Monday, June 25, 2012

Android Community

Android Community


Winamp updated with In-app purchases and ALAC support

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 10:46 AM PDT

My favorite music player of all times is back in the Android news today, having just updated their popular music and media player to version 1.3 with plenty of improvements. Winamp was always my favorite music player on my PC, and still reigns over iTunes for myself. This weekend they updated their player for Android with plenty of new goodies so check it out.

Winamp might not have the best user interface in the world but it’s extremely simple to use, and fits right along with their previous releases for Windows. Hopefully an improved look is coming soon as it looks just like it did last year in beta. The new Winamp version 1.3 brought an in-app store with Pro ad-ons and even a “Album Washer” for $0.99 that will clean up old audio files, and even help find missing album artwork.

They’ve also added move to SD option, a few more language options, fixed some memory bugs, and added ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) support so you can add in all those iTunes purchases. For the audio fan or just Winamp fan in general this is definetaly worth getting. For those needing FLAC support Winamp Pro is $3.99 in the Play Store. Give the new Winamp a try today from the link below.

Winamp Play Store Link

Screen Shot 2012-06-25 at 10.38.27 AM Screen Shot 2012-06-25 at 10.37.47 AM winamp

[via Android Police]


HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE coming July 5th

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 10:21 AM PDT

Remember the HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE, or have you been paying too much attention to the Galaxy S III instead? HTC and Verizon announced the Incredible back early last month during CTIA and said it would be available “in the coming weeks,” but that was the last we heard. New rumors today are pointing towards July 5th for the release date.

According to some leaked screenshots obtained by Droid-Life of Verizon’s equipment guide, it shows the D INC will be released on July 5th. Pretty interesting that they pushed the launch date almost 2 months from when first announced. If Verizon would have launched this phone back May or earlier this month it might have had a chance. Now with the Galaxy S III just a few days behind it I have a feeling most will wait for it instead.

Most likely the delay was for them to deploy their new Share Everything data plans, but no one knows for sure except Verizon. Original leaks also confirmed it would launch at a $149 price point but today’s documents show $199. Either Verizon has increased the price or they might be offering a $50 mail in rebate for the phone. At the same price as the Galaxy S III the choice will be an easy one — Samsung. Although if you don’t like a larger screen the Incredible 4G LTE is a great choice. We’ll report back when we know more.

sg_0005-540x468 incredible-4g-launch-650x470
Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Droid Incredible 4G LTE
    Manufactuer : HTC
    Carrier : Verizon
    Announced Date : May 07, 2012
    Release Date : TBA
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.0 Inch
  • Resolution : 540x960
  • Screen Type : S-LCD qHD
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 4.80 Inch
  • Width : 2.40 Inch
  • Depth : 0.46 Inch
  • Weight : 132 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1700 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 S4
    CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 8 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
    CDMA Band:
  • 800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • A2DP
  • Bluetooth 4.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :


Google Nexus 7 Tablet specs and press images leak

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 09:50 AM PDT

What a fine way to start the Google I/O week off right? It appears that the rumored and rumored Google Nexus 7 tablet has leaked in the wee hours of the morning, finally sharing what looks to be solid confirmed specs and a set of press images. According to Gizmodo Australia that is exactly what we have here.

Apparently all of the specs, details, and even the image above were obtained by a leaked training manual for the new Google slate, and we couldn’t be happier with what we are seeing. Previous rumors and reports have been pretty accurate if this newest leaks holds true. Confirming the quad-core processor and other specs hitting the $199 price point. Here’s what’s been leaked and is being called the Nexus 7:

– 7″ 1280 x 800 IPS display
– Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
– 8 and 16GB storage options ($199 and $249)
– 1.3 GHz quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 KAI processor
– 1 GB RAM
– NFC with Android Beam and Google Wallet
– 1.2 MP front camera, nothing on the back
– 9 hours battery life
– Nexus and ASUS branding on back

When we first started seeing rumors about this tablet is sounded awesome and I was hoping Google could pull it off. With help from ASUS and NVIDIA it looks like they’ve done just that, and this tablet is surely to be a huge hit. The Kindle Fire has just been beat at its own game, and everyone else will have to improve specs and lower prices at the same time. This is changing Android tablets, but also laying the groundwork for future tablets. My only concern is the lack of a MicroSD slot for extra storage. The Galaxy Nexus didn’t have one, and Google’s been pushing the cloud options. As much as I’d like the SD slot, I don’t feel I really need one and will be buying that 16GB flavor. Google — take my money!

None of this has been confirmed, but these latest leaks seems to sure up any doubt many have had. We’ll all know the truth in just a few days time at Google I/O. We’ll be there live so you’ll want to check back often for more details. Who will be buying the Nexus 7 if it indeed ends up being a quad-core Android 4.1 Jelly Bean beast at $199?


Android Community Weekly: June 24th, 2012

Posted: 24 Jun 2012 03:06 PM PDT

This week was all about the Galaxy S III here in the US. T-Mobile and AT&T both unleashed the flagship smartphone into the wild, although only in limited supply, and the masses can now enjoy Samsung’s latest creation. Next week however will be all about Google I/O. By the end of next week we’ll hopefully be talking about Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and beyond.

This week we’ll start with a few much anticipated updates to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX finally received the update after multiple delays. The DROID Bionic hasn’t been updated just yet but a pretty stable official build was leaked if you’re interested. We heard reports about the Rezound getting it too, but that never happened. We unboxed the Acer Iconia Tab A700 quad-core 1920 x 1200 true HD tablet, and learned that Gameloft’s popular game Asphalt will be dropping its 7th version tomorrow.

As mentioned above the Galaxy S III stole the front page all week. T-Mobile and AT&T both had to release the phone in limited supply, delay shipping dates, and promise that more were coming soon. It’s safe to say the demand is easily beating out the supply at the moment — Samsung better start making them faster. We reviewed them both and you’ll want the check that out here.

Swype and SwiftKey both released their newest and best 3rd party keyboards for Android yet. If you’ve been considering a different on-screen keyboard hit the hands-on links below. We learned that Google’s rumored 7-inch Nexus Tablet is apparently ready to ship, and will be available early July for $199. Then almost the biggest news of the week was Google themselves accidentally spilling a few of their Jelly Beans by showing the Galaxy Nexus for sale in the Play Store with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Next week will be all about Google I/O where we’ll finally see Jelly Bean, the Nexus Tablet, and hopefully both Project Majel and Google’s Project Glass. You’ll want to watch this space, that is for sure. Hit all the links below for your weekly dose of Android news!


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News10 new results for android
 
Box Brings 50 Apps Partners To Android
InformationWeek
The BrainYard is a community site for business leaders who want to use social enterprise tools to improve their products and services, win new customers, and ...
See all stories on this topic »
AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S2 gets its Android 4.0 update tomorrow
CNET
The Samsung Galaxy S3 may be in stores, but thanks to AT&T's Android 4.0 update, its older brother can also enjoy the taste of Ice Cream Sandwich. Read this ...
See all stories on this topic »
Pinterest for Android Launching at Google I/O?
PC Magazine
Social corkboard Pinterest may be hitting the Google Play store soon, according to reports.
See all stories on this topic »
Google readies $199 Nexus 7 tablet, report says
Computerworld
Of interest to many Android fans is a comment in the documents stating that Google will handle all updates of Jelly Bean going forward, a policy that might only ...
See all stories on this topic »
Box releases OneCloud for Android
Los Angeles Times
Box OneCloud is now available for Android phones and tablets with a gallery of 50 compatible apps. Among the partners is iAnnotate, which lets you annotate, ...
See all stories on this topic »
Box OneCloud now supports Android devices
Computerworld
Box announced that its OneCloud enterprise mobile cloud service now supports Android, allowing companies to access Android applications and store and ...
See all stories on this topic »
Google appears to aim low with new 7-inch Android tablet
ZDNet (blog)
According to reports, Google and Asus will be releasing a new 7-inch tablet running Android 4.1, Jelly Bean, at this week's Google Input/Ouput c.
See all stories on this topic »
AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II To Get Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich ...
TechCrunch
Android 4.0 brings with it some pretty major improvements, including Face Unlock, easier multitasking, flexible widgets (which Samsung offers anyways, but ...
See all stories on this topic »

TechCrunch
AT&T Galaxy S II Android 4.0 update squeezes out just before ...
SlashGear
AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II owners can finally have a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich, the carrier has confirmed, with the 4.0 update dropping just ahead of Google.
See all stories on this topic »

SlashGear
Google I/O Preview: 9 Potential Products
InformationWeek
Get ready for Android Jelly Bean, Google's Nexus tablet, and a host of new products and services to launch at Google's developer conference this week.
See all stories on this topic »

Blogs5 new results for android
 
Android users are smarter than you
By Mihaita Bamburic
Just ahead of Google I/O 2012, The Street claims that.
BetaNews
Hulu Plus Android app tweaked for 7-inch, high res screens ...
By Richard Lawler
The Hulu Plus app for Android has been updated, and after adding tablets in the last update it now officially supports a few more devices, most notably.
Engadget
Nexus 7 Leak Reveals Details Ahead Of An Android Heavy Google IO
By Rob Jackson
Google IO doesn't officially begin until Wednesday, but the onslaught of speculation is well underway. We've heard a healthy number of rumors regarding the.
Android Phone Fans
Box opens OneCloud for Android — Cloud Computing News
By Barb Darrow
Cloud storage player Box is launching its mobile app framework OneCloud for Android on Monday, just in time for the Google I/O Conference. Included in the apps selection is Docusign Ink, Breezy, iAnnotate and Fetchnotes, said Chris Yeh, ...
GigaOM
Android Community Weekly: June 24th, 2012 | Android Community
By Cory Gunther
This week was all about the Galaxy S III here in the US. T-Mobile and AT&T both unleashed the flagship smartphone into the wild, although only in limited.
Android Community


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Android Authority

Android Authority


Larry Page rumored to miss Google I/O due to voice-related health problems

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 02:48 AM PDT

Google CEO Larry Page is now said to miss due to some unexpected health problems the main event in Google's yearly calendar, Google I/O, scheduled to take place between June 27-29 in San Francisco.

Specifically, the CEO has lost his voice according to a Wall Street Journal report, and thus he won't be able to take the stage during the keynotes of the developers conference. Strangely enough, he also missed Google's annual meeting last Thursday and he is said not to make an appearance during Google's upcoming Q2 earnings call that should take place in mid July.

Google has not detailed the health issues and the secrecy surrounding this matter remind analysts of the way Apple handled the illness of its co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs in previous years. Due to his on-going battle with a rare form of pancreatic cancer, Jobs was forced to take a medical leave of absence three times in the recent years. Tim Cook, then the COO of the company, ran the company during those absences and he eventually became CEO replacing Jobs in August 2011. Jobs passed away last October, a day after the iPhone 4S was unveiled.

With that memory still fresh in people's minds, it's no wonder to see analysts or investors question Google's disclosures regarding the health matters of the 39 year old CEO.

In his turn, Page wrote a letter to employees last Thursday telling them that he is still in charge of the company and that "there is nothing seriously wrong with [him]." Google's Executive Chairman and former CEO Eric Schmidt confirmed the voice-related health issues and ensured everyone that "Larry will continue to run the company, he's running all the strategic business decisions and all that."

Since Page is the CEO of a public traded company, the law requires Google to disclose any health issues he may have, even if that means disregarding his privacy. However, companies prefer to measure their steps in these situations, Apple's case being an example for how such matters can be resolved, even if they're not necessarily appreciated by investors.

The situation is a bit ironic when looking at privacy matters alone, as Google has been accused a number of times to have infringed the privacy of its customers with various online missteps and debacles, yet the company is not willing to share more about the health issues of its number one man.

The Journal was able to find some explanations for Page’s rather long absence, although the doctors that the publication talked to are only speculating at this time, without having actually seen the CEO:

Seth Cohen, a laryngologist and associate professor at the Duke University Voice Care Center, said Mr. Page could have wide range of ailments including acute laryngitis, which is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the vocal cords and requires resting one’s voice for at least week or two.

Another potential cause is muscle tension dysphonia, which occurs when the muscles around the larynx, or voice box, are too tight and causes a person to use excess tension while speaking. Voice therapy is often required for such an ailment, said Dr. Cohen, who hasn’t treated Mr. Page.

Some people who naturally produce an unusual-sounding or hoarse voice may develop benign lesions that grow on the vocal cord, he said. “That could have progressed to the point where he’s having difficulty speaking,” he said.

Surgery is sometimes required to remove the growths, Dr. Cohen added, and recovery could take a month or longer.

While hoping that in the end there's nothing serious with the CEO, we'll be back with more details regarding his absence from Google I/O and the unscheduled Q2 earnings call.


This article, Larry Page rumored to miss Google I/O due to voice-related health problems , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Samsung looking at a neat new folder organization system for Android

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 02:18 AM PDT

Let’s face it. The proprietary UIs used by manufacturers to customize the Android OS, such as HTC Sense and Samsung TouchWiz, haven’t been the most popular ideas with users. Granted, overlays provide a way for the device manufacturer to stand out. But things have only been getting slightly better now, with the more streamlined HTC Sense 4.0 and Samsung TouchWiz Nature UX.

Luckily, the open-source nature of Android means that there are ways to get around the manufacturers intrusions into the Android experience. That of course doesn’t mean that OEMs will stop tweaking their products, in the hope that consumers will one day find their overlays appealing.

According to an application found by PatentBolt, late last year, Samsung filed a patent describing a new way to organize and use folders in the TouchWiz UI. Some of the features, which also include 3D effects, would be quite amazing if implemented. Let’s take a look at a few:

  • Dragging an app icon over another would stack them on top of each other, giving a feel of a stack of cards.
  • Opening/Expanding a folder is done by tapping the stack, which then opens up like an accordion. The “accordion” also folds back once done.
  • Another method would be opening up the folder on a secondary screen. But this time, it includes 3D effects and animation when opening and closing the folder.
  • A final suggested method features a vertical scrolling option, where you are scrolling up and down the folder, which is open on the homescreen itself (not as a secondary screen).

You can find PatentBolt’s full findings, along with some more images that will help you understand the methods suggested by Samsung, here.

The race between manufacturers to become the best at all things Android has been going on for a while now, and even the seemingly small things like 3D animations could make the difference. When these particular features will be implemented, or if they’ll ever be used at all, is yet to be seen. Anyone thinking Galaxy Note 2?

What are your thoughts? Which folder option among the three do you think is the best? Let us know in the comments section below.

No related posts.


This article, Samsung looking at a neat new folder organization system for Android , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Official Wimbledon 2012 app now available on Google Play Store

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 02:04 AM PDT

It’s shaping up to be an amazing summer for sports fanatics, with the UEFA Euro 2012 going on, Wimbledon starting today, and the Summer Olympics 2012 beginning later next month in London. With Euro 2012 and Wimbledon overlapping over the next few weeks, many might find it difficult to keep track of what is going on in the sports world. To help in this regard, at least when it comes to Wimbledon, the oldest and one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments around, is the recently released official Wimbledon 2012 app.

The app, developed in association with IBM, provides a host of features including:

  • Schedules, live scores, final results, and other news
  • Player information including profiles, interviews, photos, and best game moments
  • On-demand video previews, highlights, and features

Two additional features for anyone going to be present at the Wimbledon grounds are:

  • Live at Wimbledon Radio with 3 channels. One channel features daily coverage of the championships, with the other two featuring live commentary of matches going on at Centre Court and Court No. 1.
  • “Find It” feature provides a map that allows spectators to locate various facilities around the grounds.

There have been some user comments suggesting that the user interface is quite cluttered, but this was to be expected, with the massive amount of information and features available. The last update fixed some bugs with the “draws” display that were previously reported, and the app has been running smoothly ever since. I’ve been using it for a few days now and the multimedia previews worked really well, but we’ll obviously have to wait till the tournament starts later today to test the “live” functionality of the app.

You can download the official Wimbledon app for Android from the Google Play Store here.

What are your thoughts? Who will you be supporting to take the crown at Wimbledon? If you’ve tried out the app, let us know your experience in the comments section below.


This article, Official Wimbledon 2012 app now available on Google Play Store , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


TiVo app for tablets now available

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 01:55 AM PDT

tivo for android tablets

With TV networks determined to “win the time slot” when it comes to the ratings war between their premier shows, many viewers  are almost guaranteed to have to choose between several favorite shows on any given day. Granted, there are some not-so-legal ways around this problem. But if you have qualms against going the shady route, TiVo is the solution for you.

TiVo allows you to record all your TV programs to view later, also including shows that are running on other channels at the same time. Following the release of the TiVo App for Android, which gives you complete control of your TiVo DVR from your phone, now comes the tablet-specific TiVo for Tablets app.

Features of the TiVo for Tablets app include:

  • Browsing the channel guide without interrupting current programming
  • Browse and play recorded shows from the app
  • Explore cast, crew, and other information while watching a show
  • Intuitive gesture-based remote control
  • Search, browse, and schedule show recordings even when you’re away from home
  • Comment on what you’re watching on Facebook and Twitter

Of course, the features aren’t much different from the phone-specific TiVo app. The only major difference is the fact that the UI for the new application is optimized for use on an Android tablet.

If you want to try out the TiVo for tablets app, you can download it for free from the the Google Play Store right here.

What are your thoughts? Do you use TiVo? How helpful do you think a TiVo app for Android is?


This article, TiVo app for tablets now available , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Three million Nexus tablets set to hit market this year, new Kindle Fire shipping in August

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 01:44 AM PDT

Mere days away from the official unveiling of the first Nexus tablet, a collaboration between Google and Asus, we've already got the low down on several aspects of the tablet. Granted, the specs haven't been confirmed, but the 7-inch tablet is expected to be powered by a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and offered at a very inviting $200 price point.

We've reported before how Quanta Computer has been appointed as the exclusive ODM production partner for the Google Nexus tablet. The latest information from DigiTimes provides a glimpse of how successful Google is hoping the slate will be. According to various supply chain sources in Taiwan, as many as three million units of the Google Nexus will be shipped this year.

Quanta Computer will also be manufacturing the next version of the Amazon Kindle Fire, as it has done for the first generation of the e-reader/tablet. Word has it that a new Kindle Fire, still expected to sport a 7-inch display, will be manufactured starting July and “shipments are expected to significantly increase in August”. This sets the stage for a clash between Google’s and Amazon’s two affordably priced Android tablets – both made by the same ODM.

This shouldn't come as a surprise, as Quanta is set to become the world’s largest tablet manufacturer – iPad not included – with up to 15 million tablets manufactured in 2012.

Are you planning to get the Google Nexus tablet when it's out?


This article, Three million Nexus tablets set to hit market this year, new Kindle Fire shipping in August , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


ICS update delayed further for Toshiba Thrive and Thrive 7

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 01:29 AM PDT

toshiba thrive

The fight for the mobile OS supremacy has been heating up these last few weeks, with Apple’s announcement of iOS 6 and Microsoft’s recent showcase of Windows Phone 8. With Google I/O right around the corner, we are expecting quite a few announcements from Google, including a new low-cost but high-spec tablet, along with the next iteration of Android, likely to be Android 4.1 Jellybean.

While things are moving along nicely as far as new releases are concerned, it isn’t all good news for consumers who own “older” Android devices. Many of them are still waiting for an official update to Android 4.0, and the delays, caused for whatever reason, are annoyingly long and disappointing.

The latest company to announce a delay in the ICS rollout is Toshiba. Owners of the Toshiba Thrive and Thrive 7 were expecting an update to Android 4.0 earlier in spring, but we are, of course, way past that deadline with no upgrade in sight. A few days back, Toshiba official announced, in their forums, a delay to “early Fall” for the ICS update to reach all Thrive 10″ and 7″ tablets. Understandably, this announcement was met with varying degrees of anger and disappointment, judging from the comments on Toshiba’s support forums.

The duration of the delay is certainly longer than expected. Toshiba didn’t release any information as to the cause of the delay, but as has been the case with other OEMs, it is likely some problems with tweaks done to the OS by Toshiba, which aren’t playing nice with ICS. Whatever the reason, all Toshiba Thrive owners can do is wait it out.

What are your thoughts? Do you use a Toshiba Thrive? How disappointed/angry/annoyed are you about the delay in the ICS rollout? Let us know in the comments section below.


This article, ICS update delayed further for Toshiba Thrive and Thrive 7 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Best Android apps for astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers

Posted: 24 Jun 2012 09:00 PM PDT

Our ancestors viewed the starry sky every night. In their minds and imaginations, they formed stars into unique objects that we now call constellations. They also told stories of how these constellations came to be. Thanks to today’s technology, we are able to see the real images of stars, planets, and other celestial objects in space. We have even sent space missions to discover the mysteries of outer space.

With the rapid improvement of Android smartphones, you can also discover the stars and planets right on your Android device. In today’s app list, we will be tackling of some of the best Android apps for astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers. Using these apps won’t require you to have a big telescope to visually discover the objects of the night sky.

Sky Map

During a clear night sky, you can see a lot of shiny objects glittering above you. Some are stars, while others are planets. If you want to know which are stars and which are planets, use the Sky Map app to view the night sky. This app transforms your night sky into a detailed map of stars and planets right on your Android devices’ screen.

Utilizing your device’s GPS location and other sensors, the app can display which stars are right above you. If you see a shiny star in the night sky, just open the app and point it in the direction of the star. The app will automatically display the star and its name. You can also view constellations with this app, allowing you to locate the hunter Orion as it sets and the watch the scorpion as it rises.

Aside from stars, you can also view the planets. You’ll be surprised to learn that the shiny object outside your window is not a star. You can also view the location of the moon and the sun with Sky Map. Searching for stars and planets is easy.

Download the Sky Map app and watch the night sky from a different angle.

Star Chart

Just like the Sky Map app, the Star Chart app lets you see the stars and the planets right on your Android device. You won’t need a big telescope to visually scan the night sky. The difference between the two is that the Star Chart app lets you enjoy a more animated and illustrated star viewing experience.

You will be amazed by the constellation’s images designed by the famous 15th century astronomer Johannes Hevelius. Look out to the night sky and find Orion and his shiny belt. Look for the half man and half horse constellation Centaur. Search for the symbol of justice embedded in the night sky. You will also be amazed by its cool effects such as the blazing light as you point your device to the sun. You can also tap the star or planet to view more information such as its distance, image, size, and much more.

View the starry sky full of animated pictures with Star Chart on your Android device.

Astronomy Picture of the Day

If you’re into astronomy, you might like putting wallpapers of space or the planets on your Android device. You can get the latest amazing pictures with NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day app. This app lets you browse cool pictures of the comets, stars, planets, and much more.

Just open the app and pick a picture you of what to download as a wallpaper. Download the twinkling stars of the night sky, the amazing images of the Cone Nebula, an astronaut walking on the moon, a meteorite and its long tail of dust, the aerial view of the earth, and much more. Each picture also includes a brief description so you will get to know more about the image. You can add to your knowledge about space and planets while putting new and cool images on your Android device.

You can also set the app to automatically update its images so you’ll have a new set of pictures to scan and view everyday.

NASA App

Get the latest and hottest news about space with the NASA App. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a government agency from the U.S. that is responsible for space exploration and aeronautic research. If you’re into space and NASA’s space mission, you should try NASA App on your Android device.

This app keeps you updated about NASA’s activities and space missions by giving you the hottest news and Twitter feeds directly from the app. You can also view space pictures and watch popular videos made by NASA. Keep watch of space missions with the app’s launch information and countdown clocks. You can also use this app to view live video streaming from NASA TV.

Get the latest news about space discoveries and exploration with the NASA App.

Moon Phase Pro

If you have inherited the blood of a werewolf and you want to monitor the activity of the moon, you should use the Moon Phase Pro app on your Android device. This app helps you monitor the phases and activities of the moon right from your Android device.

Utilizing the phone’s GPS sensor, the app monitors the moon based on your location. The app’s main interface is an interactive 3D moon. You can swipe the moon and check when it will achieve a full moon phase or a waxing crescent phase. You can also tilt and view the moon from the other side by sliding the screen with two fingers. The app will also tell you when the moon will set and when it will rise.

The app also features a moon calendar. This feature lets you view the phases of the moon on each day of the month. You can also add a widget to your home screen to keep you updated on the moon’s activity. The app also lets you add the current phase of the moon as a live wallpaper on your Android device.

Whether for moon bathing, or preparing for your werewolf transformation, use the Moon Phase Pro to keep track of the phases of the moon.

SkEye Planetarium | Astronomy

Viewing the celestial bodies in the sky requires a telescope for human eyes to see them clearly. Astronomers and stargazers use different kinds of telescopes to view the night sky as well as special navigation tools to easily search for the stars, constellations, and planets. If you have an Android device, you can make your own guiding tool with the SkEye Planetarium | Astronomy app.

Just like the Sky Map and Sky Chart apps, this app lets you see a detailed map of stars right on your Android device. Using this app lets you easily know which stars you are looking at. You can also search the constellations and the planets with this app. Search a star or a planet and the app will guide you towards its direction.

This app can also be used together with your telescope. Just open the app and attach your device to your telescope. Voila! You can have your own guiding tool for your telescope right from your Android device.

What are you waiting for? Download the SkEye Planetarium | Astronomy app and make your Android device a professional stargazing tool.

NASAImages

Ever wondered what it is like to see space with your very own eyes? Wonder no more for you can view real space images right on your Android device via the NASAImages app. This app lets you view images from NASA’s database and shared images by astronomers and space fanatics right on your Android device.

Primarily, the app will provide you a list of amazing pictures of outer space, stars, galaxies, planets, and much more. Pictures are also grouped according to the year they were taken. You can even add a widget right on your homescreen to keep you updated on the latest additions.

Each picture includes a brief description so you will know more about the image. Once you have found a nice picture of space, you can also set the picture as the wallpaper on your Android device. You will need an active Internet connection in order to view the images on your device.

See the outer space from the eyes of astronomers and space explorers with the NASAImages app.

space junk lite

You can see a lot of objects in space. There lay the shiny stars, our neighboring planets, the sun, the moon, and much more. We also have our human-made objects flying in space such as the satellites. You can use the app space junk lite to view the stars, planets, constellation, and satellites right on your Android device.

Utilizing your device’s GPS and other sensors, the app lets you see which satellites are flying over your location. If you’re lucky, you might even locate the Hubble Space Telescope. You can also tag the satellite you have found and share it on your Facebook account. Tag as many satellites you can find and brag about them to your friends. Aside from satellites, you can also use this app to view the stars, constellations, and planets. You can also tag stars, constellations, and planets by just simply tapping on them.

View the celestial bodies and human-made objects in space with space junk lite app.

Sky Map of Constellations

The Sky Map of Constellations app is your own one-stop guide and map of celestial bodies. This app lets you access the maps of the northern and southern stars. You can also directly access the Wikipedia pages of the constellations, galaxies, the solar system, and much more with this app. The Sky Map of Constellations app is perfect for astronomers who want to add to their knowledge about celestial bodies.

The app’s main interface lets you select a variety of features such as viewing the map of the northern and southern stars. You can also view the star map of the Milky Way galaxy. For those who want to study the moon, the app also includes a moon map and detailed information about the moon.

For more reference, you can access the Wikipedia pages of the stars, constellations, galaxies, planets, sun, and much more. This app is the ultimate all-in-one reference guide for astronomers and those who want to know about the celestial objects in space. The app requires Internet access when accessing the Wikipedia pages and installing additional software within the app.

Transform your Android device into an encyclopedia of celestial bodies with the Sky Map of Constellations app.

Solar System Explorer

Travel and discover the Solar System with the Solar System Explorer app on your Android device. This app lets you travel through space and see the solar system through an interactive 3D interface.

The app’s main interface lets you select a planet, meteorites, satellites, and much more. Tapping an object will bring you to its 3D image. You can also scroll the 3D image and see the other side of a planet. Each image also includes a brief description to buff up your knowledge about the solar system.

Images from this app are based on pictures taken from satellites. The app only features the moon, planets, sun, and other objects detected or estimated by satellites. Nevertheless, this app is a fun and interactive way of learning about our solar system.

The Solar System Explorer app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. You can also download the premium version for even more features such as high-definition images.

Travel our Solar System with the Solar System Explorer app on your Android device.

With the help of your Android device and these apps, you won’t need a big telescope to view the stars and see the celestial bodies in outer space. What do you think of our best Android apps for astronomy enthusiast and stargazers? Do you have apps to share that are not included on the list? Share your thoughts in a comment below.


This article, Best Android apps for astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Update Available

Posted: 24 Jun 2012 05:53 PM PDT

Grab your USB cable…again. Samsung has made the AT&T Galaxy S II Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update available via Samsung Kies. Earlier this week, we excitedly reported that AT&T had released this update, sadly to see it removed without a trace. Samsung and AT&T were apparently just “testing” the release and preparing their servers for distribution. Don’t worry SGS2 owners, this time, the update isn’t going anywhere.

To get started, follow the instructions below:

Download and install Samsung Kies to your computer.
NOTE: Any previously downloaded versions of Samsung Kies will not work correctly for this upgrade. Please ensure you are downloading the most recent Kies software from the link above.
Once installed, read and accept the License agreement, and then click Next.
NOTE: If prompted to update to a newer version, click Update and wait for new files to load.
Once all updates have been processed, the program will close and relaunch itself.

Update your Galaxy S II
Plug your phone into the computer using the included Micro USB cable.
Once Kies recognizes your device, you will receive a pop-up requesting to update to a new firmware version.
Click Update to continue.
Read through the Caution pop-up, and if you agree, click to check “I have read all the above information.” and select your desired information saving option, and then click Start Upgrade.
A notice will display. Read through the information, and then click Next to proceed.
The update will begin and may take 10-15 minutes to complete. The phone will be unusable during this time. Do not disconnect your mobile phone from your PC or power the PC off. If interrupted, your device could become inoperable.
Please wait until your phone reboots completely, and then select OK to finish.

Congratulations, you now have Android 4.0.3 running on your AT&T Galaxy S II.

 


This article, AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Update Available , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


T-Mobile Galaxy Note press photos leaked, release date set for July 11

Posted: 24 Jun 2012 09:39 AM PDT

AT&T's Galaxy Note exclusivity may soon come to an end as T-Mobile is apparently getting ready to launch Samsung's best-selling phablet at some point in the near future. The press photos of the T-Mobile Galaxy Note have been apparently leaked, and as you can see in the images below, the carrier's branding is more than obvious.

This isn't the first time we hear T-Mobile will have its own Galaxy Note flavor in stock, and CellPhone Signal today reports that T-Mo's version will come with AWS and HSPA+ support (850MHz and 1900MHz bands), which means it will be compatible with AT&T's network if unlocked. More importantly, the phone will have Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich pre-installed.

The T-Mobile Galaxy Note is reportedly launching on July 11, although pricing details are not available at this time. AT&T sells the phablet for $249.99 when purchased with a new two-year contract, while Amazon has the GSM Galaxy Note version in store for $199.99 (on contract with AT&T) or $599.99 (unlocked).

We'll be back with more T-Mobile Galaxy Note release details once the mobile operator makes them available. So far the carrier has not made any announcement related to this Galaxy device, although it is selling another hot Galaxy device that you could be interested in.

No related posts.


This article, T-Mobile Galaxy Note press photos leaked, release date set for July 11 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Portal 2 Wheatley Android live wallpaper app available from Google Play

Posted: 24 Jun 2012 08:31 AM PDT

That's right, Portal 2 fans and Android handset owners, you heard it right, Portal 2's Wheatley robot is now available for purchase in Google Play for just $1 as a live wallpaper app. All you have to do is head on to Google's app store and get it.

Once you install it on your Android handset, you'll have the robot's omnipresent eye following your every (finger) move on the device, although that's pretty much all that Space Robot LiveWallpaper has to offer (that's actually the name of the app in Google Play). Fret not though, as more features are promised by the developer for future updates.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus handset owners should make sure they follow these instructions after purchasing the live wallpaper in order for it to work properly:

It’s known that most live wallpapers will be slow on stock launcher (on some version of the galaxy nexus). The quick solution now will be using other launchers and turn on the Force GPU in developer mode.

In case Wheatley doesn't mean much to you then it means you haven't really played Portal 2, one of the best first-person puzzle computer games out there, where Wheatley the funny robot likes to hang out most of the time. Nevertheless, the live wallpaper app may be an interesting choice even for those Android users that have not experienced the Portal universe yet.


This article, Portal 2 Wheatley Android live wallpaper app available from Google Play , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.