Android Community |
- ASUS ME301T 10-inch tablet leaks with 4.1 Jelly Bean and Tegra 3
- ZTE P945 image leak shows a phablet with a 5.7-inch display
- FTC and Google reach settlement on antitrust investigation
- Archos TV Connect will bring Android 4.1 Jelly Bean to your HDTV
- YouTube launches smartphone remote control feature for TVs and more
- Nexus 4 user dissects serial number to show production date and more
- Huawei brings the Ascend P1 to the US for a contract-free $449.99
- E FUN Nextbook 7GP tablet unveiled with a 7″ display and Jelly Bean
- Galaxy Note 10.1 FCC filing shows support for Verizon Wireless LTE
- Nexus 4 will be available in all T-Mobile retail stores this month
- Samsung Galaxy Camera gets updated to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
- Nexus 7 docks shipping January 10th according to retailer
- LG Nexus 4 image surfaces showing a less-glittery back cover
- Nexus 10 back in stock on the Play Store
- FCC reveals the Samsung GT-B7810 with hardware QWERTY and Android 4.0
- Canonical introduces Ubuntu for smartphones
| ASUS ME301T 10-inch tablet leaks with 4.1 Jelly Bean and Tegra 3 Posted: 03 Jan 2013 11:25 AM PST We know the folks from ASUS have a few new Android tablets in the pipelines, and hopefully we’ll be learning all about a few of them next week during CES in Las Vegas. While countless leaks and rumors have suggested a budget friendly $99 tablet coming soon, today some new details have revealed a 10-inch Tegra 3 powered Jelly Bean tablet coming in February.
For those of you unfamiliar, the Nexus 7 was listed as the ME370T, and their new budget friendly rumored tablet is being currently listed as the ME172V. Today we have a brand new model from ASUS as the ME301T and it packs specs that I’m sure many will be excited to see. While we don’t have too many details at this point, the specs are pretty clear and we’re hearing early February for a release. If the tablet is expected to hit the shelves in February, we very well could be seeing it revealed next week. According to sources the ME301T rocks a 10-inch 1280 x 800 HD display, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and NVIDIA’s popular Tegra 3 quad-core processor.
For now that’s all we know, but we’re hearing it will be targeted at business professionals so should have a few specific functions and features in that regard. It’s rumored to arrive on February 11th in White, Blue and Fuchsia color options. The bad part here being it’s listed as €308 — or around $499 which we all know is too much these days. Hopefully we see this and that new $99 ASUS tablet next week. So stay tuned right here for all the details. [via PocketDroid] |
| ZTE P945 image leak shows a phablet with a 5.7-inch display Posted: 03 Jan 2013 10:57 AM PST ZTE has been a fairly talked about name lately. We have seen the Z5 which was announced late in December and the Grand S which is going to be unveiled during CES. Both of these devices have a 5-inch display, however it looks like ZTE is getting ready to push things a little larger — straight into phablet territory.
This latest leak comes by way of the @evleaks Twitter account which this time around, contains an image showing the front and back of the handset along with a few details. You can see the handset in the image below, and for those wondering, that display is said to measure in at 5.7-inches. Also pointed out in the image, the 8 megapixel rear-facing camera and Dolby Digital Plus.
We also cannot miss that China Mobile logo, which sort of implies where this device is headed. Or at the very least, one of the carriers that will end up offer this handset. That said, so far we have yet to learn any sort of device name. Well, aside from the model number which is P945. Other details include the ZTE P945 as having a thickness of less than 9mm, a 3000 mAh battery and a quad-core 1.2GHz processor. In terms of Android, the leak notes the P945 as having “ICS or above.” We can only hope that actually means Jelly Bean. As a comparison, the recently announced Z5 is running Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, so at least we know that ZTE is not dealing only with Ice Cream Sandwich. Finally, rumor has it that the handset will land in China during the first or second quarter of the year. And so far, nothing as to a global release timeframe. [via unwired view] |
| FTC and Google reach settlement on antitrust investigation Posted: 03 Jan 2013 10:49 AM PST As expected today, the FTC has brought their investigation to a close regarding good old Google. The folks from Mountain View reached a settlement and as a result will not face any fines. After a nearly 2-year investigation into the mobile and search giants operations, mainly with search and unfair practices, things are finally reaching a close and Google can move on.
The biggest part of the entire investigation was around Google Search and how they “prioritize” the search results. Claiming unfair practices were giving Google and their ad partners the benefit in this situation. The second half of the investigation was regarding Google’s recent acquisition of Motorola Mobility. Stating Google had brought injunctions against devices or manufacturers that were believed to infringed upon standards-essential patents owned by Motorola. Today the FTC announced the settlement, and concluded that Google’s agreed to essentially “change their ways.” And that Google will halt the sales ban on devices infringing on their newly acquired Motorola patents. Don’t worry however, Google’s Motorola patents can still be put to good use. Now they just have to willingly agree and work with those who want to license said patents, rather than hold out and seek injunctions. Here’s a quick quote from the FTC:
As far as search results go, Google’s used Yelp review as their own (according to claims) and regulates and moderates search results to their own benefit at times. Mind you these are just allegations. Many competitors have asked the FTC to step in and regulate Google’s popular and very excellent search algorithms. In a win for Google the FTC declined to do so, and in the end based on an unanimous vote they’ve closed the investigation into Google Search. So in the end they did settle to remove online ad restrictions, as well as license standard-essential Motorola patents to rivals without the threat of injunctions. More details are available from the via below. [via FTC] |
| Archos TV Connect will bring Android 4.1 Jelly Bean to your HDTV Posted: 03 Jan 2013 10:02 AM PST Archos has officially unveiled their latest Android device, this one aimed at the television. The device is called the Archos TV Connect and it will bring Jelly Bean to your HDTV. The TV Connect will work in conjunction with the TV Touch remote and is expected to come available in February.
Perhaps more important than when, is what. In this case, what will the Archos TV Connect do and what it will feature. The device is running Android 4.1 and it will allow you to access your favorite Android apps and games on your television. Archos notes this as being the “only multi-touch Android on TV experience.” And for those wondering, the TV Connect will arrive with Google certification which means access to the Play Store. Otherwise, the TV Connect will have HDMI connectivity (and ship with a cable) as well as USB and a microSD card slot. Connectivity will be Wi-Fi or Ethernet and while Archos notes that the TV Connect will be able to read all your favorite video files, they specifically note the device as being able to handle H.264 in full 1080p HD. Aside from video and games, some of the expected use cases include surfing the web, checking email and video calling. The TV Connect will feature an HD webcam and LED notification light. Not to mention, it will be compatible with the more common video calling apps such as Skype and Google Talk. Moving over to the TV Touch remote and you will find a device with a pointer, support for multi-touch gestures and a full keyboard with Android shortcuts. That all being said, the Archos TV Connect is expected to arrive priced at $129.99. |
| YouTube launches smartphone remote control feature for TVs and more Posted: 03 Jan 2013 09:45 AM PST Google has been working hard to improve YouTube and today they’ve announced an awesome new feature to make viewing videos on the big screen even better. They’ve already pushed features to allow sharing videos to Google TVs, but today they’ve announced the same feature will soon be arriving with support for multiple smart TVs and accessories from a variety of manufacturers. Their remote control feature will soon be available on a mass scale, not just Google TV.
Today on the official YouTube Blog Google has shared a few details and a nice new video showing off this exact feature. Explaining that later this month at CES they’ll be releasing their new mobile/TV pairing feature to popular upcoming smart TVs from multiple manufacturers. Claiming this will make our smartphones the best remote control for YouTube available. If you’ve ever trying to control and type video titles out on that terrible on-screen keyboard on your smart TV, you know exactly what they mean. Being able to use our favorite Android devices and keyboards to control the entire experience sure will be nice. We’ll run down a few launch partners, but first here’s a quick video from Google: Today Google and YouTube are happy to announce that this feature will be rolling out to YouTube during CES next week, and we can all expect the update to arrive soon. Out of the gate they have launch partners including Bang & Olufsen, LG, Panasonic and Sony with their smart TV devices. Then later in 2013 we’re expecting more releases from popular manufacturers such as Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Toshiba, Vizio, Western Digital and others. With Western Digital not being a TV maker, we can expect this feature to roll out to many additional smart TV-like accessories and companion devices too. |
| Nexus 4 user dissects serial number to show production date and more Posted: 03 Jan 2013 09:33 AM PST We have seen the Nexus 4 bounce in, and out of an available status since the handset originally launched. Given that, one would assume that the Nexus 4 was either sold out due to overwhelming demand or that it was sold out due to LG not being able to have enough made. We have heard a bit from Google on this matter, but regardless of why, the Nexus 4 remains an often discussed device.
And when we have an often discussed device we sometimes see neat little things come as a result. That seems to be the case with the Nexus 4 and the serial number. On in this case, which some have strung out to a guesstimate on the sales. You see, some users over on xda developers forums have dissected the Nexus 4 serial number (the one on the box) and were able to come up with some interesting bits. For example, the first three positions in the serial number reveal the production date and the fourth position reveals the country where the handset was manufactured. For example, if your serial number begins with 211K your Nexus 4 would have been manufactured in Korea during the month of November. Specifically in November 2012. The first digit is the year, in this case 2012 and the 11 is the month. Going on this, future devices should lead with a 3 for 2013. The sales guesstimate comes in with the ending of the serial number and while it is interesting data, there are likely some flaws. For example, much of this seems to be focused on the 16GB model. Anyway, with the warning out of the way, lets mention the numbers that have been discussed up until this point. The xda thread notes that they have produced about 70,000 devices in October 90,000 in November and 210,000 in December bringing the total up to 370,000. Bottom line here, you can take the sales estimates as you see fit. Otherwise, this is a neat little way for Nexus 4 users to see where and when their handset was manufactured. Device Info
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 [via TechCrunch] |
| Huawei brings the Ascend P1 to the US for a contract-free $449.99 Posted: 03 Jan 2013 07:47 AM PST The Huawei Ascend P1 is not the newest smartphone on the block. In fact, we unboxed the device way back in May of last year. But bringing this back to the present day, Huawei has just announced the US availability of the Ascend P1 — something that up until now was unavailable unless you were willing to go through an importer.
That being said, the Ascend P1 is available with one retailer — Amazon. The handset is priced at $449.99. And while that may sound on the high-side, take some comfort in knowing that is a contract-free price. Moving over to the carrier support and users would be able look towards T-Mobile or AT&T. Or alternatively, look towards Straight Talk. The one catch here, while the Ascend P1 is available here in the US, it did not bring any support for US LTE. Simply put, those picking up an Ascend P1 will be using 3G for their wireless connectivity. Otherwise, the Ascend P1 features include a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot and 8 megapixel rear-facing camera. Other specs include a 1670 mAh battery, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The Ascend P1 also has 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound and measures in as one of the thinnest handsets on the market — at 7.69mm. All said and done, the Ascend P1 may not be the newest device on the market, however it somehow seems good that Huawei has released it in the US. But maybe next time, they will have the handset available closer to actual release. Device Info
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| E FUN Nextbook 7GP tablet unveiled with a 7″ display and Jelly Bean Posted: 03 Jan 2013 07:11 AM PST Coming a bit ahead of CES, the Nextbook 7GP tablet has been officially unveiled by E FUN. The Nextbook 7GP will be the first in a new line of Android tablets coming from E FUN. Given that, we are expecting another announcement to follow once CES officially begins, however in the meantime — lets get into the specs, pricing and release date for this particular model.
The E FUN Nextbook 7GP will be a 7-inch device with Jelly Bean. Specifically, with a 7-inch display at 1024 x 600 and running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. And before we get any further, we will offer the warning — the specs are not all that exciting. But on that note, when you take the specs along with the relatively low price — you may have a tablet worth considering. Other specs for the Nextbook 7GP include a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage space, microSD card slot, HDMI-out (capable of sending 1080P video) and both a front- and rear-facing camera. The tablet will have Wi-Fi in terms of connectivity. There will also be the goodies from Google. This includes Play Store access along with pre-loaded apps to include Gmail, Chrome, Google+, Google Maps and 5GB of Google Drive storage. Aside from pre-loaded Google apps, the Nextbook 7GP will also have the Barnes & Noble NOOK Store along with a Net Nanny (a parental control app) and CloudLink’s Productivity Toolbox which has a few free apps dealing with mobile security, wireless pricing, credit card processing and more. Finally, the tablet will be priced at $129.99 and is expected to be available beginning in February. |
| Galaxy Note 10.1 FCC filing shows support for Verizon Wireless LTE Posted: 03 Jan 2013 06:44 AM PST We have seen a few recent mentions of a Verizon Wireless LTE-friendly Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet. If you remember back to mid-December, we saw a mention of the tablet with the Wi-Fi Alliance and then later with the FCC. Of course, that FCC filing came with a catch in that there was no specific mention for approval in terms of the LTE.
That being said, once we saw that filing and the lack of LTE approval, we knew it was just a matter of time before another filing was discovered. And well, flash forward till today and that filing is here. In short, the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet (with Verizon friendly-LTE) has received the approval of the FCC. The LTE support was noted for Band 13 as well as Band 4 (AWS). Additionally, the tablet is also showing support for 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. But really, neither of those come with much surprise. Aside from the LTE approval, we are still in need of details from Verizon Wireless and/or Samsung. Notably for a release date and some pricing. We haven’t seen anything in terms of rumored release dates, however now that these two FCC filings have been discovered, we suspect an announcement will arrive sooner rather than later. Finally, in addition to the cellular connectivity, the previous filing noted that Galaxy Note 10.1 as having 16GB of internal storage. Device Info
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[via Engadget] |
| Nexus 4 will be available in all T-Mobile retail stores this month Posted: 03 Jan 2013 06:18 AM PST We are not all that sure what this means for Nexus 4 availability with the Google Play Store, however a leaked T-Mobile memo shows that the handset will soon be available with the carrier. In fact, according to details included in the memo — the Nexus 4 will be available with all T-Mobile retail locations within a few weeks time.
The memo notes that “the Google Nexus 4 will launch in all T-Mobile retail locations i January.” Further details mention the Play Store, but nothing other than that the “Play Store will continue to carry the Nexus 4.” Therein lies the assumption, if T-Mobile is going to be able to add these to inventory, we would hope that the Play Store will be able to do the same. Time will tell how accurate that ends up being. Aside from a comment about January, nothing specific was given in terms of a date. Otherwise, the carrier will have the 16GB Nexus 4 priced at $199.99 on a two-year agreement. And just to clarify, that $199.99 price point comes after a $50 mail-in rebate, which means you will need to be prepared to shell out $249.99 on the day of purchase. In comparison, the Play Store has the same model Nexus 4 priced at $349. That being said, those looking to pick up a Nexus 4 for use with T-Mobile will simply have to decide which is the best option for them — go the $200 two-year agreement route or go the $350 no-contract route. Finally, regardless of which price you pay you will be getting a handset with features to include Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, a 4.7-inch display, quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 1.3 MP front-facing camera and an 8 MP rear-facing camera. Device Info
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[via TmoNews] |
| Samsung Galaxy Camera gets updated to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Posted: 02 Jan 2013 04:29 PM PST While this news will probably make tons of smartphone owners upset while their still waiting, good for Samsung for being quick with updates. Today Samsung has confirmed the update for their new and impressive Samsung Galaxy Camera to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean is rolling out. The update isn’t a big one, or bring too many changes, but brings the camera in line with their Galaxy S III and Note II devices.
It looks like Samsung is initially pushing the update out to Galaxy Camera users in the United Kingdom, but we can expect other regions to feature the same update shortly. As usual this is available via Samsung Kies update platform, and since the Galaxy Camera features 3G connectivity it is also being pushed out over the air to owners.
As you see above, the update to 4.1.2 Jelly Bean has arrived for many as well as being confirmed by the folks over at SamMobile. This 16 megapixel Android-powered camera isn’t seeing too many new changes, but an improved Gallery app should surely make all users happy. We’re hearing the gallery from the Note II has been added to the Galaxy Camera. Which offers tons of different viewing modes, layouts, as well as spiral themes where you can hold for previews of an entire folder rather than manually opening each and every one. This should really make using the large 4.8-inch display on the camera even better when viewing photos or playing back video. As usual users can expect security updates, speed improvements, and general fixes for stability. Let us know when you get the update on your own camera. Device Info
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| Nexus 7 docks shipping January 10th according to retailer Posted: 02 Jan 2013 02:30 PM PST We’ve all been longing for some official accessories or docks for our Nexus 7 tablets, and it looks like the wait will just be a few more days. Late last month we reported the official ASUS Nexus 7 dock should be available later in the month but that never happened. Online retailers such as B&H Video are still accepting pre-orders though.
Today reports have surfaced that while the December 30th deadline was missed, the docks will indeed ship later this week with deliver dates ranging from January 10th and on. We’ve yet to hear from Google or ASUS regarding these official accessories, but it sounds like a few retailers know something we don’t. Unfortunately while B&H and other retailers are claiming January 10th ship dates, those are “expected” delivery dates. Which means they probably still are awaiting stock to arrive, and we could possibly still be facing further delays on this little dock for our Nexi. The January 10th date also matches some previous reports from AndroidWorld and a few other sources, so things are looking up for those searching for a dock come mid January. It’s nothing too special and only has micro-USB and 3.5mm audio out, but it’s an official accessory and sure will look nice on my desk. Who’s grabbing one for $39.99? [via Android Authority] |
| LG Nexus 4 image surfaces showing a less-glittery back cover Posted: 02 Jan 2013 02:03 PM PST It looks like LG may have made a slight change on the Nexus 4. A recently surfaced image is showing a Nexus 4 without the glittery back. But before anyone gets super worked up, the back is still glass and apparently the same in terms of build quality — it is just not as sparkly.
The image was posted by the folks over at Auto-oMobile who have said that ” the LG Nexus 4 now doesn't seem to glitter like the earlier batch. No matter what angle you hold it at or lighting conditions. It seems to have lost the glitter effect.” The question remains though, how widespread this actually it. Further details in the posting note that they have seen a “dozen reader” complaints. The key here, this less-glittery Nexus 4 appears to be coming from a recently shipped batch and as of now, neither Google or LG have offered any sort of statement. This means we could end up with a situation where some users have gotten less than perfect units, or possibly a situation where a change was made and users are now just finding out. We have also seen a quickly growing forum posting over on xda, however there seems to be more arguing over whether the back is more durable as a result. And as a side note, we are not buying into the back cover being more durable as a result of the lack of sparkles. One forum member did suggest that the switch could have come as a result of the handset now coming from a different factory. Again, that last bit is also unconfirmed. Bottom line here, if you are waiting on a Nexus 4, you may or may not be getting a glittery back cover. Device Info
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[via Auto-oMobile] |
| Nexus 10 back in stock on the Play Store Posted: 02 Jan 2013 01:21 PM PST We have a sliver of good news to start off 2013 regarding Nexus availability. While we still don’t have any good news to report regarding the Nexus 4 smartphone, Google’s popular tablets might be available again soon for many potential buyers. The Nexus 7 and 10 have both been sold out for a while, but today things are looking up.
While the Nexus 4 is still completely missing in action, the Nexus tablets are at least no longer showing completely as “sold out.” Today Google’s updated the Play Store listing for both the 32GB Nexus 7, as well as their popular Samsung Nexus 10 and reflect in stock status, they’re being listed as shipping soon. If Google’s Nexus 10 tablet is what you’ve been eying, or no one bought you that budget friendly Nexus 7 for Christmas then today you’re finally in luck. Both the 16GB and 32GB Nexus 10 are available as we speak and hopefully will ship within a few days of placing orders. Sadly there’s no telling just when they’ll actually ship, nor do we have any details when the exciting $299 Nexus 4 smartphone will make an entrance into the scene again. Users have been patiently awaiting its arrival since going out of stock, and we’ve received zero updates on future availability. Google let everyone know a day or so in advance last time around, so hopefully the same happens again soon. Stay tuned! Device Info
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| FCC reveals the Samsung GT-B7810 with hardware QWERTY and Android 4.0 Posted: 02 Jan 2013 12:38 PM PST This isn’t the first time we have mentioned the Galaxy M Pro, in fact, it was originally unveiled back in October of 2011. That announcement showed a handset that was running Gingerbread at at time when many were already thinking of Ice Cream Sandwich. And on top of that, the handset was announced with some less than exciting specs. That aside though, judging from some recently published images, it appears as if Samsung is prepping a follow-up device.
The device is the GT-B7810 and the images come by way of an FCC filing dating back to June of 2012. The key here, that June filing included a confidentiality request that kept the images from being shown. And well, that confidentiality request has since passed and the images are now available. The FCC managed to include quite a few, showing the device from the front, back and side. The images offer a decent look at the device and one thing seems clear, this handset looks a bit nicer as compared to the Galaxy M Pro that was announced back in 2011.
In addition to the images, some of the specs were also revealed. To begin with, the handset will not be running Gingerbread, thankfully. The filing notes the handset as having Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. Otherwise, the device will have a 480 x 360 display, 3G connectivity, a microSIM card slot, 1200 mAh battery, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0.
While we have something from the FCC, we still need to get an official announcement from Samsung. After all, at this point we have yet to see any information regarding a release timeframe or which markets it will be released in. All said and done, this is certainly not the most exciting handset, however given we see so few Android handsets with hardware keyboards, the GT-B7810 may be just the device that someone is looking for. [via Blog of Mobile] |
| Canonical introduces Ubuntu for smartphones Posted: 02 Jan 2013 11:56 AM PST While this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Android and Ubuntu play nice together, this does mark a new era for the platform. Today software maker Canonical announced Ubuntu for phones, which aims to make superphones also be a full PC. They’ve already crammed Android and Ubuntu together for dock webtop like features, but this is their full-fledged OS.
This has been in the works for some time, with us getting our first glimpse back in February of last year. However today this Linux operating system powered by the Android kernel now has its own Ubuntu version for smartphones and looks pretty interesting. That “lockscreen” looks legit. Ubuntu for phones is more than just a mobile OS too, it also doubles as a full PC experience. Once docked and using a keyboard/mouse this will be Ubuntu as you know and love for desktop users. With quad-core smartphones rocking 2GB of RAM, it’s safe to say the extremely lightweight and efficient Ubuntu will run just fine. They’ve made what they call a revolutionary user interface and here’s what to expect:
being extremely open-source we’re expecting plenty of options, features, apps, and customization in the future. This project has been in the works for some time and is finally starting to take shape. As you noticed, the entire video is shot with the Android-powered Galaxy Nexus — running Ubuntu for Smartphones. We’ll be on the lookout for the Canonical booth during CES and will surely get some hands-on time with this as soon as possible. Who’s interested? [via Ubuntu] |
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