Wednesday, August 1, 2012

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Google Android News Android Forums

Google Delays Nexus Q Launch; Gives Them for Free to Those Who Pre-Ordered

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 03:52 PM PDT

In a stunning twist, Google has indefinitely delayed the launch of their Nexus Q device. While it’s bad news for some that were eager to get their hands on it, it’s great news for the customers that pre-ordered the device. Google sent out an e-mail to the customers who pre-ordered stating that they’re extending their “Nexus Q preview” and giving the device for free.

This is a wonderful PR move by the search giant considering they promised a July launch for the Nexus Q. Due to the delay, it only makes sense to extend the developer preview from Google IO attendees to the folks that pre-ordered who are expecting the device by now. There’s no time table on when Google plans on launching the device, but we’ll be sure to inform you once we know. Did any of you guys pre-order the Nexus Q? If so, I’m sure this is wonderful news for you! You can read the official e-mail from Google after the break.

We have an important update about your Nexus Q pre-order.

When we announced Nexus Q at Google I/O, we gave away devices to attendees for an early preview. The industrial design and hardware were met with great enthusiasm. We also heard initial feedback from users that they want Nexus Q to do even more than it does today. In response, we have decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better.

To thank you for your early interest, we'd like to extend the Nexus Q preview to our pre-order customers and send you a free device. If you had other items in your order, your credit card will be charged for those items only.

Your Nexus Q will be on its way soon and you will receive a notification and tracking number from Google Play when it ships.

The Nexus Q Team

 

 

FCC orders Verizon Wireless to pay a fine of $1.25 million and can no longer block tethering apps

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 01:48 PM PDT

Back when Verizon bid on the 700MHz C Block spectrum, it was understood that there were open device and application obligations. According to the FCC this means any licensees providing service on the C Block Spectrum "shall not deny, limit, or restrict the ability of their customers to use the devices and applications of their choice on the licensee's C Block network." This C Block spectrum is what Verizon uses for its LTE network.

We have written about various tethering apps which allow you to connect your desktop or other devices to your phone via USB or WiFi in order to get an internet connection and use that data. As we know Verizon has always charged customers $20 per month for this privilege. Not only that, any tethering apps were generally blocked from the Google Play Store (formerly the Android Market) and other app stores.

The FCC has been investigating these practices and just released a $1.25 million consent decree with Verizon Wireless that resolves the investigation. The consent decree basically means that Verizon will pay the fine along with an agreement to stop restricting up to 11 tethering apps, and at the same time, they didn’t admit to any wrongdoing.

Interestingly enough, Verizon is no longer charging for tethering with their new Share Everything plans that started a little over a month ago. This still means that other customers that don’t have unlimited data will now have access to the tethering apps (only if they are LTE customers). Why not just allow for direct hot spots from the phone moving forward? As to customers that are grandfathered with unlimited data, Verizon will still be allowed to charge those customers the $20 per month fee, but I can’t see how they can block those customers from the free tethering apps. The remaining question is what happens to the data capped customers who paid the $20 per month over time. I smell a class action suit.

source: fcc
via: arstechnica

Google Maps updated with live NYC subway service updates

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 11:57 AM PDT

Google has today pushed out an update to Google Maps that is sure to bring a smile to the face of the subway commuters of New York City. Simply look up any one of the 468 stations in the city, or plan a route that passes through one, and you’ll be presented with real time disruption alerts and service updates. The feature is available on desktop and the Android application right now, say goodbye to untimely delays!

Google added the same feature to the London Underground back in April, just in time to look after all those Olympic fans descending upon the city. Perhaps this is just another stepping stone in a much bigger journey. Are you hopeful to see live subway updates for your city? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: Google Lat Long Blog

Pantech Marauder to launch on Verizon on Aug. 2nd

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 09:23 AM PDT

Following up on our earlier report regarding the Pantech Star Q, today Verizon announced availability of the device as the Pantech Marauder. Targeted at first-time smartphone customers, the device features a dual-interface option – Starter Mode or Standard Mode. Starter Mode features four homescreens with preset widgets, including a quick dialer enabling users to make calls directly from the home screen. Standard Mode is a normal Android interface.

Besides the dual-interface options, the phone also offers dual-keyboard options with both the Android powered virtual keyboard on the screen and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. From a hardware standpoint, the device offers a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor with 1 GB of RAM, support for a 32 GB microSD card, and 4G LTE capability.

The Pantech Maruader will be available starting on Aug. 2 for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year agreement. More details are available in the press release after the break.

Pantech Marauder™ To Launch On The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network
Dual-Interface Option and QWERTY Keyboard Make Pantech Marauder the Perfect Crossover Choice for Basic Phone Customers Switching to a Smartphone

BASKING RIDGE, NJ and HAUPPAUGE, NY — Verizon Wireless and Pantech today announced the 4G LTE-powered Pantech Marauder™ is coming exclusively to America's largest 4G LTE network starting Aug. 2.  The Pantech Marauder provides first-time smartphone customers with a dual-interface option, allowing customers to fit the device to their lifestyles or specific needs.

Brought to market by Personal Communications Devices, LLC (PCD), the Pantech Marauder offers customers the option to choose between Starter Mode and Standard Mode.  Starter Mode is a simplified and more intuitive experience that is perfect for those who are new to the smartphone world.  This option eases first-time customers into the smartphone experience with the help of four easy-to-learn home screens featuring preset widgets and an uncluttered, easy-to-use lock screen.  Starter Mode also features a quick dialer icon that allows customers to make phone calls directly from the home screen.  Standard Mode is a general smartphone setting for those who are familiar with the Android™ experience.  It offers up to seven fully customizable home screens and a customizable lock screen with quick access to frequently used applications.  All settings are maintained when switching between modes so customers do not have to worry about losing information.

The Pantech Marauder features a virtual keyboard as well as a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, making it the perfect choice for messaging aficionados and for those who want an excellent messaging experience.  With the 5-megapixel camera, customers can take pictures, capture high-definition video, and easily share them as well as video chat with family and friends, using the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.

Additional features

  • Notification Curtain that displays quick on/off settings, phone settings, connectivity and sync, social media and email
  • On device help section provides guided tours for first-time smartphone customers to help learn the tips and tricks of their new device
  • 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB RAM
  • Support for Google™ Mobile Services, including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google+, Google Search™ and Google Maps™, as well as access to the Google Play Store
  • Share media with friends and colleagues wirelessly to DLNA®-enabled devices
  • Bluetooth® Version 3.0 Support Profiles: headset, hands-free, object push, advanced audio distribution (stereo), audio/video remote control, file transfer and phone book access
  • Daily Life Assistants such as clock, calendar and weather
  • Easy access email that is compatible with Microsoft® Exchange, Yahoo!® Mail, Windows Live®, AOL®, Gmail
  • microSD™ card slot with support for up to 32 GB
  • Mobile Hotspot capable to share 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices

The Pantech Marauder will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com starting Aug. 2 for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.  Customers receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.  New customers that purchase a Pantech Marauder smartphone will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Share Everything plan.  Customers can purchase unlimited talk and text messaging with 1 GB of data for $90 monthly access.  Customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/shareeverything for additional information on data plans.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.c

About Pantech
Pantech Co., Ltd., is one of Korea's top three mobile handset makers. Pantech has received wide-ranging industry recognition for its innovative handset designs, and has also introduced a significant number of breakthrough technologies in the mobile phone industry. Established in 1991, Pantech collectively has approximately 3,000 employees and 4 regional sales offices worldwide. For more information on Pantech, please visit www.pantechusa.com.

Samsung’s Music Hub is now available in the U.S. for certain Galaxy S III owners

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 09:07 AM PDT

It didn’t take long for Samsung to reap the benefits of their recent acquisition of mSpot as they launched their new Music Hub service for international Galaxy S III users a few months ago. Today Samsung is announcing that it’s finally available to U.S. users. Music Hub is the first all-in-one mobile music service because it features a cloud locker, millions of songs that you can stream or purchase, the ability to make customized radio stations, and get personalized recommendations. It’s kind of like what you would get it Google Music married Slacker Radio.

The cloud locker is actually a lot like Apple’s cloud matching service, but Samsung will store all your unmatched music. What it does is scan all your music and match all your stuff to their database at 320kbps. If they can’t match it, the song will upload to your locker of which you get 100 GB of storage (for unmatched songs). Samsung offers a desktop version of the Music Hub software that will scan all your music and upload those unmatched tunes. It will also automatically scan or upload any new stuff you add to your collection just like Google Music. It will even upload your playlists, and from what the reps told me, it will handle iTunes and WMP playlists. That is already better than Google Music as it’s only compatible with iTunes playlists.

Samsung doesn’t stop there as you can choose from over 19 million songs to stream or purchase and you can make your own custom stations just like what Pandora and Slacker offer. You can build you own playlists and even get personalized recommendations based on what you listen too.

Music Hub will cost $9.99 per month, but they are giving Free 30-day trials (plus a free album) to everyone so you can try it out and see what you think. There is one piece of bad news though as this is only available to owners of the U.S. Cellular and AT&T Galaxy S III. They promise that announcements will come soon for the T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless versions. I have no idea why they would need carrier approval for this, but nonetheless it is what it is. Eventually Music Hub will open up to more Samsung phones, but for now it’s just for the Galaxy S III.

For more information click here



 

Full press release:

Samsung Mobile Launches Music Hub in U.S. on Galaxy S III with a Free 30-Day Trial

3-in-1 mobile music solution lets you upload your music collection to the cloud, stream and purchase songs from an extensive catalog, and listen to personal radio

DALLAS (July 31, 2012) — Samsung Music Hub – the first completely integrated, all-in-one mobile music service – is now available in the U.S. on the Galaxy S® III. Music Hub simplifies and enhances the everyday experience of listening to music. The mobile music service provides a rich music experience for everyone whether users are an avid collector wanting easy access to their own music collection, someone with ever-changing music tastes, that likes to sample a broad selection of music and genres or who prefers radio.

A free 30-day trial of the service will be extended to new Music Hub users in the U.S. New subscribers also will be able to choose a free album that will be instantly available on their Galaxy S III and can also be uploaded to their personal music collections on the internet.

"We're redefining mobile music by offering a more integrated experience on the handset and lifting the barriers to your music.  Our service encompasses all music including your own collection in the cloud, a robust streaming catalog that is seamlessly integrated with a music store, and a personal radio service that caters to all of your music moods and genres," said TJ Kang, senior vice president of the media services team for Samsung. "By providing a free album and trial, we hope Galaxy S III owners will experience for themselves a new, intuitive and easy way to discover music."

Based on the technology services of mSpot, a leading mobile content service provider recently acquired by Samsung, the new Music Hub service will initially be available on Samsung Galaxy S III devices sold through leading U.S. carriers. Galaxy S III users can access the application directly on select handsets and via the Samsung App Store or Google Play. More information on accessing Music Hub on select handsets can be found at: http://www.samsung.com/us/article/music-hub-all-the-music-you-want-all-in-one-place. This pairing with the Galaxy S III is ideal as the overall Music Hub experience has been optimized and specifically designed for mobile devices. Advanced streaming and downloading options let users save storage space, play music when offline, and cut down on mobile data usage. Audio settings are designed to prolong battery life and ensure smooth streaming even under spotty network coverage.

The Music Hub service will be offered as both a free and premium version.

Music Hub Store (free) allows users to:

  • Access millions of songs from the 7digital catalog – which includes music from all four major labels (Sony, EMI, Universal, and Warner), plus select independents– from which users can buy tracks and albums, as well as listen to 30-second previews of all songs
  • Store purchased music in the cloud, allowing it to automatically load on all registered Music Hub devices, while still being available on those registered devices locally for offline listening
  • Use the Music Hub web player, in addition to the mobile app, with which users can access their music library and the Music Hub catalog/store online at www.musichub.com

Music Hub Premium ($9.99 per month, with a free 30-day trial offered) offers access to all of the free version features, as well as:

  • A Scan & Match Cloud Locker: Upload music to the cloud to play it on any device registered with a Music Hub account. Music Hub also utilizes scan-and-match technology to decrease upload time and ensure high-quality playback. Any unmatched songs are directly uploaded from user's library to the cloud offering 100 GB of storage for all unmatched songs, so users can access rare or personal recordings across their devices. Music Hub also automatically updates playlists or music purchases music updated across all registered devices.
  • A catalog of millions of songs for purchase AND streaming: Enjoy full access to 7digital's entire Music Hub catalog, including music from all four major labels, to stream or purchase, with unlimited plays and no advertisements. Search for new music, create playlists, share songs with friends, and view lyrics and album information.
  • Personalized and Custom Radio: Create personal stations based on favorite songs and artists, or browse genre stations recommended and custom-created by the Music Hub team. Users also can tag songs they like to find and play back later.
  • Customized Recommendations: Discover great new songs, artists, albums and radio stations all the time – and the more users listen, the better Music Hub's recommendations will get.

Samsung, Music Hub, Galaxy and Galaxy S are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, (Samsung Mobile) a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets, wireless infrastructure and other telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About mSpot

mSpot is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., which was formed in 2004 and acquired by Samsung in 2012. A provider of innovative music and video delivery service for mobile devices, the company has been offering white-labeled cloud entertainment services for mobile carriers such as AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. It also has its own brand services available in the Android Marketplace or App Store. For more information, go to www.mspotcorporate.com

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2011 consolidated sales of US$143.1 billion. Employing approximately 206,000 people in 197 offices across 72 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LED. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world's most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About 7digital Limited

7digital is a leading digital content technology company based in London. Through 7digital's download store (http://www.7digital.com ) and mobile applications, consumers can access over 19 million legal high quality music tracks, as well as audiobooks and videos, at competitive prices across Europe, North America and beyond. Combining 7digital's secure and robust technology platform with the broadest agreements in the digital media industry, the company provides comprehensive digital download and streaming services to a wide range of partners and brands around the world.  7digital's enterprise level Application Programming Interface (API) is used by 300 partners globally, including Samsung's Music Hub. 

By Carrier: Getting Music Hub on the Samsung Galaxy S III

  • ·         AT&T

o   Download Music Hub from Samsung S Suggest or Google Play

o   Once the application is installed, simply touch the Music Hub icon to start using the service.

o   Open the Music Hub app on your Galaxy S III

o   Sign in with your existing Samsung account or create a new Samsung account.

o   You will need to enter your credit card information when you create an account and sign-up for the free 30-day trial of Music Hub Premium The credit card you enter will be charged when you purchase songs from the store or if you choose to stay subscribed to Music Hub Premium past the 30-day trial

o   When you start the free trial or subscribe to Music Hub Premium, you can upload your music to the cloud and have it automatically appear on your device by going to www.musichub.com from your computer and installing the uploader.

  • ·         US Cellular

o   Before using the Samsung Music Hub application, the preloaded app on your device must be updated to the latest version. You can download the latest version of Music Hub from Samsung S suggest  or Google Play store.

o   To sign up for Music Hub:

§  Once the download is complete, open the Music Hub app from your mobile device.

§  Sign in with your existing Samsung account or create a new Samsung account.

§  You will need to enter your credit card information when you create an account and sign-up for the free 30-day trial of Music Hub Premium. The credit card you enter will be charged when you purchase songs from the store or if you choose to stay subscribed to Music Hub Premium past the 30-day trial.

§  When you start the free trial or subscribe to Music Hub Premium, you can upload your music to the cloud and have it automatically appear on your device by going towww.musichub.com from your computer and installing the uploader.

  • ·         Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon

o   Music Hub availability has not yet been announced for Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Galaxy S III devices. Additional carrier availability will be announced at a later date.

New Samsung Galaxy S Duos resembles the Galaxy S III but not the specs

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 08:55 AM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy S Duos S7562 is the latest dual-SIM offering and this newer version sports the “inspired by nature” look of the Galaxy S III. Unfortunately the specs won’t quite impress, but they really don’t have to since it’s not all that necessary for the market segment. It will sport a 4-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display, 1GHz single core processor, 512MB RAM, 5MP rear camera, VGA (640 x 480) front camera, and 4GB of internal storage. On the good news front, Ice Cream Sandwich is on board. Right now we don’t have any details on when, where, or how much, but there seems to be a plan for a launch in India by the end of the summer.

source: engadget

Samsung’s designs from 2006 were similar to the iPhone but well before Apple released it

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 08:18 AM PDT

Samsung and Apple are going head to head this week and we’ve shown you trial briefs from both companies (Samsung / Apple). The bottomline in this case is that Apple feels Samsung copied them. The bottomline to me is that it’s really a joke that they are spending all this money to “fight over rectangles” as quoted by Samsung's Chief Product Officer Kevin Packingham.

Furthermore, Samsung will show the court the designs above, which were possibilities for the Summer of 2006, well before the iPhone was released in 2007. In fact one of these ended up being the Samsung F700, and believe it or not, Apple went after Samsung for it only to retract when they learned it was designed before the iPhone. Then there is the whole discussion on if Apple copied Sony. This is all one big joke and the attorneys are laughing all the way to the bank. Hit the break for another image, but this time it’s Samsung’s proposed OS. Look similar?

source: bgr

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Models In Italy Get Android 4.0 Update

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 07:07 AM PDT

 

As you’re already aware, Samsung initiated the Android 4.0 rollout to many of its devices. As some of their smartphones and especially their tablets have seen a taste of ICS, others have yet to see the update— and that’s why Sammy announced the rollout of ICS to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (GT-P7500). While this is indeed exciting news, please keep in mind that the update is for P7500 users in Italy only at this time, but the hope is that the update will soon be rolled out to owners of the device in other markets.

If you live in Italy and own the tablet, you can use Samsung KIES or OTA for this update— but make sure the WIFI is on if you plan to update via OTA. Those of you GT-P7500 owners in other markets just sit tight, the update should be on its way sooner than later.

source: SamMobile

 

Sony LT29i Smartphone Gets Hands-On Treatment

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 06:43 AM PDT

 

You all remember that sleek Sony LT29i "Hayabusa" smartphone we told you about? Well, there are more details beginning to leak out for the mysterious smartphone. The gang at ePrice got hold of an engineering prototype of the LT29i and shared some detailed photos which highlight some of the smartphone’s features. For starters, you’ll note it’s somewhat similar in design to Sony’s also elusive LT30p smartphone— though the LT29i has more rounded corners. In addition, we have a better idea of the LT29i’s 720p display and solid viewing angles that are certainly comparable to other premium smartphones like the HTC One X. Among other items featured are an illuminated Xperia logo and the smartphone’s NFC chip

Now that we have a better idea of how the smartphone looks like and operates, it shouldn’t be too long before it’s finally released. All Sony needs to do now is change up the dated Sony Ericsson logo on the front and we’ll be in business. Hit the break and source link for additional shots of the smartphone.

 

 

 

source: Xperia Blog

Xperia Tipo Headed to O2 and Orange in the UK

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 06:12 AM PDT

Entry-level smartphones have a proper place in the today’s market, they allow for anyone on a budget to become connected to the world and are great for kids. The Xperia Tipo is Sony’s latest device for the entry-level market and is set to launch on O2 next month. The Tipo was announced last month and comes with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwhich and Sony’s UXP NXT software.

The Xperia Tipo is fun-sized, coming in at 3.2-inches, sporting an 800MHz CPU, a 3.2MP rear camera, and a 1500mAh battery, which Sony claims is capable of more than 24 hours of usage. The internal storage is split up between 768MB for applications and 2.5GB for media, of course, you can expand this via a microSD card. We have no official word on pricing but it is expected to sell for £100 on Pay As You Go, or possibly free on a two year contract. Orange lists the phone as “Coming Soon” on pay monthly.

source: Android Central
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