Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Nexus 4 gets LTE capabilities in certain (limited) AT&T markets

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 01:32 PM PST

One of the biggest gripes that people had with the recently launched Nexus 4 was its lack of 4G LTE capability. However, as some tech geeks discovered a few weeks ago, the Nexus 4 does indeed have a 4G antenna since it is based on LG’s Optimus G (which has 4G capabilities). Recently it was thought that this antenna could only be enabled in Canada on Telus and Roger’s networks, since they are the only networks that are built to use LTE Band 4 (which runs on the 1700MHz and 2100MHz wireless spectrum). Turns out however, that AT&T also has several US markets in which it owns LTE Band 4 spectrum. Those markets include Phoenix, Raleigh, San Juan, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, Athens, GA and College Station, TX.

Now, just because AT&T owns the Band 4 spectrum in these cities doesn’t necessarily mean it’s deployed and accessible, but in some cases, users have been able to connect in these areas and get in on some great data speeds. The thought of being able to run your shiny new Nexus 4 on a 4G LTE network here in the states is an exciting thought indeed! If you live in one of the above cities and want to try to get your Nexus 4 hooked up to some LTE goodness, you may want to bookmark our source link below. The XDA hacker hasn’t yet revealed instructions on how to get the Nexus 4 connected to AT&T’s 4G network, but something tells us that he’ll be spilling the beans soon, so bookmark the page and check back often.

Source: XDA Developers
Via: AndroidPolice

LG sells ‘modest’ amount of its L-series devices moving 10 million phones worldwide

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 01:15 PM PST

LG announced today that the company has moved 10 million L-series phones worldwide comprising of the LG Optimus L3, L5, L7, and L9. While that figure may sound good, LG in fact has simply called it ‘modest.’ In business speak, that sounds as if LG didn’t quite meet sales forecasts. It’s a little confusing as they use the word ‘modest’ in the same sentence as the word ‘milestone.’ Regardless, it looks as if they have in fact reached that 10 million milestone. Their goal is to move 35 million smartphones by the end of the 2012 and without any sales figures regarding the Nexus 4, not to mention the perceived shortage; they may fall short.

 

source:  Newswire

Stocking Stuffer Idea: AndyTags NFC Stickers for automating and simplifying tasks

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 12:01 PM PST

If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer or gift idea, then take a look at AndyTags NFC Stickers. Since most of the newer phones are sporting Near Field Communications (NFC), they make a great gift. What can you do with NFC tags? Well we did a review of NFC Tag Launcher earlier in the year so check that out, but essentially you can use them to automate tasks like to quickly turn settings on or off or open apps. For example, lets say you’re heading to bed, you can program a sticker to switch your phone to silent mode. Just put the sticker on your nightstand and touch your NFC-enabled phone to the sticker and bingo, your phone is now in silent mode. You can also use them to open certain apps as well. Let’s say you like to listen to Slacker in your car. You can program a sticker to tell your phone to open Slacker. Just keep the sticker in your car and when you get in, you can touch the sticker with your phone and Slacker will be opened. You can even program the same sticker to turn on Bluetooth at the same time. If you find that you always text your spouse when you’re on the way home, you can even automate that. The possibilities are endless.

AndyTags are fully programmable and it’s so easy to do. Just use an app such as NFC Tag Launcher to set the parameters and it will program the tag for you. You never have to program it again unless you want to change the parameters. AndyTags come in all sorts of colors and they look cool with the bugdroid that is synonymous with Android. Now AndyTags work with the majority of phones available today, but if you own a Nexus 4 and a Nexus 10 you have to buy the NTAG203 version since Google decided to go with Broadcom for the hardware for both of those devices. These tags work with all other devices, but the one limitation is they have less memory. It’s probably enough, but if you plan on saving a lot of data to the tags, it could be an issue. If you don’t own a Nexus 4 or 10, you might want to consider using their Mifare classic tags, which have more memory. Not to confuse things, the Mifare tags can actually be used with the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10, they just can’t be programmed by those devices. That means if you have another device, like a Nexus 7, you could essentially program them and still use them. I know, it’s a little complicated, but you can read more about this issue here.

I mentioned NFC Tag Launcher as an app you can use to program your tags, but there are a number of other apps. AndyTags makes it easy for you to decide which one will work the best for you with their mini reviews on the site. They know NFC better than anyone so they have done the work of testing all these apps to save you time. Their recommendations are what they believe to be the best ones available today and they will continue to update the page.

AndyTags go for $2.99 each, but you will want to buy more than one, and at the same time get a better deal. You can grab the Mifare classic tags (not compatible with the Nexus 4 or Nexus 10) for $9.99 for 5, $14.99 for 15, or $24.99 for 20. They come in your choice of blue, red, green, pink, or orange. They even offer a set of all 5 colors for $9.99, 2 sets for $14.99, or 4 sets for $24.99. The NTAG203 tags are compatible with the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 (as well as all other devices) and will cost the same as the Mifare classic series, but your colors are limited to either ICS blue or gray. If you plan on sticking your tags to metal surfaces, they do offer a version of the Mifare classic with an anti-metal backing for a little extra.

So there you have it. I think they make a perfect gift for anyone who likes to simplify their lives and at the same time enjoys cool stuff. They even make the perfect gift for yourself. I can personally attest to it since I have been using them for a few weeks now, and they work great. I especially love to use them when iPhone users are around!! Head over to AndyTags to get your order in and tell them Talk Android sent ya.

 

McAfee revamps mobile security app with new App Lock feature

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 10:53 AM PST



 

McAfee is one of the more popular antivirus protections available to PC users, and with the malware on Android devices, they’ve stepped in to provide their trusted protection on smartphones and tablets, too. Recently, McAfee updated their Android application with a refreshed user interface and an innovative new App Lock feature. McAfee claims that since apps like Twitter and Gmail don’t require a password each time you open the app, it’s a possible security threat on your device. App Lock protects against this threat by requiring a pin number each time you want to use one of these applications, protecting you from someone digging through your phone for personal information or even just some nosy friends. This feature can also be used to protect children from having access to certain apps on your device, like the browser or your banking app.

McAfee offers a free trial of the app on Google Play, and offers the paid version at $29.99. Hit the break for the press release and download links.

QR Code generator

Play Store Download Link

Enhanced McAfee Mobile Security App Provides Ultimate Privacy Protection and Refreshed User Experience

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–McAfee today announced the release of an enhanced version of McAfee® Mobile Security featuring App Lock, an innovative new app privacy technology, as well as a completely refreshed user interface. The enriched and all-inclusive security solution provides Android smartphone and tablet users with the power to ensure that the personal information living inside their mobile apps remains personal and protected.

"From photos to emails to credit card numbers, our mobile apps hold invaluable data that is often left unprotected and vulnerable"

Some of the most commonly used apps on the Android platform such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Gmail don't necessarily require a log-in each time they're launched. App Lock, which is now a part of McAfee's app protection arsenal, safeguards against this privacy danger. It allows Android users to protect installed apps against misuse by locking them with the same PIN that's tied to their McAfee Mobile Security account. McAfee is the first to include this feature as an integrated part of a comprehensive mobile app privacy solution.

"From photos to emails to credit card numbers, our mobile apps hold invaluable data that is often left unprotected and vulnerable," said Ari Jaaksi, senior vice president and general manager, mobile engineering and operations at McAfee. "App Lock allows consumers to block nosy friends, thieves and hackers from invading their privacy and stealing personal information. And for parents whose children have access to their phones, it can be used to control which apps the little ones can access."

McAfee Mobile Security is the most comprehensive mobile security solution available to Android users. In addition to App Lock, the update includes features designed to streamline the user experience and improve protection efficiency. A redesigned user interface provides a consistent experience across all McAfee consumer solutions and a simple-to-use color-coded system that makes it even easier to scan for threats. In addition to providing even more efficient battery usage and a compressed file size, McAfee has also recently boosted malware detection capabilities by 300 percent with more than 3 million apps as part of its Global Threat Intelligence Network.

McAfee Mobile Security

McAfee Mobile Security is an all-inclusive mobile security solution that offers protection against:

  • Viruses and Malware: Provides real-time protection from the latest viruses and malware by scanning for malicious code in files, memory cards, applications, Internet downloads and text messages. It also blocks risky websites to protect against phishing and scams.
  • Theft and Loss: Backs up and restores data remotely through an easy-to-use web portal. It also locates a lost or stolen device on a map, remotely locks it to prevent misuse and continues to track a device, even if the SIM is replaced.
  • Privacy Breaches: Reviews and reports on the privacy access levels of an app and checks against McAfee® TrustedSource™ URL reputation database to report risky apps and blocks unwanted calls and texts. With the newly added App Lock features, it also provides an added layer of customizable security to protect against the use of an app by unwanted persons.
  • Web Scams: Protects against web threats by blocking risky links within SMS, email, and social networking sites. It also safeguards against potential phishing sites, browser exploits, and malicious quick response (QR) codes.

McAfee has nearly a decade of mobile security experience and has protected more than 150 million devices with McAfee mobile solutions worldwide. In a test performed by AV-Test in March 2012, McAfee Mobile Security was just one of three solutions that detected malware 100 percent of the time.

Availability

A free trial of McAfee Mobile Security software is available on Google Play, and is available for purchase at $29.99 US. Current McAfee Mobile Security subscribers can simply update their app to the new version to enjoy the new features. McAfee Mobile Security functionality is also available in McAfee All Access, which provides protection across your PCs, Macs and mobile devices.

For more information on McAfee's consumer mobile security offerings, please visit www.mcafee.com/us/mms.

About McAfee

McAfee, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), empowers businesses, the public sector and home users, to safely experience the benefits of the Internet. The company delivers proactive and proven security solutions and services for systems, networks, and mobile devices around the world. With its Security Connected strategy, innovative approach to hardware-enhanced security, and unique Global Threat Intelligence network, McAfee is relentlessly focused on keeping its customers safe. http://www.mcafee.com

[Deal Alert] 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD for $250

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 10:51 AM PST

Those that may be holding off on a pretty sweet deal on the Kindle Fire HD may want to pull the trigger today. Today only, Amazon has the 8.9″ tablet as their ‘Deal of the Day.’ That deal will land you $50 off if you enter coupon code ‘FIREHD89′ at checkout to score the deal which will make the price of the 16GB version $250. The deal is limited to one per person and will be available through today, or until stock runs out whichever happens to come first. Anyone been holding off and possibly jumping on this deal? 

source:  Amazon

Next Launcher Is Released To The Masses, Gives Another Taste Of 3D Homescreens

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 09:15 AM PST

 

We all know how popular and awesome GO Launcher already is– but the maker now has a new launcher up its sleeves for the masses to try out called Next Launcher. It’s a 3D-based launcher which has full 3D elements and 3D effects, while featuring items like an unlimited screen layout, stereoscopic screen preview and of course, those fancy 3D widgets that compliment the 3D screen. Essentially– Next Launcher is GO Launcher in full 3D— and who doesn’t want to see a cool 3D launcher to cover up their awful skin on their Android device?

The new launcher is up for all  Android 2.2+ devices, but will run you about 16 bucks— which might be a bit hefty for some. Still– the launcher is intriguing enough, so if you’re willing overlook the steep price and give it a try, head on down to the Play Store today and give it a try.

 

Play Store Download Link

And Then The Bootloader Was Unlocked: Verizon Galaxy Note II Is One Step Closer To Custom Glory

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 08:37 AM PST

 

Time to pop the champagne bottles and have a celebration if you’re an owner of the Verizon Galaxy Note II— the bootloader looks to have been officially unlocked. Thanks to the tireless work of a few hard-working individuals, they have cracked what is the hardest part of the Galaxy Note II’s shell– despite Big Red’s strong insistence on keeping its devices “safe and secure”. The way the Galaxy Note II’s bootloader was cracked is quite ingenious too actually– all that was needed to do was to trick the Galaxy Note II into thinking it’s a device that’s 0.7-inches smaller and eventually flashing a PIT file in order to revert back to the Galaxy Note II’s original identity after the phone has been unlocked. The method has only been tested on one device as of this time, but with more time and usage of this method— we should see this unlock exploit work on most, if not all Verizon Galaxy Note II variants.

So we have root and now we have an unlocked bootloader. All we need now is those ROMs to eventually start a’flowin’! Hopefully you Galaxy Note II owners don’t have to wait too much longer for some of that custom ROM goodness.

source: Adam Outen+

Samsung Wants To Remind Us That “Something New” Is On The Way, Will Give Up The Deets In January 2013

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 07:53 AM PST

We think we may have an idea of what Sammy may have set for CES 2013, but it’s gone ahead and decided to tease us anyways that we should have a lot to look forward to next month. It recently released a teaser video indicating that it has “something new” up its sleeve. Of “something new” is a bit vague and can be a wide-open number of possibilities, but still– you can’t help but get giddy at the thought of even cooler devices on the way.

You can see the full teaser vid once you hit the break.

 

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

source: Samsung Tomorrow

Samsung releases second video showcasing additional features of the Galaxy S III premium suite upgrade

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 07:24 AM PST

Last week Samsung released a video highlighting many of the features that will be on the upcoming premium suite upgrade for the Galaxy S III. There’s still more features as they just released part two. This one shows you Paper Artist, Low Light Shot, Best Face, Easy Mode, Sound Balance, Setup Wizard, and Camera Easy Snap. Just hit the break to check it out.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Apple and Google pair up to purchase surfeit of Kodak patents

Posted: 09 Dec 2012 03:21 PM PST

While Apple may have not directly sued Google in relation to its many mobile patents, the two haven’t necessarily been the best of buddies in the courtroom. It seems as though that may be about to change, at least temporarily. New reports have surfaced claiming that the two will indeed join forces to purchase 1,100 of Kodak’s highly sought after imaging patents. It’s expected that both Silicon Valley companies will have to conjure up around $500 million to acquire the array of patents.

The deal should help ease tensions between the two, as both parties would have equal rights to Kodak’s protected imaging-related technology IPs. While this may sound unrealistic, this type of joint venture could prove to be most beneficial to the consumer, considering both companies would be legally allowed to include various tidbits of revolutionary technology in new products. The joint funds would also help Kodak recover from bankruptcy, effectively keeping one of the most innovative imaging and photographic equipment companies afloat during these troubling times.

It’s entirely possible that the deal may not be the final bid for either side, as Google or Apple could each make a bid of their own to buy the patents individually. However, this is one of those strange times where you actually hope the two frenemies can get along in the spirit of innovation.

Source: Bloomberg
Posted by at 6:47 AM

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