Android Central |
- Sharp to deliver a 5-inch 1080p smartphone most of the world can't have
- Android 102: Wireless file transfer
- Mexico gets Google Maps Navigation
- Android 101: The Android File Transfer app for Mac
- Tonight, on the Greatest Android Podcast in the World!
- C Spire Wireless jumps on the shared data bandwagon
- Nexus device factory images updated to Android 4.2.1 (JOP40D)
- Samsung teams up with Peel to expand second screen TV app internationally
- Princess Leia arrives in Angry Birds Star Wars update
- Sega's Jet Set Radio is a half-gigabyte, $4.99, and available now
- Samsung Galaxy Advance due for Jelly Bean update in January
- Consumer Reports rankings: AT&T worst carrier, Verizon best
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2 now available on Verizon Wireless
- Pioneer updates AV receivers with HTC Connect support
- Daily news roundup: November 28 2012
| Sharp to deliver a 5-inch 1080p smartphone most of the world can't have Posted: 29 Nov 2012 04:40 PM PST
The Sharp Aquos SH930W will be headed to Russia and Hong Kong, but we wish it would branch out a little bit. With a 1080p 5-inch display (now we know why Sharp was making them) on a chassis with very thin bezels, the Aquos looks ready to take on phones like the Droid DNA or Galaxy Note 2 while staying closer to a size we're all more comfortable with. The specs won't knock your socks off -- dual-core Snapdragon S4, 32GB of storage and 2GB of RAM, but it should still be quite the little performer. You'll want to check out the link below to see a few more pictures. Sharp, if you make this available unlocked I'm betting more than a few will buy it. Source: Unwired View 
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| Android 102: Wireless file transfer Posted: 29 Nov 2012 03:01 PM PST
I use Linux for my PC operating system. That means I don't get any fancy Android File Transfer programs to use to copy files on and off of my devices, and setting up MTP support is a hassle -- not to mention the closed nature of the whole mess. I can use the command line and adb to copy files back and forth, and sometimes I do, but the easy way is to use an app that acts as a remote server and "browse" my files with Chromium or Firefox. They also work with Windows or Mac OS for those times when you don't want to look for a cable. There are plenty of apps available that will work. Airdroid is a pretty popular one that also offers the ability to send and receive SMS message through your PC. It's also free, and free is always good. I like things a bit more lightweight and simple, so I use Wifi File Explorer Pro. It's not free ($0.99) and doesn't let you text from your PC. It's just the first one that was made available and I hate change. My point is, there's plenty of apps that will work, and they all work basically the same.
The apps are actually running a tiny web server on your phone, so the result acts like a website. You will need to have both machines on the same Wifi, and in theory a cable is faster, but wireless file transfer is pretty darn easy. 
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| Mexico gets Google Maps Navigation Posted: 29 Nov 2012 02:19 PM PST
Many countries have been enjoying Google Maps' free turn-by-turn navigation feature for a couple of years, but so far Mexico's been left out of the fun. That changes today with the launch of Google Maps Navigation (in beta, natch) in the country. Just like the English-language version, Navigation for Mexican users features turn-by-turn directions, complete with voice playback, and real-time traffic updates. There's also Spanish-language voice search, and the ability to search for businesses or other places along your route. Mexican Android users running OS version 2.2 Froyo or greater can take advantage of the new feature by jumping into the latest version of the Google Maps app. Source: +Google México; Thanks, Spook81! 
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| Android 101: The Android File Transfer app for Mac Posted: 29 Nov 2012 01:41 PM PST
Want to move files between your Android device and a Mac? There's an app for that (natch)It's OK to use a Mac if you're also an Android fan. You don't have to apologize. In fact, I'd prefer it if you don't. Use what you want. Use what works for you. Don't worry what anyone else thinks. (Chances are that's what led you to Android in the first place.) But if you are using a computer from Cupertino, you will need an extra piece of software if you want to transfer files over USB and your device is running Android 3.0 or higher. It's not a huge deal, and it takes just a few seconds to set up. Here's the scoop:
It's that easy. The only real caveat with this tool is that there's a 4-gigabyte file size limit on transfers. If you want to copy over anything larger than that -- say, a movie -- you'll need to do it via another method, such as adb. 
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| Tonight, on the Greatest Android Podcast in the World! Posted: 29 Nov 2012 12:33 PM PST
Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Androids and ... Dogs and cats of all ages! It's Thursday. Again. And that means it's time for the Android Central Podcast. We're all recharged from the Thanksgiving break here in the states, and it's time to catch up on how everybody's doing with their new Nexus devices, who's been able to buy more -- and what the hell Google need to do to keep that process from getting any worse. Plus, more of your e-mails and voicemails! Join us tonight at 8 p.m. EST at androidcentral.com/live. The Android Central Podcast is your weekly peek into the world of Android, where we break down the news that really matters, and explain what's just a bunch of hype. Plus, we answer your e-mails and voicemails. You don't want to miss it. Check out the Android Central Podcast. 
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| C Spire Wireless jumps on the shared data bandwagon Posted: 29 Nov 2012 11:32 AM PST
We first saw shared data plans come to market with Verizon and AT&T -- albeit with mixed results. C Spire (formerly Cellular South) is hoping to get in on the buzzwords today by offering its own shared data setup. The plans are structured very similarly to the competitors:
The plans will go live for both new and existing customers on Dec. 3, and there is no fee associated with switching to the new plan structure. Source: C Spire Wireless (BusinessWire) 
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| Nexus device factory images updated to Android 4.2.1 (JOP40D) Posted: 29 Nov 2012 11:27 AM PST
Just a quick heads up that, as promised, the factory images for the Nexus 4, and Nexus 7 have been updated, should you need to get back to stock. Nice and easy. If you notice that there's no updated image for the Nexus 10, you've got a good eye. Google's JBQ in the Android Building Group notes that there was a problem with the JOP40C image (which has since been fixed). So hang tight. More on that here. Otherwise, get your download on should you need to. Download: Nexus factory images 
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| Samsung teams up with Peel to expand second screen TV app internationally Posted: 29 Nov 2012 11:14 AM PST
Peel, a so-called "second screen" app used as a TV guide (and in some cases to control your TV), has been available for download for some time now. The company has even struck a deal with Samsung previously to include it on devices like the Galaxy Tab 7 Plus. Now the two companies are teaming up to expand the usage of Peel internationally and on more devices. This update will bring localized TV information to 20 new countries in 13 languages, focusing mainly on Europe and Southeast Asia. Samsung is aiming to add complete IR functionality to additional tablet devices in the future so users can control their TVs with the app as well. Current devices with IR, like some Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Note 10.1 models, already have the functionality and can unlock the new features with a free update in the Play Store at the link above. 
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| Princess Leia arrives in Angry Birds Star Wars update Posted: 29 Nov 2012 09:31 AM PST
We got a teaser video yesterday showing off new content for the recently released Angry Birds Star Wars game, and now it has gone live in the Play Store. The update brings new levels on the planet Hoth for your enjoyment and pigtrooper-smashing, so get ready to see AT-AT Walkers and a whole lot of snow. The Rebel birds now have a recognizable character helping them out as well, Princess Leia. Oh, and we still find the lack of Angry Birds Star Wars on the Droid DNA ... disturbing. That's still not working. 
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| Sega's Jet Set Radio is a half-gigabyte, $4.99, and available now Posted: 29 Nov 2012 09:04 AM PST
I'm not normally one to worry about the size of Android applications these days. Twenty megabytes? Download without thinking. Fifty? Sure. Why not? Sega's much-anticipated Jet Set Radio, however, clocks in at a whopping 587 megabytes. Not exactly a record or anything, but this sucker's big. Took about 8 minutes from download to first push. This game is worth the $4.99, though. If you're into the skate culture at all, you'll find something here. The premise, if you're new to the game, is that you're a "Rudie" in Tokyo-To, with magnetically-driven in-line skates. They're powered by some sort of "netrium" battery -- and you're powered by Jet Set Radio, "a pirate radio station manned by the DJ Professor K that plays nothing by non-stop hardcore music." And you skate around, tagging stuff and giving the finger to the man -- all that jazz. Gameplay is pretty good. You get the feel of the on-screen joystick easily enough (and I've never been a big fan of those). The four-button layout is simple, and the tutorials get you going. The graffiti tagging gets a little more intricate as time goes on, so pay attention to that. Hit the download link above to give it a go (again, remember, it's $5, so keep in mind that 15-minute refund window if this isn't your thing), and we've got promo video after the break. 
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| Samsung Galaxy Advance due for Jelly Bean update in January Posted: 29 Nov 2012 08:00 AM PST
Despite the size of its Android smartphone portfolio, Samsung's doing a pretty good job keeping popular handsets up-to-date with OS upgrades. That's further evidenced by today's news that the humble Galaxy S Advance, a recent mid-range offering from the Korean manufacturer, will be getting its Jelly Bean update sometime in January 2013. Roughly translated, a message posted on Samsung's German Facebook page reads --
There's no word on which version of Jelly Bean will be heading to the Galaxy S Advance, but as the Android 4.2 source code hasn't been available for long, we'd imagine 4.1 will be what's on offer here. Still, it's a substantial upgrade from the Gingerbread-based ROM that ships on the Advance. Samsung is expected to push out Jelly Bean upgrades for the Galaxy S2 and original Galaxy Note, though no timetable has been offered for these updates. Equally, whether these updates make it to U.S. variants of these phones remains to be seen. Source: Samsung Germany Facebook; via: SamMobile 
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| Consumer Reports rankings: AT&T worst carrier, Verizon best Posted: 29 Nov 2012 07:48 AM PST
Consumer Reports has published its annual customer satisfaction rankings for U.S. mobile networks. The rankings reveal that Verizon customers are happiest, while once again AT&T scored lowest out of the four major carriers. The rankings are based upon consumer surveys, based upon categories including data network, call quality and customer service. Of course, your mileage will likely vary depending on the networks available where you live, so don't let today's stats dissuade you if you're a happy AT&T customer or a miserable Verizon subscriber. Are you happy with your mobile carrier? Let us know down in the comments. Source: Consumer Reports 
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| Samsung Galaxy Note 2 now available on Verizon Wireless Posted: 29 Nov 2012 05:48 AM PST
Hey, how about that -- it's Nov. 29, and that means Verizon Wireless' Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is now available to buy online and in stores. Verizon's Note 2 sells for $299 with a two-year service plan, and comes with a rather ridiculous home button bearing the carrier's logo. Besides the cosmetic differences, this is the same Galaxy Note 2 we've been seeing since its debut at IFA -- it rocks a massive 5.5-inch non-PenTile HD SuperAMOLED screen, a Wacom-powered S Pen, 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos CPU and 2GB of RAM. And it's running on Verizon's 4G LTE network, of course. If you're buying today, you may want to think about a sticker to cover up that unsightly home button. If you're still on the fence, check out our review of the international Galaxy Note 2. Anyone picking up a Note 2 on Big Red today? Shout out in the comments! 
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| Pioneer updates AV receivers with HTC Connect support Posted: 29 Nov 2012 02:23 AM PST
Pioneer is the first manufacturer to roll out HTC Connect support. Currently-supported AV receiver models include VSX-822-K, VSX-1022-K, VSX-1122-K, VSX-42, VSX-60, SC-1222-K, SX-1522-K, SC-61, SC-63, SC-65, SC-67 and SC-68. On the HTC side, phones supporting HTC Connect include the One X, One S, EVO 4G LTE, Droid Incredible 4G LTE, One X+, One VX and Droid DNA. On early 2012 phones like the original One X and One S, you'll want to make sure you're running the latest firmware update before attempting to use HTC Connect. Pioneer says supported devices can be updated through a network update or via a manual update method using a USB drive. More details in today's presser after the break. 
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| Daily news roundup: November 28 2012 Posted: 28 Nov 2012 08:33 PM PST
New phones, special deals, news from carriers, great apps -- you name it and it happens just about every day in the wide world of Android. We know that you can't spend every minute glued to your screen to keep track of it all, so here are highlights of the day all wrapped up and easy to read. Software everywhere
Carriers and manufacturers in the news
Devices
Tomorrow, we get to do it all over again! See you then. 
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