Saturday, October 20, 2012

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Google Android News Android Forums

Interior of LG Nexus 4 unmasked

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 03:00 PM PDT

With all of the leaked images and information floating about regarding the upcoming LG Nexus 4 device, it probably should be no surprise that someone has obtained images of the inside of the device. At least as much of the inside as you can see by taking off the back cover. That in itself, taking the back cover off, may be a bit of a surprise for some since the device is intended to not have a removable back cover. Nevertheless, it appears the removal of a few screws is all that is needed to get inside the device.

Once inside, one of the main items to be found is the 2100 mAh battery. The battery is designed to not be user replaceable, but now that we see the back is not too terribly difficult to remove, it seems likely there will be plenty of do-it-yourself owners who will replace the battery sans LG or carrier rep assistance. One thing not found inside is the SIM card slot. Instead, the SIM will be accessed via a microSIM tray in the right side of the device.

Be sure to check back here for more updates on the LG Nexus 4 between now and October 29th, when it is expected to make its official debut at Google’s The Playground is Open event in New York City.

source: Android Central

UK carrier O2 starts Jelly Bean rollout for Samsung Galaxy S III; Vodafone to start on Monday

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:33 AM PDT

UK wireless carrier O2 has confirmed it is starting to roll out Android 4.1 Jelly Bean to Samsung Galaxy S III owners on its network. They have not indicated how long it should take to reach all device owners, but some should start to see it on Friday, October 19th. O2 joins Three in rolling out the Jelly Bean update for Samsung’s flagship device. Vodafone has issued a statement via their forums that Jelly Bean will be deployed to Galaxy S III devices on their network starting on Monday. T-Mobile and Orange have not yet released any information about timing for users on their networks. The update will be available to O2 owners as a WiFi over-the-air update or through Kies.

source: TechRadar

The Microsoft Surface Tablet: Average Features In An Average Package That Doesn’t Even Come Close To Challenging Android Tablets

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 08:55 AM PDT

 

If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past few days, you’re probably well-aware of the upcoming Microsoft Surface tablet. Dubbed as one of the saviors for Microsoft’s rapidly degrading brand, the Surface tablet has already been identified as the true iPad and Android tablet challenger. With its thin profile and abundant storage space (comes in 32GB or 64GB configurations with an expandable storage slot), the Surface tablet will have at least the physical features to make it an interesting product. However, the hardware is just one aspect of the tablet— the real kicker is Microsoft’s brand-new OS: Surface for Windows RT technology. The OS will essentially mirror its upcoming Windows 8 OS, while having exclusive offerings like Microsoft Office 2013 and a special version of Netflix included with the tablet. So in essence, upcoming Surface tablet seems to be a true productivity workhorse— at least on the surface (no pun intended folks).

Now while the upcoming Surface tablet certainly looks to be an interesting and perhaps attractive product, Microsoft is treading into dangerous territory. As RIM and certainly HP can attest, Google’s Android platform has a clear stranglehold of the tablet market share— something that both the Blackberry Playbook and HP’s TouchPad certainly couldn’t achieve during their brief lives. Consumers love seeing a new product, but expect reasonable value of what a product offers. The Surface tablet is going to debut at $499 for the 32GB entry-level model– which doesn’t even include the $130 Touch Cover keyboard/cover combo that’s necessary helpful for doing all that increased productivity like using Microsoft Office 2013, as Microsoft is hyping. As indicated by numerous studies, the number of iPad and Android tablets are growing at an astronomical pace. Oh and don’t forget– newer Android tablets are being released on a seemingly daily basis and the prices of the those tablets (and subsequent accessories) are becoming much more reasonable— if not lower overall. So considering Microsoft is certainly unproven, while Apple and more importantly— Android have a clear understanding of not just what consumers want, but what consumers actually need in a tablet— Microsoft doesn’t offer any compelling reason for why consumers should give their product a try. Microsoft’s Surface tablet is a painfully basic product that has a premium price won’t even put a dent in Android sales or overall market share.

 

 

The first thing consumers should ask is what is the Surface tablet exactly? More specifically— consumers are going to be left asking what exactly is this tablet is supposed to do for them. The answer is simple really— based off the ability to create or manage content on the go, it’s assumed Microsoft is really pushing its new technology to the business-centric types who can work on Word documents, spreadsheets or display those sexy charts during those Sales’ meetings or product demos. The new Surface for Windows RT technology is appealing because it’s supposed to be touch-centric (as in not needing any type of accessory to perform everyday tasks), so it would allow for users of the tablet to hypothetically create and manage content just by using the on-screen keys. The concept is great and all, but Microsoft realizes that there’s only so much on-screen keys can do, so Microsoft is also pushing its Touch Cover keyboard accessory. Microsoft has not been shy about highlighting the thinness of the accessory and abilities of the Touch Cover keyboard— especially when it comes to typing up documents or emails. Microsoft needs to appeal to those business-centric consumers and offer up a unique tablet experience which not only includes the ability to manage Office-type content on the go. On the other hand, Microsoft also needs to offer up a unique multimedia and social experience for users as well— which Microsoft does not even try to address in the new tablet.

 

 

Moving to the bigger issue is the baffling cost of the tablet and utter lack of value for the price. At $499, the 32GB entry-level model of the tablet is already steeply priced. With all due respect the Tegra-based processor, HD cameras and impressive 10.6-inch display as part of the tablet— there is nothing particularly noteworthy specs-wise of the tablet, especially as we’ve already seen the same (if not better) specs on Android tablets already. As of now, Surface for Windows RT is brings a newfound excitement to Microsoft’s brand, but it’s an unproven OS and users don’t know what they’re going to get– especially when it comes to actually using the touted Microsoft Office software. So essentially, users will be paying $499 just for a device bearing the Windows name and will have to deal with the scarce number and different types of apps available now. What’s even worse is in order for users to truly utilize or enjoy the main feature of the tablet (for now)— Microsoft Office 2013, they’ll need to shell out an additional $130 just to grab the optional Touch Cover keyboard. So just to reiterate— we need to make this point clear: the reality is that in order for customers to take advantage of the existing capabilities of the Surface tablet’s productivity features, users will actually need the “optional” $130 Touch Cover keyboard, as opposed to offering the ability to provide users with the ability to use an alternative keyboard that Android (and even iPad) tablets offer like Bluetooth keyboards or covers, both of which often costs under $50.

Like the Surface tablet’s intention, Android tablets makes the overall tablet experience better with the sheer number of the types of tablets and accessories available for them. But unlike Microsoft’s newly unveiled offering, Android manufacturers have fine-tuned the development into tablets from not just great productivity alternatives, but a complete PC replacement overall. As of now, Microsoft only offers a 10.6-inch version of the tablet, while Android tablets come in anywhere from 7-inches to a whopping 13-inches— offering much more flexibility with the types of accessories out in the marketplace. These tablets can be specialists in reading all types of content or allow users to work on various projects or items they choose. If you want a standalone tablet— Android tablets have you covered. If you want a tablet that allows you to transform it into a modest workstation via an inexpensive cover stand & Bluetooth-based keyboard— Android tablets have you covered. Hell, if you want your tablet to transform into a full-fledged notebook for all your productivity and portable needs— Android tablets has you covered.

Speaking of which— Android tablets offer up many more apps for not just productivity, but multimedia or social-centric apps as well. There are hundreds of thousands of apps available, which gives Android tablet users much more flexibility to do whatever it is they want on the go, while allowing users to create or modify content at an optimal level. Thanks to Google’s never-ending commitment to the growth of its Android platform with its manufacturing and developer partners, we see outstanding improvements to products like its own Google Docs Google Drive product and the imminent growth of Quick Office on tablets as well. Oh and don’t forget— Microsoft is has already made its intentions of bringing Microsoft Office to Android, so users will have yet another productivity utility to use from the masters of productivity effectiveness. Moreover, manufacturers like Samsung continue to reinvent the wheel by including its own spin on apps for its products like including unique and useful apps like Photoshop Touch, S Planner, Polaris Office and Twitter & Facebook integration into the TouchWiz software. Samsung is just one example— most, if not all of the other prominent Android manufacturers offer the same exclusives and features in their own respective tablets.

 

 

The scary thing about Android tablets is while the overall market share indicates Android tablets plays second fiddle to the iPad, those same Android tablets have positioned themselves as a solid number 2 among consumers— with no signs of letting up. And if you include offerings from Amazon & Barnes & Noble, the tablet market looks to be all but cornered by Apple & Google. You have to hand it to Microsoft for trying to bring a newfound excitement and rejuvenated interest among consumers, but Microsoft needs to bring a product that clearly highlights what sets it apart from its competition. Simply put: the Surface tablet is an overpriced device that’s confused about whether it’s meant for the average consumer or business professionals. Toss in the utter lack of app exclusives or support outside of Microsoft Office and you have yourself a lame duck product.

 

 

 

NCC listing gives further confirmation that a 3G Nexus 7 exists

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 07:02 AM PDT

Last month we heard rumblings of a 3G Nexus 7 as it was originally rumored to launch about now. A good indication on any device is commission filings like the FCC here in the U.S. Well there is a similar organization called the National Communications Commission  (NCC) in Taiwan and it looks like a Nexus 7 with UMTS / HSDPA was just certified. I noticed some sites thought this was a retailer listing and could be fake, but no, this is a government listing.

The model number is ME370TG and is made by ASUS. It’s not referred to as a Nexus 7, but since the original Nexus 7 was ME370T, it’s safe to assume this is a Nexus 7 variant. The listing does reveal that it will have 32GB and will support GSM, WCDMA, as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC. German’s Tabletblog is speculating that it could be priced at 299 Euros, which translates to $399. Again, this is an opinion, but doesn’t seem all that far fetched. I would expect to see this baby announced at the October 29 event in New York City.

source: tabletblog

Huawei Ascend Mate Outed By Chinese Website, Features Massive 6.1-Inch Display And 1.8GHz Quad-Core Processor

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 06:47 AM PDT

 

As the phablet craze continues to really take off, we are seeing more and more offerings from respective Android manufacturers. Not content to allow HTC and Samsung dominate the party, Huawei has gone ahead and a 6.1-inch beastly phablet called the Huawei Ascend Mate. This device will come in at 9.9 mm of thickness, a 6.1-inch 1080p display, 1.8GHz K3 V3 quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM and a whopping 4,000 mAh battery. Boy oh boy those specs are a bit overwhelming. Good grief.

There are no actual photos of the device and no additional details for now, but if all holds true to what we’ve seen on the screenshot from the Chinese website above— we should see the device appear sooner than later.

source: Unwiredview

Sony Provides Updated Guidance On Jelly Bean Updates: Most 2012 Xperia Devices Will Get Update, 2011 Xperia Devices Will Not Get Update

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 06:37 AM PDT

 

Sony has been more than proactive about pushing out timely software updates for many of its premium devices in the past, so the time has come for it to answer the dreaded question: when will its devices get the coveted Jelly Bean update? Well, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is for owners of most Xperia devices made in 2012, you will in fact get the Jelly Bean update. Sony confirmed the Xperia T, Xperia V and Xperia TX will get the update in Q1 2013, while the Xperia S, Xperia acro S, Xperia Ion, Xperia P, Xperia go and Xperia J will get Jelly Bean at some point next year. So now that the good news is out of the way, here’s the bad news: 2011 Xperia smartphones will not get Jelly Bean because:

 

“After thorough evaluation, Sony concluded they will not be upgraded beyond Ice Cream Sandwich”.

 

The guess here is that those Sony devices probably don’t have the resources to handle the added needs found in Jelly Bean— who knows. At least Sony promised to “support all these products with firmware maintenance releases” because hey— something is better than nothing, right?

source: Sony Mobile Blog

When There’s Smoke, There’s Fire: EXIF Data Supposedly Points Out A 10-Inch Nexus Tablet

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 06:17 AM PDT

 

All eyes may be on the upcoming Nexus 4 (or Optimus Nexus, whichever you prefer), but we haven’t forgotten about the fact that a possible 10-inch Samsung Nexus tablet is quietly being worked on. So while we have no specific details or nary an idea of what this special tablet will feature, we at least know that the possibility of it being a reality is very much true thanks to some leaked EXIF data that surfaced on the Picasa website. According to what was posted on the Picasa website, the image supposedly taken by a “Nexus 10″ has a resolution of 2560 x 1920, which lines up with earlier rumors suggesting the device will have a 10.1-inch display at a 2560 x 1600 resolution. The image that was posted clearly looks like it was intended to highlight the standard camera capabilities of this “Nexus 10″– so we see everything from the 2.7 Aperture & Exposure of 1/15 sec. One major item to note of this image is the Android build of “JVP12C”, an unspecified Jelly Bean (or higher) build— which may imply that this “Nexus 10″ may hold the keys to what should be the latest Android software.

Naturally we don’t want to make too much out of this, but then again— when there’s smoke, there’s always fire. Hopefully we’ll start seeing additional leaks and info of what should cutting-edge features in the upcoming tablet. Maybe just maybe, we’ll see everything we need to see on October 29th.

source: Picasa

Onyx International Android-Powered E Ink Smartphone in the Works

Posted: 18 Oct 2012 11:10 PM PDT

You’ve probably heard of Onyx International being a manufacturer of eBook readers over the past few years. You’ve also most likely heard about E Ink technology. Where am I going with this? Well apparently, Onyx International has created a prototype Android-powered smartphone that uses the same E Ink technology found in eBooks. Now before we slam this idea and ask why anyone would want such a seemingly antiquated technology on modern smartphones, let’s think about it. What does E Ink bring to the table? Battery life and visibility in bright light. These seem ideal for a construction site where such features are paramount, or anyone that spends the majority of their day in bright conditions for that matter. It’s rumored that the battery life is about a week on this sucker. The device is rumored to be the only device of its kind in the world at the moment. What are your thoughts on this phone possibly hitting the market?

source:  Android Police

 

Pricing for Galaxy Note II, LG Optimus L9 from Walmart Leaked

Posted: 18 Oct 2012 10:37 PM PDT

It certainly seems like that time of year, when retailers begin their holiday inventory and setting their price points. Tonight we’re hearing that Walmart pricing has been leaked on a couple of T-Mobile phones that may be of interest to you. TmoNews  has information revealing the pricing of select T-Mobile, on-contract devices from Walmart. The rumored pricing are as follows:

 

Walmart is typically cheaper than T-Mobile on its devices so it’s a little interesting that these prices are a mirror version of T-Mobile’s. Just keep in mind that with all leaked pricing, it’s always subject to change. What are your thoughts or experiences on purchasing your device and plan through Walmart?

 

source:  TmoNews

Granny Smith update brings easier levels, more apples

Posted: 18 Oct 2012 09:37 PM PDT

The insanely popular Granny Smith game for Android recently received an update, adding an entirely new set of space inspired levels. Players immediately began complaining of the increased difficulty, voicing their negative concerns through the application’s Play Store listing.

Today Mediocre Games has released an iterative update to the game, effectively lowering the difficulty of the 12 new levels. The new release dumbs things down a bit by decreasing the speed of the little boy, extending various wires that were previously excessively hard to reach and widened the landing time limit. The new update is now available in the Play Store, so scan the QR code or hit the Play Store link below.

QRCode

Play Store Download Link
Posted by at 6:02 AM

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