Friday, May 18, 2012

Android Community

Android Community


Want to keep Verizon unlimited data? Pay up

Posted: 18 May 2012 10:16 AM PDT

There’s been a lot of hubbub this week for Verizon’s “grandfathered” unlimited data customers, who are concerned that their all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of 3G and 4G LTE will end when the company introduces new shared data plans this summer. Verizon has updated their statement, assuring unlimited customers that they don’t have to sign a new contract if they don’t want to. Of course, that also means that they’ll be ineligible for the discounted pricing on new phones, without which most mid-range and high-end Android devices become prohibitively expensive.

The basic gist is this: if you sign a new contract after the summer, even if it’s extending your current contract, you lose unlimited data. The only way to get a new phone (such as, say, the Verizon-bound Galaxy S III) and keep unlimited is to purchase it outright. Most of the headlining Verizon phones, like the DROID RAZR MAXX, HTC Rezound and Galaxy Nexus, go for a whopping $649 without a contract discount.

That’s a lot of money to spend to hand on to unlimited data. On the plus side, it means that you’re free to go to another service provider if you get sick and tired of Verizon’s nickel-and-dime policies. As an unlimited customer myself (who’s long past his upgrade date), I must say that it’s a definite option, especially considering the lack of new power phones in Verizon’s lineup for the last few months. If I’m going to have to spend a ton of money anyway, I might as well get an unlocked phone and buy a Straight Talk unlimited SIM card.

In any case, the message for current unlimited users is clear: switch to tiered data, pay up, or get out. It’s frustrating to see wireless companies increase their spectrum, bandwidth and capabilities while all the time demanding more money for less data. Those of you who are unlimited on Verizon and eligible for an upgrade, get one soon to lock in your rates for another two years.

[via SlashGear]


DROID Bionic update leaks – another Gingerbread build

Posted: 18 May 2012 09:54 AM PDT

Another official build from Motorola and Verizon for the popular DROID Bionic has been leaked recently. Sadly we are still waiting for the official Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Bionic, and now that seems to be pretty far off. When we are still seeing Gingerbread builds leak, that can’t be a good thing for the Android 4.0 ICS progress.

According to the details from the folks at Droidfurms this Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread build doesn’t appear to do much, and didn’t even bump the Bionic to 2.3.6 or 2.3.7 Gingerbread. With the DROID 4 seeing an ICS leak recently many were hoping the Bionic was next but that still isn’t the case. Almost every other new Motorola DROID phone has seen an ICS leak, but none have been officially updated yet.

Verizon and Motorola list the update as build 5.9.905 for the Bionic, and with soak test invites for an update going out a few weeks ago it looks like this might be the final version ready for users. From the comments it appears to be quite minor, possibly preparing the Bionic for Android 4.0 ICS to arrive later. Other than that there’s a few battery saving updates as well as better 3G/4G hand-offs and general performance. You can give it a try, or wait for the official update which should arrive shortly.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : DROID Bionic
    Manufactuer : Motorola
    Carrier : Verizon
    Announced Date : August 24, 2011
    Release Date : September 08, 2011
    Also Known As : Targa
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.3 Inch
  • Resolution : 540x960
  • Screen Type : qHD
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.00 Inch
  • Width : 2.60 Inch
  • Depth : 0.40 Inch
  • Weight : 159 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1735 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • MP3
    Video Playback:
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU :
    CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1024 MB
    Internal Storage : 16.384 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
  • 720p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • GSM
  • CDMA
    GSM Band:
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1800
  • 1900
    CDMA Band:
  • 800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 2.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via Droid-Life]


Acer Iconia Tab A700 spotted at the FCC

Posted: 18 May 2012 09:39 AM PDT

Like high-powered smartphones themselves, Android tablets are on the cusp of a considerable leap forward. A big part of that will be resolution, and Acer hopes to be leading the pack with the Iconia Tab A700. The latest in the Iconia series doesn’t have an official US launch date yet, but it’s been spotted hanging out at the FCC by Liliputing, which means that it can’t be too far off. Any takers?

Like the recently upgraded Iconia Tab A510, the A700 will get a quad-core Tegra 3 processor and Ice Cream Sandwich at launch. But unlike the current models, it’ll be sporting an impressive 1920×1200 10-inch screen. Capacities come in 32 and 64GB, with HDMI, a USB host port and a 5 megapixel rear camera thrown in for good measure. The battery will be a massive 9800mAh. Right now there’ no news of a wireless broadband version (the model at the FCC is WiFi only) but there’s no reason there couldn’t be.

At this point it’s a race between Acer and ASUS to see who can get the first 1080p Android tablet out. Neither the A700 nor ASUS’ Transformer Pad 700 Infinity have a firm release date, though late summer is looking pretty likely. These models will naturally carry a premium over their lower-res siblings, with the A700 getting a previously quoted price of  €549.


Samsung Retail Store headed to Canada this summer

Posted: 18 May 2012 09:26 AM PDT

Samsung is aiming to open their first actual brick and mortar retail store later this summer in Canada. It appears that Samsung will be opening up shop in Burnaby, British Columbia and like stores such as Apple will have an extensive set of demonstrations and hands-on booths for many of their top selling products.

Samsung currently has a few stores in their home country of South Korea, and many other parts of the world, including a few in NYC but this will be their first shop to open the doors for the folks up in Canada. The Newswire press release gave away a few of the details we can expect such as educational programs and more. Here’s what Samsung Canada’s president had to say:

“Samsung is excited to bring a new level of retail experience to Canadians,” said James Politeski, President of Samsung Electronics Canada. “Our vision is to provide an immersive space where consumers can interact with our products in totally new ways and enjoy unprecedented service levels.”

Like like some of their competition Samsung will have multiple booths for hands-on time with their products, demonstrations, an “in-store education center” including a “smart table technology” area and more. It’s one thing to see a device on TV, or from reviewers such as myself but being able to walk in and get the full experience without a Verizon rep trying to make a deal would surely help their cause. Samsung is dominating the Android mobile market and appears to be showing no signs of slowing down.

Have you been to a Samsung Store? Can they compete with the large Apple stores worldwide?

[via Mobile Syrup]


Google Wallet baffles with root access request

Posted: 18 May 2012 08:23 AM PDT

In the continuing mild drama that is Google Wallet‘s security, there’s a new wrinkle to report. The latest update is specifically for the HTC EVO 4G LTE (which won’t be released any time soon – thanks, Apple!) and a small bug fix. But why is the application suddenly asking for root access? Rooted users found that when they restarted the app after the update it asked Superuser for root permissions.

There doesn’t seem to be anything that the app itself is actually doing with these permissions, whether or not you choose to grant them. Wallet has been aware of rooted phones for months, ever since a fairly alarming method of stealing a rooted user’s data and funds was found. The app displays a warning to rooted users, but that doesn’t seem to have changed.

Some have put forth the idea that the permission request is simply a byproduct of the app detecting the rooted state of the phone itself. It’s also possible that an update in the Superuser app (which allows rooted users to selectively grant permissions to different apps) is to blame, since not everyone is experiencing the issue. Google has not issued a statement on the reasoning, but Wallet seems to be functioning just fine.

[via Droid-Life]


Best Buy backtracks: EVO 4G LTE delayed indefinitely

Posted: 18 May 2012 07:54 AM PDT

Raise your hand if you saw this one coming. After posting a tepid date of May 23d for the much-anticipated HTC EVO 4G LTE, Best Buy has updated their outlook for the new superphone with… nothing. The EVO 4G LTE along with the latter shipments of AT&T’s HTC One X are both in limbo after being impounded in US customs by the ITC, which is conducting an investigation to see if the devices comply with a ruling on an Apple software patent made back in December.

The EVO 4G LTE had been scheduled to go on sale today, when it would have been the newest and most advanced phone on The Now Network. Thanks to Apple’s prosecution of a software patent for (of all things) contextual links, both US devices have been barred from import for the foreseeable future while the International Trade Commission determines whether or not they comply with its ruling. HTC has stated, twice, that it has reworked the software to limit the functionality of its devices and avoid using Apple’s nebulous patents.

Welcome to the future, folks, where any idea or function can be patented no matter how ethereal or obvious. The biggest loser here isn’t HTC, or even the networks that Apple is blocking from engaging in trade (while notably offering their own products, with inferior technical specifications, as alternatives). It’s the consumer whose choice is limited because the patent system rewards not those who create an idea, but those who can find the right way to stamp their name on it. Make no mistake, the system is being abused for commercial gain. Note that the HTC One S, with nearly identical software but running on a cellular network where Apple doesn’t compete, can be bought all over the country.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : EVO 4G LTE
    Manufactuer : HTC
    Carrier : Unknown
    Announced Date : April 04, 2012
    Release Date : May 18, 2012
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
  • Resolution : 1280x720
  • Screen Type : SLCD 2
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.31 Inch
  • Width : 2.72 Inch
  • Depth : .35 Inch
  • Weight : 134 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 2000 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.0.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : S4
    CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1024 MB
    Internal Storage : 16GB GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
  • A2DP
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :


Galaxy S III gets 9 million pre-orders worldwide

Posted: 18 May 2012 07:00 AM PDT

The original Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy S II have sold over 30 million units around the world in the last two years. But if a report from the Korea Economic Daily is anything to go by, the Galaxy S III will beat them both with a metaphorical hand tied behind its backplate. They estimate that nine million units have been pre-ordered around the world, from over 100 carriers – and there’s still a week and a half to go before the first phones start rolling out to Europe.

A fervent response was certainly expected – after all, the Galaxy S III got at least as many leaks, fakes and outright fibs as any recent Apple product you’d care to name. Anticipation was at a fever pitch when Samsung finally made its London debut earlier this month, and while the design may leave some feeling a little disappointed, there’s no arguing with the specifications or software enhancements. For a full rundown on the Galaxy S III, check out our wrap-up post.

While there’s not a single US carrier that’s confirmed that the Galaxy S III will brace its network, there’s been some compelling evidence that the Big Four will all get their own version later this summer. A couple of leaks for the Verizon version in particular show the now-familiar combination of a Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor (as opposed to the quad-core Exynos on the international version) and an LTE connection. It’s likely that every major US carrier, with the possible exception of T-Mobile, will use this hardware configuration.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Galaxy S III
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier : NA
    Announced Date : May 03, 2012
    Release Date : May 29, 2012
    Also Known As : The Next Galaxy, SGSIII
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.8 Inch
  • Resolution : 720x1280
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED HD
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.37 Inch
  • Width : 2.77 Inch
  • Depth : 0.33 Inch
  • Weight : 133 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 2100 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.0.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : Exynos 4 Quad
    CPU Clock Speed : 1400 Mhz
    Core : 4
    Ram : 1024 MB
    Internal Storage : 32 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • GSM
    GSM Band:
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • A2DP
  • Bluetooth 4.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via SlashGear]


32GB HP TouchPad on sale for $195 – today only

Posted: 18 May 2012 06:31 AM PDT

Ever since an insane fire sale chopped the price off of the HP TouchPad down to $100, the one and only WebOS tablet has become something of a modder’s dandy. While they’re nearly impossible to find at retail these days, the cheeky salesmen at Woot.com have managed to snag an unknown quantity of the upgraded 32GB version, and they’re selling them off for $194.99 each (plus $5 shipping). They’re bound to go quickly, and Woot only sells an item for one day in any case, so hurry if your want one.

Almost immediately after HP announced the fire sale on the formerly $500 tablet, work began among Android developers to get a version of Android booting on the TouchPad. Today, in a strange reversal of circumstances, it’s one of the most universally supported “Android” tablets in the world, with dozens of active Android ports including major players like CyanogenMod 9, AOKP and MIUI, all with Ice Cream Sandwich versions running. Best of all, they’re all run off of a custom pre-boot environment that keeps the original WebOS - quite solid, if a little lacking in the apps department – intact.

We’ve got a TouchPad here at Android Community that does commendable duty as a wireless media player, with the help of a TouchStone charger and an AOKP port. For a hands-on look at CyanogenMod on the much-loved device, check out our article here. If you haven’t been able to justify the expense of a Honeycomb or ICS tablet (and there’s certainly plenty of arguments against it) this could be a great and relatively cheap way to try your hand at some serious Android modding.

[via SlashGear]


NVIDIA TegraZone Anniversary Reminder – get your Sonic 4 Episode II on!

Posted: 18 May 2012 12:37 AM PDT

This month we’re celebrating with NVIDIA and ASUS the best way we all know now – with Tegra 3 and next-level mobile gaming! This time around we’ve got a brand new Sonic the Hedgehog game as well as an Anniversary Tegra Pack to remind you of whose birthday it is: the NVIDIA TegraZone is one year old! You’ll be rolling out with no less than your very own ASUS Transformer Pad TF300 tablet made amazing by the games popping up on the regular right inside the TegraZone app – soon and very soon!

The first year for NVIDIA’s TegraZone has been a fabulous one, jam packed with amazing game releases optimized for the Tegra platform first and foremost. On top of these releases have come tablet and smartphone after tablet and smartphone, and this event is no different! Head to our TegraZone Anniversary Tegra Pack Giveaway Google+ thread for the full set of details on how you’ll be grabbing a pack for yourself right this second. Next have a peek at how NVIDIA is doing something very similar with their own TegraZone mobile voting site where you’ll have your choice of awesome NVIDIA-powered games to choose from in an event that also yields a Transformer Pad pack of goodies!

The NVIDIA TegraZone Anniversary Tegra Pack we’re pushing out to you courtesy of ASUS and NVIDIA consists of no less than an ASUS Transformer Pad TF300, a TF300 keyboard dock, a Logitech game controller, and a Jawbone Jambox Speaker in slimy awesome NVIDIA green. Then it’s time for some awesome Sonic action.

Have a peek at Sonic 4 Episode II, aka Sonic 4 Episode II THD in our hands-on look both above this paragraph and in our hands-on experience pre-release post – and note that it’s on the market right now as well – grab it from the TegraZone!


Gartner: Samsung makes up 40% of Android smartphone sales

Posted: 17 May 2012 04:55 PM PDT

For the moment, Samsung and Joss Whedon have something in common: they’re both on top of the world. After shipping more smartphones than any other company last quarter, a new report from Gartner says that four out of every ten Android smartphones comes from Samsung. Considering that Android is indisputably the top smartphone OS on the planet, that’s no fleeting statistic.

They’re beating the pants off of their nearest competitors in the Android world, none of which managed to crack a 10% share. Altogether Android makes up a 56% share of the world’s smartphones, according to Gartner’s estimates. Smartphone sales in general grew enough for both Android and iOS to gain, with BlackBerry and the various flavors of Windows falling behind.

Samsung is likely to continue their dominance until the end of 2012 at least. They introduce more models in more markets than any other smartphone maker, and their flagship Galaxy S III will likely sell in the tens of millions of units if the previous two generations are any indication. Love them or hate them, it’s impossible to deny their success – except in the tablet market, where the iPad and inexpensive Android reader tablets are dominating just about everybody.

[via eWeek]


LG Viper 4G LTE with Google Wallet makes life easier

Posted: 17 May 2012 04:33 PM PDT

Last month LG released their new LG Viper 4G LTE for the Now Network. Although 4G LTE still isn’t quite available one of the other important and awesome features of LG’s Viper is NFC capabilities. Coming out of the box with Google Wallet we decided to give you all an actual first hand look at using Google Wallet to make a purchase or pay for parking using the LG Viper 4G LTE. It’s little things like the low price, and Google Wallet that makes life easier with LG.

Now Google Wallet has been available since late last year but hasn’t seen the attention or widespread use we all thought. With a few vulnerabilities fixed and Google possibly thinking about sharing revenues with carriers hopefully this new way of eCommerce will start to flourish. Not only is the new LG Viper 4G LTE a powerful dual-core phone, but it’s extremely affordable, and a great mid-range phone with tons of high points like the upcoming LTE and NFC options. You can check out our full review here before enjoying our Google Wallet hands-on below.

LG Viper 4G LTE Google Wallet hands-on

After that quick little tour of Google Wallet on the LG Viper 4G LTE you can see just how extremely simple and easy it is to manage things using the two together. LG’s been having fun with their “Dad Wallet” campaign over at Facebook.com/LGUSAMobile and you can join in on Facebook. Asking fans to submit pictures of their parents huge wallets full of junk, and in return why they should replace that bulky wallet with a new smartphone and Google Wallet like I’ve done myself.

Essentially what it all comes down to is the LG Viper 4G LTE is an awesome Android smartphone that any parent would love for Mother’s Day or the upcoming Father’s Day. It’s powerful, budget-friendly, and will help simplify your social and work life with 4G LTE speeds and convenient features like NFC with Google Wallet and more. Try one out today or learn more at LG.com/Viper.

Screen Shot 2012-05-17 at 3.37.44 PM Screen Shot 2012-05-17 at 2.05.20 PM Screen Shot 2012-05-17 at 2.03.02 PM P1090507 P1090505 Screen Shot 2012-05-17 at 2.01.00 PM P1090508 Screen Shot 2012-05-17 at 1.59.53 PM
Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Viper 4G LTE
    Manufactuer : LG
    Carrier : Unknown
    Announced Date : April 06, 2012
    Release Date : April 22, 2012
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.0 Inch
  • Resolution : 480x800
  • Screen Type : TFT
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 4.6 Inch
  • Width : 2.6 Inch
  • Depth : 0.47 Inch
  • Weight : 141 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1700 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
  • WMV
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : S3
    CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 4GB GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 5 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
  • 720p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

– This post is sponsored by LG Mobile USA


LG Eclipse 4G LTE spotted in the flesh

Posted: 17 May 2012 04:26 PM PDT

OK, so “flesh” probably isn’t applicable for a hunk of plastic, glass and silicon, but you get my drift. BriefMobile spotted the latest of The Now Network’s new devices and got a candid photo of the LG Eclipse 4G LTE that leaves nothing to the imagination. The flagship-level device is expected to his retailers in the latter half of this year.

According to the rumors, the Eclipse will feature a massive 4.67-inch display (almost certainly using a 720p IPS panel from LG), a quad-core Snapdragon processor, 2GB of RAM (just like LG’s Optimus LTE 2) and 16GB of on-board storage. The battery will be an impressive 2100mAh, roughly matching the Galaxy S III. Presumably this guy will launch with an LG-customized version of Android 4.0.

Based on the specs lone, I’d say that the Eclipse 4G LTE sounds like an American version of the Optimus LTE2. That would fit LG’s current pattern of doing some extensive customization for American carriers – both AT&T’s Nitro HD and Verizon’s Spectrum are branded variants of the original Optimus LTE. But The Now Network gets an important leverage: the addition of NFC, all the better to use with Google Wallet.


HTC and Apple ordered to lawsuit settlement talks by Delaware court

Posted: 17 May 2012 03:04 PM PDT

It looks like the legal system might be starting to get sick of all these lawsuits for IP and trademarks as of late because another round of settlement talks has just been ordered. The United States District for the District of Delaware has issued orders for Apple and HTC to sit down for some friendly conversation and settlement talks instead of drawing this out like a bad divorce.

If this sounds familiar it is because a very similar situation has also been put in place for the Apple vs Samsung situation. Apple and Samsung CEO’s (and judges and lawyers) are set to do something similar later this year too. According to the popular Foss Patents HTC and Apple will try to settle their differences and come to some agreements this August.

It isn’t know if they’ll be sending CEO’s like the Samsung sit down, but for now we can assume it will. The representatives will need to have some pretty high authority to make choices based on the company. The only concern I see here is the fact that the HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE have been delayed due to this situation, although HTC has worked around the IP they’ve infringed on. Could this mean those devices might get halted here in the US until late August after these meetings?

Most likely HTC will work their hardest to get their phones in the public as soon as possible, but this meeting could very well change their fate. The sit down is scheduled for August 28th and surely we’ll be hearing plenty more about this before, and after the date. Stay tuned for more details.

[via The Verge]


HTC EVO 4G LTE coming May 23rd according to Best Buy

Posted: 17 May 2012 01:36 PM PDT

It looks like those who pre-ordered the new HTC EVO 4G LTE might have some good news coming there way today after all. Yesterday the carrier and HTC confirmed that the impressive new smartphone was being delayed at US Customs for inspections after the HTC vs Apple lawsuits, but today Best Buy is claiming something a bit different.

The new EVO was supposed to become available tomorrow, May 18th but the problems with customs put that up in the air. Then yesterday we learned it was being completely delayed because of the ITC investigation. This could mean that Best Buy either didn’t get the memo, or they know something we don’t and the phones will be arriving sooner than later.

According to multiple sources and tips we’ve just received (thanks guys) it looks like those who pre-ordered from Best Buy have started getting emails today from the retail store claiming pre-orders will begin shipping on May 23rd, so early next week. Until HTC releases a statement and the US Customs releases the phones this seems highly unlikely but we’ll all know soon enough the fate of the EVO 4G LTE and HTC One X.

Did you pre-order from Best Buy? If so did you receive this email too?

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : EVO 4G LTE
    Manufactuer : HTC
    Carrier : Unknown
    Announced Date : April 04, 2012
    Release Date : May 18, 2012
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
  • Resolution : 1280x720
  • Screen Type : SLCD 2
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.31 Inch
  • Width : 2.72 Inch
  • Depth : .35 Inch
  • Weight : 134 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 2000 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.0.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : S4
    CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1024 MB
    Internal Storage : 16GB GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
  • A2DP
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :


T-Mobile intros new no contract mobile broadband plans

Posted: 17 May 2012 01:00 PM PDT

Today T-Mobile has officially announced their new no contract mobile broadband offerings. Just in time for summer it looks like T-Mobile will be offering some decent 4G mobile broadband services for those that don’t like to sign contracts. The new plans and pricing details below will be available from T-Mobile starting May 20th. They might not be the best prices around, but for no contracts I think some will like what they have to offer.

T-Mobiles new plans will give users flexible and affordable access to their “blazing fast” 4G (HSPA+) internet while on the go. T-Mo’s broadband services works for Android tablets, mobile hotspots and their lineup of laptop sticks like the Rocket 3.0 shown above. Now users can get the speeds they need without signing a 2-year contract. Starting at $15 here’s what T-Mobile has to offer:

– 300MB 1-week pass for $15
– 1.5GB 1-month pass for $25
– 3.5GB 1-month pass for $35
– 5GB 1-month pass for $50

Again, these aren’t the best deals around compared to some of the others. The difference here is these are off contract and users can use it as they’d like. Instead of signing a 2-year contract to have mobile broadband for that vacation to Cali this summer just use T-Mobile’s no-contract plans for one week, or the entire month. These will be available starting May 20th and you can learn more from the via link below.

[via T-Mobile]


Verizon releases official statement on Unlimited Data plans

Posted: 17 May 2012 12:03 PM PDT

Yesterday the Verizon customers world was shattered when their CFO mentioned that all grandfathered unlimited data plans would be losing their precious data in favor of tiered shared data plans. With a huge outcry from the public today Verizon has released an official statement on the matter. While this doesn’t fully clear things up, it shows they’ve noticed the outburst and are looking into how they’ll handle the situation.

Basically they’ve assured us that users won’t be seeing their precious unlimited data plans ripped away from their death grip hands, instead Verizon will be waiting for contracts to end, upgrades to come and users will be required to switch. So yes, you’ll still lose that unlimited grandfathered plan, but not any time soon. If you’re using an unlimited plan now nothing will change, but when your contract ends and you re-sign or upgrade to a new 4G LTE device you’ll be switched to the tiered shared plans, you won’t be able to carry the grandfathered plan over.

"As we have stated publicly, Verizon Wireless has been evaluating its data pricing structure for some time. Customers have told us that they want to share data, similar to how they share minutes today. We are working on plans to provide customers with that option later this year.

We will share specific details of the plans and any related policy changes well in advance of their introduction, so customers will have time to evaluate their choices and make the best decisions for their wireless service. It is our goal and commitment to continue to provide customers with the same high value service they have come to expect from Verizon Wireless." – Brenda Raney for Verizon

From our understanding if users stay on their older 3G plans and 3G phones and don’t upgrade, or sign a new contract they’ll be fine. Once you are ready to move on to a new device you’ll be required to switch to the new plans. For now this won’t be effecting anyone, and Verizon will give users plenty of time when they start switching to shared data late this summer. If you’ve recently bought a 4G LTE phone and still have that grandfathered plan you might be safe for a few years til you need an upgrade.

This doesn’t answer all of our questions, but might help a few of you calm down and not be so upset. I personally am a fan of shared data, so long as Verizon goes about it the correct way. Thoughts?

[via SlashGear]


“Appreciate” is your personalized app market for Android

Posted: 17 May 2012 11:24 AM PDT

Today we stumbled across a neat app called Appreciate-Personal App Market. We’ve seen similar apps before for Android but what this does is exactly as it’s titled. Shows you apps and games that you’ll like, personalized by what you’ve already got installed, and your interests. It is very thorough but does need Facebook access to truly be used to its full potential. More details and screenshots below.

A good way to explain it would be part aggregator, part app discovery, all based on personal preferences. Once you make an account or sign in with Facebook it categorizes and indexes all your installed apps, and if you share it with Facebook it will do the same with your friends and match app and game similarities. From there you’ll get highly personalized recommendations for everything from games, apps, tablet apps, apps for men/women, new games, even root specific apps.

Above you can see the games it recommends, with a check mark next to what I’ve already got installed. Then once you select a game it gives you a breakdown of downloads, relevance, and gender to make sure it suits your needs. Once connected with friends you’ll see who else has it downloaded, and you even look up similar apps. Basically this is a huge index of tons and tons of games and apps for Android. No longer will you miss that popular fun new game because you didn’t see it in the flooding pages of the Google Play Store. Everything is neatly presented to you — all personalized to your needs, wants, and interests.

The app does have a few bugs where app preview screenshots are blurry, and I didn’t dig too deep into the security aspects either with how it collects all of this data so for those worried about that you might want to take a closer look. If you’d like a way to get personalized app recommendations I’d recommend you give Appreciate a try.

Screenshot_2012-05-17-10-51-52 Screenshot_2012-05-17-10-56-05 Screenshot_2012-05-17-10-53-54 Screenshot_2012-05-17-10-56-51 Screenshot_2012-05-17-10-56-11 Screenshot_2012-05-17-10-56-28

[via Google Play Store]