Android Central |
- Galaxy Tab 7.7 ICS update reportedly hitting parts of Europe
- Want early access to the new Google Play developer console? Sign up to request early access now
- Sky Go for Android gets fresh on-demand content, ICS support inbound
- White EVO 4G LTE coming to Sprint on July 15?
- Remote controlled, inflatable Android going on sale in September, if you work at Google that is
- AirDroid gives your Android device its very own webtop [App Review]
- Google: No Play Music, TV or Magazines for UK Nexus 7 at launch
- Google Now ported to Android 4.0 devices running an AOSP ROM
- LG Prada 3.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update now available in Germany and Italy
- Orange San Diego review
- The Galaxy Nexus Ban - this, too, shall pass
- Samsung unveils the Galaxy Chat with Android 4.0 and a full QWERTY keyboard
- Samsung launches official UK Top 40 chart app on Galaxy Ace II
- U.K. court rules HTC smartphones do not infringe Apple patents
- HTC Raider and EVO 3D Ice Cream Sandwich updates now available for Rogers
- Nexus 7 now available to pre order in the UK from from the Dixons group
- July 4th Celebration Sale - Use Coupon j412 to Save 15% on ALL Android Accessories!
- Verizon Galaxy S III preorders shipping already
- Next Nexus, Verizon SGS III notification [From the Forums]
- Injunction upheld against Galaxy Nexus; Samsung and Google say they have a fix
- Dead Trigger now on Google Play - all the zombies you can kill for just a buck
| Galaxy Tab 7.7 ICS update reportedly hitting parts of Europe Posted: 04 Jul 2012 04:16 PM PDT
It looks like the ICS firmware for the Galaxy Tab 7.7 is fairly recent, having been built on June 21, and based upon Android 4.0.4. In addition to all the usual ICS goodies like the Roboto font, improved Google apps and Google Chrome compatibility, the TouchWiz tablet UI has been upgraded to more closely resemble the interface on the Galaxy Tab 2 range. So it's a promising first step, and hopefully one that signals the imminent arrival of ICS for other Tabs, including the 8.9 and 10.1. There's still no word on when to expect this update on Verizon's Tab 7.7 in the U.S., but you'd probably be best advised to not hold your breath. 
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| Want early access to the new Google Play developer console? Sign up to request early access now Posted: 04 Jul 2012 04:15 PM PDT
During the first day of Google I/O, one of the post-keynote developer sessions was dedicated to Android Apps in Google Play. While the buzz was all about the newly announced Jelly Bean update, and the Nexus 7 tablet, the real meat of Google I/O was going on in the developer sessions. Google Play is an ever increasingly important part of the Android ecosystem, but still remains the best way to distribute, and consume Android applications. After all, before Google Play, it all started with just apps in the Android Market. One of the new developer features announced at the conference, is a new Google Play developer console. The emphasis is on being faster, and easier to use. It isn't ready for general use just yet, but, if you're a developer that fancies taking it for a "test drive," Google is accepting registrations for early access now. Just hit the source link below, and head on over and enter your details. For a more in depth look though, you'll find the entire I/O session embedded after the break. Source: Google Play 
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| Sky Go for Android gets fresh on-demand content, ICS support inbound Posted: 04 Jul 2012 03:53 PM PDT
British broadcaster Sky has announced some major updates to its Sky Go streaming application for Android. The update adds on-demand streaming of Sky Movies content, and "popular entertainment channels" including Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living and Sky Arts 1. The new channel listing brings the Sky Go Android app up to par with its iOS cousin. There are also additional account controls built into the new app, which allow customers to view their Sky package and monthly bills. Compatibility is still an issue, as Sky's been slow to test and certify new devices (likely due to licensing restrictions rather than the broadcaster's own intransigence.) Right now official support is only available for the HTC Desire, Desire S, Desire HD, Incredible, Sensation, Sensation XE, as well as Samsung's Galaxy S and Galaxy S II. And they're only supported on Android 2.2 and 2.3, so you're SOL once you get that long-awaited ICS update. In any case, Sky says a future update, due by the end of July, will add support for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, as well as the Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy Note. There's no word on Jelly Bean support, though right now the app refuses to install on our Nexus 7 and I/O edition Galaxy Nexus. The Galaxy Note, it seems, is currently supported, according to the Google Play Store listing. If you're a Sky subscriber, hit the comments and let us know how you're getting on with the new version. We've got Sky's press release after the break. Download: Sky Go 
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| White EVO 4G LTE coming to Sprint on July 15? Posted: 04 Jul 2012 03:45 PM PDT
Are you hankering after a HTC EVO 4G LTE, but just wish that it came in white? According to an internal document obtained by the guys over at TechnoBuffalo, your wishes may come true from July 15. LTE issues aside, the EVO 4G LTE is a fine phone, and it seems to look darn fine in white too. If you're torn, don't forget to check out our comprehensive review to help you decide. The same screenshot also seems to show a forthcoming buy-one-get-one offer for the Epic 4G Touch. While it may be a 2011 device, for families this could be a steal. Source: TechnoBuffalo
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| Remote controlled, inflatable Android going on sale in September, if you work at Google that is Posted: 04 Jul 2012 03:20 PM PDT
See this, looks pretty sweet doesn't it? Would look great rolling around the office, or even at home wouldn't it? Well, from September, and if you work at Google, you could be in luck. This remote controlled, inflatable Android mascot is the work of Bladez Toys, and is awaiting the approval of the mighty Google. It will go on sale initially only to Google staff, as a kind of trial run to gage the items popularity before any possible release to joe public. The unit sits at 65cm tall, will go forwards and backwards, and can spin through 360-degrees left or right. There's also the ability to control upto three at any one time. Your own personal, little Android army. Expected price is around £45/$70, but you know what, that doesn't matter. I'd love one of these to roll around my house, how about you guys? Source: Pocket-lint 
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| AirDroid gives your Android device its very own webtop [App Review] Posted: 04 Jul 2012 02:35 PM PDT | ||
| Google: No Play Music, TV or Magazines for UK Nexus 7 at launch Posted: 04 Jul 2012 12:18 PM PDT
It's something that shouldn't come as a surprise, and something we commented on yesterday, but now we have official word from Google that the UK won't be getting Play Music, Magazines or TV shows in time for its Nexus 7 launch. Old Blighty, which has Play Books, Apps and Movies, has long been without streaming Music support (without proxy-based black magic, at least), and wasn't included in Google's initial roll-out of TV and Magazine services. A Google spokesperson told The Inquirer, "The UK version will feature all of the options currently available in the UK Play store." That'll be apps, books and movies only, then. Though we recently bemoaned the lack of certain Google Play services internationally, we were holding out hope that a last minute switch-on might coincide with the Nexus 7 launch, so it's disappointing that that's not the case. Nevertheless, the Nexus 7 is still great value at its £159 price point. If you're considering picking one up, let us know if the lack of some Google Play services has you thinking twice. More: Nexus 7: The internationally challenged tablet Source: The Inquirer 
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| Google Now ported to Android 4.0 devices running an AOSP ROM Posted: 04 Jul 2012 11:52 AM PDT
As you can tell by looking at the instructions, it's not going to be for everyone. However, if you're willing to give it a shot you can find the download over at XDA Developers to get started. Just remember, you must be on an AOSP ROM in order for it to work. Source: XDA 
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| LG Prada 3.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update now available in Germany and Italy Posted: 04 Jul 2012 09:58 AM PDT
If you happen to own the awkwardly named LG Prada 3.0, you can now take some joy in knowing that Android 4.0 is now available for download provided you're in Germany or Italy and have a non-carrier branded version. Having launched with Android 2.3.7, the upgrade to ICS can be found by plugging your device into your computer and then using the LG Mobile Phone Support tool that is available for Windows PC's. If you're on a Mac, you'll have to find a Windows machine. According to the documentation, the update should only take a few minutes and leave your device info intact though, a back up is suggested. Source: LG Germany, LG Italy via: The Verge 
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| Posted: 04 Jul 2012 09:28 AM PDT
Intel finally arrives on Android, but is it everything we were hoping for?The Android/Intel love affair kicked off officially in January back at CES in Las Vegas. Back then, the computing giant took to the stage to show off their new, prototype hardware running on its Medfield chipset. The demonstration was impressive, boasting incredible performance from a single-core processor running under a customized version of Gingerbread. Almost six months on, and in the UK at least, the first Intel-powered Android smartphone has made it to market. Launched in partnership with UK carrier Orange, the San Diego is the first of what Intel's hoping will be a host of devices from Intel. The launch event in London made it clear the phone would be aggressively marketed, and indeed this marketing has already begun. This is the first own-brand smartphone that Orange has ever pushed TV advertising for. And those ads focus on one thing -- speed. Promising performance on par with dual-core phones at an affordable price, the San Diego, on paper at least, is an enticing prospect. That's all well and good, but how does it measure up in real life? Find out after the break, as we walk you through the Orange San Diego. 
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| The Galaxy Nexus Ban - this, too, shall pass Posted: 04 Jul 2012 09:08 AM PDT
It was a hell of a way to end the day, and a hell of a way to wake up. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus has been "banned." As of this morning, the holiest of holy days Americans can celebrate outside of a house of God, a day that celebrates slipping the shackles of tyranny, the Galaxy Nexus remains "banned." That we're even mentioning its name -- let alone still giving them away out of contempt as much as generosity -- almost makes it seem like we're sneaking smokes in the bathroom. Nothing could be further from the truth. 
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| Samsung unveils the Galaxy Chat with Android 4.0 and a full QWERTY keyboard Posted: 04 Jul 2012 09:04 AM PDT
After having been spotted in some early spy pics, Samsung has now gone ahead and fully unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Chat. Coming with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a full QWERTY keyboard, the Galaxy Chat will be available in Spain come July and then be rolled out to Europe, Latin America, Middle East, China, Southeast Asia, and Southwest Asia. Other specs for the Galaxy Chat include:
No pricing details have come with this announcement but it's noted as being competitive. As you likely guessed from the dedicated ChatOn key, Samsung will be preloading the service along with Samsung's Game Hub which offers a free selection of games available for download. It's an interesting design we've seen a few times now but this one looks as though it won't be seeing a North American release for now at least. With that dedicated ChatOn key it looks like Samsung is wanting to take on RIM and their BBM service in some emerging markets with a low-cost Android device. Source: Samsung Tomorrow 
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| Samsung launches official UK Top 40 chart app on Galaxy Ace II Posted: 04 Jul 2012 08:33 AM PDT
Samsung has teamed up with music app-maker MusicQubed to launch an official UK Top 40 chart app across its range of smartphones. The app will debut on the Galaxy Ace II, which Sammy says is launching today in the UK. Presumably it'll later start begin roll out across the Galaxy line through the Google Play Store. Unfortunately we're not able to use it on our Galaxy S III due to our being on an "unsupported network" (go figure), and our Jelly Bean'd Galaxy Nexus was deemed incompatible, too. For those with both a a compatible handset and supported carrier, the MusicQubed chart app, Samsung says, gives users unlimited plays of the current UK top 40. It apparently works by caching these tracks overnight, meaning there's no need to stream out of your precious cellular data allowance. The app also delivers "daily celebrity news updates," if you're into that sort of thing. There's also social integration via both Twitters and the Facebook. Galaxy phone owners will get free access to the app for two months, after which it'll cost £1 per week. Check past the break for the full presser. 
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| U.K. court rules HTC smartphones do not infringe Apple patents Posted: 04 Jul 2012 08:03 AM PDT
As smartphone legal battles continue in the courts, HTC has reason to celebrate over Apple, if only momentarily. U.K. Judge Christopher Floyd has now handed down a ruling in HTC's favor against Apple and their claim of four patents against HTC. The patents in question revolve around the slide-to-lock mechanism, scrolling through photographs, changing alphabets and multi-touch software that allows users to touch the screen in two spots simultaneously. While Judge Christopher Floyd deemed the photo management patent valid, he also ruled that it was not HTC who violated it. When it comes to further addressing the issues in court, the same four patents will be up for question in Germany later this year. As far as the U.S. is concerned though, the International Trade Commission decided this week that HTC can continue to sell devices while it investigates patents surrounding the detection of telephone numbers in emails. Source: Bloomberg 
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| HTC Raider and EVO 3D Ice Cream Sandwich updates now available for Rogers Posted: 04 Jul 2012 07:03 AM PDT
Rogers hasn't had a great track record thus far of keeping folks in the loop when it comes to Ice Cream Sandwich updates but at least two of the devices in their lineup are now getting ICS rolled out to them via OTA. Owners of either the HTC Raider or EVO 3D can go ahead and check for updates and now find Android 4.0 available. The update should only take a few minutes to load up and then you'll be good to go with Ice Cream Sandwich. Thanks, John! 
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| Nexus 7 now available to pre order in the UK from from the Dixons group Posted: 04 Jul 2012 05:42 AM PDT
The release date in the UK for the Google Nexus 7 tablet is creeping closer and closer, day by day. You can now pre order the new Android tablet from The Dixons Group which includes: Dixons, PC World and Currys. All three websites are currently showing the device as being expected in stock on the 19th July which is pretty much when we expected it. Priced at £199 they are clearly only stocking the 16GB version which makes me wonder how popular the 8GB one will actually be. Have the retailers come to the same conclusion as many consumers that 8GB just isn't enough in this day and age? The Dixons Group are only allowing pre-orders on their sites, which means you can't reserve one to collect at a local store. I wonder when we will see the Nexus 7 in person standing proud on the shelves of our shops? Lets hope very soon after the 19th.
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| July 4th Celebration Sale - Use Coupon j412 to Save 15% on ALL Android Accessories! Posted: 04 Jul 2012 05:25 AM PDT
Before you head out for franks and fireworks today, be sure to swing by ShopAndroid.com's Fourth of July Celebration Sale! To save 15 percent on your orders, which includes all Android accessories -- cases, batteries, chargers, Bluetooth, everything! -- all you need to do is use coupon code j412 at checkout (note - software not included, not available in Canada store). Offer ends midnight PDT on Thursday, July 5. That's all there is to it. Jump over to ShopAndroid at the link below and let the savings begin! Take me to ShopAndroid.com so I can take advantage of the savings! 
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| Verizon Galaxy S III preorders shipping already Posted: 03 Jul 2012 08:20 PM PDT
Looks like some bank accounts are a few hundred bucks lighter tonight, as preorders of the Verizon Galaxy S III have begun shipping. We're seeing arrival dates as early as Thursday, which should be a perfect way to cap off the holiday here in the States. If you haven't preordered, the Galaxy S III will be in Verizon stores starting July 10, with the 16GB version running $199 on contract, and the 32GB version hitting $249. More: Verizon Galaxy S III forums; thanks to everyone who sent this in! 
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| Next Nexus, Verizon SGS III notification [From the Forums] Posted: 03 Jul 2012 06:28 PM PDT
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. 
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| Injunction upheld against Galaxy Nexus; Samsung and Google say they have a fix Posted: 03 Jul 2012 05:48 PM PDT
Samsung's request for a stay in the potential Galaxy Nexus sales ban was denied this evening by U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh. As everyone knows, Judge Koh decided last Friday that she feels Apple would win at least some of its case against Samsung for patent infringement, and suffer damages substantial enough to warrant a ban on the sale of the Android flagship phone. Google says it has worked out a patch that will allow the Nexus to be sold, but as it stands now as long as Apple is willing to pay a $95.6 million dollar bond sales of the Galaxy Nexus will be halted. This is a very similar ruling as the one handed down last night for the Tab 10.1, also by Judge Koh. While we all want to smack Apple's lawyers around a bit for their innovation by litigation style of business, the real blame goes to the folks in offices who allow patents on vague ideas to stand. Apple knows they can get this style of justice as long as they petition enough courts, have plenty of money to spend on them, and have seen just how great Jelly Bean is. I can't blame them for trying to keep as many eyes off of the Nexus with Android 4.1 as possible. It's good business, even if it's bad for consumers. #boycottapple Update: According to The Verge, Google may be pushing out an OTA update to resolve this as early as tonight. This OTA would take away local search on the device and redirect everything to the web. Remember -- you can ignore the OTA if you like. I will be. Source: All Things D 
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| Dead Trigger now on Google Play - all the zombies you can kill for just a buck Posted: 03 Jul 2012 05:29 PM PDT
Madfinger Games has brought their latest highly anticipated FPS to Google Play, and Dead Trigger is now available for just $0.99. The same folks who brought us Samurai II:Vengance and Shadowgun now deliver a fast-paced FPS that's chock full of zombies and blood. It's an alternate reality apocalyptic style game placed in today's times with today's modern weapons, and your job is to survive. Sounds like a winner already, doesn't it? It gets better. Unlike some games where zombies are just brain-dead shambles that will happily hurt you if you bump into them, Dead Trigger has programmed an aggressive AI into these particular undead and they're more than happy to hunt you down and have a healthy brain snack. Add in a story line to progress along, a shop full of weapons and power-ups, spectacular Unity-engine graphics and a catchy soundtrack and you've got a real winner on your hands. Dead Trigger is available for most Android devices (there looks to be some issues with Sony phones and tablets) but it really shines with a Tegra 3 powered phone or tablet. The great graphics get even better with specular effects, normal tiled maps, highly improved ragdoll physics, and lifelike water and fog. On top of that, Tegra devices have game controller support baked into the app to really bring things to the next level. It might have taken a couple extra days (I've been counting them down!) but it sure was worth the wait. This is my new battery waster of choice. We'll give it a thorough look and revisit, but I just had to let you guys know it was ready for your killing pleasure. Grab it from the link below, and check out the trailer after the break! Download Dead Trigger from Google Play 
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