Friday, June 8, 2012

AndroidGuys

AndroidGuys


HTC introduces dual-SIM devices – Desire V and Desire VC

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 03:35 PM PDT

Dual-SIM phones are very popular nowadays, and it seems that HTC also wants to hop in and launch some devices with the capability. Actually, dual-SIM devices are very appealing in Asian countries; that's why HTC decided to launch the HTC Desire V and Desire VC with the notorious feature in Asian market. HTC recently renewed the Desire series by launching the low-end HTC Desire C - which is a small, adorable device.

Talking about the cores of the phone, HTC Desire V and VC, both come with the same specs:

  • Android 4.0
  • HTC Sense UI 4.0
  • 1GHz Qualcomm MSM7227A Cortex-A5 processor
  • Adreno 200 graphics processing unit
  • 4-inch WVGA display
  • 5MP camera with LED flash and VGA video
  • 512MB of RAM
  • 4GB of internal memory
  • microSD card slot for expansion up to 32GB.

However, the only difference is that the Desire V offers tri-band GSM on its second slot, and quad-band GSM/EDGE on the other one, as well as an option for dual-band HSPA on the first slot. The Desire VC is actually a CDMA/EVDO devices that offers a SIM card slot for tri-band GSM support.

The Desire V will cost $345 and Desire VC will be around for $318, and it will be launched in China this summer. Right now, we don't know if HTC is planning to bring these devices to American or European markets because this trend is not so popular there. Tell us... what do you think about it? Would you prefer buying a dual-SIM device?

Source: Mobile-Review

HTC introduces dual-SIM devices – Desire V and Desire VC originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Evernote Food comes out of the oven and it’s delicious

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 01:48 PM PDT

As if you needed another reason to use Evernote, the developers today announced a new application/ feature for Android users.  It's called Evernote Food and it's designed to help you capture everything you could imagine as it relates to food.  Recipes, photos of restaurants, notes from dinner conversations, a copy of your receipt.  EVERYTHING.

 

It might be more appropriate to term this app as a gateway to Evernote's larger, more robust note-taking/photo capturing app but we could care less.  We simply love how easy it is to snap a picture of sushi (Hi Kenji!) and toss a few notes in for good measure.  Not only that, but the geo-location and sharing feature ensures that you can direct your friends directly to that hidden dive that you won't shut up about.

The number of things you can do with Evernote Food is quite extensive and the way you use it is entirely up to you.  Evernote has a few ideas for inspiration however they're just tips.  You could be a total jerk and keep everything to yourself, locked away in your private Evernote account and that's just fine, too.

Use Evernote Food to:

  • Remember the food and meals you love.
  • Snap and organize photos of your food, setting and fellow diners to make a beautiful photo essay of your meals.
  • Add a title, your location, tags, captions and additional notes about the experience.
  • Select or search for places, powered by Foursquare
  • Share meals with family and friends on Twitter and Facebook, or via old fashioned email.
  • See related content from your Evernote account right inside the Evernote Food app.
  • Browse through your meals or search for specific ones.
  • Automatically sync to your Evernote account, where you can access your meal notes from any computer or mobile device.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Capture each course of your meals, along with photos of family and friends.
  • Document each step while preparing your favorite recipes.
  • Record interesting ingredients, product labels, wines, menus and recipes you come across.
  • Save food-related experiences while you're traveling and tasting new delicacies.
  • Track your food intake for fitness and dieting.

Evernote Food comes out of the oven and it’s delicious originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Satechi BT Portable Speaker review

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 09:12 AM PDT

Until a few months ago, I was not all that familiar with the electronics and gadget outfit Satechi. Initially skeptical about a company I've never heard of, I since become a big fan.  Their R1 tablet stand has become the base for much of my tablet use and I see quality in their designs. I've recently had the chance to test out one of their portable Bluetooth speakers and would like to share some of my impressions.

Much like the Logitech Mini Boombox, the Satechi BT Portable Speaker is a compact, travel-friendly wireless speaker that also handles phone calls.  Small enough to fit in your palm, the black and chrome-trimmed device connects via Bluetooth or 3.5mm headphone jack.  Features include a lithium-ion rechargeable battery (6 hrs playback), LED status light, hard buttons for playback control, and an accordion-like chamber for enhanced bass.

Considering its size, the Satechi BT Portable Speaker was a little louder than we expected however the sound wasn't as full as we'd hoped.  Even when using the signature Bass Expansion System", the sound was somewhat flat.  However, given the extreme portability one would be hard-pressed to find more in a comparable price.

As I've indicated on more than one occasion, my favorite thing to do while working is to listen to audio books and podcasts.  For that, the Satechi BT Portable Speaker is perfect.  I've carried this guy around (comes with a mesh bag) for the last couple of days and used it in the office, kitchen, and on the deck.  If I were expecting to keep the speaker in a more permanent place I might consider picking up a second one and running it in series.  Yes, that is also a nice selling feature.

Normally priced at $44.99 each, I see them listed on Satechi's website for $39.99 right now. Heading over to Amazon, I see the same $39.99 price as well.  Check both to see which is cheapest and grab one!

Satechi: BT Portable Speaker
3.3 ounce compact Bluetooth stereo speaker system wirelessly streams high quality audio and phone calls

  • Features Satechi's signature Bass Expansion System which extends the speakers to amplify dynamic audio range without compromising acoustic integrity
  • Vacuum chamber opens up like an accordion to mimic the acoustic properties of subwoofers resulting in enhanced bass output
  • Long-lasting lithium-ion rechargeable batteries allows for up to 6 hours of playback time
  • Features an LED status indicator, USB cable to connect the device to any USB charger or port, and a 3.5mm jack compatible
  • Integrated buttons to control track, volume, play/pause and answer/end calls

Available at:  Amazon.com and Satechi.net
Price:
 $44.99
Website: www.Satechi.net

Satechi BT Portable Speaker review originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Completely overhauled HD Widgets 3.0 arrives for Android

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 06:54 AM PDT

Here's a friendly notification that Cloud.tv's newest version of their HD Widgets app will be available today, June 7.  We're up to the 3.0 release (already!) and things just keep getting better.  We've played with the release candidate for the last few hours and have come away extremely impressed.  There's an extremely high level of customization for the widgets, including colors, gradients, sizes, fonts, themes, and more.

Whether you've got a smartphone or tablet that needs a little home screen sprucing, this is where you should start.  For a limited time (48 hours on June 7-8), you can grab it for a one-time 99¢ download.  You'll be glad you did!  Look for a pair of widget packs in the next few weeks: Colourform & Photostream.

HD Widgets 3.0 is slated to debut at 11:00AM EST in Google Play.

Completely overhauled HD Widgets 3.0 arrives for Android originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Protect your pictures, messages, and more with NQ Mobile’s Vault

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 06:16 AM PDT

Let's face it.  I bet that if I were to grab your phone right now and page through the text messages and photos you would feel pretty uncomfortable, right?  While you might not have some risque photos or dirty jokes to hide, the idea that I'm going through your device is not something that appeals to you.  You're not alone.  In fact, NQ Mobile has found that 87 percent of users polled have something private on their smart device that they would rather have others not see.  For that, they've created an app called Vault.

Vault has been available since late 2011 as a beta application and has already amassed more than 1.6 million downloads.  User are finding the app to be incredibly useful and something that provides peace of mind.  Want to hide your text messages or call log?  Throw it in the vault.  Got some photos that you'd rather not see land on the internet?  Vault.

Vault is a free application to download and use however we suspect you'll enjoy the benefits that come with the paid premium service.  Not only do you get all the stuff that comes with the free client, but you also enable additional features.

  • Private Space: Create a private and encrypted space on device to store select pictures, videos, text messages (up to 100 in free version/unlimited in premium version), and call history. This content can then be viewed privately anytime from within NQ Mobile Vault by simply entering the correct password on the phone keypad.
  • Private Contacts: Create or select contacts from address book and make invisible. Phone calls and text messages from these contacts will no longer appear in the phone's native SMS folder or call logs.
  • Private SMS: Send and receive text messages privately from within NQMobile Vault. Choose to be notified of new texts or turn off notifications all together.
  • Stealth Mode (premium): Choose to hide NQ Mobile Vault folder from desktop and application folder. Users access NQ Mobile Vault by entering passcode from within the phone dialer.
  • Break-In Monitor (premium): Photograph anyone who enters the wrong passcode. This feature requires an Android 2.3 (or higher) device with a front-facing camera.

Want to give Vault a try?  Download it from the Google Play Store today and lock you things up.  We don't want to skim your phone gallery and see that stuff!

Do you have something private on your smart device you'd rather others not see? 87 percent of U.S. smart device owners say, "Yes!"

NQ Mobile Vault™, a new privacy protection app from NQ Mobile, gives consumers the ability to keep select photos, videos, contacts, and text messages secure on their smart phones

DALLAS, June 7, 2012 -- According to a recent survey commissioned by NQMobile, smart device owners are becoming increasingly concerned about others accessing private content on their mobile devices. Furthermore, nearly a quarter of those surveyed feel someone close to them may have already secretly accessed the content on their smart phones, including thieves, employers, friends, significant others and even their own children.

NQ Mobile Vault™ is a new Android privacy app from NQ Mobile, which creates an encrypted and password-protected space on devices where consumers can safely store private contacts, SMS message, call logs, photos and videos.

"Whether being passed around to share photos from a recent vacation, being used to entertain children or being left untended on a table in a business meeting, its clear our smart phones are finding their way into more and more people's hands," says Gavin Kim. Chief Product Officer, NQ Mobile. "Surprisingly, smart phones provide no simple way to curate the content we feel comfortable others seeing and storing away the content we'd rather keep private. NQ Mobile Vault is an elegant and simple solution that should give consumers the confidence to keep sharing their devices."

Since the launch of the NQ Mobile Vault public beta in mid-December 2011, over 1.6 million users have downloaded the application and have rated it 4.5 of 5 stars. NQ Mobile Vault is currently a top-ten downloaded free application in the business category within Google Play.

Key features of NQ Mobile Vault include:

  • Private Space: Create a private and encrypted space on device to store select pictures, videos, text messages (up to 100 in free version/unlimited in premium version), and call history. This content can then be viewed privately anytime from within NQ Mobile Vault by simply entering the correct password on the phone keypad.
  • Private Contacts: Create or select contacts from address book and make invisible. Phone calls and text messages from these contacts will no longer appear in the phone's native SMS folder or call logs.
  • Private SMS: Send and receive text messages privately from within NQMobile Vault. Choose to be notified of new texts or turn off notifications all together.
  • Stealth Mode (premium): Choose to hide NQ Mobile Vault folder from desktop and application folder. Users access NQ Mobile Vault by entering passcode from within the phone dialer.
  • Break-In Monitor (premium): Photograph anyone who enters the wrong passcode. This feature requires an Android 2.3 (or higher) device with a front-facing camera.

NQ Mobile Vault is available free to Android users on Google Play. For advanced features, including unlimited text message storage, stealth mode and break in monitoring, users can upgrade to the premium version for $1.99 USD per month.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by MWW Group on behalf of NQ Mobile from March 9 - 31 among 1,000 adults ages 18 and older who use a smartphone or tablet on a regular basis. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About NQ Mobile

NQ Mobile Inc. (NYSE: NQ) is a leading global provider of mobile Internet services focusing on security, privacy and productivity. The company was one of the first to recognize the growing security threats targeting smartphone users and is now a leading provider of Freemium subscription services with approximately 172 million registered user accounts in over 150 countries. NQMobile's proprietary, cloud-based security solution has been recognized by third-party testing facilities around the world as the most effective solution for detecting and combating mobile threats.

NQ Mobile was bestowed the 2011 Technology Pioneer Award by the World Economic Forum for its technology leadership and innovation in mobile security. To facilitate global expansion, NQ Mobile headquarters are co-located in Beijing, China and Dallas, TX, USA. For more information on NQ Mobile, please visitwww.nq.com.

Protect your pictures, messages, and more with NQ Mobile’s Vault originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Qualcomm reportedly working on a chip with multiple LTE bands and carrier networks

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 05:51 AM PDT

In a recent filing at the FCC, it seems Qualcomm has been busy lately working on a new radio chipset. According to the FCC, it looks like we could be looking at a chip that would support up to 7 different bands, with three of those bands being below 1 GHz. LTE spectrum fragmentation is no joke, and it looks like this chipset could be the answer to said problem, which has plagued manufacturers for a long time.

the bands range from below 1 GHz, all the way up to "a very high band", possibly around 2.5 GHz. The filing with the FCC shows that the chip has "accelerated development" by Qualcomm, and is currently labeled WTR1605L. The timing of the transition to this chip sits snugly with the company's transition to 28 nanometer chips, and they expect to be shipping to manufacturers in July - even though they are experiencing "supply constraints", according to the FCC filing.

While the chipset has the capacity to be very exciting, Qualcomm attempted to impress on the FCC that they don't want to mandate the use of these 28 nanometer chips, since the transition to these chips (as well as the specific set listed, WTR1605L) is still in its infancy. They also mention that a band 12/17 combination should not be used, saying it is merely a single option for carriers "to meet their customer's interoperability needs, both within the 700MHz band and between any of the long list of other 4G bands."

This chipset could prove to be the end, or at least the beginning to an end, of band fragmentation. It would also cut down on hardware fragmentation and the sometimes outrageous amount of hardware itself in the Android scope, as issues with banding on devices would no longer have a solution of releasing yet more variants of the same device.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

via androidpolice

Qualcomm reportedly working on a chip with multiple LTE bands and carrier networks originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Apple adds Samsung Galaxy S III to suit, renews complaints with HTC

Posted: 06 Jun 2012 08:01 PM PDT

Apple is at it again, folks. Time for some more lawsuit news, as Big Fruit has not only renewed their claims against HTC, but is now adding the Samsung Galaxy S III to their line of supposed evildoers.

The claim against HTC involves the "data tapping" hyperlink menu, and is asking for an emergency proceeding to ban the following devices at the border:

  • HTC One X
  • HTC One S
  • HTC One V
  • HTC Inspire 4G
  • HTC Vivid
  • HTC Status
  • HTC Sensation
  • HTC Sensation 4G
  • HTC Wildfire
  • HTC Wildfire S
  • HTC Hero
  • HTC Hero S
  • HTC EVO 4G LTE
  • HTC EVO 4G
  • HTC EVO V 4G
  • HTC EVO Design 4G
  • HTC EVO 3D
  • HTC Amaze 4G
  • HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE
  • HTC myTouch 4G
  • HTC myTouch 4G Slide
  • HTC Rezound
  • HTC Rhyme
  • HTC ThunderBolt
  • HTC Flyer
  • HTC Jetstream
  • HTC EVO View 4G
  • Droid Incredible 2 by HTC

What about the Galaxy S III, you ask? Apple is throwing it into the fire with the Galaxy Nexus, saying that both devices not only violate the "data tapping" patent, but also the idea of slide-to-unlock, unified search, and word completion. Apple doesn't want to waste the court's time (Oracle, anyone?), and so they're not going after Sammy for slide-to-unlock, but they are saying that the unified search infringes on Siri.

Let's be realistic: in this writer's opinion, Apple knows two things. Not only do they need to knock the most recent Evo line out of the hands of users, but the Galaxy S III must stay out of stores here in the states. With as popular as these devices are / will be, they could put Apple in some hot water.

what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

via androidcentral

Apple adds Samsung Galaxy S III to suit, renews complaints with HTC originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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