Friday, June 8, 2012

Android Community

Android Community


US Cellular Galaxy S III coming in July for $199 – after a rebate

Posted: 08 Jun 2012 10:29 AM PDT

Earlier this week the folks from US Cellular announced their Galaxy S III model, just like 4 other carriers here in the US did. While most carriers mentioned pre-order dates and full pricing US Cellular left those details out. Today they’ve confirmed retail availability, as well as full pricing information.

US Cellular’s Samsung Galaxy S III will be available for pre-order June 12th just as we already knew, with availability being sometime early July. Today however they’ve just confirmed what we all already expected for pricing. The 16GB version will be priced at $199 just like every other carrier, and their 32GB model will be $249 with a new agreement of course.

The bad news here is both of those prices are actually after a $100 mail in rebate. So come launch date you’ll be forking out $299 or $349 and then getting a Benjamin back in the mail at a later date. That might cause some to think twice but this is still by far the best handset available from US Cellular, and probably will be all summer long. Hit our various links below for full details and reviews of the new Samsung Galaxy S III. You can pre-order the USC version come June 12th from uscellular.com/gs3.


Samsung pulls an Apple, changes MHL-HDMI port on Galaxy S III

Posted: 08 Jun 2012 10:12 AM PDT

Uh oh, we have some rather small but bad news this afternoon. Samsung has apparently changed the MHL-HDMI port on the Galaxy S III in a way that existing adapters for HD video-output will not work. This means that those who previously owned a MHL adapter from a previous phone like the Galaxy S II, Galaxy Nexus, or multiple HTC phones it will not work with Samsung’s latest and greatest.

Now if you’re asking yourself wait, isn’t that the micro-USB port pictured above? Yes, yes it is. Many recent phones have adapted the MHL standard, where micro-USB ports double as an HDMI-out using MHL and can output video even while charging your phone. Basically mirroring your phone to a HDTV or monitor. Just like when Apple changed the pin configuration causing all the accessories from previous iPhone and iPod’s to no longer work with new models, Samsung’s apparently done the same here with their micro-USB MHL port.

This was first reported by the folks over at The Clove, and has since been stirring up a little bit of discussion. MHL is billed as a new industry standard yet Samsung has made this their own. Our friends and sister site SlashGear has confirmed old MHL adapters no longer work, and that Samsung is selling a new one priced at $39 for the Galaxy S III.

This isn’t a very good move on Samsung’s part if you ask me, and I bet I’m not alone with that thought. Many Galaxy S II owners will have to buy a new adapter should they pick up this flagship phone from Samsung later this month.

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 :


Motorola Dinara leaked as Atrix 3 LTE for AT&T

Posted: 08 Jun 2012 09:41 AM PDT

It looks like Motorola’s next big flagship launch for AT&T has leaked this morning. We’ve heard the codename Dinara for a top tier Motorola phone since as early as last July, but if leaks from the folks at The Verge are correct it will finally be coming possibly this summer as the Motorola Atrix 3 LTE for AT&T.

In a way you could call this phone the RAZR HD but for AT&T here in the states since we’ve seen a very similar model over in China. From what we can see this will be Motorola’s next big phone for AT&T. Complete with a 4.3 or 4.5-inch 720p HD display, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, on-screen navigation keys (no capacitive or hardware buttons), clearly some Moto Blur style user interface changes, and more.

If past leaks are accurate this phone will most likely come to market running on Qualcomm’s 1.5 GHz dual-core S4 processor found inside the Galaxy S III, HTC One S, and more for its 4G LTE capabilities. Previous rumors suggested a huge 13 megapixel camera and 2 megapixel front for video but for now that’s not been confirmed. If the tipster, as well as the on-screen weather and date widget are accurate, we could be seeing this phone around late July (26th) over on AT&T.

[via SlashGear]


Google Project Glass to see rapid increase in testing

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 04:25 PM PDT

Google‘s been busy testing out some neat new gadgets that we all should know by know called Project Glass. These augmented reality type glasses allow users to do all sorts of fun things. This week it’s been tipped directly from the FCC that not only is Google severely ramping up their testing, but they could be trying to get at least one version of Google Glass to pass the FCC by August of this year, not 2013.

According to multiple different FCC filings by Google reported by PhoneArena it looks like Google’s planning on going from having around 100 pairs of Project Glass floating around with their staff, all the way up to over 700.

Either that or Google has a completely different “personal communication device” they’ve just sent to the FCC for clearance as soon as August. This wouldn’t be a tablet or anything as 722 units is way too low, and it doesn’t have cell service listed along with the WiFi and Bluetooth parts. Since we’ve heard Project Glass is still a year or more away from actually being a retail device this makes perfect sense. We’ve already seen Google’s rumored Nexus Tablet clear the FCC and this is the only logical thing multiple sources have come up with. Either Google has a few more unique devices in the pipes (I’m sure they do in some fashion) or they are looking to increase Project Glass testing. We have a feeling it’s the latter of the two.

Most likely Google will be showing them off at Google I/O later this month at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. We’ll be there live in 19 short days to coverage all the news and hopefully get a few up close looks at Project Glass so stay tuned.

[via SlashGear]


Verizon pushing more 4G LTE networks from Florida to Oregon

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 03:45 PM PDT

Like we’ve reported on multiple times over the past year Verizon is at it again this month pushing even more networks to 4G LTE across the country. They’ve been updating networks and markets to 4G LTE faster than AT&T by a long shot, and are now starting to release details on multiple more upgrades coming this month.

According to the official news feed direct from Verizon they are getting ready to expand their nationwide 4G LTE coverage to multiple cities and states across the US in June. Today alone they’ve issued 7 new press releases stating 4G LTE is headed to parts of Florida, Oregon, Idaho, Indiana, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and more.

Then over the past few days Verizon has announced their 4G LTE networks will be arriving in more cities throughout Massachusetts, Missouri, Georgia and come areas of South Carolina. The actual list of cities is too large to list because they have so many areas seeing updates over the next month, but for those interested if Verizon 4G LTE will be arriving in your area hit the link below for the full press release details and all locations. Verizon is rolling along quite nicely these days.

[via Verizon]


Samsung fights back, opposes Apple’s Galaxy S III ban

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 03:10 PM PDT

From previous lawsuits we already know Samsung has absolutely zero plans of backing down here, or slowing down their attempts to out due Apple in the mobile market. With yesterdays news that Apple was up to their usual and filed another injunction against Samsung, this time against their Galaxy S III, we now have a few reports stating Samsung isn’t worried and will move ahead as planned.

The boys from Cupertino are seeking a quick ban in the United States, this time targeting the Galaxy S III instead of an HTC device. Today our friends from Samsung have fired back, saying they intent to move ahead with the Galaxy S III launch as planned and will fight Apple's request tooth and nail. I added the tooth and nail part, well, because we all know they won’t go away quietly — and shouldn’t.

Samsung says that it will "vigorously oppose" any attempts by Apple to block the Galaxy S III superphone in the USA, and intends to meet the June 21st release date as planned. Samsung also stated they will "demonstrate to the court that the Galaxy S III is innovative and distinctive." Apple is going after Samsung for the same “data tapping” patent they locked down on HTC a few weeks back, and have also tossed in their "universal search technology" patent in regards to Siri.

The sit-down for settlement talks (link below) didn’t end too well, and now Apple is seeking a temporary ban on the Galaxy S III until the two can go to court again starting July 30th. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this as things move forward.

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]


Oracle loses again, ordered to pay Google’s legal fees

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 01:38 PM PDT

More bad news is being handed down to the folks at Oracle this week. After completely losing the legal battle with Google over Android and their Java code it looks like they’ve now been ordered to shell out some serious cash and pay back Google for all those pesky legal fees. Double win for Android!

Apparently after Oracle’s multiple (3) attempts in court over this issue, some ground rules this last time were put in place by the Judge stating if Oracle lost, they’d have to cover Google’s legal fees for wasting the courts time. Today this has all been confirmed and it looks like instead of getting millions billions of dollars from Google, they’ll be paying Google back a little over $300,000 for their trouble according to multiple sources close to the matter.

While $300k might not be a lot to a huge company like Oracle, it’s still another blow to them and their egos after this losing battle with Google. The official court documents are available here should you want to look them over and laugh a little. Now hopefully the same thing happens to Apple.

[via AndroidGuys]


SoundHound 5.0 brings HD album artwork and free song of the day

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 01:05 PM PDT

Forget Shazam. Have you tried SoundHound yet? I’ve been using it instead of Shazam for well over a year for its top notch user interface, options, lyrics, and outright faster music recognition. Today however they just made their app even better by updating to their all new version 5.0 that brings tons of changes. Below are a few screenshots showing their improved user interface and brand new features.

Hear an awesome song during a commercial or while out at the bar and would love to know who sings it? Just fire up SoundHound and you’ll know everything in seconds – including full lyrics, high res album artwork, links to download and buy it and even share with your friends. This is nothing new but everything about the new SoundHound 5.0 has been improved. The user interface is large, simple, and easy to navigate, and they even offer a full free song daily for users to stream. Take that Shazam!

According to the folks at SoundHound here is what you can expect with the all new version 5.0 that was just released today for Android.

With SoundHound 5.0, music search & discovery is fast, easy, and beautiful
• SoundHound’s famously fast music recognition is now even faster
• Big, beautiful album art and hi-res artist photos throughout the app
• New home screen featuring top artists and tracks
• Cleaner, easier to use interface
• Even more LiveLyrics scrolling in time with music

One new feature that for some reason they’ve not mentioned is Spotify integration. Here a song you like you can simply use SoundHound to figure it out, then share with your Spotify so you can have the full song whenever or wherever you go. The update is available now for both the free and paid version, although we’d recommend getting Infinity because it’s awesome. Enjoy!

SoundHound∞ Play Store Link
SoundHound Free Play Link

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Pocket TV Android 4.0 Micro-Computer makes any TV smarter

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 12:31 PM PDT

USB sticks complete with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and full 1080p streaming are becoming popular hot-ticket items as of late. From the FXI Cotton Candy and the other various options available, today we have one more to show you. This is the Pocket TV by Infinitec and this Micro computer is like many others, but has some awesome features you’ll want to see like the air-play style remote and more.

Basically this is a USB thumb drive sized computer that runs Android 4.0 ICS, has full access to the Google Play Store, supports 1080p video playback, and will make any HDMI-capable TV into a Smart TV or oversized tablet. We’ve seen em before but this one is unique and available for pre-order now at their kickstarter page. With a 1.0 GHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of storage, micro-SD slot, USB 2.0 support and full HDMI-out this little device packs a punch.

What makes this different from many others is not only the dedicated graphics for high quality video playback, but they also support tons of games. With similar offerings available on the market gaming isn’t possible without an additional purchase. For $99 you’ll get this Pocket TV USB stick and their IR Remote to control everything from web browsing, gaming, Netflix or video playback and more. According to their kickstarter page if you pre-order the $119 kit you’ll get their improved Air Remote.

The Air Remote option makes this truly versatile. With a full keyboard for easy browsing and search, as well as a gyroscopic sensor that allows you to control the Pocket TV just by moving it around (like a Wii controller.) This makes the experience just that much better and easier. They even have a Remote TV app where you can control it all with your Android smartphone too.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Playing games

With over $100,000 from backers already this is one you won’t want to miss. Get one now for $99 and up from their kickstarter page linked to below.

[via Pocket TV Kickstarter]


Evernote Food launches for Android

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 11:57 AM PDT

If you love to cook or just have a huge appetite today we have an app for you. The popular Evernote has just launched their new Evernote Food app for Android. Whether you’ve created a meal, enjoyed a meal, or saw something you don’t want to forget Evernote Food will help you save it — and quickly find it for later use. Everyone to the table: Evernote Food is here!

After successfully launching Evernote 4.0 for Android, then last week Evernote Hello for contacts, they are back with their food-fanatic app. This is the best way to capture, save, remember, and share your favorite meals with friends or family. The video below gives you a better idea of how this app and its beautiful user interface all works.

You can take photos of meals you cook or while eating out, add tags to quickly pull it up later, and even add little captions like “that hint of lime really made this dish” to help you remember every aspect of your meal. If you love to eat this should totally be on your Android phone. With location saving, sharing to Facebook and email they really give the food lover multiple options here. If your wife always posts the meals she cooks to Facebook she’ll want to give this app a try. More details are available at the links below.

Evernote Food Play Store Link

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[via Evernote]