Android Central |
- Total Recall review - a mediocre game based on a mediocre movie
- Amazon hosting press event on Sept. 6 - new Kindle Fire on the way?
- wp clock 2 review - big, bold, and customizable live wallpaper
- HTC Proto device renders leak, now where's that phone headed?
- Tonight, on the Greatest Android Podcast in the World
- How to organize App icons into folders on the Samsung Galaxy S3
- Curiosity rover stars in Angry Birds Space Mars update
- Samsung announces free apps for Galaxy Note 10.1 owners
- Flickr for Android overhauled with new UI and new features
- Pandora update brings new UI
- Buffer review - the antidote for oversharers
- T-Mobile announces the no-contract Concord with Android 2.3 for $99
- Android 4.0 finally hits European Motorola RAZR and RAZR MAXX
- SAS: Zombie Assault 3 - familiar-feeling multiplayer zombie defense
- The winner: Whose Lloyd fan art submission has won them a Galaxy Note 10.1?
- Seidio Active Extended case review - protection with a kick(stand)
- Deal of the Day: Samsung Flip Case for Galaxy S3
- SIM-free Galaxy Nexus gets a price drop in the UK
- Follow us on Google+ at google.com/+androidcentral
- IFA 2012 preview - Galaxy Note 2, Xperia TX and more!
- Optimus Vu could come to Verizon as LG Intuition
- Budget-oriented Xperia J appears in leaked render
- Sony Mobile announces restructuring and layoffs
- Google Play Magazines updated with Nexus 7 and Jelly Bean fixes
- HTC says it's not cutting Beats Audio from its devices
| Total Recall review - a mediocre game based on a mediocre movie Posted: 23 Aug 2012 04:32 PM PDT Total Recall is in theaters and to go with it is an officially-licensed game by Jump Games. It’s a pretty straightforward on-rails shooter that follows in the footsteps of the sci-fi remake. You play through 11 levels, each one unraveling a bit more of the story with comic book-style vignettes sandwiched between each one. Every stage is peppered with power-ups acquired with quick taps between firefights and hosts a bunch of different challenges to complete. Accomplishing each one grants coins which you can use to buy new gear, though you can skip the hard work and just pay with in-app purchases to accelerate progress. 
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| Amazon hosting press event on Sept. 6 - new Kindle Fire on the way? Posted: 23 Aug 2012 03:07 PM PDT
Looking back at Amazon's Q2 2012 earnings, we learned the Kindle Fire remained a huge seller for the company. For a while now there have been plenty of rumors about the next device they'll be rolling out -- some say it'll be a phone while others say it will be a new Kindle Fire. In any case, Amazon has now sent us an invite for a press conference to be held on September 6. The invites are scant on details other than where to go and when to be there but the good news is, we'll be on hand to let you all know what it is. Have some thoughts on it? Drop them in the comments and let us know what you all think Amazon is cooking up. 
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| wp clock 2 review - big, bold, and customizable live wallpaper Posted: 23 Aug 2012 01:11 PM PDT wp clock 2 is a popular typographic-themed live wallpaper for Android, with a whole bunch of bold customizations to create a stylish and functional home screen background. Users can set different levels of opacity for lettering, different colors, and custom animations for the block of text. Time, date signal strength, weather, and other information can all be used in conjunction with your existing wallpaper images. 
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| HTC Proto device renders leak, now where's that phone headed? Posted: 23 Aug 2012 01:06 PM PDT
What you see above are pictures of the potentially forthcoming HTC Proto, a low- to mid-range device slated to be the potential successor to the HTC One V. Right off, the Proto looks to sport more of the design language found on the One X and One S, with rounded corners and black casing, dropping the "chin" off the front. Around back, you see a smooth soft-touch looking surface and Beats Audio branding. Expected specs on this device are a 4-inch 480x800 (WVGA) screen, 1GHz dual-core snapdragon processor and a 5 megapixel camera. Speculation is that this device may see a debut at IFA 2012, but we're not so sure. Also, it's a big world out there, and it's not uncommon to see a small, regional launch of a new low-range device. Be sure to follow all of our IFA coverage closely to see what's coming from HTC and happening in all things Android. Source: The Verge 
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| Tonight, on the Greatest Android Podcast in the World Posted: 23 Aug 2012 12:50 PM PDT
We're back to our usual time this week, and we've got a bunch to catch up on. Google Play Gift Cards are finally official, we'll preview next week's IFA conference in Berlin (we'll be there, by the way), plus we'll tell you why the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is a misunderstood Android tablet. So join Phil and the gang -- and, of course, the chat room -- live tonight at 2 a.m. BST / 9 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. PDT for the live broadcast. You should be there. You will be there. You must be there. After all, you are what makes it the Greatest Android Podcast in the World. Not at a computer? Pick up the free UStream Viewer from Google Play [link] and search for Android Central a little before the show (it won't appear until we go live). We'll see you there! AndroidCentral.com/live 
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| How to organize App icons into folders on the Samsung Galaxy S3 Posted: 23 Aug 2012 12:42 PM PDT
If you have been downloading apps like crazy since you got your new Galaxy S III, you need to organize them in folders to help find them in the future.The Samsung Galaxy S III ships with TouchWiz – Samsung’s own skin to the stock Android software. Out of the box, there is little organization or rhyme or reason as to how your apps wind up where they do. This can make finding them a bit of a challenge. 
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| Curiosity rover stars in Angry Birds Space Mars update Posted: 23 Aug 2012 11:29 AM PDT
Angry Birds Space just had a timely update to go along with all of the NASA Curiosity rover excitement. Here's the changelog for version 1.3 of Angry Birds Space.
Rovio and NASA have been pretty cozy throughout the Space version of Angry Birds, and it's great to see the game keeping up with the latest expedition. Even if you've played the snot out of the original Angry Birds, the latest version introduces a lot of new physics gameplay that's worth checking out. 
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| Samsung announces free apps for Galaxy Note 10.1 owners Posted: 23 Aug 2012 11:16 AM PDT
Good news for Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 early adopters -- Sammy’s announced that it’s teamed up with a number of high-profile developers to bring free apps to its new stylus-toting ICS tablet. In addition to Adobe Photoshop touch, which is bundled on the tablet, Samsung’s offering Note 10.1 owners, there’s rhythm creation app Drop the Beat, Spot the Difference and Where Is It? for the kids, and Need for Speed and Sonic 4. The full list is fairly exhaustive, and spans both the Google Play Store and Samsung’s own app store, so check it out after the break. All apps, Samsung says, have been optimized for use with the Note 10.1's Wacom-based S Pen. Source: Samsung 
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| Flickr for Android overhauled with new UI and new features Posted: 23 Aug 2012 11:05 AM PDT
It's been a really long time since Flickr for Android was updated with any sort of significance. Yahoo has finally managed to find the time to give the Android version some love though, and overall, it's looking pretty spiffy. A new UI is in effect and new features have been added that actually make the app worthwhile. Here's what's new --
Swiping between photos and sections works rather smoothly. If you're a hardcore photo nerd, you'll find editing metadata on the go is easy and pretty intuitive as well. Finally, the integrated sharing is there in such a way that makes sense. If you're still rocking that Flickr account, give it a go and let us what you think of it. Source: TNW 
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| Posted: 23 Aug 2012 10:57 AM PDT
Pandora has just released a much-welcomed update to its popular music app in the Google Play Store today. The update brings a completely refreshed and refined UI experience, that thankfully now follows Android 4.x guidelines, getting rid of the menu button and adding an overflow button on the right side of the top action bar. Behind the scenes, this update also adds the ability to review, rate and bookmark tracks in your song history and gives you access to full song lyrics and artist biographies. Visually, the app looks great -- especially when considering how it looked before. Everything is smooth and works properly. As we noted, the legacy menu button is gone and replaced with a proper Android 4.x overflow button. There are several nice touches in the smoothness of the app when moving between windows and a very subtle feature that uses a sliver of the bottom of the app to show the track progress. Pandora has also done something slick with the volume control. Instead of simply overlaying the phone's volume slider, they take control of it and put their own slider at the bottom of the app even when using the hardware volume keys. It auto-shows and auto-hides when you're done switching. We're quite impressed with the progress Pandora has made here, and we hope more app developers can take note. Check out a few screenshots of the refreshed UI after the break, then hit the Play Store link above to install it on your own device. 
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| Buffer review - the antidote for oversharers Posted: 23 Aug 2012 10:28 AM PDT In a nutshell, Buffer helps social media fans from oversharing by allowing you to schedule when items are published to your networks, be it a Facebook profile or page, Twitter feed, or LinkedIn account. There’s even App.net support. Users can add items to their Buffer from a bunch of different mobile apps, and if you’re in a the social media business, there’s a premium version that allows teams to cooperatively fill the queue. 
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| T-Mobile announces the no-contract Concord with Android 2.3 for $99 Posted: 23 Aug 2012 09:16 AM PDT
Want some Android on T-Mobile without the hassle of a two-year contract, a current operating system or 4G data? Then the T-Mobile Concord's your new choice. It'll run you $99.99, sports Android 2.3 Gingerbread on a 3.5-inch display and has a 2-megapixel camera. Manufactured by ZTE, basic specs include:
It'll be available Aug. 26. More: ZTE 
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| Android 4.0 finally hits European Motorola RAZR and RAZR MAXX Posted: 23 Aug 2012 08:44 AM PDT
After what seems like an eternity, Motorola RAZR and RAZR MAXX owners in Europe are finally receiving their Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OTA. Following a successful soak test, the build being pushed out is version 672.180.41. The download weighs a whopping 375.8MB, so you'll probably want to leave this one to Wifi rather than HSPA. As both RAZR and MAXX run the same firmware, the update file is also identical Once the update is applied, RAZR owners can look forward to a redesigned UI based upon the Android 4.x design language, as well as new lock screen enhancements and much improved performance. We tore down the RAZR ICS firmware when it first landed on Verizon's version, the Droid RAZR, in June, so check out our hands-on article for more info on what's changed. Anyone seeing ICS on their GSM RAZR this afternoon? Hit the comments and let us know. 
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| SAS: Zombie Assault 3 - familiar-feeling multiplayer zombie defense Posted: 23 Aug 2012 07:55 AM PDT Those of you peeved that you can’t play Call of Duty: Zombies because it’s limited to Xperia phones until September 1 may want to check out SAS: Zombie Assault 3. It offers online multiplayer wave defense with lots of guns and perks. SAS: Zombie Assault 3 uses a dual-joystick layout that works well enough given the game’s format. It can be tricky being precise without any guides in place. Zombies come in waves, and your sole goal is to stay alive long enough to mow them all down. As you might expect, the undead can hurt you pretty badly if they get close, so your job is to keep moving, keep shooting, and try not to work yourself into a corner where you’ll inevitably become surrounded. 
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| The winner: Whose Lloyd fan art submission has won them a Galaxy Note 10.1? Posted: 23 Aug 2012 07:29 AM PDT
After a couple of agonizing days going through the submissions in the Lloyd Fan Art contest, we have finally arrived at a decision. The winner of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is Android Central member roberttk1967 with his awesome digital creation above. Read what he has to say about this cool bit of art below, as well as check out a variation of the design and a peek behind the scenes! Congratulations Robert, and thanks to everyone that entered! 
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| Seidio Active Extended case review - protection with a kick(stand) Posted: 23 Aug 2012 07:04 AM PDT The Seidio Active Extended case is a more subdued version of its big brother, the Combo Extended case. You still have room for a larger battery in the back, but there’s one less layer of hard plastic to deal with. The big difference here is the metal kickstand with magnetic clip. This can make your Android device the perfect desktop clock, or a bedside companion for watching videos. 
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| Deal of the Day: Samsung Flip Case for Galaxy S3 Posted: 23 Aug 2012 06:34 AM PDT
The Samsung Flip Case is available for just $24.00, 40% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping. 
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| SIM-free Galaxy Nexus gets a price drop in the UK Posted: 23 Aug 2012 06:28 AM PDT
There maybe rumors on the horizon of a new Galaxy Nexus, but in the meantime you may want to pick yourself up a bargain from Expansys. They have dropped the price of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus 16GB (sim free) to £299.99. That's not quite as reasonable as the US price of $350, but it's still pretty cheap by UK standards. Without wanting to sound biased, you can do a lot worse than this device. Its specs may not be on par with the HTC One X or Samsung Galaxy S3, but it has a lot going for it. The big advantage for Android lovers is the fact that it supports Android 4.1, Jelly Bean. In addition, you will get yourself a 4.65 Super AMOLED display, a 5MP camera with LED flash & full HD video at 1080p. A familiar spec list by now. The Gnex's hardware is more than capable of handling Jelly Bean, and the whole experience is smooth and fluid. Why not treat yourself? Source: Expansys 
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| Follow us on Google+ at google.com/+androidcentral Posted: 23 Aug 2012 05:47 AM PDT
Now that we've got one of those new-fangled Google+ URLs, it's never been easier to follow Android Central on Google's social network. Hit up google.com/+androidcentral and follow us to keep on top of all the latest news, reviews, live coverage and community happenings! Also, Phil apparently got one, too. Catch him at google.com/+PhilNickinson. More: Android Central on Google+ 
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| IFA 2012 preview - Galaxy Note 2, Xperia TX and more! Posted: 23 Aug 2012 05:12 AM PDT
Image: James Cridland Next week we’ll see a wealth of new Android devices announced in Germany in the run up to IFA 2012. For the uninitiated, IFA is an annual consumer electronics show held in Berlin, which often serves as a launching platform for smartphone and tablet manufacturers -- think of it as a mini-Mobile World Congress. Last year’s IFA hosted the launch of the original Samsung Galaxy Note and Galaxy Tab 7.7, as well as the Xperia Arc S from Sony and two new Windows phones from HTC. This year’s event officially runs from Aug. 31 to Sep. 5, but many of larger announcements will be made in the couple of days before IFA officially kicks off. IFA 2012’s most significant Android announcements are expected to come from Samsung, which is preparing to take the wraps off its Galaxy Note 2. But we’re also anticipating new smartphones and tablets from Sony and others. Android Central will be on the ground in Berlin from early next week, but in the meantime, we’ve cooked up a definitive guide to exactly what we’re expecting to see at this year’s IFA. Read on to learn more. 
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| Optimus Vu could come to Verizon as LG Intuition Posted: 23 Aug 2012 03:58 AM PDT
We already know a Verizon-branded 4G LTE Optimus Vu is on the way, and now a leaked internal screen suggests the device will go to market as the "LG Intuition." The image above, obtained by Droid-Life, suggests an on-contract price of $199.99 for the LG's 5-inch square slab, or $549.99 if you were to buy one outright. So far the specs of the "Intuition" are something of a mystery. We think it's unlikely that Verizon will stick with the Snapdragon S3 that comes in the Korean and Japanese Optimus Vu, but equally they can't use the Tegra 3 chip found in the European version, as that doesn't have built-in LTE support. Perhaps a bump up to Snapdragon S4 could be on the cards? We certainly hope so, as the Vu will need all the help it can get to go up against Samsung's soon-to-be-announced Galaxy Note 2. For more on the LG Optimus Vu, check out our review. Source: Droid-Life 
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| Budget-oriented Xperia J appears in leaked render Posted: 23 Aug 2012 03:17 AM PDT
Another week, another Sony Xperia leak. Today it’s the turn of the budget-focused Xperia J, which has appeared in official render form on Taiwanese site ePrice. According to pre-release rumors, the Xperia J will sport internals similar to the Xperia Tipo (that is to say, pretty basic internals), but on a larger 4-inch FWVGA screen. In today’s image the J is definitely channeling some of last year’s Xperia Arc, with a curved back and angular buttons -- in fact, from the back, it's the spitting image of the Arc. This isn’t the first 2012 Sony phone to resurrect the Arc’s design, though. The Xperia GX, out now in Japan, sports a similar chassis design, as does the Xperia TX, which should be unveiled within the next week. We’ve always had a soft spot for the Arc design, so imagining all these little Arcs rolling off the production line makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The Xperia J (along with others, including the TX) is expected to appear for the first time at Sony’s IFA 2012 press conference in Berlin next Wednesday. We’ll be live from Germany to bring you full coverage of all Sony’s new devices. Source: ePrice, via: XperiaBlog 
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| Sony Mobile announces restructuring and layoffs Posted: 23 Aug 2012 02:57 AM PDT
Sony Mobile is to reorganize its affairs and reduce its workforce by around 15 percent, the company has announced. As part of these latest changes, Sony Mobile HQ will move from Lund, Sweden to Tokyo, Japan in October, resulting in the loss of around 650 jobs in the city, “primarily consultants,” Sony says. As part of its efforts to reduce costs across the board, Sony Mobile will lay off around 15 percent of its workforce (around 1000 people) by the end of its 2013 financial year in March 2014. Additionally, Sony says it will “redefine the roles and responsibilities” of its global development sites in Lund, Tokyo and Beijing to “leverage the strengths of each respective site.” Lund will continue to be an important site for Sony Mobile, the company says, one primarily focused on software development. With a tiny slice of the smartphone pie, and a negligible presence in the U.S. market, Sony Mobile will be hoping this restructuring, combined with its next round of Xperia smartphones and tablets (expected to be announced at IFA), will help growth and profitability. We’ve got today’s press release in full after the break. 
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| Google Play Magazines updated with Nexus 7 and Jelly Bean fixes Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:43 PM PDT
An update has just been pushed out to Google Play Magazines with a small but welcome set of improvements. Version 1.0.1 has home screen and library performance improvements, better recognition of available space for your magazines and bug fixes targeted at the Nexus 7 and Jelly Bean. These kinds of updates aren't glamorous, but we're okay with that. Every once and a while you've got to get excited about the ones that bring stability to your apps too. If you're a magazine reader, hit the Play Store link above and get your update. 
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| HTC says it's not cutting Beats Audio from its devices Posted: 22 Aug 2012 08:55 PM PDT
This is pretty cut and dry, folks. HTC tells Android Central that a rumor going 'round today about it cutting Beats Audio out of its smartphones simply isn't true. Here's the full line from HTC:
You may now feel free to plug in your headphones. 
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