Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

LG Splendor Official For US Cellular – Available Online Today, In Stores On Wednesday

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 07:14 PM PDT

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Leaked last Monday, the LG Splendor has just been made official for US Cellular. A variant of the LG Optimus 7 — the LG Splendor features a hodgepodge of mid-range specs that are easy on the wallet. With a 4.3-inch display, 5MP rear/.3MP front facing cameras, 1GHz single-core processor, 2GB of internal storage for applications, 4GB microSD the Spledor wont be dropping any jaws, but at $80 with a 2-year agreement (and $100 mail-in rebate), it’s not going to break the bank either.

The LG Splendor can be found running Ice Cream Sandwich with LG’s all new, more minimally designed custom UI as a topping, and LG’s specialty apps like QuickMemo come pre-loaded. The device is available right now via US Cellular’s official website, and in-store on Wednesday.

[US Cellular]

2-Tone HTC One X “Cushnie Et Ochs Edition” Up For Auction On eBay – Bidding Starts At $350

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 05:46 PM PDT

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If you fancied HTC’s special 2-tone “Oreo” color scheme on the Cushnie Et Ochs edition of their One X, the device is now being auctioned off on eBay. Bids started at $350 (but are currently up to $510 at the time of writing), and with 6 days to go, we’d expect to see that number grow much higher. It looks like the device is being shipped from Alabama here in the states but be cautious — the seller has absolutely no history of any kind. How high do you think bids will reach?

[eBay]

Lookout Mobile Security Takes To Reddit To Answer Users’ Questions

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 04:35 PM PDT

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Mobile malware is a growing concern for smartphone users — especially when it comes to Android. I’ve seen a fair share of FUD pieces circulating the ‘nets attempting to shed light on the issue, but if you were looking for a more expert opinion, the boys at Lookout Mobile Security have taken to Reddit to answer any and all questions you may have.

Lookout is a smartphone security company that provides applications for smartphone users to keep their device more secure. As the largest mobile OS around the world, like Windows, Android users have become a target. Can’t say how long they’ll be available, but if you hurry, you might be able to squeeze in a question of your own, or just hang out for the conversation and get better understanding of what these guys do.

[Reddit]

Motorola Flip Stand will hold any tablet or smartphone, and look stylish doing so.

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 03:30 PM PDT

I have to be honest: there haven’t been a whole lot of universal smartphone and tablet stands that have excited me. For the price, maybe; but none have really made me want to jump up and say “I want that.”

But Motorola seems to have come up with quite the simple option of their own. They’re calling it the Flip Stand, and it’s available for $30 at particular retailers.

It gets its name from a flipping mechanism that will allow you to extend a pair of “arms” to hold a smartphone horizontally, or to collapse those arms and use the base of it as a stand for a tablet or to hold a smartphone vertically.

It does come with a “smart” charging cable, but unless you have a compatible Motorola device it really is just a USB charger. If you do happen to have a compatible Motorola device — like the DROID M or likely any other future smartphone or tablet they may come out with — the cable will allow you to automatically launch a dock application.

For $30 it’s not a bad deal whether you have a Motorola smartphone or not. Head to Amazon if you’re interested. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

LiquidSmooth ICS milestone comes to the HTC Thunderbolt

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 02:03 PM PDT

While the HTC Thunberbolt may be getting the unfortunate shaft when it comes to an official Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade, the development community always has your back.

LiquidSmooth ICS, an AOSP-based ROM with a lot of great tweaks, customization and features, has finally been made available for Verizon’s first 4G LTE device.

This is being called a milestone release, which means this thing has taken tremendous strides from the earlier work we’ve seen.Take a look at the latest changes, and just a couple of things which are still broken:

-MMS Now Works
-Torch Has Been Fixed
-RIL/System Files Heavily Modified
-1x/3G/4G Shows & Works Correctly
-Updated/Tweaked the Menu Settings
-Now is REL, Fixes Google Music, Etc..
-Kernel & ROM Optimized and Compiled With Linaro
-First AOSP ICS ROM For Thunderbolt With Working RIL/Data

Bugs:
Video Camera Still Broke
Netflix Broke As Well

Hopefully those two issues get ironed out before too long, but this is, without a shadow of doubt, one of the best daily drivers you’re going to find in Ice Cream Sandwich form for the HTC Thunderbolt right now. If you’re rooted with a custom recovery be sure to head to XDA for the instructions and downloads. [via Droid-Life[

Google Wallet Prepaid Card being discontinued, October 17th is cut-off date to use remainder of funds

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 01:30 PM PDT

A whole horde of users received emails today being informed that Google would be ending its prepaid card program soon. Since Google Wallet is now compatible with all major credit card vendors they feel it’s no longer beneficial to keep it going. Unfortunately, some of you do still have a balance on that prepaid card.

Google’s giving you ample time to use that balance up as they’ve set the cut-off date to use it by October 17th. Even if you can’t find yourself using it up by that time, Google will give you the ability to request a refund for any unused funds. Beyond that, you will no longer be able to add funds to your prepaid card after September 17th.

It should come as no surprise to anyone as the Wallet program is now virtually accessible to anyone with a compatible Android phone and a credit or debit card from a major vendor.

The only reason to use the prepaid card was to get around the fact that Google couldn’t support anyone other than Mastercard, so since that is no longer an issue the prepaid card is no longer a necessity.

Google’s also changed their terms on fees. You will now be asked to pay $2.00 after 30 days of inactivity instead of the usual 180 days. In order to avoid the fee for this last time, Google will ask you to make at least one purchase before October 17th.

Go ahead and take care of all that well ahead of time, and be sure to set your Google Wallet account up with your cards if you haven’t done so already. Farewell, prepaid. Head to the source link for more details. [Google]

Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G headed to T-Mobile September 19th

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 12:57 PM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G has been in the news for a while, but we now finally have an official launch date to look forward to. T-Mobile has announced it’d be launching September 19th. The QWERTY-enabled slider will cost $150 after a $50 mail-in rebate.

The mid-range device will launch with Ice Cream Sandwich, but beyond the operating system it’ll sport a whole host of other great specs. It has a 4 inch Super AMOLED display, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and more. I’d say this will be one of the more desirable devices to launch on Magenta this year. Anyone springing for it?

AT&T announces the new LG Escape, coming September 16th for $50 [VIDEO]

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 11:53 AM PDT

AT&T has announced a new edition to its 4G LTE smartphone family. It’s the LG Escape, and it’s a $50 budget phone that will give you a lot of value for your money.

It houses a 4.3 inch display which acts as a clear window into the beautiful, delicious world of Ice Cream Sandwich. Other specs will include a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a 5 megapixel camera with 1080p HD video recording, Bluetooth 4.0, a 1.3 megapixel camera,4G LTE radios, and more.

It looks like this is the new mid-range; it has been for a while, but when devices like these are being announced left and right for a starting price of $50 we’d say the mobile space is right where it needs to be.

AT&T will be offering the Escape starting September 16th. Watch the video above to get a better idea about what this device has to offer, and read on for full press details.

Get Away to an Adventure Every Day with New LG Escape(TM) for AT&T Customers Available September 16

$50 4G LTE Smartphone Features Innovative New Browser Toolbar, Long-life Battery With LG QuickMemo(TM), Write Personal Memos on any Screen Capture for Expressive Communication with Friends and Family
Dallas, Texas, September 10, 2012

ShareThis
Starting Sept. 16, AT&T* will expand its 4G LTE product portfolio by offering an unparalleled combination of premium performance and value. The LG Escape™ is perfect for consumers on a budget looking to transition into a powerful smartphone and pairs well with AT&T's recently announced shared data plans creating a great combination of low- cost hardware and service for data-minded families. The LG Escape is a 4G LTE Android smartphone with high-performance connectivity, processing and camera features with a vibrant qHD display. It will be available in AT&T company-owned retail stores and online for $49.99 with a two-year agreement**.

The LG Escape features the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) platform and 4 GB onboard memory with the option to add up to 32 GB with a microSD card. A 1.2 GHz dual-core processor delivers seamless multitasking agility. The crisp 4.3-inch qHD IPS display gives users enhanced image clarity with true-to-life color rendering. Near-Field Communication enabled and equipped with the QuickMemoTM feature lets users instantly capture a screen image, add notes or decorate using just a finger, then share with friends. The LG Escape has full HD video recording capabilities, and users can even create customized videos by adding themes, music and text to videos or a series of photos with the Video Wiz editing application, played back in crisp cinematic Dolby® Mobile surround sound. To see more of the Escape's features in action, check out this video.

Because timing is everything when taking photos on the go, the LG Escape 5-megapixel auto-focus camera offers features to help users tap into their inner photographer. With the Continuous Shot feature, users can capture multiple images in a row to create that perfect panoramic photo or choose the best photo from an impromptu photo shoot to share with all their friends. Time Catch Shot eliminates shutter lag by taking several pictures before the shutter button is pushed to make sure users get the right shot every time.

LG Escape also features the Skyfire Horizon, a newly created browser toolbar extension that allows users to access their favorite social media pages while surfing the internet. Available on the LG Escape and future AT&T Android smartphones, it provides customers with quick and easy access to popular consumer utilities like Facebook, Twitter, Share URL, and more.

AT&T customers have access to the nation's largest 4G network***, covering 275 million people. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. That means AT&T customers are able to enjoy a widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G experience on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you may be on a much slower 3G network.

"This is an impressive smartphone for $49.99," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility. "Running Android 4.0 and packing a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, a qHD true-color IPS screen and cool features like our new browser bar, customers looking for incredible value will quickly select the Escape."

"LG Escape allows users to capture and share whatever life sends their way with its powerful dual-core processor, true-to-life screen and smart camera features," said James Fishler, senior vice president of marketing and go-to-market operations, LG Electronics USA. "And on AT&T's expansive network consumers can get the best possible experience with Escape by using its LTE capabilities to the fullest."

For more information, visit www.att.com/aboutus.

Limited-time offer. Discounted pricing on smartphones requires a new two year agreement with qualifying voice and data plans. Subject to Wireless Customer Agreement. Credit approval required. Activation fee $36 per line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. Coverage, and svcs not available everywhere. Taxes and other charges apply. Data (att.com/dataplans): If usage exceeds your monthly data allowance, you will automatically be charged overage for additional data provided. Early Termination Fee (att.com/equipmentETF): After 14 days, ETF up to $325. Restocking fee up to $25. Other monthly charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges. Visit store or att.com/wireless to learn more about wireless devices and services from AT&T.

Key Features:

An advanced 5 MP camera with time catch shot, "cheese shutter," and different shot modes including Normal, HDR, Continuous and Panorama
Android™ 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
AT&T's 4G LTE Network
The innovative and convenient QuickMemo™ to create and share personalized memos by writing messages or drawings on screen captures
A 1.2 GHz Dual-Core Processor
True-to-Life 1080p HD recording
Long-lasting 2,150mAh battery
Bluetooth® Version 4.0
A crisp 4.3" qHD true-color IPS Touch Screen with Gorilla® Glass durability
Google™ Integration with Google Play, Google Maps™ Navigation and other preloaded Google apps
Add music and themes to videos and photos with Video Wiz
Data sharing with Android Beam and NFC Technology
Additional Features:

1.3 MP front-facing camera and camcorder
Video resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 full-HD
Zoom up to 4x
Simultaneous GPS for Enhanced Location Accuracy
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

** International roaming data rates apply outside the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S.V.I. Visit att.com/worldpackages and select Data Plans/Packages to view rates and available discount plans.

*** 4G speeds not available everywhere. Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $49 billion global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative mobile phones, home entertainment products, home appliances, and air conditioning systems and energy solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. LG Electronics is a 2012 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

ABOUT SKYFIRE

Skyfire is dedicated to leveraging the power of cloud computing to improve radically the mobile Internet experience for both Operators and Consumers. Skyfire's solutions include the Rocket Optimizer for video and traffic optimization, and Skyfire Horizon extension framework for augmenting mobile browsers. Skyfire products provide game-changing cost savings, better end-user experiences, and compelling incremental revenue opportunities. Skyfire was recognized as no. 4 on Light Reading's 2011 Startups to Watch list; was honored by Red Herring as a top 100 private company in America; and won 1st place in the first-ever TIA Venture Network Challenge. As both a laboratory and showcase for new capabilities, Skyfire has honed its technology through a variety of consumer apps, which have more than 15 million downloads to date.

Skyfire is based in Mountain View, Calif., in the heart of Silicon Valley. For more information, visit http://www.skyfire.com, or follow Skyfire on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/skyfire.

NOTE: Skyfire and Skyfire Horizon are trademarks of Skyfire Labs, Inc. All other registered or unregistered trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

© 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 4G not available everywhere. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Google Drive gets significant upgrade in the Google Play Store

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 11:00 AM PDT

Google Drive debuted in the Google Play Store with an impressive set of features, but if you thought Google would stagnate on its progress then you simply don’t know Google. A new upgrade for the application has hit the Google Play Store, and it’s added a lot of desirable features.

You can now sort the contents of a folder by a file type, a better viewing experience for Presentations, basic table support in the editor, the ability to create, reply to, and resolve comments in a document, the ability to change fonts in a document, the ability to print files using Google Cloud Print, and a lot more.

While Google can’t surely make everyone happy in one fell swoop we’d say this is enough of a jump to make you forget about most other cloud storage services available to you. Find the free download in the Google Play Store.

Google Glass sashays down New York Fashion Week runway

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 09:11 AM PDT

A major hurdle for Google Glass to overcome is convincing people they won’t look silly donning the upcoming headgear throughout their daily lives. It certainly helps Google’s cause to see prototype units make an appearance at New York Fashion Week. But that wasn’t the only reason Glass could be spotted as the accessory of choice for those modeling Diane von Furstenberg’s latest designs.

The futuristic set of eyewear was also being used to record video for use in an upcoming short film documenting von Furstenberg’s creative process through the behind-the-scenes goings on at a high-profile fashion show. The film will be called “DVF through Glass” and will debut on Google+ on September 13th.

The whole charade smells more like a marketing ploy on Google’s behalf rather than any true movement by  a big-time designer to incorporate Google’s experimental gadget into her line. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad marketing ploy. The stunt should bring some attention to Google Glass from a completely different cultural segment, and exposing the concept to fashion-oriented minds is a move that will certainly help to establish the project.

[via Electronista]

Amazon extends in-app purchases to physical goods

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 08:39 AM PDT

In-app purchases have been paying off for developers. They provide a middle ground between offering software at a premium price and free but ad-filled apps and games. Amazon is looking to expand the ability to monetize apps by taking in-app purchases to the next level. Using their unique position as both a retailer of digital and physical goods, the company announced alongside its new Kindle Fire lineup the ability for devs to sell physical goods using their apps as a storefront.

To start, Activision will be peddling a line of toys within their game Skylanders, a console title with a mobile companion app. The game’s unique augmented reality experience that brings physical figures into the digital realm (toys are recognized by a “portal” connected the console and transmitted into the game) means players will be seeking to expand their collection of characters to incorporate into the experience. An ideal testing ground for the feature, which incorporates Amazon’s one-click purchasing.

The ability to sell physical goods not only provides a chance to monetize apps further, but also differentiates what Amazon is offering compare to both Google and Apple. It does so in a way that should be appealing to both developers and mobile users.

[via AllThingsD]

Sprint announces over 100 new 4G LTE markets to launch “in the coming months”

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 08:01 AM PDT

In the continuing 4G wars, coverage has become a real talking point. Verizon, being first to market, had a bit of a head start and still boasts the largest number of LTE markets by a wide margin, but Sprint hopes to close the gap with the announcement that they are currently installing 4G coverage in over 100 new cities.

The list is far too long to reduplicate here, but includes markets across the US as well as territories such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, with a large concentration of new sites in the south, including locations in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. The northeast and midwest also get their fair share of new LTE coverage.

Sprint hasn’t given any deadlines on when we can expect LTE to go live in these new markets other than the loose timetable of “the coming months.” This doesn’t necessarily mean by year’s end, but we should see plenty more coverage from Sprint as 2013 approaches.

[via Sprint]

HTC giving away Cushnie Et Ochs edition HTC One X

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 07:25 AM PDT

The fashion-savvy have probably been wondering when they could get their hands on the Cushnie Et Ochs edition HTC One X since it first popped up last week. The phone debuted in a two-tone color scheme that is as unique as it is striking, and while it was meant mostly to dazzle the Fashion Week crowd, HTC is now offering a chance for those of us a bit more grounded in our aesthetics to take the leap into high design.

The contest is rather simple, and, as most online giveaways functions these days, involves social media. All you have to do is follow HTCMobile on Pinterest and re-pin an image from a selection of photos of the black-and-white One X. That’s about as easy as it gets, and worthwhile even if you aren’t that interested in holding one of the most fashionable phones on the block. The One X itself is still a great device regardless of its outward appearance.

[via HTCBlog]

7-inch Tabeo toddler tablet coming from Toys ‘R’ Us

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 06:13 AM PDT

Toys”R”Us has been known to stock a tablet or two designed specifically for kids in the past, but today the company announces their first slate to receive the brand’s stamp of approval. Called the Tabeo, the new toddler tab doesn’t differ much from previous devices in the same category. The slate features a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 chipset, 7-inch display with 800×480 resolution, 1GB RAM, and WiFi connectivity. Otherwise not too many bells and whistles are to be found.

The Tabeo’s most notable spec is the inclusion of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, though it will come with a parsed-down user interface designed with younger folk in mind. It will ship with a selection of games, apps, and books pre-installed. Parental controls will allow adults to easily monitor internet usage as well as establish a list of viewable sites.

The Tabeo is available for pre-order now priced at $150 and will hit Toys”R”Us stores exclusively on October 21st. A selection of accessories will be available, including bumpers and cases.

[Press Release]

Vizio Co-Star once again available for pre-order, now shipping 9/17 [Update: Already sold out]

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 05:56 AM PDT

While we’re not quite sure why they are still calling it a pre-order after an initial batch of Co-Star units hit doorsteps last month, but Vizio is once again listing their Google TV box for sale on their site. The $99 Co-Star is about as cheap a pathway to Google TV as you will find, so it’s no surprise that the company has had trouble keeping up with demand. While we have no way of knowing exactly how many units Vizio has pushed, since the GTV device has seen its status go from pre-order to unavailable and back several times in the past month.

New units are shipping on the 17th of this month, so orders should arrive in a little over a week. Just remember: the Co-Star is only available from Vizio’s site, so if you want one you will want to head over and put down a reservation now.

Update: If you didn’t act quick, you missed your chance to pick up the Co-Star for now. The GTV box is once again listed as out of stock shortly after Vizio’s site began accepting pre-orders once again. We’ll keep an eye on the buy page and let you know when more units are back in stock.

[via Vizio | Thanks, Jeremy!]
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