Saturday, July 28, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

HTC Provides Even More Details On Why Desire HD Won’t Be Seeing Android 4.0

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 06:26 PM PDT

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Most HTC customers were generally pleased when HTC officially announced that lineup of devices that would be seeing an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Just about every dual-core device made the cut, and to many’s surprise — a few single-core devices like the the HTC Desire HD made the roster as well.

More recently, there were murmurs around the net coming from users who heard from HTC reps in various countries that the HTC Desire HD would, in fact, not see an upgrade to ICS. HTC was quick to come clean confirming the rumors, saying this was due to hardware constraints. Many Desire HD customers were understandably upset at the news, going as far as calling BS.

Today, HTC has officially spoken out regarding the update, giving customers more details on exactly why the HTC Desire HD wont be updated to Ice Cream Sandwich relating to memory constraints. Here’s what they said via their blog:

We’ve heard your feedback on our decision not to update the HTC Desire HD to Android 4.0. We completely understand that this is a controversial decision.

For more background, due to how storage on the HTC Desire HD is partitioned - and the larger size of Android 4.0 - it would require re-partitioning device storage and overwriting user data in order to install this update. While technically advanced users might find this solution acceptable, the majority of customers would not. We also considered ways to reduce the overall size of the software package, but this would impact features and functionality that customers are currently using. Even after installing the update, there were other technical limitations which we felt negatively impacted the user experience.

We believe an update should always improve the user experience and carefully evaluate each update based on this criteria. While we are very aware of the disappointment from this decision, we believe the impact to user experience was too great. We recognize this is a change from our previous statement and for that we’re truly sorry.

I’m sure this explanation isn’t likely to quell upset Desire HD owners who were looking forward to Android’s new firmware. I’ve seen the argument that if hobbyist ROM chefs can cook up ICS ROMs, HTC should be able to do the same. But as HTC said in their statement, user experience for majority of their customers is their key focus and they’re not about to drop Sense UI for a newer firmware. But, as goes the story… When it comes to Android updates, they are almost always filled with anxiety, betrayal, anger, and relief — all the components of a good daytime drama.

[HTC Blog]

Jelly Bean factory images posted for Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus, and Nexus 7

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 03:00 PM PDT

Google has released Android 4.1 factory images for a variety of Nexus devices, including the first tablet in the lineup. Android 4.1.1 images are now available for the Nexus 7, Nexus S, and Galaxy Nexus, with a few notable absences. Sprint’s Nexus S doesn’t count itself among the list, nor does the Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus.

The availability of factory images should provide an extra security blanket for those modding the OS on their phone or anyone wishing to restore their handset to the original factory software build. Head over to the Google Developers page to snag the appropriate version for you phone.

[Google Developers via AndroidPolice]

ZTE Grand X launhces early through Phones4U in the UK

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 02:34 PM PDT

Early August? If you were eyeing up the budget-friendly ZTE Grand X you won’t even have to wait the extra week. The phone, which is available via Virgina Mobile, has gone on sale early through UK retailer Phones4U. The Grand X is priced at free when bundle with a tariff of £20.50 per month. Or if you don’t want to sign away months of your mobile life, £190 will afford you the device as a pay-as-you-go option. The Grand X offers plenty of bang for the buck. It’s Android 4.at the clip of a 1GHz Tegra 2 dual-core processor on a 4.3-inch qHD display with a 5MP camera.

[via Engadget]

Lenovo bids farewell to the Ideapad K1 with a sweet treat, provides stock ICS update as legacy

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 12:57 PM PDT

Lenovo is done with the Ideapad K1. They are so done with it that they have packaged a final palate cleansing update, made it available to users, and washed their hands of the slate that was never particularly noteworthy to begin with. But perhaps this sendoff will be the one note we do remember about the Ideapad K1, because Lenovo has done something rather unique. While the tablet will no longer be sold or supported, this final update wipes out all UI customizations in favor of implementing a stock Android 4.0 experience.

The only issue with the update that leaves as the Ideapad K1′s legacy a rather fresh build of Android is the lack of access to the Google Play Store. But let’s not pretend that Lenovo wasn’t well aware of how easily their stock build of Android could be modified by the industrious dev community. With any luck, the tablet will go on to have a second life as an easily hackable alternative for those looking to experiment with the Android source code. If you are ready to sail off intro the sunset with the Ideapad K1, head over to the link below to download ICS and begin the installation process now.

[Lenovo via DroidDog]

Jelly Bean update not looking likely for most 2011 Xperia handsets, according to Sony rep

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 12:31 PM PDT

Sony has done an excellent job keeping Xperia users up to date on the progress of delivering timely Android updates as of late, but with such transparency does not always come good news. While the majority of Sony’s 2011 and 2012 lineup should see Ice Cream Sandwich sooner or later, a rep on the company’s UK Facebook page confirmed that there are no plans to bring Jelly Bean to older handsets. Namely, the Xperia Mini Pro and Xperia Arc S, the latter of which ranks as one of Sony’s highest-specced handsets of 2011, casting doubt as to whether or not any phones from the manufacturer released last year will see Android 4.1.

If there is any silver lining to the announcement, the same rep confirmed that Ice Cream Sandwich was recently finalized for the Sony Xperia S, so an update to the relatively new handset should be coming shortly. But so as not to get people too excited, it was also revealed that there has been no progress on a Jelly Bean update for the Xperia S at this time.

[via Engadget]

Local search restored to international Samsung Galaxy S3 via OTA update

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 11:43 AM PDT

Yesterday’s news that local search capabilities were “inadvertently” removed from the international Samsung Galaxy S3 came with the promise of an update to restore said capabilities. As of today, that update is officially rolling out. Local search, which has been at the center of an ongoing patent case between Samsung and Apple, is one of several factors that led to a temporary US ban of Galaxy devices including the Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Samsung has been quietly removing the functionality preemptively from US carrier-branded versions of the Galaxy S3, but it is now clear that an update that stripped the ability for querying local items like contacts and apps was not meant to do so for the global variant. The corrective update is small at only 5MB and takes the device to software version XXBLG8 of its Android 4.0.4 build. The update also is said to offer “stability improvements,” but based on its size no major differences (other than local search) are expected to be found.

[via IntoMobile]

Final Fantasy now available from Google Play, relive the adventure ‘that started it all’

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 10:48 AM PDT

Whether you are a fan of the Final Fantasy series or just of old school RPG gaming in general, Square Enix is giving you every reason to head to the Google Play Store today. The original Final Fantasy, the 1987 RPG that kicked off the entire franchise, is now available for Android. It isn’t exactly cheap at $6.99, but it sure beats having to hunt down an original copy of the game. The game has been graphically enhanced and outfitted with the necessary touchscreen controls, but otherwise you will battle your way through the same dungeons and encounter classic enemies as part of that epic journey that spawned one of the biggest gaming franchises of all time.

Google Play Link: Final Fantasy

[via TheVerge]

Radio Shack offering AT&T’s HTC One X July 29th for $99

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 09:39 AM PDT

Earlier rumors indicated AT&T would be dropping the price of their HTC One X to $99 in the next day or two, and now it seems we may have a bit of confirmation. Radio Shack will be offering the device for $99 beginning July 29th.

This gives AT&T’s rumors some very nice legs after being skeptical of the source. But rest assured knowing you’ll be able to get one of these at a very attractive price point (that’s if you have an upgrade or are a new customer, of course). Anyone going to pick one up?

OUYA to support OnLive

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 08:50 AM PDT

Another major announcement has been made for the future of OUYA. OnLive has announced that it would be supporting OUYA out of the starting gate.

This means you’ll not only get access to the great Android games that will be available, but you’ll also be able to play the AAA console and PC games from OnLive’s library.

If you’re not familiar with the service OnLive allows you to stream console-quality games to your television. It doesn’t need powerful hardware at all because it’s all being streamed over your internet connection. You could play Splinter Cell, for instance, without needing an Xbox 360.

The greatest part is that those games will be available to play on any compatible device, including most Android smartphones and tablets.

This is a great move by both OnLive and OUYA to ensure both sides can offer a compelling list of options once the Android-based gaming console launches next year. I think I’m sold on this thing more and more every single day. You?

LG Nitro HD to get Ice Cream Sandwich July 31st

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 08:06 AM PDT

AT&T has annnounced availability of Ice Cream Sandwich for the LG Nitro HD. This forgotten phone launched earlier this year to a mixed bag of reviews, but no matter how good or bad you think it is you can’t deny that it’s great to finally be getting Ice Cream Sandwich. The wait will be short as AT&T will be pushing the update out to users starting July 31st.

They’ll be employing LG’s mobile support tool made available for Windows PC to allow users to download the upgrade. The update will bring Optimus UI 3.0 and a whole heaping of new features that were introduced with Android 4.0. Head to this blog post by AT&T for more details.

Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G for MetroPCS leaked

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 07:23 AM PDT

MetroPCS looks to be getting themselves another interesting Android device. It’s the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G and it boasts a rather odd combination of specs.

It fits somewhere between the Galaxy S and Galaxy S2 with the following: a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED Plus display, possibly a 1.3GHz single-core processor, an 8 megapixel camera, a 1.3 megapixel front camera, a 16GB microSD, and 4G LTE.

It’s admittedly more on the Galaxy S2 side than anything, but it remains to be seen if the single-core processor will hamper performance any. It’s not even certain if that will be the processor it houses once it’s launched so don’t write this one off just yet. No one will truly know until it’s all made official so let’s not sweat it. Take a quick look above. [PhoneArena]

PCD Chaser heads to Virgin Mobile USA for $80

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 06:43 AM PDT

Virgin Mobile has announced availability of the PCD Chaser, a new budget smartphone for those who like living life without contracts. It’s unsurprisingly lacking in power, but what it’s missing in specs is made up for in its price. The device will cost just $80. Virgin is marketing this as a perfect phone for first-time smartphone owners, and I’d say that are right.

It features a 3.2 inch display, a 3 megapixel camera, an 800MHz processor, and Android 2.3 with Virgin Mobile ID (or Sprint ID if you’re not familiar).

It runs on Sprint’s network, of course, so you’ll be getting the same coverage as those who are on the Now Network. The phone is available now online, and if you’d rather wait for it to hit store shelves then September-October is the waiting period Virgin’s afforded to us.

HTC One X for AT&T may be $99 soon

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 06:13 AM PDT

The HTC One X could do with some rejuvenation sales wise, it seems, as recent rumors suggest the AT&T version could soon be getting a price drop. An XDA user claiming to be an AT&T rep has possibly leaked information that it will soon be just $99 for the privilege to own it.

We’re not sure how trustworthy the information is but the plain-text document offered as proof doesn’t do much to solidify its legitimacy.

Regardless, it’s not crazy to believe that AT&T could soon be willing to offer this phone for the price of a budget phone (especially considering how fast the supposed Windows Phone flagship dropped in price). Let’s hope this won’t take long to come into effect if true. [via Engadget]

Team Great Britain honored with limited edition Galaxy S3

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 04:57 AM PDT

We definitely needed yet another Galaxy S3 limited edition, didn’t we? Carphone Warehouse in the UK has just announced a limited edition version of the Samsung Galaxy S3.

The special version of the phone honors Team Great Britain in the Olympic games with unique UK-related designs. As with other limited editions the biggest (and probably only) difference is with the device’s custom battery door.

You’ll also get the original battery door in case you are no longer interested in representing Team GB after the games are over. The package will be available August 1st for free on a £28 per month tariff with Vodafone, Orange, O2, T-Mobile, Talk Mobile and Three. Read on for full press details.

Samsung Chat-On update prepares for the Olympic games

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 04:48 AM PDT

As an official sponsor of the Olympic Games in London Samsung has been busy doing all it can to promote the event which doesn’t need promoting. This time they’ve updated their Chat-On app to include an “Olympic Buddy” feature. This feature will give you quick access to daily schedules, a medal tracker, and breaking news associated with the event.

But that’s not even the most they’ve done in this big upgrade. They’ve added a walkie-talkie feature for quick voice chats, the ability to see someone’s typing status in real time, the ability to edit a buddy’s name, the ability to zoom in and out of a photo, and a way to download new skins. There is also a new ChatON logo and a collection of bug fixes. Find it in the Google Play Store.
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