Thursday, December 27, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

6.1-inch Huawei Ascend Mate pictured in the wild, 1080p display and all [VIDEO]

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 06:13 PM PST

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You either clicked this post to scoff, or drool. In any case, if you missed it, Huawei Chairman Richard Yu unofficially unveiled the manufacturer’s much leaked 6.1-inch Ascend Mate back on Sunday. While the device hasn’t been much of a secret — Richard has taken to his blog to talk about the device a few times in the past — the device is expected to be formally revealed at Huawei’s press even during CES 2013 in a few weeks along with the well-spec’d Huawei Ascend D2.

Looking much like you’d expect a 6.1-inch device to look, the device resembles what we’d expect a Galaxy Note 3 or 4 to look like in our mind’s eye. That is if Samsung continues down it’s current path. The Ascend Mate appears wide enough for the pocket but the length means it’s more than likely to peek out of your trousers. You know, the phone.

The Mate is expected to carry a nice set of specs, notably a 1080p full HD display, 4,000mAh battery, and  a quad-core CPU all tucked away nicely inside a 9.9mm thin frame. By comparison, the Note 2 measures about 9.4mm thick. The best part? The Huawei Ascend Mate is being billed as a more affordable Note, with pricing expected at around the $480 mark.

For another look, you can check out the embedded video below. We have a team assembled and ready to cover every inch of the CES showroom floor starting January 8th, so stay tuned for more.

[Weibo | via Engadget]

AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 2 receiving Multi-Window update starting tomorrow

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 04:47 PM PST

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Good news for those of you looking to do some serious multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for AT&T. After rolling out last week for T-Mobile, it looks like AT&T users can finally get in on the fun with the #2 largest wireless provider in the US announcing plans to begin rolling out the Multi-Window update to users starting tomorrow. AT&T’s official statement to Engadget reads:

AT&T plans to begin rolling out a software update for Samsung Galaxy Note II customers that includes the Multi-Window feature, which allows the user to divide the screen into two active “windows” creating a split screen that enables fluid multitasking between applications. The update will be available for download over the air beginning Dec. 27.

This is the same update the rest of the globe has been enjoying for a few weeks now and dramatically enhances the multitasking capabilities of the device. Now when can we expect the same for the Samsung Galaxy S3? (Bats eyelashes).

Unwrap a shiny new Android for Xmas? [POLL]

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 04:04 PM PST

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So, here were are in Christmas’ wake and whether you’re cleaning up wrapping paper or empty beer bottles, hopefully you found yourself with a shiny new Android device under your tree. Doesn’t matter if you’re new to Android or a long time veteran, the best way to get acquainted with your Android device is in our very own Android Forums. There, you can trouble shoot issues, or simply help your fellow man by sharing a helpful protip with an army of Android members.

With so many devices to choose from, we’ve composed a list of some of the brightest Android has to offer, along with their respective forums and at the end — we have a quick (unofficial) poll, simply to gauge the device most of you ended up with this Xmas.

Samsung Galaxy S3

With availability on just about every carrier in the known world, there’s no doubt in my mind the Galaxy S3 was a hot ticket item this holiday season. In our Galaxy S3 forums, we have every version of the device covered, with users talking about everything from battery life concerns, reception problems, even the latest Sprint Galaxy S3 commercial that had ‘em rolling. Of course if you’re looking to root, we’ve got forums for that too. Just be careful out there.

[Samsung Galaxy S3 Forums]

Samsung Galaxy Note 2

When the two-handed Galaxy Note 2 launched across the globe, it challenged many our perceptions on the size a smartphone could reach before it was considered a tablet. For many, the 5.5-inch display on the Galaxy Note 2 was just what they were looking for. In our Note 2 forums you can find helpful tips and FAQ’s and with all the features jam packed into the device thanks to TouchWiz, you’re gonna need all the help you can get.

[Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Forums]

HTC Droid DNA

Easily the most luxurious, most premium, highest-end devices on the market, the HTC Droid DNA represents the creme de la creme of smartphones. With a blistering fast quad-core Qualcomm S4 processor and beautiful 5-inch 1080p full HD display — it just doesn’t get any better than this, folks. The fact that the phone is available on the largest network in the US means (hopefully), some of you were lucky enough to receive this (either for yourself, or a loved one) for Christmas. If you did, you can find a forum chalk full of new users like yourself, talking about their impressions of the device, comparisons with other devices, and even a few tips.

[HTC Droid DNA]

HTC One X+

Still one of the sexiest devices Android has to offer, the souped up One X+ ended up in a few new pockets this holiday and with good reason. The device features one of the best smartphone cameras on the market that’s to HTC’s ImageSense software. Add to that a super charged 1.7GHz Tegra 3 processor and PlayStation certification, and you have the makings of a device perfect for on-the-go gaming. For those of you that received the previous gen HTC One X on AT&T, that device is plenty of great

[HTC One X+ Forums | HTC One X (AT&T) Forums]

HTC EVO 4G LTE

Essentially a tricked out version of the HTC One X, the HTC EVO 4G LTE is Sprint’s version with a few added extras. First off, users have the benefit of using an SD card, giving the device a boost in storage and the added kickstand makes viewing media a breeze. If you’re new to the EVO 4G LTE, you first stop should be the Most Helpful Threads post where forums members are linking their most helpful tips and tricks for newbies.

[HTC EVO 4G LTE]

LG Optimus G

One of the most underrated devices currently on Android, the LG Optimus G combines top of the line specs, with an unobtrusive UI, and a sleek modern design. The device released on AT&T and Sprint to solid reviews and with one of the few devices on the market with a quad-core Qualcomm S4 processor, it’s almost unmatched in terms of speed. LG also did some magic with their custom UI, enabling unique features not found on most other ‘Droids. Hit up the forums and talk with other Optimus G users and tell ‘em Chris sent’cha.

[LG Optimus G Forums]

Nexus 4

The Nexus 4 easily offers the best hardware you can buy, at the best value. Having been sold out on the Google Play Store, not everyone who’s been clamoring to get one has one in their hands just yet. But that’s not stopping our Nexus 4 forums which are already teeming with conversation from prospective buyers, to the best accessories, and of course gripes and shortcomings with the device. Take a look.

[Nexus 4 Forums]

Nexus 7

The Nexus 7 is the only tablet to make our list. Its rock bottom low pricing almost guarantees it made its way under everyone’s Christmas tree for everyone that had it on their wishlist. Make sure you take a look at the Jelly Bean Tips and Tricks thread for a chance at learning something new about your pure Android tablet. You’ll be glad you did.

[Nexus 7 Forums]

Alright, so now that you know exactly where you can find a forum for some of the best Android handsets (and tablets) on the market, let’s find out what you all received from Santa in a quick poll. We’re sure there were a plethora of mid-range to low-end devices also received for Xmas, so be sure to mark “other” and leave a comment with your device and name, as well as how you’re liking your new Android. Cheers.

Tapatalk HD Beta brings forum access to Android tablets

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 02:45 PM PST

Those of you who prefer to peruse the various forums of the internet — including AndroidForums.com — might want to download this great new app that just hit the Google Play Store. It’s Tapatalk HD, and while the smartphone version of Tapatalk has served tablet users quite decently there’s nothing like a version optimized for the big screen.

Currently in beta form, Tapatalk HD uses the great-looking Holo UI elements that were introduced with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It features a two-pane interface: the left will help you out with navigation, private messages and the like, while the right is where all your content will sit. It looks pretty awesome to be a beta and you’ll want to give it a go with your favorite Tapatalk-enabled forums right away.

It has us wondering why the developer’s smartphone app is taking so long to get up to speed. The app still works great, but it doesn’t look nearly as good as the tablet version. Its design was cooked up back when Android 2.3 Gingerbread was still the new kid on the block, and while things don’t look too bad we’d prefer it if its design evolved into something that came out of the year 2012.

That said, the beta is free for all to download and enjoy so if you aren’t happy with the browser-based experiences your favorite forums provide then don’t hesitate to give it a shot in the Google Play Store.

Do Android ads make you feel like you’re being molested by robots? [VIDEO]

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 01:50 PM PST

They say laughter is nature’s greatest cure, and while I can’t say it’s helped me shake off a few common colds it does bring a lot of bright moments in otherwise dull and boring days. That’s why I couldn’t help but watch this clip that was sent to my inbox earlier today. Comedian Dan Ahdoot did a set at the Laugh Factory recently, and one of his segments was regarding mobile advertisements.

Specifically, Dan touched on how the iPhone ads created this perfect, loving world where Siri could somehow tell if your wife was pregnant or not. Meanwhile, he likened watching an Android commercial to being molested by robots after being slipped a couple of roofies in a dark alley.

There’s an obvious negative connotation which comes with Dan’s description of what he sees, and it’s clear his last impression of Android ads are a bit outdated. He’s likely referring to Verizon’s primitive DROID ads when the original Motorola DROID launched back in 2009. Verizon boasted about circular saws cutting through bananas and all sorts of craziness.

Things are a bit different these days, though. For instance, Samsung — the most iconic and influential Android manufacturer there is — has taken a much more lighthearted (and humorous) approach for its Galaxy line. Verizon’s own-produced ads for its DROID line are still a tad aggressive in tone, but not nearly as dark, cryptic or robotic as they once were.

Perhaps I’m over-thinking this, but it’s tough to swallow the idea that people still allow simple 30 minute ad spots to dictate their perception of a phone without doing any research of the phone itself. This guy was only out to make a joke, of course, but it does raise interesting questions regarding how the world perceives Android in this day and age.

How do you feel about it? Do Android ads make you want to take self defense classes or do they simply make you want to buy a phone? Take a look at the short clip above (I thought it was a bit funny, but your mileage may vary) and let us know in the comments below!

[Thanks Justin!]

Toy Defense update brings 12 new levels

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 01:06 PM PST

Toy Defense, one of the hottest new tower defense games on the Google Play Store, has gotten a nice holiday upgrade. While Christmas has passed, the festive feeling still swirls about and you could use some of that in tower defense form. 12 new holiday-themed levels have been added to the game and they’re all focused on saving Christmas.

We’re not sure if it’s the Grinch coming back for more or just a grumpy old man, but we seem to be the last line of defense to make sure this holiday isn’t ruined by outside forces. Someone’s stolen Santa’s 8 reindeer, and without them to jolly old gift giver won’t be able to make his rounds and make a lot of children happy on Christmas morning.

You’ll have to do a whole lot of naughty in order to be checked off on Santa’s “nice” list so don’t hold back against the threat that’s facing Christmas as we know it. As always, the upgrade is free and can be had following a quick download in the Google Play Store.

DoorBot brings a front door surveillance system to your smartphone and tablet [VIDEO]

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 12:16 PM PST

The latest crowd-funded sensation isn’t on Kickstarter or even IndieGoGo, but on the less popular ChristieStreet. It goes by the name of DoorBot, and it could use a lot of help meeting its funding goal ahead of its cut-off date 25 days from now. DoorBot is a doorbell replacement that will put your old one to shame. Operated via battery, DoorBot is equipped with a camera, speakers and a microphone so you’ll be able to see your visitors and speak with them remotely using your smartphones and tablets.

The magic happens over WiFi — once the doorbell is pressed your phone will alert you and allow you to respond appropriately. You can see who it is and initiate voice right from your smartphone, or you can simply choose to ignore the bell (because, you know, people can be annoying at times). DoorBot doesn’t have to be on the same WiFi network as your devices, either, so you could be halfway across the country and still keep an eye out for door activity.

The DoorBot runs on AA batteries, but don’t fret too much about power consumption as the advanced doorbell is said to be able to run about one year before needing to exchange them. That’s not a bad yearly investment at all to keep this thing’s gears churning. And if you’re worried about the DoorBot being stolen, the company promises they’ll replace them free of charge should some sticky-handed bandit happens to run off with yours.

Taking things a step further, the DoorBot will be fully compatible with Lockitron, the remote door lock that’ll allow you to provide access to your house from afar. If someone’s at your door and needs to come in, but you aren’t home and you trust that person enough to let them inside, Lockitron makes it possible to grant access to that person with the touch of a button. Since the Lockitron is a physical lock replacement you’ll want to know that you’ll be paying quite a bit extra for both in the same package. Lockitron is an entirely different beast on its own that you’ll want to learn more about here.

ChristieStreet does things a bit differently than Kickstarter. Instead of different pledge levels with different rewards, you can either pay for the cost of the device and guarantee yourself a unit, or simply donate whatever amount you wish and leave with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped make it become reality.

This is certainly something we want to see in the marketplace so don’t be shy with the dollars if you’re interested. You can pledge to order one of these for $169, or get it coupled with the Lockitron for $319. Delivery is estimated to be July 2013, but only if funding is met. The project needs about $120,000 before it closes in 25 days so make no delay if you’re interested.

[Thanks Lee!]

ZTE Grand X coasts to the FCC, T-Mobile launch imminent

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 10:03 AM PST

ZTE is supposed to make a big splash at CES this coming January, but it seems we’re getting info on all its goods well in advance. One device that might make an appearance at the trade show is the ZTE Grand X, and it looks like it has made it to the FCC right on time for that to be able to happen.

The FCC filing reveals an awful lot about where this device is looking to go. T-Mobile’s logo is plastered on the back of it so we can pretty much put a check mark in the “magenta” column. This 4.3 inch device will look to fill a spot on the “cheap” end of T-Mobile’s lineup as this package comes with some modest specs.

A 1GHz dual-core MediaTek processor sits inside to power Android along, a 5 megapixel shooter will take care of your stills, and HSPA+ looks to be available for your downloading pleasure. We’d expect ZTE customization on top of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box, but things could easily change by the time the device launches.

The device certainly isn’t the looker that the ZTE Nubia Z5 turned out to be, but if you need an affordable smartphone to carry you into the new year this one might be worth keeping an eye on. Check out the full listing over at the FCC.

[via Engadget]

Instagram gets hit with class-action lawsuit, but will it matter?

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 09:12 AM PST

Instagram knows first hand that someone is always willing to read the terms of service agreement no matter how many people claim to skip right to that big “accept” button. The Facebook-owned company came under heavy fire earlier this month when it revised its terms of service to include some troubling language in regards to advertising. While advertisements themselves are fine, it is how Instagram looked to do it that had people worried.

Specifically, Instagram took it upon themselves to reserve the right to use any photos you upload to the service in advertisements, and that’s without any prior permission or without any royalties. Private photos were in the safe zone in that regard, but the terms pretty much gave Instagram the right to use your public photos however they wished.

Most people mistook the company’s language to mean that Instagram claimed ownership of photos uploaded to the service, but that was not the case. Finally, Instagram noted that advertisements could appear within the same timeline that you use to view posts from friends and family, but this wasn’t as much of an issue.

The community immediately voiced its concern, and the downpour of distaste was more than enough to be effective. The company ended up reverting its terms of service to help calm the nerves of its users, though a lot of people were still keen on picking up shop and taking their photo-posting business elsewhere.

That wasn’t enough for some people, though, as Instagram has been hit with a class-action lawsuit. Facebook is confident it’ll beat the lawsuit — after all, there isn’t much to battle. The terms have been cleared up for the most part, and even with the clause that allows Instagram to retain and use your photos for advertisement following account deactivation it’s in the company’s right to do so. You accepted the terms, so you’ll have to accept the bad with the good.

I’m not saying users should lie down and take everything a company dishes out without a peep, but there’s a reason why most class-action lawsuits over changes in a company’s terms of use tend to go nowhere. Keep voicing your opinion, folks — it does matter. But know that this lawsuit will be like a fly on the wall compared to more pressing issues Facebook and Instagram have to deal with every day. We’ll keep an eye on this one regardless.

[via Reuters]

Samsung GT-N5100 (Note 7) turns up in GLBenchmark result

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 08:28 AM PST

Earlier this month the world was tipped off to a possible new entry in the Galaxy Note series. Rumors swirled of Samsung’s desire to bring a note-taking experience to the 7 inch form factor that has swept the tech world off its feet. A result in Nenamark’s benchmark database all but confirmed the existence of a new Galaxy Note device, and today that same device has turned up in another result.

This time, GLBenchmark’s database houses the results of the Samsung GT-N5100. There’s no guarantee that this device is the 7 inch Note we’ve all been waiting for, but it’s a tad early to be talking about a new phone and a new 10 inch variant.

Unfortunately we’re not sure how far off we are from seeing this thing unveiled. Samsung’s CES showing is said to be slim in terms of bombshell announcements. Nothing is certain until it actually goes down, of course, but we’re not holding our breath. We’d look to see something at Mobile World Congress more than anything as Samsung tends to be quite active there.

We’re told to expect 1280 pixels long by 800 pixels wide for the display’s resolution, and we’re almost certain the processor inside will be Samsung’s 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos 4412. The standard S Pen functionality should be included without much setting itself apart from the Note 2 and 10.1, but Samsung could surprise us with some new features for this release. We’d also be surprised to see anything less than 2GB of RAM if its latest devices are anything to go by.

That said, expectations and reality are two completely different things and we’ll have to wait until more solid rumors flow in (or until Samsung showers us with information itself) before we know what to expect for sure.

[GLBenchmark via SammyHub]

HTC One S getting Android 4.1 across Europe

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 08:02 AM PST

HTC and the gang had some gifts to bestow upon its HTC One S users this holiday season. Specifically, the HTC One S received Android 4.1 Jelly Bean across the region of Europe. This massive update comes in at over 600MB large, but with the  extensive suite of tools and UI customization that is HTC Sense we didn’t expect a petite package.

HTC Sense itself hasn’t changed much here, but you do get a few new goodies to play around with. The biggest change will be the addition of Google Now and the new Google Search experience, on-device voice input, expanded notifications and Project Butter. Most users in Europe should be seeing the update on their unlocked handsets, but those on carrier editions needn’t worry if nothing is available yet.

Updates are always subject to carrier approval and testing, so you’ll want to take it up with your provider of choice if you are unsure as to why you have yet to receive the upgrade. Be sure to check for the upgrade within your device’s settings menu, and flip that handy WiFi switch to “on” because your bandwidth will be taxed like it’s never been taxed before. Have at it!

Original DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX get Android 4.1.2

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 07:42 AM PST

While Verizon and Motorola blessed the latest members of its DROID RAZR family — those with the HD variants — with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, those who were along for the ride with the original crop of devices were still waiting. The DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX weren’t far behind, though, and the time has finally come for those guys to get their chewy, jelly-filled goodness.

Rollouts started in the latter part of Christmas day so think of it as a gift, of sorts. Well, with how long it took to deliver we’re not sure many of you will see it that way. Regardless, most folks are still without Jelly Bean on even newer handsets so we’d say there’s a lot to be thankful for here.

Google Now, expandable notifications, Project Butter and more will come as standard features of Jelly Bean, but you might notice a slightly tweaked user experience on top of that. Motorola has made great strides in making its user interface lightweight, useful and easy on the eyes so it’s something you’ll want to check out as soon as possible.

The upgrade is going out over-the-air so you’ll want to hit the settings menu to see if your new treats are ready to be consumed. We’re hearing the updates are rather large, though, so make sure you’re on WiFi and have an adequately charged battery before allowing your phone to drink from the fountain of smartphone youth.

[Update]: it looks like the update has been pulled. We’re not sure if someone got a bit too happy on the eggnog at the Verizon Christmas party or if a last minute rollout bug forced their hand, but for now the upgrade has been taken offline. We’re on the lookout for word regarding its return.

Oppo Ulike 2 brings modest smartphone package for cheap

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 07:23 AM PST

Oppo is building quite the reputation for itself in the mobile landscape with high-end beasts such as its Oppo Find 5, but the company hasn’t forgotten that some people might still want affordable handsets to line their pockets and purses. The Oppo Ulike 2 is supposed to fill that particular void with a smattering of uninspiring decent features.

The device will launch with Ice Cream Sandwich and has a 4.5 inch qHD LCD display, 16GB of internal storage, an 8 megapixel rear shooter and an unheard of 5 megapixel front camera. The device is supposed to be aimed at women, and its camera features facilitate that in software with features like face-lifting, skin whitening, eye enhancement and more. (Because, you know, not everyone walks around looking like a model all day.)

2,298 yuan is the asking price for such a device, and that translates into $370 if you’re interested in importing this. It’s available right now so if this is a device worth sneaking out of China then you’ll want to hit your usual import channels up to get one for yourself. [via Engadget]

ZTE officially unveils 5-inch Nubia Z5

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 06:53 AM PST

I never thought I’d be saying ZTE was coming to town with one of the more interesting devices of 2013, but here I am saying it. The company has officially unveiled the Nubia Z5, the smartphone that’s poised to help propel the OEM into the high-end firm it’s looking to become. This 5 inch, 1080p device packs a big punch — a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13 megapixel camera, 32GB of internal storage and a 3,000 mAh battery make sure of that.

The device also doesn’t look too shabby, either. ZTE spared no expense housing those internals inside 7.6mm of aluminum unibody skin. Some might classify that lone middle button as too “iPhone-ish,” but the overall package is one that exudes style and class. The device’ll launch with Android 4.1.1, but not without some of ZTE’s own flavor on top of that.

We expect to see the Nubia Z5 at CES ahead of its projected January launch, and you can bet we’ll be looking to get our hands (or eyes) on the device at that point. In the meantime, if you want to get your wallets together for a possible launch outside of China you’ll want to set aside about $600 (well, really $555 but incorporate taxes, shipping, etc.)  to import the thing.

A titanium version of the device is said to be on its way, as well, and if the price tag is anything to go by we’d hope every bit of its chassis is made out of the very strong metal. You’d be paying about $1,300 to own one — the aluminum version doesn’t look so bad now, does it?
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