Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Google Granted Multiple User Face-To-Unlock Patent – Coming Soon To Key Lime Pie?

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 06:40 PM PDT

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We know it’s coming, but Google’s plans to bring multiple user accounts to Android is once again been revealed, this time in their successfully granted face-to-unlock patent. The patent deals with a “computer device” that allows multiple users to keep their data stored separately on a device using the built-in camera and facial recognition software. Here’s the description:

“A method of logging a first user in to an computing device includes receiving a an image of the first user via a camera operably coupled with the computing device and determining an identity of the first user based on the received image. If the determined identity matches a predetermined identity, then, based at least on the identity of the first user matching the predetermined identity, the first user is logged in to the computing device.”

Okay, we know Google’s mobile OS wasn’t specifically mentioned in the patent, but we still have our hopes that we’ll see something similar introduced in Key Lime Pie (or some other “K” dubbed confection).

[USPTO | Engadget]

Samsung SGH-T889 Leaked For T-Mobile – Could Be The Galaxy Note 2

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 05:49 PM PDT

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I’ve been scratching my neck like a crack-fiend waiting on word of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 coming to the US and it looks like we finally have something. A mysterious Samsung device going by the model number SGH-T889 has just appeared online, well — the “about device” screen anyway. Given that the original Note was cancelled, everything lines up with what we’d expect from a Note 2 on T-Mobile. Here’s why:

  • Original Note on T-Mobile was the SGH-T879 and wound up canceled
  • Display is listed as 1280×720 resolution (original was 1280×800)
  • Firmware listed is Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean

What’s more is TMoNews has it on good authority that the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 will retain the quad-core Exynos processor as found on the original and it will run out of the box on T-Mobile’s 42Mbps+ network (makes sense since their LTE isn’t quite ready for rollout). We can hope that since there will be no need for a special T-Mobile variant of the device, a quick and timely release will result, but a date hasn’t been confirmed just yet. We’ll keep our eyes peeled.

iPhone 4S Is No Longer #1 Selling Smartphone In The US – Samsung Galaxy S3 Takes The Crown

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 04:47 PM PDT

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And you wonder why Apple and their legal team have declared “thermonuclear” war on Samsung? Since its debut back in October of 2011, the iPhone 4S has consistently dominated the smartphone market as the single top selling smartphone in the US. And for the first time since its launch, it’s now taking the #2 spot, just under the Samsung Galaxy S3.

That’s right, according to a report from analyst Michael Walkley of Canaccord Genuity, the Galaxy S3 is now the top selling smartphone in the US and Apple can’t be too happy about it. Where most smartphones (like the One X, or Droid-whatever) are only sold on a single carrier, the Galaxy S3 came out swinging, finding itself offered not only on The Big 4, but smaller MVNO’s as well. It was a recipe for success. Of course, while some will hold Samsung’ success to the fact that we’re approaching the eve of the iPhone 5 (only 12 days away), that still hasn’t slowed down Samsung’s sales of the GS3 which are still going strong.

[Cnet | BGR]

Watch tomorrow’s Motorola, Verizon event straight from here (there or anywhere)

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 04:28 PM PDT


September will be one busy month for us – we have HTC, Motorola and Amazon (even Apple) bringing their best cards to the table. Motorola and Verizon are first in line, and they know you are more than eager to find out what shiny new devices they will be launching. That is why they are letting everyone watch the event live!

Motorola has decided to bring the event not only to the press, but to everyone interested in watching it from the confort of their homes. They will be streaming the event from their YouTube page, so it is as easy as pie to watch it. But we will make it even simpler! You are already here, so why not bookmark and come back to this very post to watch it? The video is embedded right below. Just tune in tomorrow, September 5th, at 11 AM Pacific.

We have more than enough rumors to go on. We could be seeing that recently-leaked device featuring an edge-to-edge display. Or maybe the DROID M and DROID RAZR HD will be the stars of the show. Who knows – maybe all three? Regardless of the outcome, we will also be there to cover the event, so you can be sure we will be giving you some hands-on content.


McAfee: Mobile malware up 700 percent since 2011, majority targets Android

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 03:22 PM PDT

According to internet security firm McAfee, instances of mobile malware have increased by as much as 700 percent since 2011, and the majority of it targets Android devices. 85 percent of all malicious software targeting smartphones and tablets is coded to take advantage of security flaws in Google’s mobile OS and comes in all shapes and sizes, including everything form trojans disguised as legitimate apps and software updates to websites that automatically download dirty code to a device.

The main reason for Android’s vulnerability is the ability to install third party software directly, something Apple blocks from their iPhone and iPad line. For some time carrier partners attempted to block the feature from Android devices tied to their networks due to security concerns, but Android supporters have long fought to keep the platform as open as possible.

Still, while the majority of malware targets Android users, it’s rare to find an instance that does not require user approval to install. While the bad software may be cleverly disguised, double checking exactly what is being downloaded and launched on your device is still the best way to guarantee handset security.

[via VentureBeat]

Apple content to wait until next year for Samsung to pay its billions in damages

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 02:23 PM PDT

Apple won a pretty big pay day when a jury decided in the company’s favor in a case against Samsung, but that pay day might not be coming any time soon. Samsung isn’t expected to pay out the billion dollar sum any time soon given an extended court schedule, and Apple is perfectly content with waiting until next year to collect. Apple likely won’t be able to demand payment from Samsung until at least two weeks after post-trial motions that will begin on December 6th.

The reason Apple isn’t all the miffed over playing the waiting game is their ability to withhold payment for certain Samsung components used in the production of their iPhone and iPad, which should balance out some of what the cupertino-based company is due.

[via BGR]

comScore: Android’s market share grows in the US, but Samsung down a tick in July

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 01:14 PM PDT

The latest numbers are in from market analysis firm comScore, this time covering the figures as they stood in July. News is mostly good on the Android front, where Google’s mobile OS continues to lead the pack in the US. In fact, the operating system’s share continues to rise north of 50 percent, coming in at 52.2 percent since the last time numbers were tallied in April. While many project Microsoft’s Windows Phone to come on strong in the coming months, the platform’s share actually dropped a hair to 3.6 percent. Apple picked up some ground, growing from 31.4 percent to 33.4.

Taking a hit was Samsung, a company that saw a slight drop off in market share despite the release of their flagship Galaxy S3 handset. The Korean manufacturer’s US market share ended at 25.6 percent, 0.3 percent down from previous figures. The good news is that Samsung retained its position as the number one manufacturer in the US. LG’s share dropped a couple points but the company still managed to rank second just ahead of Apple.

[via comScore]

HTC Rezound now $80 at Verizon [Deal Alert]

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 12:08 PM PDT

The HTC Rezound is nearing its first birthday heading into November, and as Verizon is prepped to announce new handsets tomorrow (on top of a couple launched earlier today) it’s time among the elite offerings from the carrier may be drawing to an end. While other devices such as the Droid Incredible 4G LTE have launched more recently, the Rezound has remained one of the better specced offerings from HTC to find a home on Big Red’s airwaves.

It now looks like the carrier is ready to phase out the Beats-enabled handset as the phone’s price has dropped to $79.99. And it’s one of the few HTC smartphones left on the market that still comes bundled with a pair of Beats headphones. So if you’re looking for a great deal on a solid Android handset in the twilight of its life, now’s the time to act.

[Verizon via DroidLife]

Walmart and T-Mobile partner to offer Samsung Galaxy S2 off-contract for $300

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 12:02 PM PDT

T-Mobile is partnering up with WalMart to offer a retail exclusive deal on the Samsung Glaxy S2. The GS2 will be offered as a premium device on TMo’s Monthly4G plans. That means you get all the power of the still respectable handset from Samsung alongside unlimited data, unlimited text, and 100 minutes of talk time all for only $30 per month without any contractual obligations.

The Galaxy S2 itself will retail for $299.99, so it’s not the cheapest up-front cost. But that’s the price for going with a two year obligation to a cell provider. The new deal is available as of today. The phone can also be paired with WalMart’s Family Mobile plan starting at $45 per month for the first line.

No Annual Contract Samsung Galaxy S II at Walmart (9/4/12)

Today, T-Mobile and Walmart announced a national retail exclusive of the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S™ II as a no annual contract kitted option, providing a premium smartphone experience at a discounted price for no annual contract customers. Now available, the Galaxy S II costs $299.00 when paired with a T-Mobile Monthly4G no annual contract plan of $30 per month or higher.

The Monthly4G $30 per month plan offers unlimited Web, with the first 5 GB at up to 4G speeds; unlimited text; and 100 minutes of talk, with 10 cents per minute after the first 100 minutes. In addition, Monthly4G plans require no annual contract, no credit check and no deposit, offering great value and flexibility to customers.

With the addition of the Galaxy S II to the lineup of no annual contract devices offered at Walmart, customers have access to premium devices, fast nationwide 4G network speeds and affordable service plan prices – all without an annual contract.

The Galaxy S II is also available through Walmart's Family Mobile service, a monthly, no-annual-contract wireless plan powered by T-Mobile's nationwide network. The Walmart Family Mobile Unlimited Talk, Text and Web plan is $45 per month for the first line and $35 per month for additional lines, and provides unlimited access to Web surfing, data and social media for all lines on the account (base plan includes the first 250MB per month at up to 3G speeds). Available at Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com, Walmart Family Mobile was designed with families in mind and is one of the best value options available on any national carrier.

Currently, T-Mobile services, as well as a wide range of smartphones and handsets, are available at Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com.

For more information about T-Mobile's no annual contract Samsung Galaxy S II, please visit: www.walmart.com.

HTC sending out invites to September 19 press event

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 10:40 AM PDT

HTC has just sent out a round of invites for a press event to be held September 19th in New York City. The invite provides little in the way of clues as to what we can expect when we roll up to the showcase, merely prodding us to “Join HTC to see what’s next.” A graphic of some sort appears at the bottom of the invite, but it’s hard to say if it actually has anything to do with what we will be shown off or if it merely is filling out space on an otherwise bland invitation.

Speculation is that the Taiwanese company will unveil several smartphones, including new Windows Phone 8 devices. The fact that the invite hit our inbox suggests Android will be on display as well.

 

Samsung SGH-i317 shows up in GL Benchmark with HD display

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 09:53 AM PDT

We’ve just been tipped to a new listing in GLBenchmark for one Samsung SGH-I317, a device that apparently sports an HD display. The model number indicates AT&T or Canadian affiliation, but it’s tough to say what, exactly, it is.

We’re not sure if Samsung is planning to bring another HD device to Ma Bell’s shelves. They’re a decent candidate for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, but the model number doesn’t suggest this is a sequel to the original device — the SGH-I717.

It also doesn’t suggest that this is a variant for the S3, but anything is possible. The listing also shows it’s running Jelly Bean, and Samsung is confirmed to be bringing newer devices with Jelly Bean out of the box starting with the Samsung Galaxy S3 4G headed for Australia later this month.

Without any recent rumors it’s tough to say what this device could be, but we’ll be digging for more information to see what we can find. In the meantime let us know what you think this might turn out to be. [thanks Fayez!]

AT&T-branded Xperia T shows up on UK retailer site

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 09:11 AM PDT

It looks like AT&T might be thinking about carrying the Sony Xperia T soon. UK retailer Phones4U accidentally posted a press shot of the Sony Xperia T with AT&T branding on its listing.

While this isn’t hard confirmation that AT&T is set to bring the device out it’s a rather clean render and there’s no reason to believe it was doctored by either Phones4U or Sony.

Also note the two separators on the AT&T render — that design is not present in the international version which could be further proof that this is a shot of a possible AT&T version.

We’re not sure when AT&T might be bringing the device out if they are, in fact, doing so, but considering it was just unveiled last week in Berlin we’d say it’s not exactly right around the corner.

Nothing we say is worth more than any official word, though, so we’ll be waiting to hear more from AT&T in the coming weeks or months. [via AndroidCentral]

Rovio announces Bad Piggies for September 27th, says nary a slingshot in sight

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 08:29 AM PDT

Rovio has announced a new game for Android, and they’re calling it Bad Piggies. Like rumors have suggested, and like the name implies, this game will let you play as the poor pigs that the Angry Birds have terrorized for so long.

"There's a lot of empathy towards the lovable enemies from the Angry Birds games, and we've been constantly asked: what about the pigs' side of the story?" said Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio. "Bad Piggies gives you the chance to play as the second-most-loved characters in the Angry Birds universe, and explore this rich world through their green eyes."

Rovio didn’t say what, exactly, you’d be doing with the pigs, but they say there’s no slingshot to be found in this game. I guess we’ll have to wait for some gameplay footage or more news from Rovio to see what the mechanics are, but this looks to be yet another fresh take on their priceless IP. The game is launching September 27th in the Google Play Store. [Rovio]

AT&T announces the Pantech Flex with “Easy Experience” mode, coming Sep. 16th

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 07:14 AM PDT

AT&T has announced their new entry-level smartphone that is not only entry-level in its price, but also in its function.

It’s the Pantech Flex, and as its name implies (intentionally or otherwise) it’s a phone that is flexible to whoever’s using it. Users can choose to go with the standard Android 4.0 experience, but those who find it too daunting to start can enable the “Easy Experience” mode.

The standard Android format is available for the customer who wants instant access to a wide range of their favorite features – social media sites, email, video and more. In addition, Flex provides the "Easy Experience" mode which prioritizes customers' apps on the home screen in a clearly organized and easy-to-read format.

It isn’t a bad device, to boot. It features a 4.3 inch qHD display, an 8 megapixel camera, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, and more. AT&T will let you walk in and pick this one up for $49.99 starting September 16th. Read on for full press details.

New Pantech Flex from AT&T Provides Added Choice for Simplicity Seekers

First 4G LTE Smartphone from AT&T to Feature “Easy Experience” Mode Runs Android 4.0

Dallas, Texas, September 04, 2012

The first smartphone at AT&T to offer customers the option to choose between the traditional Android operating mode and a more simplified version ideal for new smartphone users, the Pantech Flex will be available exclusively from AT&T* online and in company-owned retail stores for $49.99 with a two-year agreement and qualifying voice and data plans, beginning Sept. 16.

The Pantech Flex offers a unique dual experience system that runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The standard Android format is available for the customer who wants instant access to a wide range of their favorite features – social media sites, email, video and more. In addition, Flex provides the "Easy Experience" mode which prioritizes customers' apps on the home screen in a clearly organized and easy-to-read format.  Easy Experience users can enjoy an intuitive experience without sacrificing any of the latest in smartphone technology.  By switching simply between traditional and easy modes, depending on preferences, Flex is a very easy to use device.  To see more of the Flex's features in action, check out this video.

In addition to its dual operating systems, Flex weighs only 4.6 ounces and has a slim design that makes it easy to slip into a pocket or purse. Flex features a full touch 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display for a vibrant picture and a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor. The intelligent Pantech SwiftKey technology makes typing a breeze – it minimizes key strokes by learning a user's natural language for more accurate word predictions and corrections.  Flex also features an eight-megapixel rear facing camera with 1080p HD video recording capabilities and a two-megapixel front facing camera.

"The Pantech Flex is a great phone because of its versatility," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices and Developer Services, AT&T Mobility. "This phone simplifies the smartphone experience and allows someone who has been hesitant to buy a smartphone a chance to get familiar with it at their own pace, and still leaves open the possibility of having the more traditional experience."

"Flex is a smartphone that's truly for everybody," remarked Wyatt Whaley, vice president of product planning at Pantech. "With the option to alternate between the traditional Android interface and Pantech's proprietary Easy Experience, Flex is ideal for users of all ages looking for an intuitive and flexible mobile experience."

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

Additional information about Flex can be found at, www.pantechusa.com.

 

 

*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.

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 athttp://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 Pantech Wireless, Inc.

Pantech Wireless, Inc., an Atlanta, GA based subsidiary of Pantech Co., Ltd., researches, markets and develops wireless handsets, tablets and telecommunications products throughout North America as part of the Pantech Group. Pantech is the title sponsor and the wireless device partner of the 2012 Dew Tour.

 

 

© 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.

Verizon announces the free Samsung Galaxy Stellar

Posted: 04 Sep 2012 06:53 AM PDT

Following the official word about the LG Intuition coming in, Verizon has officially announced another previously rumored smartphone. The Samsung Galaxy Stellar is headed our way September 6th for the low, low price of free, but a wait on a $50 mail-in rebate is required before you get it down to $0.

It’s a 4 inch entry level device that houses a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon device, 4G LTE, a 3.2 megapixel camera, a 1.3 front-facing camera, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and more.

With the Samsung Galaxy S3 available on Big Red this seems paltry in comparison, but for the price we can’t imagine this will be a smartphone that doesn’t attract a nice-sized crowd of budget-conscious smartphone users. Read on for full press details.

VERIZON WIRELESS LAUNCHES FEATURE-PACKED SAMSUNG GALAXY STELLAR™ SMARTPHONE

 

Features 4G LTE Connectivity, Dual Interface Options and B2B Enterprise Solutions

 

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and DALLAS – Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) announced today that they will offer the exclusive Samsung Galaxy Stellar™ starting Sept. 6 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online atwww.verizonwireless.com.

The easy-to-use 4G LTE enabled Samsung Galaxy Stellar is designed to be compact so it fits easily in a customer's hand and make the first time smartphone experience simple.  Built with a compact design, the Stellar features a dual interface option so customers can choose between Starter Mode or Standard Mode.  Starter Mode gives customers a simplified home screen display with preset widgets such as Favorite Apps, Favorite Contacts and Favorite Settings for quick and easy access to frequently used apps and settings.  Starter Mode also features a quick dialer icon that allows customers to make phone calls directly from the home screen.  Standard Mode provides customers with a more conventional layout and gives customers the traditional Android™ experience.  The Stellar also includes a Help app that features guided tours, walkthroughs, tips for changing settings and more, so customers can master their device.

Samsung Galaxy Stellar customers can take advantage of blazingly fast 4G LTE connectivity to access an array of convenient and multimedia rich apps. A suite of Amazon apps is included that offers customers an easy way to discover content such as watching movie trailers on the IMDB app, downloading audio books with the Audible app, and one-click ordering with the Amazon shopping app. The Stellar also offers a variety of premium TV and film content for rent or purchase through the Samsung Media Hub.

The Galaxy Stellar is a SAFE™ (Samsung Approved For Enterprise) approved device featuring on-device AES-256 bit encryption, enhanced support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®  and support for industry-leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to make working on-the-go secure.

Additional features:

  • 4G LTE – customers can expect fast download speeds of  5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G Mobile Broadband coverage areas
  • ·         4-inch WVGA display (800 x 480 )
  • ·         Suite of Amazon apps includes Kindle, Shopping, MP3, Zappos, IMDB and Audible
  • ·         1.2 dual-core GHz Snapdragon™ application processor
  • ·         Wi-Fi® Connectivity (802.11 a/b/g/n)
  • ·         microSD™ card slot with support for up to 32 GB
  • Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich – support for Google Mobile™ Services including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk™, Google Maps™ and access to more than 600,000 apps available to download from Google™ Play Store
  • Front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera for video chat and 3.2 megapixel rear-facing camera with auto focus
  • Backup Assistant Plus – media management and online storage service designed to help customers store and access media content such as music, videos, pictures documents and contacts.

 

Business features:

Samsung’s SAFE enterprise mobility solutions provide flexibility and connectivity for mobile workforces, ensuring that users are able to operate     more efficiently while on–the-move.

  • ·         Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® (EAS) – Communicate directly with your Microsoft Exchange Server enabling push email, calendar, and contacts
  • ·         Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) Support from Industry-Leading Solutions Providers – Supports industry-standard VPN protocols to help users efficiently tap into VPN networks and MDM capabilities that allow IT departments to effectively safeguard employee's mobile devices and corporate data.
  • ·         On Device Encryption – SAFE helps prevent unauthorized access to mobile data by leveraging the AES 256-bit encryption standard, encrypting all data, including app-specific internal data and internal/external memory.

Price and availability:

  • The Samsung Stellar will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com starting Sept. 6 for free after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.  Customers receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
  • For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

 

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Media can access high-resolution images of the Samsung Galaxy Stellar in the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library atwww.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.)

# # #

 

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

 

About Samsung Mobile

Samsung Mobile (Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC), a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visitwww.samsungwireless.com.

 

Samsung, Stellar and SAFE are trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Posted by at 7:53 AM

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