Android Central |
- Ingress update brings UI improvements and performance fixes
- Press app updated with background sync, quick-navigation and more
- Google tops the Fortune 100 best companies to work for, Apple doesn't even place
- Android 4.1.2 update reportedly rolling out to unbranded Australian Samsung Galaxy S3
- Xperia Z shows up on O2 Germany with LTE support
- EE to close 78 retail stores before the end of April, affecting locations with multiple stores
- Temple Run 2 jumping and sliding its way onto Android on Jan. 24
- Real Racing 3 continues to look incredible, due to drop in February
- Huawei Ascend Mate specs
- SEGA's Kingdom Conquest II hits the Play Store
- Huawei Ascend D2 specs
- Xperia Z assembled by Sony engineer in 5 minutes flat
- Carbon (the Android Twitter app) may yet live on
- Samsung 'Galaxy Note 8.0' purportedly outed ahead of MWC reveal
- Tonight, on the Greatest Android Podcast in the World!
- Lode Runner Classic hits Android
- Deal of the Day: Qmadix Snap-On Cover w/ Holster for HTC One X
- Official Nexus 4 wireless charging orb appears at Norwegian retailer, Feb. release slated
- Dolphin Browser updated with sharing to other devices on Wi-Fi network
- LG Mobile France director talks Nexus 4 supplies, Optimus G Euro launch
- Sony Xperia Tablet Z could be unveiled next week in Japan
- Sony Xperia Z to get Android 4.2 'shortly after launch'
- Sony Xperia ZL spotted in red ahead of international release
- HTC One SV now available from Cricket for $369 sans contract
| Ingress update brings UI improvements and performance fixes Posted: 17 Jan 2013 04:31 PM PST
Everyone's favorite "walk around town and look awkward" game, Ingress, was just updated to version 1.18.1 today. It's a pretty mundane update overall, but with several improvements that should make users eager to update and get back out there. On the user-facing front, we're seeing UI improvements in various places, as well as enhancements in animations (Google specifically notes "XMP explosion animations.) On the back end there are many bug fixes included, along with improved memory usage and faster app resume times for any device with an Adreno GPU. Anyone who has played a lot of Ingress knows it can be a bit sluggish when resuming. The changelog notes that there's still one big known bug, that portal shields are nearly invisible when viewing them from the map view. Hopefully that one gets squashed in the next update as well. 
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| Press app updated with background sync, quick-navigation and more Posted: 17 Jan 2013 04:16 PM PST
The folks at TwentyFive Squares have updated the Press app, bringing the most requested features to the popular Google Reader application. Ignoring the important "performance enhancements and bug fixes" that accompany every application update, the new feature list looks impressive.
We're fans of the Press app here, and it looks like this is an awesome update. Check Google Play for your update notification, or if you're looking to try Press for the first time ($1.99; Android 4 or higher) you can click the Google Play link above. 
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| Google tops the Fortune 100 best companies to work for, Apple doesn't even place Posted: 17 Jan 2013 03:49 PM PST Fortune today released its annual list of the top 100 companies to work for, with a definite case of score one for Google. Sitting pretty in the top spot, Google is deemed to be the best company out there to work for. It isn't the biggest surprise, after all, this is the fourth time the folks at Mountain View have claimed top honors. What makes Google so great to work for? You can't sit someone at Number 1 without explaining why: The Internet juggernaut takes the Best Companies crown for the fourth time, and not just for the 100,000 hours of subsidized massages it doled out in 2012. New this year are three wellness centers and a seven-acre sports complex, which includes a roller hockey rink; courts for basketball, bocce, and shuffle ball; and horseshoe pits. In what we could see as a double whammy, while Google sits high atop the mountain in first place, the folks down at Cupertino had a quite different result in the Fortune 100. Apple, who seems to just print money, hasn't placed anywhere within the top 100. Just goes to show, making money doesn't always make all of the people feel good. Other notable, Android related, companies to place in the top 100 include chip makers Qualcomm, at number 11, and Intel at number 68. Besides topping Apple in the charts, all three also placed higher than Microsoft, who came in at number 75. See the Fortune 100 list in full by hitting the source link below. Oh, and for a little taste of just how awesome it is at Google, be sure to check out the video above. There's a slide, and there's Phil Nickinson. We won't spoil the rest! Source: Fortune top 100 
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| Android 4.1.2 update reportedly rolling out to unbranded Australian Samsung Galaxy S3 Posted: 17 Jan 2013 03:05 PM PST
Owners of an unbranded Samsung Galaxy S3 in Australia have cause for celebration -- the Android 4.1.2 update is reportedly rolling out to those devices right now. The guys at Ausdroid received the initial tip from one of their readers, and it seems the update is available to download via KIES. There's no word on an OTA variant pushing out just yet. Besides the 'Premium Suite' goodies the 4.1.2 update brings such as Multi Window, it's also said to contain fixes for the Exynos exploit and the so called 'sudden-death' that was affecting some handsets. If you own one of these eligible Galaxy S3s and have snagged the update for yourselves, be sure to share your experiences with us in the comments below, or head on into the Samsung Galaxy S3 forums. Source: Ausdroid 
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| Xperia Z shows up on O2 Germany with LTE support Posted: 17 Jan 2013 02:55 PM PST
We're still waiting for hard facts on pricing and release date for the newly announced Sony Xperia Z, but at least one carrier in Germany, O2, is committing to carrying it. The handset has shown up on the O2 Germany website with an expected release window of "February," but no specific timing other than that is available at this time. There's also no pricing, and your only option is to make a reservation price-unseen. One interesting thing to note is that as one of Germany's LTE carriers, its version of the Xperia Z will have LTE support on-board, provided you're willing to pay the extra tariff to have the faster data speeds. Extra connectivity options aside, this is looking like the same device we've seen before, in the same black and white color options. Eager Germans among us can head to the source link and reserve one, again price-unseen, if you know that the Xperia Z is the device for you. Source: O2 Germany; Thanks, Dhatam! 
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| EE to close 78 retail stores before the end of April, affecting locations with multiple stores Posted: 17 Jan 2013 02:14 PM PST
It's been a busy few months for the UK's first -- and only -- LTE carrier, EE. Swiftly following the launch of their LTE network, the company made up of the merged Orange UK and T-Mobile carriers embarked upon a complete rebranding of their retail operation. In many locations this meant going from having an Orange store, and a T-Mobile store, to having 2 EE branded stores. However, this won't last for too much longer, with todays announcement that the carrier is to close 78 of its retail stores in locations it deems unsuitable for multiple presence. However, thankfully for the majority of the staff, jobs are to be retained. Unlike some British High Street retailers who have recently found themselves on hard times, this move from EE isn't down to floundering finances. It almost seemed inevitable from the outset. For instance, in the town I call home, there are now 2 EE branded stores within 50 yards of each other, and anyone can see that isn't the best way to spend money. Sales staff will be transferred from closing stores to their sibling store, however management positions are reportedly under consultation. In addition to the closures, 4 new EE Stores will be opened at currently undisclosed locations. By the time the closures have gone through at the end of April, EE will be left with 626 stores, easily leaving them with the most retail presence of any UK carrier. And the only UK carrier with any LTE for the foreseeable future. Source: Mobile News 
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| Temple Run 2 jumping and sliding its way onto Android on Jan. 24 Posted: 17 Jan 2013 01:31 PM PST While we may not today be basking in the glow of Imangi Studios' sequel to their smash hit Temple Run like our iOS friends, we shall not be waiting long. British newspaper, The Guardian, ran a lengthy interview with the developers, and garnered a release date for the Android version of Temple Run 2. One week from today, Thursday Jan. 24. Temple Run 2 looks on the face of it a lot like its predecessor. After all, it's still an endless runner. But, Temple Run 2 has more aspects to the game this time around in that you pilot a runaway mine cart, running isn't just straight lines, and you get to slide down zipwires. There's also an in-app purchase available of a coin-doubler, and what looks like a power up for some crazy fast running. We'll naturally be giving Temple Run 2 the once over next week when it launches in Google Play, but for now, we'll make do with the official launch trailer. Source: The Guardian 
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| Real Racing 3 continues to look incredible, due to drop in February Posted: 17 Jan 2013 01:11 PM PST Real Racing 3 has looked downright gorgeous ever since we were first teased of its existence back in August. The latest video in the Developer Diary series showcases some more incredible looking visuals, along with a little background on the process of creating the circuits in the game. The short version -- this is a game we're looking forward to seeing. Say the developers: Real Racing 3 lets gamers compete against friends and rival drivers from around the world. Fans can race on real world circuits with powerful dream cars from all-new manufacturers like Porsche, Audi, and Dodge. With the improvements achieved with Real Racing 2, the team aimed to raise the bar on expectations and continue to give their artists the ability to create the most realistic graphic effects on cars on an individual basis. Including realistic reflections, customizable cars and improved details down to glosses and finishes, Real Racing 3 delivers the unique experience of speeding in some of the best cars on world famous race tracks. The video also talks us through creating a brand new, unique track for the game in Melbourne, Australia. This isn't a rehash of the Grand Prix circuit, but a creation from scratch based on the city streets. The latest release news is that we can expect Real Racing 3 to drop some time in February, and hopefully it will be cross platform at launch. We want this one. We want it a lot. via iMore 
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| Posted: 17 Jan 2013 12:29 PM PST
Take a look at the complete specs of the Huawei Ascend Mate:
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| SEGA's Kingdom Conquest II hits the Play Store Posted: 17 Jan 2013 11:58 AM PST
As a follow-up to the very popular Kingdon Conquest game, SEGA is releasing Kingdom Conquest II on Android today. This RPG (Role Playing Game) style game brings in traditional action-packed gameplay along with some strategy that gives the game long-term playability. As a worthy successor to the first game, the storyline continues but is improved with new graphics and gameplay. There are solo, cooperative and multiplayer modes available, giving you plenty of options to play with other users around the world. You'll have a big pool of players to choose from as well, as the game has already been downloaded over 100,000 times. SEGA says the original title was downloaded over 3.5 million times worldwide. Kingdom Conquest II is free, which is nice if you're looking to get a quick look to see if you like it. You can grab a download at the Google Play Store link at the top of this post. 
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| Posted: 17 Jan 2013 11:51 AM PST
Check out the full specs list of Huawei's new Ascend D2 Android smartphone:
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| Xperia Z assembled by Sony engineer in 5 minutes flat Posted: 17 Jan 2013 11:09 AM PST Gadget lovers always want to see the insides of the products they use, and there's no better way to see it than an engineer from the company assembling a device themselves by hand. This video was first seen by attendees of Sony's press conference at CES in Las Vegas, and is now up on Youtube for all to see. Each of the three boxes show an engineer assembling a different Sony device, and the Xperia Z comes together easily with no rush at all. If you're interested in the Xperia Z being built, keep an eye on the bottom left box. If you're a camera nerd like some of us, re-watch the video when you're done and check out the top boxes where engineers assemble Sony cameras. 
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| Carbon (the Android Twitter app) may yet live on Posted: 17 Jan 2013 10:11 AM PST
Developer, after months of silence: 'We're back ... we're listening'You're going to meet the following sentences with a great deal of skepticism. And you should. For it's been the more than a year since we first heard that Carbon, an excellent Twitter app that originated on webOS and then made (briefly) it to Windows Phone, would be coming to Android. It's been six months or so since one release window came and went. Another passed by in September. And then, Carbon disappeared without a trace, leaving the odd (odd) blogger to tell tales of alpha testing late at night after many beers. So, you're right to be skeptical. We all should be. Only today the developer, through the @CarbonAndroid Twitter account, tweeted the following:
No ETAs. No hints yet as to what, when and how we'll ever see Carbon for Android. Just "We're back!" Read through the Twitter stream. Read the replies to folks who were thinking what you're probably thinking now. Read the mea culpas. Is Carbon back? Will it stand a chance in a world in which Twitter itself is clamping down on third-party clients, and apps like Falcon Pro have achieved near universal approval? We'll see. But we're definitely keeping one eye open for it again. Source: @CarbonAndroid; via Android Central Forums 
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| Samsung 'Galaxy Note 8.0' purportedly outed ahead of MWC reveal Posted: 17 Jan 2013 09:07 AM PST
We've come across the Samsung GT-N5100 and GT-N5110 a couple of times before in benchmarks and certification listings. We've even speculated that based on the model number and specs, they're likely candidates for Wifi and 3G versions of a new, smaller Galaxy Note tablet. Now Samsung fan site SamMobile claims to have uncovered details of the GT-N5100/10, which it says will come to market as the "Galaxy Note 8.0." The site has a good track record when it comes to digging up info on unannounced Samsung products, nevertheless, keep in mind that these details haven't been officially confirmed in any way. With that out of the way, let's break down some of the purported specs -- 
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| Tonight, on the Greatest Android Podcast in the World! Posted: 17 Jan 2013 09:01 AM PST
We're back, baby! Can you believe it's only been a week since we were at CES? And it seems like it's been forever since we did a proper Thursday night show. That changes tonight. We're rested, recharged and ready to go, rounding up the latest Android news, dispelling some of the ridiculous recent rumors -- and of course tackling more of your e-mails and voicemails.
So join Phil and the gang -- and, of course, the chat room -- live tonight at 2 a.m. BST / 9 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. PDT for the live broadcast. You should be there. You will be there. You must be there. After all, you are what makes it the Greatest Android Podcast in the World. Not at a computer? Pick up the free UStream Viewer from Google Play [link] and search for Mobile Nations a little before the show (it won't appear until we go live). We'll see you there!
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| Lode Runner Classic hits Android Posted: 17 Jan 2013 07:34 AM PST
What's the price for nostalgia? If you're a child of the '80s, $2.99 and 24 megabytes will get you Lode Runner Classic from Tozai. For those three bucks you get 150 levels, a pair of game modes -- expedition and time attack -- a magnification effect that zooms in on the runner, multiple speeds, a slew of settings and more. The controls, which as you can see are pretty damn large, take a little getting used to, and you lose a good bit of actual gameplay real estate. On the other hand, these are 8-bit graphics we're talking about, so what the hell. Now excuse us while we throw on some Huey Lewis and the News, pop open a bag of Doritos and live the good life for a little while. 
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| Deal of the Day: Qmadix Snap-On Cover w/ Holster for HTC One X Posted: 17 Jan 2013 07:32 AM PST
The Qmadix Snap-On Cover w/ Holster is available for just $19.00, 46% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping! Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts! 
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| Official Nexus 4 wireless charging orb appears at Norwegian retailer, Feb. release slated Posted: 17 Jan 2013 07:08 AM PST
With the announcement of any official Nexus accessory comes the certainty of months of speculation as to if, when and where it'll eventually be released. So was the case with the Nexus 4's official Qi-based wireless charging station, first shown on launch day back in November, and increasingly elusive since that time. Today the official orb-shaped charger has shown up for pre-order on Norwegian retailer Dustin Home, priced at 739 kr (around $114 U.S.) That might sound like a lot of cash for a charging orb, but we suspect that won't be indicative of U.S. pricing when it officially arrives in the States. (It's also worth remembering this price will include Norwegian VAT at 25%.) Dustin Home has an estimated shipping date of Feb. 12, so you'll be waiting a while if you decide to get your order in early. There are cheaper alternatives available, as the Nexus 4 will work quite happily with any Qi-compatible charging mat. But if you're holding out for something a little more stylish, the mid-February shipping date suggests that wider orb availability may be upon us sooner rather than later. If you're interested in using wireless charging on your Nexus 4, have you already picked up a mat, or are you holding out for the official charging orb? Let us know in the comments! Source: Dustin Home; via: Reddit 
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| Dolphin Browser updated with sharing to other devices on Wi-Fi network Posted: 17 Jan 2013 06:11 AM PST
Dolphin, a popular third-party browser for Android, updated today with new sharing options, including built-in Evernote clipping so you can reference pages later on through the cloud service, posting to Twitter and Facebook, and best of all, shunting web pages to other devices on your local Wi-Fi network. This includes mobile devices that also have Dolphin Connect-enabled apps installed, as well as desktop browsers that have the right plug-in. That plug-in also enables bookmark syncing, which is always handy. 
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| LG Mobile France director talks Nexus 4 supplies, Optimus G Euro launch Posted: 17 Jan 2013 05:02 AM PST
Nexus 4 production ramping up over the next month; Optimus G to hit Europe in MarchThere's been a lot of back-and-forth over the past couple of months about exactly what's been behind the delays in getting the Nexus 4 back in stock on the Google Play Store. Before the holidays Google UK's managing director blamed "scarce and erratic" supplies for some of the issues experienced by Play Store customers. But in recent days LG has told the Korean press that they've had no issues with supplies at their end. Today, an interview with LG Mobile France director Cathy Robin could give us our clearest indication of what's actually going on behind the scenes with supplies of the LG-made Nexus phone. Speaking with French outlet Challenges.fr, Robin says "the supply problems are not solely related to LG." Apparently Google presented LG with Play Store sales forecasts based on the performance of previous Nexus phones, but these turned out to be far exceeded by actual demand for the device. Despite these issues, she insists things are going "very well" between LG and Google. 
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| Sony Xperia Tablet Z could be unveiled next week in Japan Posted: 17 Jan 2013 04:03 AM PST
Last week in Las Vegas we saw the first of Sony's 2013 smartphone line-up, and now it may be time for a refreshed Sony tablet to join the fray. A device by the name of "Xperia Tablet Z" briefly appeared on a product listing page for Japanese carrier NTT Docomo, indicating that the tablet would appear alongside the Xperia Z at a "Docomo smartphone lounge" event in Fukuoka, Japan next Tuesday, Jan. 22. The listing has since been pulled, but not before screen captures and Google's webcache could confirm its veracity. Adding fuel to the fire is Japanese Twitter account @Xperia_Info, which earlier in the week reported hardware details for the device, along with the "Xperia Tablet Z" name. These specs include a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 1920x1200 resolution screen, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, 32GB of storage, water and dust resistance and a 6000mAh battery. The tablet's thickness was reported to be just 6.9mm, suggesting that a "wedge" design similar to the Sony Tablet S and Xperia Tablet S may have been employed. If the Xperia Tablet Z is unveiled in Japan next week, those in the West will likely get their first look at the device at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain in late February. Source: Xperia Blog, Blog of Mobile, @Xperia_Info
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| Sony Xperia Z to get Android 4.2 'shortly after launch' Posted: 17 Jan 2013 03:42 AM PST
The Xperia Z will be first Sony phone to launch with Jelly Bean when it arrives in late February or early March, but out of the box it'll run Android 4.1 rather than the latest version 4.2. While the 4.2 upgrade isn't a big deal for "skinned" Android handsets, some of us like to be on the latest OS version, and in a recent online Q&A session, Sony fielded a question about future 4.2 upgrades for its new flagship device. The good news is that a 4.2 update is scheduled for shortly after launch, but unfortunately that's as specific as Sony's being with timeframes at this point --
Unlike the jump from 4.0 to 4.1, Android 4.2's features are mostly UI-specific changes to stock Android, meaning they'll be less visible on a phone that's running a customized version of the OS. Regardless, Sony's commitment to a quick 4.2 upgrade will come as welcome news to fans of the platform. Here's hoping the company can deliver on its pledge of a speedy update. More: Why you shouldn't worry about Android 4.2 updates 
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| Sony Xperia ZL spotted in red ahead of international release Posted: 16 Jan 2013 07:40 PM PST
The Sony Xperia ZL may be coming to market in more than just black and white if these photos of a deep red model are to be believed. We had a look at the black and white versions of the Xperia ZL back at CES in Las Vegas and really enjoyed the quality of the handset, but the red version was nowhere to be found. The photo above is reportedly a prototype model handled at a South East Asia launch event, and word is that we shouldn't expect this for a worldwide launch like the other colors. The design is apparently identical, save for a back plate that's smooth rather than textured. This is a touch confusing considering the white and black models were shown off so extensively at the major launch event in Las Vegas. Sony may have some final tweaking to do on the red model before it's ready for a consumer release, or it may be holding the third color as a special edition or regional device. Red version aside, we have no firm pricing or release date for the Xperia ZL (or it's brother, the Z) anywhere in the world. If you happen to be holding out for the device to make an appearance in the states, you may want to prepare to have it imported from overseas. XperiaBlog has a good handful of pictures of the red Xperia ZL, if you're so inclined, at the source link below. Source: XperiaBlog; Via: Pocket-Lint 
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| HTC One SV now available from Cricket for $369 sans contract Posted: 16 Jan 2013 06:12 PM PST
Cricket has officially put the HTC One SV (read our review) up for sale on its website, bringing this little red beauty to willing customers for $369 without a contract. This decidedly mid-range priced device with some high-end flare is an interesting prospect for Cricket customers looking to stick with their carrier and have a quality handset. The One SV has a 4.3-inch WVGA display (read how Jerry feels about that,) Snapdragon S4 processor at 1.2GHz, a 5MP camera and that undeniably HTC "One" design wrapped around it. The device is running Android 4.0 and packing Cricket LTE support as well if it's live in your area, with no increase in your monthly bill for the faster data speeds. If you happen to live in a market that Cricket offers service in, you can get your hands on the device at the source link below. Pricing is set at $369 retail, but online we're seeing $40 in discounts for a final price of $329 -- again without a contract. Cricket's plans are competitive as well, starting at $50 per month with unlimited talk, text and data (1GB of LTE.) Oh, and did we mention that our One SV review is up? Source: Cricket 
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