Android Phone Fans |
- MetroPCS Is Now The First Carrier In The US To Offer Voice-Over-LTE with LG Connect 4G
- Nova Launcher Enters Public Beta – New Jelly Bean Base, Added Features
- Google Maps extends live traffic support to 130 additional cities
- Court “concerned” that Google and Oracle paid off bloggers
- South Korea to usher in Voice over LTE with Samsung Galaxy S3
- HTC One S now $149.99 at T-Mobile through August 21
- AOSP Jelly Bean ROM now available for 4G LTE Samsung Galaxy Nexus
- Spotify now available for Amazon’s Kindle Fire
- More Xperia Mint/Xperia T photos surface
- Foldable keyboard using NFC is cool, but would you buy it for $240?
- Carphone Warehouse expected to ship Sony Xperia Miro this month
- HTC EVO 4G LTE to get HD Voice support by the end of the year
- XBMC getting early access to OUYA console for development
- Verizon HopeLine app aims to help domestic violence victims
- [Update] Motorola making a “big reveal” Friday; definitely a 4G LTE smartphone
| MetroPCS Is Now The First Carrier In The US To Offer Voice-Over-LTE with LG Connect 4G Posted: 07 Aug 2012 06:05 PM PDT
It’s funny how our phones are now capable of running console-like games, but yet voice calls still sound like Charlie Brown’s mom. When it comes to our cellphones, we’ve seen all kinds of leaps in technology when it comes to hardware, now it’s time for carriers to start putting some of that technology to good use use. It looks like regional carrier MetroPCS has beat the big 4 to the punch, offering the first ever Voice-over-LTE network in the US. If you’ve never heard of Voice-over-LTE (or “VoLTE”) we don’t blame you. The technology is relatively new and hasn’t been possible until the past year or so, when carriers finally made the move over to newer LTE networks. The way it works is instead of routing voice calls over older, “fuzzy networks,” voice calls will now take place over enhanced LTE networks. That means crisp, clear, HD quality voice calls — something quite frankly, I’ve been looking forward to my entire cellphone life. The first phone to take advantage of MetroPCS’ VoLTE capability is their new, aptly named LG Connect 4G. This is a dual-core device is essentially a rebranded LG Viper, meaning it will come with the same dual-core S3 processor, 4-inch 800×480 display, 1GB of RAM and LG’s custom UI running atop Android 2.3 Gingerbread. MetroPCS is planning for more VoLTE devices in the coming weeks, so, customers will have even more options to choose from. So, which of the big 4 carriers in the US will be first to jump on the VoLTE bandwagon? Well, we’ve known for quite sometime that Verizon Wireless has been actively testing the technology, and AT&T has mentioned a 2013 release for theirs. Although not exactly VoLTE, Sprint has been toying with “HD Voice,” a feature found in the recently released HTC EVO 4G LTE that will still use Sprint’s enhanced CDMA network to enhance voice calls, and is looking to launch a little later this year. [MetroPCS' full press release below]
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| Nova Launcher Enters Public Beta – New Jelly Bean Base, Added Features Posted: 07 Aug 2012 05:12 PM PDT
The ever popular Nova Launcher from TeslaCoil Software has just entered public beta. Whereas current versions of Nova were based off a modified Ice Cream Sandwich launcher, the new beta marks the first time Nova will begin using the Jelly Bean launcher as a base. Here’s what users can look forward to from the new Nova Launcher Beta:
Users can gain access to the public beta by jumping into their already installed Nova Launcher’s settings, scrolling to the bottom and clicking “Nova Launcher 1.2.2 (Check for updates), then clicking the 3 dots menu next to Changelog, and selecting Beta, then Update. Easy peasy. Don’t forget that this is a beta release, and you’ll be sacrificing stability for staying up to date on bleeding edge tech.
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| Google Maps extends live traffic support to 130 additional cities Posted: 07 Aug 2012 02:52 PM PDT
Google Maps has extended live traffic coverage to 130 cities across the US, bringing on demand views of local road conditions the smaller cities dotted across the map. In addition, coverage is now available in several international locations, including Columbia, Costa Rica, and Panama while improved an expanded support is coming to locations throughout Central and South America, Europe, Russia, and Asia. Traffic coverage is available in both the desktop and Android versions of Maps. [via Google]
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| Court “concerned” that Google and Oracle paid off bloggers Posted: 07 Aug 2012 01:40 PM PDT
Judge William Alsup of the US District Court has ordered that Oracle Google disclose information pertaining to whether or not the parties may have paid off journalists and bloggers to provide biased opinion on their recently settled patent showdown. The court’s “concern” centers on Florian Mueller, known as the author of FOSS Patents, after Oracle hired the amateur patent expert to their team. What followed was a series of articles discussing the trial that placed favor in Oracle’s court. Alsup’s request may carry multiple implications. Not only could the newly uncovered information be used during the appeals process, but it would also call to light recent issues involving the use of industry voices to shift public opinion, such as Samsung’s recent decision to release evidence barred from their legal fight with Apple. When there is money involved, that counts as a paid endorsement. And when it’s a paid endorsement, the endorser is required to that provide information upfront. [via PaidContent]
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| South Korea to usher in Voice over LTE with Samsung Galaxy S3 Posted: 07 Aug 2012 12:31 PM PDT
Voice over LTE is the next frontier for mobile providers. Carriers such as Verizon have been experimenting with the technology that would eliminate the need for separate voice and data networks by taking advantage of the extra bandwidth provided by the 4G LTE spectrum, but it will be South Korea that first sees what is being dubbed “HD Voice.” SK Telecom is launching the service tomorrow, which will be available courtesy of the LTE edition of the Samsung Galaxy S3. Not only will new customers get access to voice over 4G, but an update will be made available to current GS3 owners enabling the new option. Most future LTE devices from the carrier will feature HD Voice as it becomes more widespread. Eventually the system will be adopted in the US as older wireless networks are decommissioned. Viva la LTE! [via TheVerge]
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| HTC One S now $149.99 at T-Mobile through August 21 Posted: 07 Aug 2012 11:45 AM PDT
T-Mobile is offering a sale on their HTC One S, one that sees the price of the phone drop to $149.99 when purchased alongside a two-year contract agreement. The One series phone regularly retails for $199.99, so the $50 in savings is no small thing. While not quite as powerful as the HTC One X, the One S still has plenty to offer with the improved Sense 4 experience wrapped up in a sleek form factor. According to TMo, the deal will be available through August 21st, and, while it may be totally unrelated, comes at a time when the carrier is reportedly planning to launch the HTC One X+, a hardware enhanced version of the One X. [TMobile via UnwiredView]
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| AOSP Jelly Bean ROM now available for 4G LTE Samsung Galaxy Nexus Posted: 07 Aug 2012 11:00 AM PDT
If you’re tired of Verizon dragging their feet on an official update to Android 4.1 for their 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Nexus, you might be interested in checking out a newly released ROM based off the JRO03L AOSP build. The code recently hit the AOSP servers and provides the purest Jelly Bean experience you could expect for the device. It’s more or less what you will get when an official update takes place. When that will happen is anyone’s guess, so if you aren’t averse to rooting your device and flashing some custom software heading to the XDA link below might be worth your while.
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| Spotify now available for Amazon’s Kindle Fire Posted: 07 Aug 2012 10:49 AM PDT
Spotify, who recently made their Android app a bit more appealing by enabling unlimited ad-supported music streaming without the need for a subscription, has finally launched an app tailored to one of the most Android-based tablets on the market. A Kindle Fire version of the app recently made its way to the Amazon App Store, bringing the popular streaming service to the 7-inch slate. Without a $9.99 subscription you will have to settle for a Pandora-esque radio feature, but paying the monthly fee will give owners of Amazon’s tablet the same exact access to Spotify’s robust music catalog and plenty of other bells and whistles. The actual app download is free and can be found over at Amazon now. Amazon App Store Link: Spotify [via TheVerge]
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| More Xperia Mint/Xperia T photos surface Posted: 07 Aug 2012 10:04 AM PDT The Sony Xperia Mint (also recently know as the Xperia T) is shaping up to be one of Sony’s best smartphones ever. After a lengthy stint of having subpar phones compared to top competition Samsung and HTC, the Xperia Mint looks to bring the power that users are looking for with its dual-core S4 processor by Qualcomm, a 13 megapixel Exmor camera sensor, and a 4.3 inch Bravia Engine display. Some new shots of the phone have appeared in the wild over at NixanBal.com. These shots are a lot more clear than what we’re used to around these parts so we’re grateful to finally get a good look at it.
It’s a really stylish phone that looks like it could satisfy the needs of those who need something that looks more serious and premium than quirky and fun, and judging by the devices that tend to get the most attention on Phandroid we’d say a lot of you require a device like that. Sharp edges and rectangular goodness aside it looks like we could be close to an official reveal. Nothing on this device indicates it’s a prototype and may be as close to a production unit as we’ll say. NixanBal.com says we’re pretty close to an announcement, and we’re sure they’re talking about Sony’s IFA Berlin showing that we’ll be tuned into. Take a look at more photos over at the source link. [NixanBal.com (Bulgarian)]
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| Foldable keyboard using NFC is cool, but would you buy it for $240? Posted: 07 Aug 2012 08:48 AM PDT This is probably one of the coolest ideas we’ve seen involving NFC. It’s a keyboard that can fold up and fit into a pouch. When unfolded the keyboard is split down the middle with space for a smartphone to nestle up on. Beneath that space is an NFC chip. Can you guess where this is going? The NFC chip will gather your keystrokes and transmit them to your phone.
This wireless keyboard method may not be ideal due to the need to have the phone on the pad at all times, but if you’re not comfortable with the drain of Bluetooth and don’t mind having to keep your phone in one spot the entire time then this works just fine. I can’t say I’d ever need to use a physical keyboard with a phone — you might as well just get a tablet at that point because you’re missing the point of a smartphone. If the practicality (or lack thereof) of this arrangement wasn’t enough to deter you, perhaps the price tag will: $240 is the asking price for this thing, and a quick product search on Google tells me that I can get a Bluetooth keyboard much cheaper. But if you’re the type who loves this geeky sort of stuff and want to see about importing one (these come from Japan) had to Elecom.co.jp. [via Gizmodo]
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| Carphone Warehouse expected to ship Sony Xperia Miro this month Posted: 07 Aug 2012 07:38 AM PDT
When Sony announced the Sony Xperia Miro they didn’t give us any dates to look forward to. We’ve been left in the dark on when to expect this mid-range handset but we may have a good idea now thanks to a UK retailer. Carphone Warehouse has updated their product sign-up page to inform would-be customers that they expect an August 2012 ship date. The phone was announced mid-June so we suspect it’s just about ready for purchase. The Miro is a 3.5 inch device that has a 5 megapixel camera and Android 4.0. It won’t knock the socks off of a power user but this should come in as an affordable option for someone who doesn’t need a whole lot of juice out of their smartphone. Head to Carphone Warehouse to sign up to be notified.
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| HTC EVO 4G LTE to get HD Voice support by the end of the year Posted: 07 Aug 2012 06:37 AM PDT
Sprint is looking to launch HD voice calling soon as it has indicated it would launch the feature on the HTC EVO 4G LTE. Things are expected to be operational by the end of this year according to PhoneScoop. Unfortunately the feature will probably get little use because both parties must have a phone capable of handling HD Voice — that means EVO 4G LTE owners would have to speak to other EVO 4G LTE owners until more devices get the feature. Sprint won’t be making a huge push for HD Voice this year because they’re still preparing network improvements and devices that can handle it. Things should be in full swing by 2013, though, and Sprint’s expecting it to be a big part of their network enhancements in 2014. We’re excited but we still have a long way to go. [via PhoneScoop]
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| XBMC getting early access to OUYA console for development Posted: 07 Aug 2012 06:03 AM PDT This is some pretty good news for those who are hoping the OUYA gaming console will shape up to be the ultimate media experience. XBMC has announced its support for OUYA by mentioning that the two parties are working together to make sure XBMC, the open source media center application that got its start on a console (the original Xbox, if you were wondering or cared) works smoothly once OUYA launches.
XBMC has been lauded as the definitive media center experience even compared to the premium options currently available. A launch on the OUYA console would make the gaming box even more desirable than it already is. I don’t need to tell anyone the disappointment Google’s Nexus Q has been, and OUYA’s easy setup combined with XBMC’s extreme flexibility makes this a marriage that I am ready to endorse. It seems like new partnerships and developments for OUYA are announced every other day so we’re excited to see what the future holds. [XBMC]
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| Verizon HopeLine app aims to help domestic violence victims Posted: 07 Aug 2012 05:20 AM PDT
Verizon’s released a new appm in conjunction with MEDL Mobile to launch HopeLine, a new app aimed to help victims of domestic violence. HopeLine will urge people to donate their old phones to the cause to give domestic violence victims a means of finding help should they ever need it. The app itself will be a great tool for those victims as they will have quick access to many resources and phone numbers they can call to get support in any domestic violence situation. The app can also help you organize your own HopeLine drives and will even let you read some success stories to get motivated about helping the cause. If this is something you feel strongly about and would like to get involved then we urgeyou to grab the quick 13MB download in the Google Play Store.
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| [Update] Motorola making a “big reveal” Friday; definitely a 4G LTE smartphone Posted: 07 Aug 2012 04:53 AM PDT
Motorola has taken to Facebook to tease its customers about a forthcoming announcement for a new smartphone. Their post asks you to play the guessing game: which new smartphone has the power of 4G LTE? Well, we already know Verizon is planning to launch the Motorola DROID RAZR HD, an HD rendition of their super thin phone from last year. Motorola is also planning to release the same phone overseas and in Canada sans DROID branding, but the 4G LTE bit indicates this is probably only going to be an announcement for the American version. This is the only major smartphone we can think of that would make Motorola tease us this way. Fortunately the wait for an official word won’t be long: they’ve promised to make a “big reveal” come Friday. What do you think it is? [Facebook] [Update]: some users have brought to light a very interesting question: are we even sure they’re teasing a new device? Motorola doesn’t mention the “big reveal” will be a new smartphone. It could be that they’re simply playing a guessing game to drive Facebook interaction and the “big reveal” could end up being a smartphone that has already been announced. It’s needless to say that we’d be largely disappointed if Motorola was just having a little fun. But perhaps they shouldn’t be using words like “big reveal,” should they? That makes it sound like there’s something we have yet to see. The only way to know for sure is if we stick around to Friday. PS: they’ll be dropping clues every day until this “big reveal” so hopefully we have a more clear idea of what they’re doing here before we wake up with copious amounts of egg on our faces. [Thanks Josh!]
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