Saturday, June 16, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

T-Mobile All Set For LTE-Advanced Trials This Summer, Prepares For 2013 Rollout

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 06:56 AM PDT

While T-Mobile certainly isn’t hiding its intentions to build a lean and mean LTE network next year, it’s certainly not waiting to get a jumpstart today and has announced it will begin 4G LTE trials starting this summer. While some of you may be thinking it will be 4G similar to what Verizon and AT&T have now— T-Mo has its sights on something bigger and better as it plans on rolling out LTE-Advanced, also known as LTE Release 10… true 4G. Also of note is T-Mo briefly mentioning its 1900MHz 3G deployment in San Francisco recently and the benefits of the rollout. This is just one of what will be several instances of improved 3G deployment at sites and markets around the country which will not only bring faster HSPA+ speeds, but eventually contribute to the overall evolution of the current HSPA+ infrastructure to 4G LTE-Advanced.

Looks like T-Mobile customers not only get to look forward to fast faster HSPA+ speeds, but they will possibly look at the fastest 4G speeds imaginable with the introduction of 4G LTE-advanced next year. Hit the break to see additional details from T-Mobile’s presser.

 

 

“Fast Progress on 4G Network Modernization
June 14, 2012

We’re making great progress in just three short months since we first announced T-Mobile’s $4 billion 4G network evolution plan, including network modernization and deployment of long term evolution (LTE) service in 2013. Here are some of the highlights:

Just last month, T-Mobile announced multi-year agreements with Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks to support our $4 billion 4G network evolution plan, which will include a modernization of 37,000 cell sites and a move to the latest, state-of-the-art, LTE release 10 capable equipment.

Initially, this effort will improve existing voice and data coverage, make our 4G network compatible with a broader range of devices (including the iPhone), and pave the way for long term evolution (LTE) service next year.

With contracts in place, we’re making excellent headway on our network infrastructure transformation. By the end of this month we expect new equipment to be installed at our first 400 modernized GSM / HSPA+ sites and we plan to grow this to over 2,500 sites by the end of July.

We’ve also secured zoning approval or do not require zoning for over 19,500 sites and have completed necessary entitlement work, including obtaining building permits for over 4,000 sites.

As new equipment is in place, we’re turning up some small scale tests of 4G HSPA+ service in our 1900 MHz spectrum. Some customers with unlocked iPhones recently saw evidence of those tests; clocking much faster data speeds at the Moscone West conference center in San Francisco. More of these speed sightings will occur as we work toward introducing 4G HSPA+ service in our 1900 MHz spectrum in a large number of markets later this year.

Finally, LTE trials are underway and this summer we’ll begin using Release-10 equipment in these trials. The ability to launch with this next version of LTE technology is one advantage of launching next year.

We’ll be sure to keep you posted on our progress along the way.”

Samsung SGH-T699 Image Leaks, 5 Roy QWERTY Heading for T-Mobile

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 06:47 AM PDT

We have been hearing about the T-Mobile bound SGH-T699 for quite some time now and at one time we believed it may be the T-Mo Galaxy Nexus. Well since we know that isn’t the case, some of you (including us) may still be wondering what that mysterious device will be? Wonder no more my friends because the SGH-T699 is heading to T-mobile and it will be an entry level QWERTY device made by Samsung.

The picture you see above was obtained by the good folks at TmoNews and they are saying they got a few specs to go along with it. The device sports a 5MP camera, front facing camera, LED notification light, runs ICS and is powered by one of the Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (possibly S3 or S4, not sure yet). One thing to note is the presence of the menu key, similar to that of the Galaxy S III. We were wondering if the capacitive keys on the GSIII were a one time thing since this is something that doesn’t make it over to the states. After seeing this leaked image, and again the presence of the menu key, it looks like the set-up may be here to stay.

Stay tuned if you this device has sparked any interest, we are bound to hear more soon.

source: TmoNews

 

CyanogenMod 9 Official Release Candidate Just Around the Corner, CM Code Freeze in Effect

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 06:15 AM PDT

If  you are at all familiar with the CyanogenMod team then you have some sort of idea how much time and effort goes into building their custom ROM’s. When ICS came out it posed to be a large task to incorporate all the Android 4.0 goodness on top of adding the CM features and injected butter we all have come to enjoy. CM9 is the teams latest build and has been in the nightly stage for some time now but the team just announced that they are gearing up to release an official RC1 (release candidate). Since the team is ready to build something final, they have recently issued a code freeze. That means although they still plan to release nightly builds, they wont be accepting any new code other than bug fixes and additional device support. What features and extras you see now is what you get, and RC1 will be a polished version of the most recent nightly builds.

As usual, the initial release will support a small number of devices, but more devices will be added in the future. We still don’t know exactly what devices will receive support at launch but you can imagine they are hard at work to release versions for most of the popular devices. Stay tuned for CM9 RC1 because it is just around the corner. Head to the source link for more details.

source: CM blog

 

 

New Angry Birds Seasons Update Brings Underwater World Of Piglantis

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 06:13 AM PDT

Rovio is at it again offering another Angry Birds update. Fresh off updating its super cool Angry Birds Space, the developer has given the same treatment to its Angry Birds: Seasons series— just in time for the start of summer. The new update brings the beautiful setting of Piglantis and features 30 new levels to the aquatic wonderland. Among the most interesting aspects of the new update are the new physics— if you thought the physics were cool in Angry Birds Space, you’ll go crazy over the underwater physics in the new Piglantis levels.

I know you’re all itching to get a headstart on playing the new game, so be sure you grab it by clicking on the Play Store link or scanning the QR code below.

Play Store link

Amazon and Target offer the Samsung Galaxy S III for $149.99

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 05:34 AM PDT

Target and Amazon Wireless have been quick to push out this deal to existing AT&T customers. I don't doubt if you haven't upgraded to a new Android device recently there's a pretty good reason. That reason is most likely you're waiting on the Samsung Galaxy S III. And if you frugal (read: cheap) like me you should jump on this deal. Both Amazon and Target are now offering the SGS3 for $149.99 as an upgrade with a new contract. This deal is a bit different than usual. The best discount is being offered to those wanting to upgrade, and that'll make the AT&T customers happy I'm sure. If you're considering leaving your current carrier and signing with AT&T you'll have to pay a whole $40 more at $189.99 to get your hands on this latest and greatest Samsung handset.

Choices are great aren't they? So if you're in the market for a Samsung Galaxy S III check out the sources for your next upgrade to the latest Samsung Android phone on the market.

 

Source: Amazon & Target

Motorola MB886/Dinara Makes Another Brief Appearance, Shows Up At FCC’s Door Wearing AT&T Colors

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 05:29 AM PDT

Well well well, looks like we have yet another sneaky sighting of the mysterious Motorola MB886 handset. Also known as the Dinara, the device recently made an appearance at the FCC and includes LTE bands that give an awful strong hint it’s AT&T-bound. There’s no additional information on the device, though it was previously reported the smartphone will have a 720P display and possibly an LTE-friendly Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor.

Looks like we’re getting closer and closer to finally seeing the Atrix 3 Dinara finally hit AT&T stores. Hopefully customers will be ready for yet another MOTO device.

source: FCC
via: Engadget

Halloween Will Welcome LG LS970 For Sprint And LG E970 For AT&T

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 11:45 PM PDT

We already saw two image leaks of the LG Eclipse 4G, or LS970, back in May. Well it’s exposing itself again, but this time through a User Agent Profile, a Bluetooth Certification filing, and a GLBenchmark post. We even learn a bit more this time around.

Let’s look at the Bluetooth Certification listing. It lists the design name as LG LTE/3G Mobile Phone(LG-E970/ LG-LS970). That’s two model numbers, the LS970 and the E970. The LS970 is coming to Sprint, as we already knew from the prior leaks, but what’s this E970 all about? Well, according to a benchmark listing found on GLBenchmark, the E970 is AT&T-bound.

Presumably, these are both essentially the same phone, but each built for a different carrier. Examining the User Agent Profile, we see that the E970 (the AT&T one) has a 1280 x 768 screen resolution, with a pixel density of 320ppi if the phone’s screen size is indeed 4.67-inches. Comparing that to what GLBenchmark lists for the LS970 (the Sprint one) we see that the Sprint version has a slightly lower resolution at 1280 x 720, giving the AT&T model the edge in the display department.

The last bit of new info we get is a possible release date from the Bluetooth Certification. It reads, “This model will be available on North America Market around 2012.10.31.” So by Halloween, we could be seeing this device hit shelves just in time for the start of the holiday season. But will it be enough to fend off the stiff competition by the likes of Samsung and HTC?

source: glbenchmark, bluetooth.org, user agent profile

Imangi and Disney Pixar Announce Temple Run: Brave, Now Available in the Play Store

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 08:12 PM PDT

Great news for those of you who can’t get enough Temple Run in your life! Imangi has teamed up with Disney Pixar and just released the new an improved Temple Run: Brave edition. Based off of the new Disney movie, The Brave, you play as the movie’s main character Merida, and run through temples that have much improved graphics over the original Temple Run. Not only are the visuals completely new, you also get to shoot a bow to try and hit moving targets with arrows. This definitely adds another level of difficulty so don’t let the Disney theme fool you. This game is just as cool, if not better than the original and I highly recommend you check it out. There is one thing, though. This time around they are asking for $.99 in the Play Store but I am going to have to say it’s worth it. Jump past the break for the official trailer and Play Store links.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Verizon Pushes Back the Galaxy S III Ship Date

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 07:35 PM PDT

Brutal! Guess what guys? Verizon just pushed back the release date of the Samsung Galaxy S III! Really, no joke. The original estimated ship date was July 9th and now it’s the… 10th. OK, not to bad, eh? I know, I just wanted to build up the suspense a little before I broke the news. Anyway, for whatever reason they decided to push the ship date back and aren’t telling us why. Either way it’s definitely gonna be here later than the AT&T and Sprint version so what’s an extra day anyway? There is always the remote possibility that pre-orders land on doorsteps across the nation a tad early, but until that happens you can just plan on the 10th for now. Sorry dudes.

source: Verizon
via: Droid Life

 

Google Gets Uber Creative with its Play Store Movie Rentals Promo [Video]

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 07:18 PM PDT

Just when you thought Google couldn’t get any cooler, they go and make a promo video for Play Store movie rentals that is just about the most awesome ad spot I have ever seen. Not only is it clever and creative, they managed to come up with probably the most unique video to ever showcase the movie rental.

Starring a banana and a crafty scientist, the 60 second spot shows viewers how easy it is to start a Google Play video rental on your laptop and seamlessly finish the movie from where you left off on your tablet. Not only that, you can do this across any Android device, from a Google TV product, to an Android phone. It just works… Unless you live in Europe, that is.

Making a solid effort to bring more movie rentals to the Play Store, Google has recently signed deals with MGM and Paramount. Although it may not be the best price point or the widest selection quite yet, you can bet Google will whip their video rental service into shape in no time. Now, you really gotta jump past the break to check out this video. It’s all kinds of radical.

Click here to view the embedded video.

 
Posted by at 5:53 AM

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