Sunday, October 7, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Rumor: Upcoming Nexus Featuring Android 4.2 To Feature New Customization Center, Updated Google Now And Project Roadrunner

Posted: 06 Oct 2012 07:21 AM PDT

 

 

As we all await the arrival of the latest Nexus device (or devices if all holds true), we are also eagerly awaiting what Google has up its sleeves in the latest Android OS. Well it looks like the gang at Android and Me may have the inside scoop on not only the latest OS which is expected to be software version 4.2, but details on the direction of its Nexus line of devices. According to an anonymous source, Google is trying to promote its Nexus line among all major manufacturers. The various manufacturers will work directly with Google in regards to the hardware and driver details, though Google will be responsible for the hardware updates directly. Moreover, although these special Google devices are part of the Nexus line, they don’t necessarily need to be called Nexus as part of its name– sort of like of what Google did with the Motorola Xoom WiFi tablet. The thought is that by manufacturers joining the Nexus program, it would allow for the special variations of the devices to have even more access to specially-optimized Google content.

Of course since there will be added content, it’s only natural to have an idea of what exactly the Nexus devices will feature in regards to the newest Android OS, Android 4.2. The biggest features in the new OS are rumored to be identified as the new Customization Center, Project Roadrunner, an updated Google Now and revamped Play Store. The new Customization Center will be useful for all Android users as it essentially allows users to update the base Android OS, without having to wait for OEM manufacturers to update their skins. Here’s how it works: it is basically a way for you to do basic customizations through a range of options through the Play Store. When a new update is available, new items like filters and icons would be available via the Play Store. So when Google upgrades Android and a manufacturer doesn’t provide a compatible version of their custom UI initially, the device reverts simply to the stock UI or wait for the upgrade until the manufacturer catches up.

The others seem to be incredibly beneficial as well. Project Roadrunner specifically aims to soup up and optimize battery live on devices, having the same impact as Project Butter did when it came to responsiveness on Jelly Bean-enabled devices. Meanwhile, the updated Google Play Store will likely feature personalized search, optional promotional campaigns with Notification Center integration, more billing options, and easier in-app micro-transactions. And finally, Google Now will be updated to include even more expanded functionality like the ability to ask "Where can I activate bluetooth?" or "How can I tone down the brightness?", for basic OS questions.

Keep in mind this should all be taken with a grain of salt, but it’s looking more and more like Google is ready to take the next major step in the evolution of Android as a whole. All we need now is for the announcement to hurry up and get here already.

source: Android and Me

 

Pre-order your HTC One X+ now from Expansys

Posted: 05 Oct 2012 07:43 PM PDT

From the first sketches, to the leaked brochures, it looks like the international unlocked HTC One X+ is ready to pre-order online for the US. Thanks to online electronics retailer, Expansys USA, people who have been waiting and craving for the release of the One X+ will finally be able to put some money down.

Since Expansys just recently put the device on their website, it doesn’t look like there is a set price just yet, showing the “Price Not Announced” tag description. By pre-ordering, it means you will be first in line when they do announce the price. As a reminder, the specs are as follows:

  • 1.7 GHz quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 Processor
  • 1GB of RAM memory
  • 64GB of internal storage
  • NFC Support
  • 4.7 inch super LCD 2 touch screen with a 720p resolution
  • Size of: 134.36 x 69.9 x 8.9mm
  • 2100mAh battery
  • 8.0MP rear camera
  • 1.6MP front-facing camera
  • HSPA+ connection in Europe (US version with LTE)
  • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, with HTC Sense

This phone is a monster, but there are a few things like storage capacity and LTE that may change on the US version If you want to beat the crowd, the International model will do just fine. So, did you pre-order the HTC One X+? Are you getting this over the S3 and Galaxy Note II? I would love to hear your comments.

Open webOS Galaxy Nexus source code now available

Posted: 05 Oct 2012 06:55 PM PDT

I wasn’t always the Android fanatic that I am today, I originally started as a strong supporter of webOS. When webOS died about a year ago, I was a little sad to see the card based OS go. Now it seems that webOS has found a comfortable home as an open source community project. Now this project was only recently released for the community to tear at, but already it’s found its way to Google’s flagship Android phone; the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. What was the perfect Android development device has now taken another step into a whole new world.

Only a few days after the port was released, the source code has now been released as well. Now it seems that the flagship of the Android world will now be the flagship for Palm’s forgotten OS as well. I personally am really excited to see what the super talented Android community can do with this new development platform. It may even help spawn some new ideas for Android development as well. A small part of me is happy to see the Android community take their open source brother under their wing.

Source: XDA-Developers
Posted by at 5:41 AM

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