Android Phone Fans |
- Robin Gets A Facelift – Brings New Features and UI with Version 2.0
- Google Play Is Now Live On Twitter – Wants To Bring You Special Promos, Updates and Exclusive Content
- iMpulse Is a Wireless Mini-Controller You Can Attach To Your Keys
- Rugged Sony Xperia acro S now available unlocked in the US
- Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy S3 Developer Edition now on sale
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 comes to Canada
- Leak details ASUS Padfone 2 specs, quad-core and 13MP camera included
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2 up for pre-order through US Cellular, priced at $299
- HBO Go, MAX Go, and Hulu get closed captions
- Verizon Wireless roadmap shows launch windows for known devices, reveals a few unknown
- Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on Verizon Galaxy Nexus now available
- SteelSeries Free is headed to market as a very attractive Bluetooth gaming controller
- Motorola Mobility announces S11-FLEX HD wireless headphones
- Hit iOS game Subway Surfers makes its way to the Google Play Store [VIDEO]
- Rayman Jungle Run won’t be coming until next week
| Robin Gets A Facelift – Brings New Features and UI with Version 2.0 Posted: 21 Sep 2012 07:05 PM PDT
It was a few months ago we told you guys about Robin, a voice assistant app for Android that looked to give Siri a run for her money (don’t they all?). The app was met with good reviews and recently, Robin’s been given a complete overhaul with new version 2.0. She’s now smarter, listens better, and has been given a visual facelift. Here’s the all new feature set for 2.0:
If you guys wanna take her for a spin, “Robin, the Siri challenger” can be found in the Google Play Store free of charge. Let me know if she plays nice.
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| Posted: 21 Sep 2012 06:24 PM PDT
The Google Play Store is looking to invade your Twitter feed, with their all new Twitter account alive and self-aware. The newly opened Twitter account wants to bring tweet-oholics special deals, updates, and exclusive content from the Google Play Store. It’s still too early to say if the Twitter account will offer anything different from their email newsletter (an option checked by default when you first sign into your Android device). Still, for those wanting to stay extra up-to-date on all that Google Play has to offer, hit the link below and give ‘em a follow.
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| iMpulse Is a Wireless Mini-Controller You Can Attach To Your Keys Posted: 21 Sep 2012 03:42 PM PDT
A wise man once said, “The best camera is the one that’s with you.” That’s pretty much the idea with the iMpulse gamepad, an upcoming accessory that looks to keep a wireless gamepad always within your reach. The iMpulse’s small stature means there’s never a reason to leave your controller at home, a problem facing just about every other mobile gaming controller on the market. It attaches easily to a set of keys meaning that no matter what delays, hangups, or long lines you face, you’ll always be ready for impromptu game sessions on your phone or tablet.
The iMpulse connects to any Bluetooth supported device and you can connect up to 2 controllers on 1 device for 2-player gaming. What’s more is the mini-controller can be used for more than just gaming. The iMpluse also acts as a media controller for your music and movies, a remote camera trigger, and a remote key finder. MicroSD port was added for convenient charging the iMpulse will be good for 30 days of standby time, or 10 straight hours of gaming.
If you’re smelling what the iMpulse is cooking, you can help fund the mini-controller on Kickstarter for only $30, where the accessory has managed to raise $13,000 of their $50,000 goal. Check out the video below for a message from the creators of the iMpulse and to see the controller in action. [Kickstarter | iMpulse]
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| Rugged Sony Xperia acro S now available unlocked in the US Posted: 21 Sep 2012 03:00 PM PDT
For a phone with IP55 and IP57 ratings for dust and water resistance, the Sony Xperia acro S manages to avoid the boxy look of your typical ruggedized Android device. It also features specs not typically associated with that class of handsets. With a 720p display measuring 4.3 inches and a dual-core CPU, the Xperia acro S stacks up to be a pretty surprising little smartphone. And now it is officially up for sale in the US direct from Sony. Unfortunately, that means the purchase will set you back $650, though the cost comes at the benefit of a handset free of carrier obligations. To check it out, head over to Sony’s web store linked below.
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| Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy S3 Developer Edition now on sale Posted: 21 Sep 2012 01:18 PM PDT
It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything about the Samsung Galaxy S3 Developer Edition for Verizon, but a heads up for all awaiting their chance to drop $600 dollars on the unlocked, unstrapped version of the device. Samsung’s site now has the handset available for sale after first showing it as ‘coming soon’ back in July. The Galaxy S3 Developer Edition is identical to the version of the handset released through Verizon’s carrier subsidy, except it provides user a more open experience for hacking and modifying the phone’s software. The model released over the summer came with a locked bootloader, much to the dismay of custom ROM users everywhere. [via Samsung | Thanks, jonkranked!]
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| Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 comes to Canada Posted: 21 Sep 2012 01:05 PM PDT
Samsung has launched their newest tablet in Canada today, announcing the availability of the WiFi version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. The S Pen-enabled slate hits the shelves of a variety of retailers, including Best Buy and Future Shop. Pricing starts at $499 for the 32GB version. The Galaxy Note 10.1, which launched elsewhere over the summer, features a quad-core processor coupled with 2GB of RAM, a 5MP camera, and Android 4.0 out of the box. A carrier-branded version could hit Canadian networks later this year.
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| Leak details ASUS Padfone 2 specs, quad-core and 13MP camera included Posted: 21 Sep 2012 11:43 AM PDT
With ASUS ready to announce the Padfone 2 on October 16th, it was only a matter of time before the leaks started rolling in. Here we have what is said to be a snapshot of the back of the Padfone 2′s retail packaging, complete with a rundown of the hardware powering the brains of the phone that can in turn power a tablet. Just as previously rumored, a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor is insider, running at a 1.5GHz clip. Also featured is a 12MP camera, 2GB RAM, and a 4.7-inch Super IPS+ HD display. All is wrapped into a frame that measures in at 9mm thick while still packing a 2140mAh battery. The specs are pretty impressive on paper, and the multi-funtionality that will presumably get the same tablet and laptop docking options as its predecessor make it a pretty complete device that should be able to compete head-to-head with the most powerful handsets on the market. Now let’s see if ASUS can take advantage of its unique positioning. [via Mobile01]
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| Samsung Galaxy Note 2 up for pre-order through US Cellular, priced at $299 Posted: 21 Sep 2012 11:09 AM PDT
Folks within the coverage area of US Cellular can feel free to put money down on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 now, as the regional carrier is currently offering the so-called phablet for pre-order. The phone is priced at $299.99 after instant rebate with service contract and is listed as shipping by the end of October. The pre-order is currently web-only. The Note 2 will take advantage of US Cellular’s 4G LTE data coverage and likewise features specs identical to versions of the device slated for AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon’s network, including a quad-core Exynos processor and 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display. Other carrier have yet to open pre-orders for the device or announce further plans for release, but all are expected to receive the phone by mid-November at the latest. [via US Cellular | Thanks, Josh!]
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| HBO Go, MAX Go, and Hulu get closed captions Posted: 21 Sep 2012 09:56 AM PDT A few video apps have gotten some key upgrades in the Google Play Store. All of them, at the very least, add closed captioning support. I’m talking about Hulu, HBO Go, and MAX Go. Hulu specifically notes that its app supports English and other select language when available, though the listings for HBO’s apps aren’t as specific.
Hulu also added the ability to share shows and movies to social networks so that you can recommend content to your friends and family while you’re out sitting beneath a hair dryer… or waiting in a certain line today. Finally, the usual round of bug fixes are here and, like always, we’ll never know what, exactly, has been fixed. Get the upgrades from the source link. [HBO, MAX, Hulu]
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| Verizon Wireless roadmap shows launch windows for known devices, reveals a few unknown Posted: 21 Sep 2012 09:38 AM PDT Verizon Wireless always has an onslaught of devices ready to be unleashed on the shopping crowd during the holiday season. We know they’ll be coming out with a smattering of devices, but it’s tough to say when, exactly, that will be. Thanks to an anonymous tipster that contacted PhoneArena, however, the calendar has gotten a little bit more tight.
According to the alleged roadmap we’re supposed to be seeing the Samsung Stratosphere 2 at the end of this month, the LG Spectrum 2 in October, the DROID Incredible X in November and the DROID RAZR MAXX HD in November — interesting because the regular RAZR HD only has a window of Q4 which could indicate it will launch ahead of the MAXX. A couple of ZTE tablets also seem to have been on the list for Q3, though considering how close we are to Q4 we can’t imagine Verizon will meet that mark. Finally, one “Pantech Perception” is supposed to be a sequel to the Pantech Breakout, but we haven’t heard anything about this particular device. In short, I’d just say that it’s safe to assume none of these devices — at least the ones with a month-long launch window — will launch beyond Christmas, let alone too far beyond the couple of weeks following Thanksgiving/Black Friday. We’ll see how accurate the roadmap ends up being before too long. [PhoneArena]
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| Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on Verizon Galaxy Nexus now available Posted: 21 Sep 2012 08:55 AM PDT For those not interested in rooting their Verizon Galaxy Nexus and unlocking their bootloaders, Verizon may finally be delivering the treat we’ve all been waiting for. We’ve gotten a few reports in our inbox that an OTA update for build JR003O — Jelly Bean, for those not in the know. It could be a staggered rollout so some users would have to find a way to force the server to push the file or download the signed ROM file and flash it themselves. But this is not a test, a mistake, or a dream — this is really happening, and we couldn’t be any more relieved. Verizon took longer than we’d expected to bring this update out.
Despite it being a Nexus device they control the development, testing, and rollout. It almost didn’t feel like a Nexus device with how long we had to wait, but despite the time that elapsed from when Jelly Bean was announced until now the Verizon Galaxy Nexus is still one of the first Android phones to receive Android 4.1. Prepare to enjoy all the great new features Google’s cooked up, including Google Now, expanded notifications, Project Butter, and more. Check for the update in your settings menu, and be sure to have your WiFi radio on before you do — we’re hearing this one will only initiate if you’re connected to WiFi. [AndroidForums.com, Verizon, Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
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| SteelSeries Free is headed to market as a very attractive Bluetooth gaming controller Posted: 21 Sep 2012 07:28 AM PDT Our friends at SteelSeries have let us know that its new SteelSeries Free (that’s the name, not the price) Bluetooth gaming controller will be set to launch soon. The controller brings a full-featured suite of face and shoulder buttons, as well as dual analog sticks for ultimate control. They’re boasting battery life of 10 hours for non-stop gaming, and 20 hours of casual gaming. The device will automatically sleep after 3 minutes of inactivity, and you can also use it while it’s charging.
The SteelSeries Free will be compatible with games that offer native gamepad support such as Grand Theft Auto 3, Max Payne, and Shadowgun, as well as any other game that supports Zeemote mapping. The great thing about the controller is that SteelSeries will be launching its own app called the SteelSeries Engine. It’ll allow users to fully customize and remap the controller to their liking, so there should be no reason for anyone to be unhappy with its setup. Of course, PC/Mac and iOS devices are also supported so you’ll be set if you are in need of one controller to rule them all. Check out a quick hands-on video of the controller below, and keep it tuned to Phandroid and GameFans for more information on its availability, and an impending review. [via GameFans]
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| Motorola Mobility announces S11-FLEX HD wireless headphones Posted: 21 Sep 2012 07:19 AM PDT Motorola Mobility is continuing its excellence in accessories with today’s announcement of new wireless headphones. They’re called the S11-FLEX HD, and its name comes from the fact that it has a flexible outer-band, an adjustable inner-band, and rotating/telescoping ear cups to fit the heads of anyone who doesn’t quite fit that “standard” mold.
These wireless cans have 150 feet of range, and more features include dedicated volume controls, equalizer features, quick 5-15 minute charge times, and more. Motorola says these have “better-than-wired HD sound,” and while we’re sure a few of you audiophiles would argue with that assessment we can’t say for sure whether or not their claims are legit. Best Buy will be the exclusive retailer of these headphones once they launch October 28th, and Motorola will also host them on its site. The asking price will be $130, and while you can find some really nice wired headphones in that range it might be worth checking out to see if Motorola’s set can live up to the company’s claims without needing to be tied down to your device. Read on for full press details.
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| Hit iOS game Subway Surfers makes its way to the Google Play Store [VIDEO] Posted: 21 Sep 2012 05:40 AM PDT We’re always happy when smash iOS hits make their way to the Google Play Store, and another great one has been added recently. Subway Surfers, a game that ha enjoyed over 25 million downloads in Apple’s App Store, is finally available for Android in the Google Play Store. The game features never-ending chases as you play as Jake, a tagger who has unsurprisingly attracted some unwanted attention and must run from the police. Jake’s escape route twists and turns through a VERY active subway system. Players must dodge trains by running on open tracks or jumping on top of them in order to keep things going, and you can even grind on the electrical lines above you using a skateboard. Collect coins, fly a paint-powered jetpack, and more in this free download. It’s still got a perfect rating in the Google Play Store after nearly 600 ratings so we’d say the community is definitely liking this one. Give it a shot here. [via Mobilsiden (Danish)]
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| Rayman Jungle Run won’t be coming until next week Posted: 21 Sep 2012 05:24 AM PDT We were looking forward to Rayman Jungle Run being launched for Android yesterday, but that never happened. The iOS version launched — earlier than expected, too — so we were a bit vexed to find out that the Google Play Store was devoid of good ol’ fashioned Rayman goodness. Ubisoft says the game needed to be delayed because more time was needed to optimize the game for as many Android devices as possible. It’s a plausible excuse considering just how many different devices are out there, and a one week wait isn’t much to play one of the more exciting franchises in the gaming world. Users can find hopefully find Rayman Jungle Run in the Google Play Store September 27th, and if iOS pricing is anything to go buy it shouldn’t cost you more than $3 to download. Watch the launch trailer above.
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