Android Community |
- Samsung Galaxy S IV concept video tips laser keyboard and ultra-thin design
- Samsung Galaxy Note II promo shows how office workers will use multi-window
- Toshiba Excite 10 tablet getting Jelly Bean update today
- Sony Odin (C650X) may launch as the Xperia X
- Google posts best apps, movies, and music of 2012
- BlueStacks for Mac beta release brings 750,000 Android apps
- Kii Keyboard arrives as the latest alternative keyboard for Android users
- Toshiba Excite 7.7 tablet Jelly Bean update now available
- Samsung ChatON 2.0 update brings cross-device message sync and more
- Huawei Ascend D2 smartphone images leak
- Samsung confirms Jelly Bean and multi-window for the original Galaxy Note
- Android Community Nightly: December 26th, 2012
- LG to announce seven new Google TV options at CES 2013
- Acer aiming to offer $99 Android tablets in 2013
- Instagram hit with class-action lawsuit over controversial Terms of Service
- Tapatalk HD Beta now available from Google Play
- Netflix to add social sharing features in 2013
- Panasonic P02-E smartphone proven real by the FCC
- Toy Defense update adds 12 new Christmas levels
- Samsung 2013 device shipments expected to top 500 million
| Samsung Galaxy S IV concept video tips laser keyboard and ultra-thin design Posted: 27 Dec 2012 11:07 AM PST With Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S III smartphone still selling like hot cakes and topping 30 million in sales, we’re already setting our sights on the next generation. The Samsung Galaxy S4 has been rumored more than a few times and we know it’s coming soon. Today however we have an awesome “concept video” or render showing some ultra-thinness and even a projecting laser keyboard.
Now what we have here is a concept video that is fan made from the folks at Rozetked, so clearly nothing here is real. What we do know however, is the model shown in the video below is based off of what we’re hearing is leaked drafts for the new flagship Galaxy S IV. That’s what makes this interesting, exciting, awesome, and totally piqued our interest. Rumors have claimed a 4.99-inch 1920 x 1080p full HD AMOLED display, a quad-core Exynos Cortex A15 processor, 2 or 3GB of RAM and a 13 megapixel camera — just to name a few. These all are plausible given the usual trend of upgrades and generational changes, but it’s nice to see them all mentioned here again. Although they state a “Grand AMOLED display” whatever that means. Enjoy the conceptual video below with a render of the Galaxy S IV. We’ve heard rumors about flexible AMOLED displays and ceramic unibody designs. While those are coming soon, most likely none will be found in their upcoming flagship device — at least not this time around anyways. As you saw above the render (not real folks) video shows an edge-to-edge impressive 5-inch display, an extremely thin design, and my favorite part was that gesture based laser keyboard dock. Simply swipe for the laser keyboard and type away. While Android 4.5 or 5.0 Key Lime Pie will probably just be on its way from Google, we could still see the Galaxy S IV launch with the latest and greatest. Otherwise we can expect the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Pretty awesome right! Interestingly enough the video ends by stating the render was made from leaked drafts of the Galaxy S IV. Could this be the final product, or something similar? What do you guys think?    [via Business Insider] |
| Samsung Galaxy Note II promo shows how office workers will use multi-window Posted: 27 Dec 2012 10:41 AM PST Between what we have seen with the Galaxy Note II and the Galaxy S III, Samsung appears to be doing rather well in terms of commercials. And on that thought, this latest Galaxy Note II commercial falls right in with the ones we have recently enjoyed and laughed at. The commercial is dubbed Office Upgrade and shows how some typical office workers will take advantage of the multi-window support.
In other words, it shows one office worker using the multi-window to make work easier and it shows the other doing what lots of office workers do well — goof off. But before we go any further down that path and anger those who work in an office and actually work, lets shift back to the commercial. The current iteration is a full minute in length, which means that Samsung will have to do some trimming to get it ready for prime time. That aside though, this one one of those commercials that while aimed at the business user, will likely be appreciated and understood by anyone. Not to mention the nice surprise at the end (we hope Samsung keeps that part in when it comes to prime time). As for the multi-window support, that feature arrived for those in Europe back in early October and since then has been rolling out to others. Those with T-Mobile received the update a short while back and those with AT&T are expecting it soon. In fact, the latest in the rumor mill suggests that AT&T users will be getting the multi-window update today. Device Info
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| Toshiba Excite 10 tablet getting Jelly Bean update today Posted: 27 Dec 2012 10:28 AM PST The folks from Toshiba are on a roll this holiday season. Earlier this morning we reported their popular Excite 7.7 tablet was getting updated to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and right on its trail is the larger 10-inch flavor getting the same treat. According to reports this has actually been rolling out all week, just at a slow pace.
Reports have hit our inbox that a few users have received Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for their Toshiba Excite 10 Android tablet. The update is apparently rolling out as we speak, and started on the weekend. According to reports this will initially be for users with the Excite 7.7 and 10 in the US, then will be pushed to other regions in the coming weeks. The updates for Ice Cream Sandwich took 3-4 weeks after the US updates to arrive for other regions. As expected, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean brings all the enhancements we’ve been enjoying to your Excite 10 tablet. Google’s project butter to smooth and speed the user interface is extremely noticeable from what we’ve heard from Excite owners. Google Now voice search is included, and of course the new expandable notifications are on board. Go ahead and try streaming some Google Music and enjoy those new notification features. The update is rolling out in stages so be patient, and if you bought yours outside of the US the wait might be a little longer than expected. Head into settings > about tablet > and check for updates if you don’t want to wait. Or you can try your luck with the Toshiba Service Station. We don’t have much hope for the original Thrive, but these Tegra 3 powered Excite tablets are getting Jelly Bean as we speak. Enjoy! Device Info
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[via Thriveforums] |
| Sony Odin (C650X) may launch as the Xperia X Posted: 27 Dec 2012 09:59 AM PST A short while back we learned that the Sony Yuga (C660X) may end up launching as the Sony Xperia Z. And well, it looks like another recently leaked Sony handset may have gotten an Xperia branded name. This latest is the handset that has been using the codename of Odin. Simply put, the Odin is now expected to arrive as the Sony Xperia X.
Some may also recognize the Odin as the C650X. Regardless though, codename or Xperia branded name aside — an important factor here is that we have yet to hear anything from Sony. In other words, this is all still rumor at this point in time. That distinction being made, lets recap what some of the previous Sony Odin rumors have revealed. The Xperia X (Odin) is expected to arrive running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean along with a 5-inch (1920 x 1080) HD display, quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage space. Coincidentally, the Xperia Z is also expected to be sporting these same features. That all being said, time will tell just how accurate these rumors prove to be. In the meantime though, we are expecting the handset to be announced during CES or possibly a month later during Mobile World Congress. When Sony finally decides to offer an announcement aside, it seems like manufacturers are beginning to move to common ground — displays that are 1080p and around 5-inches in size. [via phoneArena] |
| Google posts best apps, movies, and music of 2012 Posted: 27 Dec 2012 09:36 AM PST The world didn’t end on December 21st and now the year is slowly but surely coming to a close. Last week many companies, Google included, posted videos highlighting and wrapping up 2012 and today Google’s done the same thing with apps and music from the Google Play Store. Below is just a few noteworthy mentions of Google’s top apps, music, movies, and books from the world of Android.
This year in Google’s Android apps and music wrap up twelve apps or games made the list, then there’s tons of books, a few magazines, movie rentals, and of course top hits in music. There’s one page summing them all up here, as well as individual lists too. If you were expecting to find some gold in here with apps you’ve never tried, this won’t be it. Instead they’re all pretty popular choices, although I’m not to fond of most. I mean Midnight in Paris, a chick flick with Woody Allen of all things made the list — what does that tell you? All jokes aside Google’s gathered a pretty good list here. Apps include Pocket, the offline reader app. Pixler Express for photography, and Ancestry for well — Ancestry. They’ve also got Zappos, Pinterest, Evernote, or apps like Expedia for travel. So nothing amazing, but pretty useful apps for the general public. Then movies like 21 Jump Street made the cut — that movie was awesome. Then we have Drive, and a movie I’ve never heard of called Moonrise Kingdom. Then we have a few books (no Twilight thankfully) some Fiona Apple music and that pretty much wraps it up. I’m not sure how or what Google used for this list, but probably consists of most downloaded or clicked items from their Google Play Store. We gathered a few of our own apps for phones and tablets on Christmas, and only one of Google’s made the list. That would be Evernote. Here’s the full lists Best of 2012: Apps What were your favorite apps of 2012? Drop us a comment below. |
| BlueStacks for Mac beta release brings 750,000 Android apps Posted: 27 Dec 2012 08:53 AM PST The BlueStacks App Player has been available for Mac users, though, up until this point the app was an alpha release and the amount of available apps was rather limited. And for those not familiar with the BlueStacks App Player, this will allow Mac users to run Android apps on their OS X computer. This setup is also available for Windows users and some may be familiar with this setup under the ASUS@Vibe or AMD AppZone Player branding.
Regardless of branding though, the good news for Mac users is that the BlueStacks App Player has moved from alpha to beta and along with a bit more stability — there are lots more apps available. In fact, the folks at BlueStacks are touting more than 750,000 available Android apps. This means that BlueStacks for Mac is now on par with the Windows version. Basically, this means Mac users will now be able to run many many Android apps including games such as Bad Piggies, Jetpack Joyride and Angry Birds Star Wars. You will also have access to other apps such as Evernote, Flipboard, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. All things considered, running some of these apps may not be quite as important or helpful considering there are already quality Mac apps available but at the same time, we suspect some may prefer the Android versions for whatever reason. This may also be a nice way to test drive an app before installing it on your tablet or smartphone. Regardless though, whatever your reason for wanting to run Android apps on your Mac — you can download the BlueStacks App Player beta for Mac using this link. [via SlashGear] |
| Kii Keyboard arrives as the latest alternative keyboard for Android users Posted: 27 Dec 2012 08:23 AM PST Android users have no shortage of alternative keyboards available for use. We have some of the front-runners including Swype and SwiftKey as well as some of the newcomers such as SnapKeys Si. And well, it looks like Android users have recently gotten another option, the Kii Keyboard.
This latest was originally released a few days back, however it has since been updated. This most recent update has the app sitting at version 1.2. But perhaps more important, it fixed some bugs that came along with the original release. Before we get ahead of ourselves though, lets get into the just what the Kii Keyboard offers. The short answer to that is lots.
In fact, the feature list for the Kii Keyboard is touting goodies such as Swype like gesture input and SwiftKey like next word prediction. Other goodies include support for 34 languages as well as a variety of themes, a split keyboard layout, font and color customization, an extra arrow key row, an extra number key row and more. The Kii Keyboard also has support for Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, though, it will run on devices with Android 2.1 or later. Perhaps key for some though, the Kii Keyboard is available for free. Bottom line here, the Kii Keyboard (assuming the Swype- and SwiftKey-like features are as promised) looks like it could have some potential. You can grab the Kii Keyboard from the Google Play Store. [via xda developers] |
| Toshiba Excite 7.7 tablet Jelly Bean update now available Posted: 27 Dec 2012 07:52 AM PST Toshiba originally released the Excite 7.7 tablet back in April. At the time it launched with Ice Cream Sandwich and given the update timeframe that we often see, we weren’t all that convinced that Jelly Bean would come. But it looks like Toshiba has officially begun rolling out the update.
The update will arrive as Android 4.1.1, which may not be as good as getting 4.2.1, but still seems much better than keeping Ice Cream Sandwich. Simply put, this means that Excite 7.7 users will be able to enjoy the goodies that come along with Jelly Bean including Project Butter and Google Now. Toshiba rolled-out the update with the hybrid UI, which for those familiar, is similar to what you would have on the Nexus 7. The update measures in at roughly 350MB in size and is arriving as build number JRO03C. Those with an Excite 7.7 will be getting the update over-the-air and should be on the lookout for an update notification to arrive. Or for those feeling a little impatient — you can navigate into the settings and check manually. All said and done, the Excite 7.7 was a decent tablet with Ice Cream Sandwich, but should be that much nicer with Jelly Bean. And just for a refresher, the Toshiba Excite 7.7 has a 1280 x 800 AMOLED display, quad-core Tegra 3 processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of storage, microSD card slot, 2MP front-facing camera and a 5MP rear-facing camera. Device Info
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[via Android Police] |
| Samsung ChatON 2.0 update brings cross-device message sync and more Posted: 27 Dec 2012 07:21 AM PST The cross-platform Samsung ChatON messaging service first landed in the Google Play Store a little over a year ago and since then has seen several worthwhile updates. And well, it looks like the latest update has arrived. This update brings the ChatON app up to version 2.0 and for those curious — this update does include some new features.
The ChatON app is sitting at v2.0.5 and can be found by way of the Google Play Store as well as the Samsung Apps store. Also worth noting, Samsung has the ChatON app pre-loaded on all Samsung mobile devices. In terms of what the update has added, lets begin first with the one that should put a smile on the face of those with multiple devices. Samsung notes that all connected devices will now receive the same message simultaneously. This cross-device message syncing means that you will be able to move from a smartphone, to tablet or to the web (using the chaton.com website) provided you are logged in using your Samsung account — and not miss a message. Other goodies include improvements to My Page and the ability to move Special Buddy feature to the More menu. The Special Buddy feature allows you to get updates and news as well as special offers from third-party vendors. This ChatON update has also added the ability to have multiple profile images and comment on PostON. Finally, some of the other changes here include the ability to switch the font in the chat room, send multiple images at the same time and send anicon/animessage+text. With that, those looking for the latest version of ChatON can use this link to grab it from the Google Play Store. [via Samsung] |
| Huawei Ascend D2 smartphone images leak Posted: 27 Dec 2012 06:52 AM PST Details of the yet-to-be-announced Huawei Ascend D2 smartphone have been leaking out slowly. Up until this point, we have seen some specs along with a bit from GLBenchmark and even a leaked render. And well, as of today things get a bit more exciting — some live-style images have leaked by way of the Chinese language ithome.com website.
This image leak contains four images in total and while they are clear and offering a good look, they do not contain a full shot of the handset. The images, as you will see below include a shot of the bottom front, the top back and two of the top front. Nonetheless, despite not having the full shot as many would have preferred, we are able to see what appears to be a nice device.
In fact, the Ascend D2 is believed to be the flagship device from Huawei. The specs for the Ascend D2 include Android 4.1 Jelly Bean along with a 5-inch (1920 x 1080) HD display, quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 3000 mAh battery, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera. Otherwise, along with the images and specs, there was also talk of price. The Ascend D2 is expected to arrived priced at 3,299 yuan (about $530 or €399). All that said, it seems the only item we still need to see is the official announcement, which Huawei is expected to do during CES. And rest assured in knowing that Android Community will be on-hand to bring you all the details coming out of Las Vegas.    [via unwired view] |
| Samsung confirms Jelly Bean and multi-window for the original Galaxy Note Posted: 27 Dec 2012 06:27 AM PST We had heard that the original Galaxy Note was going to get Jelly Bean along with the multi-window support back in November. And since then, Samsung seems to have remained quiet in terms of a confirmation. But that has since changed and the official Samsung Galaxy Note micro-site has confirmed those details.
In short, those with an original Galaxy Note now have Jelly Bean and the Premium Suite update to look forward to. The one catch, while Samsung has confirmed and detailed the update, they have yet to offer anything in terms of when the update will be arriving. Needless to say, we suspect that the carriers will have more to say in terms of when so we will keep an eye out for word from them. In terms of the Premium Suite update, Samsung has confirmed that will include multi-window, popup note, popup video, popup browser, photo note, photo frame, easy clip and paper artist as well as handwriting on S Planner and email and the enhanced version of S Note. The multi-window is the feature seems most talked about, this will allow users to handle multiple tasks at the same time. The popup features should be convenient, however the S Planner handwriting and the S Note enhancements should be welcomed by those who are big users of the S Pen. Otherwise, aside from the Premium Suite updates, this will bring Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. This should be a nice step up from Ice Cream Sandwich in general, however we think many will be happy that they will finally have access to, and be able to begin using Google Now. Device Info
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[via Engadget] |
| Android Community Nightly: December 26th, 2012 Posted: 26 Dec 2012 06:58 PM PST Welcome back to another edition of the Android Community Nightly. We hope you all had a fantastic Christmas full of Android smartphones and tablets, delicious food, along with friends and family. Today we’re back to the Android news and we had plenty of it. Read on to find out everything you’ve missed while you’ve been opening presents.
Probably the most exciting news on a large scale is the fact that Motorola and Verizon updated the extremely popular DROID RAZR and its MAXX brother to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Motorola’s slowly becoming on of the faster manufacturers with updates, good stuff Google. While we’re talking about Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the HTC One S is getting that update today too. We also want to take this moment to let you all know if you got a new smartphone or tablet for Christmas, you’ll want to check out our top tablet and top smartphone apps posts. Now back to today’s new we have plenty again from good old Samsung. First off their Galaxy Note 7 appeared again, T-Mobile could be getting an LTE capable Galaxy S III, Verizon released their GSIII source code, and Samsung is looking to sell 500 million devices in 2013.
Now for a quick speed round we’ll round out everything else that was important today. Google extended free Gmail calling throughout 2013, Google Search quick view is coming to mobile, and Google’s Music matching service is cutting out swear words from our favorite music. LG announced seven new Google TV set options coming next year, and Tapatalk HD for tablets hit the Google Play Store. So go get it and browse the Android Community Forums. Enjoy the holidays, watch out for over-eating and going into a food coma, and we’ll see you tomorrow! |
| LG to announce seven new Google TV options at CES 2013 Posted: 26 Dec 2012 03:39 PM PST Earlier this week a few reports surfaced stating that LG was finally ready to get serious with their smart TV and Google TV options, but we now can confirm that’s exactly what LG will be doing next year. Not just two either. LG’s announced 7 new Google TV sets they’ll be showing off with 5 different screen sizes, small bezels, and tons of options.
Full of HDTV 3D options, Google TV integration and much more they’ll be taking on the smart TV market hard this year. While we might not be sold on Google TV quite yet, we’re hopeful it’ll pick up more traction and become something truly useful in the future. It’s still having a hard time taking hold of the market, but with some awesome options from LG we might be in business. I don’t know about you, but the pictures from LG are pretty awesome. Huge TVs with thin bezels (or none) brilliant designs and small stands. Can’t forget the beautiful models either, TV models of course. We’re hearing their smart TV remotes will feature easy text entry, voice recognition, and even gesture features. Under the hood will be a dual-core processor (unknown model) LG’s TruPicture and 3D engines, enhanced stereo sound, and multiple sizes. Instead of just two like last year, in 2013 we can expect LG's new Google TV flavors to be available in 42, 47, 50, 55 and 60-inch models. LG also states these will be available in the US initially, with other markets to quickly follow. Either way we’ll be live at CES to check them out and see what they’re all about.    [via SlashGear] |
| Acer aiming to offer $99 Android tablets in 2013 Posted: 26 Dec 2012 03:12 PM PST The tablet race has slowly been heating up. Between the Kindle Fire and Google’s Nexus 7 the budget market is a tight one, and it appears like things will only be getting cheaper. We’ve been hearing reports of a few different $99 Android tablets hitting the scene soon, and now the Wall Street Journal has confirmed a few budget Acer Iconia Tabs are coming next year.
Last week some details surfaced about a new Acer B1 tablet looking to take on Google’s Nexus 7, and Barnes & Nobles design and price. Between those impressive pictures and decent specs you’d have a pretty nice tablet. If Acer can truly hit that $99 price point, and offer a good product, they might have a real winner. The problem here however, is the Wall Street Journal claims Acer’s new budget tablets will mainly be focused in those other budget tablet Chinese markets, and not for the US. Oddly enough that Acer B1 recently was spotted at the FCC, so that is where we have some confusion. Acer might be offering some budget devices stateside, but their main attention will be in China. Would a $99 tablet with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and a decent little dual-core processor be something you’re interested in? Details confirm a 1024 x 600 resolution like the original Kindle Fire, so they’d certainly be hitting a competitive price point. The report from the WSJ even mentions ASUS has no plans to offer cheap tablets in the US, but we’ve seen multiple leaks suggesting a $99 device is coming soon. Could that also be going overseas too? That would be a bummer. We’ll report back when we hear more details from either party. |
| Instagram hit with class-action lawsuit over controversial Terms of Service Posted: 26 Dec 2012 02:22 PM PST It hasn’t been a good week for Instagram. When the Facebook-owned company revealed its updated Terms of Service, which go into effect next month, the Internet went crazy, pointing out certain clauses that many users took issue with. It was a controversy that had co-founder Kevin Systrom taking to the Instagram blog to try to smooth things over before the company changed the Terms of Service to contain more favorable language. Today, however, we hear that Instagram has been hit with a class action lawsuit filed by Finkelstein & Krinsk for plaintiff Lucy Fines.
As you might imagine, the lawsuit challenges the incoming changes to Instagram’s Terms of Service. There are lot of changes that riled up users, but some of the most controversial involve the license Instagram gains to use photos posted to the site by users. The license is royalty-free and doesn’t even require that Instagram alert users if it’s going to begin using their photos. Alongside all of these new changes comes the infamous arbitration clause that sees users waiving their rights to a class action lawsuit in favor of private arbitration. The lawsuit obviously calls these new Terms into question:
Of course, there are other things making users angry, including a clause that informs users they can delete their accounts if they aren’t satisfied with these new Terms, but Instagram will still retain the rights to the photos they uploaded. In his post on the Instragram blog, Systrom tried to make it clear that Instagram didn’t have any intention of selling users’ photos and that users still retain ownership over their photos, while the company recently tweaked its Terms of Service and removed the advertisement clause that enraged so many users. Nevertheless, this lawsuit continues on, so we’ll have to see where it goes. It’s important to remember that these new Terms of Service haven’t gone into effect and won’t for a few weeks yet. That means you still have time to weigh the benefits of sticking around against the benefits of jumping ship if the new Terms aren’t sitting well. If you’re interested, you can read the full filing over at Scribd, but in the meantime, keep it here at Android Community for more details. [via SlashGear] |
| Tapatalk HD Beta now available from Google Play Posted: 26 Dec 2012 01:19 PM PST Tapatalk HD for Android tablets was released as an open beta back in October. The catch with that release though, the app had to be downloaded from the Tapatalk support fourms and sideloaded. But as of today it looks like that has changed — Tapatalk HD Beta is now available from the Google Play Store.
The app has arrived as version 0.9.0 and with support for devices running Android 3.0 or later. More specifically though, the app is said to have been built specifically for tablets that are running either Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean. Of course, it will run on both 7- and 10-inch tablets.
As it stands, the beta release of Tapatalk HD Beta has features to include a gallery view on bigger forums as well as push notifications for subscribed topics, private messages, likes received and mentions. The app also has portrait and landscape view, forum moderations and both a dark and light theme. That all being said, the Tapatalk HD Beta app is available for free, however once the app goes 1.0 — the beta will stop working and the app will no longer be free. The good news here, those who download and use the Tapatalk HD Beta will be allowed to purchase the non-beta release at a “huge” discount. Finally, just for those wondering, the Tapatalk Forum App for smartphones is currently priced at $2.99. [via Google Play] |
| Netflix to add social sharing features in 2013 Posted: 26 Dec 2012 01:07 PM PST The folks from Netflix have announced they’ll be offering multiple social features starting in 2013 for their movie and TV services. A bill was recently passed in the senate that removes restrictions on sharing movie and rental history in the US. Netflix has offered social features outside the US for some time, but this will be available stateside soon.
According to Talking Points Memo once Obama signs the bill and everything gets the green light Netflix will be rolling out updates and new features across all their platforms in early 2013. For those looking to share to Facebook that they’ve just finished the Breaking Bad season — soon you’ll be able to do just that. The bill that will soon be passed will overturn the current US restrictions that was preventing Netflix and others from sharing movie and TV information socially. The same way in which we share to Facebook, Twitter, and more which Spotify song we’re currently enjoying — and things of that nature. This will amend the Video Privacy Protection Act and allow services like Netflix to integrate sharing and social features into Facebook. This might not be a big deal to some, but we know how us Americans enjoy sharing anything and everything on Facebook. Netflix expects to integrate these features in early 2013. Get ready to share your favorite seasons and shows to the social world. [via SlashGear] |
| Panasonic P02-E smartphone proven real by the FCC Posted: 26 Dec 2012 12:46 PM PST Earlier in the month we began hearing rumblings about a Panasonic branded smartphone with a 1080p display. Or more specifically, a handset with a 5-inch full HD display at 1920 x 1080. And well, while we are not expecting this one to come available here in the US market, the FCC has since proven the handset to be real.
The device is the Panasonic P-02E and it is expected to arrive in Japan with NTT DoCoMo as the carrier. Other specs worth mentioning include a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ 8064 processor and Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. The handset is also expected to have a microSD card slot and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Panasonic will also include support for LTE, NFC, wireless charging and mobile TV (complete with retractable antenna). The handset is also expected to be water resistant. And while we have yet to see any confirmation on the amount of internal storage, the RAM and the camera (front or back) — the specs that we have so far suggest this will be a decent device. Bottom line here, if you are living in Japan and happen to be getting ready to purchase a new smartphone, this one may be worth considering. Well, that is assuming NTT DoCoMo and Panasonic come forward with some release details and offer a price and availability date. [via phoneArena] |
| Toy Defense update adds 12 new Christmas levels Posted: 26 Dec 2012 12:28 PM PST Those Tower Defense games sure can be addicting, especially once you beat the entire game and go through it again on hard mode. For all the tower defense fans on Android we have a neat little game for everyone to try. It’s called Toy Defense and they bring the real war to toys. This week they’ve updated their popular game with 12 new Christmas themed levels.
This is tower defense at its finest, and now you’ll be able to enjoy over 30 awesome levels that are finely detailed and perfectly balanced, while still giving users a challenge. To keep up with the holiday spirit the developers have just released an update that not only fixed tons of bugs, but also added 12 levels for Christmas and New Years. Instead of taking charge of your Army, you’re now Santa Defense and will need to help Santa save his 8 lost reindeer and save Christmas. Although the 25th came and went, the game is still loads of fun and perfect for all those Tower Defense fans that enjoy the holidays. Here’s a quick video for those new to this game: With tons of weapons in your arsenal, upgradeable weapons, marines, and characters and more this is a tower defense game worth checking out. Now that they’ve added 12 new refreshing levels it’s also worth a second look — not to mention the game is completely free. If you’ve been looking for another TD game to try this weekend, give it a try right now from the Google Play Store. Let us know what you think. Enjoy! |
| Samsung 2013 device shipments expected to top 500 million Posted: 26 Dec 2012 12:18 PM PST We saw Samsung overtake Nokia to become the number one cellphone brand in 2012. And well, it looks like things will only continue for Samsung as we move into next year. In fact, according to a recent Korea Times article, Samsung is expected to ship more than 500 million phones in 2013.
And for those keeping track, that would be a 20 percent increase over this year. Samsung is estimated to ship 420 million devices this year with roughly 290 million having come during the first nine months of the year. Current year aside, looking into 2013 and the breakdown of those (more than) 500 million. The total number for 2013 is actually expected to be 510 million with 390 million of this being smartphones. Of course, as much as we would like to say that these 510 million will all be running Android, that is not the case. The remaining 120 million will be budget and feature-phones — non-Android phones. It was also noted that these 510 million will include a mix of Android, Windows Phone 8 and Tizen. That all being said, we have already been seeing some interesting tidbits about Samsung and 2013. For example, the 5.5-inch flexible screen that will be shown off during CES, a rumored 6.3-inch Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy S IV which we recently learned will not be shown off during CES. [via SlashGear] |
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