Saturday, July 28, 2012

AndroidGuys

AndroidGuys

Another one bites the dust: Sony confirms no Jelly Bean for Xperia Arc S and Xperia Mini Pro

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 04:33 PM PDT

It's a sad day for Xperia Arc S and Xperia Mini Pro users, as Sony UK has revealed via some Facebook comments that neither device will be getting any Android 4.1 love. This is the first that we've heard from Sony in regards to Jelly Bean updates, and it doesn't look good for the rest of the 2011 Xperia lineup. The Arc S had the highest specs of the line, so it's safe to assume that if Jelly Bean isn't coming to (arguably) the best device of the set, none of the others will see it either. It's really a shame, as there were some nice devices that came from Sony in 2011.

It's likely that Sony will update the 2012 Xperia line, although we haven't heard anything to suggest such an update. Sony might want to think about releasing an update schedule fairly soon, as not many OEMs have announced Jelly Bean update plans yet. The photos below show the Sony UK Facebook account comments, which are admittedly a bit saddening to read.

No word from Sony on any other devices, but we hope to get a full list of which devices made (or didn't make) the cut soon. More on this as it develops.

So, do we have any Xperia Arc S or Xperia Mini Pro users out there that are disappointed by this news? Sound off in the comments!

Source Xperia Blog

 

Another one bites the dust: Sony confirms no Jelly Bean for Xperia Arc S and Xperia Mini Pro originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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HTC explains reason for no Android 4.0 on Desire HD

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 02:06 PM PDT

HTC has written a post on their official blog which details the reasons for not providing Android 4.0 on the Desire HD.  Citing a number of reasons and options explored, HTC feels that the user experience would ultimately fall short of their standards.  While it's not the end result that consumers are looking for, we applaud HTC for taking the harder stance here.  The last thing they need is to have users complaining over how poorly the device performs after the update.  It would be nearly impossible to forecast partition sizes and hardware requirements in mid-2010.  That said, there's still some rationale and justification for consumer complaints.

Here's the official statement as found on HTC's 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.

HTC explains reason for no Android 4.0 on Desire HD originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Five for Friday: Android apps for following the 2012 Summer Olympics

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 01:42 PM PDT

As many of you know, the London 2012 Summer Olympics officially kick off this evening and run for the next two-plus weeks.  Seeing as most of us have obligations (work, family, sleep), we cannot stay glued to the TV  to keep up with all of the events and festivities.  Try as we might, there's just no physical way to do it.  That said, it's not impossible to stay in the know and up-to-date with each sport and those who medal.

Below you will find five apps for tracking the 2012 Olympics from your Android device.  While we recognize that there are a few other apps available, we happen to like these particular titles more than others and think you'll enjoy them.  We also appreciate that you've got your own favorite apps to follow sports and the Olympics so to that end we ask that you share with us in the comments!  NOTE: Some apps will not be compatible with your device, likely a result of your country or market.

This week's topic: Android apps for following the 2012 Summer Olympics

London 2012 Results App

As one of multiple official applications for the London 2012 games, this Results app ensures you are able to track the things that have already happened.  Want to see how a specific country or athlete is doing?  This is the one you'll want.  Additional features include a calendar of events, personalized news and updates, social commentary, and photos.   While London 2012 Results App tracks all 36 games of the Olympics, it's also a great app for staying up on the 21 Paralympics sports.  Round out your mobile experience with London 2012 Join In App!

 

BBC Olympics

Given that the games take place in London, it's only fitting that the BBC has a great app for tracking the Olympics. Features here are quite robust and include up to 24 live streams, on demand video (3G/4G/Wi-Fi), and dedicated pages to every sport, country, and athlete.  What's more, there's the other stuff you expect such as a medals table, top stories, schedule, and live commentary.  Like any good Android app allows, users can share stories, videos, and other results across social networks and email.

NBC Olympics

Perhaps the most feature-rich app available to U.S. residents, this NBC client provides everything but the kitchen sink.  Get news, videos, photos, results, and medal information for every sport and every member of Team USA.  Engage with other followers and fans across Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ and chat over your favorite participants. At night, the Primetime Show televised on NBC turns the app into a second screen experience that helps round out the live broadcast. Should you wish to watch live coverage of the events throughout the next few weeks, NBC Olympics Live Extra will provide that, and much more.

 

Samsung: Take Part 2012

Remember when we told you Samsung would be a big player in the sponsor and advertisement area of the games?  This is proof positive of those rumors.  More game than app, this one lets users play 3D and Augmented Reality games on behalf of their country.  Weighing it at a whopping 104MB, Samsung: Take Part 2012 features HD graphics and a sharp user interface, players can challenge their Facebook friends and compete for the global leaderboard.  Additional features include a 360-degree view of the Games Venues, late breaking news, polls, and more.  Oh, and there's also a tour of the GALAXY S III - You know, in case you didn't know much about  Samsung's new phone.

2012 Olympic Now!!!

As a hybrid of two other apps (2012 Olympic Schedule, 2012 Olympic Results-Medals ), this one gives you all the stuff you'd expect, including news, medal counts, schedules, and more.  We like the user interface and the color scheme and really appreciate the push notifications for each medal sport. The "discover" section of news seems to pull in just about anything with an Olympics-related title however we're fans of the sources anyways.

Your Turn

What apps are you using to follow the Olympics this summer? Is it one of these or do you prefer to use your other sports-related apps?  Leave a comment below with your picks and faves!

Five for Friday: Android apps for following the 2012 Summer Olympics originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Casio debuts pair of rugged Android 4.0 tablets

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 08:34 AM PDT

Casio today announced a pair of Android tablets designed for business users who find themselves in the field on a regular basis.  Built around the idea of keeping things Smart and Tough, the 4.0 two tablets offer shock-resistant designs to withstand drops and come with IP54 standards to protect against dust and splashes.

We're not exactly sure of the differences between the V-T500-GE and V-T500E  tablets as they come with similar specs.  Details include 10.1-inch displays with LED backlight, 1.5 GHz dual-core processors, NFC read/write, digital pen support (sold separately), hand belts for secure holding, and a neck strap.

Pricing and availability are not immediately clear so we're hoping to get more information soon.  That said, these look like the types of tablets that you'll see on construction sites, up on telephone poles, and (literally) in a field.

Via: FarEastGizmos

 

Casio debuts pair of rugged Android 4.0 tablets originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Google Handwrite allows you to write what you want to search

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 08:29 AM PDT

Google started as a search engine, and today their main priority and focus is still that. Today, it's known as the father of all the search engines, and Google planned to take their mobile search experience to next level. Introducing Google Handwrite, which allow the user to search by writing letters with your finger most anywhere on your device display. Like if you don't want to type because you just hate it, or you are somewhere in a crowded street corner, or stuck in a box, then this is your way out for an accurate search. Have a look on the video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

It's funny when you are on a treadmill and searching for cupcakes, ironic right? The feature is available for  Android 2.3+ phones and Android 4.0+ tablets, and to activate this feature, go to Google.com in your mobile browser, tap on Settings and enable "Handwrite" and you are good to go. Anyway, it's an amazing addition by Google and I am sure people will appreciate it. Tell us what do you think about this feature in the comment box below.

Source: Google 

Google Handwrite allows you to write what you want to search originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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MetroPCS Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G revealed, resembles the DROID Charge

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 08:08 AM PDT

MetroPCS is one of the leading regional carriers in USA and they are offering a bunch of good Android powered devices. Now it seems that they are looking forward to extend their Android line by launching the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray. Few months ago, there was a word on street that Samsung Conquer 4G is actually the Galaxy S Lightray, but now according to latest reports, the device you can see in the image above is the Galaxy S Lightray, and it remind us about the Verizon DROID Charge, though there are some changes under the hood.

About the specs, it features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED+ display, 8-megapixel camera with LED flash on its back, 1.3MP front-facing camera for video chatting, it comes with 16GB microSD card,  HDMI-out, Mobile Hotspot, and it's also featuring 4G LTE connectivity. Though few things are not confirmed, like we don't know about the processor it's running on, also the resolution of the display. It's probably featuring Android 4.0, but it seems that it will run Gingerbread, also it might be running on a single-core processor with 1.3GHz clock speed.

Hopefully, we will see this device in mid-August, so are you planning to grab it? Tell us about it in the comment box below.

Via: PhoneArena

MetroPCS Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G revealed, resembles the DROID Charge originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Images and details for Verizon’s Pantech Star Q surface

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 08:00 AM PDT

The first details and images for Verizon's next Pantech smartphone have landed online, suggesting a low-cost Breakout successor is close at hand. According to a source close to Android and Me, the Pantech Star Q looks to run Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich and feature a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor.  Additional specs are reported to include a 4-inch WVGA display, 3-megapixel rear camera, front-facing camera, and 4G LTE connectivity.

As you can see from the image above, the Pantech Star Q features a sliding QWERTY keyboard, something its predecessor lacked.  Considering the rumored $99 price point and timing, this will likely be pushed late summer as kids head back to school or college.

What's your impression of the Pantech Star Q thus far?  Would you consider one for $99 or do you need more from your Android?

UPDATE: It appears that this handset may also have a different name as PhoneArena is reporting on a Pantech Marauder with similar specs.

 

Images and details for Verizon’s Pantech Star Q surface originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Virgin Mobile USA debuts PCD $79.99 Chaser

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 07:05 AM PDT

Virgin Mobile USA today announced a new Android handset for first-time smartphone buyers who aren't ready to drop a lot of money.  Called the PCD Chaser, the device costs only $79.99 and features a respectable assortment of hardware and software.

Specs include an 800MHz processor, 512MB ROM, 512MB RAM, 3.2-inch HVGA display, and 3-megapixel camera.  The PCD Chaser, which runs Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, also comes with 2GB microSD card, a 1450mAh battery, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and 3G connectivity.  Running on the Sprint network, the smartphone comes preloaded with Virgin Mobile Live, Virgin Mobile ID Packs, Facebook, Twitter, and other apps.

As a reminder, Virgin Mobile's Beyond Talk unlimited data and messaging plans start at $35 per month.

 

 

 

Virgin Mobile USA debuts PCD $79.99 Chaser originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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