Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Play Music now available in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain

Posted: 12 Nov 2012 05:21 PM PST

Google has officially rolled out its Play Music service to Android users in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Beginning today, users can take advantage of the search giant’s generous cloud storage offering, as well as purchase music directly from the Play Store.

Additionally, European users will also be the first to test Google’s new Music Matching service. Music Matching automatically checks your songs and supplements them with tracks that are already available on the company’s servers, effectively decreasing the need for manual uploads and the lengthy wait that comes along with them.

Users in Europe have undoubtedly had to wait long enough for Play Music to arrive. So, now that its finally here, do you plan on moving your songs to the cloud-based service?

Source: Play Music

Nexus 4 will not support T-Mobile Wi-Fi calling after all

Posted: 12 Nov 2012 04:48 PM PST

While it was previously reported that T-Mobile’s version of the Google Nexus 4 would support Wi-Fi calling, the carrier has turned around and confirmed that the stock Android device will in fact not support the feature. The misunderstanding has been attributed to a simple error in the company’s online document.

Considering early rumors suggested the N4 wouldn’t come with Magenta’s VoIP capabilities, this news isn’t particularly that surprising. Despite all of the back and forth drama, T-Mobile’s unlimited data offerings should provide some relief when used in conjunction with other VoIP services like Google Voice.

HTC One X+ and HTC One VX available from AT&T November 16th

Posted: 12 Nov 2012 04:33 PM PST

AT&T has finally announced the impending availability of two long-awaited HTC handsets. Beginning November 16th, customers can pick up both the HTC One VX and the HTC One X+ with a new two-year contract for $50 and $200, respectively. AT&T is also taking pre-orders for the One X+ beginning tomorrow, November 13th in case you’re too anxious to wait an additional three days.

The HTC One X+ is a mild refresh to the company’s One X that was released earlier this year, opting this time for NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 SoC clocked at 1.7GHz. Users will get the same marvelous 4.7-inch HD display along with a massive 64GB of internal storage, 2,100mAh battery and 8-megapixel rear camera capable of 1080p video. Furthermore, the device is running HTC’s new Sense 4+ atop Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out of the box.

If the One X+ is a bit too fancy for your palette, the Taiwanese  company’s budget-oriented One VX may be a suitable option. The device is essentially a toned down One S with a slightly larger screen, complete with a 5-megapixel ImageSense camera, NFC and a 4.5-inch qHD display. Although not shipping with Android 4.1, HTC and AT&T have promised an update in due course.

So, what are your plans for November 16th? Will you be picking up either of these devices, or will you be opting for Samsung’s Galaxy Camera?

Click here to view the embedded video.

HTC One X+ and HTC One VX Arrive at AT&T Nov. 16; Pre-orders for One X+ Begin Nov. 13 

Dallas, Texas, November 12, 2012

Customers looking for a smartphone that combines outstanding design, authentic sound, an amazing camera, HD entertainment, and the power of a quad-core processor will surely add the HTC One™ X+ to the top of their wish list.  Available in AT&T* stores and online beginning Nov. 16 for $199.99 with a two-year agreement, customers can also pre-order the HTC One X+ beginning Nov. 13 atwww.att.com/onexplus.  A look at the HTC One X+ in action is available in this video.

Additionally, AT&T announced the HTC One™ VX, an affordable Android smartphone that offers a premium mobile experience, will be available in-store Nov. 16 for $49.99 with a two-year agreement.  Running on AT&T's 4G LTE network, the HTC One VX delivers an amazing camera and authentic sound experience in a more compact size for even greater mass-market appeal.

HTC One X+

The HTC One X+ will be the first smartphone to combine Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) with the 1.7 GHz NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 '4-PLUS-1™' quad-core processor with a battery saving fifth core. The HTC One X+ will also be the first smartphone in the U.S. to feature performance improvements and benefits of HTC Sense 4+.  Continuing with the iconic HTC One X design, this powerhouse now comes in an exclusive Carbon Black finish and adds increased performance, longer battery life and 64 GB of internal storage.

Improved battery life comes from a larger 2100 mAh battery and the smartphone's ability to allow the four cores to operate in the most efficient way possible with each core independently and automatically enabled and disabled based on workload. The single battery-saver fifth core (or companion core) handles low-power tasks like active standby, email, browsing, music and video. Intelligent Power Saver settings further optimize battery life, giving you all the power you need, when you need it.

The HTC One X+ has a 4.7-inch, 720p HD screen and builds on the camera of the HTC One X.  It has a superfast auto-focus and integrates the HTC ImageChip which reduces noise, removes color bias and enhances the overall picture quality.  The 64 GB of internal memory is non-partitioned to store more high quality photos, video, music, movies and apps however the user wants.

The HTC One series set the standard for imaging with HTC VideoPic™ (the ability to take still photos and shoot videos at the same time), one-press Continuous Shooting and better quality images in low light environments.  The HTC One X+ combines the outstanding camera capabilities of its predecessor** with a series of intelligent features powered by HTC Sense 4+. The new Auto Portrait mode on the front camera helps you capture high quality photos by detecting the human face at various angles. Sightseeing mode makes it easier to capture the moment, as only one touch of the power button bypasses the lock screen and launches directly into camera mode. Additionally, two new ways to view photos and videos in the gallery allow you to display albums according to when or where they were taken.

For more information, please visit www.att.com/onexplus.

HTC One VX

Exclusive to AT&T, the HTC One VX sports one of the slimmest unibody form factors in the industry at just 9.19 millimeters thin, making it easy to hold and navigate at a size that fits easily in anyone's hand.  The stylish new smartphone comes in a crisp white color finish with silver accents and features a 4.5-inch qHD display protected with scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass which aids in durability and reduces light reflection.

Featuring advanced imaging capabilities, the HTC One VX includes a 1080p HD video recorder and 5-megapixel camera with HTC ImageSense™, improving every part of the camera and integrating HTC ImageChip.  Within seconds, customers can launch the camera from the lock screen and enjoy one-press continuous shooting at four frames per second.  The One VX also features HTC VideoPic.  The HTC One VX is NFC-ready for the seamless, wireless sharing of playlists, Web sites, contacts and more with other NFC-enabled devices.

The HTC One VX runs HTC Sense 4 with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). In the future, the original HTC One X and HTC One VX are planned to be upgraded to HTC Sense 4+ with Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), which will include the improved camera capabilities and new Tap and Go function currently available on the HTC One X+, which allows customers to connect the phone and music to Beats speakers' when tapped them together***.  The HTC One VX comes equipped with a microSD card slot for up to 32 GB of additional storage space.

For more information, please visit www.att.com/onevx.

HTC has the only smartphones, including the HTC One X+, HTC One X and HTC One VX, that include Beats AudioTM which provides authentic, studio-quality sound that delivers the spirit of the original recording, from crisper vocals and deeper bass to more immersive gaming effects and video.

AT&T customers have access to the nation's largest 4G network****, covering 285 million people. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. That means AT&T customers are able to enjoy a widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G experience on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you may be on a much slower 3G network.

For more information, please visit www.att.com/onexplus.

 

 

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**8MP smartphone with an f/2.0 wide aperture lens, backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor, VideoPic, HDR and one-press Continuous Shooting with HTC Sense 4

***Tap and Go only works on selected Beats speakers, which are sold at a separate price to the handset

**** 4G speeds not available everywhere. Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network.

The names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available athttp://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at@ATT.

 

 

© 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 4G not available everywhere. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Google Play Music updated, adds gapless playback

Posted: 12 Nov 2012 03:56 PM PST

Audiophiles annoyed by the lack of gapless playback support in the Google Play Music app will be glad to know Google has added that feature in their latest update released today. Gapless playback creates a seamless transition between songs when listening to an album as opposed to a few seconds of silence. Gapless playback is one of those features that can be a deal breaker for some music lovers.

In addition to the gapless playback support, Google has added or improved a few other features. Google Play Music will now keep information locally on a device regarding Thumbs Up ratings, Last Added information, and Free and Purchased playlists are now kept on device. Google also added the ability to auto-generate Instant Mixes. These can be found on the Recent tab and are based on your favorite songs.

To get Google Play Music or to update, use one of the download links below.

QR Code generator
Google Play Download Link

Apple to make $280 million annually from HTC licensing deal

Posted: 12 Nov 2012 03:28 PM PST

We’ve got a few more details on that cross licensing deal between Apple and HTC. According to sources close to the tech giants, Apple will make close to $6 – $8 in fees per HTC phone sold. That equates to $180 to $280 million per year for Apple, based on HTC’s estimated 30 to 35 million phones to be shipped in 2013. These claims are also backed up by Wall Street, so it seems to be more than just a few rumors.

Now, the flipside of this deal hasn’t been disclosed, so it doesn’t necessarily mean that Apple will generate over $200 million in cash from HTC in 2013 with HTC gaining nothing in return (although that very well could be the case.) Apple has had to pay for some cross licensing fees to HTC, so realistically, both companies will more than likely break even on the deal. And if that is the case, hopefully this kind of deal becomes a mold for what Apple can accomplish with Samsung and Motorola.

source: CNet

HTC Spills The Jelly Beans On Which Devices Will Get Upgraded To Android 4.1

Posted: 12 Nov 2012 02:44 PM PST

HTC Jelly Bean Updates

 HTC posted a Jelly Bean upgrade update and FAQ with good news for HTC One X and HTC One S owners. Both devices should get updated to Android 4.1 and Sense 4+ fairly soon but no date was given. HTC said it would first focus on bringing 2012 devices up to Jelly Bean then look at what 2011 devices would be compatible with the update.

The HTC One V and the HTC Desire C were the big update losers. HTC said devices with 512MB of RAM or less, like these two, will not be upgraded past their current version of Android. HTC made a point to differentiate between “Upgrades” and “Support.” While these lower-RAM devices will not see OS upgrades, HTC said it will continue to provide support in the form of software improvements and security fixes.

The FAQ made no mention of Android 4.2.

Source: HTC

Samsung Galaxy Stratosphere II hits Verizon Wireless in the coming weeks for $129 after mail-in-rebate

Posted: 12 Nov 2012 01:58 PM PST

Since the demo units started arriving in stores last week, it’s only a matter of time that we will see the actual Samsung Galaxy Stratosphere II on display and ready for sale. Samsung and Verizon just released a presser stating that it will be available in the coming weeks and it will be priced at $129 after a $50 mail-in-rebate. The original Stratosphere wasn’t a bad device for the money and the second chapter steps it up a bit with the Snapdragon S4 and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. I would say if you’re looking for a budget phone on Verizon, the DROID RAZR M is the best bet, but if a QWERTY slide-out is your thing, then this just might be the phone for you.

Full press release after the break:

Samsung Galaxy Stratosphere II Coming Soon to Verizon Wireless

The Samsung Galaxy™ Stratosphere® II, featuring a full QWERTY keyboard, 1.2 GHz dual core processor, 4G LTE and Android 4.0, aims to balance business and a rich multimedia experience.

The Stratosphere II offers a number of entertainment features. Users can rent or purchase movies from the Samsung Media Hub™ that they can watch right on the Stratosphere II's 4-inch Super AMOLED™ touchscreen display for high quality video entertainment. S-Beam™ uses NFC to easily share photos, and videos to other compatible devices.

On the business side, the smartphone is Global Ready with the ability to call and email from over 200 countries, has built-in Virtual Private Network (VPN) connectivity when on the road and supports multi-vendor Mobile Device Management (MDM). With numerous security features like Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and on-device AES 256-bit encryption, the Stratosphere II aims to protect personal and professional information.

The Samsung Galaxy Stratosphere II will be available online and in Verizon Wireless Communication Stores in the coming weeks for $129.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.

Google employee drops possible hint regarding timing of Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 release

Posted: 12 Nov 2012 01:52 PM PST

Many of our readers will likely go to bed this evening with plans to wake up in the morning and place their order for a new Nexus 4 or Nexus 10 device from the Google Play Store. That is, if they don’t stay up late repeatedly refreshing the storefront with hopes that an ordering option lights up at midnight.

We already know Google plans to be able to start shipping the devices tomorrow as the orders start to roll in. The only question that remains is exactly when one will be able to place their order. German Google employee Stefan Keuchel took to his Google+ page earlier today to let his followers know that they did not need to stay up late or wake up early as the ordering option would not be available until later in the day. At first he indicated this would be in the afternoon, but that information has since been updated to indicate a morning release time. Google has not released an official statement regarding the timing of orders.

Will you be constantly checking the Google Play Store to place your order?

source: Android Central

Samsung Galaxy Camera lands on AT&T on Nov.16 for $499, Get $100 off when you buy a Samsung Smartphone for a limited time

Posted: 12 Nov 2012 09:51 AM PST

Previously AT&T announced their intentions to carry the Samsung Galaxy Camera that was introduced at the Unpacked Event in August. They just announced that it will be available beginning November 16 for $499. In addition, customers who buy a Samsung Galaxy smartphone will receive $100 off the Galaxy Camera. With it’s 4G connectivity it’s always connected for sharing your images. If you’re on an AT&T family share plan, you can simply add the Galaxy Camera for $10 per month. If instead, you want to buy data separately, you can do so starting at $15 for 250mb.

As a reminder, the Galaxy Camera is a high-end standalone point and shoot that features Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a 4.8-inch LCD display, a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, 16MP, and 21x optical zoom. I’m excited to get my hands on one. How about you guys?

Full press release after the break:

SAMSUNG GALAXY CAMERA AVAILABLE ON AT&T'S 4G NETWORK BEGINNING NOV. 16

For a Limited Time, Buy any Samsung Galaxy Smartphone and Receive up to $100 off a Second Connected Samsung Device, including the new Samsung Galaxy Camera1

DALLAS, NOV. 12, 2012 — AT&T* today announced the Samsung Galaxy Camera™, the 4G connected camera, will be available for customers beginning Nov. 16 for $499.99.2  For a limited time, AT&T customers will receive up to $100 off the purchase of a second Samsung Galaxy handset or other Samsung connected device, including the new Samsung Galaxy Camera, when they purchase any Samsung Galaxy smartphone (w/ two-year agreement incl. qualifying voice and data plans).

The Galaxy Camera combines high performance photography with Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean and AT&T 4G mobile internet, resulting in a powerful point-and-shoot camera with a familiar, intuitive user interface and access to Android applications from the Google Play™ market.

The Galaxy Camera is a perfect fit for those who wish to shoot, edit and share brilliant photographs and video easily and quickly through social networks without connecting to a laptop or PC. The Galaxy Camera features a 4.8-inch HD Super Clear LCD™ screen, boasts a 21x optical zoom lens and a super-bright 16MP backside illuminated CMOS sensor for shooting high-quality images close up and in low light conditions. This device is powered by a quad-core 1.4 GHz processor for quick and responsive performance. Galaxy Camera includes powerful manual controls with its Expert Mode, which allows for manual setting of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Smart Mode gives amateurs the tools of the pros, with Rich Tone HDR mode, Light Trace for 'light painting' photos and features like Best Face and Best Photo, which help users pick the best shot.

"By connecting the Samsung Galaxy Camera through the AT&T wireless network, users can instantly share photos, giving family and friends a glimpse into their favorite holiday moments," said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, AT&T Emerging Devices. "Customers will receive $100 off the purchase of the new Samsung Galaxy Camera when they purchase any Samsung Galaxy smartphone, making the Samsung Galaxy Camera the perfect gift this holiday season."

In addition to being able to share to social networks and cloud services on-the-go, consumers can harness the speed and connectivity ofAT&T's wireless network to share images and videos between Galaxy Camera and a range of Galaxy devices including the Samsung Galaxy S® III, Samsung Galaxy Note® II and Samsung Galaxy Tab® 2 10.1. 3

Customers purchasing Samsung Galaxy Camera from AT&T have more options in choosing the plan that's right for them and their mobile devices. With new AT&T Mobile Share plans, new and existing customers can share a single bucket of data across smartphones, tablets and other compatible devices. AT&T Mobile Share allows customers to build a plan to fit their devices and usage. Customers can select one of the new shared data plans or choose one of AT&T's existing individual or family plans. 4

The full range of data plan options include:

  • ·         AT&T Mobile Share: $10 to share between 1 GB and 20GB
  • ·         AT&T DataConnect 250MB: $15 for 250MB
  • ·         AT&T DataConnect 3GB: $30 for 3GB
  • ·         AT&T DataConnect 5GB: $50 for 5GB

The Galaxy Camera will have access AT&T Locker, a free and easy-to-use photo and video sharing service for AT&T customers.  AT&T Locker users get 5 GB of storage for free – enough for 5,000 average sized photos.  AT&T Locker provides users the ability to upload images and video to secure online storage and quickly share on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or e-mail.  Users can create and customize albums for photos and video on the device or online in the AT&T Locker website.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera will be available in select AT&T company-owned retail stores nationwide and online atwww.wireless.att.com.

For more information on AT&T, please visit www.att.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

 1 Samsung Galaxy promotion requires two-year smartphone agreement including qualifying voice and data plan. Offer available for a limited time while promotional supplies last at participating AT&T locations. Offer valid on second Galaxy handset of equal or lesser value or any Samsung connected device.

 24G when used in connection with the Galaxy Camera refers to the fact that the device can operate on AT&T's 4G network.

 

 3 Samsung, Galaxy Camera, HD Super Clear LCD, Galaxy S, Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Note are trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company names, product names and marks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks.

 4Smartphone required. Up to ten devices per plan. Additional monthly charge per device. $15 per GB for add’l data. Unlimited talk and text for phones only. Activation fee may apply. Additional deposits and other restrictions may apply. Access to corporate email, intranet sites and apps available for $15/mo. per device.

Samsung raises processor cost on Apple by 20%

Posted: 12 Nov 2012 09:31 AM PST

 

As many of you know, Samsung supplies several important pieces to some of Apple’s devices, including the processors.  Recently, Samsung decided to ask 20% more for the cost of those processors. According to sources, Apple disapproved at first, but they could not find another source for the chips and had to accept the price increase. The report also listed the number of processors that Apple has bought from Samsung, a staggering amount of 130 million chips last year and more than 200 million this year. That price increase is going to sting a little with those numbers.

Now this could just be a purely business move, reflecting changes in the supply and demand chain between Apple and Samsung. And it’s definitely a lucrative move for Samsung, because Apple has no choice but to buy the chips from Samsung, at least until 2014 when Samsung’s contract to sell processors to Apple ends. But hopefully I’m not too crazy in thinking that Apple’s constant litigation against Samsung might have played a small part in Samsung’s price hike.

source: MarketWatch
Posted by at 6:55 AM

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