Friday, January 18, 2013

AndroidGuys

AndroidGuys

Kogan debuts 5-inch phone for under $150

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 01:14 PM PST

phonesssIs your iPhone too small? You may want to pick up something a bit larger, say, the new Kogan Agora. This device sports a 5-inch screen, dual core processor, dual cameras, bluetooth, GPS, and Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The Agora will also include 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage.

While these specs don’t shout “flagship”, the Agora will be sold fully unlocked for just around $149. The Agora supports bands that are compatible with both AT&T and T-Mobile’s contract and pre-paid plans.

According to CNET, Kogan will begin shipping this device in the US sometime next month. At such a low price, there is almost no reason to not consider this device as a solid backup or replacement for your current phone.

Source: CNET

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Redbox Instant app review (w/ video)

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 01:02 PM PST

redbox_720After a few months of pre-release hype, the Redbox Instant by Verizon app and service has gone live. Currently offered in a beta release, one must sign up for an access code to get in on the streaming movie service. I added my name to the list a few weeks back, and recently received a code. After setting up my account, I have spent a day playing with the new Android app.

redbox_app_screen2It’s immediately obvious that this is not the Netflix-killing service that some might be expecting. Just a quick glance at the “subscription” movies tells you that you don’t get the same stuff that you can grab at a kiosk. That’s alright, however, as the $8 monthly subscription fee includes 4 DVD rentals from the red kiosks.

Is it worth another $4 for access to the other movies? At first blush, it feels as if it might be… but only for a short while. Once I exhaust the list of stuff that I care about then I suspect that Redbox Instant will end up as diminishing returns. Simply put, this is like comparing the difference in Netflix streaming versus getting physical discs.

The app itself is quite nice and works well for users looking to hunt down a nearby Redbox kiosk.

redbox_app_screen1

Using GPS, the app can tell you where the nearest locations are and even let you browse the currently available movies. Want to reserve a DVD or Bluray?  That’s pretty easy stuff with this app. Then again, the other Redbox app made these things rather simple, too.

One of the features I most liked was being able to quickly see what movies I’ve bookmarked and finish watching films.  What’s more, the reminder tab should be a handy tool to let you know that you’ve got to take back that copy of The Lincoln Lawyer back before you end up owning it outright.

If there’s one bit of advice I would recommend to users, especially in the beta stages, it is to set up your full account online. The app itself is not all that difficult but it’s much easier to put in all your details with a full keyboard and mouse.

Note that reviews and comments in the Google Play Store advise against trying this on rooted devices. Perhaps this will get ironed out over time or once the service is publicly available.

QUICK LOOK VIDEO

What We Liked

  • Service includes 4 DVD rentals
  • Reminders to return movies and games
  • Full account management
  • Does not require a Verizon handset or service plan

Room for Improvement

  • More ‘quality’ movies in subscription service
  • Alerts for new subscription movies

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Coming Soon: Temple Run 2 for Android

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 12:52 PM PST

mzl.wsxvshun.320x480-75Today, the ever so popular game Temple Run, launched its first successor, Temple Run 2 for (ahem) other platforms. Featuring new locations, characters, and obstacles, Temple Run 2 is sure to spark the interest of all previous Temple Run players.

While Temple Run 2 was made available today for iOS devices, just as before, Android users are going to have to wait. Luckily, the co-founder of Imangi, Keith Shepherd, stated that the Android release would be coming late next week. Giving us much more hope than the long awaited original release, which took several months for arrival.

Source: The Verge

 

 

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Samsung will reportedly introduce Galaxy Note 8.0 at Mobile World Congress

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 09:31 AM PST

samsung_logoc_720

Samsung will introduce the Galaxy Note 8.0 at next month’s Mobile World Congress, according to SamMobile. Reportedly, there will be two versions of the device (3G and Wi-Fi) with both running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

The model numbers for the two are said to be GT-N5100 and GT-N5110, both of which have seen their share of leaks and rumors over the last few months. Hardware details suggest the Note 8.0 will not be super-powerful but that it could be a rival experience to Apple’s iPad Mini.

Alleged details for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0:

  • Code name: Kona
  • Android: version 4.2 Jelly Bean
  • Official name: GALAXY Note 8.0 (3G, Wi-Fi)
  • Product codes: GT-N5100, GT-N5110
  • Battery: 4600 mAh
  • Dimension: 211.3×136.3×7.95 mm , 330 gram.
  • Display: 8.0"1280×800 TFT (Super Clear LCD)
  • GSM networks: EDGE (850/900/1800/1900) HSPA+21.1Mbps, HSUPA 5.76Mbps (850/900/1900/2100)
  • Camera 5 Megapixel (BACK)
  • Camera 1.3 megapixel (FRONT)
  • RAM + Storage: 2GB (RAM) + 16/32GB (optional) + microSD (up to 32GB)
  • Connections:  BT 4.0, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, A-GPS

SamMobile


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What is Google cooking up for Google I/O 13?

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 09:05 AM PST

The Google I/O developers conference is perhaps the largest Android event in the world, and , if I may say so, also the best. It’s becoming a fact that ever year Google introduces plenty of new stuff at I/O, such as new versions of the Android platform as well as devices. So, looking forward, what might we expect at this year’s  Google I/O 13.?

This week the rumor mill says that Google will introduce an LG-made Nexus 5 and a new Nexus 7.7 tablet. As you know, Google and LG launched the Nexus 4 last year, and it was the first phone to run Android 4.2. Assuming the two got along nicely, the logical leap (for some) is that LG and Google will pair for the next Pure Google device. As of now, that would be the so-called Nexus 5.

Allegedly, the device will feature a full HD display, an NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor, 2GB of RAM, storage options of 8GB and 16GB, a 13-megapixel camera, a 3-megapixel front-facing camera, and some other goodies.

As for the Nexus 7.7, it will reportedly boast a 7.7-inch WUXGA display (1200 x 1920), NVIDIA Tegra 4, 2GB of RAM, 8GB and 16GB of storage, and HD main and front cameras.

I would be happy if either of these two panned out, but I am not so certain they will. First off, LG has denied the rumors, saying that they are totally unfounded. Also, consider that this would be just six months after the release of the Nexus 4.  Would the two companies want to cannibalize sales or risk confusing consumers?

If I were to guess, the tablet seems more likely than a new phone, but even then it is hard to say that LG is working on the device. Thus far LG has not offered very much on the tablet landscape.

What do you think Google is cooking up for the next I/O? Do you think there will be a new phone and/or tablet? Will it come from LG?  Tell us your thoughts in the comment box below.

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Sony offering six weeks of free PlayStation Mobile games for certified devices

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 08:43 AM PST

sony_logo_a720

Sony Mobile is offering six weeks of free PlayStation Mobile games for certified devices, beginning with Samurai Beatdown. The freebies will change every seven days, essentially amounting to a half dozen free titles over the span of the giveaway. That said, if you have one of the certified PlayStation Mobile smartphones or tablets then you’ll want to follow Sony on Twitter at @sonymobilenews.

 

Sony Mobile

 

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Thumb Keyboard review: The keyboard your tablet always needed – 50% off for a limited time

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 08:39 AM PST

Your tablet is a great asset. Bigger than your run-of-the-mill phone, it gives you the opportunity to use your favorite mobile OS on a slightly grander, much more efficient scale. One issue? Trying to use the darn thing while still being able to multi-task elsewhere. If you’ve got a tablet (especially of the larger variety, such as the Galaxy Tab 10.1), you know what a pain it can be to try to type as you move around or keep a free hand available; many would say they’ve lost their favorite device to the welcoming jaws of a hungry concrete floor that way.

Enter: Thumb Keyboard. From the app development company Beansoft, this app is a full-fledged replacement keyboard for your device, and is easily one of the most customizable - and common sense – keyboard replacement options.

Upon downloading the app, you’ll need to activate it in your phone’s settings, by going to settings > Language and Keyboard, and checking “Thumb Keyboard”. After that, just choose it as your phone’s keyboard, and you’re all set.

You’ll notice a couple really cool things right off the bat – one of them being the layout options. There’s a split keyboard, shown here:

split

There’s also options for a full-fledged keyboard (like the one that comes standard with Android), and a one-handed – yes, you heard that right – option. The one-handed option is great. It makes one side of the keyboard a blank slate that you can hold your tablet with using one hand, while putting all the keys on the right side. Best part? It doesn’t pick up your touch on the holding side on the screen, allowing you to touch the screen without impeding your ability to type.

There’s also a ton of themes, everything from a stock android look to pink skulls and crossbones, high contrast, and more. The app will normally set you back just $2.50 or so, but is currently on sale for $1.29.

What We Liked

  • Customization options
  • Different layouts
  • Makes using a tablet or large phone easier

Room for Improvement

  • Less lag on typing

Download Thumb Keyboard (Google Play)

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Dolphin browser adds enhanced sharing, sync, and Evernote clipping

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 08:30 AM PST

dolphin

A new version of the Dolphin web browser is available in the Google Play store which sees a number of improvements and enhancements.

One of the key features in the update includes easier sharing of web pages and images to Facebook and Twitter,  and email. Along those lines, users who share a Wi-Fi connection can broadcast pages to each other directly withing the app.

Another big improvement in the Dolphin browser is the ability to clip recipes, images, articles, and more and save to Evernote. If you’re an existing Evernote user then you’ll appreciate how addicting it is to do clip items from the web.

  • First-ever mobile web-clipping to Evernote: If you’re an Evernote user, you know that their web-clipping is one of those features that made you fall in love with the app. Trouble is, you’ve never been able to do it easily from your mobile phone. Now, you can clip recipes, articles, and other pages into Evernote with tags and comments, and also annotate the note within Dolphin - this is huge!
  • One-click sharing: Dolphin is upping its social game with this new feature which allows for Tweeting, posting to Facebook Timeline, and emailing all in just one click. Further, now Dolphin users on the same wifi connection can broadcast pages to each other from within the app.
  • Dolphin Connect: Dolphin’s mobile browsing experience is deeply personalized, and Dolphin Connect makes users’ web (desktop, mobile, etc.) totally synced. Pick up where you left off from any device, simply by enabling Dolphin Connect, and installing a Chrome, Firefox or Safari extension.

If you have not had a chance to check out Dolphin for your mobile browsing experience, we definitely recommend you do so. It’s fast, lightweight, and a welcome departure from the stock internet client.

Dolphin Browser

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Sprint begins 4G LTE build in 28 new markets

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 07:43 AM PST

sprint_720Sprint has 28 new markets set to see 4G LTE speeds and services in the coming months, according to a press release from the carrier. Development has begun in the more than two dozen areas and should be wrapped in the near term. Note that if you live in one of the following markets that you could see 4G LTE speeds before Sprint officially announces the launch.

  • Albany, GA
  • Anderson, SC
  • Bay City, MI
  • Branson, MO
  • Bremerton/Silverdale, WA
  • Columbus, GA
  • Columbus, MS
  • Decatur, AL
  • Florence/Muscle Shoals, AL
  • Gadsden, AL
  • Gaffney, SC
  • Gettysburg, PA
  • Glasgow, KY
  • Homosassa Springs, FL
  • Hot Springs, AR
  • Lake City, FL
  • Lake Havasu City/Kingman, AZ
  • Midland, MI
  • Nacogdoches, TX
  • Opelousas/Eunice, LA
  • Oxford, MS
  • Paris, TX
  • Pittsfield, MA
  • Saginaw, MI
  • Spartanburg, SC
  • The Villages, FL
  • Waycross, GA
  • Winona, MN

 

Sprint

 

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RIM courting Android developers with ‘Last Chance Port-a-Thon”

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 07:33 AM PST

rim_logo_720RIM, looking to attract Android developers to the other side of the tracks, is holding a “BlackBerry 10 Last Chance Port-A-Thon” this coming weekend. What’s more, RIM is also asking for other devs, including those who have written for Native, Qt, HTML5/Web, and Adobe AIR to bring their apps to the BlackBerry platform. The  36 hour program will see up to $2 million in rewards being offered to jump start development

Continue reading: RIM courting Android developers with ‘Last Chance Port-a-Thon”

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Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 WiFi gettiing Android 4.1.2 in US

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 06:48 AM PST

Samsung announced back in August that the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 will receive the Jelly Bean treatment ‘very soon’, and today is the day when the US version of Note 10.1 is getting lucky. Samsung’s latest devices are already running Jelly Bean, and now they are working on to get rest of their capable devices to Jelly Bean as well… even though only the WiFi version of Note 10.1 (model number GT-N8013) is getting the update for now.

Samsung-Galaxy-Note-10.1-Android-4.1.2-updateJelly Bean will bring some impressive features like Google Now, airview, multitasking with multiple windows, and using easy-clip to crop images, taking screenshots, expandable notifications, all these taking the Note 10.1 experience to the next level. The update is OTA, though you can update it by manually checking it in “About Tablet” or using Samsung Kies PC software as well.

Is your tablet already on the latest version? If yes, then do not forget to share your experience with us in the comment box below.

Source: Android Police

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Android 4.2 update for Sprint Galaxy Nexus now live

Posted: 17 Jan 2013 06:44 AM PST

If you’ve got a Sprint Galaxy Nexus, then listen up. Google is now hosting the Android 4.2 update (JOP40D) on their servers, and it’s ready to be downloaded. The update won’t be coming through OTA, but you can snag it from Google and install it yourself. The update weights in at 100MB, and is available for download using this link. Remember, this one comes straight from Google.

Be sure to hit up the source link below for the XDA forum for the Sprint Galaxy Nexus, so as to get further instructions (if needed) on flashing the ROM, and let us know how it goes in the comments.

via xda

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