Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Google Alert - android

News10 new results for android
 
Google Android store reaches 25 billion downloads, 675000 apps
Apple Insider
Google announced on Wednesday that its Google Play store for Android has seen 25 billion downloads to date, and a total of 675,000 applications are now available. Play. The announcement, made on the company's official Android blog, comes a few weeks ...
See all stories on this topic »

Apple Insider
Samsung says Galaxy S3 Android vulnerability already patched but questions ...
ZDNet
Many reports online suggest the problem is related to the TouchWiz UI rather than just the Galaxy S3. I asked Samsung when it first became aware of the problem and when it rolled out the fix in response. I also asked which versions of the Android ...
See all stories on this topic »
Google Maps for Android: 4 hidden features
Computerworld (blog)
With all the talk over Google Maps and iOS right now, I thought it'd be a good time to take a look at Google Maps for Android and a handful of hidden features you might not know exist. Google Maps Labs As it does with many products, Google maintains an ...
See all stories on this topic »

Computerworld (blog)
Saving Android From a Second-Rate Future
Wired (blog)
By the official count, more than 50 percent of all smartphones in the US are running Android, while 32 percent are running iOS. So Google's mobile operating system wouldn't seem in need of saving. But the official count is a lie. It's not that the ...
See all stories on this topic »

Wired (blog)
Jolla Stakes Place as Alternative to Android and iOS
Wall Street Journal (blog)
There is a tendency to see Google's Android and Apple's iOS as the only two smartphone operating systems that matter. After all, nobody would suggest that Microsoft Windows' position on PCs could now be supplanted by Apple or Linux. On smartphones ...
See all stories on this topic »
AT&T Pushes Android 4.0 ICS to Sony Xperia ion Smartphone
MobileTechReview.com
Android 4.0 makes your phone easier to use and more powerful than ever. The many new features include the new browser with improved page loading, tabbed browsing, offline reading and desktop mode. There are new lock/unlock features such as the ...
See all stories on this topic »

MobileTechReview.com
Using your Android device as a PS3 Netflix remote
TG Daily
Remember, the Android Netflix application was recently redesigned with a new user interface (UI), and it seems another unannounced goodie was added as well. Yes, hidden inside the app is a feature that allows you to use your Android device as a remote ...
See all stories on this topic »
RIM's BlackBerry 10: Why I still believe
ZDNet
Rachel King noted that BlackBerry 10 looks like the offspring of an Android and Microsoft Windows Phone one-night stand gone awry. Quip aside, that hybrid bastard child of a mobile OS could actually work because it's different yet not jarring ...
See all stories on this topic »
Android-powered Eken B70 tablet has a $99 price tag
TG Daily
As you may recall, the A8 chip is commonly used in uber-mini Android computers, and like its counterparts, the B70 won't be breaking performance records anytime soon with its hardware. Nevertheless, the B70 does boast a capacitive touchscreen along ...
See all stories on this topic »
ScreenShare beta lets Android tablets act as second screens for Android ...
BetaNews
Spring Design, the company that made headlines two years ago for its a dual-screen Android-powered e-reader, is keeping its dual-screen Android tradition alive with a new app that launched in public beta today called ScreenShare. ScreenShare is an ...
See all stories on this topic »

BetaNews

Blogs5 new results for android
 
Barnes & Noble's Nook HD 7-inch Android tablet, hands-on (video ...
By Brian Heater
It was roughly this time last year that Amazon's Kindle Fire showed us just how successful an aggressively priced 7-inch tablet could be, becoming,
Engadget
Forrester: iPhone App Users Young And Wealthy, Android App ...
By Darrell Etherington
According to a new Forrester Research report, among U.S. mobile device users, those who use apps tend to be younger and more affluent than those who stick just to the web. Nearly one-third of those who use mobile apps fall between the ...
TechCrunch
Samsung: Galaxy S3 already updated with USSD ... - Android Central
By Alex Dobie
First Samsung comments on recent USSD vulnerability in some of its smartphones.
Android Central - Android Forums,...
Apple's iPod touch lets committed Android owners flirt with iOS ...
By Kevin C. Tofel
Apple finally released the 4-inch handset I've been waiting nearly two years for. But the new iPod touch has the larger screen too, plus other key upgrades that got me to swap my iPhone 4S for a new iPod touch that complements my Android ...
GigaOM
Foursquare Updates Android App, Brings Back 'Nearby Checkins'
By Robin Wauters
Other new features in the updated Android app include 'social history' for venue pages (which lets you see who of your friends visited a certain place, how many times, and if they like or dislike it) and a new "me card" design at the top of the ...
The Next Web

Web2 new results for android
 
20 Best iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows Phone games this ...
It's time for our weekly roundup of the best new mobile games for smartphones and tablets, beefed up to 20 games this week since it's been a busy seven days.
www.guardian.co.uk/.../best-mobile-games-street-fighter-tekke...
Google Play hits 25 billion downloads | Official Android Blog
And if you're using Android, it all starts with Google Play, home to 675,000 apps and games. That's a lot of choice. We've now crossed 25 billion downloads from ...
officialandroid.blogspot.com/.../google-play-hits-25-billion-d...


Tip: Use a minus sign (-) in front of terms in your query that you want to exclude. Learn more.

Delete this alert.
Create another alert.
Manage your alerts.

Android Authority

Android Authority


Samsung Galaxy Note 2 makes its sales debut in South Korea

Posted: 26 Sep 2012 03:33 AM PDT

And so it begins – the first wave of customers are getting their Samsung Galaxy Note 2 today. Not surprisingly, the first market to have the phablet on sale is South Korea, where the pen-equipped phone/tablet will be offered by SK Telecom, KT and LG U+.

Following the launch of Galaxy Note 2 on the company's home turf, the phablet will be released in additional 128 markets worldwide via 260 mobile operators. Samsung's head of mobile business, J.K. Shin, expects the device to sell "more than three times those of the previous version."

Though the build up to its release didn't exactly match the crazy hype surrounding the Galaxy S3, we don't think Samsung will have a problem meeting its goal. Millions of owners of the original model will likely find the successor to be worthy the upgrade, what with the bigger screen, faster processor, and improved software, while keeping the dimensions of the device relatively similar.

The next country to be graced by the presence of the Galaxy Note 2 is Italy, and possibly India on September 28. It will also hit UK retail stores next week.

This is indeed exciting times for phablet lovers all around the world. Are you ready to get your hands on the Galaxy Note 2?

Related Posts

Galaxy Note sold by the bucketload in South Korea: two million units in five months, South Korea Sells 700K Galaxy Note's and Counting!, Samsung to debut Galaxy Note 2 at IFA in August, with Jelly Bean and 13MP camera on board


This article, Samsung Galaxy Note 2 makes its sales debut in South Korea , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Netflix app lets you use your Android as a remote control for PS3

Posted: 26 Sep 2012 03:03 AM PDT

The new Netflix app has a handy wee feature that wasn't highlighted. Not only did the Netflix app get a new user interface, it also now allows you to use your Android device, or iOS device, as a remote control for Netflix on your PS3. As long as both devices are on the same network and the Netflix app is running on both of them, you can browse content on your smartphone or tablet, and when you hit play you'll get the option to play it on your PS3.

This means you can continue to browse for things to watch on your smartphone or tablet while you watch something through your PlayStation 3 on the big screen. You can also pause, stop, skip through the video, or tweak the audio or subtitles. This is handy second screen functionality that allows you to tweak and browse without having to interrupt the action.

Before you get too excited, this functionality doesn't seem to have rolled out universally. I updated my PS3 and Galaxy S3 apps this morning, booted them both up, and shouted to my wife to behold this wonderful new dawn for technology and it totally failed to work. The interface is updated, everything else is present and correct but when I play content it just runs on the phone like usual. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the fact that I'm based in the UK, but if you know then please comment and enlighten us.

If you want to try it for yourself then check out this video to see how easy it is.

Related Posts

Netflix app unexpectedly gets a new user interface, Netflix possibly heading to Android, Netflix Rolls Out Support For More Android Devices


This article, Netflix app lets you use your Android as a remote control for PS3 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Barnes & Noble takes on Amazon with ad-free and light Nook HD

Posted: 26 Sep 2012 02:49 AM PDT

Barnes & Noble has released details of its new Nook HD range of Android tablets, which are aimed squarely at Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD line and Google’s Nexus 7. The new tablets are on pre-order now and will start shipping in late October. These are aggressively priced, with the 8GB 7 inch Nook HD selling for $199 (just like the Kindle Fire HD). But of more interest is the 16GB 9 inch version which starts at just $269, compared to $299 for Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD 8.9″.

Looking at raw specs, the Nook HD comes with 8GB or 16GB of built-in storage and an extra 32GB can be added via the microSD Card slot — something you can’t do with the Kindle Fire HD. The 7-inch display has a better resolution than the Kindle Fire HD and packs in 243 pixels per inch to give a resolution of 1440 x 900. The battery life is 9+ hours and it is powered by a dual-core 1.3GHz OMAP 4470.

The Nook HD+ is a 9-inch device, with either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage and again the same ability to add an additional 32GB via the microSD Card slot. It has a 1920 x 1280 pixel resolution display (256 PPI) and is powered by the same CPU as the Nook HD but running at a faster 1.5Ghz. The 32GB 8.9 inch Kindle Fire HD costs $369 while the 32GB Nook HD+ costs just $299.

In terms of the pricing, it is clear that $199 is about the lowest any of the big (non-Chinese) companies can go for a 7-inch device, but the Nook HD+ pricing is much better than Amazon’s (for both the 16GB and 32GB versions) and way cheaper than anything Apple has to offer.

The Nook HD and HD+ use a customized UI on top of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Like the Kindle, it is designed to focus on the content available for purchase on the platform. Barnes & Noble are launching a new video service “Nook Video” which promises blockbuster movies, classic films and original TV shows from the major studios including HBO, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, STARZ, Viacom and Warner Bros. The service will launch concurrently with the shipment of the new products in the USA and is expected to hit the UK in time for Christmas.

In an attempt to differentiate itself from the competition, Barnes & Noble is highlighting the fact that the new tablets are the lightest on the market. The Nook HD weighs only 11.1 ounces (315 grams) and is just 5-inches wide. That makes the device 20 percent lighter and nearly a half-inch narrower than the Kindle Fire HD. The Nook HD+ weighs just 18.2 ounces (515 grams) compared to the Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ which weighs 20 ounces.

For customers outside of the USA, the new Nook tablets will be also available from the uk.nook.com store (and I guess can be shipped to the EU from there) starting at just £159 which is the same price as the Amazon Kindle Fire HD in the UK.

Ad-Free

Another interesting aspect of the NOOK HD and NOOK HD+ is that the pricing is not supported by Ads. As Barnes & Noble put it, “customers can enjoy their favorite content and personal photos, not annoying ads as with Amazon's tablets.” This makes the “always ad-free NOOK tablets” better value than Amazon's, which charges customers an additional $15 to remove the ads.

Related Posts

Is Barnes & Noble Nook the weak link in the tablet war?, Nook price cuts from Barnes & Noble looking to tempt budget tablet hunters, Barnes & Noble Officially Unveils New Android E-Ink Nook


This article, Barnes & Noble takes on Amazon with ad-free and light Nook HD , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Leak: Samsung Galaxy Music: 3 inch screen, dual SIM, Android 4.0

Posted: 26 Sep 2012 01:50 AM PDT

Earlier this week, Samsung published a list of devices that are due to get upgraded to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. One of the devices on that list was the Galaxy Music. We like to think that we know just about everything there is to know about Samsung, so when we saw “Galaxy Music” we started scratching our heads. Thanks to SammyHub, we know now a little bit more about that device. They say it’s going to have a 3 inch screen, an 850 MHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, front facing speakers, a 3 megapixel camera, and that there’s going to be a single SIM variant and a dual SIM variant. It’ll ship with Android 4.0 out of the box, though it’ll obviously get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Why is Samsung making a music focused device? Well why not? Sony Ericsson (now Sony Mobile) had, some might say still has, a fantastic reputation when it comes to music because of the Walkman brand. HTC also has Beats. So why wouldn’t Samsung try to enter this space? We just want to know if they’re going to try selling music directly to consumers or whether they’ll point consumers to the Google Play Store? There’s also the partnering option. Imagine Spotify on this thing!

With regards to the spec sheet, most of you are probably turned off, but many people, this writer included, are big fans of small phones. Samsung makes plenty of small phones, but they’re usually budget devices. That’s the problem. Meanwhile Sony has a range of small-ish Android phones that are quite capable. Take the Xperia Active for example. That thing has a 3 inch screen, a 1 GHz processor, and it’s totally waterproof.

Back to the Galaxy Music, when will it be officially unveiled? We don’t know. How much is it going to cost? Judging by the spec sheet, we’d be surprised if it goes for more than 200 Euros.

Related Posts

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 Leak Photos Show Dual-core Power Packed in Small Tablet Form Factor, Samsung Officially Outs Yet Another Android Honeycomb Tablet: 7 Inch Dual-Core 1.2GHz Galaxy Tab 7.0, New Details Emerge on Samsung Galaxy S3: Ceramic Back, 4.8-inch HD Screen & More


This article, Leak: Samsung Galaxy Music: 3 inch screen, dual SIM, Android 4.0 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


RIM’s CEO says BlackBerry 10 will beat Windows Phone 8; Android and iOS are too tough to compete with

Posted: 26 Sep 2012 01:07 AM PDT

Research in Motion, remember those guys? They’re hard at work on their next generation operating system, which they’re calling BlackBerry 10. Yesterday the company showed the world a sneak peak of what it’s going to look like, and we’ve got to admit, it does look rather interesting. It’s heavily inspired by Nokia’s MeeGo operating system, Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system, and there’s even some hints of Android in there. But what about RIM’s ambitions? Thorsten Heins, RIM’s CEO, told the press:

“We have a clear shot at being the number three platform on the market.”

Who says that, seriously? Let’s take a look at the smartphone market as of Q2 2012. According to the bean counters at IDC, Android powered 68% of the phones that shipped that quarter. Apple’s iOS platform ran on 17%. Those two numbers add up to 85%, so setting your goal to become the “number three platform” means you’re targeting 15% of the market.

Does Thorsten think BlackBerry 10 can beat Windows Phone 8? Absolutely, but how hard is that? Again, looking back at Q2 2012, Nokia sold 4 million Lumias during that quarter. That’s barely more than a million units a month. Meanwhile, Samsung pushed 20 million Galaxy S III units into customers hands in 100 days. That comes out to 18 million units a quarter or 6 million units a month. That’s just one of the many Android models that they sell too!

Look, we want competition, because it makes the market better, but telling people you’re aiming for a bronze medal is like confessing that you’re not really serious about fighting the good fight. We’re incredibly eager to see what RIM has to announce in 2013, but at the same time we question if they have enough life left in them to live until the end of 2012.

What do you guys think?

Related Posts

Google Android Tablet To Compete With iPad’s Sales Volume, Yahoo! employee smartphones: iPhone 5, Android, Windows Phone (anything but BlackBerry), BlackBerry 10 is Looking Good, But Will It Compete Against Android?


This article, RIM’s CEO says BlackBerry 10 will beat Windows Phone 8; Android and iOS are too tough to compete with , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Google Maps isn’t coming to the iPhone for at least another few months

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 11:55 PM PDT

Apple released a new version of their mobile operating system last week. Dubbed iOS 6, it adds several features that aren’t really all that exciting, but what’s making the internet go insane and foam at the mouth is the fact that Apple decided to rip out Google Maps and replace it with their own in-house developed mapping solution. We’re sure you’ve heard about how laughable Apple’s maps are by now. Not only are they uglier than Google’s maps, more importantly Apple’s mapping data has incorrect and missing information.

Why did Apple dump Google? A lot has been said over the past few days, but now we have a better picture of what actually went down thanks to a report from The Verge. First, Google didn’t find out that Apple was going to stop using Google Maps until just a few months ago. Second, Apple was pressuring Google to charge less for their mapping data, but at the same time Google was pressuring Apple to make Maps on iOS a better application by including some of the features that Google Maps users with Android devices have been enjoying for years now. Third, and this is the big one, if you have friends or family that own any iOS devices, tell them that they’re going to have to wait a few months until they can get a native Google Maps application on their device.

Why should Google even bother working with Apple? That question gets asked a lot. We’d like to remind you that Apple is in the business of selling physical goods, whereas Google gets practically all their money from advertising. It’s in their best interest to have more people using their services, because that means they can push more ads. Forgetting about Android versus iOS for a second, these two companies keep the lights on using very different business models.

That can’t be stressed enough.

Related Posts

Apple Maps vs Google Maps: #iLost Motorola (Google) ad pokes fun at the iPhone 5 and the iOS 6 Maps issues, Apple’s desperately trying to recruit former Google employees who worked on Google Maps, Google Maps 3D official, Google Maps offline for Android coming soon


This article, Google Maps isn’t coming to the iPhone for at least another few months , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Texas Instruments to put less focus on making chips for smartphones and tablets

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 10:54 PM PDT

Texas Instruments, one of the larger system on chip vendors, has just said that they’re going to “shift” their focus away from the wireless market. In case you don’t know who TI is, they make chips under the OMAP brand. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus for instance, that uses an OMAP chip, as do Amazon’s new Kindle Fire tablets. So why did the company come to this decision? Greg Delagi, Senior Vice President for Embedded Processing at TI said: “We believe that opportunity is less attractive as we go forward.”

Now we know what you’re thinking, isn’t the mobile device industry booming? It is, but companies don’t want to deal with the hassle of integrating components from multiple vendors. Why do you think most Android phones on the market use Qualcomm chips? Because Qualcomm sells handset makers a complete solution. The Snapdragon platform comes with an application processor (Krait), a graphics processor (Adreno), all the radios needed for data, GPS, Bluetooth, and so on and so forth. TI will gladly sell companies companies CPUs, but companies want more than that.

Take a look at ST-Ericsson for example. STMicroelectronics, who was great at making chips, decided to partner with Ericsson, who was great at making cellular modems, to take on the big boys. Today their products are found in several of Sony’s Android devices. Will they ever become as successful as Qualcomm? Probably not, but hey, you can’t fault them for trying.

And finally, the clearest example of this type of integration, is NVIDIA. They bought a company called Icera in May 2011. Their area of expertise? Cellular modems. During the next 12 months it’s practically guaranteed that you’re going to hear about a new Tegra chip that comes with some sort of cellular connectivity. That product, whatever it’ll end up being called, is what companies want.

TI knows this all too well, which is why they’re calling it quits.

Related Posts

Ice Cream Sandwich Chips Coming From Texas Instruments, Texas Instruments shareholders ask for a pullback from the mobile chip business, Texas Instruments adds Bluetooth and WLAN drivers to Android


This article, Texas Instruments to put less focus on making chips for smartphones and tablets , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Android Nexus Binaries Updated to JRO03R and Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus gets Factory Images

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 06:01 PM PDT

 

Android superhero Jean-Baptiste Queru has reminded us once again that the Verizon Galaxy Nexus is in fact, a Nexus. It may not get updates in a timely manner. It may not get updates before other non-Nexus devices get updates, but dammit, it’s a Nexus.

JBQ has pushed Android 4.1.1 JRO03O factory images to join the ranks of other Nexus devices at their usual location. What exactly does this mean? These images will do you good if you happen to flash a bad ROM or do run into issues tweaking and customizing your Nexus device. Think of them as a fail safe to go back to a stock, out of the box and freshly installed over the air update experience. If you’re not an Android hacker, cracker, or flasher, you need not worry about these.

Besides blessing us with factory images for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, JBQ has also provided the development community with the latest build of propriety Nexus binaries over at Google’s Nexus drivers page. The latest batch of binaries work with the android-4.1.1_r6 release and master branch. According to Jean-Baptiste Queru, the most noteworthy changes with the newer binaries are for the Nexus 7, supporting GPS and include a high-precision touchscreen firmware.  The latter part of that statement may address issues floating around various forums surrounding touch screen responsiveness on the Nexus 7.

 Jean-Baptiste Queru, Technical Lead, Android Open Source Project:

I’ve published a full set of proprietary JRO03R binaries at the
usually location https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/drivers

Those binaries work with the android-4.1.1_r6 tagged release and with
the master branch (but not with jb-dev).

Noteworthy changes: for grouper (i.e. Nexus 7), the new binaries
support GPS, and include a high-precision touchscreen firmware.

I’ve also updated the graphics libraries for PandaBoard, and I’ve
included the JRO03O factory image for mysid (i.e. VZW Galaxy Nexus).

Download:
Stock images | Binaries

Related Posts

Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean factory images for Nexus 7, Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus available, Nexus S and Nexus S 4G Jelly Bean Factory Images Now Available For Download, Sprint now has Jelly Bean binaries


This article, Android Nexus Binaries Updated to JRO03R and Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus gets Factory Images , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


TouchWiz and browser vulnerability can wipe or reset your phone with a single click

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 05:25 PM PDT

Samsung smartphone users beware. It seems the custom TouchWiz skin found on most Samsung Galaxy smartphones is vulnerable to an attack that can wipe out the phone’s entire contents, including even the SIM data. And this can be done in only one click.

GigaOM reports how only a single line of HTML can do that much damage. In a vulnerability demonstrated by Ravi Borganokar at the Ekoparty security conference, the issue involves tapping a link that executes a data wipe command via the TouchWiz phone dialer.

The report is entitled Dirty use of USSD Codes in Cellular Network, and Borganokar discusses various other means of attacking smartphones and data using USSD commands.

If you’re a Samsung user, you may be familiar with how you can execute all sorts of commands and diagnostics through codes entered in the dialer. The exploit involves directly keying in those commands via a link, and no other user intervention is required other than tapping the link, since TouchWiz automatically dials these codes. Check out the video demonstration below for an example.

Borganokar says this code can even be executed through an NFC wireless transfer or through a QR code, which makes Sammy phone users vulnerable to social engineering attacks that involve tapping or otherwise loading a link.

As an update to the report, Android Police says the vulnerability is not with Samsung phones per se, but with the stock Android browser itself.

The fact is, this is not a Samsung problem, it’s an old Android problem that has been known about for some time. More recent versions of Android avoid the wipe issue, but unpatched devices (like some Samsung phones) may still be vulnerable.

This means the issue can also be replicated on non-Samsung phones, as long as these use unpatched versions of the Android browser.

So far, the issue can be reproduced on these Samsung phones: Galaxy S Advance, Galaxy S2, Galaxy Beam, and Galaxy Ace, among others. Android Police says smartphones that have already been patched, or those that don’t use TouchWiz, are not vulnerable. For instance, the hack does not work on the Galaxy Nexus, since it uses vanilla Android, and without custom skins.

Related Posts

Samsung Galaxy Nexus GT-I9250: How to enjoy TouchWiz UX look and feel on your phone, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 TouchWiz Update Brings Added Features, A-GPS vulnerability could let hackers track your location, take over your phone


This article, TouchWiz and browser vulnerability can wipe or reset your phone with a single click , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Select Motorola Atrix 2 users getting ICS update for soak test

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 01:52 PM PDT

It’s been a long time coming, but it seems that for users of the Motorola Atrix 2, the update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich may already be on its way. Users who are signed up for soak tests are beginning to receive the update today.

While just a few days ago, we were worried that the Motorola Atrix 2 wouldn’t be getting an update until next year, this soak test does bring some hope that the full roll-out may be sooner than we thought. While Motorola’s site still just says ”Further plans coming soon,” it’s possible that they simple haven’t updated yet.

Here is the text of the message that some users are receiving:

Thanks for signing up for the Atrix 2 software test. Our apologies for the delay in starting this test! The software will begin to be pushed out later this afternoon; however, it may take several hours for all targeted devices to receive the update.

We’re eager to hear your feedback. Please share your experience on the private community provided, and via the survey I will send out after you’ve had some time to work with the software.

To ensure we hear you, please follow these guidelines:

  • Please post all your feedback in our private community (link below). This also where you’ll find help during the soak.
  • Please do not call or contact Motorola, AT&T or your carrier support for help during the soak. Those teams are not yet ready to support this software.
  • I’m not able to check private messages on the forums during soaks, so if you need immediate help that’s not a good route to take. Post in the community instead.
  • If you have any problems accessing the private community, please click here for help.
  • Please do not post questions publicly, on our site or elsewhere.

Please start your visit to the private community here. You’ll find additional important information in the Welcome message as soon as you sign in. (Note that you will not be able to post in the public communities during the soak test.)

Thanks so much for your participation! We really appreciate your time and insights.

Are you signed up for soak tests from Motorola? If so, the update could be on its way soon. Have you got your update yet?

Related Posts

Motorola preps up OTA update for soak testers, Android 4.0 ICS heading to Droid 4 soon?, Motorola rolls out Android 4.0.4 ICS update for Droid 4's soak testers, Motorola Xoom Jelly Bean update coming soon, soak test invitations suggest


This article, Select Motorola Atrix 2 users getting ICS update for soak test , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Android and Me

Android and Me


T-Mobile one city closer to nationwide 4G HSPA+ for unlocked and AT&T phones

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 06:25 PM PDT

T-Mobile has the fastest 4G HSPA+ network in the US, but it runs on 1700 MHz AWS spectrum that is not compatible with most GSM phones. Unlocked GSM phones can still operate on T-Mobile, but they are limited to slow 2G EDGE speeds. Thankfully T-Mobile is in the middle of a massive $4 billion network...

Visit our site to read the full article.


Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Hidden Netflix Feature Turns Your Android Device Into A Remote For Your PlayStation 3 Console

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 06:56 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

It was barely yesterday the Netflix app saw an update for Android devices that brought with it a redesigned and snazzy new UI. Apparently, that wasn’t the only thing Chris Jaffe and team had in store for the update. Apparently there was some hidden functionality buried inside the update that has only now been brought to our attention. As highlighted by a YouTuber, if you have the Netflix app installed on both your PlayStation 3 console and your Android device, you can use your phone or tablet as a full featured remote via your home WiFi network.

Here’s how it works. Simply select a movie or show on your phone and it will pull up a prompt asking where you want to play the selected show/movie. Select PS3 and the phone then acts as a remote to fast forward, pause, and change the audio or subtitles. No more fiddling around with your PS3 controller (I’m always hitting the analog stick on accident sending my movies into fast forward). Pretty slick. Although I couldn’t get it working on my system, maybe you guys will have better luck. Give it a shot and let me know how it works for ya.

[Engadget | Google Play Store]


T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Hits The FCC As SGH-T779

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 06:16 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

Looks like T-Mobile will be adding an all new tablet to their 4G lineup, with the Samsung SGH-T779 passing through the FCC today. The FCC sketch reveals T-Mobile’s branding as well as the general dimensions of the device and yup, it’s looking like this will be T-Mo’s version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. Can’t say how well T-Mobile’s branded tabs have been selling, apparently well enough to warrant a new edition. What say ye? Anyone currently have a T-Mobile tab in their possession and if you do, which model?

[FCC | Via UnwiredView]


Official MediaFire App For Android Coming Soon To The Google Play Store

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 05:12 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

It’s been a long time coming, but an official MediaFire application is finally coming to Android. One of my personal favorite file sharing sites (I love their desktop interface), MediaFire announced the good news via their blog today where they showed off a few images of their newly released iOS app. Took ‘em long enough to get on the ball, but I suppose it’s better late than never. No exact date on when we can expect the MediaFire app in the Google Play Store, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled.

[MediaFire]


Jelly Bean factory image now available for Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus, JRO03R binaries available for all Nexus devices

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 03:38 PM PDT

With Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus finally receiving its update to Jelly Bean, Google has made the factory image of Android 4.1.1 available for download. The updated image for build JRO03R comes as the binaries for the same Android build have been posted for all currently supported Nexus devices, including the Nexus S (crespo, crespo4G), Galaxy Nexus (maguro, toro), and Nexus 7 (grouper) as well as the Motorola XOOM WiFi (wingray). The Korean release of the Samsung Nexus S remains without a Jelly Bean factory image.

[Google 1, 2 via AndroidPolice]


Report: Kindle Fire HD now makes up 11 percent of web traffic from Amazon’s tablets

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 02:19 PM PDT

According to a new report from ad analytics firm Chitika Insights, the Kindle Fire HD is off to a good start for Amazon. Only a week removed from its commercial availability, the new slate now accounts for 11 percent of all web ad impressions clocked for Amazon’s Kindle Fire family. But Amazon still has a ways to go to catch Google’s Nexus 7, which launched over the summer to high demand. Chitika calculates that the 7-inch Jelly Bean tablet accounts for a 68.5 percent web share when compared to the Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD.

[via Mashable]


Soak test for Motorola Atrix 2 set to commence, what to expect is a mystery

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 01:58 PM PDT

Word has trickled down by way of the Motorola Feedback Network that a soak test is set to kick off at some point today for a new update to the Motorola Atrix 2 for AT&T. Other than that, the details of what to expect are unknown. The first conclusion we might jump to is Ice Cream Sandwich, though Motorola’s recently updated upgrade timeline would suggest that the update is still in development. Next to the Atrix 2, the status of the update was marked with a note saying “further plans coming soon.”

If we want to take a glass-is-half-full approach, perhaps the note on the upgrade timeline actually suggests the upgrade is imminent, and this soak test could be the first step in a process that will eventually end with Atrix 2 owners everywhere receiving Android 4.0. We wouldn’t hold our breath on that one just yet. If you are a member of Moto’s Feedback Network and receive the new software, be sure to let us know what you find.

Thanks for signing up for the Atrix 2 software test. Our apologies for the delay in starting this test! The software will begin to be pushed out later this afternoon; however, it may take several hours for all targeted devices to receive the update.

We're eager to hear your feedback. Please share your experience on the private community provided, and via the survey I will send out after you've had some time to work with the software.

To ensure we hear you, please follow these guidelines:

Please post all your feedback in our private community (link below). This also where you'll find help during the soak.
Please do not call or contact Motorola, AT&T or your carrier support for help during the soak. Those teams are not yet ready to support this software.
I'm not able to check private messages on the forums during soaks, so if you need immediate help that's not a good route to take. Post in the community instead.
If you have any problems accessing the private community, please click here for help.
Please do not post questions publicly, on our site or elsewhere.
Please start your visit to the private community here. You'll find additional important information in the Welcome message as soon as you sign in. (Note that you will not be able to post in the public communities during the soak test.)

Thanks so much for your participation! We really appreciate your time and insights.


Rumor: Samsung to introduce Tizen-powered Galaxy smartphone

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 12:53 PM PDT

When it comes to Android, Samsung has been one of the platform’s biggest supporters (and more often than not, Google’s surrogate in courtroom battles targeting devices running the OS), but the smartphone and tablet maker has never fully written off the idea of dabbling in other mobile operating systems. Most recently Samsung has launched a series of Windows Phone devices and in the past event attempted to launch their own mobile OS dubbed Bada.

Through all their endeavors their Galaxy brand has remained synonymous with Android, thanks in no small part to the success of the Galaxy S line of smartphones. This might change soon. A report from Digitimes claims that Samsung will soon launch a Galaxy device running an alternate OS to Android, the Linux-based Tizen.

You may recall that Tizen is the very platform that Samsung rolled their Bada OS into. It is a platform backed by the likes of Intel. If and when a smartphone running the OS comes to market, it will have an uphill climb to the top in light of Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, but the Galaxy name could provide a big boost. And perhaps this is why Samsung is considering the option. If any company has a chance to build up a userbase from scratch, Samsung has the influence. Even Verizon’s CEO agrees.

So what would a non-Android Galaxy phone spell for the rest of the line? Could we someday see a flagship Galaxy S device running a different operating system then Android? It is hard to imagine, but definitely not out of the question. Samsung’s loyalty is to producing great hardware that interfaces with a great OS to provide a great user experience. Samsung might one day decide that this means moving on from Android. But it’s all rumor for now. While there is little doubt Samsung will someday launch a Tizen-based phone, whether or not it earns a Galaxy logo is something we’ll leave to rumor for now.

[Digitimes via BGR]


Survey Says: Developer interest in Android on the decline

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 12:18 PM PDT

According to a survey conducted by Appceletator, interest in developing for Android smartphones has been declining steadily since April of 2011. In their latest poll of over 5,500 mobile developers, the firm found that 76 percent of those surveyed were “very interested” in the Android platform. Compare that number to the 85 percent interested in developing for Apple’s iPhone.

While the number seems to predict doom and gloom, it’s important to note a trend common among nearly all platforms in Appcelerators Q3 survey. All platforms, including iOS, saw a drop off from the previous quarter except for Windows 8 Tablets. While developer interest still remains higher for Apple’s iPhone and iPad, it too has declined since the middle of 2011, though to a lesser degree than Google’s Android platform. The figure could be easily attributed to the introduction of new platforms such as Windows Phone or to a general shift towards HTML5 over native mobile apps.

Oddly enough, when queried as to what elements influenced their decisions on which platforms to develop for, those polled named a large install base as the number one factor. While its iconic stature in pop culture may give the iPhone the edge here, the latest figures suggest that Android currently has more activated devices on the market, last reported at 500 million to Apple’s 400 million.

So does the decline give reason to push the panic button? Does it mean we will see fewer high quality apps on the Google Play store in coming months? Unlikely. But it is interesting to ponder the implications of the data presented by Appceletator. What’s your take?

[via TechCrunch]


ASUS announces Transformer Prime update to Jelly Bean for Sweden

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 11:28 AM PDT

ASUS Transformer Prime owners could be seeing an update to Jelly Bean as early as today…if they happen to live in Sweden. The computer and tablet maker’s Swedish branch took to Facebook earlier this morning to announce that the upgrade to Android 4.1 should soon commence for the tablet with a keyboard dock. There is no word on when the update might spread to other regions, but the initial rollout is good news nonetheless. Given that no barriers such as wireless carriers exist between the manufacturer and consumer, ASUS should be just about set to deliver the update to all users, including those in the US.

[via DroidLife]


Barnes & Noble introduces NOOK Video streaming service

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 10:27 AM PDT

Barnes & Noble today has revealed plans to launch their own streaming video service for their NOOK line of tablet computers. Dubbed NOOK Video, the service will feature content licensed from HBO, Sony Pictures, STARZ, Walkt Disney Studios, Viacom, and Warner Bros. in an effort to compete directly with similar offerings from the likes of Amazon, Netflix, and even Google Play. As a bonus, NOOK Video will feature Ultraviolet integration to sync users’ existing Blu-Ray and DVD libraries with their digital media library.

NOOK Video will launch this fall in the US and over holiday season in the UK.

[via B&N]


Eric Schmidt says Apple should have stayed with Google Maps

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 09:20 AM PDT

The commentary from the media and fans regarding the hilarious face plant that is Apple Maps in iOS6 is funny enough, but what we’ve really been jonesing for is word from someone out of Google camp regarding the situation.

Eric Schmidt, one of the highest figures associated with Google, has come out and flat-out stated it: Apple should have stayed with Google Maps. Here’s the quote from former-CEO and now-executive chairman of the board and advisor to co-founders

Sergey Brin and Larry Page:

We think it would have been better if they had kept ours. But what do I know? What were we going to do, force them not to change their mind? It's their call.

That one is short and sweet, no doubt. But is he right? Well, Apple does have the right to make their own decisions, and Google can’t really do much but convince Apple to sign a new license for Google Maps.

As a fan of technology, though, I’d say Apple absolutely is in the wrong. Apple’s willingness to deprive its users of a rock solid Maps experience in place of an unproven, buggy mess because of their spats with Google simply wasn’t wise.

They’ll say it was simply a move for “innovation” or a business decision from here until whenever, but we all know these decisions to phase Google out of the iOS picture has more to do with the company’s emotions and feelings toward Google and Android than just cold, hard numbers.

Schmidt wouldn’t comment on whether or not Google would attempt to make a Maps application for the App Store, but should it come down to that Apple will obviously have final say in the interpretation of its duplication policy. One thing’s for sure, though — us Android folk don’t have anything to worry about for a long time coming. [via Bloomberg]


Truffle Trails is a Trials-inspired obstacle course racing game… with pigs

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 08:46 AM PDT

Just like zombies hitting the film and games industry, it seems like pigs are trying to make a case for the new hottest thing on the block. Finnish developer Salami Entertainment (awesome name) has come to the Google Play Store with its first game — Truffle Trails.

The game puts a fat pig into a makeshift wooden cart, and it’s your job to get that pig across the course without tumbling over. You’ll come across things like a rolling ball that you need to balance on, a rickety string bridge, and more.

It reminds me of Trials, except less awesome. But Truffle Trials free, and you can’t get Trials on your Android device — go ahead and grab it from the Google Play Store here.


Sony Xperia Acro S now available unlocked in the US

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 07:43 AM PDT

Sony has just announced US availability of the Sony Xperia Acro S. While this device won’t be coming to any specific carrier, Sony is offering it unlocked through a number of retailers for those on GSM networks. The device will be offered from Sony’s own site and Newegg for $600 starting today, but what are you getting for that non-subsidized price tag?

It comes with a 4.3 inch HD Reality display, Qualcomm’s 1.5GHz dual-core S4 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 12MP camera, 16GB of internal storage, Ice Cream Sandwich and more. For $600 you won’t find a better Sony phone that’s as easily accessible (in terms of retail availability) in the United States as this one is. Read on for full press details.

Sony Mobile Communications Brings a New Stylish, Durable Smartphone to the US – the Xperia acro S

o    Stylish, sleek and durable smartphone made to resist life's challenges without compromising on design or functionality

o    Easy connectivity and premium entertainment from Sony Entertainment Network anywhere, anytime

o    Reality Display for razor sharp clarity and fast capture camera to go from sleep to snap in just over a second

What:         Sony Mobile Communications brings the Xperia acro S to US consumers looking for premium specifications and beautiful design with extra durability and water resistance. The Xperia acro S has a scratch-resistant display to offer protection against dust and water immersion.

 

The Xperia acro S enables easy connectivity to share and enjoy content on a TV, smartphone, laptop or tablet. It also comes preloaded with Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited from Sony Entertainment Network giving access to Hollywood blockbusters, TV series and millions of music tracks.

The Xperia acro S has a 4.3" HD Reality Display for razor sharp clarity, full HD video recording, HD video chat, and easy HDMI TV connectivity to enjoy content on the big screen. NFC enabled, Xperia acro S can easily open applications with one touch against an Xperia SmartTag. The Xperia acro S has the highest level of water resistance of any smartphone, so you can drop it in your drink, then shake it off and carry on.

 

Pricing & availability:

The Xperia acro S is available now at select Sony stores and at store.sony.com.  Newegg and other online retailers will also carry the Xperia acro S. For additional availability and pricing, please check with each retailer.

 

  • ·         MSRP $599.99 (unlocked), in black or white

Network compatibility:

The Xperia acro S is compatible with the network bands below.

  • ·         UMTS HSPA 850, 900, 1900, 2100
  • ·         GSM 850/900/1800/1900

 

Product Resources:

 

 

Specs:

Xperia

acro S specifications

 

Size:4.9 x 2.5 x .4 in

Weight: 5.18 ounces

Screen: 4.3″ 720p HD Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine,  shatter proof sheet on scratch-resistant glass, wet finger tracking

Camera: 12.1MP camera, Exmor R™ for mobile, Aperture f/2.4, fast capture, 16x digital zoom, Pulsed LED flash and autofocus, 1080p HD video recording, front-facing camera

Phone Memory: Up to 1 GB RAM, 16 GB internal memory, up to 11 GB user accessible memory

Operating System: Android™ 4.0

Processor: 1.5 GHz Dual Core

Connectivity: 3.5 mm audio jack, aGPS, Bluetooth™, HDMI™ support, DLNA® Certified, Wi-Fi®, USB High speed 2.0 support, NFC

IP55 Rating: Protected against dust-limited to ingress (no harmful deposits) and water projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects
IP57 Rating: Protected against dust-limited to ingress (no harmful deposits) and the effects of immersion between 15 cm and 1 m for 30 minutes


Matrix One is an affordable 7 inch Ice Cream Sandwich device for just $59

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 06:50 AM PDT

If you’re looking for a very cheap Android tablet, why not consider this option that one of our readers tipped us off to? It’s a 7 inch WVGA tablet called the Matrix One, and the price tag will have a few people considering it despite the antiquated specs — $59.99, is all.

For that, you’re getting a 1.5GHz Cortex-A8 processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, Android 4.0.3, a 2 megapixel front-facing camera for video calls, and more. It’s easy to snicker at this tale of the tape, but those looking for an affordable multimedia device for Christmas or just for kicks should strongly consider the Matrix One. Get started here.


New malicious hack would allow a website to wipe certain Galaxy S devices clean with irreversible effects [VIDEO]

Posted: 25 Sep 2012 05:57 AM PDT

Well this is quite the troubling development. It appears the security of some of Samsung’s Galaxy/Galaxy S phones have been brought into question as a recently-discovered hack could have users frantic. The exploit allows a website to run a USSD code via the browser that will send instructions to the phone to wipe it completely clean.

According to researchers, even the SIM card could be destroyed by using this method. The factory reset process is irreversible, so should a user find themselves in this unfortunate situation they’d have no choice but to let it commence.

The vulnerability is said to only work on certain Samsung TouchWiz devices, with the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy S2, Galaxy Beam, Galaxy Ace, and Galaxy S Advance confirmed to have the exploit.

Furthermore, the exploit can be triggered by NFC or via the scanning of a QR code — this means an unsuspecting soul could be led to believe they’ll be taken to one site, and before you know it their phone’s data is being flushed down the toilet.

Thankfully the exploit is being showcased at the Ekoparty security conference. This is a favorable development because it likely means Samsung was warned ahead of time, and that they could possibly already be working on a fix. And even if they haven’t been notified by the researchers who have discovered the exploit we’re sure they’re about to be a lot more aware.

Imagine the disastrous impact this would have on a business user on the go, or just anyone who hasn’t backed their data up because they never thought their phone’s data would be wiped out by nonsense.

It’s a scary situation to think of and we’re certain Samsung would agree. Note that only Samsung handsets with TouchWiz are said to be affected — this does not appear to be an exploit found at the root of Android. Watch a quick video demo of the exploit being performed above. [via SmartDroid]