Friday, July 13, 2012

Android Central

Android Central

Bugless Jelly Bean, Amazon or Google for books? [From the Forums]

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 04:38 PM PDT

From the Forums

Just in case you missed out on some of the Android news today, now is the time to go ahead and get yourself fully caught up. Here on the blogs and in the Android Central Forums there is plenty to talk about. Have some questions? Need some help or just looking to chat Android? You know where to go, check out some of the threads below to get started.

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.

HTC EVO 4G LTE kernel source released

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 04:17 PM PDT

EVO 4G LTE

HTC has (finally) released the kernel source for the EVO 4G LTE, allowing developers to build their own custom kernels for Sprint's flagship. The majority of users won't have any reason to grab it and get down to business, but we all will benefit when the developers give us something sweet to flash. Custom kernels can make the biggest difference, as third party developers can tweak things and squeeze extra performance, as they target advanced users with their wares. We like performance. We like tweaks. 

If you're in need of source for your own project, or one of those mentioned developers, grab it at the link below. Game on.

Source: HTC Dev; via EVO 4G LTE forums

Motorola Atrix HD hands-on and initial review

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 03:25 PM PDT

Atrix HD

It's been a while since I got a chance to review a Motorola phone, and I think the Atrix HD is going to be a great way to reacquaint myself. The moment you put it in your hands, you remember just how well Motorola builds their phones. Everything feels solid, looks good, and this puppy is Fast (with the capital F). 

Blur has been redesigned to go with Ice Cream Sandwich, and my first impression is that they've really come a long way with it. This Blur is not something i would hate to use, and I've already found something I wish my own phone could do -- gestures to open a quick-view panel for things like unread messages, favorite contacts, or your inbox. Swipe up from the home screen icon and you're presented with a handy pop-up with pertinent information. Well done Motorola.

Of course, it takes more than an hour to determine everything we like, and don't like about a phone. We like to share our first impressions (were we haven't been jaded or enamored by anything just yet) and we know a lot of you guys and girls are itching for some info about this one. 

Hit the break to see a short video and a couple pictures, and fill the forums with questions you need answered in our full review!

read more

IMDb app for Android updated with recommendations, check-ins and more

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 01:07 PM PDT

The Internet Movie Database has updated their Android app with a bunch of new features.

  • Sharing – check in on Facebook & Twitter to share what you’re watching
  • Recommendations – discover other titles you might be interested in
  • Mobile IMDb message boards – join in the discussion on your Android phone or tablet
  • Filming locations & soundtracks – learn even more about the movies you love
  • Similar titles – discover new movies and TV shows
  • Metacritic – now see both the IMDb user rating of a title as well as how the film critics scored it
  • Amazon login – log in using your Amazon account

This is all in addition to the usual stuff, like looking up movie information, watching trailers, rating shows, checking the top charts, and perusing through interesting trivia. At the low, low price of free, it's hard to go wrong. 

Are there any great movies coming out this summer that you're really looking forward to? The last big updates were geared towards tablet layout and HD video, but are there any other features out there that could complete your movie-watching experience? Maybe real-time actor commentary like IntoNow offers?

Download: IMDb

Jelly Bean feature: A more functional notification drop-down [video]

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 12:48 PM PDT

Android Central

Google took its first steps towards redesigning the Android notification tray in Ice Cream Sandwich, and in the latest version, 4.1 Jelly Bean, it's taken things a step further, creating truly informative and interactive notification entries that border on widget-like levels of interactivity. In addition to the standard icon-and-label combo we're used to from earlier Android versions, many Jelly Bean-compatible notifications can be expanded by dragging down with a two-finger gesture. For example, if you've got an IM notification, you can swipe down with two fingers to view the first few lines of the message.

In addition, you'll find that notifications from many Google apps now feature buttons that allow you to perform certain tasks without entering the app. Google Calendar events, for instance, include a button to snooze the event (you can still swipe it away to dismiss it). And after capturing a screenshot, there's a handy "Share" button that you can use to send it via social networks, or any other sharing app you have installed.

Gmail is where I find this feature most useful, though. Swiping down on a Gmail notifications in Jelly Bean allows you to view a list of subject lines and senders, assuming you've got multiple messages waiting. Or alternatively, if there's just one, you can view the sender, subject line, and the first several lines of the message -- more than enough to work out if it's worth jumping into the app to respond. It's a great way to take advantage of the extra visual real estate offered by the Nexus 7, and looks good on the Galaxy Nexus too, assuming you're not already drowning in notifications.

We've got a brief video showing of all these features after the break. Also be sure to check out the rest of our Jelly Bean feature articles.

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AT&T Galaxy Note ICS kernel source code released, CyanogenMod 9 nightlies begin

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 12:33 PM PDT

AT&T Galaxy Note

Samsung has been busy pushing out all sorts of updates lately and now they've gone ahead and updated their open source page with the AT&T Galaxy Note ICS kernel. Of course, this doesn't mean a whole lot to everyday users but it'll certainly be something beneficial for ROM developers out there including CyanogenMod. If you're looking to grab the source for your own reasons you'll find the link below to the Samsung Open Source page.

Source: Samsung, CyanogenMod ; G+

How to quickly launch apps and camera from the Galaxy S 3 Lock screen

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 11:59 AM PDT

 

How to quickly launch apps and camera from Galaxy S 3

The Samsung Galaxy S 3 has some pretty cool built in shortcuts to get you quickly to the apps you need most. 

With most Smartphones on the market, getting to your apps quickly take at least a few swipes, clicks or voice commands. What I always loved about BlackBerrys was the programmable Convenience keys that got me into an app with just one push of the button.

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NBC bringing the London 2012 Olympics to Android with the release of two new apps

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 11:15 AM PDT

London 2012 Olympics

With the London 2012 Olympic stage now all set, millions of people around the world will be tuned in to see who takes home the gold. To ensure a wide range of coverage, NBC and Adobe have teamed up to bring two new apps to Android that will help folks on to go take in what will amount to over 3,500 hours of content covering 32 sports and every one of the 302 medal events. The two apps, NBC Olympics and NBC Olympics Live Extra, are both available for free right now but there are some differences between the two that you'll need to be aware of.

  • NBC Olympics - NBC Olympics app will be the home for everything else Olympics, including short-form highlights, event schedules, TV and online listings, results, athlete profiles, columns and the new Primetime Companion feature.
  • NBC Olympics Live Extra - The NBC Olympics Live Extra app will live stream every athletic competition for the first time ever. NBC Olympics Live Extra will also live stream the Olympic content that airs on the four NBCU cable channels -- NBC Sports Network, MSNBC, CNBC and Bravo and as such, requires an account from existing cable, satellite and telco providers to gain fill access.

Clearly NBC's goal here was to provide the most comprehensive coverage for the Olympics as possible and the apps do look pretty awesome. If you're looking to take in the Olympics on the go, you'll find the links below along with the press release. If you're a Samsung Galaxy S III owner in Europe, don't forget to grab your free Eurosport subscription.

Downloads: NBC Olympics, NBC Olympics Live Extra

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Amazing Alex review - fun, but far from new

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 10:35 AM PDT

Android Central

Rovio broke out of their Angry Birds shell today with a game called Amazing Alex. Once upon a time it was known as Casey's Contraptions, until Rovio gobbled up the developer, chewed on it for a few months, and spat out this physics title for Android and iOS. 

Anyone that had played The Incredible Machine back in the day will know the drill. Every level, players are given a simple objective, like knocking over a pile of books, or getting a bowling ball into a basket. Various obstacles are already in place, and players are provided with a limited toolbox of extras to build a Rube Goldberg-style machine and achieve the objective. The main appeal is that all of those objects act as you would expect - scissors close when touched, billiard balls bounce less than tennis balls, balloons float, and so on. The three stars in every level act as secondary objectives, which players can earn by knocking objects into them. 

 

read more

Futurama Head-in-a-jar Creator lands on Android

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 09:42 AM PDT

Futurama Head-in-a-jar Creator lands on Android

Good news, everyone! Comedy Central has released an Android version of their Futurama Head-in-a-Jar Creator with a few new additions. As we all know, only the most prestigious individuals have their heads pickled in the future, and with  this app, you can be counted among them. 

Users can pick a wide variety of human, alien and robot heads (sorry, no Android heads), and decorate them with different eyes, noses, hair, and accessories. Once decorated, the head's name can be engraved on an elegant plaque mounted below, and the scene can be wrapped up with an appropriate background. Final products can be attached to native contacts for some great caller ID images, shared over Facebook and Twitter, or stored locally  for use as a wallpaper. All of your creations are displayed in a handsome head museum complete with categorized sections for future perusal. 

Though you may be tempted to tell Comedy Central to shut up and take your money, the app is free - just be warned that there is very limited device compatibility right now. So far we're only seeing it work on the Nexus 7, but leave a comment and let us know if it works on your Android device! 

Download: Futurama Head-in-a-Jar CrALL GLORY TO THE HYPNOTOAD

BlueAnt V1x Bluetooth headset review

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 09:16 AM PDT

blueant V1x

The BlueAnt V1x is a moderately priced “basic” headset with a few tricks up its sleeve. 

Since many of us live in places that make talking on the phone or text illegal (we already know it is dumb and dangerous) investing in a Bluetooth headset is more of necessity than a luxury.  Read on to see if this is the right headset for you. 

read more

Samsung GALAXY S 3 Special Offer - Now on Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile!

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 08:53 AM PDT

Android Central

This week we have yet another surprise for people looking to get their hands on "the phone of the moment" and what Phil sees as "Easily the Top Pick on any carrier today" - none other than the superb Samsung GALAXY S3 running on Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint.

For a limited time, ShopAndroid.com in conjunction with Best Buy Mobile are bringing you a deal that is much too low to show as it is the very lowest price that you'll find anywhere for this amazing smartphone. 

How much of a deal?  You'll need to first read the "hint" at the bottom of this post and follow the Buy Now link to find out but we can tell you that if you're looking to start a new Sprint account with a 2 year contract or upgrade your existing one you'll get the  Samsung GALAXY S3 for significantly less than most options online (once you apply the "hint" found further below.)  

So if you've been lusting to get your hands on the HUGE display and power of the Samsung GALAXY S3 there probably hasn't been a better time to do so than right now via the link below...

BONUS: If you fall into the category of liking "Instant Gratification" you might want to try Best Buy Mobile's new "BUY IT TODAY, GET IT TODAY" option.  Basically it's a program that allows you to simply and conveniently save time by buying online and then pick it up at one of your local Best Buy Mobile specialty stores.  At checkout you will get the option to either have the phone shipped to you or have it ready for pick-up at a local store.

HINT: In order to get the best deal on this offer you'll want to use the special promotion code ACSAVE25 at checkout to get a full 25% off the cost of the phone.  Additionally, you will also receive (within 45 days of shipment of your phone) a $30.00 off coupon code to purchase any accessories you like at ShopAndroid.com for your new Samsung GALAXY S3.  Once you add the 25% off + $30 off accessories we think that we're looking at a pretty compelling offer.

NOTE: The 32-gigabyte blue version for Verizon is currently available for in-store pickup only.

White HTC EVO 4G LTE coming to Sprint on July 15

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 07:27 AM PDT

 

 

HTC EVO 4G LTE

An internal document suggested that a white HTC EVO 4G LTE (see our review) would be coming to Sprint July 15th. We now have an official announcement from Sprint that confirms that rumor. The only color that's been available thus far has been black.

The white version will be available in stores and online for $199.99 with a 2-year contract.

A lot has happened since May, so if you don't remember all of the specifics of the HTC EVO 4G LTE, it boasts:

  • Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
  • 4.7-inch HD Super LCD display
  • 1.5GHz dual-core processor
  • NFC
  • 8MP rear camera
  • 1.3MP front-facing camera
  • 16GB ROM
  • 1GB RAM
  • Supports microSD

So if you've been waiting for the white version, it's only a matter of days before you can pick one up. If you plan buy one or are wondering how others like it, visit our HTC EVO 4G LTE Forum. Please see the press release after the break.

read more

Sprint Epic 4G Touch getting Ice Cream Sandwich starting today

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 07:14 AM PDT

Epic 4G Touch

Remember how a couple days ago we broke the news that the Sprint Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch would be getting Ice Cream Sandwich starting today? Well, guess what. It's getting Ice Cream Sandwich starting today. Sprint's made it official that the update will be rolling out over the air. Here's what's new:

  • A refined, evolved user interface that is simple, beautiful and useful
  • Face Unlock: use state-of-the-art facial recognition technology to unlock your phone with a smile
  • Redesigned camera which introduces panorama mode, effects like silly faces and background replacement, and a powerful photo editor
  • Android Beam™: quickly share web pages, apps, contacts and YouTube™ videos with your friends by simply tapping two Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled phones together
  • Web browser now lets you sync Google Chrome™ bookmarks, request full desktop versions of sites, see your open tabs in a new layout and even store web pages for offline reading
  • People: browse friends, family and coworkers, see their photos in high-resolution and check their latest status updates from Google+
  • Improved keyboard with incredibly accurate typing, an inline spell checker and improved copy and paste support
  • New Calendar app that lets you add events quickly, sync with Google Calendar™ or Microsoft Exchange and even pinch to adjust your calendar display
  • Redesigned Gmail™ app that now lets you swipe between conversations to catch up quickly, and search for emails even without a data connection
  • Google+ integration that lets you hangout and video chat with up to 10 friends using your front-facing camera

Look for it to push out any time now, or dive into the settings to start the update manually.

Source: Sprint

Sam's Club taking Nexus 7 preorders, but does it actually know when it's shipping?

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 07:08 AM PDT

Nexus 7

Just a quick heads up that Sam's Club is now taking preorders for the Google Nexus 7 tablet. You know, our new favorite tablet. Prices are in line with Google Play, at up to $249 for the 16GB version (which we'd recommend getting).

But here's the thing: Sam's Club's listing July 17-20 as possible shipping dates. All other third-party retailers' dates have fallen through. (Not that we ever really though they were right in the first place.) Just something to be aware of. The official Google Play listing still has it shipping in 1 to 2 weeks, and that's the one we're keeping an eye on.

Source: Sam's Club; thanks to everyone who's sent this in

Garnet Red AT&T Galaxy S III preorders start July 15, in stores July 29

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 06:50 AM PDT

Garnet Red Galaxy S 3

If you've been waiting for the garnet red Samsung Galaxy S III on AT&T, you'll be able to preorder it starting July 15. It'll be in stores starting July 29. 

It'll still run you $199 on contract, just like the white and blue versions. And it's still only rocking 16GB on on-board storage, but don't forget it'll take up to a 64-gigabyte micro SD card, so there's that.

If you're still on the fence, be sure to check out our complete AT&T Galaxy S III review!

Source: AT&T; more: AT&T Galaxy S III forums

Google Maps adds walking directions for 44 African countries

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 06:47 AM PDT

Android Central

As we learned at this year's Google I/O keynote, Android adoption is booming in developing countries, including many in Africa. And so to help these new users get the most out of the platform, Google is continuing to build on its own mobile app offerings, including the launch of walking directions for Google Maps users in Africa. Following on from the launch of driving directions in Africa in 2010, walking directions are now available in some 44 African nations, with the feature being accessed in the same way as it is elsewhere.

Whether they're using the mobile app or web interface, users can select the walking icon when they choose their start and end locations, and they'll get a direct walking route from one location to the other. As ever, Google reminds us that walking directions are (still) in beta, so you'll want to take basic safety precautions when you're out and about.

Source: Google LatLong

Verizon Galaxy S 3 in stores today, if you're not into that developer phone thing

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 06:36 AM PDT

 

Verizon Galaxy S III

Ah, the Verizon Galaxy S 3. Available in blue and white, the device comes in either a 16GB or 32GB model, priced at $199 or $249 depending on which size you prefer. If you are not sure this is the device for you, be sure to check out our reviews of the Galaxy S III, and then head into the store to play with one.

If a locked bootloader is not your thing, and you would rather the ability to freely mess around with the software, odds are that this isn't what you want and instead you will be waiting for the unlocked model to be available directly from Samsung. 

Deal of the Day: Seidio SURFACE Case for Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 06:18 AM PDT

Deal of the DayThe July 12 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Seidio SURFACE Case for Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX. This 1mm thin, flexible hard plastic case consists of interlocking top and bottom pieces that fit your RAZR MAXX snugly, and Seidio's signature soft touch finish provides a great feel and better grip without attracting lint. Comes in black, blue, red, amethyst, and white.

The Seidio SURFACE Case is available for just $16.95, 43% off today only. Grab yours today while supplies last!

ZTE to unleash 'advanced gaming smartphones' next week

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 04:30 AM PDT

Android Central

Looks like something big is happening down at the ZTE camp. The company's just tweeted that it'll be launching 'advanced gaming smartphone' in just six days time. That'll be next Wednesday, July 18, then. We saw plenty of devices from ZTE at Mobile World Congress this year, including smartphones and tablets, but nothing which quite matches this description. We're eager to see how ZTE's new stuff differentiates itself from previous gaming-focused phones, including the ill-fated Nokia N-Gage, and the Sony Xperia Play, which wasn't exactly a resounding success.

So roll on next week, and we'll let you know what they have lined up for us. We will of course be at the event to bring you full coverage of whatever ZTE announces.

Source: ZTE

O2 UK network restored after 24 hours downtime for some customers

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 04:19 AM PDT

Android Central

​Update: O2 says its network has been restored for all customers affected by the recent downtime, and advises anyone still experiencing problems to restart their handset.

​Original: The O2 UK service outage that began affecting some users yesterday lunchtime is in the process of being fixed, it seems. Not all O2 subscribers have been affected, but those caught up in the past day's outage have found themselves unable to use O2's voice or data networks on their handsets. The issue has also been affecting some on Tesco Mobile and GiffGaff, both of which use O2's network.

The British carrier has been posting updates on the glitch through its service status website overnight, in addition to communicating via its official Twitter account. The last status update reads --

Following the previous update that our 2G network service has now been restored, our 3G service has been restoring gradually. We expect full service to return this afternoon. In the meantime customers who were affected should still be able to make and receive calls (and may wish to try switching their mobile phones off and on as service returns). We are sorry again for the inconvenience this has caused some customers. We continue to deploy all possible resources, and will do so until full service is restored.

A previous update said that O2 had identified an issue with its network equipment, which was preventing some customers from being able to register on the network. Such an outage is unprecedented for a major network in the UK -- usually network outages are localized and quickly resolved. Now O2, which may now be required under UK consumer law to compensate affected customers, will likely be closely examining the root cause of this to prevent any recurrence in the future.

If you're on O2 UK, be sure to drop by the comments and let us know if you're among the disconnected.

More: O2 UK status page

Rovio's latest creation, Amazing Alex, now available in Google Play

Posted: 12 Jul 2012 02:59 AM PDT

Android Central

It's been known about for sometime, and teased recently, but today sees Rovio Mobile's latest creation, Amazing Alex, finally hit the Google Play Store. There are three 'versions' to choose from, a free, ad-supported version, a paid version coming in at $0.99/£0.64, and a HD version for $2.99/£1.93. 

Despite the teasers we've already seen, what we hadn't seen until this point was some actual gameplay. Amazing Alex is a physics based puzzle game, which sees you creating all kinds of funky chain reactions using various objects. Often, this involves knocking stuff over. Set across four different settings, there are 100 levels to be had initially, and, knowing Rovio, probably as many still to come in future updates. 

It starts off really simple, but in a good way, as you're guided through the opening few levels to help you get a grip on the gameplay, and the controls. The controls are really straight forward, it's as easy as picking up objects, moving them, rotating them, very simple to get the hang of. 

It looks great too. We've sprung for the HD version, and it's so bright and colorful it'd be hard not to love it. It's literally just dropped, so we're only just getting into it, but first impressions are good. This is sure to be another hit for Rovio. We've dropped you guys some handy download links to all three versions below, and after the break you'll find the official trailer, as well as a few screenshots we've thrown in for good measure. Hit us up in the comments if you give this a try, and let us know your thoughts. 

 

Download: Amazing Alex Free, Paid, HD

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Late-night poll: Do you use on-device search?

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 10:47 PM PDT

Search

We've seen two OTA updates that take away local search options, namely the Sprint Galaxy S III and the AT&T Galaxy S III. In case you've been hiding under a rock for the past month (and I wouldn't blame you one bit) you know that Apple takes issue with the way Android can search the Internet and data on the device from one search box. We're not going to argue the merits of that case tonight -- it's been done and it makes my head hurt -- but we do want to know how many folks out there use it to begin with. Let's find out, in tonight's poll.

Gallery options, WiFi on the One X [From the Forums]

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 05:56 PM PDT

From the Forums

Just in case you missed out on some of the Android news today, now is the time to go ahead and get yourself fully caught up. Here on the blogs and in the Android Central Forums there is plenty to talk about. Have some questions? Need some help or just looking to chat Android? You know where to go, check out some of the threads below to get started.

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.

Google shipping the Galaxy Nexus again

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 05:49 PM PDT

Galaxy Nexus

Just a quick heads up here that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is once again shipping from the Google Play store, just as Google said it would this week. It's listed at 3 to 5 days, which is relatively back to normal, considering it's been a little about two weeks since it was "banned," denied a stay and then saw the ban delayed anyway by an appellate court. Confused? Just know that it has to do with search patents, and that we're expecting to see the Google Apps retooled to work around Apple's little piece of paper. It is worth noting, though, that Samsung's been pulling local-device search from its Galaxy S III line as well (to wit, Sprint and this evening, AT&T).

So if you've got $350 to burn and want some Jelly Bean action, hit the link below.

Buy now: Galaxy Nexus unlocked; thanks to everyone who sent this in!
Posted by at 5:50 AM

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