Android Central |
- T-Mobile testing new prepaid 'GoSmart' plan in select markets
- Google Now making it clear that it is keeping location data
- Apple's '949 multitouch patent tentatively declared invalid by USPTO
- Samsung product page confirms Galaxy Camera with Verizon LTE
- The best wine apps for Android
- Action Launcher now available - improves on folders with 'Covers'
- Hands on and initial impressions with the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
- Mobile Nations Survey: Do you use a car mount with your smartphone?
- HTC Butterfly trailer confirms color options, still China-only for now
- Jelly Bean updates ahoy for many Motorola phones in Q1 2013
- ShopAndroid.com Holiday Sale Countdown - Final Day!
- What's the music in the SwiftKey Flow promo video?
- HTC One VX available today from AT&T for $49.99
- Sony jumps above HTC in UK sales, both still a long way behind Samsung
- Don't forget: Stuff your stocking with Android Central
- Ice Cream Sandwich finally hits LG Optimus 2X
- Android Central 118: Google's been busy
- Top Gear Stunt School Revolution now available from Google Play
- HTC Butterfly loses the 'J', due to be released in China
- Daily news roundup: December 6, 2012
- Samsung demos their Premium Suite upgrade headed to the Samsung Galaxy S3
| T-Mobile testing new prepaid 'GoSmart' plan in select markets Posted: 07 Dec 2012 04:14 PM PST
There's no shortage of big T-Mobile news out there right now, and this one seems to fit in with what we're hearing the last couple of days. After announcing that it will no longer be subsidizing handsets starting in 2013, T-Mobile is also putting a new prepaid option through trials in select markets. FierceWireless has confirmed with T-Mobile directly that the carrier is looking to lanch a new set of plans called "GoSmart" with three different tiers:
The first two tiers probably won't be too appealing to readers of this site, but the last one is quite interesting. T-Mobile's current prepaid offerings are a bit more complex, and you have to pay a minimum of $60 for any meaningful amount of data with unlimited talk and text. What is yet to be determined is what T-Mobile means by "high speed data" with these plans. With its current plans, that refers to HSPA+ (or "4G" to T-Mo) and the user is then throttled to EDGE (2G) speeds after a certain point. Documentation of this new plan at this point is referring to "3G" as high speed, which leads to some confusion. T-Mobile hasn't operated its UMTS (3G) network independently for years, and has completely moved to just EDGE and HSPA+ for data services. We have to think at this point that this is just early confusion about a new plan. Trials have begun and we'll surely know more about this plan if it ends up going live nationwide in 2013. Source: FierceWireless 
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| Google Now making it clear that it is keeping location data Posted: 07 Dec 2012 03:18 PM PST
If you've got a Jelly Bean device -- say a shiny new Nexus 4 -- and open up Google Now today, you'll likely be greeted with a notice about Google's location policy. The notice reminds users that Google does keep location history in order to serve location-relevant information (like traffic and walking stats), and prompts to be granted additional access to this data. This looks to be related to those "distance walked and ran" cards users saw a while back. Even though you're reminded of this whenever signing into a new device or starting Google Now for the first time, we don't think it's a bad idea for Google to remind users of the data being collected. More: Google Nexus 4 Forums 
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| Apple's '949 multitouch patent tentatively declared invalid by USPTO Posted: 07 Dec 2012 02:02 PM PST
The US Patent and Trade Office has made a preliminary ruling that U.S. Patent No. 7,479,949 (AKA the "Steve Jobs" multitouch patent) is invalid on all 20 points. The '949 patent is considered to be the key patent in all claims of multitouch infringement, and is one of the broader patents that some feel should have never been granted, It's also one of the patents Apple asserted against Motorola in a case thrown out this past June. In that case, a federal judge dismissed the suit, stating that large parts of the patent in question were invalid in his opinion. It appears that at some level, the USPTO agrees. Before people get too excited and pop a cork, know that this is just the first step and may very well be overturned higher up the USPTO ladder. Stranger things than the government not listening to the experts they have hired have certainly happened before. Via: FOSS Patents 
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| Samsung product page confirms Galaxy Camera with Verizon LTE Posted: 07 Dec 2012 12:47 PM PST
We saw a Samsung Galaxy Camera go through the FCC just a week ago with Verizon LTE on board, and now a Samsung product page has confirmed the device. The spec page only lists 700MHz as a supported frequency, as well as only listing LTE connectivity. If this device really does only have LTE and no fallback to 3G, it shows Verizon must be pretty confident about its nationwide network rollout. It doesn't get much clearer than this though, and now all we're waiting for is the pricing and availability information. This is a very interesting development, as the model first launched in the U.S. on AT&T is only HSPA+ and not LTE. Have to wonder what compelled Samsung to make an LTE model for Verizon instead. Source: Samsung; Via: The Verge 
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| The best wine apps for Android Posted: 07 Dec 2012 11:40 AM PST
With the holidays just around the corner, odds are you’ll be uncorking at least a couple bottles of wine. While you might not need any help emptying them, there are a bunch of solid Android apps out there that can help you pick out the best ones and share your experience with the wine-loving community at large. Now, I’m not a wine guy at all and usually reach for whatever’s in the bargain bin, but maybe with the help of some of these apps, we can classy things up a bit. 
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| Action Launcher now available - improves on folders with 'Covers' Posted: 07 Dec 2012 11:11 AM PST
We brought you the first look at developer Chris Lacy's "Action Launcher" a couple of months ago, and today we're happy to announce that it's now available in the Google Play Store for $3.99. (Actually, that's in Google Play is a "Pro" unlock code -- you'll download the launcher itself from within the app after you purchase.) The basic premise, as you'll recall from our Action Launcher preview, is that the idea of the app drawer is just too slow. In Action Launcher, the drawer is moved to a list view, and the "main" home screen shifts to the far left. So all you have to do to open it is slide left once more. (Or hit the apps button in the top left, or your home button from the home screen.) From there you've got a an easy list of your apps. And new from our preview version are letter shortcuts, so you don't have to scroll all the way through the list. Also customized is how you add widgets, apps and wallpapers -- all in one place, just long-press on the home screen. But that's still not the really cool part. 
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| Hands on and initial impressions with the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini Posted: 07 Dec 2012 10:53 AM PST The Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini may well be out gunned by its big brother the Galaxy S3 but that doesn't matter as they are not in competition with each other. The SGS3 Mini is perfectly suited for consumers that don't need a huge, top of the range smartphone and clearly this will be reflected in the price of the device. Specs wise, the SGS3 Mini isn't bad at all for a mid range device. Sporting a beautiful Super AMOLED 4 inch display and powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor it is still pretty nippy. I think one of its selling points will actually be its size. Non smartphone geeks that go into a retail store to upgrade are going to be attracted to the SGS3 Mini, not only as it looks good, but it feels great in the hand. The 4 inch display is still the sweet spot for many smartphone users and with the device running Android Jelly Bean straight out of the box there really isn't much to dislike about it. Available in both 8/16GB models, with MicroSD card support and removable battery these options will attract many consumers. With a 5MP camera and video recording in 720P HD the specs are more than adequate for the majority of Android users and I suspect this latest Galaxy variant could well be a great seller for the South Korean company. You can catch the full specs below: 
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| Mobile Nations Survey: Do you use a car mount with your smartphone? Posted: 07 Dec 2012 10:50 AM PST
This Mobile Nations Survey comes to you via our accessories team. We're always putting new smartphone accessories to the test, and are often getting into debates over which are the best. One topic where the team is 100% in agreement though is car mount docks. We think that car mounts are the absolute best way to take your smartphone with you on the road. We're curious to know if you agree, if you own a car mount or not, if you like them or not and why. Thanks for sharing! Take the Survey
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| HTC Butterfly trailer confirms color options, still China-only for now Posted: 07 Dec 2012 09:43 AM PST
We don't yet have confirmation that the HTC Butterfly will launch anywhere outside of Asia. At the moment, it's only confirmed launch market is China, where it'll be available on the China Unicom carrier. But what we do know is that it'll be available in three colors, as rumored, and it seems HTC will make a big marketing push for its latest high-end Asian handset. The promotional video released today by HTC China shows off a bunch of the phone's features, including splash resistance, Media Link HD sharing and fast photo capture, as demonstrated by a cast of attractive, stylish Butterfly owners. Judging by the trailer, the Butterfly will be available in red, white and black. And the back panel on some models seems to have a slightly different, glossier finish, unlike its American cousin the Droid DNA. We've got the trailer in full embedded after the break, if you'd like to see more of a phone you probably won't be able to buy. 
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| Jelly Bean updates ahoy for many Motorola phones in Q1 2013 Posted: 07 Dec 2012 09:15 AM PST
As part of its new OS upgrade strategy, Motorola has published another update on the progress of new Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (and ICS) firmware for its fleet of phones and tablets. It's an extensive list, with a complete breakdown of phones by territory, however, we've picked out a few of the biggest upcoming upgrades for readers in the West --
No word on Android 4.2 for any Motorola devices just yet, but at least Jelly Bean part one should be on the way for a great many Moto phones early next year. If you want to look up a particular phone or territory, you can do so at the source link below. Source: Motorola Android Software Upgrade News 
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| ShopAndroid.com Holiday Sale Countdown - Final Day! Posted: 07 Dec 2012 08:28 AM PST
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| What's the music in the SwiftKey Flow promo video? Posted: 07 Dec 2012 07:51 AM PST
We've had more than a few people ask about the music playing in the background of the SwiftKey Flow promo video (including some of us here at Android Central). So, we asked SwiftKey. The track's called Energy, and it's from Michael Craig and Oliver Godfrey. You can download it from AudioNetwork for personal or commercial use. And, of course, you can try SwiftKey Flow today in beta form. Cheers, Ruth! 
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| HTC One VX available today from AT&T for $49.99 Posted: 07 Dec 2012 06:46 AM PST
Despite having been announced for sale back in mid-November, and subsequently going M.I.A, the AT&T HTC One VX finally seems to have gone on sale. AT&T told us last week that we should be seeing it on Dec. 7, and true to their word we're seeing it on sale today. HTC's latest mid-range offering will cost just $49.99 on a 2-year deal from AT&T. For that you get Android 4.0 (with an update to 4.1 in the future,) a dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon S4, a 4.5-inch qHD Super LCD 2 display, 1GB of RAM and 8GB onboard storage, expandable with microSD cards. All told it's a pretty nice device at this price point, but if you're still unsure, be sure to check out our hands on with the device back at the launch event in New York. Source: AT&T 
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| Sony jumps above HTC in UK sales, both still a long way behind Samsung Posted: 07 Dec 2012 06:25 AM PST
Recent Q3 numbers for smartphone sales in the UK sees a change in the standings. Off the back of a major marketing campaign for its "Bond Phone," Sony has jumped ahead of HTC into second place. At this point second place is almost a win for either company, as both are still a long way behind the kind of numbers Samsung is posting in the UK. Sony sold 500,000 units in Q3, to 440,000 sold by HTC. There's not a lot in it, but it's sure to be welcome news for Sony. By contrast, Samsung's numbers sit at 3.2 million units for the same period. While not referring to specific numbers, the UK MD of Sony Mobile, Pierre Perron said to Mobile Magazine:
Sony's recent efforts deserve recognition. The hardware is well designed and well made, although the software does still let them down slightly. Nevertheless, with 2013's big show season right around the corner, we'll be interested to see what the future holds for Sony. Source: Mobile Magazine 
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| Don't forget: Stuff your stocking with Android Central Posted: 07 Dec 2012 05:58 AM PST
What's more is that each of the 31 winners will automatically be entered to win a free Nexus 4, which we'll choose and announce the first week of January. We're going to change things up each week to keep it fresh. Here's the breakdown:
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| Ice Cream Sandwich finally hits LG Optimus 2X Posted: 07 Dec 2012 05:39 AM PST
It's been a long journey to bring Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich onto the LG Optimus 2X. First the update was rumored to have been canceled, then un-canceled, then delayed, then released, but just in Korea, followed by a source code drop a month or so ago. But Optimus 2X owners can rejoice this morning, as it seems the ICS update for their phone is now going out to devices outside of Korea, indicating a widespread international launch for the upgrade. According to reports from XDA, the Android 4.0.4-based v30a firmware is now available to download via LG's PC update utility. The long-awaited ICS should bring a performance boost to the the world's first dual-core smartphone, which we first saw way back at CES 2011. The ICS upgrade will also allow Optimus 2X owners to run the latest Google apps, including the new versions of Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Chrome. It's also likely the update will include LG's latest Optimus UI 3.0, as previous LG ICS updates have, however we haven't been able to specifically confirm this. Anyone still rocking an Optimus 2X? Let us know how you get on with the latest firmware update. Source: XDA; via: PhoneArena 
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| Android Central 118: Google's been busy Posted: 07 Dec 2012 04:45 AM PST Podcast MP3 URL: http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/acpc118.mp3 Thing 1: Google's been busy
Thing 2: The best Android phone you can get InternationallyThing 3: Other odds and ends
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| Top Gear Stunt School Revolution now available from Google Play Posted: 07 Dec 2012 04:44 AM PST
"Some say he never blinks and that he roams local woodland foraging for mouse meat. All we know is, he's called The Stig." BBC Worldwide released an Android title back in October, known as Top Gear Stunt School Revolution. Back then, the title was exclusively available from the Amazon Appstore. An unusual tactic for launching the game, especially considering that at the time the UK launch of the Amazon Kindle Fire was still three weeks away. That exclusivity period is now at an end, and the title is available to download from the Google Play Store. There's two flavors available for download, one free, one paid. The free version doesn't come with all the stunts unlocked, but the paid version does along with 300 free permits -- the paid version is linked at the top of this post. The price for the paid version is £0.69/$0.99, which isn't a lot for what we found was a fun, if basic driving game. One word of caution. The Play Store version seems to have to 'set up' before playing. This seems to be a potentially lengthy process for some, so something to bear in mind. Before downloading though, be sure to head back and check out our hands on video. More: Hands on with Top Gear Stunt School Revolution 
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| HTC Butterfly loses the 'J', due to be released in China Posted: 07 Dec 2012 03:13 AM PST
First, we had the HTC J-Butterfly. Next, came the Verizon Droid DNA. Now, what we appear to have is the same phone, with a slightly different name heading for other markets. The Butterfly has appeared on HTC's website with little else to indicate on where or when it may be available. The good news if you're in China -- it's heading your way. An HTC spokesperson has confirmed to Android Central that at present the Butterfly is slated for release in China, and that there is no information relating to availability in other markets at this time. Looking through the spec sheet, there are a couple of differences between the Butterfly and the Droid DNA. For one, there's no LTE. The other difference that stands out is the expandable storage. The Butterfly carries the same 16GB of on board storage as the DNA, but is expandable by way of microSD cards. It still runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and Sense 4+ out of the box, and houses the same 2020mAh battery. Oh, and of course, that 5-inch, 1080p display. Source: HTC 
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| Daily news roundup: December 6, 2012 Posted: 06 Dec 2012 09:56 PM PST
We bring you all the news that's fit to print is how we roll here at AC. Never mind that we don't actually print anything, we still bring as much news as can be fit into one day. Today was no exception, and here is what you might have missed out on. Hardware news
Software news
Big business
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| Samsung demos their Premium Suite upgrade headed to the Samsung Galaxy S3 Posted: 06 Dec 2012 08:23 PM PST Just as we saw when Android 4.1.2 rolled out to international Samsung Galaxy S3's starting with Poland, the Premium Suite upgrade adds quite a few features and enhancements for Galaxy S3 owners. To show off those goods, Samsung has now posted up part one of a series of demo videos that highlight the changes headed our way. In short, it's a mixture of stuff from the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 as well as the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. Here's what you can expect: Contextual Awareness
Enhanced Features
It's a pretty awesome pack to have arrive on an already great device but alas, the typical disclaimer applies here. Samsung notes that availability and timing of the Premium Suite upgrade will vary depending on the country and mobile carrier. Source: Samsung Tomorrow 
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