Android Central |
- Google posts more 4.1.2 factory images, and the ICS image for the Nexus Q
- Dropbox app updated with refreshed UI and photo improvements
- On brand loyalty and blind hate
- Play Store update pushing out, brings expandable notifications and removable entries from all apps tab
- Motorola launches the Intel powered RAZR i in France
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini gallery
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini specs
- LG Nexus shown off in 360-degree animation
- The Tribez sets up camp on Android
- Spanish Carphone Warehouse showing registration page for 32GB Nexus 7
- Ice Cream Sandwich update rolling out to Orange San Diego
- Samsung Galaxy S3 $100 off this Sunday at Best Buy
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini UK pricing and availability
- Samsung announces Galaxy S3 Mini
- Verizon confirms Motorola DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR MAXX HD for October 18 launch
- Appeals court overturns Galaxy Nexus injunction
- Sprint confirms talks of Softbank investment
- Samsung GT-i9260 Galaxy Premier revealed in leaked image
- Shamelessly defend criminals in Devil's Attorney game for Android
- Sprint LG Mach specs
- Deal of the Day: Qmadix Metalix Snap-On Cover for Samsung Galaxy S3
- Comparing the LG Optimus G for AT&T and Sprint
- New Zagat app now available on Google Play
- Google reportedly hiring staff for Nexus call center, to open late October
- LG Nexus crops up once again in higher-quality pics
| Google posts more 4.1.2 factory images, and the ICS image for the Nexus Q Posted: 11 Oct 2012 04:08 PM PDT
Google has posted the 4.1.2 factory images for the non-playstore "Yakju" versions of the Galaxy Nexus, and for the world versions (i9020t, i9023) of the Nexus S this afternoon, giving users of these devices a valid safety net should they need one. More interestingly, the factory image for the Nexus Q was also uploaded. It's still Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.4) as expected, but we all hope that it's a sign that Google is finally ready to do something with the cannonball. Bring it we say! If you're in need, or just don't like waiting for OTA updates, hit the source link and grab them. Source: Google 
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| Dropbox app updated with refreshed UI and photo improvements Posted: 11 Oct 2012 03:55 PM PDT
Dropbox is the long standing king of consumer-focused universal cloud storage solutions and it continues to update its Android app with new features and refinements. The latest update -- version 2.2 -- brings a new UI for the entire app and several improvements around managing photos. The blue and white contrast UI is still here but with a more intense blue, with small tab buttons on the top and more pronounced contrast with the white icons. Folder views are the same, except now your camera upload list is in its own tab with more of a "gallery" feel. Images are loaded with thumbnails and categorized by date. One tap on an image brings you to a full screen view with the normal favorite, share, export and delete keys. We're happy to see that Dropbox has also integrated the "holo" design standards insofar as the search and overflow settings button are concerned. You can grab the app or an update from the Google Play Store link above, and stick around after the break for a few screenshots of the UI improvements. 
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| On brand loyalty and blind hate Posted: 11 Oct 2012 03:36 PM PDT
So it's starting to look like the idea of an LG built Nexus device is true. Of course, nothing is ever final until it's final, but all the evidence points towards us seeing one in the near future, New Nexus -- awesome, right? You would think so. But across the Intertubes, I'm seeing something that's got me scratching my head. People are mad -- not just figuratively, but really upset -- because they didn't want anyone except their favorite phone manufacturer to make the next Google reference device. It's a bit ridiculous, because not one of the people complaining has used or even seen the supposed LG Nexus. On the Internet, people who swear allegiance to a company or brand are labeled as fanboys. It's a good, descriptive term. When you don't consider how anyone else but company X can do anything better, you're a fanboy. It's always a load of laughs to make fun of the fanboys, especially when it comes to smartphones. Words like Fandroids and iSheep make for some legendary blog comment threads. It's all getting a bit ridiculous. These companies that feed on consumer Bring on the LG Nexus I say. In fact, I don't care who makes it, as long as it keeps furthering innovation in software and brings new features to the table. The next Nexus could be made by Casio, come with a battery in a bag and weigh five pounds, and to me it would still be better than most other phones I see on the shelves at the AT&T or Verizon store. You might think differently, and that's OK -- as long as you're thinking. 
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| Posted: 11 Oct 2012 02:53 PM PDT
There's some changes afoot with the Google Play Store application, and we're pleased to say many of you are going to be pretty darn happy about it. A new update is beginning to push out -- version 3.9.16 if you're counting -- and brings with it a new headline feature. Now -- finally -- we're able to remove unwanted applications from the 'All' tab in My Apps. Hallelujah! When opening said tab in the latest version, we're presented with a symbol at the side of each application which with a simple tap allows us to remove it from the list altogether. Equally, a long press allows for multiple apps to be selected for deletion at one time. We just had a complete -- and swift -- clear out of our three year old list of downloaded applications. That's not all though. Also included is a slightly improved notification system for app updates, at least on Jelly Bean anyway. Taking advantage of the new expandable notifications, the update notification will now tell you which app, or apps -- up to the first few anyway. We're also seeing our position retained within a list, so when you pop in and out of app listings, you aren't returned to the top. If you're seeing the update yourselves, be sure to shout out in the comments below should you see something new that we didn't mention. And, if you click on past the break we've got a smattering of screenshots for you. via Android Police 
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| Motorola launches the Intel powered RAZR i in France Posted: 11 Oct 2012 02:02 PM PDT
Following the recent retail availability in neighboring Britain, Motorola has today made available for purchase the RAZR i in France. The Intel powered RAZR i is available on contract from SFR starting at €9.90, or SIM-free for €399 from selected retailers. We found the RAZR i to be a surprisingly competant device, with a decent camera and a bright -- if a litttle fuzzy -- edge to edge display. The thing that continues to concern is the off contract price. The RAZR i is a mid-range device that is sitting a little too close to the high-end price range. However, if you think this could be the phone for you, be sure to check out our review before parting with your hard earned. The full press release can be found after the break. 
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| Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini gallery Posted: 11 Oct 2012 01:49 PM PDT | ||
| Posted: 11 Oct 2012 01:44 PM PDT
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| LG Nexus shown off in 360-degree animation Posted: 11 Oct 2012 01:40 PM PDT
The LG Nexus (E960) has been getting plenty of attention lately -- most recently in some high-quality photos -- and is now available to look at in detail in a full 360-degree animation. The website Onliner.by has been publishing most of the recent leaks of the device, and has put together a pretty high quality look at it from all angles. You can click and drag left and right to rotate, and double click to zoom in on a particular area. This is surely the best overall view of the device we've gotten access to, and we think it looks pretty darn nice. Be sure to take a look at the source link below, and then contribute to the discussion in our forums where many have already expressed their reactions about the device. Source: Onliner.by; via Android Central Forums, Rumored Devices 
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| The Tribez sets up camp on Android Posted: 11 Oct 2012 01:38 PM PDT
The Tribez, a popular free casual sim game for iOS, has just migrated to Google Play. A lot of the same ol' FarmVille shtick is here, where you need to check in on your buildings collect coins, grow your settlement, and supplement your progress with in-app purchases if you're feeling it. There's not much in the way of multiplayer here, but there are a bunch of missions to embark upon, resources to exploit, buildings to construct, and a little pet dinosaur to train. Over time, you can expeand your territory over 6 islands in the prehistoric area. I've put a fair bit of time into The Tribez, and the graphics are surprisingly good for this kind of game. The in-app purchases can be a little on the pushy side, but if you're looking for a game that's a notch or two more casual than SimCity, The Tribez may be worth checking out - especially since it's free. 
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| Spanish Carphone Warehouse showing registration page for 32GB Nexus 7 Posted: 11 Oct 2012 12:53 PM PDT
Despite no official announcement -- still -- of an incoming 32GB version of the Google Nexus 7, the evidence continues to mount. Following on from the recent, accidental, shipping of a 32GB tablet to one lucky Japanese customer, the Spanish leg of Carphone Warehouse has posted a registration page for the device on their website. A registration page is all this is, yet is another valuable piece of information about the device. While rumored to be replacing the current 16GB version, at this time this is exactly that. A rumor. What we do get from PhoneHouse.es however is an indicative European price for the 32GB Nexus 7. They've priced it at an all round pretty reasonable €279 (£224/$360.) It's a slight bump on the current Euro pricing, of around £25/€30 which, if true, isn't a bad price uplift for doubling the storage. But, until we have something official, we have nothing official. We know it's coming, we just don't know where, when, and how much Google might end up charging. Sit tight folks. Source: PhoneHouse.es via AndroidPolice 
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| Ice Cream Sandwich update rolling out to Orange San Diego Posted: 11 Oct 2012 11:25 AM PDT
The Orange San Diego launching in the UK was a big deal. As the first Intel powered Android device to launch in Europe, it set the ball rolling for the chip manufacturing giant in their latest mobile endeavor. One major criticism of the San Diego at launch was the OS. While very smooth and snappy, Gingerbread is still Gingerbread, and it's just starting to feel dated. Thankfully, Intel is now catching up, and we've seen Ice Cream Sandwich on the new Motorola RAZR i, the ZTE Grand X IN, and, at IFA 2012 in Berlin, we saw the San Diego itself running Android 4.0. On a stand at a trade show is one thing, but what really matters is getting it out there into the wild. Word has reached us today that the ICS update for the San Diego is now beginning to push out. This is great news, and as we found out during our brief hands on, ICS on this device is every bit as smooth and snappy as we would hope it to be. Have you received your update yet? Hit us up in the comments below and let us know how you're finding it. Thanks Paul H! 
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| Samsung Galaxy S3 $100 off this Sunday at Best Buy Posted: 11 Oct 2012 11:10 AM PDT
There's been a whole lot of Samsung Galaxy S3 (Galaxy S III) news today, and Best Buy is getting into the mix this weekend with a sale. All of its Galaxy S3 handsets will be discounted by $100 on Sunday, Oct. 14, at any Best Buy or Best Buy Mobile store. Only the "pebble blue" and "marble white" will be discounted -- sorry, no garnet red -- but for $100 off it's hard to argue with the color options. Best Buy is a reseller of handsets for all four major carriers, and even offers full-priced and unlocked models as well, giving you plenty of choices. Between this and the recent spate of Galaxy S3 sales in the UK, there's never been a better time to pick up an S3 on the cheap. Source: BestBuy 
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| Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini UK pricing and availability Posted: 11 Oct 2012 10:04 AM PDT
The £298 price tag is in line with what we we've hearing about European Galaxy S3 Mini pricing from pre-release leaks. So far there's no word on exactly when the Galaxy S3 Mini will begin shipping. However, Vodafone UK have confirmed that they'll be carrying the device, which they say is coming "soon." Anyone tempted by a solid Jelly Bean-powered mid-range handset at this price? Let us know in the comments. Source: Clove Technology, Vodafone UK 
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| Samsung announces Galaxy S3 Mini Posted: 11 Oct 2012 09:35 AM PDT
It's been rumored and leaked, but now it's official -- Samsung has just announced the Galaxy S3 Mini (Galaxy S III Mini), a device that shares its software and chassis design with the Galaxy S3, and packs reasonably powerful mid-range internals. Described as a "compact version" of the S3, the Galaxy S3 Mini runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and Samsung's TouchWiz interface. Key specs include a 1GHz dual-core CPU, a 4-inch WVGA (800x480) SuperAMOLED display and a 5MP rear camera, along with 8 or 16GB of internal storage and microSD support. That's a far cry from the beastly hardware inside the Galaxy S3, but if it's priced right, it could perform well in mid-range territory (incidentally, there's no official word on prices or availability yet). If nothing else, it's the first such device to ship with Jelly Bean, which is an important Android milestone. Check past the break for more images, along with today's full press release and spec sheet. 
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| Verizon confirms Motorola DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR MAXX HD for October 18 launch Posted: 11 Oct 2012 09:15 AM PDT
If you've been waiting for a launch date on the Motorola DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR MAXX HD on Verizon, wait no longer! Verizon has announced that both variants will be available in stores on October 18 for for $199 and $299 on contract, respectively. As you might expect, the DROID RAZR HD MAXX has a bigger batter which allows for a whooping 32 hours of regular usage, while all of the other specs remain the same.
You can get a closer look through our hands-on video, or hold out for my upcoming review of the Rogers version pictured above. I can tell you that so far, it's been a beaut of a phone, and is extremely well-constructed. Based on the early looks, is anyone biting? Is the lack of a removable battery a deal-breaker?Anything you'd like to know about this bad boy from my review? Source: Verizon 
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| Appeals court overturns Galaxy Nexus injunction Posted: 11 Oct 2012 09:09 AM PDT
A U.S. appeals court has overturned the injunction banning sales of the Galaxy Nexus, according to reports. Apple won a preliminary injunction blocking sales of Samsung's Nexus in June, after a California district court ruled that the device infringed upon an Apple-owned search patent. Samsung was later granted a stay against the injunction, allowing sales of the device to continue. Today the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which granted the stay, ruled that the California court "abused its discretion in entering an injunction," according to reports from Reuters. The ruling is significant not only because it allows sales of the Gnex to continue in the long term, but also because it represents a setback for Apple in its on-going patent struggle against Samsung (and by association, Google). With rumors of a new LG-built Nexus hotting up, and the Galaxy Nexus reaching the end of its shelf life, it's unlikely to make a massive difference to either company's bottom line. Nevertheless, it's an important victory for Android. Source: Reuters More: The Galaxy Nexus Ban: This, too, shall pass 
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| Sprint confirms talks of Softbank investment Posted: 11 Oct 2012 08:50 AM PDT
Sprint today confirmed that they're discussing a "substantial investment" by Japan's Softbank and that "such a transaction could involve a change of control of Sprint". Nothing has been nailed down just yet, but that's still a very spicy possibility. Here is Sprint's statement in full.
An anonymous source told Reuters that the figure for a majority stake was somewhere in the area of $12.8 billion. While I doubt that an investment from Japan would mean that Sprint would necessarily get some of the super-sweet devices that are released over there; in fact, some Japanese media see this deal as a good way of getting American phones into Softbank stores. I'm curious to see what kind of strategic direction Softbank would take Sprint in. Sprint was looking at making a counteroffer on MetroPCS, but failing that maybe outside investment is necessary to speed up LTE coverage expansion. How do you guys think a Softbank-controlled Sprint would differ from the current set-up, if at all? via: Reuters 
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| Samsung GT-i9260 Galaxy Premier revealed in leaked image Posted: 11 Oct 2012 07:58 AM PDT |
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Shamelessly defend criminals in Devil's Attorney game for Android
Posted: 11 Oct 2012 07:22 AM PDT
Devil's Attorney launched on Google Play today, putting the players in the shoes of Max McMann, a defense lawyer whose wordplay can baffle any jury and tear apart the case of any prosecutor out there. Through the game, you pick from a variety of available cases, such as restaurant owners selling hot dogs of questionable origin, or male strippers caught impersonating police officers.
Once chosen, you go to court, enjoy a short (and often hilarious) back-and-forth with the plaintiff, and get to work. Every turn, you have a certain number of action points to spend on a variety of abilities which can reduce the credibility of various parts of the opposition's case, including evidence and witnesses. Once you're out of action points, the prosecutor damages your case with whatever they have left. As soon as you reduce the credibility of every element of the prosecution's case to zero, you win and get paid. That money then goes towards kitting out your apartment with lavish furniture to increase your materialism, vanity, and decadence ratings, which each provide new and unique skills in the courtroom.
If Saul from Breaking Bad has taught us anything, it's that skeezy lawyers can be easily portrayed as loveable scamps, and in that spirit, Devil's Attorney does extremely well. The distinctly 70s vibe certainly magnifies the cheese-factor, and the excellent voice acting does its part too. I never really got into the Phoenix Wright games, but for $2.99, I think I'm going to end up spending a lot of time with this one.
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Posted: 11 Oct 2012 06:56 AM PDT
- Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich
- Dimensions: 4.64" (H) x 2.56" (W) x 0.48" (D)
- Weight: 5.92 oz
- Full QWERTY slide out keyboard
- 1.2GHz dual-core processor
- Qualcomm MSM8960 chipset
- 1GB RAM
- 4” WVGA touch screen (480 x 800)
- 8GB eMMC and microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
- Battery: 1700mAh Li-ion
- Personal and business email and text messaging, as well as IM through Google Talk™
- Google Mobile™ wireless services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google
- Maps™ for Android, Google Calendar™, Voice Search and YouTube™
- 3G/4G LTE Mobile Hotspot capability supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
- Wi-Fi® 802.11 b/g/n
- Dual Cameras: 5-megapixel rear-facing with flash and video capture and 0.3 megapixel VGA front-facing camera
- 1080p HD recording, uploading and playback
- 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 your finger
- Time Catch Shot™ allows users to take up to 5 images based on image resolution. Users can review the thumbnail images to choose the best shot
- Play Store with more than 600,000 apps, millions of songs and books and thousands of movies Play Store has something for everyone
- Sprint ID offering an innovative way to personalize an Android smartphone with apps, widgets, ringtones and more all in a single download
- 3.5mm stereo headset jack
- Bluetooth® 4.0
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Deal of the Day: Qmadix Metalix Snap-On Cover for Samsung Galaxy S3
Posted: 11 Oct 2012 06:32 AM PDT
The October 11 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Qmadix Metalix Snap-On Cover for Samsung Galaxy S3. This snap-on case adds style, sophistication and protection to your Galaxy S3. The durable but lightweight, textured polycarbonate border helps to keep a firm grip on your device and the aluminum alloy accents enhance the look for the Galaxy S3 without adding bulk or unwanted weight. Comes in red, green, copper and features a fold-out kickstand.
The Qmadix Metalix Snap-On Cover is available for just $16.00, 54% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping!
Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts!
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Comparing the LG Optimus G for AT&T and Sprint
Posted: 11 Oct 2012 06:31 AM PDT
While MobileCON 2012 won't be known for any major announcements or shakeups, it did give at least one company a spotlight to shine on its upcoming flagship powerhouse. LG , on hand for the final night here in San Diego, continued its marketing push with a blowout to celebrate its upcoming Optimus G, the superphone we've seen both in South Korea and in New York. Official for both AT&T and Sprint, we're now getting a closer look at the device that LG is banking on to put them back in the game.
We got our hands on both models at a launch party last night, and while both carry the Optimus G moniker, you'll notice in the photos as well as the video some very distinct differences-- take note: this is not a Samsung release.
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New Zagat app now available on Google Play
Posted: 11 Oct 2012 06:09 AM PDT
Google-owned restaurant ratings guide Zagat has just put out version 1.0 of its Android app on the Google Play Store. A free download for devices running Android 2.2 and above, Zagat allows you to browse restaurants nearby based upon ratings, cuisine type or features. The app also has the ability to add your own ratings and reviews, and even make reservations at certain restaurants.
Coverage is limited to a selection of U.S. cities at the moment -- the full list can be found on the app's Google Play Store listing -- so international readers may want to skip this one.
Also note that the new Zagat for Android now signs in through Google+, so you'll need a G+ account to get started with this app. To get downloading, hit the Google Play link up above, and be sure to let us know what you think of it in the comments.
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Google reportedly hiring staff for Nexus call center, to open late October
Posted: 11 Oct 2012 05:20 AM PDT
Google is recruiting Android enthusiasts to staff a "Nexus call center," according to reports from Geek.com. Google is said to be using a third-party company to recruit from campuses in the San Francisco Bay Area, in time for the next Nexus launch.
An advertisement doesn't mention Google by name, but an ad mentioning a "confidential client" in the Mountain View area, which recently launched an Android tablet doesn't leave much to the imagination. Geek.com reports that it's sources say Google is aiming to have this Nexus call center fully staffed and trained by the end of the month.
A dedicated Nexus call center for its upcoming flagship phone would help Google to bolster its customer service credentials, an area that's been singled out for criticism when earlier Nexus devices launched. It's also adds more weight to recent reports of an LG-built Nexus being announced, and possibly launched, in late October.
Source: Geek.com
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LG Nexus crops up once again in higher-quality pics
Posted: 11 Oct 2012 03:56 AM PDT
Another day, another LG Nexus (aka Nexus 4, aka Optimus Nexus) leak. This time it's from Belarusian tech site Onliner.by, which scored some high-res, higher-quality shots of the device now almost certain to be Google's next flagship phone. The shots show the same LG-E960 device sighted in earlier leaked pics, with a Galaxy Nexus-like front and LG "crystal reflection process" back. Same on-screen buttons, same LG and Google branding around the back.
There are a few visible details that weren't shown in previous leaks, however. You can clearly make out the two-tone trim, with a shiny metallic front and darker matte back, along with an iPhone-style microSIM located under the volume rocker.
The site also confirms the list of specs we've heard from other sources -- a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 1280x768 display, 8MP rear camera and 8GB of on-board storage. On the software side, it's running Android 4.1.2, just like the handsets in earlier leaked images.
The quickening pace of leaks certainly suggests we're about ready to see this thing announced. The latest unconfirmed reports suggest an announcement -- and possibly even a launch -- at the end of the month could be on the cards.
More pics after the break.
Source: Onliner.by
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