Android Phone Fans |
- HTC Giving The Facebook Phone Another Go? Coming 2013 [Rumors]
- Over-The-Air Update (L700.FG01) for Sprint Galaxy Nexus Incoming
- Nexus Q app updated for Android 2.3.3+, YouTube gains Nexus Q compatability
- Project Glass pre-orderers (or Glass Explorers) to get exclusive updates on progress
- Fujitsu Stylistic M532 tablets takes a seat at the FCC
- LG Spectrum 2 shows up in Verizon’s Cellbrite machine
- CX-O1 Mini PC now available with Android 4.0 for $48
- ODIN-less root method for Verizon Galaxy S3 now available
- Sony refusing to fix hardware issues on bootloader-unlocked devices?
- Google Play now showing Nexus Q as backordered, ships in 2-3 weeks
- HTC Era 42 rumors could point to One X+ for T-Mobile
- Of $12.4 billion Motorola acquisition cost, Google paid $5.5 billion for patents
- Huawei to challenge 7-inch tablet market with MediaPad 7 Lite
- Samsung Galaxy S III transforming Holiday Inn experience for guests at London Olympics
- Samsung Galaxy Note listed as ‘Coming Soon’ at T-Mobile’s site
| HTC Giving The Facebook Phone Another Go? Coming 2013 [Rumors] Posted: 25 Jul 2012 05:49 PM PDT
While we don’t have exact sales numbers on HTC’s first foray into “the Facebook phone,” we can’t imagine either models sold too well. Here in the US, we saw a version of the HTC Cha-Cha for AT&T redubbed the HTC Status, and in Europe, they had both models along with the qwerty-less HTC Salsa. Each handset came with a dedicated Facebook that gave users easy (almost too easy) access to the included Facebook app. Now there’s some buzz coming our way from Bloomberg who is reporting that HTC and Facebook have once again joined forces, and will release another Facebook branded handset due out sometime during the middle of next year. This time around, HTC might let Facebook tinker around a little more with the OS instead of making a glorified dedicated app button. We’ll have to wait and see. I think if HTC targets pre-paid carriers, the Facebook phone could fare a little better this time around. Good thing for HTC’s sake, Facebook has some deep pockets to fund a project like this.
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| Over-The-Air Update (L700.FG01) for Sprint Galaxy Nexus Incoming Posted: 25 Jul 2012 04:58 PM PDT
It wasn’t too long ago we learned of an over-the-air update headed to Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus and now it appears as if the Sprint version will be seeing similar treatment. Software version L700.FG01 wont be bringing Jelly Bean along for the ride, but it will introduce a modified received signal strength indicator (RSSI), as well as bring support for Sprint TV, and will turn on WiFi and LTE by default. Sprint Galaxy Nexus users can start checking for the update whenever you like, but the official rollout is set to begin tomorrow, July 26th. Jelly Bean soon after? We can only hope…
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| Nexus Q app updated for Android 2.3.3+, YouTube gains Nexus Q compatability Posted: 25 Jul 2012 03:41 PM PDT
The Nexus Q has been one of the most elusive items of the year so far, but that doesn’t stop Google from supporting it. They’ve updated their Nexus Q app to allow users from Android 2.3.3 onward to use its features. It also brings enhancements for the social mix feature. For YouTube, Nexus Q owners can enjoy using the app in conjunction with the accessory. It’s available for those running 2.3.3 and higher so there shouldn’t be many left out. Find the links to the updates at the source link ahead. [Nexus Q app, YouTube]
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| Project Glass pre-orderers (or Glass Explorers) to get exclusive updates on progress Posted: 25 Jul 2012 02:19 PM PDT Our resident developer Steve has gotten an exciting email from Google regarding project glass. Those who pre-ordered the device for the whopping sum of $1,500, otherwise known as “Glass Explorers,” have been invited to be part of period updates on the project’s progress. They will get exclusive updates on how things are going.
Since we have about, say, 3 of those things headed our way we’ll be fortunate enough to be let in on the news as well! We look forward to bringing you all the information we can, non-disclosure agreement or intimidating manbearpigthing pending. Check your inbox for the email and details if you fit the bill.
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| Fujitsu Stylistic M532 tablets takes a seat at the FCC Posted: 25 Jul 2012 01:49 PM PDT Fujitsu has been a bit busy in the Android space lately. From old people phones to Regza smartphones, they seem to be making a decent push into the mobile realm even if it is only in Japan at the current moment.
Their latest device decided to cheer the folks up over at the FCC. It’s the Fujitsu Stylistic M532, and as its name suggests it’s a very stylish and sleek tablet device. With WiFi N, Bluetooth, and a 3,170mAh battery being the only things we could get for specs it’s hard to tell whether or not this one will come with both beauty and brawn. And because it’s a tablet we definitely don’t care for the former if the latter isn’t up to snuff. Head to the FCC if you want to take a look for yourself. [FCC via Engadget]
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| LG Spectrum 2 shows up in Verizon’s Cellbrite machine Posted: 25 Jul 2012 12:55 PM PDT
It looks like Verizon’s Cellbrite machine has been updated to include the forthcoming LG Spectrum 2. The device was first leaked with model number VS930 a while back. It has since gone to the FCC, and even a press image of the thing has leaked. With this latest discovery it’s only to safe that we’re yet another step closer toward its official Big Red invitation. [via Talk Android]
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| CX-O1 Mini PC now available with Android 4.0 for $48 Posted: 25 Jul 2012 12:38 PM PDT Remember that charming little device that looked like a USB stick and could bring the Android experience to any HDMI-enabled TV and monitor? Welp, it has a little competition and is now up for sale at a very attractive price point at $48. The CX-01 Mini PC will give you Android 4.0 in the size of a USB stick.
It would be great for playing games, getting work done, or just watching some videos and browsing the web. While the specs are nothing to marvel at – it has WiFi N, a full-sized USB port, a 1GHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage – its price point would be the deciding factor for many. At $48 this device would be a nice little accessory to have if you want to take the Android experience onto the big screen without huge set-top boxes or the need to get a TV with it built-in. It would be absolutely lavish with Bluetooth support and if ti were Google TV-equipped, but alas it falls short of those expectations. The MK802 offers a better set of hardware but you still aren’t getting Bluetooth with either experience. Regardless, our expectations were low enough that we’re still excited for the CX-O1′s arrival and it’ll be interesting to see if the development community does anything with it. Head to the source link if you want to buy it. [Pandawill via Liliputing]
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| ODIN-less root method for Verizon Galaxy S3 now available Posted: 25 Jul 2012 11:53 AM PDT
If you’re not a big fan of ODIN, Samsung’s software flashing utility, and all the problems it can cause, you might want to listen up. Verizon owners with the Samsung Galaxy S3 can rest easy knowing that an alternative root method has been made available. The method does require a PC, but once you get all the files you need it seems simple enough. You will want to head to the thread at XDA in case any steps have changed, and to ensure you get the latest files. Hit the source link for the goods. [XDA via Droid-Life]
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| Sony refusing to fix hardware issues on bootloader-unlocked devices? Posted: 25 Jul 2012 11:37 AM PDT It looks like Sony has taken a rather odd stance when it comes to honoring device warranties. Reports are flying in claiming Sony is refusing to repair devices with hardware issues that have been bootloader unlocked. It’s not illegal, of course, but it’s not a usual practice. It’s especially weird to know that Sony’s not opposed to doing this considering they were one of the first OEMs to allow their users to unlock their phones’ bootloaders.
For software issues, sure: an unlocked bootloader means anything could have happened to the device. But when you start refusing to repair hardware because of obvious hardware defects it gets a little bit ridiculous. It’s an unfortunate situation, but Sony’s in charge of their own morals with this one because they offer disclaimers of voided warranties on their very own official unlocking tool. Their disclaimer doesn’t lay out any clear terms for voiding a warranty, though, and there’s an arguing point to be had there, but we’re not sure how much leverage the user has. The only thing we can hope for is that they change their stance from sheer good will and love for their consumers. [via Xperia Blog]
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| Google Play now showing Nexus Q as backordered, ships in 2-3 weeks Posted: 25 Jul 2012 09:52 AM PDT
Yesterday Google put the Nexus Q up for sale via Google Play with an estimated delivery date of three to five days after placing an order. Most anticipated that demand for the $299 media station would not outpace supply. Well, either the Q is a bigger hit than was imagined or something else is going on, as its Google Play page has been updated to suggest stock is running low. The listing now says the Android-powered streaming orb “ships soon” with an estimated timeframe of two to three weeks. Perhaps Google, as with most tech industry pundits, did not foresee high demand for the Nexus Q and likewise ordered a limited stock of the device from its manufacturer, a scenario that seems more likely than hoards of Android fans descending upon the Play store to clear out inventory. Or maybe we aren’t giving the device enough credit and people actually do want a non-descript Android device for playing music and watching web video. Only time will tell. [via DroidLife]
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| HTC Era 42 rumors could point to One X+ for T-Mobile Posted: 25 Jul 2012 08:30 AM PDT
The rumored HTC Era 42 seemed like the perfect candidate to fall in line as the next member of T-Mobile’s G series of phones, but new evidence suggests the device will not be the successor of the G1 and G2, after all. The folks at TMoNews have been able to link the Era 42 to another rumored handset, the HTC One X+, which by all indications would coincide with a processor upgrade to NVIDIA’s Tegra 3+ chipset. Likewise, rumors of an upgraded processor match up with a mystery HTC phone revealed in benchmarks earlier this month to carry a 1.7GHz quad-core processor. Other specs of that device, such as 720p HD display, suggest it is likely based around the current One X design, drawing further speculation that T-Mobile will soon receive a new version of the flagship device to join the already available One S. As the 42 in the Era 42 codename suggests, the phone would likely have access to T-Mobile’s 42Mbps HSPA+ network. A leaked roadmap positioned the Era 42 for a late September launch. We’re not completely discounting the chance that T-Mobile may in some way brand this as a G phone (HTC G1 X?), and other rumors have suggested that it could launch with a stock version of Android installed. Given our already high praise of the One X, additional power and a stock OS can only make things better. [via Android and Me]
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| Of $12.4 billion Motorola acquisition cost, Google paid $5.5 billion for patents Posted: 25 Jul 2012 07:01 AM PDT
Google has shed some light on exactly how they came to value the acquisition of Motorola Mobility at $12.4 billion, and, as initial speculation surrounding the deal initially suggested, the largest sum went towards patents and developed technologies. Nearly half of the total cost was assigned to acquiring Motorola’s intellectual property, a total of $5.5 billion. The rest of the $12.4 billion was broken down to $2.9 billion for cash acquired, $730 million for customer relationships, $670 million for net assets, and $2.6 billion as a gesture of goodwill, which relates to “the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition.” [WSJ via PandoDaily]
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| Huawei to challenge 7-inch tablet market with MediaPad 7 Lite Posted: 25 Jul 2012 06:13 AM PDT
[via Huawei]
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| Samsung Galaxy S III transforming Holiday Inn experience for guests at London Olympics Posted: 25 Jul 2012 05:49 AM PDT
Samsung is providing their vision of the “connected” hotel room for guests of London’s Stratford Holiday Inn during the summer’s Olympic festivities. They service is being provided to Holiday Inn VIPs, with 40 room equipped to allow guests to check in and out, unlock hotel room doors, and control the TV and air conditioning all from a Samsung Galaxy S3 handset. Control of these parameters comes via a Holiday Inn app for Android phones and utilizes the Galaxy S3′s built-in NFC capabilities. Samsung says this is the first time such a hospitality solution has been implemented outside of Asia, and if response is positive look for Holiday Inn to rollout similar features at more hotels. Samsung is the official mobile communications partner of the Olympics, and is taking the opportunity to cash in on their status as much as possible. Look for more from Samsung as the games kick off this weekend.
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| Samsung Galaxy Note listed as ‘Coming Soon’ at T-Mobile’s site Posted: 25 Jul 2012 05:14 AM PDT
In case you needed any more confirmation that T-Mobile will soon launch their own version of the Samsung Galaxy Note, just take a peek at the carrier’s website. The Note is now listed as “Coming Soon.” No other details, such as pricing or release date, are provided for the launch of the long-anticipated release. Rumors of the Galaxy Note on T-Mobile can be traced back for months with the carrier only coming clean about the 5.3-inch phablet recently. The timing isn’t exactly perfect. At this rate, the phone looks to launch right around the time that Samsung is rumored to announce the sequel to the Galaxy Note at an August 15 press event. Will the original still be as attractive to TMo subscribers at that point? We’ll just have to wait and see. [via T-Mobile | Thanks, Juan!]
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, and I continue to be impressed with the device. It’s hard to compare it to the Pebble since that hasn’t launched yet, but Sony already has the advantage of an active developer ecosystem that has created over 100 apps.