Android Community |
- AT&T reportedly looking towards Europe for a carrier acquisition
- Temple Run 2 Android release date confirmed
- Samsung Galaxy S IV rumors suggest Qi wireless charging support
- ZTE V987 budget 5-inch smartphone spotted
- Gameloft delivers Wild Blood’s first update to Google Play Store
- Nexus 4 wireless charging Orb launching in February
- Google patent shows Project Glass with a laser-projected keyboard
- Larry Page talks about Motorola’s future in new interview
- Samsung GT-N5100 expected to arrive during MWC as the Galaxy Note 8.0
- Samsung Galaxy Note II Amber Brown and Ruby Wine colors announced
- Dolphin Browser app update makes it easier to share and remember
- Etymotic launches a noise isolating ‘Awareness’ app for Jelly Bean
- HTC One SV officially launches with Cricket Wireless
- Nexus 7 HSPA+ for T-Mobile hits the Google Play Store
- Google announces Project Glass developer hackathon
- T-Mobile 4G LTE launching in Las Vegas next week with Galaxy S III support
- Facebook shuns Android, launches free calling for iOS users
- T-Mobile will have the Nexus 4 available online from January 23
- Real Racing 3 video teases Melbourne and Mnt Panorama race tracks
- AirDroid v2 Beta now available with Find Phone and Camera access
| AT&T reportedly looking towards Europe for a carrier acquisition Posted: 17 Jan 2013 11:35 AM PST AT&T is said to be looking towards Europe for a carrier acquisition. The reasoning here is that AT&T would be able to grow in ways that they cannot currently do in the US market. The move is clearly risky, but according to details coming from a recent WSJ report, it will allow AT&T to focus on a new market where they will be able to “upgrade technology and roll out more lucrative pricing strategies.” Of course, all this is coming from people familiar with the matter.
Putting that aside for a moment, a European carrier acquisition would place AT&T in a more competitive market. Not to mention, in a market where they would be up against another (and new) set of regulators. According to the details given, AT&T is currently focusing on markets to include the UK, Germany or the Netherlands. More specifically, AT&T is said to have their sites on Royal KPN in the Netherlands and Everything Everywhere in the UK. But on that note, it was also said that it couldn’t be confirmed as to whether or not AT&T had actually begun any negotiations. Some of the potential issues here would be as to how customers would take to the current way AT&T handles things — a two-year agreement and an upfront payment for most phones while European carriers often have handsets available for free on agreement. The other interesting part to watch would be the focus on data. Much of the US has shifted to data over minutes and messages. The other side of course would be Europe, where many of the carriers still look towards minutes and messages for income. But maybe this could go back to the thought of upgrading technology — a case where AT&T could push for 4G and a new style of plan. All said and done, even as this report notes that “the company is currently studying targets, and a deal—if one happens–could come before the end of the year” — it was also said that top AT&T executives are currently undecided as to whether a move into Europe would make sense. [via SlashGear] |
| Temple Run 2 Android release date confirmed Posted: 17 Jan 2013 11:17 AM PST Yesterday was the release date for Temple Run 2 on iOS, with the developers promising that the Android release will be following next week. While it isn’t a big surprise to see games releasing on iOS before coming to Android, at least there isn’t too big of a gap between releases in this case. There was just one small problem: even though Temple Run 2‘s developers said it will be coming to Android next week, they didn’t give a specific date, leaving many eager fans in the dark as to when the game would actually launch.
Wonder no longer, Temple Run faithful, because now we have that release date. In a rather long interview with The Guardian, Imangi Studios revealed that the Android version of Temple Run 2 will be arriving on January 24. That’s exactly one week from today, so all of you Temple Run addicts don’t have too much longer to wait. Expect Temple Run 2 to be a big hit when it lands as well, with our friends at SlashGear pointing out that the game has already reached the top of the free apps list on the iOS App Store. Considering the game has been available for about 12 hours, that’s a pretty impressive feat. It had to beat out apps such as Google Maps and Angry Birds RIO to get to that top spot, so we imagine the folks at Imagni Studios are grinning from ear to ear this afternoon. Temple Run 2 will take pretty much everything you loved about the original Temple Run and make it better, perhaps most importantly adding an all new adventure. You’ll also have your choice from a handful of characters to play as, and new power ups have been added to help you through your never-ending journey as well. The game will of course follow in the original’s freemium footsteps, meaning it won’t cost a cent to download and play once it arrives on the Google Play Store next week. Who’s excited? [via The Guardian] |
| Samsung Galaxy S IV rumors suggest Qi wireless charging support Posted: 17 Jan 2013 10:54 AM PST Judging from the amount of rumors, it seems pretty clear that the Samsung Galaxy S IV is a highly anticipated device. We have seen everything from concept videos to straight up rumors. Of course, some rumors have been a bit more believable than others. And keeping with the current Galaxy S IV rumor trend, we have yet another and this latest deals with wireless charging.
The latest is coming by way of the Korean language DDaily, who are reporting that Samsung is planning to release the Galaxy S IV with support for the Qi standard of wireless charging. The catch with this, the report also mentions that the compatible back cover and charging dock will be sold separately. That bit alone will certainly keep some from using the wireless charging. After all, we suspect that many people will be just as happy plugging in a cable. We are also not going to get hung up on this rumor at this point because we heard similar details about the Galaxy S III prior to launch. And well, Galaxy S III users know how that turned out — it never came available. Otherwise, aside from the goodies that we saw in the concept video, the Galaxy S IV rumors have suggested a handset with a 5-inch Full HD display, quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera and Jelly Bean. As always, time will tell just how accurate these rumors end up being. And finally, previous rumors have suggested that Samsung may announce the Galaxy S IV in May. [via GottaBeMobile] |
| ZTE V987 budget 5-inch smartphone spotted Posted: 17 Jan 2013 10:49 AM PST The folks from ZTE have been hitting the 5-inch form factor quite hard as of late. After just recently announcing their new flagship ZTE Grand S 5-inch 1080p smartphone, we’re now seeing a similarly designed budget device that is set to dominate the Chinese markets. It’s called the ZTE V987 and we have additional details after the break.
What you see above is their new 5-inch 720p “budget” aimed V987 smartphone, although that name will surely be changing by the time a release date flows around. According to Engadget this phone is extremely similar to the popular Grand S, only all the specs have seen a slight chop to help hit a lower price point. ZTE opted for an unknown 1.2 GHz quad-core instead of the 1.5 Snapdragon S4 Pro in the Grand S. They’ve also lowered the camera down to 8 megapixels from 13. Then of course that 5-inch screen will enjoy a 1280 x 720p HD resolution, and not a full 1080p spec. Either way it should still look pretty decent, but we’ll have to wait and see. According to the database information the new ZTE V987 is running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, and as you see they have the standard ICS and JB key layout only they are still capacitive touch buttons. The new phone is also slightly thicker than most from ZTE as of late, but it offers a removable 2,500 mAh battery for better battery life. While most of ZTE’s phones won’t make it stateside, we’re being told this budget device will be available in more regions than just China. Stay tuned for more details. [via Phandroid] |
| Gameloft delivers Wild Blood’s first update to Google Play Store Posted: 17 Jan 2013 10:36 AM PST If you’re a fan of Gameloft‘s Wild Blood, then it’s time to get excited, because the developer has launched the first update for the game on the Google Play Store. It’s taken Gameloft awhile to push this update considering Wild Blood was released way back in October, but we suppose “better late than never” is the mantra to live by in this case. That’s especially true when you see all of the stuff that’s being added with this update, including a new multiplayer mode that sounds like quite a bit of fun.
That multiplayer mode has been dubbed “Juggernaut,” and to put things in perspective, it sounds similar to Halo 4‘s new Regicide mode. In the new mode, one player is designated as the Juggernaut, growing in size and gaining “special powers.” Kill him and you become the Juggernaut yourself, gaining those special power all for your own (until someone else kills you, at any rate). Gameloft has also added a new map called Haunted Castle to the game with this update, along with three new weapons: the Excalibur Sword, Twin Axe Crystal Blades, and the Reckoning Longbow. Players will also be able to equip the King Arthur armor after applying this update, which is fitting since the update also tosses Excalibur into the fray. Finally, Gameloft says that it has improved the camera and controls, now allowing players to assign custom settings. Other than those new features, there are of course a number of bug fixes, but as is usually the case, Gameloft didn’t get into specifics with the patch notes. The update should be live now on the Google Play Store, and if you don’t own Wild Blood yet, you can pick it up there for $6.99 [download link]. That probably seems like a rather steep price to pay for a mobile game, but looking at the user reviews on the game’s Play Store listing, it seems that Wild Blood is worth the price of admission. |
| Nexus 4 wireless charging Orb launching in February Posted: 17 Jan 2013 10:13 AM PST Google and LG’s Nexus 4 has been available for sale for quite a while, even though users had a hard time getting the sold out handset. While we’ve been waiting for official accessories to arrive (and still waiting) some new details have surfaced showing that neat wireless charging orb could finally hit shelves next month. Read on for the details.
We’ll start by saying to take all of this with a grain of salt. While Google’s made it known that they were going to offer this Nexus 4 charging Orb, we’ve yet to see it actually available for purchase. Recently a pal over at Reddit spotted a Norwegian retailer claiming the release date was February. Just before Google’s Android event where they were set to announce the Nexus 4 we saw our first pictures of the Orb, but it’s still missing in action. Then on Google’s announcement day we got a few good looks at it. Just like the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7 however, accessories seem to be shown off but never released. Sadly this is the reality, but hopefully that’s soon changing. According to multiple reports these “Nexus” wireless charging orbs will finally become available for all in February. Hopefully the Nexus 4 itself will also become available too. Maybe sell them as a bundle? We’ll see. The Norwegian dealer has it priced around $115, but reports are claiming it will be priced around $59 here in the US. To be more specific this should hit the streets around February 12th if the rumors are correct. If you have a Nexus 4 or DROID DNA will you be buying one of these wireless charging orbs? [via GottabeMobile] |
| Google patent shows Project Glass with a laser-projected keyboard Posted: 17 Jan 2013 10:02 AM PST One of the big questions, or probably more accurately, one of the many unanswered questions surrounding Google’s Project Glass deals with input. We have seen some bits showing how the glasses will be able to capture images and video, however what happens when you want to send one of those newly captured images. Or, how about when you want to get some information such as directions.
Simply put, you are going to need to be able to input information at some time, whether it be an email address, street address of just a general search term. We have seen some details about input in the past. Back in July of 2012 our sister site SlashGear talked about some options for controls — such as the side-mounted 3×3 grid of buttons which could be done physically or virtually. But taking a step back up to present day, it looks like a newly discovered filing with the US Patent & Trademark Office is talking about a virtual projector.
Keeping in mind, this is a patent filing and something that we may never see come to reality. That being said though, the filing is titled “Methods and Systems for a Virtual Input Device” and details a virtual input device that includes both a projector and a camera. The projector could be mounted on one arm with the camera on the opposite arm. Assuming this is the case, the projector would project a pattern onto a surface and the camera would then capture what is being done.
Some of this filing also goes into talking about how the virtual input device could be projected onto the hand of a user. And from here, the camera would be able to detect when the user is selecting items using the other hand. Or alternatively, the camera would be able to detect movements of that same hand. Either way here, this is sort of making it sound like those using these glasses may not only standout for wearing the glasses, but for waving their hand around in strange ways while staring at it. Or looking as if they are pretending to type on their hand or arm. Bottom line here, this is an interesting patent filing, however we still have plenty to learn about Project Glass. Of course, we are hoping to start getting some answers during the recently announced and still upcoming Project Glass developer hackathon. [via unwired view] |
| Larry Page talks about Motorola’s future in new interview Posted: 17 Jan 2013 09:32 AM PST None other than Google‘s Larry Page recently had a nice conversation and interview with the folks at Wired, and we heard some neat comments. Talks about Google+, social media, Android of course, and lots about Motorola. Last year Google purchased Motorola Mobility largely for their patent portfolio, but in the interview Larry gently talks about the acquisition, and what is in store for Motorola’s future.
Motorola doesn’t just have a large portfolio, they also have extensive history in the mobile landscape. While they’ve been sliding in the Android world to the likes of Samsung, things are about to get really exciting for the company. During the interview Page made it very clear that even though Google's idea behind Motorola from the start was "running it independently", the new CEO Dennis Woodside (former Googler) wants to be "disruptive" in their hardware designs. The conversation initially started on the extensive patent portfolio but quickly changed directions when Page mentioned how they wanted to proceed with Motorola. Stating they plan to see Motorola take a lead role in the mobile landscape as a whole, not just Android. Interestingly enough while the RAZR HD and RAZR M are nice phones, they all were released without much input from Google. Wired mentions, and Page confirms, that all their devices currently available were “already in the pipeline” and don’t have any of Google’s influence.
Ever since Woodside took over Motorola we’ve been seeing gradual changes. They’ve slowly turned their Blur UI into a more stock Android look, especially with Jelly Bean. They’ve moved to on-screen navigation keys (which was originally the plan) and their update turnaround seems steadily improved. During the DROID RAZR HD launch they spoke about “the new Motorola” and we have a feeling that’s coming quick. We’ve seen a few reports that Google and Motorola are working together on a cutting edge, next-gen set of phones and tablets called the X-Phone and the X-Tablet — and hopefully we’ll be seeing more of both soon. With Motorola’s awesome hardware getting the attention to detail and combined efforts from Google, things can only improve. We look forward to seeing their next array of smartphones, and I’m sure you all do too. What do you want to see from Motorola now that Google’s in charge? |
| Samsung GT-N5100 expected to arrive during MWC as the Galaxy Note 8.0 Posted: 17 Jan 2013 08:58 AM PST We have seen details on the Samsung GT-N5100 in the past. Notably, back in late December when the device was spotted in a GLBenchmark filing. Putting the past and previous reports aside though, some new details have recently surfaced for the GT-N5100. More to the point, the GT-N5100 is now expected to arrive as the Galaxy Note 8.0.
Assuming things play out as expected, the Galaxy Note 8.0 will join the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet as well as the Galaxy Note II and Galaxy Note phablets. And similar to the rest of the devices in the Note lineup, the Note 8.0 will arrive with the S Pen and the special functionality that comes along with. Anyway, in addition to the GT-N5100 now being thought of as the Galaxy Note 8.0 — it is believed that Samsung will be making an official announcement at Mobile World Congress which is scheduled to take place at the end of next month. This of course, would follow previous pattens. If you remember back, Samsung was showing off the Galaxy Note 10.1 at Mobile World Congress 2012. Samsung is expected to announce a Wi-Fi only (GT-N5110) and also a cellular model (GT-N5100) of the Note 8.0. The one catch here, the cellular connected model was noted as being 3G and Wi-Fi, which may be a turn off for some. Otherwise, the Galaxy Note 8.0 should bring features to include Android 4.2 Jelly Bean along with an 8-inch (1280 x 800) Super Clear LCD, 2GB of RAM, 16 or 32GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, 4600 mAh battery, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, USB 2.0, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera. Time will tell just how accurate these details will be, however it is looking like the Galaxy Note family of devices will grow by one at MWC 2013. [via SamMobile] |
| Samsung Galaxy Note II Amber Brown and Ruby Wine colors announced Posted: 17 Jan 2013 08:23 AM PST We were expecting Samsung to announce a few new colors for the Galaxy Note II. And as of today, it looks like the company has come forward with the official details. The new colors, which will first be released in Korea, include brown and red. Or more specifically, Amber Brown and Ruby Wine.
These two new colors join the previously existing Marble White and Titanium Gray and come after we saw news of the Galaxy Note II topping the 1 million shipment mark in South Korea and 5 million on a global basis. In other words, Samsung has sold plenty of Galaxy Note II phablets up until this point, so why not refresh the lineup with a few new colors. Similar to the white and gray, the new Amber Brown and Ruby Wine will have the color on the back along with the around the display on the front side. Otherwise, aside from word on a release in Korea, Samsung has been quite about a global release. Simply put, we have yet to see which markets will be getting the Note II in either of these new shades. Bottom line here, those still looking to buy a Note II now have a few new colors to pick from. Of course, if you have an existing Note II and are feeling a bit jealous of these bold new colors, you always have the option to add a case of flip-cover to spice things up a bit. Device Info
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 [via Samsung] |
| Dolphin Browser app update makes it easier to share and remember Posted: 17 Jan 2013 07:30 AM PST The latest update for the Dolphin Browser has recently come available in the Google Play Store. The app has jumped to version 9.2.0, but perhaps more important than a number — this update has brought several new features. Some of the goodies include improvements to sharing, remembering and integration with the desktop.
Diving in a bit further, lets begin with the sharing. This is broken down into a few options — social and wireless. The social side means you will be able to share items over Facebook or Twitter. Dolphin has dubbed this one-tap share. The other option for sharing will be done locally, over a Wi-Fi connection. This one is called Wi-Fi Broadcast and will allow you to share a webpage with another device that happens to be connected to the same wireless network. Moving past the sharing and into the remembering. This one deals with Box and Evernote. According to the details here, Dolphin users will be able to clip web content and save it directly to an Evernote or Box.net account. Finally, this next addition should be nice for those who regularly jump between devices — including a jump from a desktop to mobile device. The feature is called Dolphin Connect and includes desktop browser extensions along with the ability to send and sync. Dolphin Connect will allow you to sync your bookmarks as well as tabs, history and passwords and also send tabs, images, text and directions between desktop and mobile. Of course, the key here, you will need to be using Chrome, Firefox or Safari (along with the desktop browser extensions) to make that happen. All said and done, the Dolphin Browser had been an attractive option in the past and it seems to have only gotten better with this most recent update. Not to mention, Dolphin will run on devices with Android 2.0.1 or later, which is something that cannot be said about Chrome. [via Google Play] |
| Etymotic launches a noise isolating ‘Awareness’ app for Jelly Bean Posted: 17 Jan 2013 06:47 AM PST We have a bit of app related news for those who happen to be running a device with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and also using a set of Etymotic noise isolating headsets. Or more specifically, for those using the hf2-an and mc2-an noise-isolating headsets and earphones. The app is called Awareness Android Phone for Etymotic app.
This app is said to “listen to users surroundings and allows them to mix outside sounds directly into their earphones at a level of their choice.” In other words, by using this app, users will be able to program the level of their noise isolation. And for those thinking that you buy noise isolating headphones for one reason — to cut out all the external sound. Keep in mind that sometimes complete isolation is not ideal. Take for example, you may want to be able to hear what is going on around you should you decide to go out for a bike ride or a run. Alternatively, we suspect this could be helpful for those who are a bit nosy and like to listen in on others conversations while at the coffee shop. Of course, the key here is that you can adjust the noise isolation levels, not that you have to. That all being said, while the app is available by way of the Google Play Store, you will want to first visit the Etymotic website. A visit to the website will provide you with a few necessary items with the first being able to make sure your headphones are compatible. And secondly, a visit to that site will get you an unlock code. [via SlashGear] |
| HTC One SV officially launches with Cricket Wireless Posted: 17 Jan 2013 06:21 AM PST We had known that Cricket Wireless was planning to launch the HTC One SV, and well, coming as we had expected — the handset is now available for purchase. The release also comes with a bit of good news in terms of the price. Simply put, Cricket has the One SV priced a tad bit lower than originally stated.
Those looking to make the purchase will be able to grab the HTC One SV for $330. Well, for $330 after some instant discounts anyway. We should also offer the reminder that this is a contract-free price, which seems to make it a bit nicer. In terms of the handset, the HTC One SV is running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with HTC Sense 4.0 and brings specs to include a 4G LTE connectivity, a 4.3-inch (800 x 480) Super LCD-2 display with scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass and a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor. Other goodies include an 1800 mAh battery, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, 1.6 megapixel front-facing camera and a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera. The handset will also have Beats Audio, the Muve Music Player, Bluetooth, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Wi-fi, GPS, NFC and ships in Flame Red. That all being said, touching back on the bit about the HTC One SV being contract-free, those making the purchase will be able to pair it with one of the 4G LTE data plans which are priced at $50, $60 or $70 per month. All three price points include unlimited messaging and voice. The $50 plan includes 2GB of full-speed data, the $60 plan includes 5GB of full-speed data and the $70 plan includes 10GB of full-speed data. Device Info
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[via Cricket Wireless] |
| Nexus 7 HSPA+ for T-Mobile hits the Google Play Store Posted: 16 Jan 2013 04:44 PM PST While Google’s Nexus 4 is still missing in action on the Google Play Store, the Nexus 7 has appeared back in stock only this time with T-Mobile along for the ride. Previously Google was only selling their Nexus 7 + Mobile with an AT&T sim card, but today they’ve added T-Mobile to their list. This means you’ll be able to enjoy those T-Mobile HSPA+ 42 network speeds while on the go with your tablet.
This isn’t really all that important as the AT&T model was unlocked and still worked with T-Mobile, it just shipped with an AT&T sim ready to go. There wasn’t any mention of T-Mobile to be found. Now however as you see above, and below, when you head to the Google Play Store there is an option specifically for the T-Mobile version of the slate.
Essentially you’ll be getting the same 3G and HSPA+ enabled Nexus 7 with everything we already know and love, only with a little magenta T-Mobile speeds. The same HD display, Tegra 3 quad-core processor, and 32GB of storage will be included. Now basically Google’s saving you the time you’d have to take to run down to the nearest T-Mobile retail store to get a SIM card. While this isn’t all that important it does save us some time as well as buying a new SIM from T-Mobile, so that’s a plus. We’re still wondering when good ol Google is going to add more of their Nexus 4 to the Play Store, as I’m sure many of you would love to buy that. Check out those HSPA+ speeds the minute your tablet arrives on your doorstep. Enjoy folks! Device Info
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[via Droid-Life] |
| Google announces Project Glass developer hackathon Posted: 16 Jan 2013 03:56 PM PST Google’s Project Glass is one of the more exciting things I’m looking forward to seeing in 2013. Back at Google I/O we got our first solid look at the new wearable technology, as well as the opportunity to pre-order one ourselves. While news on Google Glass has been slow as of late, later this month and early February Google will be holding a hackathon where we’ll get to experience Project Glass first hand.
Google is hosting two hackathon events for select “Glass Explorers” that were able to pay the steep $1,500 pre-order fee, and will be giving developers their own set starting January 28th through February 2nd in California and New York City. Google confirms that those lucky enough to attend will be given their own pair of glasses on-site, and will be able to enjoy the awesomeness of Project Glass. Here’s some of what the email had to say:
According to the invite, the first day will kick off with a full out official introduction, as well as giving out units to developers. Luckily here at Android Community we were able to order a pair, and we’ll be sending one of our developers along for all the juicy details. Hopefully we’ll get tons of hands-on time, video of these awesome devices in action, and Google developers will be on-site to help out with questions and showing all the projects potential. The first day developers will learn about the product and enjoy their own pair, and we’re being told the second day of Google’s event will be full of details, news, special guests appearances and multiple demonstrations. If you’re a part of the inner circle learn more at +ProjectGlass on Google+, otherwise stay tuned because we’ll be reporting news back with all of the fun things we do. |
| T-Mobile 4G LTE launching in Las Vegas next week with Galaxy S III support Posted: 16 Jan 2013 02:27 PM PST We have some potentially great news for all you T-Mobile fans. They have huge plans for a 4G LTE network to take on Verizon and AT&T, but new reports are stating their 4G LTE could finally kick off next week. Details have confirmed that T-Mobile could enable their 4G LTE market in Las Vegas as early as next week followed by Kansas City and others in February. Even bigger news is the Samsung Galaxy S III and Note II will be the first devices with 4G LTE support.
You read that right. According to the reports the T-Mobile Galaxy S III and Note II will be their first 4G LTE capable devices. We’ve seen reports that that the T-Mobile Note II had 4G LTE radios lying dormant in the device, and it looks like an update will soon arrive that will enable those LTE speeds. Apparently during an interview at CES 2013 in Las Vegas, T-Mobile’s CTO Neville Ray told FierceWireless that the Las Vegas market “is coming on real fast”. After further talks he said it would be coming extremely soon, and would have launched during CES but some last minute tweaks and changes delayed that plan. T-Mobile has huge plans for their 4G LTE rollout too, and could cause a few people to jump ship from Verizon. T-Mobile has been running LTE trials since late last summer, but confirmed their actual rollout would begin in 2013. Now that the year’s started strong we can expect it any minute now. According to the Magenta carrier their 4G LTE will cover 100 million customers before mid-summer, be available to over 170 million by fall, and reach 200 million Americans by the end of 2013. That’s a pretty fast push if you ask us. Most likely we’ll see 4G LTE in Vegas first then Kansas City. Followed by Baltimore, Houston, and Washington, D.C. Who’s excited about T-Mobile 4G LTE? [via FierceWireless] |
| Facebook shuns Android, launches free calling for iOS users Posted: 16 Jan 2013 02:04 PM PST Facebook has revealed a few new features to their growing social network as of late, but today we’re hearing about one of the biggest ones yet. Earlier this month they announced voice messaging for their Android and iOS Messenger app, and were even testing actual VoIP (voice calling) for iOS. Today they’ve officially rolled out free WiFi calling for all iOS users. Sadly it looks like Facebook decided not to include Android — at least for now.
This feature basically brings WiFi and Voice over IP calling to one of the biggest communities in the world. Much like how Skype has voice calling, as well as others, Facebook will now offer the same thing. Only Facebook has billions of users. You’ll be able to easily call anyone from your Facebook friends list using their iOS messenger app, absolutely free, or using your iPhone’s data connection. For those who use Facebook Messenger, simply hit the i button in the top corner, then hit the “free call” button and you’ll be chatting in no time all over WiFi. According to multiple reports it might take a second or two to stabilize (plus this is the early stages) and after that the quality is excellent and at least on par with Skype and other offerings. If you have bad cell service at home or work, or just want to save minutes this would be a great place to start.
Facebook confirmed the US rollout of free calling today to the folks at The Verge, but sadly this is only for iOS. For now this is not available for Android, but most likely Facebook will be adding it soon considering the millions of Android devices being used today. One thing worth noting is you don’t need a calling plan at all. This works on iPod’s, iPad’s and would work on all of our Android tablets too as long as they have a microphone. Get to work Facebook, we want this on Android. [via SlashGear] |
| T-Mobile will have the Nexus 4 available online from January 23 Posted: 16 Jan 2013 01:38 PM PST The Nexus 4 hasn’t been an easy to get handset. In fact, it has been quite the opposite with inventory going quick and customers seeing out of stock messages more often then seeing in stock messages. And while both the T-Mobile and Google Play Store listings are currently showing the handset as out of stock — that should soon be changing with T-Mobile.
Anyway, we mentioned earlier in the week that T-Mobile retail stores were expected to begin receiving some Nexus 4 inventory soon, however it looks a bit more detail has since been revealed. This latest details come by way of T-Mobile who have said the Nexus 4 will be available online as of January 23. Furthermore, T-Mobile also said that the Nexus 4 is now widely available in their larger retail stores and that it will be available in all retail stores in the coming weeks. Simply put, if you had been waiting to purchase a Nexus 4 with T-Mobile, you may want to mark your calendar to remind yourself to get online come the 23rd. Of course, assuming you have a larger T-Mobile retail store close, a quick phone call to check current inventory may be wise. That being said, the Nexus 4 will remain priced at $199.99 on a two-year agreement. And that is in comparison the the $349 that you would spend if you went the contract-free route and made the purchase through the Google Play Store. Well, that is assuming you were actually able to buy a Nexus 4 from Google. Finally, while we have seen the details regarding Nexus 4 availability with T-Mobile, so far nothing has been revealed in terms of when the handset will return to an available status with Google. Device Info
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[via phone scoop] |
| Real Racing 3 video teases Melbourne and Mnt Panorama race tracks Posted: 16 Jan 2013 01:07 PM PST The folks from Electronic Arts have an awesome game coming soon for Android and iOS. You’ve probably enjoyed the first two, but Real Racing 3 is in the works and looks amazing. They first announced and showed off the new race game back in August, but today we’re getting a second look where they’re teasing real life tracks and stunning graphics.
Yup, what would make a good racing game on our favorite Android phones and tablet even better? Actually racing and enjoying real tracks that we see on TV and around the world. The folks from Electronic Arts have stepped up their game for RR3 and done exactly that. Extremely memorable and popular tracks like Melbourne, Australia, or Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As well as the world renowned Mount Panorama and more. Firemonkeys and EA are working hard to release a top-tier mobile game with as much effort and stunning attention to detail as we all know and love in our console games. Being able to race through the streets of Melbourne or drift down the face of Mount Panorama surely sounds exciting right? Here’s a quick video showing some of the work that’s gone into their new title. With all the attention to details and stunning graphics this is looking closer and closer to a console quality game with every minute. The developer diary video above is one of many we can expect to see in the coming weeks from EA. We’re hearing their aiming to cross the finish line and release the game for iOS and Android in February, according to Kotaku. So we’ll be sure and stay tuned for additional details. Get a MOGA game controller and enjoy this epic game for Android once it’s available. Who’s with me? [via SlashGear] |
| AirDroid v2 Beta now available with Find Phone and Camera access Posted: 16 Jan 2013 12:49 PM PST The AirDroid app is currently available in the Google Play Store. However those looking to play with the upcoming release can grab the APK file and get in on the beta access. The AirDroid beta is version 2, which up until recently, was available only with an invitation. Well, the invitation-only requirement has been lifted and that means you can now play with AirDroid v2 and the new features including remote camera access and Find Phone.
Both of these do just what the name would imply, but being obvious aside, we suspect current AirDroid users will be happy to see them arrive. Beginning first with the Find Phone feature. This one will allow you to track the location of your phone on a map. You will have to active this feature before using it, however once activated, you will see the Find Phone icon on the desktop. The other addition was the remote camera, which will allow you take a picture using the computer. We suspect the use case for this will vary, however based on the limited testing we did, it seemed to work rather well. The interesting part with the remote camera functionality is where the image goes — to your computer. Once you snap the picture, the image will automatically download to your computer. Otherwise, the regular stable version of AirDroid is 1.1.0, which can be found in the Google Play Store. And in addition to these two new features, AirDroid also features the ability to transfer files, send and receive SMS messages, manage your on-device images and videos, access your contacts, install or uninstall apps, work with ringtones and much more. [via AndroidPolice] |
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