Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Now Rolling Out To Unlocked Galaxy Nexus (HSPA+)

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 06:31 PM PDT

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Good news for those of you who own an unlocked Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ version. After being made available first to Google I/O attendees as part of a “developer preview,” it now looks like Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update is finally rolling out for the rest of us (even my beautiful, clean, white Galaxy Nexus). Google announced the news via their Nexus Google+ page saying,

The rollout of Android 4.1, Jelly Bean, begins today, starting with Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ devices.

Jelly Bean makes everything feel fast, fluid, and smooth. Notifications are expandable and actionable, widgets are magical and the keyboard is smarter and more accurate: http://www.android.com/whatsnew/

Jelly Bean also features a redesigned search experience, with a new user interface and faster Voice Search. You can type your query or simply ask Google a question. Google can speak back to you, delivering a precise answer if it knows one, in addition to a list of search results.

Google Now is also part of the updated Google app, getting you just the right information at just the right time. Google Now tells you today’s weather before you start your day, how much traffic to expect before you leave for work, or your favorite team’s score as they’re playing. There’s no digging required: cards appear at the moment you need them most.

If you’ve got a Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ device, you will receive a prompt alerting you to the update over the next several days. Up next for Jelly Bean: all Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, Motorola Xoom and of course, Nexus 7, which will ship with Jelly Bean later this month.

I’ve been running Jelly Bean on my Google I/O edition Galaxy Nexus for weeks now and I haven’t once looked back. Been enjoying myself so much, I haven’t even been bit by the “root bug” — it’s that good.

Samsung Galaxy S3 “Developer Edition” Coming To Verizon – Allows For Easy Hacking/Modding

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 05:31 PM PDT

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Following in the footsteps of Motorola who introduced a special “developer edition” of their Droid Razr, it seems Samsung will be doing to the same with the Galaxy S3. The SGS3 Developer Edition will help appease the demands of the Android enthusiast crowd, giving those that like to tinker and mod their devices, easily unlocked bootloaders for custom ROM fun. Samsung has long had a reputation for providing devices with easily unlockable bootloaders but at the request of Verizon, locked them down tighter than Fort Knox.

The new Developer Edition Galaxy S3 will be made available directly from Samsung via their site and will run modders $600 off-contract. First with patents, now with carriers — seems “work arounds” are the trend ’round these parts. Below you can find Samsung’s Q&A/press release. Now that you can potentially have stock, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on this GS3, who’s grabbing their wallet for one?

Who is this for?

Samsung and Verizon Wireless recognize that there are many enthusiasts and professional developers that are interested in customizing their device with third-party ROM software.  Unlocking the bootloader can put the stability of the phone in jeopardy; therefore, only experienced developers should attempt to unlock the bootloader.

What about the other carriers?

Other versions of the Galaxy S III are sold with a user-unlockable bootloader as a standard feature. Those models are available directly from the respective carriers.

Where can I buy the Galaxy S III Developer Edition?

The Developer Edition will be sold online directly from Samsung. When the device is available for purchase, it will be sold through the Samsung developer portal at developer.samsung.com for $599.

Why is Verizon Wireless’ version locked?

Depending on the device, an open bootloader could prevent Verizon Wireless from providing the same level of customer experience and support because it would allow users to change the phone or otherwise modify the software and, potentially, negatively impact how the phone connects with the network. The addition of unapproved software could also negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers.  Unlocking the device also voids the warranty.

Has Samsung always unlocked the bootloader on its phones?

While not all previous Samsung Android devices have had an easily unlockable bootloader, all of our other current Galaxy S III flagship lineup, and all Nexus-branded devices, support the standard bootloader unlocking procedure.

What happens if I load custom software and damage ("brick") my phone?

Problems caused by unlocking the bootloader and installing custom software will not be covered by the warranty. Problems with third-party and customized bootloader software can cause irreparable harm to the Galaxy S III. Users interested in performing these actions should proceed with caution and at their own risk. Out of warranty Galaxy S III Developer Edition devices will be serviced directly through Samsung, and service charges will apply.

Nexus 7 Android 4.1.1 Update Didn’t Dumb Down Search – Remains Robust As Ever

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 04:54 PM PDT

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The Nexus 7 is now receiving it’s 2nd OTA update since it was given out to Google I/O attendees. This new update weighs in at light 12.6MB, and takes the original build number from JRN84D to the newer JRO036 — aka Android 4.1.1. In a peculiar twist, the update “upgraded” a total of 37 apps but seemingly hasn’t — that’s right, has not — dumbed down the search like we assumed (see pic below). Interesting, Google.

That’s not to say the device wont receive a another special, Search dumbing update in the future. In fact, we’re betting on it. Cheers.

Rovio Announces Amazing Alex Coming To Android Devices On July 12th

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 04:13 PM PDT

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If you’ve had it up to your eyeballs in angry fowl and green bacon, Rovio’s newest IP is finally coming to Android this week. Amazing Alex is the lastest game from Rovio Originally known as “Casey’s Contraptions” the game was picked up Rovio and redubbed “Amazing Alex.”

Gameplay should remain mostly intact for the most part and involves the player building Rube Goldberg type machines, using real-time physics in order to complete hundreds of challenges. Designs can also be shared with friends for those that like to show off, bringing a social aspect to the title. Nothing but good, clean fun here. You guys can expect Amazing Alex to hit the Google Play Store this Thursday, July 12th. Check out Rovio’s announcement trailer below.

[Rovio]

Nexus 7 reportedly receiving Android 4.1.1 OTA update

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 03:57 PM PDT

We know Google just posted up the source for Android 4.1.1, and now we are hearing from Nexus 7 owners that an OTA update is already under way. Given that Google is solely responsible for the software installed on their flagship tablet, it isn’t too surprising that an official update would be pushed soon after the build’s code has been approved for public distribution via AOSP. Right now the Nexus 7 is only in the hands of Google I/O attendees, but signs point to shipments heading out soon for general pre-orders. New owners will likely be greeted with the Android 4.1.1 software update upon firing up their N7s for the first time.

[Thanks, Frank!]

xScope Browser updated with new gesture controls, built-in file explorer

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 03:38 PM PDT

For fans of alternative Android browsers, xScope has received a new update to version 7.12 bringing along several new gesture controls as well as a few new experimental features. The new input controls are a big draw here, with a unique one-finger zoom gesture called Pin Zoom that should come in handy when you don’t have two free hands. Simply tap a location on the screen to pin it and then tap again and drag to zoom in and out. Of course, pinch and double-tap zoom are still present.

Experimental features include ad blocking capabilities and the ability to darken the browser window to save battery life and eye strain, while a built-in file explorer gives users a host of options when handling files, including the ability to create folders and rename, delete, zip, and unzip. The latest update can be found over at the Google Play Store now. Hit up the link below to give xScope 7 a spin.

Google Play Link: xScope Browser

My Verizon data widget back in action, now tallying Share Everything plans

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 02:28 PM PDT

When Verizon overhauled its data offerings with the introduction of new Share Everything plans, the data monitoring widget offered as part of the My Verizon Mobile app took a summer vacation. The holiday was brief, however, as a new update restores functionality to the widget while providing support for VZW’s sharable data plans. A caveat is that the widget will no longer automatically update in the background. Users will need to manually refresh.

For Verizon subscribers with older Android devices lacking Ice Cream Sandwich’s built-in data monitoring the widget should come in handy, especially for those using a shared plan or with a limited monthly data allowance. Users with unlimited data have less reason to keep an eye on consumption, but checking in on the data totals never hurts.

[via DroidLife]

Developers already testing the Nexus Q’s limits, media orb hacked to run apps

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 01:59 PM PDT

During Google’s reveal of the Nexus Q, the company noted that the device featured a USB port to encourage “hackability.” The developers in attendance took the statement as a challenge, and given that all in attendance got to take home the Q it’s no surprise to learn that things are already moving along. The latest development takes the gimped media player and turns it into a full-fledge apps machine, pointing to a future that could position the Nexus Q a hacked Android desktop.

With a bit of tinkering it was discovered that the Nexus Q could easily recognize input devices like keyboards and mice, which paved the way for controlling apps such as Netflix after the device was hacked to run such APKs, greatly expanding the capabilities of Google’s orb. Of course, the hack doesn’t come as simple as it reads, but for anyone with a bit of experience the process shouldn’t be too hard. Another hack brings us QRemote, an APK that can be pushed to the device that will allow remote control via a desktop browser.

Certainly exciting developments for anyone with a Nexus Q pre-order waiting to ship. Much has been made about device’s price versus the service it provides, but this slight bit of hacking brings an added value to the device that you won’t get out of the box.

[XDA via Engadget]

OUYA hopes to bring Android gaming for the masses to the big screen, you can help fund it

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 01:32 PM PDT

A new Kickstarter project has been raking in the dough, pulling in over $800,000 since launching this morning and nearly meeting its funding goal with 29 days left on the clock. So what is all the fuss about? OUYA, an Android-based gaming console that looks to bring existing titles we already love to our HD television sets at a price that nearly everyone can afford.

The concept is simple: the catalog of games for Android has grown from an inadequate selection of shoddy games just a few years ago to a robust trove of titles that include such console-quality fare as ShadowGun and Max Payne. And while our devices have grown more than capable of handling such gaming experiences, the form factor of both the tablet and smartphone leave more than a little to be desired. Manufacturers have somewhat remedied this problem with the inclusion of HDMI outs and the ability to pair devices with gaming controllers, but OUYA looks to simplify things even more.

For $99 OUYA provides a gaming console powered by a Tegra 3 processor and featuring 1GB RAM, 8GB of internal storage, 1080p video support via HDMI, Bluetooth LE 4.0, USB 2.0, and WiFi 802.11 b/g/n. It all runs Ice Cream Sandwich and has access to all the games we currently enjoy on other  Android devices. The hope is that after funding is met (and at this rate the goal will be more than exceeded) developers might look to work directly with the folks behind OUYA to offer a few exclusive titles specially tailored to the console. The end game is a low-cost machine designed to play games priced for Google Play, with an emphasis on free-to-play (and freemium) gaming.

So why do we need an Android console when our phones are mostly capable of doing all the same things? There is a certain quality to be expected when a device is designated for one purpose rather than designed to handle an abundance of tasks. Why do you think Google made the Nexus Q? It’s all Android but it was built specifically to act as a cloud jukebox. With OUYA we could expect the same dedication to design and detail to be applied to gaming on an Android device, and aside from convenience, it could provide the sort of experience we have yet to see from a smartphone or tablet, bridging the gap between console and mobile gaming once and for all.

[via Kickstarter | Thanks, Aaron!]

Twitter for Android updated with expandable tweets, push notifications

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 12:48 PM PDT

Twitter for Android just got a nice little update that takes advantage of Twitters ever expanding experiment with expandable tweets and more. In version 3.3, any tweet linking to a site that is currently partnered up with Twitter (including the likes of The Atlantic, Vimeo, and Kickstarter) can be expanded to reveal a preview or content such as videos originating at the link. It’s a great addition considering the limited screen real estate a mobile device provides, allowing you to make sure you really want to navigate away from the Twitter app by scoping out content at a glance.

To go along with expandable tweets, Twitter has also introduced push notifications for any user stream you choose. Simply head to a user profile and turn them on, and soon you will receive live updates pushed to your device. The feature more or less replaces the old process of having tweets sent via SMS. Also enhanced is search autocomplete, which should make it easier than ever to track down persons of interest.

The new version of Twitter can be found in the Google Play Store now. Head on over to the link below to grab it.

Google Play Link: Twitter

[via Twitter]

Support documents surface for T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy Note

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 12:10 PM PDT

For what seems like the longest time the questions has not been will T-Mobile release the Samsung Galaxy Note, but when. The latest development in the matter won’t doesn’t provide an answer, but suggests that a release may not be too far off. On T-Mobile’s support site documents have appeared pertaining to the Note, however they are not accessible without a password at this time. This seems to indicate that T-Mobile is preparing their site’s backend for the launch of the Galaxy Note, a step in a process that should culminate with the release of the phone. To our disappointment, not accounted for were specific release details telling us when we might get our hands on the phone.

[T-Mobile via T-MoNews]

Mid-range Xperia J could be next in Sony’s Android lineup

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 11:37 AM PDT

Thanks to information filed with the Indonesian government, we may now have a name to go along with the Sony handset designated with model number ST26i, which was pictured for the first time back in May. The phone will fall in line with the rest of Sony’s Xperia-branded phones, this time earning the letter J to differentiate it from its kin. The Sony Xperia J is expected to be a midrange device with specs that include a single-core 1GHz processor and a pedestrian screen resolution of 480×854. The phone will, however, run Android 4.0.4. Information on availability is not known at this time, but we see little reason why folks would be kept waiting much longer for a device of this class.

[via UnwiredView]

A quick primer in pronouncing ‘Huawei’

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 11:06 AM PDT

Huawei is looking to expand their brand in North America, but if they are going to succeed there is one matter of business they must address: just how are we supposed to pronounce the company’s name? Given our limited exposure to Huawei, it’s no surprise that Americans have had more than their fair share of trouble sounding it out. In my rounds at various industry events I have encountered quite a few creative pronunciations from members of the tech press and general public alike, but it wasn’t until now that Huawei has made an effort to set the record straight.

The above video is more or less a fun way to get people interested in Huawei’s brand and is part of a much larger effort to stake a claim in the United States and elsewhere. It’s simply the next phase in an expansion process that began with the introduction of high-powered devices like the Huawei Ascend P1 and Huawei Ascend D Quad, handset that signaled a new direction for the Chinese company as it repositions itself in the market, distancing the company from its roots as a manufacturer of low-cost and entry-level feature phones and smartphones.

So, be honest. Who has been pronouncing the name correctly all along? And who needed this brief lesson?

[via DroidDog]

Galaxy S III available online from US Cellular tomorrow, retail stores stocked by end of week

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 10:30 AM PDT

Those hoping to pick up the Samsung Galaxy S3 but wishing to stay a bit more local will soon get their wish. That is, in regions covered by US Cellular. The regional provider will join the Big 4, putting the Galaxy S III up for purchase on the carrier’s website starting tomorrow. The phone will find its way into the stockrooms of US Cellular’s retail locations by the end of the week.

Initially USCC will only be stocking the 16GB version of the Galaxy S III, but the 32GB model will see a release by the carrier sometime in the future. A specific date has not been named. Word is that customers with pre-orders of the device have started to receive shipping confirmation.

[via Engadget]

Existing Dropbox Pro plans doubled, new 500GB option introduced

Posted: 10 Jul 2012 09:52 AM PDT

Dropbox has just announced a change in their plans for Pro users. Users on the 50GB and 100GB plans will now have their storage doubled at no extra cost. That means you’ll be getting 100GB if you were on the 50GB plan, and 200GB if you were previously on the 100GB plan. Beyond that, a new 500GB option was added for those who need even more storage.

The change for existing users will happen automatically. New users will be able to choose from the new options sometime tonight. Furthermore, Dropbox is now allowing Pro members to give friends and family a free three month trial on the Pro 100 plan. These changes can be nothing less than great and we’re glad to see that Dropbox listened to the many customers who’ve been requesting them. Head over to their blog for more information.
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