Sunday, September 16, 2012

Google Alert - android

News10 new results for android
 
The Acer/Google/Alibaba tussle: It's not about open Android
ZDNet
The biggest fork of Android is the system Amazon is using on the Kindle Fires, and Google is not trying to pressure Amazon to stop using it. The reason is simple -- Amazon is not a member of the OHA and has not agreed to not do so. Acer would be in the ...
See all stories on this topic »
Without radical change in patent law, Android's ecosystem will die
ZDNet
Whatever you think about the "rightness" of the decision, a decision in a court of law is a decision in a court of law. And if that decision is ultimately upheld, then I think we can all agree that the Android ecosystem of the future will look very ...
See all stories on this topic »

ZDNet
Android 4.0 Based UbiSlate Tablet Range With 7" Screens Launched By ...
Techtree.com
The UbiSlate tablet (an enhanced version of the Aakash) is back in the news, and this time it has multiple models to show off. A press release from the company has stated that Datawind has launched four different variations with resistive or capacitive ...
See all stories on this topic »
iPhone 5 vs iPhone 4: Did Apple Deliver A Worthy Upgrade Over Android and ...
Hot Hardware
Does the iPhone 5 feature game-changing technology such that iPhone 4S owners will be jonesing to upgrade, while Android and Windows Phone 7 users will tempt a move or hold off until Windows Phone 8 goes prime time? That depends. Apple likes to ...
See all stories on this topic »

Hot Hardware
More Vulnerabilities In Android Devices?
Mobile bloom News
'X-Ray', an android app that scans for vulnerabilities, has reported results from more than 20,000 devices across the world. So we can safely conclude from this that more than fifty per cent of the android devices have vulnerabilities and is blamed on ...
See all stories on this topic »
Sony Xperia ion Android ICS update could be this week
Phones Review
We've been trying to keep readers informed with all the developments over the latest Android updates for their devices. While Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is the very latest operating system we shouldn't forget that some device owners haven't yet received ...
See all stories on this topic »

Phones Review
Twitter Hires iOS, Android Hacker Charlie Miller
The Droid Guy
Charlie Miller has a background as a Global Exploitation Analyst in the National Security Agency, and has hacked devices running on iOS, OSX, and Android. He is considered to be a white-hat hacker, which means that he hacks to expose vulnerabilities in ...
See all stories on this topic »

The Droid Guy
Verizon Galaxy Note II pictures leak – branding everywhere
Android Community
(kidding) We aren't too sure if this is real or not, but it's safe to say that is some questionable carrier branding and something we surely hope doesn't become a trend in the world of Android — or Verizon. What we are seeing is essentially the exact ...
See all stories on this topic »

Android Community
Marissa Mayer gives all Yahoo employees an iPhone 5 (or Nokia Lumia 920 ...
VentureBeat
Yahoo's new chief executive Marissa Mayer is intent on making the company a more enjoyable place to work, and thus far, she's doing a pretty good job at it. Mayer is promising to buy all its full- and part-time employees a brand new Apple, Nokia, HTC, ...
See all stories on this topic »

VentureBeat
Android Apps Of The Week: MasterChef, Sonar, and More
Gizmodo UK
Sonar: This friend-finding app has been on iOS for more than a year, but it just launched on Android. It will dig into your social networks to find people you might know nearby. I've honestly only ever used it in airports, but I've never actually used ...
See all stories on this topic »

Gizmodo UK

Blogs5 new results for android
 
Uniquely Android: WiFi Keyboard
By Raveesh Bhalla
Uniquely Android is a series we started a while ago to shine the spotlight on those apps that take advantage of the unique capabilities of the platform and provide an experience that you wouldn't find in most other phones. So far, we have ...
Android Phone Fans
Carbon for Android potentially days away according to developers ...
By Richard Devine
Carbon for Android may only be days away according to a tweet from the developers.
Android Central - Android Forums,...
FATAL Exception Main android - Stack Overflow
By user1675783
View$1.onClick(View.java:2144) 09-16 19:52:26.654: E/AndroidRuntime(294):at android.view.View.performClick(View.java:2485) 09-16 19:52:26.654: E/AndroidRuntime(294):at android.view.View$PerformClick.run(View.java:9080) 09-16 ...
Recent Questions - Stack Overflow
AireTalk For Android Allows You To Make Calls, Send IMs, Share ...
By Paul Morris
We definitely live in a world where we all value the benefit of receiving something for nothing, which is why a lot of the most popular mobile apps are ones that are entirely free of charge to download and don't cost anything to use. Consumers ...
Redmond Pie
Google Now Aims To Answer Your Favorite Actor's Bacon Number ...
By Roy Alugbue
Just in case you didn't believe Google Now knows all can answer most questions, it has gone out and answered yet another impressive question. We're sure you all are familiar with Kevin Bacon's Six Degrees of Separation, right? You know— ...
Android News, Rumours, and Updates


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Android Authority

Android Authority


Android Authority On Air – Episode 29 – iPhone5 Announced – Apple still playing catch up

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 06:24 PM PDT

This week on Android Authority On Air we came to the realization that following the recent Apple iPhone 5 announcement, this very well could be our last Android based show. The pre-orders are in, we’re moving to iOS! …And then we woke up from that nightmare and realized it was a horrible, horrible lie. On a serious note, we did discussed the latest smartphone from Apple. It’s truly sad to see how far the device has fallen behind. Sorry Sprint and Verizon users, you won’t be able to talk and use data at the same time, something that Android phones on those networks can do with ease. There’s no NFC, the camera is basically the same, the screen is basically the same, now with more stretch! That’s about it.

Since this is still an Android show, we did talk about a few Android related items this week such as the latest milestone from Android, 500 million globally activated devices. Wow! We hit up some Google Wallet updates. Prepaid cards are going away as they are no longer needed. If you’re on Verizon Wireless and using Google Wallet, you can’t use sneaky tricks to install the application any longer from the Play Store. The horror! Now, you’ll have to manually install the application as with any unsupported application. Nothing new here folks. Move along. Turntable.FM had some updates, now with more Android-ness. eBay decided to join the ranks of Holo UI and our favorite Kickstarter launcher, Chameleon, had a major update this past week. Besides apps, we saw a handful of devices be announced, teased, or launch this week. We’re excited over LG’s Optimus G. Man, those specs look pretty nice. Over on the rootin’ and ROMin’ front, CM10 graced the world with their first ever monthly update and the XOOM LTE and WiFi editions are now getting official nightly builds. Carriers continue to LTE all the things. Sprint, Verizon and AT&T all announced major coverage expansions this past week. All this and more happened on the greatest Android Hangout Show this week, check us out below.

The Give Away

We're giving away a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (International) here in the near future. If you're interested and want another chance to win, during the show we give away a super secret entry code. Once you get the code, just head on over to the contest page and enter your code into the Rafflecopter.

Miss the show? Tune in or watch below:

YouTube
SoundCloud
Stitcher
iTunes
RSS

Links
Germany court to ban Motorola devices for infringement
The major update to Google Wallet doubles its usage
Sprint's 4G LTE arriving early in Chicago and Boston
Over half of all the Android devices in the world have unpatched security vulnerabilities
Verizon confirms ICS update for Galaxy Tab 10.1, to come soon OTA
LG and Qualcomm to hold an event on September 19th
Motorola launches Android-powered cloud computer in China
Why Android will continue to lead in both software and hardware this year
HTC One X+ hits the FCC, features quad-core Nvidia processor
Chameleon Launcher Beta updates to 0.9.0 – widget API now in place

Related Posts

Android Authority On Air – Episode 26 – Samsung vs Apple Verdict and Vizio CoStar Review, Android Authority On Air – Episode 21 – The Nexus 7 launches, Android Authority On Air – Episode 25 – Google Play Gift Cards and CM10


This article, Android Authority On Air – Episode 29 – iPhone5 Announced – Apple still playing catch up , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Verizon Galaxy Note 2 images suggest phablet is coming soon, Verizon Home button branding included

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 02:20 PM PDT

Confirmed to be launched by the end of the year in the U.S., the Galaxy Note 2 is starring in a variety of leaks that suggest that Samsung's second-generation phablet is heading to at least five American mobile operators, including Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular.

Moreover, just yesterday we heard that AT&T's version could hit stores as soon as October 21, putting it on par with the international Galaxy Note 2 launch, which is scheduled for the same period.

Now we're getting to look at Verizon's Galaxy Note 2 model, the Marble White version, that has been reportedly captured on camera. The device has Verizon branding on the back but also on the Home button, which is very strange. Why would Verizon go through all this trouble to brand the Home button of the device? Isn't enough that carriers fill up Android devices with lots of crapware and play a major role in delaying Android updates, do they have to also make sure their brand is clearly visible on all sides of the device?

In case the Home button branding is real, will we see it from other U.S. carriers as well? Would such shenanigans 'help' Verizon delay the launch of the new Galaxy Note – since Samsung has to produce all those custom Home butons and back plates?

Maybe the Android maker should take a(nother) cue from Apple, and prevent carriers from having a say in what goes on the phone's case. Better yet, remove all the carrier branding and only show the maker's name alongside the product name.

The images could be fakes, which is probably what future Verizon Galaxy Note 2 buyers are hoping, but we're definitely going to keep you in the loop.

Related Posts

No related posts.


This article, Verizon Galaxy Note 2 images suggest phablet is coming soon, Verizon Home button branding included , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Best new Android games (mid-September edition)

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 02:00 PM PDT

There’s no such thing as gaming season in the world of Android. Every day, every week, every month is a time for Android games — and we have a fresh batch of some of the best new Android games for the first half of September right here in this very post.

In this mid-September edition of our twice-a-month list of the best new Android games, we feature a game about

  • a gladiator on his way to glory and legend by — you guessed it — engaging in carnage;
  • aircraft with awesome firepower for arcade-style shooting;
  • a blacksmith apprentice who must break the curse that caused humans to be transmogrified into monsters;
  • kids — really fast kids — dashing towards the finish line, dodging obstacles, collecting items, and shooting at enemies;
  • a buggy on an infinite driving course on a tropical island — with you as the driver;
  • a pig who has grown tired of farm life and wants to escape it;
  • your defense of your land against hordes of dragons aiming to crush you and enforce the rule of chaos;
  • zapping bugs and viruses using the high-voltage electric charge on your fingertips;
  • giving sheep a haircut — but you need to hold them down first by entangling them;
  • a character stripped of his soul and his quest to regain it by solving puzzles and collecting items;
  • a blind ninja and his amazing adventures;
  • preparing and serving burgers as fast as you can;
  • a grandmother angered by the theft of apples from her apple tree;
  • letting the water flow from one end to the other by fitting the right pipes; and
  • an exhilarating ride on a mine cart as you collect as many gold nuggets and gems as you can.

Don your game gear and brace yourself for fun, action, and adventure with these new Android games.

Blood & Glory: Legend

Become a true gladiator and fight your way to the top with the Blood & Glory: Legend game for Android. Control a gladiator and fight different opponents in the arena. If you’re lucky, you might even have the chance to meet the emperor and fight him to avenge your family.

You will be fighting different opponents at every stage. You will face fast Amazon warriors, spearmen, and even terrifying giants that can squash you with one heavy blow. You can control your hero by swiping on the screen. Swipe to the direction to where you want to slash your weapon. You can also perform combos by performing a unique set of slashes. Aside from attacking, you can parry enemy attacks by swiping to the opposite direction of your opponent’s attack. You can also use your shield or dodge left and right to avoid getting hit.

The game has a shop that allows you to buy equipment. You can buy additional potions, buy powerful weapons, and upgrade your armor to withstand enemy blows. You can purchase items by using the coins earned after each battle or by using Glu points. The game allows you to buy additional coins and Glu points by using real currency.

Blood & Glory: Legend can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. Overall performance was very smooth and I did not encounter any lags or force close errors while testing the app. The realistic display also enhances the game, making you feel like a real champion in the arena.


Espgaluda II

Do you still remember when you were a kid and you used to go to the arcade? What was your favorite game? One of my favorites was the arcade game where you controlled an aircraft with extreme firepower and you’d fight waves of planes and battle huge bosses. The Espgaluda II app allows you to relive the airplane-shooting arcade action game right on your Android phone.

There are two modes in this game: Smartphone and Arcade mode. The Smartphone mode lets you play the game that has been modified to use your smartphone’s capabilities. If you want the real arcade action, you can play the game in Arcade mode. The game allows you to choose three different characters. Each character has a unique set of abilities, such as one character having more firepower while another has more range.

Espgaluda II can be downloaded for about 6 dollars from the Google Play Store. You will also need a G-Gee account, an active Internet connection, and available space of about 540 MB before you can play this game. The game is fun and really looks like the game from your local arcade. But, it would be good if the game uses the whole portion of the phone’s screen.


Horn

The Horn game is a third-person RPG game that lets you control the hero Horn, a blacksmith apprentice. One day, he woke up in the ruins of a mysterious land. Along the way, he faced weird monsters and later on discovered that they were once the people of the town. The world has been plagued with a curse, turning human beings into big monsters. You must set forth as Horn and save the people from this curse.

The game can be played by just tapping on the screen. You can move Horn by tapping anywhere on the ground. You can also interact with the objects around you by tapping on them. Swipe your fingers when you need to push yourself up a cliff or move through a narrow path.

Horn will also have to defeat monsters along the way. You can swipe your fingers to slash your enemies with your sword. You need to dodge enemy attacks by tapping the left and right arrows. Tap on the jump button to avoid attacks from the ground and swipe your fingers to attack while in midair.

This game is powered by the Unreal Engine that really enhances the graphics and makes the world of Horn more realistic. To be able to handle these graphics and animations, you can only play this game on a Tegra 2- or Tegra 3-powered device. This paid game is worth its price of about 7 dollars.


Turbo Kids

Ready, set, go! Run fast to the finish line with the Turbo Kids game. This game is a simple side-scrolling racing game. Aside from running towards the finish line, you will also need to go through obstacles, collect power ups, and shoot your enemies to freeze them.

The game can be controlled by just tapping on the screen. Tap the left side of the screen to jump and tap the right side to shoot frozen bullets. The game allows you to choose a character with a unique character build. One character runs faster, while another one carries more bullets and recovers faster when hit.

The game lets you customize your character. You can upgrade its equipment to run faster or recover more quickly. You can also learn new skills, such as a double jump or a turbo boost. Gold and star points will be used to buy equipment and upgrades. If you want more coins or star points, you can purchase using real money within the game’s shop.

The ad-supported Turbo Kids game can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. Ads appear at the bottom of the screen, and sometimes, after a race. Although the app is ad-supported, you will not find any ad that will disturb you during a race.


Beach Buggy Blitz

From the creators of Riptide GP and Shine Runner comes another epic racing game for Android. This time, you won’t be racing across the sea or the lake. Instead, you will be driving on a tropical island on a buggy with the Beach Buggy Blitz game on your Tegra-powered device.

The main objective of the game is to drive as far as you can and drive through the game’s infinite driving course. But, you need to make sure to make it to the checkpoint before time runs out. You will also find gold coins on the racing course. Collect those and use them to unlock power-ups or buy a new buggy. If you can’t wait for your coins to grow, you can buy additional coins by via the app’s shop using your real cash.

As of the moment, this game runs only on all devices equipped with Tegra 3 and on some devices with Tegra 2. You will also notice Tegra effects in the game such as motion blur, water splashes on the screen, real-time car shadows, and headlights when you enter the cave.

Beach Buggy Blitz can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store.


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This article, Best new Android games (mid-September edition) , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Uros Goodspeed offers travelers flat data fees

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 01:08 PM PDT

Frequent travelers, especially those who often find themselves country-hopping, may find a friend in the newly released Uros Goodspeed. The device offers an alternative to roaming charges in the form of a mobile hotspot with slots for up to 10 SIM cards.

The Uros Goodspeed is a HSPA+ router that offers a maximum data transfer of 1GB per day. The device itself costs around $350, and offers different fees depending on how often data is used. Travelers who only need to use the Goodspeed occasionally can pay daily for as little as $8 per day. Those who travel more often can opt for the monthly fee, starting at $13 per month.

The advantage to all those SIM slots is that the device can automatically select the proper SIM for you as you travel, offering a hassle-free data connection. The Goodspeed currently only supports Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and the UK, but Uros states that more European countries are on the way. They hope to begin offering global coverage sometime in the future.

The Goodspeed is roughly the size and weight of a cell phone, and is charged through a USB connection. The battery lasts up to one week in standby mode, and can be used for up to eight hours before requiring charging.

Thought it may be handy, it is likely that the Uros Goodspeed is going to see a small customer base, mainly those who travel near-constantly. For the rest of us, it is probably easier just to carry of few SIMs and swap them manually, or just deal with the roaming charges.

Does the Uros Goodspeed seem useful to you, or would you use a different solution for mobile data while travelling?

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This article, Uros Goodspeed offers travelers flat data fees , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


iPhone 5 vs Galaxy S3 comparison featured in Samsung “It doesn’t take a genius” Ad

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 11:56 AM PDT

The iPhone 5 was officially unveiled earlier this week during a special Apple media event, and several leaks and rumors preceding the event were confirmed during the show.

There's a new design that includes a 4-inch touchscren display and an aluminum back, there's LTE support and there's a new 9-pin dock connector. The phone has been labeled almost immediately as a disappointing, uninnovative device, although the fact of the matter remains is that the iPhone 5 is the best iPhone out there, and it's probably safe to say it will obliterate the competition when it comes to total sales – and I do mean single device sales and not mobile OS market share.

In fact, iPhone 5 pre-orders have been available since September 14, although Apple managed to sell out existing stock in a record time, with some sources saying that it took the company one hour to sell out existing stock.

Samsung was quick to react to the iPhone 5, not with a new lawsuit targeting the iOS phone's LTE capabilities, at least not yet, but with a new print ad titled: "It doesn't take a genius” – see the full ad at the end of this post.

In it, the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3 are compared from the specs and features side, with Samsung interested in showing potential buyers why the new iPhone is not a better choice than the Galaxy S3. As you can see, Samsung lists more features under the Galaxy S3 than under the iPhone 5, although none of the extra ones, except NFC maybe, is a good enough reason not to get the new iPhone, in case that's the phone you want to buy this holiday season.

There are also some interesting things to be noticed in the new ad. These include the iPhone 5 image that seems to have been hastily inserted in the final version of the ad or the new "totally different plug" description of the new iPhone’s dock connector, which, from the sounds of it, is somehow made to sound like a bad thing. But the really annoying thing, at least for Samsung, is the fact that it had to write down "Android 4.0 OS" when talking about mobile OS version, instead of Jelly Bean, which is still not out for the device yet.

The obvious conclusion that Samsung draws is that "The Next Big Thing is Already Here," but is it worth attacking the iPhone 5 with such ads in which the new Apple product is also featured right alongside your flagship device?

Samsung is expected to sell 30 million Galaxy S3 units by the end of the year, but we wouldn't be surprised to see Apple sell as many iPhone 5 units in the following quarter, no matter how many such ads the South Korean Android maker puts out.

In case you want a more thorough comparison between the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S3, we have just the thing for you right here.

Are you buying a flagship smartphone this year? If so, what device are you going to choose?

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This article, iPhone 5 vs Galaxy S3 comparison featured in Samsung "It doesn't take a genius" Ad , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Six degrees of Kevin Bacon calculator now live on Google

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 11:25 AM PDT

It has been quite some time since the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon meme was in the spotlight. For those who might have missed it, the concept entails that there exists no one working in Hollywood that is more than six movies (or contacts) away from Kevin Bacon himself. It is based on the old concept of six degrees of separation, which claims that no two people are further than six contacts or acquaintances apart.

Google has a reputation for bringing back the obscure and having a little fun on their famed search engine. If you require examples, simply type Zerg Rush or do a barrel roll into a Google search. Now, Google has gone a step further and added a Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon Calculator. It uses the premise described above to determine an actor’s “bacon score.” A bacon score is how many contacts any actor is away from the famed Kevin Bacon.

How does it work?

It’s a pretty simple. All you have to do is ask Google what any given actor’s bacon number is. For instance, if you search for Mark Wahlberg’s bacon number, it comes up as 2. Google will then tell you exactly how they came to that number. In Mark Wahlberg’s case, he and Steve Carell appeared together in the movie Date Night. Steve Carell and Kevin Bacon appeared together in the movie Crazy, Stupid, Love. Thus Mark Wahlberg’s bacon number is 2.

As an additional little Easter Egg, this has also been added to Google Now. Open the voice search, ask for an actor’s bacon number, and it will pop right up on the screen for you. As you can see from the image at the top, Kevin Bacon’s own bacon number is zero.

For now, you can only search for actors and even then, some actors aren’t recognized to work with the system. It should work for the most popular and most of those currently active in Hollywood.

So far, no one has been able to find a bacon number higher than 4. Mark Zuckerberg scores a 4. What did your favorite actor score?

Image Credit: The Consumerist

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This article, Six degrees of Kevin Bacon calculator now live on Google , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Google preparing to drop Google Apps support for Internet Explorer 8

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 11:12 AM PDT

google-drive

Users of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 who use Gmail or Google Calendar will soon have to upgrade or switch browsers, as Google Apps is dropping support for the aging browser on November 15.

On October 26, Microsoft will release Windows 8, and with it, Internet Explorer 10. As Google Apps are only supported on the most recent release of a browser and the major version prior to it, this means that support for Internet Explorer 8 will end. Here’s what the team has to say:

As we announced last year, we support the latest version of Google Chrome (which automatically updates whenever it detects that a new version of the browser is available) as well as the current and prior major release of Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari on a rolling basis. Each time a new version of one of these browsers is released, we begin supporting the update and stop supporting the third-oldest version.

Internet Explorer 10 launches on 10/26/2012, and as a result, we will discontinue support for Internet Explorer 8 shortly afterwards, on 11/15/2012. After this date users accessing Google Apps services using Internet Explorer 8 will see a message recommending that they upgrade their browser.

For users of Windows Vista and newer, this simply means that they need to upgrade their browser. For users of Windows XP, however, the process is more complicated, as Internet Explorer 8 is the most recent version of the browser currently supported on the operating system, which turns 11 years old next month.

This affects a greater number of people than you may think. According to NetMarketshare, Windows XP is still used by 42 percent of the market worldwide. Windows 7 just barely gained the lead on it last month, and even then only by a margin of 0.24 percent. To remain supported, Windows XP users will need to either switch to a different, supported browser, or upgrade their operating system.

Being unsupported doesn’t mean that users of the older browser will suddenly be unable to use Gmail or Google Calendar, but they may encounter issues. Apps like Google Drive and Google Docs are much more likely to have issues or not work at all, and Gmail’s new look is unavailable on unsupported browsers.

Those who absolutely have to stick with Internet Explorer 8 may have better luck with Google Apps by installing Google’s Chrome Frame Plugin, but this hasn’t been commented on by Google.

Are you or someone you know going to be affected by this change? If so, what do you think you/they are going to do?

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This article, Google preparing to drop Google Apps support for Internet Explorer 8 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


LG Optimus G commercial for South Korea shows up on YouTube [video]

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 11:04 AM PDT

The first television commercial for the highly anticipated LG Optimus G made its way to YouTube today. The catch? You’ll have to speak Korean to fully understand it.

With the official unveiling of the Optimus G in South Korea only days away, the clip, titled “I’m a Boy” is expected to make its first appearance on television after the event. Though short, the clip does make a point of showing off the Optimus G’s 13-megapixel camera and its 4G LTE capabilities.

The Optimus G is LG’s new flagship phone, and it has the features to prove it.  The phone, which runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, features a 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm S4 Snapdragon Pro Processor, 2GB of RAM and a 4.7-inch True HP IPS+ screen with a resolution of 1280 x 768.

We’re expecting to see details such as release date and pricing for the LG Optimus G released at the Korean event, and hopefully the phone will be unveiled for U.S. customers at the event LG and Qualcomm are holding in New York City on Wednesday, September 19.

Check out the video above. What do you think?

 

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This article, LG Optimus G commercial for South Korea shows up on YouTube [video] , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Motorola’s Droid Razr M Developer Edition goes for sale, to ship September 24

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 10:55 AM PDT

Losing hours of sleep every night won't be the only thing you have to endure if you decide to get Motorola's Droid Razr M Developer Edition – what with all the tinkering you'll be doing. But you also have to part ways with $549.99. Of course, we already told you about the price last week. What's different is that you now can make the purchase.

Yep, the Droid Razr M Developer Edition is now officially on sale on Moto's website.  Though you can buy it today, Motorola will only ship the phone starting with September 24.

You may not be wondering about on-contract prices, but the vanilla Droid Razr M is currently going for $99 and even $50. So $550 does seem steep, but maybe you'll be able to save more money in the long run by purchasing the Developer Edition at an unsubsidized price, and of course, get the benefit of an unlocked bootloader.

Speaking of which, we saw that Motorola has added both the hacker editions of Droid Razr M and Droid Razr HD to the list of devices that will be supported by the official unlocking tool on the company's "Unlock My Device" page. The only other device listed there is Sprint's Photon Q 4G LTE, but that one you can still buy with a contract.

It seems Verizon is the only carrier that forces customers to pay for the pricier developer edition of Moto phones in order to use the unlocking tool.  What do you think?

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This article, Motorola's Droid Razr M Developer Edition goes for sale, to ship September 24 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Verizon and Google block Google Wallet use on Galaxy Nexus again

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 10:52 AM PDT

Here we go again. When the Verizon Galaxy Nexus was first released, users had to get Google Wallet from other means besides the Google Play Store. It wasn’t a difficult process. All users needed to do was obtain the APK file from somewhere and then sideload it onto the Galaxy Nexus. From there everything worked perfectly. However, Verizon and Google found a way to once again disable Google Wallet access from the Galaxy Nexus.

Anyone who has tried to use their Google Wallet over the last couple of days may have noticed that the app has once again been patched. The error message reads:

This version of the Google Wallet app is no longer supported. Please download the latest version from the Android Market.

Of course, if you go to the Play Store and try to update it, it will tell you that Google Wallet is not supported on your device. A pleasant little Catch-22, wouldn’t you say? It also affects all previously known workarounds so the old methods will no longer work.

So how do we get it back?

Thankfully, the Android community didn’t need long to figure out a workaround for this issue. Members of our wonderful community have already begun flooding various blog posts with download links to the new APK file that will work. It probably will not be long until a permanent download link is posted on XDA-Developers or RootzWiki with stable mirrors. Until then, you’ll need to grab it out of the comments on a blog post like this one at Droid-Life.

Installing the new Google Wallet is easy. Download the APK wherever you can get it and install it over the old version you currently have. It has been confirmed working by a number of people and you should be back up and paying for things with NFC again in no time. You must be quick, though, as most download links are to personal Dropbox accounts, which have a download limit.

Related Posts

Google Wallet available on AT&T Galaxy Nexus, Verizon Follows Suit, Why Verizon Is Blocking Google Wallet on Galaxy Nexus, How-To: Download Google Wallet (From the Market) On the Verizon Galaxy Nexus


This article, Verizon and Google block Google Wallet use on Galaxy Nexus again , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


SIM-free Sony Xperia T could be delayed until January

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 07:12 PM PDT


Sony hasn’t managed to make it to the top three Android manufacturer list yet, but they have some great options when it comes to SIM-free devices. SIM-free Sony Xperia devices usually come very affordable, while still being very capable devices. The Xperia T is a great option for those that want a powerful device that doesn’t break the pocket, but those looking to get it unlocked might have to wait until January.

According to Expansys, a popular cellphone retailer, the unlocked phone could be released as late as January, while the carrier-locked versions will be available between the 27th and 29th of September. We still have no details on pricing, but this phone better come with an enticing price-tag by then.

A dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 4.55-inch 720p display, 1 GB of RAM and Android 4.0 device is enticing right now (for the right price), but it will be one outdated device by the beginning of the year. Especially with CES kicking the year off.

Sony has been relatively better at this, but manufacturers should realize that the SIM-free market is very important and needs more attention. The selection of unlocked devices for those looking to get rid of the carriers’ chains is simply not up to par. Most of us may be locked to a carrier in the US, but such is not the case in other countries. Pre-paid GSM services are very important outside of the US, so please get on it, Carriers!

Sony could very well be playing it safe, and the SIM-free version might end up coming sooner than later. So let’s stay tuned and see what happens. For sure, this would be a good device if its price gets significantly discounted by then.

[Via: Tech Radar]


US Cellular launches Wi-Fi Now app, alleviating their network and your data

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 05:34 PM PDT


The smartphone boost has caused major strains in carrier networks. Suddenly, we have an abundance devices that require as much data and speed as a computer, but running on cellphone towers 24/7. Of course, carriers are forced to improve their towers, but this costs substantial amounts of money (ultimately, the consumer pays for it). Another great way to alleviate this is by convincing users to use Wi-Fi more often, which is what US Cellular is trying to accomplish with its new app Wi-Fi now, but is it worth it?

This app runs in the background, forcing your smartphone to connect to partner Wi-Fi hotspots when available. The idea is simple, and it may improve the network for when you need it most. But there are some downsides; your device would probably connect to Wi-Fi hotspots even if the signal is weaker, making your internet connection less efficient.

This is why I prefer not using apps that make you connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot automatically. The issue would be much more notable if going through a large city, where you would be constantly connecting and disconnecting from Wi-Fi hotspots. The hiccups would be short, but inconvenient enough to not entice users to enable such feature.

We feel US Cellular would do best by enticing users in a more direct way. For example, T-Mobile offers Wi-Fi calling, which allowed you to make calls through Wi-Fi networks without the minutes being taken out of your plan. Republic Wireless offers a much more enticing deal by only charging $20 a month, though the user is forced to have automatic Wi-Fi log-in on.

Sometimes customers need to see a reward up-front if they want to help out the carrier, but this app would help you lower your carrier data consumption. It should be worth a try, so head over to the Google Play Store and download it if you are a US Cellular customer.

[Via: Engadget]


Oppo breaks boundaries with the 1080p, 5-inch Find 5

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 04:36 PM PDT


Oppo may not be in your list of manufacturers while looking for a new phone, but the company is trying to make a name for itself. The company is mostly known for making the thinnest phone, the 6.5 mm thin Oppo Finder. Now Oppo Mobile is taking the spotlight by being one of the first to feature a 1080p display in a smartphone.

According to Oppo Mobile CEO Chenming Yong, the Oppo Find 5 is going to have a 1080p display with a stunning 441 ppi pixel density. After making a few calculation, the result is a large 5-inch screen, meaning the Oppo Find 5 is aiming to compete against devices like the Galaxy Note 2 and the rumored HTC “phablet.”

The device continues to be impressively thin, measuring 6.65 mm, just like its predecessor. It is said to be the thinnest quad-core smartphone. Oh yeah, it has a powerful quad-core S4 Pro processor. Other details are scarce at the moment, but we can expect this to be one powerful device.

Who knows, maybe soon Oppo will make it to the big leagues and we might be seeing some of these devices hitting our carriers. Would you give the Oppo Find 5 a chance?

[Source: Sina Weibo Via: Engadget]


Fix coming to Verizon Galaxy Nexus replacement devices with signal issues

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 03:53 PM PDT


A substantial issue has been plaguing Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus replacement units for a few weeks now. These replacements have been struggling to keep a 4G LTE signal and making their users’ lives impossible. But if the latest leak from the guys at Droid-Life is to be taken as proof, Best Buy is sure this problem will be fixed very soon via an OTA update.

This is definitely no small problem, as the quantity of users reporting such issues has been significant. Yours truly is in the process of getting a replacement unit, and I certainly would not like it one bit if my device came with this baggage.

Thankfully, this leak states that Samsung has discovered what the problem is and the bug-fixing update should be coming within the next couple days. Also, there seem to be some Galaxy Nexus units that have already been updated, marked by an “Updated” sticker in the box. You might want to ask for one of those if you are getting this smartphone before the update comes around.

But let’s get to the good part, shall we? It is great that Verizon customers will no longer suffer signal issues with the Galaxy Nexus, but when will that Android 4.1 update be rolling out?

[Via: Droid-Life]


Smack your phone to silence it; why didn’t Google think of this?!

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 03:09 PM PDT


Isn’t it frustrating when you are in a meeting and your phone starts ringing? Or when you are watching the last 5 minutes of that awesome movie or show and you just want to smack the heck out of your phone when it rings. Well, Microsoft has already thought of this and has filed a patent to achieve this.

That is right, Windows Phone users will probably be able to give their phones a slap and keep them quiet. This is a very fun way to interact with a device, one must say. Certain Android devices have similar features, with the most popular being turning your phone face down, which then silences the device. This can be replicated with some apps out there, but compared to smacking your device these techniques just seem too cute.

Now that Microsoft has its hands on this patent, it will be harder for us Android users to get this feature. Certainly, I wouldn’t mind paying a bit more if a manufacturer gets this licensed. Or maybe a way to do this (or something similar) without infringing on this patent can be found. Come on, developers!

While this is humorous, it solves an issue Android smartphones have no way of doing so. A device would theoretically be able to be silenced in many convenient ways. You wouldn’t even have to hold it. One could simply hit a smartphone that is located inside a bag, or in a pocket. We currently have no easy solutions for silencing a device this easily. It definitely has its advantages, aside from anger release.

Would you like to be able to whack your phone to shut it up, or would you consider this just another gimmick? Are you more than happy with turning your smartphone face down?

[Source: USPTO Via: Mashable]


Samsung Galaxy S3 vs iPhone 5 – “It doesn’t take a genius”

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 02:09 PM PDT

A rather controversial advertisement has been hitting the inter webs today, with a bold statement that is bound to make some people upset. Samsung took a huge hit after losing against Apple in Northern California, but Sammy is here to prove that the war is far from over. The company’s latest ad is a direct comparison between the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S3, with the play-on-words “It doesn’t take a genius” plastered all over the top.

For those that may not know, an Apple Genius is an Apple expert working at one of the company’s stores. Samsung makes reference to this, while playfully stating the idea that Samsung’s products are obviously different from Apple’s smartphones. And based on what they use to prove that (the specs), they re also hinting at the fact that the Galaxy S3 is much better.

Of course, there is much more to quality than hard specs. A device doesn’t need to have better specs to be a better phone, right? It is all relative. Regardless, many of us would say the iPhone 5 is still no competition for Android’s creme de la creme. Regardless, in a world where competition is key, anything goes. Samsung has been very active lately, letting us all now “The next big thing is already here.”

Samsung needs to recover from that lawsuit and from the looks of it, the company is more than ready for this fight. So what do you guys say, does it take a genius to figure out who the winner is?

[Via: CNET]


New rumored specs for the 5-inch HTC device emerge – quad-core, 1.5 GB of RAM and more

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 01:28 PM PDT


We have just received tangible evidence of the Galaxy Note 2 being prepped to be released by Verizon, but maybe you are looking for something a bit different. If HTC is your manufacturer of choice, you probably have your eyes on that rumored 5-inch HTC “phablet,” and we have some more juicy leaks for you today.

Our friends from HTC Source have gotten a hold of a few new details regarding the device, which they call DIx (DROID Incredible X?). We don’t know what the name will be, but the source is almost sure it will come with the DROID branding. The device is said to make the iconic “DROID” notification sound, and the colors are parallel with past DROID devices.

Some of these specs don’t match past leaks and rumors, but HTC Source’s insiders have been right on spot lately. We can only wait for the official announcement to be sure, but this source claims the device will feature a 1080p display with a 480 ppi (pixels-per-inch) density.

Other specs include a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, 1.5 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. Qualcomm’s S4 processor has been known to outperform even quad-core processor like NVIDIA’s Tegra 3, so this bad boy will rock some power under its hood.

Another small, but very welcomed improvement is the addition of a second notification light, which is said to be located in the back, near the camera. This will notify you of any messages, emails, missed calls any any other happenings while the phone is face down. But there has to be a downside, right? No device is perfect, and the exclusion of a microSD card slot might very well be a deal breaker for many of you.

The source also says there is no active pen support like HTC Scribe or Samsung’s S-Pen. The Scribe Stylus seems to not work with the device, so instead of being a device with more functionality it will be a large smartphone. Not that the extra screen real-estate isn’t welcome, but Samsung definitely takes this round.

Sure seems like it could make many of you happy campers, though. Maybe we will see more of this at HTC’s September 19 event. I am personally debating between this one and the Galaxy Note 2. Which one would you get?

[Via: HTC Source]


Making an old-school arcade machine with an Android tablet

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 12:38 PM PDT

It seems it was just yesterday we were all meeting at our local arcades to challenge each other in the hottest games. Times have changed, and it seems we have lost that great habit as mobile devices become powerful enough to handle any game. My local arcade is now out of business, but thanks to the guys at Mediocre we can now get a taste of the good ol’ days!

The Mediocre team (popular for developing Sprinkle) has recently launched a new game – Granny Smith. You can go ahead and check out our preview or get it from the Play Store. But the main star of the show here is this awesome arcade machine the team created for the Granny Smith release party!

It is made out of cardboard, wood, an ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T, some arcade buttons and a Zeemote bluetooth controller. Go ahead and check out Mediocre’s blog to see more about the process and details. It took a bit of work and money to put it all together, but the end-product will be the center of attention at any geek’s party!

[Source: Mediocre Blog]


First images of Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 2, with branded home button and all

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 11:46 AM PDT


The Galaxy Note 2 has created quite the commotion since its announcement a few weeks ago. Many of us want it, but we are not sure which Carriers will offer it in the US (though there are rumors of it coming to most carriers). The wait is always the hardest part, but we finally have what looks to be good evidence that Verizon will be carrying the popular phablet.

These images just hit our inbox and we have kind of mixed feelings about them. The photos look real, and there are no obvious signs of anything being faked, but a little bell rings once you take a look at the home button. It is branded with Verizon’s logo!

So we have one of two situations here: either Verizon is out of its mind and has officially managed to make a beautiful device a bit uglier, or these images are not as real as they seem. For the first time in my tech blogging career, I am wishing for the latter to be the case.

We suppose we will have to wait and see. It could very well be something they plan to take away once the device hits the streets (wishful thinking). The back and menu button also have what looks like some kind of morse code dots, so this shouldn’t be the final design.

I know I don’t want my Note 2 to have that ugly logo in my face. Regardless, I would probably still get it, would you?

Thanks, Sean!


Google: Words With Acer Had Nothing To Do With A Rival OS, and Everything To Do With The Open Handset Alliance

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 08:06 PM PDT

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Yesterday, we told you guys about the drama between Acer and Google that resulted in the abrupt cancellation of a smartphone launch. According to Acer, Google wasn’t pleased with Acer launching a smartphone based on the Aliyun OS, an operating system forked off of Android. Well, today we finally have an official statement from Google, shedding some light on the situation. Google had this to say:

“Compatibility is at the heart of the Android ecosystem and ensures a consistent experience for developers, manufacturers and consumers. Non-compatible versions of Android, like Aliyun, weaken the ecosystem. All members of the Open Handset Alliance have committed to building one Android platform and to not ship non-compatible Android devices. This does not however, keep OHA members from participating in competing ecosystems.”

Ah, okay. It’s starting to make a little more sense. It’s true that Acer is a part of the Open Handset Alliance and apparently there was some fine print involved that they may have overlooked. It seems Google’s concerns stem from their belief that the Aliyun OS is actually a “non-compatible” version of Android (in basic terms), and by releasing a smartphone based on the OS, violates the agreement Acer agreed to when they hoped on board the OHA. To sum it up, if you’re apart of the OHA: rival OS = okay. Rival Android OS = not okay.

According to Google, they are just doing their part to prevent fragmentation with the OS, which they’ve apparently been trying to prevent since Android 1.0. In a blog post dated back in 2011, Andy Rubin said:

If someone wishes to market a device as Android-compatible or include Google applications on the device, we do require the device to conform with some basic compatibility requirements. (After all, it would not be realistic to expect Google applications – or any applications for that matter – to operate flawlessly across incompatible devices). Our "anti-fragmentation" program has been in place since Android 1.0 and remains a priority for us to provide a great user experience for consumers and a consistent platform for developers. In fact, all of the founding members of the Open Handset Alliance agreed not to fragment Android when we first announced it in 2007.

I know what you’re thinking, “So what the hell is up with Amazon?” Why exactly are they allowed to release devices based off Android, but removed of all Google services? That’s the thing. Amazon is not apart of the OHA, which means they are not subject to its terms, and are free to do whatever they like.

Things get a bit muddled up with Alibaba — makers of the Aliyun OS — stating that, where the Aliyun OS is able to run Android apps, it’s not technically based off Android, maintaining that the OS was built from scratch using open-source Linux code, not Android’s Dalkvik virtual machine. Guess it’ll take a judge and dim witted jury to sort out this whole mess. Hopefully Google and Acer will come to terms in the meantime.

[TheVerge | MarketingLand | Android Official Blog]