Android Phone Fans |
- Samsung SGH-I547 Exposed at the FCC – Looks To Be Headed To AT&T
- Qualcomm Developer Tablet Now Available – Features Snapdragon S4 Quad-Core, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of Storage, For Only $1,300
- LG Spectrum user manual updated with references to Ice Cream Sandwich
- ASUS updating Padfone to Android 4.0.4, includes bug fixes and optimizations
- Knockoff DROID X360 suffers from an identity crisis, but hardware isn’t half bad
- Nexus Q in stock at Google Play Store, orders arriving in 3-5 business days
- Viber for Android gets group messaging, UI tweaks in latest update
- UK launch of ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity set for August 31, pricing starts at £599
- Apple cites Samsung for $2.5 billion in damages over alleged patent infringements
- Tamagotchi-like app Hatchi now available in the Google Play Store
- AOL Play to be launched for the Kindle Fire
- AndroPlatina Utilities aims to bring root toolkit to all devices
- SwiftKey’s UK and US English language packs updated for the 2012 Olympic Games
- Apple wins EU-wide ban on Galaxy Tab 7.7
- AT&T added 1.3 million net customers and sold 5.1 million smartphones in Q2 2012
| Samsung SGH-I547 Exposed at the FCC – Looks To Be Headed To AT&T Posted: 24 Jul 2012 07:01 PM PDT
It’s already been Bluetooth certified back in early May, now the mysterious Samsung SGH-I547 is popping up again, this time at the FCC. Thanks to information provided in the documentation, it’s looking like the I547 is bound for AT&T where its radios make it a perfect fit for AT&T’s 3G and 4G LTE network.
The device will also be packing some NFC under the hood, along with a WVGA display and micro SD card slot, making this look like more of a mid-level entry to AT&T’s Android lineup. With the current trend of OEM’s using Qualcomm’s S4 processor in their mid-level offerings, I wouldn’t put it past Samsung to do the same with this device. We’ll keep an eye out for this one.
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| Posted: 24 Jul 2012 05:58 PM PDT
For those not “in the know,” SoC manufacturer Qualcomm doesn’t just produce processors for the world’s hottest handsets. Every now and then, they produce hardware aimed directly at developers (with deep pockets) to test out the biggest and baddest games, and applications, they can throw at it. Now, it looks as if Qualcomm updating the specs on their original “Liquid” tablet shown off earlier this year at CES bumping up the processor to dizzying new heights. The Snapdragon S4 Pro mobile development platform (MDP) features a Qualcomm S4 quad-core processor (APQ8064) with beefy Adreno 320 GPU, 10.1-inch 720p display, 2GB of LPDDR2 RAM, 32GB of storage and runs on Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. The device also features a 13MP rear, dual 2MP camera, 7 “Ultrasound” microphones.
But what fun are all those specs without some benchmarks to excite your inner Android-fanboy? Take a look:
All of this can be had for the low price of $1,300 on BSQUARE’s store (link below). Before you freak out — keep in mind their chunky developer smartphone runs for $1,000. So, if you think about it… this is kind of a deal (not really). I guess there are worse things you could be blowing your money on. Like a fancy Apple ultrabook or something (snicker). [BSquare | Via Engadget | AnandTech]
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| LG Spectrum user manual updated with references to Ice Cream Sandwich Posted: 24 Jul 2012 02:42 PM PDT
A rep on the LG’s support forums wasn’t kidding when he said the Ice Cream Sandwich for Verizon’s Spectrum was merely awaiting final approval from the carrier. A newly updated version of the Spectrum’s user manual has appeared online at LG’s site and makes reference to Android 4.0 and several of its features, including multi-tasking. With everything set on LG’s end, the ball is in Verizon’s court to sign off on the new software and push it to users, making an exact release date for the update hard to predict. The good news is LG Spectrum owners shouldn’t have to wait much longer. [LG via AndroidForums | Thanks, Nate!]
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| ASUS updating Padfone to Android 4.0.4, includes bug fixes and optimizations Posted: 24 Jul 2012 01:35 PM PDT
ASUS has launched an update that raises the current Android version of their smartphone/tablet/laptop hybrid Padfone. While software version 9.20.1.22 isn’t steeped in Jelly Bean, it does take the device’s Ice Cream Sandwich build to Android 4.0.4. At the same time the update addresses several known issues with the ASUS Padfone and provides optimizations for things like power usage and camera performance. The full changelog includes system stabilizations, support for 64GB SD cards, and a new Super Note function with handwriting recognition. ASUS is pushing the update over the air, but it can also be pulled directly from the company’s website. A full changelog can also be located there. Check for the update under the setting menu or head over to the source link below to begin the installation process. [ASUS via NotebookItalia]
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| Knockoff DROID X360 suffers from an identity crisis, but hardware isn’t half bad Posted: 24 Jul 2012 01:16 PM PDT
What do you get when you combine the PS Vita, Android, and Microsoft’s popular Xbox gaming console? The DROID X360, at least when it comes to names. The device, which lifts its design from Sony’s PS Vita, comes to us courtesy of Long Xun Software, and as is typically the case with items like this, likely won’t be found anywhere outside the electronics stalls of a Chinese marketplace. Still, the boldness associated with such an obvious ripoff is only accentuated by its branding. Hardware and software-wise the DROID X360 isn’t all that bad. It carries a 1.5GHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM, 8GB of storage, and front and rear cameras. The icing on the cake: this little clone runs Android 4.0. It also comes packed with software emulators for older Nintendo, Sony, and Sega consoles. Despite being a fairly capable knockoff, it’s still a far cry from any of the devices referenced in its name and design. [via Engadget]
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| Nexus Q in stock at Google Play Store, orders arriving in 3-5 business days Posted: 24 Jul 2012 12:01 PM PDT
The experimental Nexus Q media orb is now in stock and shipping from Google, with deliveries expected to arrive within three to five business days. The Android-based social music and video playback system went up for pre-order shortly after being unveiled during the 2012 Google I/O keynote address. Priced at $299, the Q is engineered, designed, and manufactured in the US, but it’s high cost has left many tech industry experts questioning how big an impact it will make for Google’s Android ecosystem. The general availability of the Q follows the release of Google’s first Android Jelly Bean tablet, the 7-inch Nexus 7. The slate had a successful launch, selling out quickly at several retailers. The 16GB Nexus 7 still remains backordered. Few anticipate Google’s Nexus Q experiment will see quite the same reception, but its launch is nonetheless intriguing. Already placed a pre-order or planning on picking one up? Sound off below. [via Google Play | Thanks, Derek!]
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| Viber for Android gets group messaging, UI tweaks in latest update Posted: 24 Jul 2012 11:51 AM PDT
Popular free calling and messaging app Viber has been updated to version 2.2 in the Google Play Store. The highlight of the the update is group messaging support, but a few UI enhancements also made their way into the mix, including the ability to add photos to the contacts list. Additionally, individual messages will now show a time stamp and custom backgrounds can now be set for conversations. The app has also been localized for Chinese, Portuguese, German, Spanish, French, and Russian language support. A note in the changelog should please early adopters of the latest version of the Android OS. The Viber team promises Jelly Bean support is in the works. Head on over to Google Play to grab the latest version of Viber for free. Google Play Link: Viber [via WinSource]
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| UK launch of ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity set for August 31, pricing starts at £599 Posted: 24 Jul 2012 11:40 AM PDT
Folks across the pond eager to get their hands on the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity can now set their hopes on a single date. The Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich tablet is now set to launch in the UK on August 31st. The slate otherwise known as the TF700 will be priced at £599 for the 32GB model, and is positioned as at the top of ASUS’ Transformer product range. It features a hi-res display capabled of 1920 x 1200 resolution, NVIDIA’s quad-core Tegra 3 processor, and the namesake ability to “transform” into a pseudo-tablet by way of a keyboard dock. Sales will will start at Amazon, with no word on what other retailers might stock the TF700.
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| Apple cites Samsung for $2.5 billion in damages over alleged patent infringements Posted: 24 Jul 2012 10:37 AM PDT
Just how much does Apple believe it has lost to Samsung’s range of devices that allegedly copy wholesale elements of the iPhone and iPad’s interface and design? A whopping $2.5 billion, breaking down to over $30 per device sold claimed to have infringed on Apple patents. This accounts for 13 smartphone and tablet models, which the Cupertino-based company says “not only look like Apple’s iPhone and iPad, they use Apple’s patented software features to interact with the user." The number takes into account “unjust” profits on Samsung’s end as well as $500 million in lost profits for Apple, and is derived from three software patents and and design patents. Per patent fees break down to $2.02 for an “overscroll bounce” patent, $3.10 for “scrolling API,” $2.02 for “tap to zoom and navigate,” and the largest at $24 for patents relating to hardware design and dress. To add insult to injury, Apple is requesting to have per-device royalties owed to Samsung reduced from 2.4 percent to just a hair under half a cent per unit. Their claim is that the royalty should only be assessed based on the cost of the $10 baseband chip involved in Samsung’s wireless patents. Samsung sees this claim as ridiculous, pointing out that without the use of Samsung’s wireless technology there might be no iPhone at all. [via AllThingsD]
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| Tamagotchi-like app Hatchi now available in the Google Play Store Posted: 24 Jul 2012 09:20 AM PDT
The folks at Hatchi have announced that their app, a Tamagotchi clone which allows you to raise digital pets, is now available in the Google Play Store. This app stays true to the 8-bit style of the original devices to offer true nostalgia. While there’s a lot of sentiment to be had with the real deal hanging around your neck we love the idea of having it on our phones. You’ll feed your animals, clean them, play with them, and watch them grow. The better you care for them, the more obedient and behaved they are. And for $.99 all of that sounds like a win to me. Prepare the DeLorean and head to the Google Play Store.
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| AOL Play to be launched for the Kindle Fire Posted: 24 Jul 2012 08:53 AM PDT
AOL has announced that AOL Play, their music streaming application, will finally be available on the Amazon Appstore for the Kindle Fire. Google Play Store users have had access to it for a while, and since the Amazon Kindle Fire only allows access to Amazon’s Appstore those users have been left out. Unfortunately we’re not seeing the app in the Appstore just yet, but if AOL says it’s going to be there then we can count on it being there. Here’s the broken link they used so be sure to check back periodically to see if it’s live. [via TechCrunch]
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| AndroPlatina Utilities aims to bring root toolkit to all devices Posted: 24 Jul 2012 08:08 AM PDT “One ring to rule them all,” displayed the infamous ring from JR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. That’s what can be used to describe the AndroPlatina Utilities toolkit, a program aimed to provide one-click root functions for all (or many) Android devices.
The toolkit only supports a few features right now, but the developer is working to add more over time. It’ll be a time-consuming affair considering the sheer amount of devices out right now, and there’s no guarantee that every device will eventually be supported equally. In short, this is a very ambitious project and it’s one we hope takes off like the developer, varun.chitre15 on XDA, expects it to. Get a list of the current features below, and head to this XDA link for downloads, instructions, and a list on what is still looking to be added.
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| SwiftKey’s UK and US English language packs updated for the 2012 Olympic Games Posted: 24 Jul 2012 06:56 AM PDT
SwiftKey, one of the greatest on-screen keyboards ever, is getting some Olympian attention ahead of the big spectacle. They’ve updated their English language packs for the United Kingdom and the United States to add terms and names related to the 2012 Olympics. This will give users better autocomplete support for spelling difficult participant names and to type out things such as venues and event names. To get the language pack be sure to head to the settings menu of SwiftKey and hitting the “Update” button under the respective language packs’ names. [via SwiftKey]
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| Apple wins EU-wide ban on Galaxy Tab 7.7 Posted: 24 Jul 2012 05:43 AM PDT
Apple’s just gotten another major victory over Samsung in the European Union. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 ha been banned in the European Union. This preliminary injunction prohibits Samsung from shipping any more of the units in that region, and we couldn’t be more confused. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N, a modification of the original to avoid an injunction on the original, was allowed to go on sale after an appeal by Samsung. A judge saw that the new tablet did not infringe on any of Apple’s patents. There’s no information on why, exactly, Apple was granted this particular victory. It has to be some extremely strong patent for the German Dusseldorf appeals court to shut Samsung’s tablet out of the entire European Union. It wasn’t made clear whether or not this was the same thing that caused the initial ban on the Galaxy Tab 10.1, but even that wasn’t hit so hard. We’ll be on the lookout for more details. In the meantime be sure to keep any cursing of Apple’s name respectable in the comments section below.
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| AT&T added 1.3 million net customers and sold 5.1 million smartphones in Q2 2012 Posted: 24 Jul 2012 05:15 AM PDT AT&T’s posted their numbers for the second quarter of 2012. The company enjoyed substantial growth in subscriber numbers — they’ve added 1.3 million net customer, 320,000 of who are postpaid customers. Those new customers helped contribute to a whopping 5.1 million smartphones sold, and they announced that 1/3rd of their customers are using 4G capable phones.
We’re sure most of those 4G phones are actually using HSPA+ and not their 4G LTE network, but we’ll give them a pass. In all, 43.1 million of their customers are now using smartphones. Revenues totaled $31.6 billion dollars, and of that AT&T was able to sustain net income of $3.9 billion, an improvement over the $3.6 billion posted in the same quarter a year ago. Wireless was a big part of their success, of course, raking in $16.4 billion. $14.8 billion was gained from service revenues alone, and data contributed to revenues of $1 billion. Read on for the full financial results.
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