Android Phone Fans |
- Instagram launches profile pages, inches one step closer to becoming a real social network
- HTC Droid DNA (DLX) shows up at the FCC, cleared for takeoff on Verizon Wireless
- Federal judge throws out Apple’s case against Motorola over FRAND patents
- Verizon Apps closing up shop this January
- Samsung reportedly planning major brand overhaul for debut at CES 2013
- Final Angry Birds Star Wars trailer drops ahead of November 8th launch
- MegaRamp skateboarding and BMX game sneaks into Play Store for Xperia devices
- CallApp marries your social life to caller ID
- Samsung Galaxy Camera available November 7th in the UK
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 launching on AT&T November 9th
- Building 44 gets the ‘Tiny Planet’ treatment courtesy of Photo Sphere
| Instagram launches profile pages, inches one step closer to becoming a real social network Posted: 05 Nov 2012 06:47 PM PST
Instagram is great. There are a lot of things I love about the budding social network/pseudo photo hosting service and one of them is simply the archiving and sharing of your real world life through pictures — not meaningless stuff you’ve come across on the internet. Sure all that can be fun, but internet diarrhea is better left to Facebook and Google+. One of the strangest (and best) parts about Instagram is that it was never web based, meaning there was no real way to access the site via your computer. Sure you could view people’s pictures, heart them, comment, and follow — but that was really the extent of it. Honestly, it blew my mind when I first discovered it but it quickly grew on me. There was certain level of secrecy in Instagram. Like a club that required you to have a smartphone to gain admittance. Well, now all of that is about to change. Today, Instagram has launched their all new profile pages. These are users profiles that can be viewed via the web and quite honestly, I have mixed feelings about it. What was once reserved for “members only,” pictures of my life are now strewn across the net for everyone and anyone to view and gawk at. While it’s hard to put into words exactly what I’m feeling, the closest thing I can compare it to is someone ripping off my towel off and there I am… exposed. For the world to see. (I swear, I just got out of the pool). In its current state, profile pages are severely limited by what they give a user access to. For instance, there’s currently no way to view your followers, or who your following — making the viewing of your friends profile pages a chore (you’re going to have to enter their user name in the URL every time. Sure there are other web-based services like web.stagram, but it would have been nice to not rely on a 3rd party. I invite you guys if you haven’t already, to join up and friend me. Despite what the naysayers will… nay say, Instagram is a lot of fun and quickly becoming my favorite place to share my life (not what’s going on on the internet) and learn more about fellow Android peeps. I just pray Instagram will never be fully accessible from the desktop, allowing users to upload pics from their computers. It’s the one thing that’s kept the service “pure.” Oh, and limiting the amount of hashtags from #Instawhores. Before I go, here’s a quick video from one of my favorite videographers explaining what makes Instagram so great and how you can help keep it from sucking.
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| HTC Droid DNA (DLX) shows up at the FCC, cleared for takeoff on Verizon Wireless Posted: 05 Nov 2012 05:12 PM PST
Customers on the nation’s largest wireless network who have been eyeballing the HTC Droid DNA (DLX) better have most of their pennies saved up. A filing at the FCC today hints that the moster-spec’d device is making a b-line straight for Verizon Wireless. Okay, so that part we’ve known for quite sometime, but without a specific date on when we should crack open our piggy banks, it looks like we’re finally one step closer. What is essentially a US variant of the HTC J Butterfly we told you guys about a few weeks back, the HTC Droid DNA will feature an industry first 1080p 5-inch SCLD3 display, 1.5GHz Qualcomm S4 Pro quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and possible 8MP camera (that part is still a little fuzzy). While those specs might seem like overkill to the uninitiated, that means a display that will faithfully produce images equal to real world print. Count me in. The filing lists the device’s product number (HTC6435LVW) as well as the usual radio bands showing support for Verizon’s unique CDMA/LTE combo, as well as global bands for the Android globetrotter. Hopefully this device wont suffer from any delays (Verizon has a history of extensively testing devices on their network), in which case we should expect it in time for the holidays. Still up in the air is whether or not we’ll see other variants for other carriers (like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint). But with AT&T set to receive the One X+ next month, T-Mobile on a limited budget, I’d be willing to bet we’ll see this arrive as an EVO sequel for Sprint (yes, that’s pure and baseless speculation). Those of you not on Verizon, would you like an opportunity to pick up for your carrier?
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| Federal judge throws out Apple’s case against Motorola over FRAND patents Posted: 05 Nov 2012 02:43 PM PST
Good news for the Google-owned Motorola coming this afternoon from Madison, Wisconsin. Right before trial was set to begin today, Federal Judge Barbara Crabb has thrown out Apple’s case against Motorola. The case dealt with Moto’s patents (covering UMTS, GPRS, GSM, and 802.11 wireless standards) and the “unfair” royalty rates they were asking from Apple to use them (appox 2.25% of device sales). The judge gave both parties until today to explain whether a court determined FRAND rate would even solve the patent dispute at hand and when Apple said it would only help resolve this case by figuring out if Motorola’s royalty rates were fair, this didn’t sit well with the judge who said ended up dismissing the case “with prejudice.” In repsonse to the ruling, Judge Crabb later said:
Of course, Motorola seemed more than pleased with judge’s decision, saying:
Apple originally told the court they didn’t want to pay a penny more than $1 per iPhone to license Moto’s FRAND patents and have yet to issue a statement on the ruling. Guess there’s always the possibility of an appeal or far (FAR) less likely settlement. This isn’t even close to over, folks. [via Reuters | FOSSPatents]
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| Verizon Apps closing up shop this January Posted: 05 Nov 2012 02:41 PM PST
Verizon Wireless looks to have thrown the towel in when it comes to its own-branded apps store. Verizon Apps looks to be headed for the wayside this upcoming January, it’s been confirmed. The carrier first launched the app store as an alternative for developers to peddle their apps in a marketplace that wasn’t nearly as crowded as the Google Play Store. They’d looked to control the store’s population through hands-on approval processes, though this effect was probably achieved more by general disinterest from developers (caused by general disinterest from users). Verizon would get a cut of the profits from these developers, of course, and it’d be yet another perfect way for them to make money… except it wasn’t. Most developers were just fine with keeping their wares in the Google Play Store, and other alternative markets, like Amazon, were more enticing. Verizon also used the apps store to promote its own apps, of course, but these apps were either available from the Google Play Store or pre-installed on most of its devices anyway. It’s about damn time, we’d say. Sure, an app store for a feature phone is very sensible and probably more welcome than anything, but when it comes to smartphones that extra ecosystem just doesn’t necessarily fit. Push everything to one central box (Play Store) and make things less confusing for everyone involved. I give Verizon a big kudos for making this happen sooner rather than later. Those who will be affected by content they’ve purchased can head to Verizon for more details on how they can make this transition smooth once the entire process wraps up by the end of March 2013. [via Verizon Developer Community]
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| Samsung reportedly planning major brand overhaul for debut at CES 2013 Posted: 05 Nov 2012 11:45 AM PST
A report has emerged that Samsung will take CES 2013 as an opportunity to introduce the world to a refocused brand, including a new corporate logo, official colors, and ads that shift attention towards the lifestyles of consumers rather than simply the products being sold. ChannelNews has information suggesting that the Korean electronics maker and world’s top smartphone manufacturer is working closely with Scott Bedbury, a brand consultant with the likes of Nike and Starbucks on his resume. The goal is to expand the Samsung brand from perceptions as an Asian company to that of a global identity. Products will be more closely linked to the brand with a greater emphasis on design at the “strategic level,” as David Hill of the blog Design Matters puts it, a shift that began when the company named Creative Chief Choi Gee Sung CEO last year. If Samsung is planning such an overhaul, CES is the perfect venue for an unveiling. The showcase of consumer electronics from around the globe takes place in Las Vegas in January of each year and is home to numerous high-end product announcements. A new-look Samsung would be sure to make headlines.
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| Final Angry Birds Star Wars trailer drops ahead of November 8th launch Posted: 05 Nov 2012 10:15 AM PST
The force is truly with our avian protagonists in this one, and while the Angry Birds franchise is certainly doing just fine, the new title might be just the shot in the arm the series needs. Rovio is doing their best to make the battle against the egg-stealing pigs feel fresh again. We’re hopeful for what is coming. Angry Birds Star Wars lands this Thursday, November 8th.
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| MegaRamp skateboarding and BMX game sneaks into Play Store for Xperia devices Posted: 05 Nov 2012 09:14 AM PST Sony Mobile hasn’t made a ton of noise regarding its arrival, but the company — in conjunction with developer has released MegaRamp for Android. The game leverages the MegaRamp license for the use of real ramps, locations, and pros to bring you an authentic boarding and BNX experience. Those who enjoy this sort of stuff might be interested, especially for just $2.89. The problem is that the game is exclusive to Sony Xperia owners. It’s a shame considering it looks pretty decent, but many of you will have to hope that this period of exclusivity is only temporary. That might not be a dream I’d hold on to, though, as the official trailer shows Sony’s influence throughout various areas of the game. Perhaps it can be reskinned later on, but for now there’s no sign that those of us without Xperia devices will have the chance to enjoy it. But if you’ve got an Xperia device and you want to get in on some MegaRamp fun then there’s nothing stopping you. The game includes achievements and trophies, nearly 100 tricks between BMX and skateboarding, locations like Zurich, the USA, Mexico City, and tricksters like Danny Way, Kevin Robinson and Adam Taylor. This likely won’t hold a candle to EA’s Skate or even older versions of Activision’s Tony Hawk Pro Skater, but for $3 we’re sure some of you will find something to like in this mobile package. If you have the hardware to match be sure to find it available for download in the Google Play Store. Oh, and be sure to watch the trailer above, horrible dubstep music and all. [via Facebook]
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| CallApp marries your social life to caller ID Posted: 05 Nov 2012 08:10 AM PST A new interesting app has hit the Google Play Store that aims to help enhance your social life. Its name is CallApp, and it’s an incoming call app that’ll give you updates from the social networking profiles of whoever’s calling you at that time. You can pull info from the likes of LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and more, and it goes beyond just telling you the caller’s most recent status message.
For instance, you’ll get the person’s occupation from LinkedIn, the next event from their Facebook calendar, and the latest email they’ve sent to you at a glance. The app goes beyond just setting up social networking hooks. You can setup meetings, reminders, write notes, and more while on a call and have it automatically associated with that contact. I’m not one to replace my stock caller ID experience, but CallApp certainly makes me want to. When you factor in the ease of setup — your friends don’t have to use CallApp at all — you’ll probably look to try it, too. It’s a free download from the Google Play Store, and judging by the glowing reviews it has it looks like it won’t disappoint. Go ahead and give it a shot following a brief 3.7MB download.
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| Samsung Galaxy Camera available November 7th in the UK Posted: 05 Nov 2012 07:40 AM PST
Samsung’s Android-powered Galaxy Camera will hit UK retailers this week. First unveiled at IFA in Berlin earlier this year, the Android 4.1 point-and-shoot will go on sale November 7th. Samsung will celebrate the 5PM launch of the smart camera with champagne receptions at their flagship stores. The device will also be available from Carphone Warehouse, Phones 4u, and Jessops. Retailer Clove has confirmed the device will be available from November 8th for £399.00 after VAT. The Galaxy Camera boasts all the power of Samsung’s flagship series of smartphones, including a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 8GB of internal storage. The cellular radios are dropped, while the image element is, naturally, enhanced. The Galaxy Camera boasts a 16.3MP array with 21x optical zoom and f2.8 lens. Samsung did not announce plans for a US launch, but the Galaxy Camera is expected to be available from AT&T later this year.
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| Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 launching on AT&T November 9th Posted: 05 Nov 2012 07:16 AM PST AT&T customers looking for a connected Samsung Galaxy Tab device might want to take a look at AT&T’s latest offering. The carrier has announced upcoming availability of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, a fine tablet among a sea of them lately. The device will launch November 9th for those looking to pick one up.
It features a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 10.1 inch WXGA resolution display, a 3 megapixel camera with a VGA front camera, Bluetooth 3.0, WiFi N and more. You’ll be paying $500 for it, but it’ll also be compatible with AT&T’s HSPA+ and 4G LTE network so you won’t have to lug around a WiFi hotspot device alongside the tablet itself. AT&T is looking to sweeten the deal for those who decide to buy a Samsung Galaxy smartphone in the near future, too. If you buy a device like the Galaxy Note 2 or the Galaxy S3 (on a new two-year contract) you’ll get $100 off the tablet or any other Samsung connected device, including the new Windows 8-enabled Samsung ATIV. Read on for full press details.
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| Building 44 gets the ‘Tiny Planet’ treatment courtesy of Photo Sphere Posted: 05 Nov 2012 06:52 AM PST
Though Android 4.2 Jelly Bean contains a number of improvements to the Android operating system, one of the most notable new features is Photo Sphere. The new photo mode expands on Ice Cream Sandwich’s panorama functionality by allowing users to capture a full 360 degree view of the world around them. With folks just starting to get their hands on the improved Android 4.2 camera, we’re sure to see our fair share of Photo Sphere images over the coming weeks, but we couldn’t help but share these shots of Building 44, the Android headquarters at the Googleplex, captured by Thomas Devaux.
In one image we see the entire Android dessert lineup stationed on the Google lawn, the other reproduces the same image in a more extreme way, warping the scene into a literal sphere in the style of Tiny Planet. There are some spots in the pics where the stitching together of images looks a little off, but they remain pretty cool examples of what is possible with the Photo Sphere capabilities of Android 4.2, the same sorts of photos that Google will allow users to contribute to Google Maps Street View. Anyone else out there have any cool Photo Sphere images of their own? We’d love to seem them!
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