Saturday, October 13, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

AT&T and Sprint LG Optimus G comparison [Video]

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 04:50 PM PDT


After multiple announcements and quite a bit of coverage, the LG Optimus G is finally at America’s doorstep. Needless to say we definitely have our eyes on it, as it was one of the top 3 stars at MobileCON 2012; along with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and HTC One X+. Each of these devices has its advantage over the others, but we were still wondering if the LG Optimus G would have a good place in the US – now we know it will. But with AT&T’s and Sprint’s versions being substantially different, which one will be better for US customers?

Though LG doesn’t usually get the best press, Chris and I were impressed with both LG Optimus G variants. The company has definitely made some major changes in its strategy with this device, coming in with a more polished software, better build quality and specs that can compete with any of the top Android devices out there.

The 1.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro, 4G LTE connectivity and 2 GB of RAM simply make a sonic boom. The devices are so fast, even if they are not benefiting from Android 4.1′s Project Butter and other improvements (it has Android 4.0.4). The build quality is great; not as solid as HTC’s, but definitely not as low as Samsung’s. We do feel like the AT&T version got the better end of the stick on this department, though. The Sprint version is built with less metal and more plastic, making it feel a bit cheaper.

DSC_0124 DSC_0128 DSC_0131 DSC_0139 DSC_0143 DSC_0151

The UI is also much better than we expected. Yes, it is different and nothing like vanilla Android. But like other manufacturer UIs, it has its great features and improvements. It is arguably better than TouchWiz, in fact. But the most interesting part is that the Optimus G variants have many differences in the UI. These are mostly minor, and all the main features are still there, but the subtle differences threw us off.

The devices have their flaws, like every other phone out there. We could go on and on about the Optimus G, but let’s just save that for the review. Shall we? For now, we would like to focus on the most important differences: camera and storage.

The Sprint LG Optimus G comes with a good 32 GB of storage, but no microSD slot. On the other hand, AT&T’s device comes with only 16 GB of internal storage, but it has a microSD slot with support to a whopping 64 GB of extra room.

To make it fair, Sprint does get a better 13 MP camera while AT&T sticks with an 8 MP one. But as we all know, it is not about the Megapixels. Theoretically, these should have the same quality, with the only difference being Sprint’s Optimus G images being larger. This is mostly the case, but there seem to be more differences between these devices’ cameras than we thought.

Daylight images are nearly identical, except for the fact you can see clearer when you zoom in on Sprint’s Optimus G photos. The interesting part is that quality between these devices’ cameras is “night and day” when the sun goes down. We found that AT&T’s 8 MP shooter performs much better in remarkably dark environments (night time, dark street, etc.). Sprint does better when there is at least relatively good light, though (like a lamp-lit room), with more detail and accurate colors showing up.

The decision mainly comes down to your preferences. You can get a better camera with less storage (and depending on your preferences, a subpar design), or you could get a bit of a lower-quality camera in exchange for more storage options. Regardless, both are great phones and we will go more in depth on the details with the full review. You can see the camera comparison images below and the video right above for now, so have a blast and let us know what you think! Will one of these will be your next device, or are you waiting for something else?


ASUS Padfone 2 revealed in first-look video

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 02:00 PM PDT


Buried towards the tail-end of this look at a couple Windows 8 devices from ASUS is our first look at the Padfone 2, a device that ASUS will formally unveil at the beginning of next week. While the phone itself looks similar to the first iteration of the device (save for a slightly larger 4.7-inch HD display), the tablet dock has been tweaked, with the phone now mounting in a more direct fashion, which should better position the combo’s camera. Otherwise, the experience looks to remain relatively the same. We’ll be hearing plenty more about the Padfone 2 come next week.

[via YouTube | Thanks, Micha!]

FTC exploring antitrust case against Google

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 01:44 PM PDT

Google’s competitors have been complaining to the FTC of certain competitive advantages that some might consider outside the scope of the law, and you can count five FTC commissioners among them. According to a Reuters report, these top decision-makers beliee an antitrust case against Google would be appropriate following over a year’s worth of digging into the matter. All but one commissioner feels there is sufficient proof that Google “illegally used its dominance of the search market to hurt its rivals.”

While the news doesn’t directly relate to the Android branch of the Big G’s operations, a case of this stature could result in one of the biggest shake-ups in the tech industry to date. The suit would likely come with the names of several of those registering complaints to the FTC attached.

[via Reuters]

LG Nexus prototype gets reviewed, verdict still out

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 12:58 PM PDT

If you are anything like us, you have been salivating with each new detail revealed about the upcoming LG Nexus phone. Now we might just have the motherlode of all leaks, as the same site that provided us with a clear first look at the handset has provided a full review of the prototype in their hands. The final verdict, as you might expect, was open-ended, with the folks at Onliner pointing out the rather buggy nature of the pre-release device and its early software build of Android 4.1.2. Sans final optimizations, performance was said to be subpar for a device sporting a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU and 2GB RAM.

A few more details are revealed, including a multi-colored notification light not unlike that of the Galaxy Nexus and the presence of a microSIM slot near the volume rocker thanks to the phone’s non-removable battery. The handset comes in slightly larger than the Galaxy Nexus in both with and thickness, and the patterned rear of the device is said to be crafted of a smooth glossy material that might be a scratch-resistant glass. Head on over to the link below for a few more images.

[via Onliner]

Motorola Droid Bionic users receive word of incoming soak test, Ice Cream Sandwich likely

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 10:34 AM PDT

Members of the Motorola Feedback Network have started receiving an invitation to take part in an upcoming soak test for the Motorola Droid Bionic. The email is the standard one issued before any incoming software test, and therefor doesn’t provide any details in the slightest as to what the update will contain, but it’s safe to say Ice Cream Sandwich is likely.

OK, it’s never safe to say that until the matter is confirmed, but unless we’re talking about a minor maintenance update, the soak test fits neatly into Motorola’s timeline for providing Android 4.0 to their devices. We’ll know soon enough, as those registering for the test should start seeing the new software any day now.

[Thanks, anonymous!]

DROID Incredible 4G LTE update brings ISIS, global roaming, remote diagnostics and more

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 09:59 AM PDT

The HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE has gotten itself a pretty major upgrade and many of you will want to download it. For folks needing to travel abroad the addition of global roaming support will perhaps be the biggest, most important update of them all.

Other additions include support for the mobile payment system Verizon’s in with called ISIS, Verizon’s remote diagnostics tool, improved 4G connectivity and more. You can read all about it here, though the upgrade itself isn’t quite ready for consumption just yet. We’ll let you know once it begins rolling out.

Sprint announces 20 additional markets for LTE in the coming months

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 08:39 AM PDT

Sprint has a big challenge ahead of them if it wants to meet its goal of covering most of its customers with 4G LTE by the end of next year, and the Now Network has announced the next step in order to reach that.

The carrier has announced 20 new markets would receive the high speed network “in the coming months.” They didn’t clarify whether or not this meant we’d be seeing all these markets launch by the end of this year, but there it is anyway. If you were curious to know which cities will be getting LTE love soon feast your eyes below:

  • San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA
  • Cape Coral-Ft Meyers, FL
  • Dyersburg-Union City-Martin, TN
  • Emporia, KS
  • Fort Wayne, IN
  • Greenwood, MS
  • Joplin, MO
  • Kokomo, IN
  • Lafayette/West Lafayette, IN
  • Lexington Park, MD
  • Marion, IN
  • Napa, CA
  • Naples-Marco Island, FL
  • Ottawa-Streator, IL
  • Punta Gorda, FL
  • Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA
  • Sarasota-Bradenton, FL
  • Sebring, FL
  • South Bend-Mishawaka, IN
  • Terre Haute, IN
  • Vallejo-Fairfield, CA
  • Warsaw, IN

Sure, not all of these markets appear super important to you or I, but any growth is good growth. Let us know if you are lucky enough to live in any of these markets and are excited that Sprint LTE is finally on its way.

Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint Galaxy S3 to be $100 at Best Buy this Sunday only

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 07:19 AM PDT

Want the Galaxy S3 for just $100? While we’re sure more deals will come up closer to the holiday season, this is one of the best deals you’re going to get o a Samsung Galaxy S3 if you aren’t interested in waiting that long. Unfortunately for T-Mobile and US Cellular customers this deal doesn’t apply, but any new or existing customer on Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint will be able to get in on it for just one day only. That one day is Sunday, October 14th so be sure to get up bright and early to make sure you don’t miss out.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted trailer hits YouTube

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 06:37 AM PDT

Any gamer knows by now that EA is getting ready to reboot the Most Wanted franchise with Criterion, the mastermind behind the Burnout series, at the helm. If it’s even half as good as the Hot Pursuit reboot was then we should be in for one hell of a game. But what about us mobile folks?

Well, EA’s looking to take care of us, too, as they’ve announced the arrival of Need for Speed: Most Wanted for Android with a YouTube trailer. Coming this October, the game should offer a full circuit-racing experience with what looks to be some very impressive graphics (for mobile, anyway) and a nice selection of cars.

The game will offer the traditional exhilarating combination of racing not only past your peers, but away from law enforcement as the trailer clearly shows.

There’s little more to go on, but we should know more by the end of this month. There’s no solid date to look forward to just yet but we’ll be keeping an eye out on any news regarding all of that. Watch the trailer above.

Dropbox for Android update brings photos tab

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 05:47 AM PDT

It looks like Dropbox lovers have something to look forward to this morning as the app has received an upgrade in the Google Play Store. The biggest change you’ll be getting is the addition of a photos tab.

Despite the tab’s name, it actually incorporates photos and video. This tab will allow you to view these items as if you were looking at them inside your gallery app so there’s no longer any need to download the files if you want to view them.

The uploads function has been moved to the menu in the file browser, and other under-the-hood changes have been made to ensure a more stable, bug-free experience. It seems like folks are having no issues with this upgrade so make no delay in grabbing it from the Google Play Store.

Gmail for Android to bring pinch-to-zoom, swipe to delete features [VIDEO]

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 05:02 AM PDT

Since the beginning of time Gmail has been sorely missing one very important, key feature. I think you all know which feature I’m talking about — the ability to pinch to zoom. I mean, if there’s any one app you’d hope to be able to zoom in it’s your email client. Thankfully it looks like Google will finally address that in what appears to be the latest version of Gmail.

Android Police apparently got a hold of a new version of Gmail, version 4.2 if you care, that “may or may not” have come from the LG Nexus and was pleased to find that this feature was available. Personally I haven’t seen pinch-to-zoom in any Gmail client except for the Samsung Fascinate, and ever since I got my taste of it there I’ve been dying for it everywhere.

Even more features are said to be on their way, including the ability to swipe an email in the inbox view left or right to either archive or delete, always delete, or do nothing when in the All Mail or Sent views.

We imagine the “archive or delete” option will hit you with a prompt asking you which one you want to do. You’ll also be able to do this for labels. Performing the gesture on “regular labels” will remove that label.

Finally, a new “Report Phishing” feature has been added. Google probably wanted to give users a way to report the far more serious problem of phishing instead of the more generalized spam. This should hopefully allow them to bust these malicious emails more effectively and efficiently.

You can watch the video above for a quick look at what we’re in store for. According to Android Police the APK works for Jelly Bean 4.1 despite being pulled from a 4.2 device, and although no promises are being made it’s believed that it should work for Ice Cream Sandwich too.

That said, they won’t be releasing the APK for download just yet but they’re working on getting permission to do just that. If all else fails we can at least expect the app to be out by the end of the month, right around the same time the Android 4.2-rocking LG Nexus is rumored to be out. Keep it tuned here for the latest on all of that!
Posted by at 7:46 AM

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