Android Phone Fans |
- LG Mach Hands-on at CTIA MobileCON 2012 [Video]
- First look: LG Optimus G at CTIA MobileCON 2012 [Video]
- Verizon’s HTC Droid Incredible X passes through Global Certification Forum
- Verizon surpasses goal ahead of schedule, launching 400th LTE market next week
- Android 4.1.2 comes to Nexus 7, AOSP
- T-Mobile officially says Galaxy Note 2 coming this fall, leak says October 24
- 16GB Nexus 7 nearing end-of-life, to be replaced by rumored 32GB model?
- Sprint to officially carry the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 soon
- Google and Samsung said to be working on 10.1 inch Nexus tablet with ridiculous resolution
- Ice Cream Sandwich finally heads to Motorola Atrix 2 for AT&T
- Lookout 3.0 brings last-gasp “Signal Flare” feature for dying batteries
- Samsung Galaxy Music is a three inch smartphone with enhanced audio capabilities
- Opera Mobile 12.1 brings improved security, HTML5 standards, and more
- LG Nexus phone reportedly pictured; looking pretty nice
| LG Mach Hands-on at CTIA MobileCON 2012 [Video] Posted: 09 Oct 2012 04:36 PM PDT
The slide-out QWERTY keyboard will probably be the main attraction. The buttons don’t stick out very much, giving it less tactile feedback, but it is nothing one doesn’t get used to. We found the keyboard to be as good as the Motorola Photon Q’s, and it does have a full 5-row setup with a dedicated number row. As Chris mentions in the video, we found the device to be very “pocketable”. It is thinner and smaller compared to a device like the Photon Q. The only downside is you will have to live with a 4-inch screen, which is rather small for most of us Android fans.
Build quality was surprisingly good! In fact, probably better than the Optimus G. The back is made of a metal-like plastic material. The rim around the display is solid metal, though, and the device has a very sturdy and high quality feel to it. This is definitely one to look out for if you are thinking of getting an affordable device with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, so check it out and give us your 2 cents in the comments.     
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| First look: LG Optimus G at CTIA MobileCON 2012 [Video] Posted: 09 Oct 2012 04:10 PM PDT
It is important to note the device is very thing and light, but it definitely does not feel cheap. We can honestly say that Samsung’s Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 felt much cheaper. The back was made of plastic, but of a very high quality kind. Seems almost like the iPhone4/4s glass back, but lacking its fragility. We have to say, we are rather impressed with this one, guys. It is fast, it is well-made and it is over all a great smartphone compared to the competition. That is, if you can overlook LG’s commonly disliked manufacturer UI. There is nothing like stock Android, for sure, but LG’s UI brings some cool features along with eye candy. Check it out for yourself in the video below and let us know what you think!       
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| Verizon’s HTC Droid Incredible X passes through Global Certification Forum Posted: 09 Oct 2012 01:52 PM PDT
Does the HTC6435LVW sound familiar? Perhaps you know it better as the 5-inch Android device designed to compete directly with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Maybe you recognize it as the HTC Droid Incredible X, the name rumored to be attached to that handset. No matter what you call it, it looks like the phone has just passed through the Global Certification Forum sporting LTE compatibility with Verizon’s 4G network. There are some rumors that the Droid Incredible X might form the basis for one of several Nexus variants to launch this fall. While there are still some questions about the existence of that particular phone, the Incredible X seems poised to launch in time for the holiday shopping season. [via GottaBeMobile]
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| Verizon surpasses goal ahead of schedule, launching 400th LTE market next week Posted: 09 Oct 2012 01:00 PM PDT
Verizon had hoped to blanket 400 markets in warm, fuzzy 4G LTE goodness by the end of the year. Instead of meeting their goal, they have surpassed it by two months, announcing Marquette, Michigan as the latest city to receive the network’s next-gen coverage, which goes live on October 18. Verizon says the choice is symbollic: as a city of only 21,000, Marquette represents the milestone of moving past large and mid-sized regions to now focus less populated regions. As a comparison, AT&T currently boasts just over 70 LTE markets while Sprint has yet to top 15. With Verizon setting sights on what will follow their 400th, it will take quite some time for competitors to catch up. For more info on Marquette, check out the short presser below courtesy of Verizon.
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| Android 4.1.2 comes to Nexus 7, AOSP Posted: 09 Oct 2012 12:21 PM PDT
A minor update to Jelly Bean has hit the Android Open Source Project today and is also making its way to the Nexus 7. Marked as Android 4.1.2, the new software version is described as minor, mostly consisting of bug fixes and other small tweaks. The most notable change for owners of the N7 is newly-enabled landscape functionality. The 4.1.2 update to Jelly bean was recently spied running on a device claimed to be LG’s Nexus phone, and it very well could be the software the handset launches with. We can also expect it to make its way to the Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus, and Motorola XOOM shortly enough.
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| T-Mobile officially says Galaxy Note 2 coming this fall, leak says October 24 Posted: 09 Oct 2012 11:24 AM PDT T-Mobile just sent out a press release to announce that the carrier will host the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 later this fall. With it’s 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos CPU, and Android 4.1, it’s no surprise that TMo is calling it their most powerful handset ever. What they failed to offer were any further details on pricing or availability, only that the handset will be in store “in the coming weeks.”
Good thing we have a leaked internal document to help clear things up. According to the goods had by TMoNews, the phone will be launching on October 24th in both Titanium Gray and White color schemes. The timing lines up with a press event that Samsung plans to hold on the same day, one which sounds suspiciously like a coming out party for the behemoth of a phone. Either way, it sounds like a good date to watch if you are a US resident eyeing the Note 2.
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| 16GB Nexus 7 nearing end-of-life, to be replaced by rumored 32GB model? Posted: 09 Oct 2012 10:35 AM PDT
Rumors of a 32GB Nexus 7 have been heating up over the past few days. First the new version of the slate showed up in a retailer’s inventory system. Then a customer in Japan appeared to have received the larger storage option in lieu of the 16GB model that was originally ordered. Now we have this screenshot from an insider working for a hardware reseller, which indicates that the 16GB (1B16) will be phased out, with the 32GB (1B32) replacing it. If this latest leak pans out, it likely means the 32GB model will retail for the same price as the 16GB, doubling the available storage without raising the cost of the Nexus 7. If that turns out to be true, it suggests that earlier rumors of lower-priced Nexus tablets by the end of the year could actually come to fruition, with Google and ASUS potentially dropping the price of the 8GB model. That’s merely speculation for now, however. One thing that seems nearly certain is the existence of a 32GB Nexus 7, and it seems likely to launch in time for the holidays. [Thanks, Perry!]
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| Sprint to officially carry the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 soon Posted: 09 Oct 2012 09:20 AM PDT While the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 has been available for a little while now, there are some users who want or need 4G inside. For those who couldn’t get jiggy with the WiFi only model, Sprint and Samsung has announced that the Android tablet will be headed to the Now Network in the weeks ahead.
It has a 10.1 inch 1280×800 display, of course, but other features include Qualcomm’s 1.5GHz dual-core S4 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 3 megapixel camera with a front-facing camera, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 64GB, Sprint 3G/4G LTE radios, and more. TouchWiz is on board and it sits atop Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. We’d be surprised if it goes its entire life without Jelly Bean so don’t be too vexed about that. Unfortunately there’s no pricing or availability information to be had just yet so we’ll have to wait for further word from Samsung or Sprint. In the meantime I’d say saving up $500-$600 isn’t a bad idea if you’re expecting to purchase this thing whenever it does drop. Go ahead and read on for full press details.
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| Google and Samsung said to be working on 10.1 inch Nexus tablet with ridiculous resolution Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:59 AM PDT It looks like the buck won’t stop with the Nexus 7 when it comes to Nexus tablets. Google is said to be hitting Samsung up for the next Nexus tablet. ASUS was the front-runner for the 7 inch wonder, but Samsung will reportedly design and produce a 10.1 inch version.
The Android tablet space is an area where few have succeeded, but Samsung, like ASUS, are among the best there is at the moment. Considering the success Samsung and Google have had with the past two Nexus phones it’s no surprise that a certain trust factor exists between the two parties. We’re reportedly getting a device that has a staggering 2560×1600 resolution and about 300ppi. Needless to say I think everyone is suddenly about to start saving up for yet another big tech purchase. I know I am. [via CNet]
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| Ice Cream Sandwich finally heads to Motorola Atrix 2 for AT&T Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:04 AM PDT Ice Cream Sandwich isn’t the youngest kid in class anymore, but being on Android 4.0 sure beats being on Android 2.3. Those with the Motorola Atrix 2 on AT&T will finally be able to get with the times as the cellular operator has made Ice Cream Sandwich available over-the-air.
The changelog offered by AT&T doesn’t mention much outside of the usual Android 4.x features we’re already used to so it doesn’t appear the experience will change outside of that. But the changes made to Android 4.0 are significant enough that you’ll feel like you have an entirely new phone. The update can be downloaded and installed over WiFi in the About Phone menu. [AT&T]
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| Lookout 3.0 brings last-gasp “Signal Flare” feature for dying batteries Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:33 AM PDT Lookout’s phone locator feature has always been something of dire importance for those who tend to lose their smartphones, but there are some obvious limitations. For one, that battery is bound to die at some point, or if someone happens to have stolen the device they may take the battery out before you can use Lookout’s location features. Not only does this make locating a device impossible for those who had Lookout already installed, but it also makes it impossible for Lookout’s “Plan B” app to work. Well, Lookout has introduced a new feature in version 3.0 of its application that will hopefully be of use for those looking for that extra peace of mind they’re always looking for.
It’s called “Signal Flare” and it will automatically flag your phone’s last known location before the battery died and send it over to you. It won’t be as accurate as if your phone were still alive, but it’s a lot better than nothing. Lookout 3.0 also includes a new look to conform with standard Android design philosophies, a new Activity Feed to see a rundown of how Lookout is protecting you, Safe Dialer to protect you against dialer-based attacks, and more. The app is available in the Play Store, but some folks have been complaining about a lack of memory error despite being well over requirements. Try your hand at it, and we’ll see if we can get some insight from Lookout in the meantime. Read on for full press details.
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| Samsung Galaxy Music is a three inch smartphone with enhanced audio capabilities Posted: 09 Oct 2012 05:51 AM PDT Samsung has introduced a new smallish smartphone for those not with the 4+ inches fad. Its name is the Samsung Galaxy Music, and it’s a three inch device that would seem incredibly small for most people. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in audio power as this device is designed to be a music lover’s dream.
The Galaxy Music as compatibility from the oft-desired OGG and FLAC containers/codecs, as well as a dedicated music player button, “Sound Alive” and SRS, FM Radio, and dual speakers on the front instead of the usual lone speaker on the back. Other features include Android 4.0 with TouchWiz, a 3 megapixel camera, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, Bluetooth 3.0 and more. A dual-SIM variant, dubbed the Samsung Galaxy Music Duos, will also be available for those who need it. It’s a small little fella, and while it may not be too powerful we’re sure it’ll attract many eyes with a price point that is sure to go easy on the wallets. Find more information at Samsung’s website.
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| Opera Mobile 12.1 brings improved security, HTML5 standards, and more Posted: 09 Oct 2012 05:39 AM PDT Opera has released a new version of its Opera Mobile browser in the Google Play Store. We’re already on version 12 if you don’t remember, and this latest revision brings us up to version 12.1. The list of changes don’t necessarily get us ready to explode from excessive excitement, but they’re good changes nonetheless. For starters, increased security will warn users of potentially malicious sites before allowing them to visit said sites. This feature isn’t really as prominent on mobile as it is on desktops so Opera’s proud of themselves for this one.
Secondly, new connection technology SPDY and WebSockets should make for a better overall browsing experience. The former is a new protocol improvement technology that makes it more efficient to fetch web pages. Two popular sites already supporting SPDY are Google and Twitter, and hopefully more will follow suit over time. WebSockets will improve two-way server communication for mobile users. Finally, Opera has added more HTML5 goodness to its engine, including HTML5 drag and drop, and HTML5 clipboard APIs. Opera remains one of the best browsers in the Play Store and with today’s upgrade we don’t see it slipping anytime soon. Be sure to grab the upgrade from the Play Store whenever you’re ready. Read on for full press details.
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| LG Nexus phone reportedly pictured; looking pretty nice Posted: 09 Oct 2012 04:54 AM PDT Ever since rumors of an LG-manufactured Nexus phone have come up we’ve all been waiting to get a quick sneak peak at how it might look. Fingers were no doubt crossed that LG didn’t go with the “blocky” design philosophy they’ve seemed to adopt over the years, and it looks like we won’t have to worry about that if these photos are to be believed. The corners are more rounded to look more like the Galaxy Nexus, there are no physical/capacitive navigation buttons, the camera and flash are offset to the left of the device, and the texture of the battery door that gives off a crystalized look (at least in these shots). A version of the device with a Nexus logo on the back reportedly exists, though it’s hard to tell which design will stand.
LG’s Nexus phone supposedly sports a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset so this is shaping up to be the most powerful Nexus phone we have to date. It should be a lot more powerful than the current Galaxy Nexus, and it looks like the S4 Pro chipset might even best the quad-core Tegra 3 found inside the Nexus 7. Google reportedly revamped the Nexus program to allow more OEMs to create any Nexus-branded devices for the exchanged obligation of adhering to a standard list of specs. If that rumor is still true then the device pictured above above and below might not even be the only Nexus phone to look forward to within the next Calendar year. Alongside LG, other OEMs said to be looking to get in on the Nexus fun are Motorola, Samsung, and HTC, two of which have already made Nexus devices for Google in the past. It would be a very exciting time indeed, though we’d honestly be happy to get just one device if it was as powerful as the LG-made one described above. Should these rumors be real we are expecting to hear more about the next Nexus device sometime between the end of October and the end of November in time for a holiday release.
One thing that has never been particularly solid in the Nexus program is Google’s release strategy. The Nexus One kicked it off with a failed distribution model that excluded the traditional retail experience. The Nexus S came along and made itself a lot more accessible in-store, but GSM carriers weren’t interested in subsidizing it. More recently, the Galaxy Nexus had a period of exclusivity on Verizon’s network which meant Sprint customers had to wait months for a release, and GSM carriers were still against subsidy; Google eventually began offering the unlocked GSM version on its Play Store for that very reason. Note that things were much better outside America. We would hope Google has enough clout to pull a Samsung and get this thing on all five major US carriers simultaneously, though it’s not clear whether it will be up to them or LG to shop this device to carriers. Another facet of the Nexus program we’re hoping Google will get a better grasp on is the firmware upgrade game. Unfortunately some carriers, like Verizon, controlled updates for the Galaxy Nexus instead of the updates coming straight from Google. This meant users had to wait extended periods of times for updates as small as bug-fixing/maintenance changes, as well as larger upgrades like the all-important android 4.1 Jelly Bean. If the Nexus line is as successful as we’d hope it is carriers should have no problem agreeing to a hands-off approach when it comes to software. But whether or not Google will make this a three-pronged dance — with carriers having to agree to let Google handle software upgrades in order to sell the device — remains to be seen. All told, this LG Nexus is shaping up to be one hell of a device and we can’t wait to get even more information once we’re closer to its inevitable unveiling. Let us know what you think about these shots in the comments below! [via Android&Me]
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