Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Sony Xperia J leaks ahead of official announcement

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 04:39 PM PDT

Sony’s had trouble keeping wraps on its upcoming Xperia handsets over the past few weeks, and today is no exception. A new leak suggests the Japanese manufacturer could be prepping a low-end device for the global market.

According to the folks over at Mobile-Review, the Xperia J (ST26i) is a budget handset featuring Android 4.0 and a 4-inch display, though the screen is described as offering poor color reproduction, excessive glare and low viewing angles. Sony’s industrial design is also apparent, with the company opting for three capacitive buttons rather than on-screen soft keys.

The Xperia J is powered by a 1,700mAh battery, which should provide adequate battery life considering the phone sports an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7227a processor — a chip set that dominated the smartphone market two years ago. In addition, users will have access to a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, capable of capturing 640×480 video. There’s also a front-facing camera for video chat, though its exact resolution is unknown.

With the abundance of leaked devices, we’re likely to see numerous Xperia handsets on display at Sony’s IFA press event. The show kicks off August 31st, and we’ll be here to bring you the latest news.

Source: Mobile-Review
Via: Xperia Blog 

Google Play gift cards now official, arriving in the coming weeks

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:30 PM PDT

After being first spotted in the latest Play Store update, Google finally confirmed our suspicions. Google Play gift cards are officially launching in several retail stores across the United States. Initial locations include Target, RadioShack and GameStop. The official page suggests you’ll be able to redeem your codes for apps, music, books, TV shows and movies. However, cards cannot be used for purchases of hardware, in-app subscriptions or accessories. Gift cards will be available in $10, $15, $25 and $50 denominations.

As with most gift cards, users will have to scratch off a portion of the back, revealing a unique code. The code can then be redeemed through the Play Store website or from any mobile device. If successful, the new gift card balance will be visible in your Google Wallet account. So, with availability slated for the coming weeks, will you be picking one up?

Source: Google Play

PopCap announces sequel to Plants vs. Zombies, Available in 2013

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:05 PM PDT

The incredibly popular Plants vs. Zombies franchise is set to receive a sequel in 2013, according to PopCap. Earlier today, the game studio announced that the follow up to the original PvZ is slated to launch in “late spring of 2013″.   The new game will add an array of fresh features, settings, and situations that are "designed to delight the franchise's tens of millions of fans around the world."

Plants vs. Zombies has proven to be one of the most successful games to ever launch on mobile devices. If you haven’t had the luxury of playing, Plants vs. Zombies offers a unique take on the classic tower defense genre. Instead of setting up a wall of cannons or machine guns, you must defend your backyard by using a plethora of plants. Unsurprisingly, the game can become excessively addicting at times, disappearing hours of your day at a time. If you haven’t had the chance to play the original, it’s currently available in the Google Play Store. Either way, you can catch the full press release after the break.

POPCAP'S PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES™ SEQUEL SET TO SPRING IN FIRST HALF OF 2013

Plants vs. Zombies Sequel Will Feature Hordes of New Plant and Zombie Types and Mulch More

SEATTLE, Washington – August 20, 2012 – PopCap Games, maker of some of the world's most popular video game franchises and a division of EA, today announced that the underground growth of the sequel to Plants vs. Zombies™, one of the world's most popular video games, is germinating and advancing with rigor.

The sequel to Plants vs. Zombies is expected to launch by late spring 2013, and will include a bevy of new features, settings, and situations, designed to delight the franchise's tens of millions of fans around the world. No other details of the highly anticipated new installment in the franchise are available at this time, beyond the following comments from some of the game's denizens.

"Spring is crullest curlie ungood time, and plantz grow dull roots," noted an unidentified spokesperson. "So, we are meating you for brainz at yore house. No worry to skedule schedlue plan… we're freee anytime. We'll find you."

"There was a time we relished a bracing, hearty blend of zombies, in the morning," said Sonny F. Lower, a representative of the Flora Forever Foundation. "But first, a brisk shower and some strategic pruning are required. Tomorrow is near!"

Known for its quirky, one-of-a-kind blend of art, humor, polish and attention to detail, PopCap has been a mainstay of casual, mobile and social gaming for more than a decade. More than a billion people around the world have played PopCap's video games, including the award-winning, blockbuster franchises Plants vs. Zombies, Bejeweled®, Zuma®, Peggle® and Bookworm®. The breadth of PopCap's audience is similarly impressive, as its games appeal equally to both genders and all ages.

About PopCap
PopCap Games is the leading global developer, publisher and operator of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating games that appeal to all ages across PC, mobile, social and other platforms. Based in Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000, was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2011, and has a worldwide staff of more than 600 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C., Dublin, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo. PopCap's games have been downloaded over 1.5 billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship franchise, Bejeweled®, has sold more than 50 million units.

Mysterious LG Quad Core LTE Device ‘Optimus G’ Leaked

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 12:56 PM PDT

The Optimus Vu? That was so yesterday’s news. Today we’re getting wind of a new device courtesy of the Korean site, Asia Today. They claimed to have heard of a new LG quad-core LTE device with voLTE (voice over LTE) capabilities reportedly dubbed the Optimus G.  This bad-boy will rock a 4.7 inch True HD IPS display, run Ice Cream Sandwich, and will have LG’s latest Optimus UI 3.0 sitting on top.  It’s also rumored to include 2GB of RAM and a nice 13MP rear-facing camera although there is no mention of storage. The chipset is also unknown at this time but either the Tegra 3 or S4 SoC chips are obvious possibilities.

Even better news is that the device is rumored to be available in Korea beginning next month.  With that kind of a timeline, will the device be revealed at IFA which kicks off in just 8 short days from now? Makes sense to me. Keep checking here and we’ll answer all the questions surrounding this monstrous LG flagship device.

source: asiatoday
via: pocketdroid

 

 

Ice Cream Sandwich Update For 2011 Sony Xperia Phones To Roll Out This Week

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 12:47 PM PDT

As a follow up to last week’s Xperia P Ice Cream Sandwich rollout, Sony Mobile today announced their 2011 Xperia line of phones will be getting new Android 4.0.4 firmware. Starting this week, the first phones to receive the update are the Xperia arc, Xperia arc S, Xperia neo, Xperia neo V, Xperia mini, Xperia pro, Xperia active and Xperia ray. The Ice Cream Sandwich update will bring the usual enhancements, along with bug fixes, performance tweaks and other improvements. In addition, The Xperia mini pro, Xperia neo L and Live with Walkman won’t be left out as they will be updated in the next few weeks.

The update will come in two ways. If you’re already running ICS you’ll receive an OTA update notification, otherwise if you’re running Gingerbread you'll need to plug in and upgrade using PC companion or Bridge for Mac. For more information, visit http://www.sonymobile.com/update.

Source: Sony Mobile Blog

MetroPCS unveils LG Motion 4G and new $55 unlimited plan

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 12:33 PM PDT

What’s better than an unveiling of a new 4G smartphone? An unveiling of a new 4G smartphone plus an all new unlimited plan of course! MetroPCS has announced their brand new LG Motion 4G handset for $150. For this device you can expect a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a 3.5 inch display, 5 megapixel camera with 1080p HD video recording, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and of course, a 4G LTE radio.

MetroPCS plans on releasing this device along side their new $55 unlimited everything plan which will only be available for a limited time, so take advantage of this while you can. The plan is fairly simple and straight forward, for $55 you will get unlimited text messages, unlimited voice calling and unlimited 4G data. If you’re currently on a family plan, you can simply add another $50 for each line if you choose to take advantage of this deal. Does this sound good to you thus far? It actually gets better as we’re told once you sign up for this plan, you’re essentially “grandfathered” into it for life (or however long you plan on staying with MetroPCS). This means that you’ll never have to worry about losing this valued plan as long as you stay with the company. Not bad, right?

The device and plan will be available online and in-stores later this week! You can read the full press release after the break.

MetroPCS Delivers 4G LTE for All with Even More Affordable 4G LTE Android Smartphone and Unbeatable Unlimited 4G LTE Data Plan

At $149, LG Motiontm 4G brings affordability and strong performance to MetroPCS' 4G LTE smartphone line-up

DALLAS – (August 21, 2012) – MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) now offers more choices for those consumers who want to have it all from their wireless service at unparalleled value with a new even more affordable addition to its 4G LTE smartphone portfolio – the LG Motiontm 4G. The powerful AndroidTM smartphone puts a feature-rich handset experience and exceptional 4G LTE service within reach for value-conscious consumers – starting at just $40 per month – taxes and regulatory fees included.

Building on its vision to provide the best deal in town for 4G LTE, MetroPCS also today unveiled a promotional 4G LTE service plan that is only available for a limited time but offers benefits that can last a lifetime – unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data for only $55 per month for a single line. Families can get this unbeatable offer for just $50 per month on the account's second, third and fourth lines. Even though the promotional service plan is available for a limited time only, customers will continue to receive service at the promotional price for as long as they maintain service with MetroPCS. The $55 service plan can save individuals up to $2,200 over the course of two years in service costs alone when compared to similar competitor offers.

MetroPCS is celebrating the launch of this new handset and unlimited 4G LTE promotional plan launches by offering consumers a mail-in rebate on the second of any two 4G LTE smartphone purchases. The rebate offer applies to all MetroPCS 4G LTE phones, including the newly launched LG Motion 4G, meaning customers can get a feature-rich 4G LTE smartphone for as low as $99 plus tax and unlimited 4G LTE wireless service for as low as $50 per month.

As MetroPCS' first smartphone powered by Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), the LG Motion 4G has everything consumers need to fully utilize the benefits of one of the most advanced Android versions available. Its 1.2 GHz dual-core processor makes multi-tasking easy while consumers use the phone's 5MP still camera, 1080p HD video recorder and browse the web and multimedia on the 3.5″ touchscreen.

Additional features include:
• Simultaneous voice and data on 4G LTE
• LG QuickMemo™ gives users the ability to personalize messages and share comments across a wide range of content including web pages, digital magazines, photos and more – all with a simple swipe of a finger
• Fun camera features like Cheese Shutter, which allows users to take a photo using just the sound of their voice, and Time Catch Shot which takes multiple photos at once and allows users to pick the best one
• The ability to take still pictures while recording video at the same time
• Corning® Gorilla® Glass touch screen

The LG Motion 4G supports MetroPCS' 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot service, for additional charge, and is offered at $149 plus tax. Consumers interested in purchasing the device can visit their local MetroPCS store or go online to purchase the phone and sign up for service beginning later this week.

Phantom Google Support Page Possibly Reveals Play Store Gift Cards To Be US-Only At Launch and Possible Denominations

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 11:57 AM PDT

 

In the words of Keyser Soze, “…and just like that, he was gone.” He, in this case, being the web page that was briefly accessible on a Google Support page.  Don’t try to search for it now, it’s already gone. It appears that Google has removed possible evidence from search indices that supports evidence of a US-only launch of its least kept secret – Play Store gift cards. In addition, the information briefly listed on the page supposedly indicated possible denominations of $10, $15, $25, and $50 gift cards, while also revealing there will be a $2000 limit on your Google Play balance. See the pieced together information from the phantom web page after the break for all the information.

 

The most important thing to note is there’s always room for uncertainty in this story. All of this information should still be taken with a grain of salt as it’s been pulled from removed caches of the site, which means things could still possibly change. However, the information is specific in providing details like the aforementioned US-only launch and denominations.  In fact, the first link provided in the language below IS active (at the time of this writing) and you can see three of the four denominations.  Participating retailers are also listed where the cards can be purchased (RadioShack, Target, and GameStop), however clicking on the retail links and searching for Play Store gift cards doesn’t quite work yet:

 

“Google Play gift cards are available in the United States in the amounts of $10, $15, $25, $50. To find a retailer near you, visit play.google.com/about/giftcards. Any gift cards you redeem will appear on your account as part of your Google Play balance. Note that the Google Play balance has a $2000 limit.

How to redeem. You can redeem your Google Play gift card four ways ways: At play.google.com/redeem

On the back of your Google Play gift card, SCRATCH TO REVEAL CODE. Visit play.google.com/redeem and enter the redemption code found under the scratch-off section. Once you’ve entered a valid redemption code, the value of the card will be automatically applied to your Google Play balance, which will appear as a payment method when you go through the purchase flow on Google Play.

While making a purchase on the Google Play website (play.google.com)

Ensure you’re signed in to your Google account, and select an item to purchase*.

*Note that Google Play gift cards may not be used to purchase subscriptions or items from the Devices section, including accessories (chargers, covers, etc.).

While making a purchase using the Google Play Store app on your device. Open the Google Play Store app on your device, and navigate to the content you’d like to buy; Tap on the item to see the details page; Tap the blue box that lists the item’s price; Tap the gray drop-down arrow to see a list of payment options; Select Redeem; On the back of”

 

As you can see, the information ends abruptly due to the page being taken down, but we will keep you updated on any further information we receive regarding this.  I for one, am looking forward to the gift cards.  I can finally give my wife an idea of something to get me when she asks!

 

source:  Android Police

[Rumor] Xperia Nexus from Sony, Optimus Nexus from LG and Galaxy Nexus II from Samsung might be in the works

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:34 AM PDT

If you remember, several months ago it was reported that Google would offer several Nexus devices later this year, and we reported that they would announce five such devices on Android’s 5th birthday. Since then the rumormill has been quiet except for this morning’s news on a Galaxy Nexus with some minor spec bumps. Just like last year at this time, the rumors started flowing hot and heavy, and it appears we are in for another ride.

This one is a rumor without a lot of meat because we really don’t have much to go on other than a few Japanese forums seem to be reporting about certain Nexus devices that might be hitting DoCoMo later this year. First up is the Xperia Nexus, which in a way doesn’t seem all that far fetched with the news that Google is working on supporting AOSP on the Xperia S. Sony makes great hardware, and I’m sure Google would love to work with them.

Next up is the Optimus Nexus from LG. I don’t have much to say other than if there will be several Nexus devices, this would be the last one I would buy.

Last but not least is the Galaxy Nexus II, which again doesn’t seem all that crazy when you consider the leak this morning of the “superior” Galaxy Nexus with the model number of GT-i9260.

Missing from the list is Motorola and HTC. Of course we all know that Google owns Motorola, and if there’s going to be one Nexus, it’s unlikely Motorola would be the chosen one. On the other hand, if there’s going to be multiple offerings, why wouldn’t Motorola be involved? The same goes for HTC as they did an excellent job with the Nexus One, so why wouldn’t they be involved? Of course both Motorola and HTC could still be involved, but it might be that the supposed leaker doesn’t have the information yet.

If you assume that there will be five devices this year, it’s not a crazy notion that the top five Android OEMs would be the chosen ones (all mentioned above). I guess time will tell, but put your seat belts on because this is only the beginning of about 3 months of crazy leaks and rumors. Who’s excited?

source: phonehk

 

Acer makes it official – Liquid Gallant and Liquid Gallant Duo set to hit market

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:09 AM PDT

As we reported last week when images from Acer's web site leaked out, the company has a pair of mid-level smartphones ready for release as they continue to expand their portfolio of devices. It is not clear whether the leak pushed Acer to go ahead and make an announcement, but they went ahead and issued a press release regarding the Liquid Gallant and the Liquid Gallant Duo. The mid-level smartphones will be available for viewing at IFA starting next week. In addition to running ICS, Acer has added a few software tweaks like a modified unlock screen, an improved notification area, and the devices will come pre-loaded with the Swype keyboard. The Liquid Gallant Duo is a dual-SIM phone.

Users who do not need top-of-the-line or bleeding edge phones may find one of these Acer units fit the bill. No details regarding pricing or availability have been released. Read the full press release after the break.

Acer launches Liquid Gallant and Liquid Gallant Duo – Everything you need in the palm of your hand

Bioggio

Acer announces a winning twin of smartphones, the Liquid Gallant and Liquid Gallant Duo. With their advanced features and rich functionalities, these smartphones are the perfect companions of modern day's explorers. From the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, to the dual-sim dual stand-by model, ideal for globetrotters or for who wants to choose the better rate, these smartphones are designed to offer an enhanced user experience.

The Liquid Gallant and its dual-sim twin brother, the Liquid Gallant Duo, sport a 4.3-inches display with a qHD resolution, offering a clear and detailed rendering of every image and text on screen. The unique design, that makes the Liquid Gallant (Duo) so comfortable to hold in your hand, is further enhanced by the power button placed on the back of the phone, so that lighting the screen when you slide it out of your pocket has never been more convenient. The Liquid Gallants are available in two colors: Gentle Black and Ceramic White.

"This new Acer smartphone mission is quite simple: bring the best experience to all the modern days' explorers, which results in creating a very affordable phone with no compromise on performance and usability" says Allen Burnes, SPBG EMEA Vice President.

Indeed the Liquid Gallants combine powerful processors and plenty of memory to enjoy an exceptional browsing experience. They run Android ICS 4.0.4 for a smooth and user-friendly performance. As usual, Acer has improved the user experience, adding cool touches such as the convenient unlock screen, the improved notification area, the famous Swype keyboard and more.

The 5 MP rear camera with LED flash deliver advanced features for an extraordinary experience. Taking a one-time shot in a circular path you'll be able to capture a 2.5D view of your beloved. With automatic smile detection, you'll never miss a person smiling. You can take pictures with higher contrast and rich of details and easily assemble them into a single panoramic photo. What's more you can set the focus point where you want simply by touching anywhere on the viewfinder.

Finally, the Liquid Gallants bring a premium clear and loud sound experience to the users with enhanced Surround Sound, whether they are used as hands-free conference devices or as portable music players.

The Liquid Gallant Duo will start hitting the shelves in September 2012, closely followed by the Single-sim variant.

Come discover these striking twins at the Acer booth at IFA – Hall 12 booth 101, from Aug. 31st to Sept. 5th.

Leaked Screenshot Indicates RadioShack Set To Launch Its Own Wireless Network On Sept. 5th

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 07:37 AM PDT

 

Those of you who are fed up with the bigwig wireless carriers and are looking for other alternatives will soon have yet another option to look at and consider. Famed retailer RadioShack has long been rumored to begin its own wireless service and we have the best evidence yet indicating the wireless service is not only on the way, but will be here very soon. The gang at Engadget obtained a key photo indicating RadioShack’s new wireless service will be powered by Cricket Wireless and highlights the standard no-contract jargon along with some exclusives like an 8GB SD card with all Muve Music phones.

No further details for now— though RadioShack should be all but set to launch on September 5th.

 

source: Engadget
Posted by at 5:52 AM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)