Android Central |
- Potential 32GB 3G Nexus 7 price leaks out
- Android based tablets make huge gains in market share says Strategy Analytics
- LG Optimus G landing on TELUS November 13
- The best Android games for Halloween
- T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 2 review
- Sprint reports Q3 2012 'earnings,' posts $767 million loss
- Nexus 7 3G spotted at the FCC ahead of Google event
- Wacom launches Bamboo Paper app for Samsung devices
- Dead Trigger Hallowe'en update includes new graveyard level
- Sprint begins Jelly Bean rollout to the Samsung Galaxy S3
- Nexus 10 manual shots reveal a curvy Samsung-made tablet
- Deal of the Day: Seidio SURFACE Case for HTC One X
- AT&T announces Sony Xperia TL, landing November 2
- AT&T accepting preorders for Samsung Galaxy Note 2
- SwiftKey Flow brings trace input to leading Android keyboard
- Nexus 4 pre-order page goes live early at UK retailer, release slated for Oct. 30
- Multi-window feature could be headed to Galaxy S3 in Android 4.1.2 update
- Kindle for Android updated with Japanese text support, Jelly Bean improvements
- Verizon's Samsung Galaxy Note 2 preorder page goes live
- Amazon Kindle Fire and Fire HD released today across Europe
- LG Optimus 2X ICS source code released
- Reading magazines on Nexus 7, Phone functionality is still important [From the Forums]
- Sprint introduces new 4G LTE tablet data plans starting November 11
- LeBron James got his custom Galaxy Note 2, shows it to the world
- TELUS offers up estimated release times for Jelly Bean updates
| Potential 32GB 3G Nexus 7 price leaks out Posted: 25 Oct 2012 05:08 PM PDT
The leaks just keep coming. Four days shy of seeing a whole bunch of Android goodies at a Google event in New York, the folks over at MoDaCo have found what looks to be potential pricing information on the 3G model of the Nexus 7 from a Latvian retailer. We're looking at conversions between different currencies (so take this with a grain of salt), but what the pages show are prices of about £199 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model, and about £249 for the 3G model, which also happens to be listed as having 32GB of storage. Those would be some pretty compelling price points if they turn out to be real. All we know for sure is we're in for a treat on October 29th when Google makes everything official. Source: MoDaCo 
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| Android based tablets make huge gains in market share says Strategy Analytics Posted: 25 Oct 2012 04:50 PM PDT
According to the folks at Strategy Analytics, market share for Android based tablets has risen to 41-percent of the total, or just shy of 25 million units. This growth means that double the number of Android-based tablets were sold compared to the same time last year, and market share has risen by 12-percent. This growth comes completely at the expense of iOS, whose market share has dropped from 65-pecent of the market to 56-percent. Tablets are clearly a two-horse race, at least for now. But (there's always a but) a huge number of these tablets sold were from Amazon -- a fact overlooked by most analysts when determining these sort of numbers. In the tablet space, Amazon is a competitor to Google, not a vendor. Of course it's not surprising to see market share be divided up between the In the end, I don't care how many tablets any company sells. I only care that the one I'm buying (or have bought) is the best it can be. Source: BusinessWire 
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| LG Optimus G landing on TELUS November 13 Posted: 25 Oct 2012 03:44 PM PDT
The LG Optimus G, which is coming soon to the U.S., will also be available in Canada by way of TELUS starting November 13. Pricing is still something of a mystery, but the American version is going for $200 on a two-year contract, so that should provide something of an indication. We've got two reviews of the LG Optimus G if you're thinking of picking one up, but here's the short version.
It's quite a powerhouse on paper, but do we have any takers? Canadians interested in getting in on the Optimus G can keep their eyes peeled to the TELUS online store. 
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| The best Android games for Halloween Posted: 25 Oct 2012 02:37 PM PDT
Halloween is nearly upon us! That means monsters, candy, frights, pumpkins, and all of the awesome stuff in between. What, have you not been able to get into the spirit? Let us help you out with that. Here are just a few excellent Android games that will get you pumped enough about the season to start working on that costume, putting up the decorations, and planning for the best Halloween parties next week. 
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| T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 2 review Posted: 25 Oct 2012 12:35 PM PDT
It's the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. On T-Mobile.You're Samsung. You've survived the early years of Android. You've made it through the awkward teenage years, and the cries of #neveragain, and learned to (or at least learned to spend the money to) keep the updates flowing and the users happy. In the past year, the original Galaxy Note, and the newer Galaxy S3, have sold millions of units. What do you do? As we found out at the IFA conference in Berlin a little more than a month ago, you take the design of the Galaxy S3, marry it to the might of the Galaxy Note, and start counting the next few million in the Galaxy Note 2. Every major U.S. carrier is getting the Note 2. We've already done the heavy lifting on the Note 2 with our global review, so we're not going to rehash every in and out in this piece. (Be sure to read our full Galaxy Note 2 review.) But we've spent a few quality days with the T-Mobile (U.S.) version, and what follows are our thoughts on it. And especially on the price. Here we go. 
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| Sprint reports Q3 2012 'earnings,' posts $767 million loss Posted: 25 Oct 2012 12:28 PM PDT
Sprint has released its Q3 2012 earnings today, and things aren't looking too great. Right off the top, Sprint posted a $767 million net loss for the quarter on $7.3 billion in revenues. That's an increase in losses from the previous year, where Sprint only lost $301 million. Revenues, fortunately, are up 6-percent year-over-year. Now onto the good (or at least better) news. A large portion of this quarter's losses can be blamed on accelerated depreciation of assets mostly related to Sprint's "Network Vision" project. On the customer side, Sprint postpaid subscriber numbers were up (for the 10th consecutive quarter), and churn was down. It also noted that the carrier surpassed the 1 million LTE smartphone sales number prior to the iPhone 5 launching, which Sprint sold nearly 1.5 million of. You can take a look at the full press release at the source link below. Source: Sprint Newsroom 
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| Nexus 7 3G spotted at the FCC ahead of Google event Posted: 25 Oct 2012 10:12 AM PDT
The 3G version of Google and ASUS' tablet has been rumored since early September, when the news was broken by MoDaCo's Paul O'Brien. Today's FCC listing doesn't bring any further information regarding the storage configuration of the new, cellular-capable Nexus 7. However, as it's a premium model, we wouldn't be too shocked to see this arrive with 32GB of internal flash. A 32GB Wifi-only version of the Nexus 7 has already been extensively leaked. Both new N7 variants are expected to be unveiled at Google's "Playground" event next Monday, along with the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10. 
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| Wacom launches Bamboo Paper app for Samsung devices Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:24 AM PDT
Digital artists will be happy to hear that Wacom's Bamboo Paper app has found its way onto Android. On the down-side, Samsung has managed to snag an exclusive deal to lock it to the Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 2, and Galaxy S3 for the time being. The free app is fairly basic, but runs very smoothly. You can pick a highlighter or pen stroke with 12 colors each (though there's no thickness adjustment). There are options to change the guides on the "paper" to four different styles. The app plugs into the native share menu, so you can get your sketches out to Evernote, Gmail, or whereever else you need them. The iOS version allows users to import pictures stored locally on the device, but no such luck in the Android app just yet. The iOS app also has a premium in-app upgrade that includes cloud storage, but it doesn't seem like that version is available on Android. Any artists in the house that have been using Android tablets for their work? Which stylus have you been using? Are the Bamboo ones any good, or is there another brand you prefer? What about apps? Source: Wacom 
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| Dead Trigger Hallowe'en update includes new graveyard level Posted: 25 Oct 2012 08:55 AM PDT  Zombie fans, Hallowe'en is your time of the year and the folks at Madfinger Games know it. Their first-person shooter title for Android, Dead Trigger, has been updated with a whole bunch of new content for the season. Here's the caps-ridden changelog.
How many of y'all are dressing up as zombies this year? Any hardcore Dead Trigger players in the house? 
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| Sprint begins Jelly Bean rollout to the Samsung Galaxy S3 Posted: 25 Oct 2012 08:48 AM PDT
Sprint has begun rolling out the Android 4.1(Jelly Bean) update to their version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 (see our review). An Android Central Forums member shared an update announcement yesterday claiming it would start today, but now we have confirmation. This makes Sprint the first US carrier to rollout Jelly Bean to the Galaxy S3 and good on them for that. Here are the benefits of the upgrade:
The update will come over-the-air and will be rolled out gradually, so if you don't have it yet, sit tight. If you're a Sprint customer with a Galaxy S3, we'd love to hear from you if you've received the update and have thoughts about it. Visit our Sprint Samsung Galaxy S3 Forum to talk about it. Full press release after the break,
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| Nexus 10 manual shots reveal a curvy Samsung-made tablet Posted: 25 Oct 2012 07:58 AM PDT
The Nexus 10 tablet reports have been gaining momentum over the past couple of weeks, though we've yet to see any actual pictures of the rumored 10-inch tablet. Today we have the next best thing, though, as the manual for the device has surfaced on Korean site Seeko.co.kr, clearly showing the Nexus 10 branding and a curvaceous tablet design. The Nexus 10, shown in drawings above, seems to draw inspiration from the Galaxy Nexus and Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 line. Front-facing stereo speakers can clearly be seen, and a GNex-style notification LED can be seen near the bottom of the tablet. Interestingly, the tablet is also labeled as having microHDMI-out and a rear-facing camera, unlike the Nexus 7. There also appear to be separate charging and microUSB slots -- possibly because the tablet might require more juice than microUSB alone can deliver. Around the back there's Nexus and Samsung branding, leaving little doubt as to what this is and who's behind it. Sources familiar with the device tell Android Central that this is indeed an accurate representation of the upcoming Nexus tablet. The Nexus 10 is reported to be powered by a next-gen Samsung Exynos 5 chip, with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean running on a iPad-beating 10-inch, 2560x1600 display. We'll likely learn much more about this new flagship tablet at Google's "Playground" event next Monday. More pics after the break. 
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| Deal of the Day: Seidio SURFACE Case for HTC One X Posted: 25 Oct 2012 07:54 AM PDT
The Seidio SURFACE Case is available for just $16.00, 47% 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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| AT&T announces Sony Xperia TL, landing November 2 Posted: 25 Oct 2012 07:30 AM PDT
While many eyes are on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 these days, Sony's slipping out the Sony Xperia TL for $99.99 on a two-year contract with AT&T starting November 2. Yep, this is the "James Bond phone." If you missed our hands-on at AT&T's big unveiling event earlier this month, here's what you can expect.
Though it's not showing up in AT&T's online store just yet, you'll eventually be able to find information on snagging one at www.att.com/xperiatl. What do you guys think, does that camera impress you? Anyone looking forward to the new Bond flick? Source: AT&T 
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| AT&T accepting preorders for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Posted: 25 Oct 2012 07:02 AM PDT
Verizon wasn't the only one to kick off preorders for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 last night - AT&T is now taking orders too. Devices will be available on November 9, so long as you're willing to drop $299.99 and sign up for a two-year contract. We've played around a little bit with the AT&T version and done a full review of the European model, but here's a quick rundown of the specs of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.
Anyone interested in picking one up can head over to AT&T's online store. Who's taking the dive? There are a lot of carrier options, though the logo emblazoned on the home button of the Verizon version may be enough to eliminate one alternative... 
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| SwiftKey Flow brings trace input to leading Android keyboard Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:00 AM PDT SwiftKey has announced a brand new version of its popular keyboard app for Android, dubbed SwiftKey Flow. Launching "soon," SwiftKey Flow will bring continuous input -- similar to what's found in Swype and others -- to SwiftKey, while retaining the personalized prediction tech for which it's is best known. An evolution of the intelligent prediction software used in SwiftKey 3 powers the flow-based input, meaning it's sensitive to context, as well as individual typing styles. SwiftKey Flow will also allow users to switch between the two input modes on the fly depending on their preference, or how many hands they have free. Android Central had the chance to demo SwiftKey Flow recently, and we were impressed with the speed and accuracy of its new trace input features. We noticed that the keyboard analyzes the pattern your finger takes in real time, rather than waiting until the pattern is complete, allowing predictions to be built up on the fly. Overall, it's an incredibly speedy typing experience. The SwiftKey Flow beta test will begin "within weeks" for those registered on SwiftKey's VIP community site, ahead of an eventual launch on Google Play. Check out the demo video above. We've got today's full press release after the break. 
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| Nexus 4 pre-order page goes live early at UK retailer, release slated for Oct. 30 Posted: 25 Oct 2012 03:49 AM PDT
Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, new '360-degree' camera, 'gesture typing' and Gorilla Glass 2UK retailer Carphone Warehouse has prematurely opened up its Nexus 4 pre-order page, laying bare all the details of the next Nexus smartphone from Google and LG. In addition to confirming already-leaked details, the CPW listing reveals the presence of "Android 4.2 Jelly Bean" and Corning Gorilla Glass 2. As for what's new in 4.2, the retailer claims an "amazing 360-degree camera" and Swype-like "gesture typing" in the stock keyboard. The phone is listed with 8GB of storage, so there appears to be no sign of the 16GB model just yet. Price-wise, the Nexus 4 is shown as available for free on Vodafone and O2 contracts starting at £31 per month. No SIM-free price is listed, unfortunately. Interestingly, Carphone Warehouse says to "pre-order now for delivery on the 30th October," suggesting the Nexus 4 could launch at retail immediately after the Oct. 29 announcement event. Update: The Verge has received a photo from the Carphone Warehouse inventory system, which shows the 8GB Nexus 4 priced at £389.95 SIM-free. That's considerably lower than the Galaxy Nexus launch price, but still not a small amount of cash. Update 2: The Carphone Warehouse pre-order page has now been pulled. Source: Carphone Warehouse 
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| Multi-window feature could be headed to Galaxy S3 in Android 4.1.2 update Posted: 25 Oct 2012 02:33 AM PDT The Galaxy S3 may have just been updated to Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean in Europe, but it seems Samsung may already be focusing on the next major software update. According to reports from SamMobile, the S3 will be updated to Android 4.1.2 before the end of the year, and that new firmware will also include one of the Galaxy Note 2's killer features -- "multi-window" support. The Note 2's multi-window feature, shown in our quick demo video above, allows true multi-tasking by having two applications open on-screen at any one time -- for example, a browser window up top, and a YouTube video down below. Not all apps are supported yet, but all major Google and Samsung apps work just fine, as do some third-party offerings like Twitter. SamMobile has a pretty decent track record for revealing Samsung software secrets ahead of time, so there's a good chance they're right about multi-view on the S3. And as the international Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 share much of their hardware, it shouldn't be a huge technical challenge to get it up and running. If these reports are true, we're sure S3 owners will be eagerly awaiting that 4.1.2 update. Source: SamMobile 
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| Kindle for Android updated with Japanese text support, Jelly Bean improvements Posted: 25 Oct 2012 02:02 AM PDT
With Amazon having recently announced the sale of the Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD tablets in Japan, they're complimenting their launch by updating the Kindle for Android app. The new version now supports manga books, as well as right-to-left vertical text. Those aren't the only changes within the app though, as noted in the change log --
If you frequent using the Kindle for Android app, you'll find the update available now in the Google Play Store. 
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| Verizon's Samsung Galaxy Note 2 preorder page goes live Posted: 24 Oct 2012 09:55 PM PDT
If you've been waiting for Verizon pre-orders of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 to go live, now is the time. Oddly, there hasn't been any official announcement from Verizon as of yet but the page is there live and ready to take your order. As noted in the image, the full retail price is set for $699 and the ship by date is set for November 27th. No telling yet whether or not that date may change so we'll just have to wait for some sort of official announcement from Verizon. Anyone going to be preordering or did that Verizon branded home button chase you away? Source: Verizon Thanks, bigguy_132! 
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| Amazon Kindle Fire and Fire HD released today across Europe Posted: 24 Oct 2012 09:41 PM PDT
For Europeans waiting -- patiently we might add -- for the release of the Amazon Kindle Fire, today the waiting can finally end. Right on cue, the Kindle Fire, and Kindle Fire HD is shipping today from Amazon and selected high street retailers. There are three versions up for grabs, all at 7-inches. The Kindle Fire with 8GB of storage costs just £129/€159 and is available for a small extra fee without the "special offers." The Kindle Fire HD is available in both 16GB and 32GB forms, with the smaller costing £159/€199 up to £199/€249 for the 32GB version. Again, for a small extra fee the "special offers" can be removed. The Amazon ecosystem has previously been somewhat lacking outside of the U.S, but with the recent launch of such products as the Amazon Appstore, Cloud Player, and a commitment to deliver movie and TV content -- in the UK via LOVEFiLM -- to the Kindle Fire, Amazon could have a hit on their hands. If you're picking one up today, be sure to hit us up in the comments below, or head on into the forums and let us know how you're finding it. More: Android Central Forums, Hands on with the Kindle Fire HD 
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| LG Optimus 2X ICS source code released Posted: 24 Oct 2012 08:50 PM PDT
LG has surprised just about everyone this evening, and released the Ice Cream Sandwich kernel source for the Optimus 2X. Word from developers is that this source also applies to the P999 (T-Mobile G2X) as well. This means two things -- one, LG is serious about releasing ICS for the 2X, and that the CM team can now crank out a much better CyanogenMod 10 build for the devices. It's a little late, but better late than never. Look for development on these devices to step back up again. 
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| Reading magazines on Nexus 7, Phone functionality is still important [From the Forums] Posted: 24 Oct 2012 07:40 PM PDT
Just in case you missed out on some of the Android news today, now is the time to go ahead and get yourself fully caught up. Here on the blogs and in the Android Central Forums there is plenty to talk about. Have some questions? Need some help or just looking to chat Android? You know where to go, check out some of the threads below to get started.
We've got nearly 1 million members helping members and nearly 2 million posts in our Android Forums. Are you one of them? Join today! 
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| Sprint introduces new 4G LTE tablet data plans starting November 11 Posted: 24 Oct 2012 07:02 PM PDT
Although Sprint is still lagging behind when it comes to LTE coverage compared to Verizon and AT&T, that doesn't mean they're not looking to add more customers by offering aggressively competitive data plans as their coverage increases. As of November 11th, Sprint will be offering a whole new set of 4G LTE rate plans for tablets and here's what they look like:
Looking at the plans, you'll likely notice they're not any cheaper than the competition but they do offer more data allowance. 20 percent more in fact, according to Sprint who also notes their is no contract requirements for these plans. In addition to the stand alone offerings, Sprint smartphone customers can add a tablet to their account and get a discounted plan that includes 1GB of data for only $15 per month or 100MB of data that will only cost $10. 
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| LeBron James got his custom Galaxy Note 2, shows it to the world Posted: 24 Oct 2012 06:37 PM PDT
LeBron James seems like he's enjoying his new Samsung Galaxy Note 2. He took to Twitter tonight to remind everyone he got his first, and showed off this custom version someone had made for him. Looking good, sir! Source: @KingJames. Thanks, Bryan! 
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| TELUS offers up estimated release times for Jelly Bean updates Posted: 24 Oct 2012 06:25 PM PDT
With Android 4.1 Jelly Bean updates around the globe, Samsung reminded U.S. Galaxy S3 owners their update was still coming but neglected to say when exactly. Couple that information with the estimated times TELUS has now posted for the Canadian Jelly Bean schedule and it's not a far stretch to think the U.S. variants will arrive around the same time or sooner for some carriers:
Even though they are just estimates, it's nice to see them laid out and not really that far off. In that past, TELUS has done fairly well with letting everyone know when their updates are coming, so we'll see how close they are this time around. Source: TELUS via: Mobile Syrup 
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