Saturday, June 16, 2012

Android Community

Android Community


Verizon Galaxy S III delayed a day – shipping July 10

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 05:14 PM PDT

Samsung’s brand new flagship Galaxy S III smartphone will be in the hands of hundreds and thousands of buyers starting late next week – except for those on Verizon. T-Mobile and AT&T are pushing their phones out around June 21st but Verizon has opted to wait until the second week of July. Today we can confirm they’ve pushed the date back, but only by a day so it isn’t too big of a deal.

Verizon opened up their pre-order lines starting on June 6th, and we’ve heard a a few rumors suggesting a June 28th availability date, or even June 5th. Yesterday though Verizon confirmed the July 10th date with the image you see above. Posting on their site that pre-orders should ship in time to arrive on the 10th. Verizon usually releases phones on Thursdays but getting it two days earlier on Tuesday should make plenty of buyers happy.

We know it’s only a day but after their page originally said the 9th we wonder why they changed it two weeks later. Maybe they’ve had a large number of pre-orders and will need additional time to fill the orders. The phone is quite amazing and you can see our review and plenty of coverage in the timeline below. Verizon will also be making their SGSIII global capable so you can use it while roaming overseas. Cool huh? Did you order the Galaxy S III from Verizon and are you excited to get it? Does the extra day bother you?

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Galaxy S III (LTE)
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier : AT&T Verizon
    Announced Date : June 04, 2012
    Release Date : TBA
    Also Known As : SGH-I535 (Verizon), SGH-I747 (AT&T)
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.8 Inch
  • Resolution : 1280x720
  • 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
  • 3GP
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
  • WMV
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
  • IM
Hardware
    CPU : MSM8960 Snapdragon
    CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 2000 MB
    Internal Storage : 16 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:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • A2DP
  • Bluetooth 4.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via Pocket Now]


Zombies, Run! Fitness game finally available for Android

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 03:08 PM PDT

The popular Fitness game you’ve probably heard or seen a thing or two about for iOS has finally landed on Android. It’s Called Zombies, Run! and while there’s similar apps available this is the original. A smashing hit on iOS this will surely keep you motivated, and help you stay in shape — all while having fun at the same time.

This is much more than just a fitness app. It is a game and a lifestyle in a way. It might sound a little weird at first but it has a huge following and it helps people stay motivated while working out and running. Zombies, Run! is an ultra-immersive running game and audio adventure. You tie your shoes, put on your headphones, and take your first steps outside. Once you start running outside or on a treadmill you’ll start to hear the zombies, and your instructions to get away.

You can hear every guttural breath, every rattling groan – they're everywhere. Zombies. There's only one thing you can do: Run!

The entire game and story is delivered through your headphones via voice commands and pre-recordings. The app basically simulates a full out zombie infection where you’ll have to run to avoid being turned and infected. They offer 23 missions and 7 more will be coming in a future update. It offers 20-30 minute workout runs where you’ll surely sweat and burn some calories. The closer the Zombies get the faster you’ll have to run. The idea sounds a bit bizarre but tons of people love this to keep them motivated while exercising.

After each “mission” or workout you’re rewarded with supplies to keep the city going during the zombie apocalypse and will surely lose some calories at the same time. The idea around this is it’s more than just an app or a game, it’s a story that unfolds while keeping you motivated. You can get this for Android finally as of last night for $7.99 at the link below.

Zombies, Run! Play Store Link


Microsoft releases their first game for Android, Kinectimals to the Play Store

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 02:02 PM PDT

Microsoft has been sharing the love with the Android platform over the past week or so. Today they’ve released their first Android game to date, called Kinectimals. This cute little game has been available for Windows Phone 7 and iOS for some time but today they’ve released it to the Android world.

Earlier this week Microsoft finally released Xbox Live for Android, and today they’ve dropped their popular kids game for Android phones and tablets. The game works on both Android in standalone mode, as well as Xbox 360 companion mode where users can unlock 5 new cubs. Get ready to let your kids play with cute and cuddly animals on your Android.

The game is $2.99 in the Play Store and is a great buy for those with kids, or animal lovers in general. If you want a virtual pet or two this is a good way to start. Microsoft has been busy with Windows Phone, and Windows 8, but it’s nice to see a few of their apps finally making their way to the best mobile OS around. Give Microsoft’s Kinectimals a try today in the Google Play Store by clicking here.

[via SlashGear]


TI shows off OMAP 1080p video streaming over Wi-Fi

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 01:39 PM PDT

Today we’ve been given an early look into Texas Instruments OMAP 4470 and OMAP 5 processor and their plans for WiFi video streaming. Using WiLink connectivity and the OMAP platform TI is able to stream full 1080p video to a capable device, and still use the device for gaming or anything else at the same time. Once they gain a Miracast and WiFi Alliance certification we can expect to see this in their upcoming devices.

Texas Instruments went on to mention that us Android folks can expect our devices to offer full 1080p HD video streaming with "secure, low-latency, wireless network connections." Below is a quick hands-on demonstration by TI’s Eric Thomas, showing off what was mentioned above and how their SoC (system on chip) manages to easily stream Iron-Man in full 1080p HD to a nearby TV while still multitasking, gaming, and more.

Using the OMAP 4470 and WiLink 7.0 everything runs smoothly. TI plans for WiLink 8.0 certification and more later this year when they start rolling out their OMAP 5 processor line too. This was all shown off earlier this week at Texas Instruments developer event and we can expect much more from them coming soon. Using something as simple as HD video streaming could really come in handy with presentations, home use, and even in the car. TI has been quite the past few months, but we expect that to be changing here shortly.

[via SlashGear]


Fan shows us how Steam for Android should have looked

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 01:00 PM PDT

Today I was tipped about an awesome fan made version of Steam for Android. In case you didn’t know, yes Steam has an Android app to make sure you can follow your gamer friends, and never miss one of their big sales. While this fans design is awesome, I’d have to say this is how a lot more apps should look — not just Steam.

More details on Steam for Android can be found by clicking here. A friend tipped me about a thread over at the always popular Reddit, showing off how he thinks Steam “should” have looked. It follows along with Android (specifically 4.0 ICS) design elements, has HD image artwork, and high resolution textures. These are all things missing from Steam’s original app. The images are tiny, blurry, and the design is a complete mess. He calls it a “sin” and we’d have to agree. This brings me to a bigger thought though. This isn’t just how Steam should have looked, this is how tons and tons of apps should look but don’t.

To be honest I actually wouldn’t mind his design for the actual Google Play Store either. Sure the new design is nice, but his is sleek, simple, and clean. So what do you guys think. Does the Steam for Android look and work good, or could it use an overhaul? Since being announced and getting a few quick updates it has been pretty quiet. Do you even use Steam for Android, or would you use it if it looked like this?

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich has been available for more than a few months and while many phones still aren’t on the latest OS from Google, many will be in the future. Hopefully developers start building their apps tailored around Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich design elements. Oh and someone should hire this guy.

vvDEc steamandroid

[via Reddit]


Motorola RAZR V revealed with ICS and on-screen keys

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 12:18 PM PDT

Motorola today has outed a pair of devices headed to the Chinese mobile market. The one that caught my eye was the until now unseen RAZR V XT889 with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a few other RAZR-like features. While multiple RAZR’s from Moto have leaked for China, this one is a little different.

The device rocks a familiar 4.3-inch screen with a 1280 x 720p HD display, and is running on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich just like the various leaks we’ve seen as of late. Around back is an 8-megapixel camera and the RAZR Kevlar coating although this time it wraps around the entire device. It looks quite similar to the RAZR HD that is headed to Verizon here stateside — only this still has the camera hump.

This new RAZR appears to have a rather large speaker grill on both the top and bottom of the front of the device, something I think is a great move that more phones should have. While watching videos or gaming (like we do often on smartphones) this will really help the phone have better sound. Then as you can see Motorola has done away with the capacitive touch buttons and opted for on-screen navigation using the same Galaxy Nexus style buttons. Hopefully more manufacturers will take the same route now that Google’s gone that direction.

The phone OS also looks similar to the Motorola Atrix 3 headed for AT&T we’ve seen the past week, so it’s safe to say Motorola is preparing to push another slew of smartphones out this summer with HD screens and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Motorola-XT889-Front-China Motorola-XT889-Back-China Motorola-XT889

[via SlashGear]


T-Mobile “Fast is Free” Father’s Day sale detailed – rebates required

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 11:40 AM PDT

We have some additional details today regarding T-Mobile and their Father’s Day Sale. T-Mobile is one to have pretty great sales for these types of holidays and starting today they will be offering most of their top phones absolutely free. The information and video below will explain things a bit more.

T-Mobile will be offering their best phones like the HTC One S or the Galaxy S II absolutely free for today and all day tomorrow. So if you’re going to get in on the deal you better hurry and decide. As you can see above and in the video below they are calling it their “Fast is Free” Father’s Day sale. They are offering all of their “4G” devices including hotspots completely free, with qualifying plans of course.

From the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G to the impressive 4.5-inch Galaxy S II all devices will be free. The only problem here is you’ll actually have to sign the usual 2-year contract and pay an up front fee, and then you’ll get a mail-in-rebate later. So initially the device isn’t a freebie but you’ll get that hard earned cash back at a later date. Some are instantly turned away by the MIR, but if you’d like to get Dad a new phone you have until tomorrow night.

AT&T is offering their Galaxy S II for $9.99 with no rebate, so that is another option too, but I doubt T-Mobile wants you to know that. Let us know what you’ll be getting dad this Father’s Day, or if you’re taking advantage of the sale for yourself.

[via TmoNews]


Huawei M660 leaks with hardware keyboard headed to Cricket

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 11:23 AM PDT

Huawei has another handset that is set to hit the airwaves shortly. The odd thing here is the backwards direction it is taking. The Huawei M660 is sporting a BlackBerry style portrait hardware keyboard and appears to be running Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread. Users on Cricket Wireless might want to stay tuned.

What a powerhouse smartphone right? Rocking a small 3.2-inch 480×320 resolution display, Android 2.3 Gingerbread and a neat 4-row QWERTY hardware keyboard. These devices are starting to become somewhat of a novelty but for those that still want a hardware keyboard, this looks to be a good option on Cricket.

A few photos of the handset were leaked to PhoneArena but hardly confirms the specs. We are seeing a camera on the back that will probably be a 3 megapixel shooter. This lower-end device is headed for Cricket Wireless, and maybe Metro PCS but the details are still light. It isn’t the Galaxy S III but someone looking for a contract free, pay-as-you-go device this could be a good budget device. We’ll report back if we find out more.

huawei-m660-5 huawei-m660-1


Google Alert - android

News10 new results for android
 
Android this week: Razr beats iPhone; Acer outs HD tablet; Intel ...
GigaOM
Has one single Android phone outsold the iPhone 4S? Apparently so, at least at Verizon, where the Motorola Razr and its 4G LTE radio is tops. Acer is taking on ...
See all stories on this topic »

GigaOM
Android Tablets Expected To Lose Market Share
RedOrbit
The overall demand for tablet computers is on the rise, and amongst most customers, the iPad's lead over rival Android systems will increase over the next ...
See all stories on this topic »

RedOrbit
Why Android's Greatest Threat Isn't Apple - It's Microsoft
Android Police
There's little denying that Apple rules the smartphone world. The company sells just one phone model, yet that sole model constitutes 8.8% - or roughly 1 i... by ...
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iOS and Android app helps you get more from your battery
ZDNet (blog)
Carat has been developed by a team of scientists from the UC Berkeley electrical engineering and computer science department's Algorithms, Machi.
See all stories on this topic »

ZDNet (blog)
European GSIIIs to Get Free Access to Olympic Coverage
Tom's Hardware Guide
When the Galaxy S III first went on sale in the United Kingdom last month, Samsung announced plans to give the first fifty people to buy the phone free tickets to ...
See all stories on this topic »
IDC ups tablet estimates, expects shipments to reach 222.1 million ...
BGR
Market research firm IDC on Thursday released a new study new tablet shipment estimates. Due to higher than expected demand in the second half of 2012, I.
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8 Apps You Don't Want To Miss
Mashable
Available for iOS and Android, gameplay involves running through environments that resemble the Scotish landscape from the film and collecting coins.
See all stories on this topic »
ARM Preps Mali GPU for Low-cost Android Tablets
PCWorld
ARM has developed a new, entry-level version of its Mali graphics processor that could help expand the market for low-cost Android tablets.
See all stories on this topic »
Take quick notes on your Android tablet with Hovernote
CNET
Instead of switching between windows to take notes on your Android tablet, check out this app to save you some time and frustration. Read this blog post by ...
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Idea launches Android-based dual-SIM 3G smartphone ID 918 at Rs ...
Times of India
The third largest GSM operator Idea Cellular on Friday launched ID 918, a dual-SIM Android smartphone on the third generation mobile spectrum.
See all stories on this topic »

Blogs5 new results for android
 
Microsoft releases their first game for Android, Kinectimals to the ...
By Cory Gunther
Microsoft has been sharing the love with the Android platform over the past week or so. Today they've released their first Android game to date, called.
Android Community
Kinectimals for Android from Microsoft | Ubergizmo
By Edwin Kee
Microsoft might have their very own fledgling mobile operating system in the form of Windows Phone, but this does not mean the company has no heart to develop software and apps on rival platforms. Case in point, the Kinectimals game [...]
Ubergizmo
EA says "Happy Father's Day" with 40% off selected Android games ...
By Chris Stewart
Perhaps gaming guru, Electronic Arts' latest price reductions on selected Android titles will help you make up your mind! In a promotion EA calls "GAMES FOR GUYS" you'll find up to 40% off specific Dad-tastic titles such as Need for Speed ...
Android News, Rumours, and Updates
Android Gets First Game From Microsoft: Kinectimals | WebProNews
By Zach Walton
In the spirit of supporting all platforms with their games, Microsoft has decided to release the mobile version of Kinectimals on Android. This marks Microsoft's first game for the Google-created operating system. The software publisher only ...
WebProNews
Kinectimals now available for Android | Geeky Gadgets
By Conner Flynn
Are you a fan of animals, but would rather interact with them on your smartphone? Good news. The Kinectimals game is now available on the Android operating system. Hopefully Microsoft will follow up with even more games for the Android ...
Geeky-Gadgets


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Android Authority

Android Authority


Holo Everywhere, a website resource for all things Holo

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 08:30 PM PDT

The release of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich signifies a major milestone for Android, not only from the feature and function standpoint, but also design. The newly introduced Holo user interface — alongside Roboto, a font that was specifically designed from the ground up –completes the sleek and aesthetically pleasing look of the platform.

Being a fan of the Holo interface, you may wonder to yourself just where to find a place that's dedicated to all things Holo and tick all the right Holo boxes – making it easy to track for apps that adhere to Android’s specific design guides on the new user interface. Your search is over, because there's Holo Everywhere that will answer all of your Holo needs. Holo Everywhere is basically a website that "focuses on apps that exemplify the vision of the ‘Holo Everywhere’ mentality.”

Google wants its new Ice Cream Sandwich to run only apps that combine simplicity, purpose and beauty to create an effortless and powerful experience. So it's to be expected that the apps that are listed on the website meet those criteria; the standard has been set quite high for Holo. As listed on Google developer's website, the ideal apps should be able to enchant people, simplify their lives, and make them feel amazing.

Description and design highlights example

It appears there are only a handful of apps listed on the website so far that have met the above requirements. There's SoundHound, Tasks, Safe in Cloud, WootCheck, Taptu, File Explorer, and a slew of others. You can read description and design highlights of the apps. Aside from leaving comments there, you can also submit your suggestion of apps that are worthy of being listed on Holo Everywhere.


This article, Holo Everywhere, a website resource for all things Holo , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Relive: Photo syncing app for Android and other platforms

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 06:00 PM PDT

If you’re one of those photo aficionados who always fancy looking at their own collection of pictures from time to time but constantly experience the dilemma of how to contain them in one place, then we’re pleased to introduce you to a great solution.

Using the cross-platform aggregator Relive, you can now explore all of your precious photos regardless of what platform they are on. As long as you have any Android-, iOS-, or any Windows-powered device at hand, then you’re now ready to go.

Before you can use the Relive service, however, you’ll need to authorize it to access your Facebook account. This allows you to access Relive from any desktop browser just by providing your Facebook info.

The service has a desktop client (Windows-only) called ReliveSync. Its main purpose is to make sure that your desktop photos are synced to the cloud and that your cloud photos (which you may have uploaded via other devices) are also synced to your computer. Once you’ve set up syncing, you can practically access your synced photos through any computer browser, or through the Relive app for Android.

What’s more interesting about Relive is the fact that its storage capacity’s limit has not been specified, which could only mean that you are free to store as many photos as you like from various platforms. Apart from that, this is a free app, so you don’t really need to spend a cent to use this service.

You won’t have to worry about being selective about which photos you want to be seen here and there. With Relive, you can now have access to all of your beloved photos online. Oh, and you can even browse your photo album by week, month, year, or source!

The requirement of a Facebook account is not just something to fill in some gaps. The moment you log into Facebook, and make some changes to your photo album, Relive automatically updates its content accordingly.

Images will then be displayed on your mobile’s homescreen with its corresponding source device. And, of course, you always have the luxury to browse the photos based on the week, month, or year you’ve uploaded them. You can even share photos with your desired email contacts.

Relive lets you access the entire photo collection even if your device is not connected to the Internet. Though, that photos synchronized via Relive can only be seen from within the app’s interface and not via your Android device’s Gallery app.

Nevertheless, Relive’s present features serve as a very reliable and portable solution in providing back-ups for your photo collection.

With Relive, you save energy and time in checking your photos across different platforms. In a matter of seconds, you’ll have a full view of your memorable experiences captured by the camera’s lens. Try the Relive app from the Google Play Store today, and experience mobile reliving of your precious moments.


This article, Relive: Photo syncing app for Android and other platforms , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Listen & Speak: Your personal, multilingual teacher for learning foreign languages

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 03:00 PM PDT

Are you up to the experience of learning English, Spanish, or French without having to go to any school or training center? How about for an immediate analysis of your speaking skills? Both are now made easy with the Listen & Speak app, a free app which allows users to gauge their speaking skills through various exercises that are readily available in the application.

But does it all end there? Of course not.

The app also allows you to translate all the available sentences or phrases to the language of  your choice. So, you don't really have to worry even if you're living in France and want to speak the Spanish language. With the aid of the Listen & Speak app, it's now just a matter of a single click.

Speaking skills analysis results will be given to you after you record your oral reading session with sentences given by the app. This analysis serves as the overall evaluation of your reading skills, which in turn will give you an idea of the areas of your speech that need to be improved.

Many people in this fast-paced, technologically advanced world desire greener pastures. Alongside this desire comes the almost-too automatic drive for wider conveyance of one’s thought and opinion. Wouldn’t it be more fulfilling and practical to start learning other languages, as well?

Listen & Speak will help you with that. Not only is it trendy, it's also highly accessible for everybody around the world. You don't need the typical classroom setting anymore, where a teacher would recite her or his lecture in front of students.  Nor will you need your pen and notebook to take down your teacher's lectures. All you need is the Listen & Speak app, and you'll have your teacher right there in the palm of your hand.

Listen & Speak also has a Learning tab, which provides a variety of topics that you wish to study. English proverbs? Basic Spanish phrases? English quotes? Common medical terms? Routine conversation bits? All of these are readily available in the app. Of course, you have the luxury to see the translation of the test material for better understanding.

Feedback for your oral recording is also instantaneous, which will be projected through scores in decimal figures. By then, you’ll have the choice whether or not to continue to the next exercise, repeat your previous exercise, or perhaps cancel the entire practice session.

The best part is that Listen & Speak is a free Android app. With Listen & Speak installed on your Android phone or tablet, you can use its full service as often as you like, at any time you want.

You are now, in other words, the overall controller of your class. Your choice, your lesson.

Now why don’t you start taking in control of your own learning, and enjoy the Listen & Speak app for Android?

No related posts.


This article, Listen & Speak: Your personal, multilingual teacher for learning foreign languages , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Rage of Bahamut shows that Android apps can make just as much money as on iOS

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 01:42 PM PDT

We’ve heard plenty of times in the past about how Android doesn’t make as much money for developers as iOS, and some examples raised valid points, like the fact that there are not as many Google Wallet/Checkout users as there are iTunes account users. Therefore in theory, fewer people bother to pay for an app. There were also some very misleading ones that used data from 2010, when Android was still much smaller in quarterly sales, but even more importantly in total user base, and the data used is somehow supposed to prove that Android is not making money for developers now.

First off, I still believe the Play Store hasn’t reached the same level of monetization as the Apple app store, and the difference is still significant on average, but I also think that the Play Store has come a long way to help developers make money off their apps. Now, it’s important to remember, that just like in any other type of market, most developers will not make any money from their apps, some will barely break even, and only around 20% or so will actually get rich from their apps. This goes for books, music, movies, you name it. It’s the way the world works. Only the best/most promoted content makes money.

For some of the top developers, though, like the Angry Birds maker, Rovio, and DeNA’s Rage of Bahamut, which is currently the #1 grossing developer in both Google’s and Apple’s stores, both the ecosystems are making around the same amount of money for the developers. It’s important to note though, that Rage of Bahamut is a free-to-play game (on iOS also). This might lead to the insight that if you want to make as much money from Android as you do from iOS, you need to offer your app for free, and make money from ads (like Angry Birds) or in-app purchases like Rage of Bahamut.

At least for now, this is probably the way to go. The players who are really interested in buying content in this game will take a few moments of their time to make a Google Wallet account. Unfortunately, at least until ICS makes up a majority of the Android devices, most Android users will not even know what a Google Wallet account is, and therefore they will not pay for apps.

With ICS you get asked from the moment you set-up your phone, to make a Google Wallet account, which you can still skip if you want, but it’s also a great incentive for many people to make their account then. Later they can start buying apps with just a push of a button. I think this is Apple’s big advantage for now in monetizing apps, and until ICS gets a lot more than only 7% market share, things will remain about the same. The simple fact that Android is still growing twice as fast as iOS will help push those numbers in Google’s favor, thanks to the sheer amount of Android users that will exist in the future (right now each having around ~350 million users).


This article, Rage of Bahamut shows that Android apps can make just as much money as on iOS , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Samsung Galaxy S3 delayed in Canada due to “unprecedented global demand”

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 01:17 PM PDT

In just a short paragraph, Samsung has just crushed the dreams of countless Galaxy S3 fans in Canada. OK, not really crushed their dreams, but still, I bet it's irritating to have to wait an extra week to get the S3.

Here's the full statement:

Due to unprecedented global demand for the highly anticipated Samsung GALAXY S III, with more than 9 million carrier pre-orders to date, the date of availability for purchase of this device in Canada, is now June 27th. In advance of the GALAXY S III availability date, most carriers and retailers are offering customers the chance to register on-line for updates, and some partners are offering their customers the option to pre-order the Galaxy S III. We expect any shortages to be short lived as we ramp up production to meet this unprecedented global demand.

Notice how they said "unprecedented global demand" twice? I know that Samsung has all the reasons to exaggerate the demand for the Galaxy S3, but a slew of independent sources have confirmed that the S3 is selling unlike any other Android smartphone had sold before.

Samsung's superphone was supposed to come on June 20 to Bell Mobility, Virgin Mobile, SaskTel, TELUS, Rogers Wireless (SGH-i747 model, with LTE), as well as Videotron, Wind and Mobilicity (SGH-iT999 model, no LTE).

Now, the question is could the delays extend to the US? The phone is supposed to come on June 21 at AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile and July 9 (then changed to July 10) at Verizon. The United States is a much larger market than Canada, but the two have something in common – the prevalence of LTE networks.

So far, there are no signs that the US launch of the Galaxy S3 will be postponed, but we'll keep you posted if anything develops.


This article, Samsung Galaxy S3 delayed in Canada due to "unprecedented global demand" , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Remember the $74 Android PC? Now it has a $53 little brother

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 12:58 PM PDT

The $74 Android PC now has a newer version, called CX-01, that goes only for $53, and it’s actually still about as fast as the original, thanks to the switch to the more modern and more efficient Cortex A5 processor. The old one was using a Cortex A8, which was a larger chip, more expensive, and less efficient. Cortex A8 was made a long time ago for high-end devices (at the time), while Cortex A5 is meant for low-end devices, but since it’s a newer design, it still gets to keep the same performance.

The full specs of the device are the following:

  • SoC -  Telechips TCC8923 (Cortex A5) @ 1GHz with Mali-400 GPU
  • System Memory – 512MB RAM
  • Storage – 4GB NAND flash
  • Video output – HDMI (Up to 1080p60)
  • Video formats – AVI, RMVB, MKV & FLV (1080P)
  • Audio formats – MP3, WMA, WAV, APE, AAC, FLAC, OGG
  • Connectivity – Wi-Fi  802.11 b/g/n
  • USB – 1 x USB 2.0 port + 1 x micro USB port
  • Dimensions – 90 x 40 x 29mm
  • Weight – 80g

The device comes with the same Mali 400 GPU that was in the original version (and also in Galaxy S2), and thanks to the powerful GPU, it might be a good machine for multimedia. But there are also some differences such as the lack of a microSD card slot, so you won’t be able to add external storage beyond the 4GB of storage you get with the device.

For $53 the device is more than enough to browse the web, watch videos, and even play Android games. You can even try installing another Linux operating system, such as Ubuntu or Linux Mint on it, if you want a more desktop-like experience. You can find the device online at PandaWill Store.

No related posts.


This article, Remember the $74 Android PC? Now it has a $53 little brother , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Pocket for Android gets “True Black” theme and other improvements

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 10:19 AM PDT

Even though the popular Instapaper launched recently on Android for $2.99, Pocket (formerly named Read It Later), has been available for quite a long time on Android, and it has been free. The maker of Instapaper for Android, Marco Arment didn’t think Android was worth his time, unless someone decided to make the app for him, and split the money 50-50. It looks like he’s finally found someone to do that, but Pocket team is not going to sit idle and wait for Instapaper to take any users from them, even if they are starting way behind and it costs money to get it

The new Pocket app has been updated recently to include a “true” dark theme, as well as other UI improvements to help your reading, and some bug fixes:

New Settings:

  • True black option in Dark theme
  • Page Flipping On/Off
  • Rotation Lock On/Off

Reading Improvements:

  • Single toolbar allows for easier access to options without having to scroll
  • New Delete option in menu
  • Copy Link option after long pressing a link

Fixed:

  • Resolved issues with the HTC Flyer and Evo View
  • Smaller tablets now have the proper layout
  • Improved Page Flipping detection
  • Several crashes and bugs related to syncing, UI and more

So what’s this True Black theme all about anyway? It’s an option you can enable that helps users with AMOLED screens to save battery life. Before you could only get a darker grey as background for articles, but now you get true black, which should turn off most of the pixels on the screen, and thus save battery life on AMOLED displays. Pocket offers a good experience and great functionality for free, so why don’t you give it a try if you like saving your articles to read later!


This article, Pocket for Android gets “True Black” theme and other improvements , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Motorola unveils RAZR V XT889 phone for China, comes with ICS

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 10:10 AM PDT

Motorola might not be one of the most popular Android device manufacturers in the US (not anymore), but over in China, it's still fairly successful. We shouldn't, therefore, be very surprised to see Moto unveiling the China-exclusive Razr V XT889, one of the most fashionable Motorola-designed phones of recent time.

The RAZR V rocks a very sleek design, with rounded edges and a display wrapped in tough Kevlar fiber. And while it doesn't look like the thinnest or lightest gadget around, the overall look is rather unique and stays with you, which is not something we can say very often about today's smartphones, unfortunately.

Running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich outside of the box, the RAZR V XT889 has another thing going for it, which will most likely draw the attention of Galaxy Nexus fans. Moto's new handheld does not come with any physical keys under the screen, which adds to the phone's industrial look and makes it even more attractive.

While we don't know much about the RAZR V's tech specs and features (Motorola's press release only mentions a 4.3-inch screen, an 8 MP camera, 3G connectivity and splash-guard nano-coating), we can assume that this new guy will be at least similarly equipped to the RAZR XT910. You can therefore expect a Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with 960 x 540 pixels resolution, a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory.

Units should start selling in China today, on June 15, from China Telecom carrier. No words on pricing or outside Asia availability yet, but keep in touch and we will be letting you know if we spot this device in the US or Europe anytime soon.

Aside from the RAZR V, Moto has unveiled another more modest handheld, also set to start selling in China today. The MOTOSMART MIX XT553 will sport a 4-inch capacitive touchscreen and feature a 1,735 mAh battery, as well as EVDO and GSM support. No words on the rest of the phone's tech specs and features for now.

Does any of these two new phones sounds in any way intriguing? Let us know below!


This article, Motorola unveils RAZR V XT889 phone for China, comes with ICS , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Kinectimals for Android is Microsoft’s first mobile game launched in the Google Play store

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 10:01 AM PDT

Initially a game conceived for Kinect console play, Microsoft's Kinectimals pet simulator became the company's first game for both iOS and Android devices. After launching the My Xbox Live app for Android a few days ago, the Xbox maker decided to bring Kinectimals to Google Play today.

The application is available to download for $2.99 and can be installed on smartphones and tablets that run Android 2.2 Froyo or higher. In case you have already played Kinectimals on the Xbox 360, then the Android app will help you unlock five new cubs on the console, which will surely be waiting for your love and attention.

But what is Kinectimals all about? In the Kinect version, gamers can interact with gestures with a variety of cubs, just like they would with a real animal. Players can teach the animal tricks, feed them and take care of their chosen pet. As expected, since mobile devices do not have advanced gestures recognition support like the Kinect does, the Kinectimals for Android game will offer players a touch-based gaming experience – not that this should be a reason not to purchase it. In fact, considering that the original game costs $50, you'd be better off trying the mobile version first.

The mobile game features various challenges for you and your pet as you progress through the game; completing them will get you experience and coins that can be spent on more items for your animal. Overall, Kinectimals for Android is rather a simple game that targets a young audience, rather than mature players, but it may bring a smile to your face no matter how old you are.

What's more important to notice is the fact that Microsoft seems more and more interested to bring its mobile apps to more mobile platforms rather than making them Windows Phone exclusives. Therefore, we wouldn't be surprised to see more Microsoft apps make it to Google Play and other digital content stores for mobile devices.


This article, Kinectimals for Android is Microsoft's first mobile game launched in the Google Play store , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


T-Mobile 4G LTE network coming in early 2013, testing to start this summer

Posted: 15 Jun 2012 09:54 AM PDT

While various U.S. carriers have already started to cover various markets with their true 4G LTE networks, T-Mobile has been relying on its false 4G HSPA+ network to lure in customers looking for speedier mobile data. But it looks like T-Mobile is finally read to deploy its own LTE network, as the company has officially announced plans to launch its LTE service in early 2013.

The mobile operator has inked “multi-year agreements” with companies like Ericsson in Nokia Siemens Networks in order to upgrade 37,000 cell sites to support LTE connectivity in the following months, an investment that amounts to $4 billion. In June, the company will upgrade 400 GSM/HSPA+ sites to LTE, with the number expected to increase to 2,500 by the end of July.

The company also revealed that in addition to LTE cell tower upgrades it's also working on deploying its own 1900MHz 4G HSPA+ spectrum which is expected to be rolled out on a larger scale by the end of the year. The new spectrum would bring faster data speeds – 3G and false 4G – to certain devices including unlocked iPhones. These smartphones can be used only on the carrier's 2G network right now.

But what's even more important for T-Mobile customers is that the carrier is not happy to offer them just LTE support starting with next year. Instead, the company will deploy an optimized LTE version called LTE-Advanced, which is supposed to offer an overall better, more efficient performance than “simple” LTE networks.

However, the carrier did not mention in its press release (available below) when its first 4G LTE devices will be available in stores, although we certainly expect various Android smartphones and tablets to be found on that list once T-Mobile's real 4G network is launched.

Anyone excited?

Show full PR text

Fast Progress on 4G Network Modernization
June 14, 2012

We’re making great progress in just three short months since we first announced T-Mobile’s $4 billion 4G network evolution plan, including network modernization and deployment of long term evolution (LTE) service in 2013. Here are some of the highlights:

Just last month, T-Mobile announced multi-year agreements with Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks to support our $4 billion 4G network evolution plan, which will include a modernization of 37,000 cell sites and a move to the latest, state-of-the-art, LTE release 10 capable equipment.

Initially, this effort will improve existing voice and data coverage, make our 4G network compatible with a broader range of devices (including the iPhone), and pave the way for long term evolution (LTE) service next year.

With contracts in place, we’re making excellent headway on our network infrastructure transformation. By the end of this month we expect new equipment to be installed at our first 400 modernized GSM / HSPA+ sites and we plan to grow this to over 2,500 sites by the end of July.

We’ve also secured zoning approval or do not require zoning for over 19,500 sites and have completed necessary entitlement work, including obtaining building permits for over 4,000 sites.

As new equipment is in place, we’re turning up some small scale tests of 4G HSPA+ service in our 1900 MHz spectrum. Some customers with unlocked iPhones recently saw evidence of those tests; clocking much faster data speeds at the Moscone West conference center in San Francisco. More of these speed sightings will occur as we work toward introducing 4G HSPA+ service in our 1900 MHz spectrum in a large number of markets later this year.

Finally, LTE trials are underway and this summer we’ll begin using Release-10 equipment in these trials. The ability to launch with this next version of LTE technology is one advantage of launching next year.

We’ll be sure to keep you posted on our progress along the way.


This article, T-Mobile 4G LTE network coming in early 2013, testing to start this summer , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.