyone still in for one? [via Engadget]

Amazon Appstore now accepting apps from more European countries

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 12:49 PM PDT

Amazon have announced that developers in more European countries can begin distributing their apps in the Amazon Appstore for Android.

Developers in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and the UK will no longer be forced to work around this limitation — they will be able to get their very own developers’ account in their own country. In addition to that, Amazon have announced new changes to their app distribution agreement.

  • Amazon is aligning the revenue share for paid apps with that for in-app products sold using Amazon’s In-App Purchasing Service. Starting on July 1, developers will earn 70 percent of list price on each paid app sale.
  • Developers can now control which apps they will make available to Amazon customers, and when, providing more flexibility around timing for app submissions.

Sounds like great changes to me, and this is even more reason for developers to get on-board with the Amazon Appstore. Find more details about submitting apps here if you’re a European developer, and you can find more details about the changes to the distribution agreement here.

Motorola RAZR MAXX and RAZR V head to India, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailad

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 12:11 PM PDT

Motorola’s expanding their RAZR line’s presence to other parts of the globe. Today, two new options were announced to be headed to a number of Asian countries. Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and India will all be getting the Motorola RAZR MAXX, which have specs similar to Verizon’s version, and the RAZR V, an affordable option that still packs a decent punch.

The former sports a 4.3 inch display, an 8 megapixel HD camera, and will be just as slim as Verizon’s at 8.99mm thin. The internal radios will be different, of course, but that’s pretty much the only discrepancy.

As for the latter, it is an 8.35mm thin build with a 1.2Ghz dual-core processor. Consumers can purchase the RAZR MAXX starting tomorrow, with the RAZR V coming Q3 2012. Read on for full press details.

Motorola Mobility Extends the RAZR™ Family in South Asia with Motorola RAZR™ MAXX and Motorola RAZR™ V

The long-lasting Motorola RAZR MAXX and the all-new Motorola RAZR V come to India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand

June 20, 2012

NEW DELHI - 20 June 2012 - Motorola Mobility is bringing the longest-lasting smartphone on the market today, Motorola RAZRTM MAXX, and the sexy yet affordable Motorola RAZRTM V to India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Motorola RAZR MAXX will be available with Android™ 2.3 (Gingerbread), and will receive an over-the-air upgrade to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) soon after. In India, Motorola RAZR MAXX will be available in select cities at select retail stores starting 21 June for a recommended retail price of INR 31,590. Motorola RAZR V will be available with Android 4.0 during the third quarter of the year. Specific availability information will be announced closer to the retail launch dates.

Both smartphones sport the iconic RAZR design, with the same sculpted face, diamond-cut aluminium accents Not only are they gorgeous, they’re also made to last, with KEVLAR® fibre for strength and scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass. Caught in the rain? Spill your coffee? Fear not. Motorola RAZR MAXX and Motorola RAZR V have a splash-guard coating that keeps everything safe - including the electrical boards inside.

 

Motorola RAZR MAXX - the longest lasting smartphone on the block

With the longest battery life of any smartphone today, this device has enough juice for 17.6 hours of talk-time - on a single charge. And because it’s in the Motorola RAZR family, it has the same incredibly thin, fast and light pedigree as the groundbreaking original Motorola RAZR smartphone. It has a vibrant 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Advanced display that features a wider range of colours than most LCD HDTVs. Plus at just 8.99mm, Motorola RAZR MAXX is still impossibly thin.

For aspiring filmmakers, forget about buying expensive, clunky equipment to shoot your first masterpiece. Instead, take advantage of Motorola RAZR MAXX’s 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with 1080p video capture for crisp, clear, cinematic-quality images. Or, simply use it to chat with a friend using the front-facing HD video camera.

Motorola RAZR MAXX is also "Business Ready," meaning it features government-grade encryption that protects your email, contacts and calendar. Even the strictest IT manager will be impressed.

Motorola RAZR V - iconic styling and mind-blowing thinness for your budget

An amazing 8.35mm thin, Motorola RAZR V makes iconic RAZR family styling and quality available to everyone. This big-screen beauty is surprisingly compact and light, and feels great even in smaller hands. Thanks to ColorBoostTM display technology, Motorola RAZR V has extremely vibrant colours for better clarity and sharper images. With Charcoal, Glacier White and Rebel Pink options subject to market availability, you can choose the colour that reflects your own personality and style. And while Motorola RAZR V comes at a surprisingly affordable price, it gives away nothing in performance, thanks to a dual-core 1.2GHz processor.

Unique to Motorola Mobility smartphones, including Motorola RAZR MAXX and Motorola RAZR V is Smart Actions - a tool that lets you automate your phone’s settings throughout the day. For example, you can set your phone to automatically turn off its ringer when you get home from work and set it to turn off email while you sleep, or dim the screen when battery life gets below 30 percent. Essentially, Smart Actions manages all the little things that add up to make all the difference in the world - all the while extending your phone’s already long battery life.

"RAZR is synonymous with design excellence and both Motorola RAZR MAXX and Motorola RAZR V reflect that," said Robert van Tilburg, senior regional sales director, South Asia, Motorola Mobility. "With its fantastic battery, Motorola RAZR MAXX is in a class of its own. Not only do you get everything you love about the Motorola RAZR, but now you get the power to last through marathon calls, hours of surfing the Web, or streaming movies. You’ll drop long before this phone ever does. With Motorola RAZR V, we’ve created the perfect smartphone for stylish, smart and tech-savvy consumers who want great looks, great performance and great value."

Price and Availabily

Motorola RAZR MAXX will be available starting 21 June in select cities at selected retail stores across India for a recommended retail price of INR 31,590. Motorola RAZR V will be made available in Q3 of 2012.

About Motorola Mobility
Motorola Mobility, owned by Google, fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people’s lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.

Huge list of Verizon LTE additions and expansions due tomorrow

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 11:20 AM PDT

Verizon wireless have announced huge growth and expansion of their 4G LTE network for tomorrow. The company looks t0 add 46 new markets, some insignificant and some not, to their portfolio.

They’re also looking to expand in 22 other markets. This will be one of Verizon’s biggest pushes yet, and their goal of getting their entire LTE network up by 2013′s end doesn’t look unattainable at this rate.

This is perfect timing for those looking to upgrade using their discount ahead of Verizon’s June 28th launch date of the Share Everything family plans.

If you haven’t heard, users will be forced into these plans if they upgrade their phones June 28th and beyond with no option for keeping unlimited data unless you buy a phone for its full, off-contract price.

The Share Everything plans give customers a pool of data that can be shared between all lines on the account. These plans may be beneficial for those already on Verizon’s tiered data plans, but those on unlimited are likely going to want to steer clear.

Regardless, a whole heap of you should be resting easy knowing that your area now has 4G and that your upgrade (if you aren’t already on a 4G phone) won’t go wasted. Read on for full press details and the full list of cities.

VERIZON WIRELESS 4G LTE NETWORK AVAILABLE IN MORE THAN 300 MARKETS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Company Adds 46 New Markets, Expands in 22 Other Markets on June 21

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - Verizon Wireless, owner of the nation’s largest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, today announced that its 4G LTE network will be available in 46 new markets and expand in 22 additional markets across the United States on June 21. Just in time for the summer travel season, the company will bring its 4G LTE network to a total of 304 markets, enabling 4G LTE speeds in vacation destinations throughout the country.

With the new and expanded markets, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network continues to expand its reach with 4G LTE speeds available to more than two-thirds of the U.S. population, and more 4G LTE coverage than all other networks combined.

"Time and time again, third-party surveys affirm that the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network keeps its promise to provide customers with consistently reliable responsiveness, download and upload speeds, and greater availability in more places throughout the country than any competing network," said Nicola Palmer, chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless. "Our aggressive 4G LTE network build-out is on track, providing our customers with the largest 4G LTE network in the United States - and the world - today. We are committed to cover more than 400 markets by the end of 2012. We will continue to expand and strengthen our 4G LTE network and plan to offer full nationwide coverage everywhere we have 3G coverage today, by the end of 2013."

New and Expanded Markets

On Thursday, June 21, the company will introduce its 4G LTE network in 46 new markets: Florence, Ala.; Harrison, Ark.; Yuba City/Marysville, Calif.; Panama City, Fla.; Carrolton, Gainesville and Newnan, Ga.; Blackfoot, Idaho; Decatur/Effingham, Kankakee/Bradley-Bourbonnais and La Salle/Peru/Ottawa, Ill.; Columbus and Michigan City/La Porte, Ind.; Greater Portland, Maine; Greenville/Greenwood, Jackson and Tunica, Miss.; Houghton and Traverse City, Mich.; Jefferson City, Lake of the Ozarks and West Plains, Mo.; Binghamton, Elmira/Corning/Hornell and Oneonta, N.Y.; Burlington, Hickory/Lenoir, Jacksonville and New Bern, N.C.; Bedford and Sharon/Farrell/Hermitage, Pa.; Anderson, Florence and Greenwood, S.C.; Lufkin/Nacogdoches, Midland, San Angelo and Waco, Texas; Danville, Va.; Ashland, Ky./Huntington, W.Va. and Logan, W.Va.; Fond du Lac, Janesville/Beloit and Sheboygan, Wis.; and Gillette, Wyo. The Lihue, Hawaii market launched June 11.

The company will also expand its 4G LTE network in 22 markets where Verizon Wireless 4G LTE was already available: Denver and Fort Collins/Loveland, Colo.; Philadelphia., Pa./Wilmington, Del.; Daytona Beach, Gainesville and West Palm Beach, Fla.; Hilo, Hawaii; Boise/Nampa, Idaho; Chicagoland, Ill.; Lafayette, Ind.; Hammond, La.; Springfield, Mo.; Glens Falls and New York, N.Y.; Charlotte/Gastonia and Greenville/Washington, N.C.; Indiana, Pa. and Hagerstown, Md./Chambersburg, Pa.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va.; Seattle, Wash.; Appleton/Oshkosh, Wis.

4G LTE Devices, Plans and Speed

Verizon Wireless offers 24 4G LTE devices, the largest selection of 4G LTE devices offered by any carrier. Devices range from tablets and mobile hotspots to the latest smartphones and more, including the Samsung Galaxy S® III, currently available online for pre-order, and the soon-to-be available DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC. Details on available devices can be found at www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at www.verizonwireless.com/plans.
Verizon Wireless also offers a variety of smart accessories, including the FitBit Ultra Wireless Activity Tracker and the Withings WiFi Scale, for customers to use with their 4G LTE devices. A full list of smart accessories can be found at www.verizonwireless.com/smartaccessories.

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of 4G LTE coverage areas, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast.

Verizon Wireless’ 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area or when they travel to areas already covered by Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network.

On June 21, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network will be available in 304 markets across the United States. Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for a full list of 4G LTE markets and additional information on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. For street-level detail of coverage and more, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE.

AT&T joins growing list of North American carriers experiencing Galaxy S III delays, pushes ship date back to June 28

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 09:39 AM PDT

Add AT&T to the list of carriers across North America pushing back the release date of the Samsung Galaxy S III. The phone is now listed as shipping by June 28th for pre-orders, falling in line with new timetables put forth by Sprint, T-Mobile, and Canadian carriers. Carriers and Samsung have been citing “unprecedented demand” around the globe as the reason behind the delay, but it’s hard to imagine the manufacturer did not anticipate the number of people wanting to get their hands on the new Galaxy S device considering the success of past models. We have speculated that other issues such as problems with the phone’s Pebble Blue deco could be behind the minor delay.

Verizon is the only major carrier in the US to not report a delay, but this shouldn’t be surprising considering the fact that Big Red never announced an official launch date, and all indications are that the phone won’t ship until July. Those picking up the handset on other providers will have to hunker down for an extra week.

[via AndroidCentral]

LG D1L mystery solved, merely the Optimus LTE 2 out now in Korea

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 08:52 AM PDT

And when we say “merely” it is no slight to the LG Optimus LTE 2. But It has been confirmed that the LG D1L, a name that has popped up from time to time with claims that it would launch as a competitor to the Galaxy S III this spring, is in fact the followup to last year’s Optimus LTE. Turns out original rumors were spot on, citing a 4.7-inch HD display, dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor and LTE capabilities. And it managed to launch right under our noses while we were left wondering what happened to the D1L.

Given a launch on AT&T last year as the LG Nitro HD, there is a definite change we could see the Optimus LTE 2/D1L make its way to the US.

[via The Verge]

Samsung to begin official Ice Cream Sandwich update push for Galaxy Tab 10.1, 8.9, 7.7, and 7.0 Plus next month

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 07:39 AM PDT

Samsung is just weeks away from unleashing Android 4.0 for their stable of tablets, with the update planned to go live sometime next month. SamMobile is reporting that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy Tab 8.9, Galaxy Tab 7.7, and Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus are all on the docket to receive the update in July, with the bulk of devices actually receiving Ice Cream Sandwich in August. The timing seems about right, as Samsung is still working to get the latest version of Android to many of their more recent devices and in all regions. Galaxy Tab owners will be grateful that the wait will soon be over.

[via PocketNow]

Galaxy S II owners on Rogers finding Android 4.0 update through Samsung Kies

Posted: 20 Jun 2012 07:06 AM PDT

While they won’t get to enjoy the vastly improved hardware of the Samsung Galaxy S III soon launching in Canada, owners of the Galaxy S II on Rogers are receiving a bit of a consolation prize in the form of Ice Cream Sandwich. The update has been made available via Samsung Kies and brings the phone to Android 4.0.4, providing an OS overhaul that brings about features such as improved multi-tasking and data management as well as what should be a boost in performance. You still have TouchWiz masking a true Holo-themed experience, but that’s nothing GS2 owners aren’t already accustomed to. Any users from the Great White North go through with the install process yet?

[via MobileSyrup]
Posted by at 7:47 AM

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