Friday, October 5, 2012

Android Central

Android Central


Samsung Galaxy Camera for AT&T hands-on

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 05:27 PM PDT

Galaxy Camera

AT&T had more than a few tricks up its sleeve at tonight’s holiday preview event, one of them being the unveiling of the Galaxy Camera, the Android-powered point-and-shoot camera we first met back at IFA in Berlin this year. It’ll be heading to the carrier’s shelves in time for the holiday season, though we currently don’t know when or for how much.

A quick refresher -- the Galaxy Camera is a full blown, honest-to-goodness camera packed with a 16 MP lens and 20X optical zoom, that just happens to have a 4.8-inch Jelly Bean-powered interface attached to its rear, fuelled by a 1.4GHz quad-core Exynos CPU. The screen is gorgeous, the performance is fast, and this is by far the most unique Android device we've seen yet. Be sure to check out the in-depth hands on video after the break, where we spend some quality time with the AT&T-branded model. The Samsung Galaxy Camera is due to arrive on AT&T's network in time for the holidays.

read more



First look at AT&T's Sony Xperia TL

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 05:24 PM PDT

XperiaTL

Not to be outshone by HTC and Samsung, Sony was on hand at tonight's AT&T holiday unveliling with a flagship of its own, the Xperia TL. It'll be on AT&T shelves in time for the holidays, and Sony is playing to win. On-board we've got a dual-core 1.5 GHz processor (more than likely a Snapdragon S4 of sorts), a full gig of RAM, and Ice Cream Sandwich, with Jelly Bean "coming soon." Essentially, it's an Xperia T with AT&T LTE support.

The TL isn't quite as thin and light as some of its competitors, but what it lacks in sleekness it makes up for with a beautiful display -- this 4.6-inch Sony HD Reality Display packs a 720 x 1280 resolution, powered by Sony's Bravia Engine. It's a stunner, and lands itself in the upper echelon of smartphone displays. Colors are crisp and remarkably natural, with impresive brightness and remarkable viewing angles.

The TL flies, thanks to the Snapdragon S4 under the hood, and the 13 MP camera has some great editing features that Sony hopes will stand out among the crowd. We'll put it through its paces once we get a big closer to release date -- for now, enjoy some photos and video after the break. Stay tuned for more coverage of the TL's international cousin, the Xperia T.

read more



Samsung Galaxy Express hands on

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 05:18 PM PDT

GalaxyExpress.

AT&T has set up shop high above New York’s Lower East Side tonight with its upcoming holiday lineup, including the just-announced Galaxy Express from Samsung. It’s an entry-level device that still manages to pack a punch, and AT&T says that the Express is an ideal choice for first-time smartphone owners. If the carrier keeps the price point low, it might just be onto a winner.

The Express packs a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED display, larger than what we’re used to seeing on “budget” devices, with a modest 480 x 800 resolution. Its quality is noticeably lower than the rest of Samsung’s portfolio, yet it manages to impress, with the same bold "pop" and high-contrast colors we've come to expect from AMOLED. Sacrifices must be made, and this one isn't as drastic as we feared.

Underneath the hood you’ve got a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor (AT&T hasn’t given specifics, but we’ll venture to guess we’re dealing with a Snapdragon S4 here), 1GB of RAM, and Touchwiz-skinned Ice Cream Sandwich. The Express’s performance is impressive, and not just in terms of budget devices -- everything here is snappy, smooth, and confident, a testament to the processor and a byproduct of the lower-res screen. The 2,000 mAh battery should be able to handle a solid day of usage, based on what we’ve seen from similarly-equipped Galaxy devices.

The Express feels great in the hand and lacks a certain bulk and girth that often accompany lower-end devices. It’s light and trim and retains the refinement and eye-catching style present on the GS3. In fact, calling it a mini-GS3 wouldn’t be too far off. If you simply can’t stomach forking over $200 for a shiny flagship device, the Express could be a viable alternative. We’ll keep our ears to the ground for pricing and release dates—for now, check out some hands-on after the break.

read more



First look at AT&T's Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 05:17 PM PDT

Rugby Pro

AT&T and Samsung are in store for a fairly busy holiday season, and Ma Bell is here in New York showing off what the two companies have put together this year. With the Note 2 on the top end and the Galaxy Express bringing up the rear, we’ve got the Galaxy Rugby Pro sitting pretty in between, offering some budget-friendly specs along with ruggedized features aimed at those who use their phone more as a tool than a fashion piece.

The Rugby Pro is the follow up to the Rugby Smart, and bumps up its specs just enough to keep it relevant. We’ve got a 4-inch Super AMOLED display at 480 x 800 that looks considerably better than the larger, less dense Galaxy Express. It’s definitely clear though that Samsung didn’t put its best foot forward with either of these displays, opting for more a more affordable, less gush-worthy experience.

Other than Android 4.0, LTE connectivity, and its 5-megapixel camera, internal specs are few and far between here, with AT&T opting to tout the Rugby Pro’s muscle rather than its brain. The Rugby Pro is waterproof, shock resistant, and dust proof, and can be submersed in one meter of water for up to a half hour. The Pro also supports EAS corporate email and push-to-talk functionality.

Its main competitor is the Motorola Defy Pro, another ruggedized smartphone, and I’ll give the Rugby Pro the one-up in this head-to-head, mostly due to its TouchWiz interface. While it’s not nearly as fluid or smooth as the rest of Samsung’s lineup, familiar aspects are here, and we’ve grown quite fond of Samsung’s UI as of late. The Rugby Pro also has ICS, compared to the Defy Pro’s Gingerbread, and it’s ligther and a bit more stylish that Moto’s offering.

If you’re looking for the hottest and sexiest phone out there, run far far away from the Rugby Pro, as its aesthetic qualities are severely lacking. But if you’re the type to abuse your phone and you’re not in the position to replace $600 phones every couple of months (who is?), this is definitely worth a look. And look away, at the photos and hands-on video after the break.

read more



SlingPlayer for Android updated, higher video quality for ICS+ phones

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 05:01 PM PDT

SlingPlayer for Tablets

Hey SlingBox users, good news! Your SlingPlayer app was recently updated. While the changes aren't breathtaking, they are very welcome, as are most updates.

If you're using SlingPlayer on your phone you'll be greeted with an updated look to the app and a new program guide.  However the biggest update comes if your device is running  ICS or Jelly Bean, as you'll be happy to see higher quality video with this update. Nexus 7 users have received an optimized interface with the new update and a common update for both is the ability to set reminders for upcoming shows.

source: Google Play - SlingPlayer for Phones & Tablets



Samsung Kies for Windows and Mac receives some polish with latest update

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 04:10 PM PDT

Samsung Kies

Although it's not our most favorite desktop software to use, Samsung Kies does come in handy at times. It's been a while since Samsung updated the desktop syncing solution but now Samsung has shown some love to both Windows and Mac users as the latest update has now been released.

A change log for this release seems to be absent but a quick look at the updated app reveals that Samsung has put some time in to improve the UI a little and make it more visually appealing. For Mac users, you'll find this latest release also works with Mountain Lion correctly.

Whether you use the app daily or just want to have installed just in case, you'll find the links below.

Source: Samsung



Series of Google Apps updated in Google Play, some changelogs M.I.A.

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 04:05 PM PDT

Android Central

During the last 24 hours Google has pushed out a series of updates to their Android applications. While some are simply for bug fixes, some -- as is becoming a little too frequent -- have no sign of a "whats new" changelog. Frustrating. 

We'll hit the ones we do know about first. Up on the bug fix front we've got updates to Google Play Movies and Google Street View. Google Play Music is also included, this time described as receiving "minor fixes." 

Google Gesture Search also received an update. Its changelog reads a little like this:

  • Now available on Android tablets such as Nexus 7.
  • Faster search performance for large user data set.
  • Support for searching multilingual contents using romanization, including Simplified Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
  • The action for contacts is now customizable, e.g., changing calling to messaging.
  • Contacts without phone numbers now became searchable.
  • More UI improvements.

Also getting updated with a couple of new features is Google's own shopping focused app, Shopper. There's nothing earth shattering on board, but we do get a couple of additions: 

  • Filter weekly sales at featured local stores by category so you can focus on your favorite deals
  • Browse visually similar products when searching for apparel
  • Improved performance and stability

Then, on the less helpful front we have both Google Drive and Google Wallet. Both still seem to reflect previous updates to each app, which probably means there isn't a lot new. But, it would be nice to know all the same. 

If you're seeing anything new in either of these two be sure to hit us up in the comments below and share. 



HTC One VX hands on

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 04:04 PM PDT

One_VX4.

Perhaps the star of tonight’s AT&T Holiday preview here in New York is the One VX, the out-of-left-field entry from HTC that sits somewhere between the One V and T-Mobile’s One S. Like Phil said upon its unveiling a few days ago, this is a device in and of itself, and really brings the best of both worlds to AT&T’s LTE network. 

Spec wise, we’re following the new trend of high-end internals at low entry-level prices. The 4.5-inch Super LCD2 display is the same qHD resolution as the One S but the ever-so-slight bump in size makes a world of difference. It looks great too, and while it isn’t the mind-blowing 720p display on the One X+, it produces vivid color, excellent viewing angles, and admirable brightness. You won’t be disappointed here.

The Snapdragon S4 MSM 8390 is just a few clicks below the One S in terms of clock speed, but based on my short time with it tonight, it gets the job done. The One VX chugs along with nary a hiccup or stutter, and seems to be able to handle just about anything you throw at it. No, this isn’t the biggest and baddest processor/RAM combo you’ll find, but that doesn’t mean the VX doesn’t offer exceptional usability. The same can be said for the camera—its 5 megapixels are lower than the 8 on the One X and One S, but thanks to its ImageSense processor and advanced optics, we’re expecting exceptional photographs.

Physically, the VX really hits a sweet spot in terms of screen size and portability. It’s absolutely stunning, as we’ve come to expect from the One series. Slim and light, the VX looks quite similar to the One S with its rounded corners, super-slim profile, metal trim, and matte silver/white finish. It’s also the perfect balance between big and small- despite the 4.5-inch display, the VX is perfectly pocketable.

I do have some small gripes, like HTC’s decision to ship with Ice Cream Sandwich while the rest of the One line is queued up for its Jelly Bean upgrade. And don’t get me started on the name—HTC ruined a great thing with this choice, and completely screws up its super-clean One branding. Why not the V+? Or even the S-?

I’m on pins and needles to see what kind of pricetag AT&T slaps on the VX, as I think this phone has the potential to be huge at the right price point. Until we get a chance to put it through its paces, sit back, relax, and enjoy some hands-on after the break.

read more



First look at the HTC One X+ for AT&T

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 03:50 PM PDT

One_X_plus2.

Perhaps the most anticipated arrival on AT&T this holiday season is the follow up to the HTC One X, one of the best Android smartphones on the carrier (and any carrier, for that matter). The HTC One X+ is a modest yet attractive step up, complete with a beefed-up processor, a bigger battery, the next iteration of HTC’s Sense, and the buttery-smooth Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. What we’re seeing tonight here in New York is identical to the international version our resident Brit Alex Dobie got his hands on just two days ago,  save for AT&T LTE radios and branding. 

I’ve got to echo Alex’s sentiments—the screen is absolutely phenomenal, even if it isn’t any improvement over the already stunning HTC One X. Performance does indeed seem a bit snappier and more fluid with the over-clocked processor and new iteration of Android, and the camera is as impressive as ever. And physically, just like the original One X, the One X+ is one of the most striking, svelte, attractive devices available today.

I see where HTC is coming from with this release—with LG’s Optimus G and Samsung’s Galaxy Note 2 on the horizon, it needs to stay relevant enough to compete. I do wonder why HTC didn’t opt for 2 GB of RAM as its competitors have recently adopted. Despite the choice, the One X + is a nice stopgap between the original and HTC’s follow up, which will more than likely arrive early next year.

Some hands-on shots can be found after the break.

read more



20 new levels coming to "Where's My Perry?"

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 03:11 PM PDT

Android Central

Disney's follow up game to the very popular "Where's My Water?" app on Android (and iOS), "Where's My Perry?", is picking up 20 new levels today. Similar to its predecessor, "Where's My Perry?" directs players to use different gadgets -- in this case lasers -- to break through different obstacles and get to the spy at the end of the level. With this update, players now have 20 more levels to get through.

Coming from Disney, the animation and story line are top notch, and now you have 20 new reasons to give it a look. It's available for free at the Google Play Store link above, and you can buy the full version for $0.99.



Sprint may be considering counter offer for MetroPCS

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 01:48 PM PDT

Android Central

Following yesterday's news that T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS would be officially commencing a reverse takeover (where the smaller company takes over the larger), we're hearing today that the deal may be getting even more interesting. Sprint, which had plans to buy MetroPCS previously, may be considering offering a higher amount for the company than what is currently agreed upon between T-Mobile and MetroPCS.

If you'll recall back to Sprint's first attempt to buy out MetroPCS for $8 billion, CEO Dan Hesse was reportedly hours away from closing the deal when it was overturned by the board of directors. Now that the threat of a combined T-Mobile / MetroPCS is all too real, Sprint may be more motivated to keep these two apart this time around.

Source: BusinessWeek



AT&T to carry the Samsung Galaxy Camera, give it HSPA+ love

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 12:31 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Camera

Ever think to yourself "Boy, I sure wish this Android-powered camera had access to AT&T's network?" Well, your prayers have been answered, as AT&T will carry the Samsung Galaxy Camera, and will give it access to its HSPA+ "4G" network.

The Galaxy Camera, as you'll recall from our coverage of it last month at the IFA conference in Berlin (see our hands-on), is Samsung's first entry into the Android-powered camera market. It's got a 16-megapixel sensor with backside illumination, a 21x optical zoom lens (f/2.8 and 23mm) -- all powered by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and a 1 GHz quad-core processor.

The AT&T connectivity isn't that much of a surprise here -- the frequencies have been been in the Galaxy Camera specs since its announcement.

Price and availability for the camera were not announced. (Shocking, we know.) Neither was data pricing announced, though we'd expect it to fall within AT&T's shared data plans. We have, however, confirmed that the camera's Wifi remains intact, so there's that.

Source: AT&T



Acer outlines Jelly Bean upgrade plans, older tablets being left out in the cold

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 11:46 AM PDT

Android Central

If you're an owner of one of Acer's range of Android tablets, you'll no doubts be wondering if and when you'll ever see some Jelly Bean action. Well, Acer has come forth with the details, so wonder no longer. While it's good news for some, inevitably it will herald bad news for others. Here's the long and short of it though. 

The latest tablets are all in the 'yes' column. The new, 7-inch, A110 actually launches with Jelly Bean, but the larger A210 and A510 will both see an update to Android 4.1. They weren't offering any timeline for said updates, but still good news. The A700 Jelly Bean rollout reportedly started rolling out this past week. 

Then, to the bad news. The older generation of Acer tablets won't be seeing a Jelly Bean update. So, that's the A100, A200 and A500 reaching the end of their Android upgrading lives. There's always the community to turn to though, and we're sure there will be unofficial methods of getting Jelly Bean onto those devices. 

Source: Computerworld



Tonight, on the Greatest Android Podcast in the World!

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 11:06 AM PDT

Android Central Podcast

Two weeks in a row? This could turn into a thing. We're back once again for another edition of the Android Central Podcast. Coming up in Episode 110, we'll have the lowdown on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (you've read our review, right?), the Android-powered Nikon Coolpix S800c camera, all the new stuff from HTC, and more of your e-mails and voicemails.

So join Phil and the gang -- and, of course, the chat room -- live tonight at 2 a.m. BST / 9 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. PDT for the live broadcast. You should be there. You will be there. You must be there. After all, you are what makes it the Greatest Android Podcast in the World.

Not at a computer? Pick up the free UStream Viewer from Google Play [link] and search for Mobile Nations a little before the show (it won't appear until we go live). We'll see you there! AndroidCentral.com/live



Source code posted for Open webOS port to the Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 09:39 AM PDT

Open webOS

We're not quite up to a flashable build just yet -- and we're still along way from using this as a daily driver -- but the source code has been posted to github to for an Open webOS port to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, just a few days after we got a taste of it running on said device.

As you'll recall, Open webOS is the open source version of webOS that HP release after killing off the Palm brand, and its hardware. It's great to see that it's got a little life left in it, and we've already seen teases of it running on Android tablets as well. Things are still very much alpha. Hardware acceleration is rough, at best. Or, as the webOS-Ports team puts it, it's "like a baby bird ... it crashes a bit after takeoff."

Stick around, folks. There's more to come.

Source: webOS-Ports; via webOS Nation



Samsung Galaxy Note 2 review

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 09:08 AM PDT

Android Central

The original Samsung Galaxy Note was never the likeliest candidate for a multi-million-selling Android device. Few expected it to succeed, and its inflated size and stylus input made it an easy target for ridicule. We were cautiously optimistic in our November 2011 review, but also skeptical as to its mass market potential. Yet somehow, in the ten months following its debut in late 2011, Samsung managed to turn this quirky technological showcase into something with sufficient mass appeal to shift more than 10 million units. And so here we are, one year and 10 million units later, with its successor, the Galaxy Note 2.

Samsung likes to talk about having created a new category of mobile device with the Galaxy Note, and the Note certainly stretches the boundaries of what can reasonably be called a smartphone. It’s even inspired a few imitators, including LG’s Optimus Vu and Intuition. But users of the original Note will concede that while the device was groundbreaking, it certainly wasn’t perfect. Samsung’s TouchWiz 4 software was hardly ideal for a phone of that size, and many usability hiccups remained in Android, particularly where the "S Pen" stylus was concerned.

In 2012, the Galaxy Note 2 presents Samsung with the chance to refine the Note formula, and possibly dominate this niche for another year. So have they succeeded? Read on to find out, in our definitive Galaxy Note 2 review.

read more



Amazon Cloud Drive adds picture sharing and iPhoto exporting

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 08:46 AM PDT

 

Amazon Cloud Drive

Amazon's remote storage service, Cloud Drive, has recently been updated to allow users to quickly share photos with friends and family through the web interface. This update also allows those that manage their albums through iPhoto to get their photos uploaded in two clicks through the desktop app. Beyond features, the update also opens up Amazon Cloud Drive to Spain and Italy, following closely on its debut in the UK, Germany, and France. This is also hot on the heels of the launch of Amazon services in Japan. Obviously Amazon is getting ready to go big for the launch of the new Kindle devices. 

Though tightly related, Amazon Cloud Drive is a little different from the Cloud Music Player. Cloud Drive lets you upload all sorts of files to the cloud, while the MP3 player is more geared towards selling you and storing your songs. You can get the full tour in our combined review from awhile back.

Any European readers preorder one of the new Kindle Fire devices? How quickly will you fill up that free 5 GB of storage? Are you tempted at all to upgrade to one of the bigger tiers? Are there other cloud storage services you guys prefer to Amazon?

Source: Amazon



Google says Motorola downsizing may be more expensive than anticipated

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 07:59 AM PDT

Android Central

Motorola has been undergoing significant "restructuring" for awhile, and Google recently said that even more than expected. Google increased the estimated cost of severance-related charges from $275 million to $300 million for the third quarter, and that another $40 million in facilities costs were possible. Google addressed these changes in a statements.

"Motorola has continued to refine its planned restructuring actions and now expects to broaden those actions to include additional geographic regions outside of the U.S. ... Motorola continues to evaluate its plans and further restructuring actions may occur, which may cause Google to incur additional restructuring charges, some of which may be significant."

Between the uphill battle of making Motorola profitable and the patent disputes that it has exposed Google to (nevermind defended them from), it's getting harder to see the $12.5 billion acquisition as a good idea. On the other hand, Motorola wasn't in particularly good shape when Google acquired it; one can only imagine how much longer Moto would have lasted on their own. 

What do you guys think: has Motorola still not had a chance to prove itself as a worthwhile investment to the Android ecosystem, or is it becoming too expensive for Google to reasonably keep around? Was the acquisition worth it for the patents alone, or are we likely to see some really excellent devices come out of Motorola with Google behind them? 

Via: Reuters



Motorola acquires facial recognition company Viewdle

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 07:06 AM PDT

Android Central

Motorola recently confirmed that they've acquired Ukranian facial and gesture recognition developer Viewdle for an undisclosed amount (though rumor has it that the deal went down for between $30 and $45 million, and that Google and Motorola have been considering snatching Viewdle for the last couple of years). None of Viewdle's apps, including their augmented reality game or their social camera app, are showing up in Google Play or on any of their product pages. A Motorola rep issued a statement on the acquisition:

"Motorola Mobility today announced that it has acquired Viewdle, a leading imaging & gesture recognition company. Motorola and Viewdle have an existing commercial agreement and have been collaborating for some time. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.”

 

So far, the only real facial recognition technology we're seeing in Android is for unlocking the device, but Viewdle has clearly explored the space in a number of directions that Google and Motorola could take. Tagging photos from the camera, touchless gesture recognition, and augmented reality are just some of the areas Viewdle has been working in. Best of all, some of their technology can work locally on the device, so you don't even have to rely on a data connection to get these things working. We saw the technology in action last year, and it seemed to be working pretty smoothly. 

So, how would you guys like to see Motorola and Google implement these features in Android? Are they simply additions to the native camera app, or should they be folded into something like Google Goggles? There was a lot of concern over privacy awhile back when Google first started about facial recognition; are you worried about Google and advertisers knowing what you look like? 

Via: TechCrunch



Deal of the Day: Amzer TPU Case w/ Stand for Samsung Galaxy S3

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 06:56 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The October 4 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Amzer TPU Case with Stand for Samsung Galaxy S3. This case will give your Galaxy S3 the additional protection against shock, scratches and scrapes. Designed specifically for your Galaxy S3, hugging every curve, it will safeguard your device without adding extra bulk. The case also comes with a built-in stand that extends for an ideal viewing. Comes in black, blue, purple and pink.

The Amzer TPU Case w/ Stand is available for just $9.00, 64% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping.

Deal also available in the Canada store

Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts!



Amazon opening Appstore to Japan, accepting submissions now

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 05:07 AM PDT

Amazon

Amazon today announced that it is accepting app submissions for distribution in its Appstore later this year in Japan. That'll bring a strong alternative source of Android applications to millions of people, as well as a potential new revenue source for developers.

No word on when downloads will be made available; Amazon merely said "later this year."

Source: Amazon



TomTom navigation now available for some Android devices

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 03:30 AM PDT

Android Central

Popular dedicated navigation software arrives on Android, but many devices are incompatible

TomTom has launched its popular navigation service for Android on Google Play, bringing stand-alone offline navigation for many territories around toe world to the platform. Unlike Google Maps navigation, the app doesn't require a data connection to work, instead storing all the relevant data on your device. Maps are priced at around $50 per territory (between £31 and £50 in the UK), and come with host of features, which naturally includes turn-by-turn directions in multiple languages. There's also TomTom's "HD traffic" overlay, a 3D driving view and "fast" on-device route calculation.

However, a wide range of popular Android devices aren't compatible with TomTom's apps, including the HTC One X and One S, Google's Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus, Samsung's Galaxy S3 and Sony's Xperia S. Bizarrely, the just-launched Galaxy Note 2 is compatible. And we can also confirm that the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S, HTC One V, Samsung Galaxy S Advance, Sony Xperia P and Xperia U are marked as compatible, which makes for a rather haphazard selection of phones.

To see if you phone is supported, check the Google Play link above to view the U.S. and Canada version. Other territories are linked on that same page.

We went hands-on with the TomTom app for Android at IFA 2012 in August. Be sure to check out our hands-on report and video to learn more about what to expect form the app.



Samsung Galaxy Note 2 launches on Vodafone UK

Posted: 04 Oct 2012 03:01 AM PDT

Android Central

Vodafone UK sends word that it's just launched the Galaxy Note 2, Samsung's latest 5.5-inch phone/tablet hybrid device. The device is available on Vodafone's "Red" price plan from £47 per month, which includes unlimited calls and texts, and 2GB of data. Other tariffs are available, although you'll pay an up-front fee for the phone if you go this route. For example, £33 per month will get you 600 minutes, unlimited texts and 500MB, with a £150 up-front fee for the Note.

Currently, Voda's offering the Galaxy Note 2 in "marbel white" only -- there's no sign of the "titanium grey" version available from other vendors.

For more on the Galaxy Note 2, check out our hands-on coverage.  We'll publish our full review later today.

Source: Vodafone UK



LG and Whirlpool end refrigerator war and settle patent dispute

Posted: 03 Oct 2012 09:46 PM PDT

Fridge wars

LG and Whirlpool have settled their latest patent dispute, leading to the dismissal of three separate infringement lawsuits in Delaware and New Jersey district courts. This looks like the end of years of courtroom battles between the two companies over refrigerator technology, and will allow the two to keep bringing the consumer a choice when it comes to buying appliances.

The complete terms of the agreement are confidential, but we're happy that the dispute was ended without the need for either side to go thermonuclear. 

Source: LG Newsroom



LG Optimus L9 leaked for T-Mobile

Posted: 03 Oct 2012 07:31 PM PDT

Optimus L9

If you can remember back to Mobile World Congress, we first saw the LG Optimus L9 and it's fancy Quick Translator app. Later at IFA in Berlin, we had a little hands-on. Tonight we see it with T-Mobile branding plastered across the top bezel. We have no idea about any potential release date or price, or if this will even become "official" any time soon, but we do have a press render of the LG P769.

The specs on the L9 aren't quite up to the same mark as the Optimus G, but it's still a more than capable device. A 4.7-inch qHD IPS display with a Gigabyte of DDR2 RAM, all powered by a 2150mAh battery should chew through just about anything you can throw at it.

We'll keep an eye out for more about this one, but for now the picture will have to suffice. 

Source: @evleaks



No comments:

Post a Comment