Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Glu Mobile’s Eternity Warriors 2 Slashing Its Way Into The Play Store Tomorrow

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 05:19 PM PDT

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For Android gamers on tight budget who hate paying an entrance fee when doing a little gaming on their devices, listen up. Glu Mobile is getting ready to unleash the follow up to their hack n’ slash, gore-fest Eternity Warriors, with the aptly named Eternity Warriors 2 (no fancy subtitle).

According to DroidGamers, the game is set to release in the Play Store as early as tomorrow afternoon-ish. While gameplay and controls should feel mostly similar to those that’ve spent some time with the previous installment — find monsters, hack, slash, repeat — here’s all the features Eternity Warriors “Part Deux” will bring to the table when it arrives tomorrow:

It’s been 100 years since the First Demon War tore the land apart. Thanks to the Eternity Warriors the demon threat was held at bay. However the demons have been consolidating their power in a series of Demon Towers built in locations throughout Northern Udar.

You’ve been tasked with cleansing these Demon Towers and defeating an even deadlier demon army than before …

  • STUNNING HIGH DEFINITION visuals and EPIC MELEE gameplay!
  • Fluid REAL TIME COMBAT against dozens of NEW demon enemies!
  • ONLINE CO-OP MULTIPLAYER! Battle with a fellow warrior in the ONLINE MULTIPLAYER MODE!
  • Use your SPECIAL SKILLS to slice your way through MULTIPLE UNIQUE DUNGEONS!
  • COLLECT ARMOR, WEAPONS and other LOOT! Upgrade your gear to become the ultimate Eternity Warrior in Udar!

You better believe there will be a plethora of in-app purchases for gamers who need that competitive edge. Not the ideal business model for every gamer, but as previously mentioned, it’s nice for those on a budget. We’ll keep you posted once it lands in the Play Store tomorrow but for now, peep the gameplay trailer below.

Avast Mobile Security 2.0 brings major feature-set

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 03:55 PM PDT

Avast is looking to go above and beyond what competitors are doing in the mobile security realm. Its new app, Avast Mobile Security 2.0, is now available for download in the Google Play Store.

With this 3.8MB upgrade you’re getting a mobile interface for anti-theft, a network meter feature, the ability to have your URLs auto-corrected, the ability to scan incoming messages, real-time protection of apps, a brand new widget, improved tablet interface, and a lot more.

While I’m not one to take my mobile security that seriously, Avast’s product is shaping up to be the one app to give you everything you need (whether you thought you did or not). Jump ahead for the download. [Google Play Store]

AOKP Jelly Bean Build 1 now available

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 03:21 PM PDT

Ready for more ROM news? The team behind AOKP – or the Android Open Kang Project – has announced availability of the very first Jelly Bean build. If you’re not familiar, AOKP is based on the code base of CyanogenMod.

They take the nightlies,  release candidates, stable builds, and what have you and add bits of their own flavoring and bug fixes (hence the reason they didn’t have a “build 1″ until CyanogenMod 10 nightlies started).

The team isn’t accepting any bug reports at this time, and a formal changelog won’t be maintained until they start adding features of their own. Here’s what you’ll find under the lone horn of the magic unicorn:

  • Notification Toggles
  • Lockscreen tweaks (no custom targets yet)
  • Navigation bar modifications
  • Custom kernel performance options
  • LED colors
  • Notification wallpapers
  • Phone ringer modifications (Flip call to silent, silent/vibrate when headphones are in)
  • Plus more!

If you’re interested in seeing what they’ll be adding in the future, be sure to keep an eye on their Gerrit instance for new commits and changes. This is a great ROM to stick to while the CyanogenMod 10 team is getting things in order for a release candidate or stable build.

Unfortunately their starting list is small with the Nexus S being the lone device supported, but they’ve mentioned that they’re working on getting more devices added over time. Be sure to check the build 1 release page every day to see if your device will get some kang’d love. [via AOKP, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

MIUI gets Jelly Bean treatment, available for the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 02:26 PM PDT

 MIUI is one of the biggest ROMs in the Android world, and it has gotten even better starting today. The MIUI team has updated the code base to Jelly Bean, and except for the inclusion of Google Now and other Jelly Bean tweaks, things are largely as they used to be.

Users on the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus are first to the plate for this fast ball. The version you’re looking for is 2.8.17 and you can find it for your respective edition of the aforementioned devices over at the MIUI forums. Let us know how things turn out if you decide to flash it. Take a look at the full, lengthy changelog here.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Back to School with Android: everything a scholar needs for academic bliss

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 01:55 PM PDT

Many folks are heading back to school this week, and we’re sure there are many who are looking for ways to upgrade their classroom arsenal. There are many different devices, accessories, and apps that students can benefit from, and we bring you the best of the best to help you along those dreaded hallways of education. Sit back and read through our suggestions for the best collection of back-to-school goods with Android in mind.

Devices

Samsung Galaxy Note or Note 2

The name of this first device alone merits some attention. The Samsung Galaxy Note is quite the device for students with Samsung’s S-Pen technology being perfect for taking quick notes. With its 5.3 inch display, it’d be a nice device to use in favor of the tree-killing legal pads of yesteryear.

The device features Samsung’s dual-core Exynos processor in parts of the world not named “United States,” but those of you who frequent the land of the free will enjoy a dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor that is every bit as capable. Of course, if you’re not the type to write your notes on pads of this size then there are other devices to consider that will be perfect for you. We’ll get to those in a bit.

Folks in the United States can find the Galaxy Note available on T-Mobile ($600 with no on-contract option) or AT&T ($160 on contract). International readers can check their favorite retailer or carrier for availability. You can also buy an unlocked version (Exynos) from Amazon for $550. (Note: Samsung is expected to announce a 5.5 inch Galaxy Note 2 later this month, so keep that in mind before you pull the trigger on the original.)

ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity

This device is pricey, but for the power you’re getting it’s worth the extra money. The ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity is a 10.1 inch slate that features full, 1080p HD resolution. It’ll feed your multimedia addiction with its quad-core Tegra 3 processor by NVIDIA, and the heightened resolution gives you more screen real estate for working on those long spreadsheets or documents.

But the display and processor alone aren’t what makes this $500 tablet one to behold — it’s the keyboard dock that most will appreciate. The dock, a steep $150 add-on, will transform an entertainment device into something that could seriously handle a ton of school work.

With the exception of some quirky applications specific to certain majors, the Pad Infinity combined with the keyboard dock makes this an exceptional choice over a traditional netbook. Amazon carries the 32GB version for $500 here, and the accompanying keyboard dock can be had for $130 here.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Taking things right back to Samsung, we’re going to suggest you hold out for the Galaxy Note 10.1 if you need a big slate to write on. Like the smaller phone-enabled cousin, the Note 10.1 features the digitized stylus known as the S-Pen.

With over 1,000 points of sensitivity, the S-Pen can detect every bit of pressure you’ll put on the pen and will adjust the size and strength of your lines and letters as if you were writing with a ballpoint pen. Sure, capacitive styli is nothing new, but what really makes this experience shine is something that no single pen can emulate: the software.

Samsung’s designed TouchWiz with the note taker, drawer, and doodler in mind. S Memo will give you a bigger slate to take hand-written notes on. Adobe Photoshop will let you edit images with precision.

And it goes beyond the pen: Samsung’s Learning Hub is a perfect resource for students that provides textbooks and video and gives you a great studying tool that Samsung believes will enhance the learning experience.

I certainly wouldn’t mind having all my textbooks (something Samsung is aiming for over time) and related learning resources on my tablet. With encyclopedias and dictionaries, Learning Hub will be one very important tool for those who want to cut down on their cumbersome paper-based texts. The Galaxy Note 10.1 is due for launch worldwide later this month.

Nexus 7

And what would a back to school list be without a Nexus 7? This is actually one of the most accessible devices you can have. Students tend to be on tight budgets, and a starting point of $200 for an 8GB 7 inch tablet doesn’t sound bad at all. It helps that the tablet features a top of the line processor in the Tegra 3, and the beautiful build quality ASUS has made its reputation from.

The book-shaped device is perfect for reading, whether it be magazines, books, or something on the web. Thanks to the Google Play Store students can purchase a lot of their reading assignments without having to go to a third party merchant (though it wouldn’t be a bad idea to install the Amazon Kindle app on this thing, anyway).

It provides a nice balance between functionality and fun, and its 7 inch screen size is perfect for moving quickly with it on the go. Start with the 8GB or 16GB option from Amazon.

Accessories

Powerbag

What’s a student without a bag of some sort? Backpacks and slings are almost mandatory for students. There are just too many things that need to be carried, and no one wants to shoot back to their car or dorm every time they need something. If you’re going to purchase a new backpack for the new school year, why not make it a Powerbag?

The Powerbag derives its name from its ability to provide charging power for nearly any of your devices. Some of their more expensive models come with batteries of up to 6,000mAh, which is enough to charge the average smartphone 3.5 times, or charge a tablet once.

The bags are nicely designed and feature a translucent fabric to get a quick glance at the current battery capacity. You can easily charge the bag at night without having to take anything out, and that makes it all the more sensible to buy.

These things are built pretty well, too, so unless you’re storing an elephant on your back it should hold up for quite some time. You can order a variety of models over at Amazon.com right now. (How about starting with this popular model?)

Portable Batteries

I know we just got done praising the advent of the Powerbag, but a new backpack is either not possible or not desired for some people. For those who insist on remaining with their current tote of choice, an external battery shouldn’t be overlooked.

Since they’re external you can put them into any bag, and you can even stick it in your pocket if you want the added juice without needing added baggage. There are a nice assortment of them over at Amazon. Consider one that I personally vouch for: the NewTrent iMirror 6,000mAh battery on Amazon.

Mice, Keyboards, and Controllers, Oh My

A lot of people prefer the precision of using external input devices instead of the touchscreen, and I don’t blame them. That’s why we’re going to recommend some wireless accessories to use with most Bluetooth-enabled devices.

For starters, gamers will want to check out some form of wireless controller.

  • Logitech Wireless Gamepad: this device is very versatile when it comes to software compatibility, but you’ll need to have a phone or tablet with a full-sized USB port, a keyboard dock with a full-sized USB port, or a full-sized USB adapter. All solutions are subject to availability by each manufacturer.
  • PhoneJoy: this device enjoys a Bluetooth radio so you can easily connect it to any Bluetooth-enabled device you own. It pairs easily and will work beautifully for most games with gamepad support.
  • Gamestop Controller: GameStop offers a Bluetooth controller that is designed to be used with tablets, and like the PhoneJoy it should be fully compatible with any game that offers native gamepad support.

How about a generic keyboard stand compatible with many tablets? Logitech offers a $70 option (but $52 on Amazon as of the time of this writing) that will fit any tablet of any size as long as it runs Android 3.0 and higher. It’s Bluetooth enabled, and its carrying case doubles as the tablet stand so you can type at comfortable viewing angles. Grab it here if you’re interested.

And what’s a keyboard without a mouse? Logitech lets you complete the set for an extra $50 with this stylish-looking Bluetooth mouse. Unfortunately Amazon won’t have any in-stock until August 22nd, but you can grab one from Logitech’s site right now. Finally, you don’t need a Galaxy Note to use a capacitive stylus.

Consider NewTrent’s option. It enjoys a 4.5 star rating on Amazon on nearly 200 reviews, and with an omni-directional point it will be every bit as comfortable as real pen, and will be safe enough to use on tablets without scratching them. And if you need a real pen, this one features it! You can get a pack of two of these convenient things for $30 on Amazon.

Apps

Back to school goods don’t have to be physical. There are a host of apps that a student will find valuable in their quest to ditch the paper. Here’s a quick list of apps that you should be walking into class with on a daily basis:

  • AirDisplay: Air Display can turn any Android or iOS tablet into a second (or third, fourth and so on) display for your Windows or Mac PC. It works wirelessly, so no need for pesky cables laying around the desk. The experience may not be as smooth and seamless as a monitor’s, but for $9.99 it offers the convenience of multiple displays without breaking the pocket (if you already have a tablet, that is) or taking over your whole room.
  • QuickOffice: having an office suite to go has been a huge need in mobile, and that’s why there are so many options to choose from. It’s hard to beat QuickOffice, though. It’s one of the best developed office applications in the Play Store, and for $15 (phones) or $20 (HD/tablets) you’re getting tremendous value compared to the expensive office suites found on Windows and Mac.
  • Google Drive: another route to go for document creation and editing is Google Drive. Google Drive pulls double duty in its ability to host and share mostly any file. It’s great for groups of students working on a project because it allows for real-time collaboration: everyone can see your changes as soon as you make them. That alone is worth the free download.
  • Any.Do: Students have to have a way to organize their to-do lists, and in this time and age, there is no more room for paper and pen. Other To-Do apps may offer you fancy features, but when it comes to simplicity and organization, Any.Do will... do.
  • Google+ (Hangouts): we’re recommending another Google-made Android app. It’s Google+, and while the social network has many features that aren’t particularly aimed at students, Google+ Hangouts will give users the ability to participate in study groups even if they’re not in the same room. Physical interaction is overrated these days anyway, right?
  • Evernote: Taking notes has never been easier – Evernote really takes your studying to the next level. The app synchronizes with other devices (computers, phones, tablets, etc.), making your notes accessible from literally anywhere. You may also find that typing is no longer as necessary; with Evernote, you can attach pictures, videos and recordings to your notes. This app will really give you the advantage you need.
  • AutoCAD: while AutoCAD won’t apply to everyone, it’s perfect for would-be engineers to access their drawings and notes on the go. The app allows you to view, edit, and share 2D and 3D .DWG files wherever you are, and it’s a tool that you’ll want when you transition from the classroom to the field.
  • Photoshop Touch: like AutoCAD, Photoshop Touch may not be essential for all students, but design students will definitely want to download it. It won’t give you the full slate of tools found in the desktop version, of course, but if you need to do some light editing without a PC to sit in front of Photoshop Touch is there to save the day. It’s only $10 to download.

If you’ve got anything to suggest — from apps, to accessories, and down to the very Android-based toys we love — be sure to sound off in the comments section below! We’d also love to hear what some of you students have bought to accompany your affairs in the upcoming school year. Good luck and happy learning! [Edgar Cervantes contributed to this article.]

New Pictures of Nikon Android camera surface?

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 11:08 AM PDT

We’ve gone from phones to tablets, to smart watches and media players. The camera space is another up and coming realm for Android to shine, and it looks like we may have a new major player coming to the ring.

Nikon’s Coolpix series may be getting a bit of an upgrade as new rumors abound suggest they’ll be making an Android-powered point and shoot. It’s said to be called the S80C, and it will be a great marriage of lens and robot to make for a very flexible experience. We’ve heard about it before, and we’ve now gotten new shots of what this camera may end up looking like.

Imagine being able to download Picsay Pro and add features that most other cameras can’t get? Using Android on a camera makes for great extensibility, and that’s something very important for those who have suffered the vast limitations of traditional point and shoot cameras.

We can’t say for sure when Nikon will release the camera, but being one of the bigger names in photography will go a long way toward making Android on a compact camera mainstream. [Nikon Rumors via Gizmodo]

Pre-order your Android Jello Shot makers (or ice trays) for $12

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 10:51 AM PDT

Depending on who you are the thing you are, the thing you see above may or may not be an ice tray with Android-shaped pits. Some will find great uses out of it outside of just plain ice. Making Android-shaped Popsicles or even jello shots would be something to consider, and would be about as awesome as having a functional Bugdroid serve all of that up for you.

You can pre-order these ice trays for $12 a pop. It seems a bit steep when I can probably go to Wal-Mart and get a pack of three regular trays for $1, but those who are so dedicated to Android to need one of these probably won’t care about the price anyway. If you feel the need to have 16 mold at any given time you can order a pack of two for $20. DeadZebra has the goods here. Expect them to ship in the next couple of days.

xScope Browser Pro Review: Big on features, light on its feet [WIN A NEXUS 7]

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 10:45 AM PDT

When it comes to browsers for Android, it seems we consistently get two main options: lightweight, low-featured implementations for quick browsing and more robust offerings full of tricks but coming with some added bulk. But striking a line between the two is xScope Pro, a browser that aims to “redefine” surfing the web on a mobile device. xScope manages to feel quick and light despite a range of enhanced features from a wide range of input gestures to more experimental elements like a “Darken” mode designed to save battery by converting bright whites to cooler blacks, theoretically reducing the power drain of your phone’s display.

But the main draw is gestures, many of which make browsing using only one hand a total breeze in xScope. The most-touted gesture is a new method of zoom called pin-to-zoom. Double tap your thumb or finger anywhere on the page and, without lifting it, drag up or down to zoom in and out. Double-tap and swipe left to right to switch tabs. There are some limitations in this, as you can’t manipulate the focus of your zoom as you go and, if you are viewing a particularly crowded page, hitting a link can sometimes interrupt the gesture.

But the pin functions aren’t the only finger gestures supported. Swiping left to right without double-tapping seamlessly navigates forward and backward through a tab’s history, pulling down on a tab with two fingers will close it, and you get a standard double-tap zoom and pinch-to-zoom. The pinch-to-zoom isn’t great here, mostly because it can get confused for the two-finger tab close in some instances, especially when closing a tab was the last thing you wanted to do. Luckily gesture input is customizable, so you can eliminate certain functions if you want.

And if you do decide to do away with a few gestures, xScope still offers plenty. Ad blocking, Flash support, the aforementioned “Darken” mode, incognito mode, and a built-in file browser. You don’t get that in any old Android browser.

Is xScope perfect? Hardly, and its fair to say it lacks a degree of polish found in some other browser, but it’s headed in the right direction. At this point, I wouldn’t turn to xScope as my main browser (but I am a bit of a minimalist in the sense). For those looking for the perfect marriage between speed and slickness and plenty of features and a good degree of customizability, then xScope is definitely worth checking out at only $2.99 in the Google Play Store.

What’s that? You need a nice new Android tablet to get the full xScope experience? One of you is going to get one. The maker of the app, Gary Sui, is giving away a Nexus 7 to one lucky reader to comment on this review. Only your first reply counts. After 24 hours, the winner will be selected randomly. At that point we will get you in touch with Gary to claim your prize. Pretty simple, right? So go ahead and leave your comment then head over to Google Play to check out xScope for yourself.

Google Play Download Link: xScope Browser Pro

Samsung and Apple CEOs to attempt settlement talks one last time before trial goes to jury

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 08:36 AM PDT

If there is any hope to see a settlement reached in the blockbuster patent trial of Apple v. Samsung, it lies in a final round of talks between company CEOs Tim Cook and Kwon Oh Hyun occurring today before the case goes to jury. Per yet another request by Judge Lucy Koh for the two parties to come to some sort of agreement, the heads of Apple and Samsung will hold a phone call to discuss the viability of settling out of court.

Previous attempts to reach a deal have been hindered by Apple’s demand for absurdly high royalties and Samsung’s insistence that the patents in question are not as valuable as the iPhone maker believes. Signs again point to the two sides not reaching an agreement, at which point the trial will go to jury on Wednesday. There is still a very real possibility that a deal is reached at a later point, but it would likely involve settlements in other cases between Samsung and Apple around the globe.

[via Bloomberg]

Motorola Xyboard WiFi receiving Ice Cream Sandwich in the US

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 08:14 AM PDT

The Motorola Xyboard might be oft forgotten by some, but Motorola isn’t letting their latest tablet go the way of the dinosaur any time soon. As of today, the update to Android 4.0.4 is available for both the 10.1-inch and 8.2-inch WiFi models. The new software should reach users as an over-the-air update, and features a host of changes stemming from the upgrade to the new, but not newest, version of Android. Highlights include Face Unlock, a better browsing experience, multi-tasking and an improved launcher, as well as general stability improvements. For the complete list and more info, head over to the Moto link below.

[Motorola via DroidDog]

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 gets torn down, surprisingly easy to repair

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 07:56 AM PDT

In terms of ease of disassembly and repair, you won’t find much better than the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 That’s the verdict from iFixit after they had a god at tearing the tablet down to its most basic elements. Nearly every component can easily be swapped out with a new part, including the display glass. If there was anything disappointing about what was found inside the Note 10.1′s frame it was a relatively skimpy 7,000mAh battery, which sacrificed some capacity to fit within the slate’s 0.35-inch profile.

Other goodies include the tablets Wacom-designed stylus elements and Samsung’s Exynos 4 quad-core CPU with integrated graphics, an implementation that sees some carry over from the Galaxy S3. You can check out the full teardown by visiting the link below.

[via iFixit]

Samsung Galaxy S Duos launches in Europe next month

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 07:18 AM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy S Duos may share much of its design philosophy with the Galaxy S3, but it bests the 2012 flagship phone in one way: the number of SIM cards it supports. As a member of Samsung’s Duos lineup, the handset is privy to dual-SIM cards to go along with a 1GHz process, 4-inch display, and Ice Cream Sandwich. Even better, both SIMs can operate simultaneously to make transitioning between networks a totally seamless experience. The Galaxy S Duos will launch in Europe next month with pricing to be disclosed at a later date. Head over to Samsung’s blog post about the phone to learn more.

[via Samsung]

Sony gives official details on Xperia SL, ‘coming soon’

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 05:51 AM PDT

Sony is ready to give their Xperia S a slight refresh with the upcoming Xperia SL, a phone that was quietly outed on the company’s site over the weekend. The handset is shown as “coming soon” as rumored specs have been confirmed. The most significant difference between the Xperia S and Xperia SL is a bump in processing power to 1.7GHz (Snadragon S3) from 1.5GHz. The SL will also launch with Ice Cream Sandwich instead of the Gingerbread build found on the standard S. Otherwise, expect similar features such as a 720p display and 12.1MP camera. You can check out more over at Sony’s site.

[Sony via Engadget]

Samsung teases Galaxy Note 2 IFA announcement in latest video

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 05:25 AM PDT

Perhaps admitting that we’d all find out sooner or later, Samsung hasn’t done much to keep their big IFA announcement of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 a secret. Instead, they have decided to create intrigue in other ways by subtly teasing us with shots of styli and now a new video featuring director Wim Wenders waxing on creativity. As it goes in the video, “anybody can do it…with such a small and light thing.” We’ll give them light, but consider us interested in finding out exactly what Samsung means by “small” in the case of a smartphone with a 5.5-inch display. I guess Samsung’s strategy is working.

[via Engadget]

Droid RAZR HD appears online in training videos, quickly pulled from the web

Posted: 20 Aug 2012 05:16 AM PDT

Yesterday a series of training videos giving us the lowdown on the Motorola DROID RAZR HD for Verizon hit the web. Today they have disappeared after the user who uploaded them apparently closed their YouTube account. The videos covered everything from making calls and sending texts to setting up WiFi and email, but more importantly gave us a pretty good at the handset that is still without an official announcement. We expect that to change on September 5th when Verizon and Moto co-host an event in NYC.

[via DroidLife]
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