Android Phone Fans |
- Judge Throws Out Apple vs Motorola Patent Case – Nobody’s Getting Banned… For Now
- New Motorola Video Formally Introduces Android 4.0 For DROID RAZR/MAXX
- Samsung UI Patent Exposed – Looks To Improve Folders on Android, Adds 3D Effects For Good Measure
- Acer Iconia Tab A700 Back In Stock with Tegra 3 Processor, 1080p Display – $450 with Free 2-Day Shipping
- Is HTC Preparing Siri-Like Voice Controlled App of Their Own? [Image]
- HTC Pulls Out of Brazil – Cancels Launch of One Series, Layoffs Expected
- Wheatley Live Wallpaper Brings Everyone’s 2nd Favorite Robot To Your Android – Bonus: Portal 2 Ringtones and Notifications [Download]
- Toshiba Thrive and Thrive 7 ICS update delayed until early Fall
- Galaxy owners can now transfer media, contacts, and messages from iTunes and iOS
- Rumor: Verizon DROID Incredible 4G delayed until July (possibly the 5th)
- Taptu for Android update can now “magically” learn your news preferences
- PowerAMP gets big update to add HTC One X support, action bars, and more
- Android Overload: Google Investigates EVO LTE Google Wallet Issues, New Moto Bionic Ice Cream Sandwich Build Leaked, and More
- HTC One XXL Specs Revealed In Leaked Screenshot? – Quad-Core S4 Processor, 2GB RAM, 4.7-inch Display [Rumor]
- Flipboard Is Now Officially Available For Android – Expands To New Countries, Adds YouTube Functionality
| Judge Throws Out Apple vs Motorola Patent Case – Nobody’s Getting Banned… For Now Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:28 PM PDT
After both sides were asked to present evidence of real damages in the Apple vs Motorola case, Judge Posner is now throwing out the case completely, effectively ruling, “GTFO.” This whole thing began when Apple sued Motorola for, allegedly, violating a handful of patents (later reduced to 4). Motorola fired back, claiming that Apple was in violation of a few of theirs, which later reduced to just 1 patent claim. If you think this sounds like a “he said, she said” cat-fight, you obviously weren’t the only one. Judge Richard Posner gave both sides yet one last chance to come up with a dollar amount for the alleged damages, but after neither side could really prove said damages, there was absolutely no reason, in Posner’s eyes, why he would ban the sale of either one of their products in the US.
I guess you could pretty much call this a win for Motorola who apparently, was on their last leg, holding onto a patent claim that according to Apple, wasn’t even being used. We expect Apple to file an appeal as soon as possible. Someone please, make this all stop. [TheVerge]
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| New Motorola Video Formally Introduces Android 4.0 For DROID RAZR/MAXX Posted: 22 Jun 2012 04:02 PM PDT
If you’re anything like me, you’ve no doubt been calling, texting, and messaging all your friends n’ family, telling them that the Android 4.0 update for their Motorola DROID RAZR/ Razr Maxx is now ready for the downloading. That conversation could be a whole lot more brief (and less painful) if you simply share this short video, uploaded to Motorola’s YouTube channel today, introducing Razr users to Ice Cream Sandwich, and all the new features it brings. Check it out. Pretty exciting, right? There are few greater joys in life than finally being able to partake in Android’s latest desserts. Here’s another link for those about to update, detailing the entire process directly from Verizon and Motorola. Make sure you have a full battery and godspeed.
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| Samsung UI Patent Exposed – Looks To Improve Folders on Android, Adds 3D Effects For Good Measure Posted: 22 Jun 2012 03:20 PM PDT
Samsung’s TouchWiz UI could get a bit more interesting if this newly exposed patent application is a tale of things to come. The boys at Patent Bolt discovered the UI patent filed by Sammy late last year, and it deals specifically with the way the user interacts with folders on Android. You can see in the provided images, the user can interact with the folders — which look like a stack of cards — in a few different ways. The stack can be opened and displayed in a traditional Android fashion, only with fancy card animations. Or, a folder stack can be pulled like an accordion to display its contents. Not shown in these images was a vertical scrolling folder, similar to the accordion effect but a lot less fancy.
Nothing too ground breaking, but the patents show that Samsung has bigger and better plans for TouchWiz, adding even more 3D effects and flashiness. It’s possible we could see these card stacks in future version of TouchWiz, perhaps whenever Samsung gets around to updating their devices to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. What do you guys think about the card stacks? Cool or uncool?
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| Posted: 22 Jun 2012 01:42 PM PDT
The other day we told you guys about the availability of the Acer Iconia Tab A700 direct from Acer’s site but unfortunately, the item was out of stock. Now it looks like that stock has been replenished and the tab can once again be purchased for $450, with free 2-day shipping. Considering the specs found on the A700, that’s a pretty damn good deal. The Iconia Tab A700 features a 10.1-inch full HD 1080p display, Tegra 3 qua-core processor, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Acer’s upstanding reputation for quality and timely updates. The A700 will also be available via Amazon on the 24th. [Acer]
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| Is HTC Preparing Siri-Like Voice Controlled App of Their Own? [Image] Posted: 22 Jun 2012 12:38 PM PDT
HTC has been busy today, teasing an image of a “top secret” dog translation app, poking fun at voice controlled applications like Siri and S Voice. In the image, you can see an everyday, natural voice controlled dialog between a dog and the application. There’s a disclaimer at the bottom of the image stating that this, of course, isn’t real — for “dog fans” — leaving the door wide open for humans. We can’t be sure, but it’d make sense that HTC would want to get in on the Siri phenomenon sweeping handset manufacturers as of late. Let’s hope this has more to do with Google’s upcoming Project Majel, and less to do with a repackaged Vlingo. Oh, and get Samuel L. Jackson on board to have the world going nuts. [Twitter]
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| HTC Pulls Out of Brazil – Cancels Launch of One Series, Layoffs Expected Posted: 22 Jun 2012 11:19 AM PDT
We’ve heard talk from HTC that as part of a refocusing effort, they’ll no longer be producing budget phones (entirely depends on your definition of low-end). Now we’re getting word that HTC is doing a little more re-prioritizing in the company, making the executive decision to pull out of the Brazilian market entirely. All this after the company analyzed sales numbers and found that although smartphone sales have been dramatically rising in the region, HTC has been continually losing market share to other manufacturers selling only only a meager .11% of handsets in Brazil. This axes plans for an HTC One series launch in Brazil, and you can expect the usual layoffs to follow as well. HTC did mention that they would continue offering support (tech support and repairs) for current devices. We’re still waiting for an official word from HTC for further confirmation. Guess you can’t win ‘em all, huh? [AndroidPIT | Exame]
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| Posted: 22 Jun 2012 10:07 AM PDT
Possible copyright issues aside, this Wheatley Live Wallpaper is the coolest thing to hit our Android devices since that duckbill stand I told you guys about a few nights ago. Paying homage to Portal 2, the live wallpaper features everybody’s favorite robot from the hit title (Seriously, if you haven’t played this game yet, you need to do so. Like, yesterday). Wonderfully brilliant? Yes. Legal? Well… I guess that’s up for debate. Wheatley’s blue eye is customizable, allowing you to choose your favorite color/mood and follows your finger as you swipe and select apps. The wallpaper is incredible high-res and looks great on a 720p display. Just don’t expect it to run smoothly unless you’ve got an adequate a processor powering your device — the wallpaper causes my Galaxy Nexus to absolutely chug using Apex Launcher. The only thing the wallpaper is missing are the sounds and music from the game, which I managed to find for you and can be downloaded for them all for free from Valve’s official site. Just follow the easy links below to complete the Portal 2 experience on your Android.
If you like what you see, better hurry and snag this one before it’s gone from the Play Store forever. The Wheatley Live Wallpaper can be purchased for $1. [Play Store Link] Via Droid-Life
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| Toshiba Thrive and Thrive 7 ICS update delayed until early Fall Posted: 22 Jun 2012 09:40 AM PDT Some bad news just came down the pipeline for you Toshiba Thrive and Toshiba Thrive 7 owners. Ice Cream Sandwich looks like it won’t be here to refresh you this summer after a swing-and-a-miss on a Spring window. Instead, Toshiba are electing to push the upgrade all the way back to early Fall. Yep, go ahead and let those groans out. Unfortunately we didn’t get any word as to why the update was pushed back.
We’re sure there are bugs to be squashed, but this seems rather long for a delay. Perhaps Toshiba’s customizations weren’t as easily adaptable to ICS, or perhaps they just have other things to worry about at the moment. Whatever the case may be, it’s left in dead water until the festive Autumn months arrive. In the meantime, I’m sure XDA and RootzWiki will take care of you quite nicely. [Toshiba, thanks Joel!]
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| Galaxy owners can now transfer media, contacts, and messages from iTunes and iOS Posted: 22 Jun 2012 09:02 AM PDT Samsung have announced a partnership with Easy Phone Sync to bring exclusive licensing of the app to Samsung. The app would allow Galaxy users to transfer music, movies, photos, podcasts, contacts, and messages from iTunes and iOS.
It’s a good move by Samsung who are targeting iOS owners and they’ll need all the tools they can get to make sure users can make a seamless transition. The app will be free for owners of most Galaxy phones and tablets, and while we’re sure this is only a timed exclusive it’s nice to know Samsung’s got your back and that you don’t have to pay for it (unless they licensing deal ever expires). Head to Easy Phone Sync’s website to learn more and read on for full press details.
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| Rumor: Verizon DROID Incredible 4G delayed until July (possibly the 5th) Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:01 AM PDT While Verizon’s never given a concrete date for the DROID Incredible 4G, it was always believed to be coming June 28th. The launch may have been “delayed,” however, as new rumors suggest it could come out the day after Independence Day.
That date would put it roughly 5 days before the Galaxy S3 launch on Verizon pending any delays. The HTC Droid Incredible 4G may not be regarded as a hero device, but it is still quite the looker. With Android 4.0 with Sense 4.0, an S4 processor, a 4-inch qHD display, an 8 megapixel front camera (sans ImageSense technology unfortunately) and more, this device should get a serious look from would-be smartphone owners when it launches for $150. Verizon’s not keen on responding to rumors and speculation, of course, so we’ll just have to wait for a press release. [via Droid-Life]
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| Taptu for Android update can now “magically” learn your news preferences Posted: 22 Jun 2012 05:54 AM PDT Taptu for Android has gotten a big upgrade in the Google Play Store. The biggest change is a feature called “Taptu Magic,” a personalized news delivery engine that “magically” learns what you like and will deliver more news stories based on what you view. This feature isn’t quite revolutionary, but Taptu goes a step further and it can drill even further tan the topics you’re interested in.
For instance, a sports fan who tends to read baseball news a lot will find that the app will start delivering more baseball news stories. Taptu Magic also allows you to choose your own source of news so that your personalized interests come from your favorite bloggers and news outlets. As an added bonus, Taptu users can now access their news streams on the web. You can find the upgrade here in the Google Play Store.
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| PowerAMP gets big update to add HTC One X support, action bars, and more Posted: 22 Jun 2012 05:04 AM PDT PowerAMP is highly regarded as one of the best music players to ever be released for Android, and a new update today made it even better. For starters, those who own the HTC One X can now use the app to their hearts’ content.
Unfortunately HTC’s Sound Enhancement doesn’t work with the app just yet but we’re hopeful it’ll be available in a future update. There’s also a new action bar to make it look more at home on Ice Cream Sandwich devices. Other changes include a revamp of the settings menu, improved tablet skins, improved notification controls, new languages, and a whole lot more. You’ll want to grab this update right away in the Google Play Store.
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| Posted: 22 Jun 2012 12:27 AM PDT
Greetings and salutations, Phandroids. You’ve made it into another episode of the Android Overload. This is the place where we stash all of the articles from throughout our day — the ones that didn’t make it onto our front page. More than likely, you’ll find a few tidbits that tickle your fancy so, have a look around and let me know if you find something interesting.
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| Posted: 21 Jun 2012 11:58 PM PDT
Here’s a nice little late-night rumor for you to dream about while you slumber. There’s been some talk that HTC is readying a 5.3-inch Galaxy Note challenger of their own by the name of the One XXL (double x’s for a double dose of pimpin’). Other than its gargantuan size, we really haven’t heard much else. Well, a new leak is flipping everything we once thought, showing us that the HTC One XXL might not be 5.3-inch device we hoped for. Instead, it could be a souped up version of the HTC One XL (our version of the international Tegra 3 One X). The details were “revealed” in the below screenshot (top image is just concept art) and shows off all the specs that make a Phandroid’s heart flutter. We got a 4.7-inch display, quad-core Qualcomm S4 processor, 2GB of RAM, 8MP camera and 1.8MP front facing camera.
Of course, this sorta stuff is pretty easy to fake with a little time on your hands, and a few simple XML edits. Still, I can’t help but think if this device were true, and it comes to Verizon/Sprint/T-Mobile later this year, maybe that would take some of the sting out of missing out on the regular old One X. Wouldn’t you agree? Grain of salt, people!
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| Posted: 21 Jun 2012 09:56 PM PDT
Got room for one more news reader app on your homescreen? Good, because the insanely sought after Flipboard is now officially available for Android devices. Flipboard is essentially a stylized RSS reader that displays news items in a magazine-like view. Demand for the Android app is said to have been “astonishing” coming from Flipboard CEO Mike McCue, and availability has been expanded to allow our South Korean, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and German Android brothers to get in on the fun. YouTube functionality was also added allowing you to view your subs easily from within the app.
The launch comes after a month of beta testing the app for a variety of Android devices ranging from the Nook, to Kindle Fire and a variety of smartphones. Flipboard isn’t exactly anything new for those with the Samsung Galaxy S3. The app actually came pre-loaded on the S3 but this is the first time it’s officially available for the rest of us. Although there seems to be a slight hiccup at the time of writing, you will be able to find Flipboard in the Android app store of your choice, and downloading it wont cost you a single, red cent.
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