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- Android Community Nightly: December 14th 2012
- Rovio cuts mobile game prices for winter sale
- T-Mobile stores set to receive more Nexus 4 stock soon
- Second Avengers Initiative episode adds Captain America
- Xiaomi M3 rumored with quad-core Tegra 4, 1080p display, and 2.5 GB RAM
- Sony Xperia E tipped for a February 2013 release in the UK
- US Cellular finally updating the Galaxy S2, with Ice Cream Sandwich
- Huawei 8.5-inch smartphone prototype is ridiculously huge
- Cheezburger Network comes to Android with official app
- SugarSync 2.0 for Android beta now available
| Android Community Nightly: December 14th 2012 Posted: 14 Dec 2012 06:48 PM PST We’ve arrive at Friday evening once again, but before we dive into the weekend, here’s the big Android news from the day. Today Motorola Atrix HD users received their long-awaited Jelly Bean update, as did Galaxy S III users on Verizon, so overall it was a pretty good day for those craving Jelly Bean. Speaking of Jelly Bean, Acer might be planning a new handset called the V360 running Google’s latest version of the Android OS, and today we spotted an absurdly large 8.5-inch phone from Huawei.
US Cellular has finally updated the Galaxy S II with Ice Cream Sandwich, and according to UK retailer Carphone Warehouse, the Sony Xperia E handset will be launching in February 2013. We had a whopper of a rumor with the Xiaomi M3, which is said to have a 1080p screen, a Tegra 4 processor, and 2.5GB of RAM, while Box.net for Android increased its file size limit to 250MB. We saw an unboxing of an official Nexus 7 dock from ASUS today, along with an FCC listing for the HTC One SV. The very cool Samsung Galaxy Camera arrived at Verizon today, with the carrier kicking off its holiday sale that features plenty of deals on Android phones. Rovio has kicked off a winter sale of its own, offering the HD versions of many of its games for a one measly dollar each. Google+ for Android got a new update today as well, so be sure to give that a look if you use the social network from your handset. We caught a glimpse of a magnetic Pogo charger for the Nexus 10, while new Sony Yuga rumors mention a whopping 128GB of storage. The Comcast Xfinity TV player app can now download content offline, while Galaxy S III users on AT&T and T-Mobile have been given an unofficial CyanogenMod 10.1 release. EE said it will soon be offering the Nexus 7 and the Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE in the UK, and finally tonight, T-Mobile says that it should have more Nexus 4s in stock soon. That does it for this edition of Android Community Nightly, we hope you enjoy the weekend! |
| Rovio cuts mobile game prices for winter sale Posted: 14 Dec 2012 03:40 PM PST If you’ve been eyeing an HD version of one of Rovio‘s games but didn’t want to shell out full price, then you’ll be pleased to know that the company has dropped the prices on all of its games in a new winter sale. Of course, you can get the standard, ad-supported versions for free, but for some HD goodness, Rovio is now only charging $1. That isn’t bad for an HD game, so it’s time to stock up.
Unfortunately, you’ll still see a few ads as you play some of these games, so you’re really only paying for the HD coat of paint. These discounts apply to Angry Birds Space, Angry Birds Star Wars, Bad Piggies, and Amazing Alex, so all of Rovio’s most recent games are covered in this promotion. We’re kind of surprised to see Angry Birds Star Wars among the list of discounted games, considering that it only launched at the beginning of November. This is just one of many sales we’ll see this holiday season. Many app and game publishers like to discount their apps around the holidays so they stay at the top of “most popular” lists as people are getting new devices left and right. This, in turn, leads to even more sales, which is why we see so many publishers offering discounts around this time of year. Rovio’s sale is going on over at both the Google Play Store (you can see all of the deals on Rovio’s app page) and the Amazon Appstore, but the discounts are also available on the PC versions of these games if you’d prefer to play on a larger screen. There isn’t any word on when this sale is going to end, so it may not be a bad idea to buy sooner rather than later. Are you planning on picking anything up while all of these games are cheap? |
| T-Mobile stores set to receive more Nexus 4 stock soon Posted: 14 Dec 2012 03:22 PM PST We know Google and LG’s Nexus 4 hasn’t been the easiest phone to get your hands on, and stock hasn’t been very “fulfilling” but it looks like that might be changing soon. We’re hearing a few reports that T-Mobile stores nationwide are set to receive more inventory in the coming days. Online sales have sold out in minutes and the phones been elusive to say the least, but you might have better luck at a retail store soon.
Shipping times have slipped on Google’s Play Store, and T-Mobile shelves have been empty for weeks but new reports claim they’ll have plenty soon. We’ve received a few tips, as well as TMoNews reporting the same story. That story being that multiple retail T-Mobile stores have begun receiving marketing materials for the Nexus 4, even stores that didn’t get it originally. This is leading many to believe that inventory will be arriving shortly. While the marketing material doesn’t say much other than “The new smartphone from Google IS HERE” it’s the fact that many different stores have all started getting new material to advertise the smartphone. Why send out all those materials if they won’t have devices to sell all these eager customers? Now lets just hope they don’t overcharge due to “supply and demand.” What this all essentially means is hopefully more retail stores across the country, as well as stores that previously had inventory, will all be getting additional stock of the LG Nexus 4 this weekend or early next week. If that turns out true many buyers will be getting a nice Christmas present from T-Mobile and Google this holiday season. Device Info
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| Second Avengers Initiative episode adds Captain America Posted: 14 Dec 2012 02:08 PM PST The first episode of Avengers Initiative is still relatively young, but that isn’t stopping about Marvel Games from talking about what will be going down in episode two. Today we’re finding out that you’ll be able to play as Captain America in episode two, though unfortunately we don’t have a release date for the episode just yet. Still, the news that Captain America is featured in the next episode should be enough to get many players excited.
Captain America’s segment of the story will have him tracking down a mole within S.H.I.E.L.D., so obviously you won’t be able to smash everything in sight like you did with the Hulk. We’re not sure how much gameplay will change between the Hulk and Captain America episodes, but there are enough differences between the two heroes that we can’t imagine both will play exactly the same. As stated above, there’s no word on when episode two will be going live (though it should be available soon), but it does have a price. Marvel will be selling the next Avengers Initiative episode for 10,000 ISO-8, which is the in-game currency for the title. If you don’t want to take the time to earn that much in-game money, you can always buy that amount for $0.99 and unlock the new content immediately. It’s nice that Marvel is letting players pay with in-game currency, as it means that some players will be able to unlock Captain America’s new episode without ever paying any real money. Those who are still playing Hulk’s episode are getting some goodies too, with everybody’s favorite big green superhero getting a handful of new costumes to use in-game. More episodes will follow the one that adds Captain America, with these upcoming episodes adding the likes of Iron Man and Thor to the game. It looks like Marvel will be supporting Avengers Initiative for a while yet, so if you haven’t checked it out yet, you can grab it from the Google Play Store for $4.99 [download link]. [via Pocketgamer] |
| Xiaomi M3 rumored with quad-core Tegra 4, 1080p display, and 2.5 GB RAM Posted: 14 Dec 2012 01:39 PM PST The next generation of smartphones is clearly here. We’re getting devices with quad-core processors, 1080p HD displays and much more. While we expect to see plenty of these types of specs over the next few months, new details have surfaced on the popular Chinese brand Xiaomi‘s next device. Talks of a Tegra 4 processor and more are all on board too.
Between ZTE, Huawei, and Xiaomi the powerhouse yet budget friendly smartphone battle in China is really heating up. They’ve all been known to release impressive smartphones all at friendly prices. Xiaomi’s MI-1 and M2 smartphones both were wildly popular in China, with the MI-One selling 150k in 13 minutes when it first launched. Today however we’re hearing about their new flagship 3rd device coming next year. Obviously you’ll want to take all of this with a grain of salt, especially considering they mention the currently unannounced NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor. Reports are suggesting the Xiaomi M3 will rock a quad-core Cortex A-15 based NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor between 1.8-2.0 GHz, 2.5 GB of RAM, 4G LTE, a 12 megapixel camera on the rear, and a 1920 x 1080p full HD display. What makes this even crazier is the 1080p screen is listed at 4.5-inches. Meaning the pixels-per-inch will blow even the DROID DNA out of the water — since it’s a 5-inch smartphone. Then being the latest and greatest it’s expected to run on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean and of course rock the popular MIUI as its base. Sadly these awesome Xiaomi phones never make it across seas to the US, but we can expect similar specs to arrive here soon too. NVIDIA’s been quite on their next processor, but we know it’ll be the Tegra 4 and have full 4G LTE support. This phone is just a rumor for now, as is the T4, but surely we’ll be hearing more about both soon enough. [via GizChina] |
| Sony Xperia E tipped for a February 2013 release in the UK Posted: 14 Dec 2012 01:05 PM PST Sony announced the Xperia E a bit earlier in the month and while they were pretty forthcoming in terms of specs, they left off some of the key details — the pricing and the release date. Since then we saw a bit of pricing for the Xperia E in Germany, however the release date has remained a mystery. But on that note, it looks like the Carphone Warehouse has narrowed down the release timeframe to one month.
According to a recently added coming soon style teaser page, the Xperia E will be available in February 2013. This of course, is a UK release and just to make it clear, Carphone Warehouse was also quick to add that this is an “expected date” and is subject to change without notice. Carphone Warehouse did not offer anything in terms of a price, however we can mention to pricing for Germany, just for comparison — €159. Those in Germany will also be getting a second version of the Xperia E. The second will be a dual-SIM handset selling for €10 more, or €169. Needless to say, given the German pricing and the specs, those in the UK should be able to grab the Xperia E without breaking the bank. Otherwise, the handset is noted as being “upgradeable” to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and with specs to include a 3.5-inch display, 3.2 megapixel camera and 1GHz Snapdragon S1 processor. [via Xperia Blog] |
| US Cellular finally updating the Galaxy S2, with Ice Cream Sandwich Posted: 14 Dec 2012 12:26 PM PST We may be sitting in a place where the Galaxy S3 is often talked about. And also at a time when Jelly Bean is often talked about. But that being the case, we probably should not stop thinking of the Galaxy S2 and Ice Cream Sandwich. After all, US Cellular has just announced an update for that handset.
That said, those sporting a Galaxy S2 with US Cellular should probably move forward and grab this new dessert. Ice Cream Sandwich is arriving as version 4.0.04 and with build number FK19. This update will bring goodies to include what was, and still is described as a “more intuitive interface” along with some enhancements to the notification bar and Face Unlock. The notification bar enhancements include icons having been updated in the pull-down menu. Otherwise, Ice Cream Sandwich also brings some improvements to the text input and editing as well as encryption. The encryption deals with both on device and the SD card. This update will also bring some pre-loaded apps to include Google Play Movies & TV as well as Slacker Radio. With that, those ready to update will need to have a Windows computer with the SimpleDL app installed. And for those worried about how, worry not as US Cellular and Samsung have a detailed step-by-step that will walk you through the whole process. Device Info
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[via Facebook] |
| Huawei 8.5-inch smartphone prototype is ridiculously huge Posted: 14 Dec 2012 12:16 PM PST When it comes to an actual smartphone, how big is too big? All jokes aside today we are seeing a brand new device from Huawei that can only be described as ridiculously large. The unknown 8.5-inch prototype smartphone has surfaced in the flesh over on Twitter, and appears to be a working device. Eldar Murtazin himself posted a picture of the image, and we have additional details below.
What you see above is a massive smartphone, yes smartphone, and not a tablet, from Huawei that is actually a working unit. At first glace I was a bit concerned and debating as to whether the image was real. Clearly looking just like the Ascend P1 (which is also listed behind) only that phone is 4.3-inches. Later Eldar tweeted the same image as you see on-screen, which is an image taken with this device to his Twitter too. Seemingly confirming the device is indeed real and working as expected.
Now we don’t know much here but the size was mentioned as being 8.5-inches. Imagine something larger than your Nexus 7 sitting next to your ear while having a conversation. You’d look a bit ridiculous. Later he mentions in fact that 8.5-inches could be from edge-to-edge of the entire device and that 6.5-inches or so for the actual screen is more realistic. Either way we’re a little skeptical and this should be taken with a grain of salt. While the details remain thin on this device, Huawei’s own exec confirmed a 6.1-inch 1080p phablet last week. We’re hearing Huawei has a 6.1-inch 1080p quad-core smartphone powered by Jelly Bean in the works, and the device we’re seeing today could in fact be exactly that. Called the Huawei Ascend Mate. We’ll report back once we receive additional details. As a comparison we’ve been hearing Samsung is preparing a 6.3-inch Galaxy Note III, so these huge devices could indeed become a reality. [via SlashGear] |
| Cheezburger Network comes to Android with official app Posted: 14 Dec 2012 11:42 AM PST Most of us are probably guilty of browsing sites like Cheezburger when we should be working, but now you can waste time on Cheezburger anytime, anywhere. That’s thanks to the Cheezburger Network’s new Android app, which went live on the Google Play Store today. With this app, you can check out those silly meme images the Internet has grown to love anytime the mood strikes. What more could one want?
In all seriousness, it would appear that a number of users are quite pleased with this app, posting reviews to its Google Play listing that say the Cheezburger app is much faster than the old Memebase app. With this Cheezburger app, you’ll have access to all of the network’s sites, including but not limited to FailBlog, Memebase, The Daily What, and ROLFRazzi. In other words, if you’re a fan of the Cheezburger Network, this is definitely the app for you. Of course, when you inevitably find an image that you just have to share, you can share those images from right there in the app. It also comes with a dedicated Facebook button, as that seems to be the social network where these images pop up the most.
All in all it’s a pretty cool app – it’s speedy, and there are tons of different feeds to check out. It’s available now on the Google Play Store for the low, low price of absolutely nothing [download link], so all of you Cheezburger fans can get your fix on the cheap. Are you going to give Cheezburger a spin, or have you never really been a fan of silly viral images?    |
| SugarSync 2.0 for Android beta now available Posted: 14 Dec 2012 11:21 AM PST SugarSync announced the 2.0 beta back in mid-November. Current users have had the option to upgrade to the new (still in beta) versions on the desktop and the web and as of today, you now have the option to run the beta app on your Android handset. The one catch, the app is not yet available from Google Play and instead will need to be downloaded and sideloaded.
That being said, for those not as familiar with the SugarSync 2.0 update, it arrived as a complete redesign that according to SugarSync, had “one burning goal for the redesign – improved ease of use.” And well, similar to the beta release of SugarSync 2.0 for the desktop and web, the Android app has a completely new look.
Anyway, back to the beta Android app. Those choosing to use this release can grab the APK from SugarSync (link below) and will notice changes to include Cloud Search, a redesigned photos tab, the ability to upload and sync files from your SD card and a “simple and modern navigation.” In short, you will be getting new features and a new look. Furthermore, as this release is still in beta — it is not yet complete. That can mean that you may see an issue or two, but perhaps more important is that it also means more features will be introduced. So far SugarSync has also promised that they will be adding the ability to upload files to SugarSync directly from other Android apps, the ability to search shared folders, a list of recent activity and some performance improvements. [via SugarSync] |
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