Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Google Glass hackathon event scheduled for later this month, devs to receive units on site

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 06:25 PM PST


It’s been awhile since we heard from ‘ol Googs regarding their plans for “Project Glass” but it turns out they haven’t forgotten about the project. Emails have gone out to “Glass Explorers,” developers who paid the exorbitant $1,500 entry fee for a chance to develop on the new hardware before anyone else.

Devs have until Friday, January 18th to pre-register for a 2-day hack-a-thon that will take place on either January 28th and 29th in San Francisco, or February 1st and 2nd in New York. During the first day, developers will be given their very own Glass hardware, learning the ins and outs of developing for the eyewear, with the second day dealing mostly with demos and even special guests.

Sounds like a lot of fun and since Phandroid’s own in-house developer will be attending the event, we’ll be bringing you the latest as it goes down (and most likely an early hands-on if you’re really good). Exciting stuff!

Instapaper update brings slew of new features

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 02:27 PM PST

Instapaper, the save-for-later app that lets you save web-pages for offline use in an easy-to-read format, has gotten an upgrade in the Google Play Store. You can expect more than your usual abundance of bug fixes and performance enhancements, however, as the “What’s New” list is chock full of goodness.

For starters, new pagination features allow you to scroll a web page by full pages. The Feature is, well, a feature that will recommend some articles for your viewing pleasure. You can now scroll through a page by tilting your device, apply a sepia tone to the background of the page, create in-line footnotes and more.

At $3 per download Instapaper isn’t the most popular Android app there is. It has only received 10k-50k downloads, and most users decide they either don’t need the functionality or would rather get it in free form elsewhere. Still, many will tell you that Instapaper is worth every penny, and if spotty connections and cluttered websites are an issue for you then I find it hard to disagree. Give it a shot in the Google Play Store and see if you can’t fall in love with a new way to read the content you love.

Qualcomm giving away 3 Snapdragon S4 Pro development tablets

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 01:09 PM PST

Our friends at Qualcomm have pinged us to let us know about a great opportunity for developers needing to test Android applications for tablets. The chipset vendor is giving away three of its Snapdragon S4 Pro development tablets which, as you might have guessed, are beasts of machines. They come outfitted with the aforementioned quad-core S4 Pro chipset as well as a 10.1 inch WXGA display, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage and Android 4.1 out of the box.

Developers can sideload their applications for testing as soon as they turn the device on so there’s no complicated setup to get going with development. Of course, Qualcomm’s chipsets aren’t the only chipsets in the world — you’ll be optimizing your code to run best on it, but you should be able to adapt your application to any device if you can get it up and going on one of these.

All you need to do to enter to win is follow Qualcomm on Twitter at @Qualcomm_Dev and tweet using the hashtag #QualcommDevs or Like QDevNet on Facebook and submit an entry form. You can submit one entry per week until February 1st, so you’ll be able to get your name into the hat a couple of different times before the deadline ends. Good luck everyone, and come back to let us know if you end up winning one!

[via Qualcomm]

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 receiving Android 4.1.2

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 12:35 PM PST

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10.1 is getting a software refresh in the US. Yes, the wait is over as users are reporting the arrival of Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean for the stylus-ready slate. The update enables such lusted after features as multi-view for running apps in windowed mode, air view functionality allowing stylus interactions when hovering above the screen (no touch required), and more.

The push is going out far and wide it would appear. XDA’s forums contain plenty reports of successful updates to the new Android OS. Any readers out there with a Note 10.1 receive the update yet? Let us know what you think.

[Thanks to all who sent this in! Image via XDA]

Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus leaked

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 12:05 PM PST

Samsung looks to be bringing us another smallish Android handset for those not willing to jump on the “too big for comfort” wave. The device, which was leaked by SamMobile, is called the Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus, and at 2.8 inches it’s quite small.

The Pocket is said to have an 800MHz Broadcom processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, a 2 megapixel camera, a 1,200mAh battery and Android 4.0.4 with TouchWiz on top. Other hardware features will include Bluetooth 3.0, A-GPS, WiFi N, FM radio, USB 2.0, accelerometer support and more.

As a successor to the original Samsung Galaxy Pocket this device isn’t that much better, but the inclusion of Ice Cream Sandwich seems to merit a re-release. Of course, Samsung has shown it’s willing to do this even with one of its flagship devices. The Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus doesn’t add much over the original (in fact, some might argue that the original is better) but it does come with Jelly Bean out of the box.

Don’t expect the version of TouchWiz present on this device to be as fully-featured as it is on the Galaxy S3 — the size and limited hardware means some things will have to be sacrificed. Still, it should be fast and slim enough to keep most people happy while giving Samsung the edge it needs to set the Pocket Plus apart from others in this range.

You can expect the Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus to launch starting in the first half of this year, but for the time being Latin America is the only region you might be able to find it. nothing’s official yet, though, so until Samsung has a say in any of it then we can’t be too sure about any of it. Have a quick peep above.

Rumors of Sony Xperia Tablet Z with 10.1-inch FHD display surface

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 11:37 AM PST

With Sony’s refresh of their handset lineup at CES, it’s fair to reason that new tablets could soon be on the way (especially considering Sony’s vision of connected entertainment in the home). While the Xperia Tablet S (pictured) provided the perfect match for last year’s flagship handset, new rumors have surfaced that see the recently announced Xperia Z getting its own tablet counterpart.

What likely will be called the Sony Xperia Tablet Z is said to be a 10.1-inch device featuring a resolution of 1920×1200, providing a Full HD experience befitting of the company known for high-end televisions. The Tablet Z could feature the now standard quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor (the same as found in the Xperia Z and ZL), 2GB RAM, and 32GB of internal storage.

The camera won’t be quite the 13MP shooter found on the Xperia Z handset. Instead the Tablet Z is said to sport an 8MP rear camera and 2MP front-facing camera. Toss in a 6,000mAh battery while keeping the slate to a mere 6.9mm thick and we have the makings of quite the compelling device.

All of this comes with a grain of salt, as reports on the Tablet Z are unverified at this point. Even if this exact set of specs doesn’t pan out, it still provides a good idea of what we might expect from Sony. Mobile World Congress would be a logical venue for the unveiling of such a tablet.

[via UnwiredView]

Demand for Samsung handsets reaches all-time high in early 2013

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 10:39 AM PST

According to a new report released by ChangeWave, demand for Samsung smartphones has reach an all-time high in the first quarter of 2013. Over the first 90 days of the year, 21 percent of potential smartphone buyers want Samsung device. That’s a growth of 8 percent from the previous quarter.

Of those buyers, the majority (69 percent) plan to purchase a Galaxy S3, though the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 came at 23 percent. Phablets (defined as a phone with a screen size larger than 5 inches) are growing in popularity, with 27 percent overall seeking a device of that class. Demand for phones with screen sizes of 4 to 4.9 inches was highest at 52 percent.

Apple, while still dominating consumer demand, saw a steep drop off from their post-iPhone 5 high. Following the launch of the latest iOS device and leading into the holiday season, 71 percent of smartphone buyers wanted an Apple handset. For Q1 of 2013, the number has dropped to 50 percent.

The trend isn’t new. Demand typically spikes for new device launches (see the Samsung Galaxy S3 as an example) and tapers off in the following quarters. The data clearly shows that the iPhone is keeping plenty of buyers interested, but don’t sleep on Samsung. Already winning the market share war in many regions, upcoming devices like the Galaxy S4 should only serve to push demand higher.

[via TechCrunch]

Gene Effect for Android now available

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 10:07 AM PST

A very popular space exploration game for iOS by the name of Gene Effect is now available for Android. The game takes place on the planet Kratoss, and the player’s job is to explore the ancient alien mines found on the planet for the purpose of gathering resources and other various objectives. Things aren’t as straightforward as you’d hope, of course, so expect resistance from the planet’s natural habitat.

It’s a side-scrolling action-adventure game that features combat, puzzles, hidden areas to discover, ship upgrades and more. 21 different missions will keep you busy as your expedition takes you to depths of the planet that have yet to be traversed. Different difficulty levels are provided to give anyone a challenge no matter what your skill level is. There are also six trophies to acquire, 25 music tracks to unlock real physics, randomly generated level content for a different playing experience every time and more.

The developers, Lightstorm3D, are asking for $3.50 for the privilege of playing, but it sounds like there will be no shortage of content and fun to be had for such a minuscule price. Give it a shot here in the Google Play Store, and don’t forget to watch the gameplay trailer above for an idea of what to expect ahead of time.

RadioShack, Target to end mobile partnership

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 09:09 AM PST

Target and RadioShack struck a deal a while back to take on the Blue and Yellow big ticket giant that is Best Buy Mobile, but it looks like that marriage is ending a tad early. The two parties have announced that a new agreement could not be reached, and that Target Mobile would no longer require the services of RadioShack.

RadioShack’s backing gave Target the ability to sell and manage post-paid contract customers at several of the nation’s biggest carriers, giving it the competitive edge it needed to keep up with the likes of Best Buy and Walmart. There were a lot of question marks associated with this deal when it was first inked, and it looks like we have our answer — it just didn’t make sense for either side.

Target, which specializes in clothing, consumer electronics, household wares and food, already headed up a modest pre-paid phone sales model, but the beast that is post-paid sales seems to have been too difficult to tackle.

RadioShack says in order for a deal to be reached it would have to be profitable for both sides, and when it couldn’t find the middle ground the two companies desired they agreed to part ways. RadioShack seems to have been on the lousier end of the deal as the company said it had no part of Target’s lucrative accessories sales business.

RadioShack will remain in Target stores (about 1,500 of them) until April 8th, 2013. Target Mobile employees are said to be able to keep their jobs, however, as Marketsource and Brightstar have inked deals with Target to keep the pre-paid side of Target Mobile afloat. Reports suggest Target Mobile employees will have the choice of either staying with Target or going to work for a RadioShack corporate store, but these reports are unconfirmed as of the time of this writing.

Many raved about Target Mobile’s competitive contract deals opposed to going to the carriers’ corporate stores, but it seems deals alone aren’t enough to drive the business required to make things work. Many felt Target’s approach of stuffing the mobile kiosk into the electronics section of its stores was to blame as this made for low visibility.

Compare this to Best Buy Mobile, which has an entire section for mobile at the front of most of its stores, and even some standalone stores. Of course, since Best Buy is a more specialized consumer electronics store it has the floor space to give its mobile business the visibility that it needs. Big marketing dollars doesn’t hurt, either — you’d probably be lying if you said you didn’t see at least one Best Buy Mobile ad somewhere throughout the holiday season.

You can still head to RadioShack corporate stores and RadioShack.com after this partnership ends if you prefer the way they do business as opposed to corporate carrier stores or Best Buy Mobile, but once August 8th hits you won’t be able to call Target your one-stop shop for everything if you preferred to carry out your cellular phone business in its stores. Read on for full press details.

RadioShack and Target Dissolve Target Mobile Partnership

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — RadioShack Corp. (NYSE: RSH), today announced the end of its relationship with Target, where it helps operate Target Mobile in 1,500 Target stores, effective April 8, 2013.

The RadioShack and Target partnership provided RadioShack access to manage Target’s post-paid mobility business, but RadioShack did not manage the prepaid mobility business or the wider range of accessories offered in Target stores.

Since October 2012, RadioShack had been renegotiating the terms of the relationship with Target to establish an agreement that would be profitable to both companies. At that time, RadioShack executed a termination notice that would allow the company to exit the Target business if an agreement could not be reached.

“In order for RadioShack to have continued this relationship, we needed to establish a new agreement that would be financially appealing to both companies,” said Telvin Jeffries , RadioShack executive vice president, chief human resources officer, and general manager of retail services “Ultimately, we amicably agreed to dissolve the relationship.”

The Pebble Blues: Samsung sheds light on the Galaxy S3 delay that could have been a catastrophe

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 08:27 AM PST

When the Galaxy S3 launched back in May, it seemed all too familiar to previous major Android releases. Production delays with the handset’s Pebble Blue variant seemed destined to cause stock shortages and shipping delays. But, as Samsung reveals in a recent post to their Tomorrow blog, the dedicated work of a team of product engineers and designers allowed the company to pump out a fix in only three days.

Samsung faced a tough decision when the first run of Pebble Blue battery covers came back. They didn’t replicate the initial design to the standards of Samsung, and the design with its reflective quality and hairline engravings was deemed a “core element of the Galaxy S3 design.”

The Korean company could either scrap plans for the alternative color, deliver a product that did not live up to the “promise” represented by pre-release models, or bust their tail to revamp the manufacturing process to produce a better result. Feeling a sense of duty to the customer, Samsung went with the latter option.

And so for nearly 72 hours straight, the design and development teams went to work, starting from scratch to create a method of reproducing the exact finish Samsung was going for without sacrificing productivity. An excess stock of Marble White devices afforded some leeway.

The end result was Samsung’s triumph over the shortcomings of their initial Pebble Blue design. It all amounted to the handset we see today, one that has recently surpassed 40 million in sales and is showing few signs of slowing down.

[via SamsungTomorrow]

Google Now boarding passes live for select airlines

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 07:59 AM PST

With the most recent update to Google Now, Google announced features that frequent flyers found quite useful. For starters, Google Now would pull information from any itineraries emailed to you by an airline to display you information like flight number, gate number, seat number departure times, weather in your city of arrival and more without you having to tell it to.

Google also promised boarding passes could be served up for select airlines, but the feature wasn’t yet live. Welp, the first crop of airlines have launched the feature with Google and should you have some travel plans soon your boarding pass should be included with the aforementioned wealth of information.

Word of advice, though: you shouldn’t completely bypass paper boarding passes if you happen to be able to use this feature. Despite accepting electronic boarding passes some airlines have difficulty getting you through the gate if you use your phone or tablet. Either they have problems scanning the pass (the hardware/software may differ from gate to gate and airport to airport) or they may require more time to validate the boarding pass.

Use it when you can, but it won’t hurt to have a paper-based backup sitting in your pocket in case things don’t go right. Having said all that, be sure to give it a try during your next trip if your airline of choice happens to be supported (Google’s not telling us which are and aren’t, so it’s a crap shoot until folks start leaving their impessions).

Write for Phandroid: we’re seeking Contributors!

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 07:30 AM PST

Many of you are familiar with the Phandroid writing team: myself, Chris Chavez, Quentyn Kennemer, Kevin Krause, Edgar Cervantes, and some others that have passed through. Even with a team of full-time writers and editors, keeping up with Android news is a tall order. Pile on the need for phone reviews, tablet reviews, app/game reviews, accessory reviews, tips/tricks, tutorials, editorials, and other types of featured content, and we’ve got quite the task at hand.

We continually strive to provide the best Android-focused coverage on the planet, but perhaps we’re not utilizing our best resource… YOU!

The Android community is filled with passionate, educated enthusiasts with loads of knowledge to share. Not everyone aspires to be a full-time writer, but we know many of you enjoy writing and have great ideas and article concepts that could make Phandroid even better. If you think you’ve got what it takes, we would like to invite you to apply as a Contributing Author on the Phandroid team.

What is a Contributing Author?

The contributor position is unpaid. It provides a great opportunity to be published on a reputable news source. It’s a resume builder, opportunity to “get your name out there”, and allows you to engage in an open dialogue with a vibrant Android-loving community.

What are the expectations of a Contributing Author?

Contributing Authors will be expected to publish a minimum of 1-3 articles each week. They’ll communicate closely with the editorial team via E-Mail and other means, passing back and forth story ideas that could be either time sensitive and open ended. But what we’re REALLY looking for are team members who can provide Phandroid readers another dimension by helping people get the most out of their phone through unique ideas and articles.

How can you apply?

  • Send an E-Mail to jobs[at]phandroid[dot]com
  • Copy and paste “Phandroid Contributing Author” in the subject line… without the quotes
  • Tell us your name, age, location and a little bit about yourself
  • Tell us why you would make a great Contributing Author
  • Tell us how much time each week you hope to dedicate to Phandroid
  • Copy/Paste/Link us (no attachments) to 1-3 related writing samples in the Phandroid style (minus the typos)
  • Give us an idea of what you’ll bring to the table by sharing a few unique article ideas you would enjoy writing
  • Convince us that you're the “go-getter” we're seeking!

TAKE YOUR TIME
We're looking for quality of applicants, not how quickly you can show your interest/urgency. We’re expecting a large number of inquiries and will be unable to respond to every person. If we’re interested, expect to hear back from us within 2 weeks, at which point we’ll narrow down the field of candidates with some follow up questions


Thanks and good luck!

Newly outed G250 shows Huawei hasn’t abandoned budget phones

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 07:28 AM PST

With all the high-end devices Huawei has revealed lately, it’s easy to forget the company’s core business has long revolved around low-cost handsets geared toward emerging markets. Even with such mammoth devices as the Huawei Ascend Mate and Huawei Ascend D2, we can still expect a share of phones targeted towards lower price tiers. With the newly outed Huawei G250, that doesn’t necessarily mean specs will be sacrificed.

The handset, which is destined for China, will be priced around $225 and carries a 1.2GHz quad-core Mediatek chip, the MT6589 to be exact. The display will measure in at 4.5 inches of unspecified resolution. A 5MP camera will handle the photo capture duties, while other hardware features have not been disclosed.

The phone will launch to decidedly less fanfare than it’s bigger brothers on January 21st around China. There don’t seem to be any plans at the moment, but the G250 could make an excellent candidate to be repackaged with different branding for an American carrier such as T-Mobile.

[via Engadget]

Sea Battle, a Battleship clone, launches exclusively for Samsung devices

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 07:27 AM PST

“You sank my battleship!” It was this line from Jim Carey (as The Riddler) in Batman Forever that made me fall in love with Battleship as a child. While the actual game wasn’t nearly as cool as the film made it out to seem, it still remains one of those age-old war games that can be played any time, anywhere and with anything. From video games and the plastic board game set, right down to an old sheet of paper, much like Paper Football it’s survived throughout the years because of its simplicity and adaptability.

Welp, one developer is looking to bring back that old feel of playing battleship with nothing but pen and paper in the form of a game for smartphones and tablets. Enterra Inc has announced its Sea Battle: Confrontation will be launching exclusively for Samsung devices in the Samsung Apps store.

The game’s stylish, classy “paper and pen” look is a perfect marriage for Samsung devices with the S Pen, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and Note 10.1. They’re quite fine to play with fingers, though, so those without Note devices can have just as much fun. You can play the classic battleship experience here with either AI or a friend via Bluetooth or WiFi, and aside from the steady-paced, monotonous declaration of strategically placed strikes (“A1, F6, G3″) users can use power-ups to call in airstrikes, pull up a radar and even use sea mines.

The game’s “hall of fame” feature will bring achievements for those needing a sense of accomplishment after all the hours of gameplay that are sure to be sucked out of you. Sea Battle: Confrontation is available for most Samsung devices with Android 2.3.3 and higher, including the Samsung Galaxy Camera, Samsung Galaxy S3, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and more. Read on for full press details.

"Sea Battle: Confrontation" for Android

January 9, 2013, Barnaul – Russian IT company Enterra (enterra-inc.com), a software, mobile applications
and games developer, announces about a release of "Sea Battle: Confrontation" game for Android OS on
Samsung devices (according to an exclusive agreement between the two companies).

"Sea Battle: Confrontation" is a mobile version of classic well-known sea battle on the notebook sheet, but
which includes the opportunity of game play via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth network and management with S Pen or
finger.

One of the strengths of our game version is a simulation of the game battleground in the form of notebook
sheet and the ability to play with opponent via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth channels.

Developers about the game design:

"We didn't have other variants of visual design as the last time we played the sea battle was in the
university, and then it was just a piece of squared sheet from a notebook and a ballpoint pen".

Developers about the opportunity of game play via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:

"We had to work hard that the invitations of opponents to the game and the game itself via network
wouldn't cause any troubles, would be fast, stable and without a single break".

Here is a full list of game features:

search of opponents and the ability to play via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth channels;
game with a virtual opponent in the single-user mode;
game battleground in the form of notebook squared sheet lined for the game;
placement of ships manually on outlined cells or line;
auto-placing of ships;

management of game play with S Pen or finger;
appropriate surroundings and sound;
the Hall of Fame for achievements;
and also additional weapons – radar, airstrike, mine.

"Sea Battle: Confrontation" game is offered for free via Samsung Apps online store (http://
www.samsungapps.com/venus/topApps/topAppsDetail.as?productId=000000529895). The game is
available for Samsung devices based on Android OS 2.3.3 and later.

Enterra is one of the leading Russian software development companies, provides high-end application
development and design and offers highly efficient and thought-out decisions for the needs of the up-to-
date businesses. Enterra representative offices are located in Russia, USA and Europe. Company's website -
www.enterra-inc.com.

Download Game: http://www.samsungapps.com/venus/topApps/topAppsDetail.as?
productId=000000529895

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sea-Battle-Confrontation/471703899548356

AT&T offering $100 credit to Nexus 7 owners when signing up for two-year contract

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 06:38 AM PST

For those picking up the HSPA+-enabled Nexus 7 from the Google Play Store, AT&T is extending a special offer. Signing up for a two-year contract with the carrier will grant a $100 statement credit, effectively matching the $100 subsidy AT&T offers on tablets sold through their stores when coupled with a data plan.

To take advantage of the offer, one must first purchase the Nexus 7 from Google  and then activate service by calling a provided number or visiting an AT&T store. You still have to pay $299 up front, but after all is said and done you are getting the 32GB slate for $199. You can take advantage of the deal for as low as $10 per month by adding the tablet to a Mobile Share plan.

[via AndroidPolice]
Posted by at 10:16 AM

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