Android Phone Fans |
- The Official Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Changelog Posted – Everything You Wanted To Know About the J-Bean
- Nexus 7 sells out at several retailers on first day of availability
- World Series of Poker goes all-in on Android, now available from Google Play
- Apple sent letters requesting retailers cease Samsung Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Nexus sales, Samsung calls them ‘menacing’
- Nexus Q hacked to act as Pong controller, opens up new uses for orb’s volume control
- Google’s open source My Tracks project receives first update in over a year, gets Holo theme overhaul
- Nexus 7 pre-orders ready for pickup at GameStop, shipping now from Google Play and other retailers
- Verizon introduces subscription gaming service for Android devices
- Android Overload: Odroid-X Features Quad-Core Exynos Processor for $130, Verizon GS3 Locked Bootloader Bypassed, and More
- Sprint Lights Up Kansas With Beautiful 4G LTE
- Gamestop All Stocked Up On Nexus 7′s – Waits For Word From Google Before Releasing
- Facebook Update Adds Front Facing Camera Support – Now Requires Android 2.2 Devices On Up
- Samsung Opens Up First Retail Store In Canada – Apple’s Not Gonna Like This [Video]
- Samsung Galaxy Blaze Q Passes By FCC – Headed For T-Mobile With Full 5-Row Staggered Keyboard
| Posted: 13 Jul 2012 06:05 PM PDT
As an admitted Android fanboy, I can often be found explaining to my friends ‘n family why they need to upgrade their devices, and get with the latest version of Android. Of course most of the time, this is simply done off the top of my head, trying to spit out all the new features and enhancements found in Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Well, thanks to Hugo Barra’s tweet today, I wont have to anymore. The official Android 4.1 Jelly Bean changelog has been posted on Android.com, and it gives more detailed bullet points for those who really want to dive in, and learn absolutely everything about the latest version of Android. If you guys want to brush up on your Jelly Bean trivia, follow the link below for all the deets. I’ve mentioned it before, but the Nexus 7 might be the first time many of you have ever owned a stock Android device with absolutely no manufacturer UI or bloatware. You’re gonna love it. Enjoy, folks. [Android]
|
| Nexus 7 sells out at several retailers on first day of availability Posted: 13 Jul 2012 03:00 PM PDT
We knew voracious Android users itching to be on the bleeding edge of mobile tech were hot for the Nexus 7, but a new report from Reuters suggests sales of the world’s first Jelly Bean tablet are greatly outpacing supply. GameStop says they have already gone through their first two shipments of the slate, while Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart show the device as being out of stock on their websites. GameStop is not expecting another shipment of Nexus 7 units until August, so those without a pre-order might have to do a bit of hunting to locate retailers still stocking the tablet. Though some might be a bit miffed at the lack of availability, the news is a good sign for Google. The $199 Nexus 7, which is manufactured by ASUS, is the first tablet jointly developed by the tech giant and looks to shake up the low price tablet market. [via Reuters]
|
| World Series of Poker goes all-in on Android, now available from Google Play Posted: 13 Jul 2012 02:38 PM PDT
Fancy yourself a poker star? If you don’t have the cash to buy in at a high stakes table in Vegas, you will want to check out World Series of Poker from EA Games. Now available from Google Play for the low price of free, the game features several styles of play from the ever-popular Texas Hold ‘Em to Omaha and more. Online play allows you to compete head-to-head with friends and poker aficionados everywhere. Use your best virtual poker face to score virtual bracelets that lead to entry in higher-ranked tables while honing your skills in the virtual world. Who knows, play it enough and maybe you will find yourself cashing in at a Vegas casino someday. Until then, head over to the Google Play Store to grab World Series of Poker now. Google Play Download Link: World Series of Poker
|
| Posted: 13 Jul 2012 01:28 PM PDT
Apple and Samsung don’t see eye to eye regarding terms of the recent preliminary injunction placed on the the samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Surprise, surprise. Shortly after rulings were handed down to temporarily ban sales of both devices, the maker of the iPhone and iPad sent notices to retailers requesting that they cease selling both the Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Nexus, including any remaining units in their inventory. The letter insists that the order from the US District Court “applies not only to the named Samsung entities, but also to anyone ‘acting in concert’ with them.” Further, retailers were asked to “comply with the order by ceasing immediately to engage in any of the specified acts (e.g., importing, offering to sell, or selling within the United States) in connection with the Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet computer.” Of course, retailers no longer must comply with orders related to the Galaxy Nexus, as the ban on the device was stayed following an appeal from Samsung. Still, the Korean maker of Android devices feels stores with remaining stock of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 have every right to sell off their remaining units, going so far as to call Apple’s actions “menacing.” As the matter currently stands, several retailers, including Sam’s Club, have refused to honor Apple’s request pending further review of the court’s order. [via TheVerge]
|
| Nexus Q hacked to act as Pong controller, opens up new uses for orb’s volume control Posted: 13 Jul 2012 11:39 AM PDT While the Pong demonstration seen in the above video is pretty cool all by itself, it’s another Nexus Q hack shown in the same video that should really get developers excited. Mobile software firm BrickSimple not only got a variation of the classic game running on Google’s social jukebox, but also tweaked some code to repurpose the sphere’s spinning top from a volume control to a simple gaming controller. Making no effort to withhold their findings, the code snippet that enables such capabilities has been made available for all to use. It won’t act as the most robust method of input, but it gives devs yet another tool in realizing the full potential of Google’s strange orb. [via Engadget]
|
| Posted: 13 Jul 2012 10:28 AM PDT
Google’s My Tracks is a lesser known open source GPS tracking app that integrates directly with Google Maps to provide real-time activity tracking for things like cycling, running, and other outdoor activities. Many thought the project defunct when the app seemingly went dormant on the Play Store while other Google apps such as Maps received frequent updates. Not the service is receiving it’s first refresh in over a year, and it comes with a complete UI overhaul to match the current generation of Android’s Holo theme. Here’s the full changelog:
My Tracks certainly isn’t the most robust fitness tracking software, but it is definitely getting there with the latest update. Add in the already excellent integration with other Google services like Docs and Fusion Tables for tracking workout data and perhaps there is reason to give the oft-forgtten app another look. Download it now at the link below.
Google Play Link: My Tacks [Thanks Matthew and Dave!]
|
| Nexus 7 pre-orders ready for pickup at GameStop, shipping now from Google Play and other retailers Posted: 13 Jul 2012 10:13 AM PDT
Pre-ordered your Nexus 7 tablet from GameStop? If you haven’t received notice already, the retailer is informing customers that the Jelly Bean slate is in stock and ready for pickup in store. We’re also hearing word that corporate headquarters has authorized local branches to begin selling the Nexus 7 outright, but pre-orders should get first dibs. For those that have pre-ordered the device elsewhere, including the Google Play Store, there is no need to feel left out. Users have been notified that their credit cards are now being charged and shipments are leaving the building. All orders are expected to ship within three days. Staples is also shipping the tablet now, with orders being given an estimated delivery date of 7/16. You won’t get the instant gratification of walking into a store and leaving with a Nexus 7 in hand, but it should only mean a few more days wait. If you’re heading out to pick yours up today or just need to kill a bit of time waiting for the world’s first Jelly Bean tablet to arrive at your doorstep, why not head over to our Nexus 7 forums to jump in on the already lively discussion. The arrival of the tablet ends of the wait to get our hands on the device, but it’s only the beginning for one of the most important Android launches of all time. [Thanks Peter and all who tipped us off!]
|
| Verizon introduces subscription gaming service for Android devices Posted: 13 Jul 2012 09:53 AM PDT
Are your Google Play expenses putting some strain on your bank account? Verizon wants to help. Today the carrier has introduced a new subscription gaming app for Android, GameTanium, serving up an all-you-can-play buffet of over 100 smartphone games and 50 designed for tablets. The cost? Only $6 a month, which could amount to some serious savings if you find yourself purchasing more than five or six games a month. Titles include favorites such as Fruit Ninja and World of Goo, all accessible on over 30 compatible handsets and two tablets. The catch, of course, is that these devices are limited to Verizon’s stable. So if you find yourself on a competing network, you won’t get to cash in on the potential savings. Those interested in checking out GameTanium can download it from Verizon Apps and will be privy to a free thee-day trial. Hit up the press release below for a few more details.
|
| Posted: 13 Jul 2012 01:41 AM PDT
|
| Sprint Lights Up Kansas With Beautiful 4G LTE Posted: 13 Jul 2012 01:28 AM PDT
If you’re currently a Sprint customer living in Kansas with an LTE enabled device in your possession, I have some good news for you. No, the weather isn’t going to get any cooler but maybe some of Sprint’s all new, blazing fast 4G LTE will help take your mind off the heat for a little while. The #3 largest network in the US has just flipped the switch for LTE in Kansas City a little ahead of its July 15th rollout which is set to hit 5 cities across the US including: Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
Apparently, it’s not just Kansas City that’s getting now receiving 4G LTE. Surrounding areas like St. Joseph, Missouri and Manhattan, Kansas are also getting their taste of next-gen 4G LTE on the Now Network. One user even posted a SpeedTest after his device lit up with LTE (above), getting close to 12.7Mbps down and almost 5Mbps up. Those speeds are likely to decrease as more people connect to the new LTE network, but it’s still a nice upgrade from their aging 3G network. Any of our readers experiencing LTE on Sprint? If you previously had LTE disabled on your device, now might be a good time to re-enable if you’re apart of one of the lucky 5 markets. Feel free to share your SpeedTests below and congrats! [S4GRU]
|
| Gamestop All Stocked Up On Nexus 7′s – Waits For Word From Google Before Releasing Posted: 13 Jul 2012 12:50 AM PDT
There’s been some talk over Google’s first flagship tablet — the Nexus 7 — and for good reason. This thing has been selling like hotcakes since it was announced and it’s got Apple’s chonies in a bunch. For those that pre-ordered the tablet from the Google Play Store, there’s still the question of when exactly the Jelly Bean tablet will ship, and if those pre-orders will get the tab before local retail outlets. Maybe we can help answer some of those questions. Do stores like Gamestop have them in their backrooms? Yes. Are they allowed to sell them? No. Take a look at this internal memo we received from a Gamestop store explicitly instructing employees to hold off on selling the Nexus 7 until further notice. Who’s further notice? Google’s of course. Apparently, the Nexus 7 has already shipped to many 3rd party retailers but they’ve been asked to hold off on releasing, just until those that pre-ordered the device through the Google Play Store receive them first.
I guess you can say Google wants to make sure their customers don’t leave the Play Store with a bad taste in their mouths. If you ask me (and people rarely do), I just want to see the floodgates open, and jelly bean released unto the world. In some cases, this will be the first time many Android users have ever owned a stock Android device sans manufacturer UI’s. Remember, those that ordered the tablet from Gamestop, Office Depot and other retailers are Google customers too. In fact, the same $25 Google Play Store credit also applies to them as well. So, Google… let my people go!
|
| Facebook Update Adds Front Facing Camera Support – Now Requires Android 2.2 Devices On Up Posted: 12 Jul 2012 10:27 PM PDT
The official Facebook app for Android was updated today in the Google Play Store to version 1.9.7 and along with app stability (it’s finally working quickly on my Galaxy Nexus) comes a new “feature.” I use the term loosely because users can just now use the front facing camera when taking self portraits, so you might want to prepare yourself for the storm of duckface pics about to hit your timeline. Also, the app will no longer work on any device lower than Android 2.2 Froyo, a trend I’m sure we’ll begin seeing a lot more of lately. That being said, if you’re still using a device on 2.1 or below, do yourself and your country a favor and upgrade.
|
| Samsung Opens Up First Retail Store In Canada – Apple’s Not Gonna Like This [Video] Posted: 12 Jul 2012 09:19 PM PDT
I’ve often stood behind Android OEM’s like Samsung whenever they’ve locked horns with Apple over software patents and the like. Sure they original Galaxy S looked eerily similar to the original iPhone 3G, but there’s only so many ways to make a rectangle, right? Be all that as it may, I think if you were to say Samsung’s latest venture was “inspired” by Apple, that’d be an understatement. The South Korean manufacturer recently opened up their very first retail store in North America and if you think it looks familiar, you’re not alone. I don’t know, maybe I’m being harsh. Apple doesn’t exactly have a patent (yet) on tables displaying wares in the middle of showroom floors or staff in blue shirts that are eager to help customers with 1-on-1 demos, but honestly, at first glance, you thought it was an “Apple Store,” didn’t you? Check out the video and let me know what you think. Samsung’s new retail store can be found in the Metrotown mall in Burnaby, Vancouver if you were looking to swing by. What do you guys think? Is it just good business for stores like Best Buy, Microsoft and now Samsung to imitate Apple’s design and customer service model? Or does Samsung have another lawsuit on their hands?
|
| Samsung Galaxy Blaze Q Passes By FCC – Headed For T-Mobile With Full 5-Row Staggered Keyboard Posted: 12 Jul 2012 08:15 PM PDT
It kinda flew under the radar, but yesterday, the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze Q passed through the FCC on its way to T-Mobile. Not too much was revealed in the docs, just a few specs for the device’s radio bands. Also known as the Samsung SGH-T699, rumor has it, this guy will feature a high-def, 720p display, Qualcomm S4 dual-core processor, 1GB RAM and come running on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Of course, as the “Q” moniker suggests, the device will also come with a spacious 5-row full QWERTY staggered keyboard. Aside from any unforeseeable legal action, we’re expecting this to arrive in T-Mobile stores on August 15th. [FCC | TalkAndroid | TMoNews]
|
| You are subscribed to email updates from Android Phone Fans To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment