Saturday, November 3, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Motorola sends invites for Droid RAZR M soak test; Is a Jelly Bean update looming?

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 05:06 PM PDT

Looks like we’ve got some great news for you Droid RAZR M users! Motorola has sent out invites to their feedback community for a soak test for the RAZR M. This can only mean that an update is impending and should be expected out to the masses in due time.

Hi,

Thanks for joining the Motorola Feedback Network. We are inviting owners of the Droid RAZR M on Verizon to participate in an early preview of a new software release, and provide feedback.  If you are not currently using a Droid RAZR M, please excuse and ignore this email.

Before you register, please successfully login to our Motorola Owners' Forums at forums.motorola.com. Be sure you can see the message "signed in as {your user name}" at the upper left hand side of the page. You will be asked to verify this step during the registration process.

Click this link — *retracted* – to take the enrollment survey if you wish to take part. Note that you must be a member in good standing of the Motorola Owners' Forums to be included. The registration window could close without notice so please respond as quickly as possible.

This is a confidential test under the terms of the Motorola Feedback Network. Do not post any details or information about this on any public sites or provide copies of this email or any information about the test to others.

Thanks — please understand that start times are always fluid. We ask for your patience if you register but don't hear from us right away.

Matt
Motorola Owners' Forums
Motorola Feedback Network

Any RAZR M users out there excited for this great news?

source: Droid Life

Verizon’s Droid DNA render caught in black and red; Could December be its possible launch month?

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 04:59 PM PDT

Verizon is just about set to release HTC’s latest juggernaut in the HTC Droid DNA, which was also previously known as the DLX and Butterfly J over in Japan. The people over at evleaks have released a render shot of the DNA proudly touting Verizon’s signature red accent around the trimming of the device.

If you’re not quite familiar with this device yet, you can expect a 5″ screen with a whopping 1080p display alongside Qualcomm’s quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor. This phone is sure to be one hell of a device.

While there’s no news as to when the device will release, we are expecting it to arrive sometime before the holidays, possibly around early December. As soon as we get a launch date, we’ll be sure to inform you.

Any Verizon customers saving their upgrade for this bad boy?

source: evleaks

Nyko PlayPad and PlayPad Pro controllers now available at GameStop

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 01:41 PM PDT

Back in June, Nyko and NVIDIA announced a joint project to bring wireless controllers to Android devices. I’ve been patiently awaiting the day until the controller’s release. According to GameStop’s website, it now looks like the day has arrived as you can pick up the PlayPad and PlayPad Pro for $39.99 each. Gaming on our devices these days has become a fairly large industry, and with games becoming increasingly more detailed and rivaling console games, it’ll only gain in popularity.

I just don’t have the time to game like I used to. One of the reasons I invested in a tablet was due to the convenience of playing games and the processing power and gaming potential of tablets these days. However, I was a little disappointed at how clunky the controls are on most games. I’ve just never gotten used to the virtual controller on tablets, or phones for that matter.

Hopefully the PlayPad fixes all of those problems. I know there are other methods around this problem. There are plenty of users out there that use their Xbox 360 or PS3 controller with their device, but I just didn’t want to go that route and decided to wait it out until a proper fix was implemented.

There are in fact two different versions of the controller – the PlayPad and PlayPad Pro. The PlayPad was designed more for phones while the Pro was designed for tablets in mind. However, you can interchange them out with no problems. Seeing as NVIDIA was involved in the design and development process, both controllers are optimized for Tegra-based devices and games, but again, you can use them on other devices and games provided the game is controller-compatible. Below are some features of the PlayPad:

  • Easily control your favorite tablet games with console like precision
  • Optimized HID protocol for Tegra®3 based devices and games Includes Nyko’s free Playground app with the ability to customize controller layout and download game profiles for older titles
  • Playground supports the following controller input: Keyboard Mapping, Mouse, Touch Event Mapping
  • HID, Keyboard mapping, mouse emulation, and touch mapping support make PlayPad Pro compatible with 100s of titles
  • Works with any Bluetooth® enabled device running Android 3.0 or higher

 

I look forward to getting my hands on one of these to put it through its paces. A lot of the games on my tablet have been put on hold until I could get my hands on a decent controller. What are your thoughts? Will you be picking one up, or are you looking forward to something else? Look for a full review soon.

 

GameStop PlayPad Pro

GameStop PlayPad

 

 

Mophie releases first non-iOS smartphone case for the Samsung Galaxy S III

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 12:55 PM PDT

Smartphone cases are one of those things that folks either love or hate. I prefer my phone to roll naked. I just don’t like cases whatsoever. I don’t like the feel of them, the added bulk, weight, the look of them… I could go on and on.  I know, I know. You’re crazy to spend the money on a high-end device and not protect it with a case. Fact is, in owning three different smartphones over the span of the last three years, I’ve dropped my device a grand total of three times. Yes, I’m careful with my phones as one should be. It’s just not worth it for me to attach something to my phone that I don’t like in the first place. This new case might change all that for me however.

You may have heard of Mophie cases before. Up until now, they’ve dealt solely with iOS devices, and what makes this case different than others is that not only does it provide protection for your device, it boosts battery life also. I’m not talking about a few extra hours either. This case boosts battery life on the Galaxy S III by over 100% delivering over 2300 mAh worth of additional juice. That’s obviously a pretty big deal. Getting the additional juice will come at a price though, to the tune of $100. It will definitely make for a sweet stocking stuffer this holiday. Hit the break for the full presser.

New mophie juice pack Lets Samsung Galaxy S® III Users Do More with their Device

Battery Case Doubles the Time to Rock, Talk, Surf and Send

SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The mophie™ juice pack, which has kept millions of iPhone's "in the green," is now available for the popular Samsung Galaxy S® III, providing double the battery life on one charge as well as complete device protection in an ultra-thin, lightweight, low-profile design. The juice pack for Galaxy S III marks the company's continued expansion into the Android market, with the new case joining mophie's existing universal line of external rechargeable batteries.

"mophie has become synonymous with device power, and we are motivated to engineer new battery solutions for both the Apple and Android communities," said Ross Howe, vice president of marketing. "We're excited to empower Galaxy S III users to do more with their device without having to worry about running out of battery or having to take a time-out to recharge at a wall outlet."
The juice pack Galaxy S III is now available for $99.95 at mophie.com and launching this weekend in select retailers nationwide.

Features of the case include:
100% Extra Battery Life-Packed with a 2300mAh rechargeable battery, users will appreciate up to 9 hours of additional talk time, 11 additional hours of Internet use, 32 hours of audio playback, or 8 hours of video playback
Custom Design-The ultra-thin, lightweight and low-profile case design provides protection while perfectly complementing the sleek look of the Galaxy S III
Sync with Ease-A pass-through USB cord allows users to charge and sync without removing their mobile device from the juice pack case
Charge on Demand-Features an on/off toggle switch that allows for standby and charging mode, giving users the ability to dictate when extra juice is needed
Battery Status Indicator-An integrated 4 LED status indicator notifies the user of how much battery power is left and displays how much charge time remains when the case is plugged in
For more about mophie and its full suite of products, please visit www.mophie.com.
About mophie
mophie is a California-based, award-winning designer and manufacturer of accessories that let users do more with their portable devices. The brand is widely recognized and highly acclaimed for its creative designs and innovative solutions; specifically surrounding the juice pack, the first "Works With iPhone" portable battery solution certified by Apple Inc. All of mophie's products are developed to address real consumer and business needs and are seamless integrations of industrial, electronic, software and artistic designs. mophie products are available in more than 100 countries, and can be purchased in Apple stores worldwide, AT&T, Best Buy, Verizon, Sprint, and on www.mophie.com. Follow mophie on Twitter at twitter.com/mophie or on Facebook at facebook.com/mophielovesyou.

Security Features a big part of Android 4.2

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 12:26 PM PDT

Amongst the many other additions that will be part of Android 4.2, it looks like keeping your device secure will be a priority as well. I know we don’t like the idea of malware on our Android devices, but the fact is, it’s out there. Google is looking to combat that in 4.2 by offering the option of scanning an application before it’s fully installed. Once the app is scanned, if it finds something suspicious within the app, it’ll then prompt you and inform you as such and give you the option to continue. Additionally, the scanner will block the installation completely if the fingerprint matches existing malware.

Google isn’t forcing this however. This is an opt-in type of setup and option. I think it’s a good start by Google offering this option. Our devices these days are worth quite a bit of change and hold some valuable information on them, so keeping everything on the up and up is definitely on the top of my list when talking about my mobile device.

 

source: Android Central

Featured Play Store Review: Hands on with Z-Cross [Arcade & Action]

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 10:38 AM PDT

If you’re looking for an old school shooter, I’ve got the game for you. It’s called Z-Cross and it was created by a new developer called EndoclanSoft. It takes place in space and it’s your job to capture the stolen Z-Particles to restore peace to the Galaxy. There are two options for gameplay: In Mission mode, you will travel to all the planets in the solar system and defend yourself with various enemies and bosses. The Survival mode is an endless battle much like old school games

For either mode, the controls are the same and quite simple. You tilt your phone to steer your ship and you tap anywhere on the display to shoot. In the Mission mode, you will need to collect at least six Z Particles from each mission to advance and there are 3 missions per planet. At the end of the third mission for each planet, the main enemy boss will appear and must be defeated. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to pick up another type of particle called X-Particles. Depending on what type, they will yield you secondary weapons or a protective shield momentarily. X Particles can even get you an extra life. There is a total of 18 stages and 10 boss battles in the Mission mode, and if you collect all the Z particles, you will unlock the Elite Challenge.

The Survival mode is an endless battle in which you need to pick up as many blue orgs as you can while avoiding or killing the enemy. They are also known as Y-Particles, and you can use them to purchase extra lives or weapons in the store. Also as part of the Survival mode, you can share your scores in the online area.

I found Z-Cross to be very addicting and what I like most about it, is that it doesn’t have all the fancy power ups that you find in today’s games. Yes the Survival mode has a little of that, but the Mission mode doesn’t have any whatsoever. To me it’s a cross between Asteroids and Galaxian. It’s totally fun and it doesn’t cost a dime to try. There is a free version that includes three planet regions for the mission mode and only one survival stage. It’s definitely enough to see if you like it, and it will only cost you 99-cents to buy the rest, which is very cheap. Check out my hands on video below and hit one of the download links to get started. As always, let me know what you think.

Note: In the video you will see that part of the screen is cut off at the top left where the score is. The developer already fixed that with the latest update.

 

Z_Cross_01 Z_Cross_02 Z_Cross_03 Z_Cross_04 Z_Cross_05 Z_Cross_06 Z_Cross_Splash_Banner

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Google’s Music Explorer available in the Play Store for some users

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 10:15 AM PDT

Google recently showed off Android 4.2 and some of the cool features that go with it, including some pretty wild camera effects. One of the features they demoed was a Music Explorer that can be used to discover new artists and music in the Play Store. That feature has existed in the Play Store for a while, but Google’s taken it a step further and really improved the interface. As an avid music listener, I think it’s great to have another tool that makes finding new music this easy.

Well it looks like the new Music Explorer is live for many of you. Unfortunately it isn’t working on my Play Store yet, but I’m definitely going to keep an eye on it over the next few days. Is it live for any of you? Let us know how it works in the comments.

source: Phandroid

Samsung’s Galaxy Note II has already moved 3 million units worldwide

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 10:10 AM PDT

Samsung’s original Galaxy Note is an odd device. Many consumers think it’s too big to actually use as an everyday smartphone, and with good reason. Then again, 10 million other people think differently, and the Galaxy Note had no problems moving off the shelves. On the heels of that success, Samsung predicted that the Note’s successor would sell three times faster than the original Note, and so far, they’re right on track because they already sold 3 million units.

Now, the Note II hasn’t flooded the mainstream market like the Galaxy S III has done – which sold 20 million devices just 100 days after it was available – but between Samsung’s great advertising and the fact that all the US carriers are getting the Note II, it’s easy to see how it’s going to outsell its predecessor. It’s well on its way to hit that projected 20 million mark that Samsung was aiming for, and I’d say that’s a pretty good number for a niche device, wouldn’t you?

source: SamsungTomorrow

Featured Play Store Newbie: Eggventure Jump [Arcade & Action]

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 08:58 AM PDT

Eggventure was pretty popular on BlackBerry AppWorld and now it has made its way to the Google Play Store. Created by WallWizz, it’s similar to Doodle Jump and Mega Jump. You will start by playing with Eggskimo Eddie. You must guide him upwards and collect as many coins as you can by using your phone or tablet’s tilt controls. You can eventually use the coins you collect to buy different characters like Sheriff Scramble and Boiled Berg The Brave. Each character brings their own special abilities, and there are six characters in all. Coins can also be used to purchase power ups such as wings and jetpacks.

Eggventure offers endless gameplay and you will get a different experience each time you play it. There’s even a global scoreboard so you can see how you rank against everyone else. Eggventure is fun for all ages, but it appears more geared towards the younger audience. It’s simple enough that anyone can play and it’s a great time killer. It’s absolutely free so give it a try. Check out the video trailer below and hit one of the download links to get started.

Features:

  • Collect coins and upgrade your superpowers! Unlock new characters, grab crazy powerups, and evade traps to boost yourself to the edge of the Universe and beyond!
  • Six cute egglings, each with unique power-ups and backgrounds.
  • Many upgradeable power-ups like jetpack, tiny wings, coin magnet.
  • Global scoreboard.
  • Boost your powers even more and unlock characters with in-app purchases.

 

Eggventure_Jump_01 Eggventure_Jump_02 Eggventure_Jump_03 Eggventure_Jump_04 Eggventure_Jump_05 Eggventure_Jump_06 Eggventure_Jump_07 Eggventure_Jump_08 Eggventure_Jump_Splash_Banner

 

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

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It’s time for another Drop and Dunk test: Nexus 7 vs iPad Mini vs iPad 3

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 07:44 AM PDT

Now that the iPad Mini has been announced, it’s time to pit it against the Nexus 7 in a drop and dunk test. The folks at SquareTrade always do a great job with these and this one is no exception. For this test, they created a dropbot to make sure everything is fair and even. They conducted 3 tests. The first is a drop from 4 feet where the tablets land on their corners, the second is face down from 4 feet, and the third is a dunk in a bath of water for 10 seconds. They even threw in an iPad 3 for the ride. So how will the Nexus 7 fare? Hit the break for the complete video to find out.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: SquareTrade – YouTube

 
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