Sunday, October 14, 2012

Android Central

Android Central

Photo EXIF data suggests Nexus 4 name for upcoming LG E960

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 03:47 PM PDT

Nexus 4

The EXIF data of two newly posted images on Picasa suggest the LG built device that everyone assumes is coming soon will be called the Nexus 4. We've seen that name on both a Carphone Warehouse screen and from the French daily newspaper Le Figaro, However, this one carries a bit more weight as the fellow posting the pictures, Mehul Agarwal,  happens to be a software engineer for Google.

Yes, EXIF data can be faked. Yes, names can change -- especially when talking phones that haven't even been announced yet. But we have to think that if this information wasn't meant for the public it would have been removed by now, and I'm pretty confident in the Nexus 4 name after today's news.

Source: Picasa. Thanks everyone who sent this in!

T-Mobile and MetroPCS merger expected to close in Q2 2013

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 03:05 PM PDT

Android Central

Now that Sprint is all but out of the picture when it comes to breaking up the reverse merger of T-Mobile by MetroPCS, the CFO of Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile USA's parent company) is talking about the expected completion of the deal. When the merger was first agreed upon by the two companies, the deal was expected to close sometime just after the first of the year. Now CFO of DT Timotheus Hoettges is indicating that we should expect the deal to be finished by June 2013.

This deal couldn't come any sooner for T-Mobile USA and Deutche Telekom alike, both of which would like to have better options in the U.S. wireless market. T-Mobile USA has been coming up short in the U.S. behind Verizon and AT&T, and could use the additional subscribers and spectrum from MetroPCS to improve their position. Deutsche Telekom likes the liquidity that a new publicly traded company provides, allowing them to leave the U.S. market easily if they see fit.

Source: Reuters

Apps of the Week - Parkmobile, ZenBound 2, Notif and more!

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 01:36 PM PDT

Android Central

Hard to believe it's already mid October. It may be cooling down outside for some of us, but that just means there's more time to spend looking for and using great apps. We'd like to help you along with that, so we've got another great set of picks this week. Read on for apps that help you park, make a reminder list, pay for anything, reinstall apps after a reset and as always, a couple of games.

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Crackle Movies & TV updated with improved streaming support, new UI and more

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 12:37 PM PDT

Crackle

Crackle is one of those apps that I've tried in the past but given the bugginess of the app, I always just gave up on. Now though, a new version has hit the scene and while the changelog is small, it packs quite a few nice additions that will hopefully make it an app myself and others actually want to keep installed on their devices. Here's what we're looking at for changes:

  • Newly re-designed based on feedback from our 11 million mobile users
  • Support for even more handsets and tablets
  • Easier to find your favorite movies & shows
  • Improved video quality
  • Watch on your TV via HDMI out

Why the HDMI portion was never added before, I'll never know but it's there now and that's a good thing. The UI revamp is nice as well as it makes things a lot easier to find rather then having it all buried within the menus. I can't comment on the improved streaming but it's a welcomed addition that's for sure. Crackle has been updating their content recently as well, so now might a good a time as any to give it go if you've not done so already.

Granny Smith gets a dozen new levels

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 10:10 AM PDT

Granny Smith

If, like us, you're a fan of the Granny Smith game, head on over to the Google Play store and get your update on. There are a dozen (that's 12, for those of you with an affinity for numbers) new levels -- set it space, no less.

Granny Smith is one of them newfangled Tegra 3-friendly games, with lots of physics (to say nothing of grannies and old dudes and dogs flipping around) to keep things interesting. If it's a little frustrating at the beginning, you're not alone. Give it a few minutes, though, and we bet you'll be hooked.

HTC Sync Manager for Mac updated

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 07:45 AM PDT

Android Central

HTC offers desktop software for folks who aren't just quite ready to rely completely on the cloud for backup and file management. Its software Sync Manager, which has clients for both Windows and Mac, has just been updated for users of the latter.

Sync Manager lets you backup and manage your photos, video, music, contacts, calendar and more all on your computer -- then sync with your device(s). For those of you who are more into HTC's ecosystem with this information than Google's, the source links below are likely worth a look.

Source: HTC; via: Twitter

Android Central International round-up - October 13, 2012

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 05:53 AM PDT

Android Central

This week revealed just about everything we could want to know about LG’s upcoming Nexus.  We’ve had leaked photos and hands-on reports, news of release plans and even a review of the (somewhat broken) prototype handset that’s been doing the rounds. At this point, it’s pretty much a given that Google and LG will launch this year’s Nexus smartphone at some point in the next month or so. All that remains to be seen is whether there’ll be a major new version of Android to go with it.

But it wasn’t all Nexus news here at Android Central. We also brought you a full review of the cheap and cheerful ZTE Grand X, and a hands-on initial review with the Sony Xperia T. We also saw the launch of Andorid 4.1.2 on Nexus 7s and Galaxy Nexuses around the world. It was a big week for Samsung, too, which the unveiling of the Galaxy S3 Mini, and subsequent leaking of the Galaxy Premier.

And finally, there was tension between Chinese manufacturers  ZTE and Huawei, and the U.S. Government, as a Congressional report brought forward allegations of corruption, bribery and influence by the Chinese government.

Check the list below for some of the main international Android stories of the past week. If you’ve got news, be sure to tip us at the usual address.

Special features:

News:

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for the Droid RAZR M leaks out

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 11:58 PM PDT

Droid RAZR M

Although the Droid RAZR M hasn't been on store shelves for all that long, folks who picked one up may know there is an official Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update eventually coming to the device. Motorola hasn't said when, exactly yet but If you're looking to tinker around with it, there is now a leaked version of Jelly Bean available for download.

The file, designated as 'Blur Version.77.111.10.XT907.Verizon.en.US' can be flashed in stock recovery and comes in weighing 255MB but carries the typical warnings. If you flash it -- you do so at your own risk and there may be plenty of dragons ahead.

If you give it a go, drop by the Android Central forums and let us know how it's all working out for you. By the way, Motorola, now would be a good time to go ahead and add the Droid RAZR M to your Android Software Upgrade page as well.

Source: @P3Droid

ASUS Padfone 2 images and video leak out ahead of official announcement

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 05:37 PM PDT

Padfone 2

ASUS has already sent out the invites for their October 16th event where they're expected to fully announce Padfone 2 in addition to the purported specs having already been leaked. Now, for those of you who simply couldn't wait to see the Padfone successor, we're now getting a look at the total package through some leaked images and an early video.

Keeping in line with the original Padfone experience, the handset is separate from the tablet and on it's own actually looks pretty nice. Needless to say, our main question of pricing of the tablet companion devices remains unanswered but at least now, we know what it should end up looking like. You can jump below to check out the video (Skip to 2 mins in) and gallery of images.

Source: @evleaks, BloombergUTV

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