Sunday, September 30, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Android Overload: Galaxy Note II first look, improved Google Maps, Galaxy S3 deal and more

Posted: 29 Sep 2012 06:59 PM PDT


Not every story makes it to our homepage, but they might be worth a look. Here is where we give you all the little extras you might enjoy, so make sure to go over them before you go on your weekend adventures!

  • First look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 [Samsung Mobile]
  • Google Maps improves Aerial images – take it, Apple! [Wired]
  • Deal: $120-130 off Samsung Galaxy S3 Developer Edition [Android Police]
  • How to root the LG Intuition and LG Spectrum on ICS [Android Police]
  • Infographic: The evolution of smartphones [IntoMobile]
  • A NORTH Korean Android tablet in the works? [WSJ]
  • Open WebOS ported to the Galaxy Nexus [WebOS Nation]

Poll: how many of the $0.25 featured Google Play Store apps have you purchased?

Posted: 29 Sep 2012 06:40 PM PDT


This week has been full of celebration at the Google Play Store. And why not? 25 billion app downloads is nothing to scoff at, and our Android reign is only getting bigger and bigger by the day. To prove they are grateful, Google has been offering a selection popular apps at a discounted $0.25 price, with a different list of apps being added daily.

Android users are usually all over the Play Store when Google has these deals, including me. For some reason, though, this week’s apps are just not as exciting as I thought. So far, I have only purchased one – Amazing Alex. The rest I either already have, or I have no interest in owning them.

Maybe it is just me, or I already have all the good apps, but I really wish this week’s featured apps could have been more enticing. But there is a chance we are just crazy, so we wanted to reach out to our readers and ask them what they think! You can check out today’s featured apps at the Play Store, and don’t forget Swiftkey 3 is also celebrating 25 billion downloads with a 75% discount!

Go ahead and participate in our poll and tell us how many of these $0.25 apps you have purchased. Don’t forget to also hit the comments section to let us know which!

Could Metro PCS be getting acquired by T-Mobile, Sprint or DISH Network?

Posted: 29 Sep 2012 06:16 PM PDT


Reports of a sudden collection of meetings between Metro PCS and three companies have brought speculation of a possible acquisition or merger in the works. It is said that the regional carrier could be trying to settle a deal with T-Mobile, Sprint (which we have heard of before) or even DISH Network; but what would this mean for us?

Is it even likely to happen? We have seen AT&T unsuccessfully trying to purchase T-Mobile, so how could a deal like this one ever go through? Well, there is a significant difference in any of these possible scenarios. These companies are not nearly as large as AT&T was (one of them is not even a phone carrier), and T-Mobile is significantly larger than Metro PCS.

If T-Mobile or Sprint manage to snatch Metro PCS up, the market would continue to be competitive as the 4 largest carriers would still exist. But of course, as Android fans we would hate to see any form of option going away. Metro PCS is still pretty large with about 10 million subscribers. Not to mention the company has been catering the affordable Android market like a boss.

The company is also not very behind in technology, offering 4G LTE and a good selection of devices. It would be a shame if one of the few alternatives to the big four disappears. You would be right to assume that no company is giving any comments or statements yet, but we would like to know how our readers feel about this.

Would you feel the same as most of us did during the AT&T/T-Mobile merger deal? Would you be more open to a possible acquisition from one of the 2 smaller carriers (T-Mobile and Sprint)? Hey, it just might give one of the companies the boost it needs to improve competition.

[Source: Bloomberg Via: PocketNow]

Samsung flexible displays delayed, we could still see them next year

Posted: 29 Sep 2012 05:19 PM PDT


Samsung’s flexible displays have been making headlines for quite some time now, and it seems like they won’t be coming to production lines any time soon. Reports now state that Samsung’s flexible displays have been further delayed due to yield problems, and should be back in production some time next year.

We still have no idea how these displays will be implemented into new devices. They are flexible, so manufacturers can toy around with fun designs to differentiate themselves from the crowd. Of course, bringing new form-factors to the smartphone market implies a certain amount of risk. It is safe to say we are relatively happy with our black slabs, as past attempts to make creatively designed devices have failed.

There is much more to these Samsung’s YOUM displays than their flexibility, though. These also happen to be nearly indestructible, thinner and lighter. Take a look at the video below to see one of these screens being hammered (literally).

These displays were rumored to hit the streets sometime during late 2012, with some reports telling us the Galaxy Note 2 could feature one. Of course, both options seemed pretty unbelievable from the beginning, as we still see this type of technology as a “thing of the future.” But according to DDaily’s sources, we could still see these displays hit the shelves during the first half of 2013. That is, if Samsung manages to get everything back up and running by (or before) early 2013.

If you ask us, this still seems like a stretch, and we would be in luck if these displays hit the market by 2013 at all. But who knows, everything moves fast in the smartphone market.

[Source: DDaily Via: UnwiredView]

Swarovski Galaxy S3: an over-priced, luxurious device that actually doesn’t suck

Posted: 29 Sep 2012 04:15 PM PDT


We have seen a plethora of devices made of exotic leathers, pricey metals and precious stones. These are usually meant to be a status symbol as they cost a fortune. Some examples include the Tag Heuer Link and the Lamborghini TL700, but there is something else that sets these devices apart from the crowd. They usually have horrible specs and outdated OS versions (and don’t even hope for updates); we just wonder how they can’t take some of those thousands of dollars they charge per device and make them better.

But to the point: if you are a filthy rich Android enthusiast that wants some bling and also a high-end device we have the best option for you. How about a Samsung Galaxy S3 made with swarovski crystals? That is right, one of the most acclaimed and high-end devices currently available. And you can get it for just under $3390 USD (£2099).

We usually advice you pay the normal price and enjoy your devices as they are, but if you are going to go luxurious you might as well do it right. And based on what we have seen, this is the best option. You can get it straight from AmosuCouture.com, where they also have a selection of iPhones and Blackberry devices made of gold and other premium materials.

As for the rest of us peasants, we will stick with our regular devices made of mundane metals and plastics.

[Source: AmosuCouture Via: MobileSyrup]

No Android 4.0 update coming to Motorola Atrix 4G, Photon 4G and Electrify

Posted: 29 Sep 2012 03:41 PM PDT


One of Android’s best advantages is the fact that it moves so quickly. Fast tech advances make our devices better, but this also means that they become outdated much faster. Every device sees the day when its manufacturer simply sees no need to keep updating its software, and that time has come to three of Motorola’s smartphones – the Motorola Atrix 4G, Photon 4G and Electrify.

A statement from Motorola’s Punit Soni has recently revealed that no Ice Cream Sandwich update will see the light of day for these devices. They will forever stay in Google’s older Android 2.3 OS, a sad happening for users of any of these devices.

“Motorola Mobility continues to review how each device can deliver the very best experience possible, and at times, this can mean making tough choices – especially as it relates to Android software upgrades. Today, we need to let you know about some tough choices related to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades. Specifically, ATRIX 4G, Photon 4G and Electrify will not receive the ICS upgrade, but continue to be supported with maintenance releases to ensure optimum performance for the consumer.

We are committed to being more transparent than ever on our software upgrade strategy – even when we're delivering news consumers may not want to hear. We are doing everything possible to continually improve our communication with you and make sure you are a satisfied customer. That's why we recently announced our $100 rebate program for owners of these and other devices launched in 2011 and beyond that won't get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. This program starts in the U.S. this fall, and we are working to expand it to select regions around the world. Please watch for updates at motorola.com/tradeup.”

So, there you have it, guys. You can either conform with Android 2.3, upgrade to a new device or root your device and install a custom ROM. You know the developer community will always have your back.

[Source: Motorola]

Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight discounted in response to Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Posted: 29 Sep 2012 02:55 PM PDT


The Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight was one of the most exciting e-readers for those looking to read during the night. A device without the tiring back-lit display tablets have, but that has integrated lighting for those time a night-time story is the best idea? Can’t really beat that. That is, until Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite was announced.

The Kindle Paperwhite offers similar specs, including integrated lighting, but goes for $20 less (with ads). According to ads from Walmart and Target, it seems the once $139 Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight is getting discounted to $119, matching the Kindle Paperwhite.

Barnes & Noble’s offering might be a good option for many of you. For starters, it comes with no advertising, while Amazon’s tablets and e-readers do. Oh, and the Simple Touch does run Android, so the interface might be a bit more familiar to many of us, as well as more flexible.

But we can’t deny Amazon’s backbone is very strong. Their selection of books, movies, shows, music and other content is huge. This might be a reason why many of us are so invested in Amazon’s ecosystem, making the Kindle Paperwhite the obvious winner.

But regardless of your decision, you can pick your drug freely, as it will cost the same. You can now get the Simple Touch e-reader from Walmart (Target’s site shows the older price), while the Kindle Paperwhite is available straight from Amazon. But tell us, guys. Which of these do you prefer, and why?

[Via: CNET]

Swiftkey 3 joins the fun, discounted to $0.99

Posted: 29 Sep 2012 01:21 PM PDT


To be honest it was weird to not see Swiftkey being featured among the plethora of $0.25 discounted apps this week. The keyboard is definitely among the most popular, mostly due to its amazing, almost scary predictive capabilities. Well, my friends, you will be glad to know Swiftkey 3 is joining the discount fun and celebrating 25 billion downloads with its Fall sale.

The popular keyboard may not be discounted to $0.25, but Swiftkey developers have brought the price down by 75%. For just $0.99, this keyboard will make your typing much more precise and faster. It happens to be my third-party keyboard of choice, so I just thought I would give you a heads up! You know, as it is not showing up on the list of $0.25 apps, it would be easy to miss it. So if you haven’t yet purchased it, now would be the best time to head over to the Play Store and get it.

So what do you guys say – is Swiftkey 3 your favorite keyboard, as well? Hit the comments and tell everyone how awesome it is!


Last days to get $25 Google Play credit with the purchase of a Nexus 7 tablet

Posted: 29 Sep 2012 01:06 PM PDT


The Nexus 7 tablet is one of the hottest devices around. You simply can’t beat a Nexus device with great specs for $200, but Google made the deal a bit sweeter by including a $25 credit to use in the Google Play Store. This offer is coming to an end tomorrow (September 30), though, so it would be smart to buy this device now if you are still planning to get one.

Users who sign up for this offer will have a whole year to use their Google Play Store credit. This means you can save your virtual bucks until September 30, 2013. Needless to say we definitely recommend this tablet to any Android enthusiast. It is a Nexus device, so constant, timely updates will keep your tablet feeling refreshed. The specs are also stunning for a $200 device.

Just in case you are not in the loop, the Nexus 7 features a 1.3 GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor, 1 GB of RAM, Android 4.1, a 7-inch HD display and 8 GB of internal storage (16 GB version is $250). Not a bad deal, right? Especially if you get $25 to use towards Google Play Store content.

Go to the Play Store and get them, guys!


Galaxy Note 2 release nears as multiple variants stroll through FCC (Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile)

Posted: 29 Sep 2012 12:08 PM PDT


The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has placed itself among the most anticipated devices of the year. This is despite its different, larger form-factor, which manufacturers tried to introduce before, but failed to do so right. Of course, the announcement invitations are enough proof that the device is coming to the US soon, but here is a bit more to get excited about – FCC filings.

There are 3 versions of the “phablet” strolling through the Federal Communications Commission, all headed to their relative major carrier – AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. We have the SGH-i317 for AT&T, the SCH-i605 for Verizon and the SGH-T889 for Verizon. All come with LTE-compatible radios. Even the T-Mobile version, which hasn’t yet launched its upcoming LTE network (some good future-proofing).

There is a bit of bad news attached to this FCC filing, though. Samsung made it seem like they were finally improving their strategy with the faster and headache-less Galaxy S3 release, but it seems we are back to the older ways. All carriers have the same Galaxy S3 variant with identical specs (except radios), which was not the case with the Galaxy S and S2.

Yes, there seem to be completely different versions of the Galaxy Note 2 coming to the states. Internals should be relatively similar, but differences in aesthetics can bring many issues. For one, it creates major compatibility issues with accessories. One may also not be satisfied with the variant dedicated to one’s carrier, making us go through the hassle of switching carriers (or conforming with a “lesser” variant).

Well, at least it looks like this release will be much speedier. This was our major grunt about multiple device variants – it usually causes device releases to be delayed. Everything seems to be going smoothly this time, so let’s wait until October 24th for the official announcement and see what Sammy has for us.

[Source: FCC 1,2,3 Via: Engadget]
Posted by at 7:46 AM

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