Wednesday, November 7, 2012

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Google Android News Android Forums

Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE receives minor firmware maintenance update

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 03:44 PM PST

Motorola’s Photon Q 4G LTE for Sprint is now receiving a much welcomed OTA software update. No, it isn’t Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. However, the incremental firmware upgrade bumps the version number to 7.7.1Q-6_SPR-125_ASA-10 and brings some enhanced functionality along with several important bug fixes.

Enhancements/Fixes

  • Improved text messaging when requesting usage and upgradeability through Sprint Zone
  • Select number of users to access Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Random power cycle when using Wi-Fi Direct
  • Manually send or auto-sync emails from outbo
  • Seamless international text messaging
  • Faster launch and playback using the YouTube application
  • Improved browsing with Google Chrome for Android Mobile Browser
  • Improved MMS functionality
Sprint notes that the upgrade is rolling out in stages, so if you don’t initially see the update it shouldn’t be too far off. Of course, you can always head into Settings > System Updates > Update Motorola Software to retrieve the new firmware manually. Once you’ve updated, be sure to let us know what you think of the new software. We’ll see you on the other side.

Source: Sprint

Samsung Galaxy S III Mini open source code posted

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 02:19 PM PST

Yesterday we reported on Samsung posting open source code for their Galaxy Tab 2 devices and AT&T’s version of the Samsung Galaxy Note II. Samsung’s developers have continued their work today, making available the code for the new Samsung Galaxy S III Mini. Those interested in grabbing the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean code for the device can head over to the Samsung Open Source Release Center to find their copy. With this code now available, we expect it will not be long before the modders start releasing tweaks to the firmware, new ROMs based on the code, or even incorporating some Android 4.2 features for use on the Galaxy S III Mini.

source: Samsung Open Source Release Center
via: Android Police

Rhapsody for Android now sports personalized recommendations

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 12:53 PM PST

Rhapsody, the streaming music app, has released an update to it’s Android app. You’ll now find personalized recommendations on the home screen based on what you’ve listened to in the past. A UI overhaul and performance improvements to offline playback are also included with this latest update. Additionally, you’ll find full screen album art, swipe to skip, shuffle and repeat features, and queue enhancements as part of the update. All of the old features that you’ve gotten used to and like are all still there. I personally don’t use Rhapsody, but do we have any readers that do? What are your thoughts?

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HTC and Verizon team up in New York on November 13th

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 11:36 AM PST

When leaks and news get rolling on a given device, it seems that it just arrives in droves – which we definitely enjoy. The hot device of late, since the Nexus 4 has died down a bit, is the DROID DNA. Seeing as the DNA news and leaks are coming fast and furious, coupled with this promo shot of a ‘collaboration’ between HTC and Verizon, we can only assume that this ‘collaboration’ will be the official announcement of the DROID DNA in some fashion. Granted, it could be an 8x event as that has happened in the past, but we’re hoping for the official unveiling of the DNA.  After all, the timing seems right, or maybe that’s just my selfish enthusiasm. In any event, we’ll keep you posted as we learn more. Also, do you find it an odd coincidence that they’re holding this event on November 13th?

Motorola Atrix HD Developer Edition Hits Motorola’s Site

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 11:01 AM PST

On the heels of releasing the DROID RAZR M Developer Edition and the DROID RAZR HD Developer Edition, those anxious to be able to do the same type of customization with the Atrix HD are in luck. The Atrix HD Developer Edition from Motorola is now showing up on their website, but in information registration form only. There are no specifics as far as pricing or availability. All the requisite warnings will still presumably apply and the second you purchase the device, your warranty is void. Basically, there is no warranty. However, this edition does let you customize to your heart's content like custom software and themes thanks to its unlocked bootloader.

source:  Motorola

Green Throttle aiming to make your phone a game console

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 10:41 AM PST

We’re all aware that our devices are little beasts when it comes to processing power. The mobile gaming industry has definitely capitalized on the processing power of devices these days. It’s pretty amazing what we can play on our phones. Green Throttle wants to take it to the next level though. While there are a few ways to achieve what they’re doing currently, they’re looking to streamline the whole experience of using a Bluetooth controller, an HDMI-out cable, and a TV or monitor to play games console-style. Today, the team behind Guitar Hero, have made available a software development kit which will allow game developers to map game controls to their Bluetooth controllers and play the games on a larger TV or monitor.

Once it’s all hooked up and running, you’ll then have a game setup much like a console experience except the source is much smaller – and portable. There will be a few hurdles to jump in order for this to work long-term like developer buy-in, optimizing games for TV, and consumer acceptance but they’ll be releasing a few titles themselves so hopefully they’ll pave the way. Developers can pick up the bundle for $89.99 which includes everything you’ll need for testing your games. What do you think? Will Green Throttle gain some momentum and set the standard going forward? Also, tell us about your current Android device gaming setup.

source:  Green Throttle

Google leaks info hinting at upcoming Google Wallet Card

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 10:40 AM PST

More news this week about a physical card coming from Google to expand the functionality of the Google Wallet app. The latest leak was discovered on Google’s own web site in the help section for Google Wallet. On the page listing eligible devices, Google’s text indicated “Eligible devices for use with Google Wallet card” and then went on to note that any device running Android 2.3.3 or better could install the Google Wallet app to use with the new card. It appears Google has taken steps to scrub the page clean, but not before visitors were able to grab screenshots.

Last week we reported on news that Google was working on a Google Wallet Card. The Google Wallet Card will take the form of a credit card. Users then link this card to their Google Wallet account and all the financial card info stored in there. Using the Google Wallet app, users can manipulate which account the card will access when used for payment. Users can then use the card like a credit or debit card when making purchases.

Why create such a “device?” If you take a look at the eligible devices page, you will note the list is quite short. To tap and pay at a store, one has to have an NFC enabled device. Along with having the right device, the vendor also has to have an NFC enable point-of-sale terminal. By issuing cards that users can configure using their phone and that can run through a standard card swipe machine, Google can greatly expand the universe of locations where Google Wallet can be used.

Is a Google Wallet Card something you would try to get your hands on? Would it make your life a little easier?

source: Google Wallet Help Page
via: TechCrunch

Android 4.2 Core Apps Now Available In One File For The Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:05 AM PST

 

As most Android users wait for the anticipated Android 4.2 update to hit their devices, Galaxy Nexus users will get to enjoy some of the major improvements found in core apps thanks to some leaked Android 4.2 apps. The boys at AndroidSpin managed to score a collection of GAPPs which includes the 4.2 versions of Gmail, Maps, Talk, Calendar, Clock, Photo Sphere, the latest keyboard and much more. All Galaxy Nexus users will need to do is grab and flash the zip files that are available for download using any recovery method— just like you would flash a normal ROM. One thing to note is that Google Wallet does comes as a separate .apk, so users will need to grab that separate file and sideload it if they are interested in utilizing the app as well.

More details and download links can be found at the source links below.

 

source: AndroidSpin | GAPPs | Google Wallet

HTC ends October with a 60% fall in revenue

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:50 AM PST

HTC has revealed its revenue numbers for October, and it’s not pretty. The Taiwanese smartphone company posted a 60% drop in revenue from October of last year, coming in around $588 million. That’s down from $1.5 billion last year.

HTC has been in steady decline for the past year, and that doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon. Personally, I think part of this is because of HTC’s more closed approach to their phones recently. A non-removable battery and lack of SD card slot tends to alienate a few customers, regardless of the other features of the phone. Maybe that’s not the primary reason, but I think its done more harm than good. Either way, the holiday season is coming up along with a slew of Windows 8 phones that HTC is adamantly advertising, and some unique new Android devices. Sounds like a great time for HTC to catch up.

source: HTCSource

Battery life woes could be solved with crushed silicon

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:50 AM PST

Current smartphone batteries haven’t really changed much since the days of the first Android smartphone even though new, more power hungry, smartphones are being continuously released. Engineer Sibani Lisa Biswal and scientist Madhuri Thakur are aiming to change all this with batteries that can hold three times the charge in the same size as current batteries. Click through the break for more information.

Biswal and Thakur’s solution to our mobile power crisis is a simple one, instead of changing the method of holding the charge, they are simply refining our current lithium-ion cells by replacing the commonly used graphite anodes with crushed silicon. Previously this has been difficult due to silicon’s tendency to expand during the ionization process, but through crushing the silicon, they were able to greatly reduce the amount of space needed for the anode material.

The result is a battery that holds 1000 milliamp-hours per gram, lasts through over 600 charge cycles and uses the same technology as todays current batteries. Our current graphite-anode batteries currently hold a measly 350 milliamp-hours per gram . The secret behind this lies in mathematics. By crushing the silicon they can increase the surface area from .71 meters per gram in solid silicone, to a massive 46 meters per gram. This allows for the anode to act as more of a sponge for the lithium ions, which holds the electrical charge.

There is still a few unknowns like they haven’t tested it in larger scale batteries, nor have they released any figures as to the affordability of them. Still, if they are able to increase the life of these batteries, gone would be our days of trying to squeeze every minute out of our 10 hours of usage time, not to mention we could reduce the size of our batteries significantly, leading to more razor thin smartphones.

Source: Motherboard.Vice
Posted by at 6:48 AM

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