Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Google Play Music Now Lets You Recover Deleted Music For Up To 28 Days

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 06:54 PM PDT

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Google Play Music received a “how-the-hell-did-they-not-think-of-this-before” update giving users the ability to recover cloud-deleted music for up to 28 days. Recovering deleted music is as simple as selecting the “gear” icon in the upper right hand corner while in the web Google Music player and selecting “Music Trash” from the options. From there, you can permanently delete or undelete music in your trash can.

Keep in mind that once permanently deleted, music purchased from the Google Play Store will have to paid for all over again, should you later reconsider. Just avoid unless completely necessary. For example, if a drunken night out yielded an impromptu download of Kesha (above) — perm delete with extreme prejudice. In fact, might want to purge your entire music collection just to be safe, lest you catch a disease.

[Google Play Music Trash | Google Play Support]


Firefox Beta for Android Updated With Flash Support

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 06:13 PM PDT

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Sliding in just before their “big” announcement at Google I/O, Firefox Beta has been updated for Android devices and for some, the update finally brings Flash support. We know, Flash for mobile devices is dying, but really, that hasn’t stopped Flash from still appearing on web pages and for that, you’re going to need a browser that supports it. Keep in mind, Flash on pre-ICS Tegra 2 devices and tablets is not supported in this version.

The UI for Firefox Beta has also been redesigned although, and although a bit of an eyesore, it’s supposed to be more intuitive. Mozilla is also touting the new Firefox Beta as faster than the stock Android browser but I guess you’ll have to try it and see for yourself.

Seeing as how Firefox Beta for Android was just updated a few days ago, I have a feeling Mozilla has something completely different up their sleeves for I/O — B2G perhaps? We’ll keep you posted. You can find Firefox Beta via the link below.

[Play Store Link]


Tweetcaster receives sizable upgrade in the Google Play Store

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 03:59 PM PDT

Tweetcaster for Android is yet another app being upgraded in today’s rounds of Google Play Store updates. OneLouder have fixed the usual crop of bugs, but they’ve also introduced some interesting new things. You can now zip retweets from a particular user or their source, use Search Party and My Stats on tablets, find new friends using a “similar friends” feature, read tweets later with Readability, photo preview support for imgur, and a whole heaping of other changes to get dirty with. Get the goods in the Google Play Store.


Sony’s Google TV-equipped Blu-Ray player now available for pre-order in the UK

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 03:51 PM PDT

Up until now the United States has been the only country blessed with a selection of Google TV devices. All of that is about to change, however, as Sony’s Google TV Blu-Ray player is up for pre-sale in the United Kingdom.

Sony’s site says you’ll be receiving the device on or around July 9th, but we’re not sure if this date is for pre-sales only as we’ve been hearing July 22nd.

And the fun won’t stop there: Sony’s committed to bringing Google TV to Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, and the Netherlands sometime down the line.

If you want to check out review of the NSZ-GS7 Google TV Blu-Ray player by Sony, be sure to click here. Also be sure to watch Google’s international demo video above. [Google via GTVSource]


Facebook Messenger receives significant upgrade

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 03:31 PM PDT

Facebook have upgraded their messenger application with some significant changes. Users can now include friends of friends in conversations, switch between convos using in-app notifications, see who’s available before starting a new conversation, share bigger photos and view them in full screen mode with pinch to zoom controls, and a whole lot more. Find the long laundry list of improvements below and be sure to download it from the Google Play Store if that’s your thing.

What’s in this version:

Now with more great ways to stay in touch on the go:
- Quickly switch between multiple conversations with in-app notifications
- Include friends of friends in conversations
- Swipe to delete individual messages from conversations
- See who’s available when you start a new conversation
- Share bigger photos, tap for full screen and pinch to zoom
More improvements:
- Faster app loading, navigating and sending
- More-reliable push notifications
- Bug fixes


Scope (formerly SocialScope) for Android beta update brings brand new interface

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 02:40 PM PDT

Its been a long time since I’ve used SocialScope. The aggregated social networking app promised to be a disruptive experience that would make you ditch all the individual apps you use for one central tool, but the service had been admittedly lacking. (It is a beta, after all.)

I eventually uninstalled it and opted to go for the likes of Boid, Friendcaster, and the official apps of other major social services like Instagram, Tumblr, and Foursquare.

 

But the folks at Scope (yep, that’s the new name) have breathed new life into the project in a big way. They’ve completely redesigned the user interface.

It seemed a bit daunting at first, but once you get used to the new interface you’ll find that thumbing through your collection of aggregated content is very easy, and probably even easier than the previous version.

You can find a list of destinations at the top to see all posts, photos, video, etc. from all social networks, or you can go to the bottom and jump into each individual social network and sort post types from there.

 

Posts aren’t the only thing you can find aggregated from different networks. You can use the “Popular” menu to see trending topics on Twitter, and there’s likely room for them to add trending posts from other social networks over time.

The interface isn’t quite as smooth as I’d like on my Galaxy Nexus but it isn’t too sluggish and I can scroll with ease. It’s great to look at, and more importantly it’s a lot easier to understand.

I hope to see more social network options in the future, including good ol’ Google+. Unfortunately we won’t be seeing that until Google releases their APIs, but they assure sus that is on its way. If you are a member of Scope’s private beta and want to check the new update it, be sure to find it in the Google Play Store here.

 


Huge new Dark Legends update lands

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 12:42 PM PDT

Dark Legends, the latest in the Legends series by Spacetime Studios, has enjoyed a fruitful launch, and it looks like a massive update is ready to land.

A blog post at their site detailed a new update that includes two new campaigns for users to sink their teeth into, a platinum sale, changes to energy, changes to allies, a platinum sale,  level cap raise that allows you to go up to 26, and a whole lot more.

The game was updated in the Google Play Store today but the changelog only mentioned minor changes and tweaks. Hopefully the changes are on their way very soon. Read on for the full list. [via Spacetime]

Store:
• Platinum is on sale for a limited time!
• The Dark Legends store has been rebalanced and made more affordable. Check out the store to see our new prices!
• $1.99 Platinum option now available.

Content
• Two new campaigns are available. Defeat Kriegberg and his sun loving brethren!
• Level Cap Raised to 26!

Changes to Energy
• 3d mission no longer require energy to complete
• 3d missions are the only thing that gates progress now (must complete all the missions in a campaign in order to progress to the next campaign)
• Campaigns will now display a recommended minimum level to let the player know how hard a new campaign is.

Allies:
• Players will still use energy on Allies.
• Allies are NPCs that the player unlocks when playing through a campaign. These Allies will assist the player by performing jobs for them.
• Players must decide what type of job they want their ally to perform. Each ally has 3 different jobs that they can do.
• Each of the jobs has a different amount of time associated with it but has the same energy cost.
• The more time a job takes the better the reward.
• If players do not pick up a job within a certain period of time after it is ready they will lose part of their reward.
• Having Allies perform jobs with the longest timers rewards an item, with a chance to get new legendary weapons.

Nightly Reward:
• Players will receive a nightly reward of cash and xp, but if the player successfully collects their nightly reward for 5 consecutive days they will earn a new random wearable.


Hulu Plus update adds improved support for 7 inch devices

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 12:25 PM PDT

Hulu Plus for Android has gotten a nice little update in the Google Play Store. They’ve added improved support for devices with 7 inch displays. There are quite a few of that variety roaming about the globe so we’re sure a lot of people will be pleased.

They’ve also added more supported devices in the Samsung Galaxy S II (and most variants), The Galaxy Tab 2, and the HTC One S. Finally, better support for devices with higher resolution displays is added. If there is any number of you who can appreciate the update be sure to find it in the Google Play Store.


Skype for Android downloaded over 70 million times [INFOGRAPHIC]

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 10:55 AM PDT

The folks at Skype have revealed that the Android version of the voice, text, and video communication application has surpassed 70 million downloads.

The app first launched in October 2010, and while it got off to a really bumpy start (a resource-hogging app combined with a small amount of compatible devices was annoying) it has since come a long way.

The app is now compatible with over 1,300 devices from many different manufacturers, and it has been localized for 16 different languages. The infographic reveals that Samsung dominates the boards when it comes to usage of the Android version.

The Galaxy S, Galaxy S II, Galaxy Note, and the Galaxy Ace are the top four out of many, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Galaxy S3 up there soon. Check out more of the infographic at the Skype Blog.

Skype have also put together a tips and tricks article for those who want to get the most out of their Skype experience. You can find that on thier blog here.


WinAmp celebrates 15th birthday with Album Washer, in-app store for add-ons, and more

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 10:34 AM PDT

WinAmp for Android is one of the oldest and most storied audio players in all of computing, and it’s just turned 15 years old. To celebrate the milestone, the Llamafied media player for Android has gotten itself a very nice update.

One of the main new features added is the Album Washer, a tool that allows you to get correct tags and high quality album art for any of your albums. They’ve also added an in-app store for purchasing add-ons for the client.

The Album Washer is one of the tools featured in the store and it is available for $.99 for a limited time. You can also buy the Pro bundle in the in-app store:

Also available in the new in-app store is the Pro Bundle, a bundle of premium features including a customizable home screen, ability to browse by Folders, crossfading between tracks and a 10 band graphic equalizer. The new release includes:

  • New Winamp In-app Store
  • New Album Washer in-app purchase
  • New Move to SD Card feature — great for user’s who have limited internal storage
  • SHOUTcast radio search and notification optimizations

It’s a great new update worthy of celebrating the joyous occasion so be sure to find it in the Google Play Store. Don’t forget to pin the tail on the llama while you’re at it. Read on for full press details.

AOL Unveils New Winamp Album Washer in Celebration of 15th Anniversary

Debuts Upgraded Versions of Winamp for Android, Mac and PC

#1 Free Third-Party Music Management App on Android Now with Almost 20 Million Download

New York, NY (June 25, 2012) - AOL Inc. (NYSE:AOL) announced today the release of Winamp Album Washer, powered by Gracenote®, a new feature in Winamp for Android that allows users to clean-up and organize audio files creating a more seamless user experience for passionate music fans. Winamp also plans to unveil updated offerings for both Mac and PC platforms demonstrating Winamp’s continued commitment to innovation as it celebrates its 15th anniversary.

"We’re excited to introduce Album Washer and these latest updates which include a richer experience across Android, Mac and PC platforms," said Geno Yoham, GM of Winamp. "These product releases are another step in our roadmap and vision to provide our users with the most robust set of tools to enhance and customize the way they listen to and manage their music on multiple platforms, empowering the user has been a strategic focus and part of the Winamp DNA for the last fifteen years."

Winamp for Android (v1.3)

The latest version of the free player includes Album Washer, a premium add-on available in the new in-app Store. Album Washer makes cleaning up audio files easy by updating users’ incorrect or missing tags (Artist Name, Track Title, Album Name, etc.) and by downloading high quality album art. In celebration of Winamp’s 15th anniversary, Album Washer will be available for only $0.99 for a limited time.

Also available in the new in-app store is the Pro Bundle, a bundle of premium features including a customizable home screen, ability to browse by Folders, crossfading between tracks and a 10 band graphic equalizer. The new release includes:

  • New Winamp In-app Store
  • New Album Washer in-app purchase
  • New Move to SD Card feature — great for user’s who have limited internal storage
  • SHOUTcast radio search and notification optimizations

Winamp for Mac Sync Beta

Winamp for Mac is the OSX version of the popular Winamp media player available on Windows and Android. Winamp for Mac allows users to wirelessly sync their iTunes music library to their Android device, manage their music and playlists, and playback their music. The new release includes:

  • Album Art Views
  • Play Queue Window & Drag and Drop
  • Auto-update, including a Beta channel for the latest feature releases
  • Support for Growl and in application notifications
  • Faster performance and high quality playback

Winamp Media Player for PC

The iconic Winamp is still the Ultimate Media Player! With a robust feature set for managing and consuming audio, video, playlists, podcasts, internet radio and more. There over 6,000 add-ons including built-in services for ticketing, lyrics, and downloading music. The Winamp Media Player is translated into 16 languages and is home to SHOUTcast Radio - one of the largest internet radio directories with over 54,000 stations.* The new release includes MPEG Surround Playback support and an update to the popular Winamp browser toolbar, newly translated into 16 languages.

Released in 1997, Winamp offers a complete end-to-end media player solution that features wireless desktop sync, iTunes import, and access to thousands of SHOUTcast internet radio stations. "With the launch of today’s latest offerings, Winamp furthers its position as a full service music management companion, helping consumers download, organize and manage the music they love using multiple devices," said Jay Kirsch, SVP and General Manager, AOL Media Group.

*Custom list built by AOL

ABOUT AOL

AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL) is a brand company, committed to continuously innovating, growing, and investing in brands and experiences that inform, entertain, and connect the world. The home of a world-class collection of premium brands, AOL creates original content that engages audiences on a local and global scale. We help marketers connect with these audiences through effective and engaging digital advertising solutions.


Google I/O webpage updated with streaming portal, new events, live blogging gadget and more

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 09:59 AM PDT

Google’s I/O homepage just got a big update with only a few days left before the yearly developer conference kicks off. Plenty has been tweaked, including a new Events landing page featuring a nice large area to stream keynotes and sessions from the show, complete with schedule, announcements, and live status and photo updates via the Google Developers Google+ page.

Aside from providing easy access to remotely viewing all the exciting announcements and insightful developer panels, Google is also making it easy for those attending and following the show to share their thoughts on new developments to the Android ecosystem and other Google products. A live blogging gadget can be customized and embedded to your website, interfacing directly with G+ to make things nice and simple.

Finally, Google has updated their events listing with a series of community-oriented gatherings, including a cardboard tube battle hosted by the Cardboard Tube Fighting League. Pretty extreme. Also scheduled are a laser etching and welding workshop, Sony Google TV party, and a chance for folks to pitch the next big idea to a panel of entrepreneurial experts.

Check it all out by heading over to the Google I/O site now and be sure to stay tuned to Phandroid for complete coverage of the week’s happening live from Mountain View, California. Also, don’t forget to enter for your chance to take home some Google I/O swag, including all the goodies Big G feels fit to giveaway during their keynote presentations.

[via Google I/O]


CONTEST: Guess the Google IO Gifts, Win the Google IO Gifts!

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 09:24 AM PDT

Phandroid will be covering Google IO LIVE in San Francisco this week and there is sure to be a hefty list of awesome Android announcements at what has become one of the tech world’s most significant annual events. If recent history repeats itself, Google will be giving out the latest and greatest hardware to attendees… and we’re giving it all away to our readers.

This is the 1st of the 3 contests and to win you’ve got to guess what Google will give away. We’ve already seen leaked specs of the rumored Nexus 7… is that what they’ll give away? Will it have any surprises? Will they throw in something crazy like a Google TV set top box?

Don’t expect to horde all the rumored specs and submit your entry at the last possible minute because any close calls or judgement decisions will be awarded to the entrant who posts first. Not only will that give you incentive to act quickly, but we hope you’ll share the contest with friends after you’ve entered since you’ll no longer be competing directly with those posting after you.

Here are all the juicy details… +/Like/Retweet if you like this contest!

The Prize:

  • Winner will receive all of the Google IO 2012 attendee gifts announced in the keynote speeches (assuming they are transferable).

How To Enter:

  • In the comments below, make your guess as to what gifts Google will give attendees at Google IO 2012
  • Leave your comment before Google begins their first keynote at Google IO 2012 which is scheduled for June 27th at 9:30AM Pacific
  • Provide as many details as possible

Selecting a Winner:

  • Winner will be selected and announced on Monday, July 2nd
  • Winner will be selected at the sole discretion of Phandroid staff
  • Selection criteria will include (but are not limited to) time of post (earlier the better), amount of correctly guessed details (the more the better), percentage of correctly guessed details (lots of wrong guesses count against you).

Rules & Regulations:

  • One entry per person
  • Phandroid reserves the right to disqualify entrants for any reason including (but not limited) to: submitting multiple entries, creating multiple accounts for the purpose of entry, adjusting comment details, or any act in attempt to circumvent the normal rules/process for the purpose of winning.
  • Google employees and/or employees of Phandroid and Neverstill Media are not eligible to win
  • No individuals with prior and special informed knowledge of Google IO 2012 keynote speech are eligible to win
  • Must be 18 or older to win
  • International entries accepted, but (all) winners may be asked to pay for shipping and handling
  • Included gifts/prizes are limited to those announced in the Google IO 2012 keynote speech
  • Actual shipment date of prizes is too be determined.

Other Contests:

  • $20,000 Developer Contest (Enter Now!)
  • Google IO Gifts Part 2 of 3 (Announced Tuesday, June 26th)
  • Google IO Gifts Part 3 of 3 (Announced Wednesday, June 27th)

Happy Guessing! And don’t forget to check in ALL WEEK for our LIVE COVERAGE of Google IO 2012!


US launch of ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity set for July 16, 32GB for $499

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 08:35 AM PDT

ASUS has set a release date for their high-end Transformer Pad Infinity TF700. The tablet first dazzled us at CES back in January before ASUS unveiled a new tablet strategy at Mobile World Congress that would see the TF700 take over as their premium Android slate in a lineup that includes the Transformer Prime and Transformer Pad TF300. The tablet’s claim to fame is it’s hi-res 10.1-inch Super IPS+ display rocking a 1900 x 1200 resolution and pixel density of 224ppi. The tablet is powered by NVIDIA’s quad-core Tegra 3 chipset at 1.6GHz coupled with 1GB of RAM.

The WiFi version of the Transformer Pad Infinity will launch July 16th in the US and is priced at $499 for the 32GB model and $599 for 64GB. As its name implies, it will also be compatible with the Transformer line’s trademark keyboard dock, which will be priced at $149. An LTE version of the tablet is in the works and will deploy Qualcomm’s dual-core Snapdragon S4 chipset. Availability and pricing for that edition of the Transformer Pad Infinity is yet to be announced.

[via TheVerge]


Verizon Equipment Guide confirms July 5 launch date for Droid Incredible 4G LTE

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 07:35 AM PDT

Rumors of a July 5th launch date for the HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE on Verizon have been momentarily confirmed by the latest edition of Big Red’s Equipment Guide. The phone, which was announced back in May, was initially expected to launch shortly thereafter, but has been pushed back for undisclosed reasons that likely have more to do with slotting the device into VZW’s summer lineup than any sort of hardware hangups.

Worth noting is a price listed as $199. It is widely believed that the Incredible 4G LTE will sell for $150, especially considering the pricing of the more powerful Samsung Galaxy S3 at $199. The Equipment Guide pricing likely does not reflect any mail-in rebates or instant discounts.

[via DroidLife]


T-Mobile and Verizon reach spectrum licensing agreement pending regulatory approval

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 06:56 AM PDT

T-Mobile will be the last of the four major US carriers to roll out an LTE network, but the company hopes to do so with a little help from Verizon. The two parties have reached an agreement in principal that will license existing Verizon AWS spectrum for use in expanding T-Mobile’s network in 218 markets. The deal is pending regulatory approval by the FCC and Department of Justice, two bodies T-Mobile is all too familiar with after they struck down a deal proposed last year that would have seen AT&T acquire the carrier from parent company Deutsche Telekom.

The spectrum being provided by Verizon would cover 60 million people and include 15 of T-Mobile’s top 25 markets. The list includes cities such as Philadelphia and Washington D.C. as well as Seattle and Detroit. T-Mobile has plans to launch their LTE network next year.

T-Mobile Signs Spectrum Agreement With Verizon Wireless

T-Mobile to Improve Portfolio of Nationwide Broadband Spectrum Following Regulatory Approval
Net Gain of Spectrum Will Assist Rollout of LTE in 2013

Bellevue, Wash. -- June 25, 2012 -- Today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. announced an agreement with Verizon Wireless for the purchase and exchange of certain Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum licenses in 218 markets across the U.S. The transaction will improve T-Mobile’s spectrum position in 15 of the top 25 markets in the U.S. by providing an opportunity for T-Mobile both to acquire additional AWS spectrum and to realign its existing spectrum holdings. Following regulatory approval, this spectrum can be promptly deployed to enhance the company’s 4G mobile broadband service, including the rollout of LTE service next year. Some of the spectrum T-Mobile is acquiring in this transaction include licenses that Verizon is purchasing from SpectrumCo, Cox and Leap, and the agreement is contingent on the closing of those transactions and is subject to regulatory approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice.

"This agreement will provide T-Mobile with critical AWS spectrum, enhancing both network capacity and performance and allowing us to meet the growing consumer demand for 4G mobile broadband," T-Mobile CEO and President Philipp Humm said. "This is good for T-Mobile and good for consumers because it will enable T-Mobile to compete even more vigorously with other wireless carriers. We anticipate FCC approval later this summer, in time for us to incorporate this new spectrum into our network modernization and the rollout of LTE services next year."

T-Mobile will gain spectrum covering 60 million people -- notably in Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Detroit; Minneapolis; Seattle; Cleveland; Columbus, Ohio; Milwaukee; Charlotte, N.C.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Greensboro, N.C.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Rochester, N.Y. -- in exchange for spectrum covering 22 million people and certain cash consideration. The agreement also includes exchanges in a number of markets in which the companies will swap licenses to create more contiguous blocks of spectrum and re-align spectrum in adjacent markets. These intra-market swaps will enhance T�‘Mobile’s network performance and data throughput in key locations. This agreement is in addition to T-Mobile’s previously announced $4 billion 4G network evolution plan, which includes modernization of 37,000 cell sites, launching 4G HSPA+ services in the 1900 MHz band and deployment of LTE in 2013.


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