Thursday, January 17, 2013

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Dutch court rules Samsung tablets do not infringe on Apple’s design patents

Posted: 16 Jan 2013 04:49 PM PST

The holidays have slowed down the news about Samsung and Apple trying to litigate each other out of existence, but now that we’ve got CES and Christmas out of the way, it’s sure to pick back up. The latest ruling comes from a Dutch court that ruled in Samsung’s favor; according to this ruling, Samsung did not infringe on Apple’s patented design of a rounded square shaped tablet. Samsung agreed with the ruling, naturally, saying ”We continue to believe that Apple was not the first to design a tablet with a rectangular shape and rounded corners and that the origins of Apple’s registered design features can be found in numerous examples.” At least we know common sense still exists somewhere.

source: Reuters

Exynos kernel exploit patch starting to roll out for some devices

Posted: 16 Jan 2013 01:57 PM PST

In December we reported on an exploit that had been discovered in Samsung’s Exynos chips. We have not heard of any malicious activity related to the security hole, though it became a popular vector for rooting devices. After looking into the issue, Samsung has started the process of issue a fix for the vulnerability. The devices and networks include:

  • Sprint Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch: Sprint’s update FL24 will push out to customers over the course of the next month and will receive Sprint’s Connections Optimizer as part of the update.
  • T-Mobile Galaxy Note II: The T-Mobile version of the Samsung Galaxy Note II is getting an update dubbed T889UVALL4. T-Mobile is pushing this out over-the-air or users can manually update via Kies.

There are other devices on several carriers that have the same chipset and are vulnerable to the exploit. We anticipate seeing patches and updates rolling out for these devices over the next several days as well now that the ball has started rolling.

source: Android Central

Root Achieved For Jelly Bean OTA For Droid RAZR And RAZR MAXX

Posted: 16 Jan 2013 01:41 PM PST

The original Droid RAZR and Droid RAZR MAXX received an over-the-air Jelly Bean update (Android 4.1.2) a few weeks ago. It took that long for an exploit to be found in the OTA allowing for root access for both devices. At this point, it looks like all you’ll need is a PC and a USB cable. Hit the source for the walk-through.  Have fun and don’t forget to backup! Once you’re rooted you can even give Carbon Backup a try.

Source: DroidRZR.com

Featured Android Game Review: PBA Bowling Challenge [Sports]

Posted: 16 Jan 2013 01:33 PM PST

I recently reviewed Concrete Software’s JellyFlop, which became a major hit. They just released another game that you might want to check out that’s called PBA Bowling Challenge. There are a number of bowling apps available in the Google Play Store, but this one just isn’t about knocking down the pins. With PBA Bowling Challenge, you can not only play a quick pickup game, but you can also play a full career.

In career mode, you start at the local alley with a scuffed up 12lb ball. After a little practice you can join leagues and tournaments, make some money, and hopefully becoming king of the pins. Along the way you will be able “buy” better bowling balls (30 in all) and play in a variety of alleys that feature different types of play as far as textures and oils. You might even get to play against some of the PBA’s (Pro Bowling Association) best, which include Walter Ray Williams, Jr., Pete Weber, and Tommy Jones. You will find 21 PBA bowlers in all and 70 tournaments, so it will keep you pretty busy for a while.

Like most bowling games, it’s quite simple to play. Just drag the ball along the edge of where you would like to roll it. Then swipe your finger up and tilt your phone or tablet to put a little spin on the ball to grab that strike. The graphics are top notch and you will quickly feel like you are really at the alley. They also added to the difficulty in that it’s not just about swiping your finger and tilting. You will need to pay attention to your stamina and you will want to pay attention to what ball you’re using depending on what alley you’re at.

There are some silly things thrown in like when you’re behind your opponent, you can grab the bomb ball that just about guarantees you a strike. There’s also the split ball for those 7-10 splits. It splits into two balls. There’s even the lightning ball, which gets larger as it rolls. You may or may not find those additions fun. I was a bowler for many years, and I just like to simply play without all the fluff. Either way, it’s there for your choosing, it’s up to you if you want to utilize them.

I found PBA Bowling Challenge to be very addicting. It was kind of exciting when I won my first tournament. The game was actually released today, but I have been playing a Beta version for a week or so. PBA Bowling Challenge is absolutely Free so give it a try. You can check out their trailer video and hit one of the download links below to get started. As always, let me know what you think.

Features:

  • Quickplay and Career modes!
  • Dozens of PBA Tournaments!
  • Bowl against 21 of the best PBA bowlers!
  • Over 30 different bowling balls with unique stats!
  • Bonus challenges in every tournament!
  • Split Balls, Bomb Balls, and more!

 

PBA_Bowling_Challenge_01 PBA_Bowling_Challenge_02 PBA_Bowling_Challenge_03 PBA_Bowling_Challenge_04 PBA_Bowling_Challenge_05 PBA_Bowling_Challenge_Splash_Banner

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Play Store Download Link

Featured Android Game Review: MegaFlux [Brain & Puzzle]

Posted: 16 Jan 2013 11:57 AM PST

Calling all puzzle game fans!! A new game from SoFresh games called MegaFlux recently hit Google Play, and I guarantee that it will challenge you for a long time. It’s based on classic pipe games, and your job is to power the processors with flux of the right color. Sounds easy doesn’t it? Wrong!! At the start of a level you will find one or more generators pumping out colored flux. You will need to rotate the nano pipes by tapping on them to make sure that each colored flux gets to their proper processors. One caveat is that you have to utilize all the pipes.

You’re graded on the star system (one to three stars), which is based on how long it takes you to solve the level. That doesn’t sound too bad, but things get really interesting with multiple generators pumping out multiple colors. You will also find components, which change the colors of the flux. At first, all generators and components are in fixed places, but eventually you will have to decide where they are placed, which makes the game very challenging.

With MegaFlux, you have three ways to play. You can play Relax, Challenge or Editor. With Relax, you simply play random levels within the grid size that you choose. It starts at 4×4 and goes to 8×10, 50 levels in all. You will simply unlock the higher grid sizes by solving one puzzle from the next lower grid size. The Relax mode is infinite because every level is random. For example, you could play 5×5 constantly and always get a different random puzzle. With Challenge Mode, you will be presented with various puzzles along the way based on levels. All you have to do is solve the puzzle and you will unlock the next level. With Editor mode, you can make you own puzzles. As you play through the Challenge mode, you will unlock various items (80 in all) that you can use in the editor mode, and this is just one more cool feature that MegaFlux offers. Even cooler is that you will be able to share your puzzles with the Community Mode that’s coming soon.

MegaFlux is also connected to Scoreloop so you can see how you rank among other players. You can also earn up to 66 badges to prove your prowess. MegaFlux is absolutely Free, so give it a try. I guarantee you that it will keep you perplexed for hours. Check out my hands on video below (as well as theirs) and hit one of the download links to get started. As always, let me know what you think.

Features

  • Relax Mode: an infinity of random levels with size and difficulty choices
  • Challenge Mode: 50+ devious levels to puzzle your brain
  • Editor: create your own levels with 80+ tiles to unlock
  • 66 medals to collect for hours of fun
  • Compare your scores with your friends and the whole world
  • Community Mode coming soon! Get ready to share your levels ;)
MegaFlux_01 MegaFlux_02 MegaFlux_03 MegaFlux_04 MegaFlux_05 MegaFlux_Splash_Banner

 

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Play Store Download Link

Featured Android App Review: KIDO’Z Play Mode-Safe For Kids [Education & Security]

Posted: 16 Jan 2013 10:25 AM PST

As parents, we know our kids want to use our devices, but how can we let them use them safely? A new app called KIDO’Z Play Mode is the perfect solution. It allows you to give your tablet or phone to your child knowing that they will only have access to the apps that you approve of. Only you will have control if and when this special interface is removed.

When using the app for the first time, you will need to set up an account. During this process, you will also be able to set configurations for each child in the house. You can even include their pictures for an avatar. With the account you will also set up a password that will be used to get into the settings or to exit the app. For the settings, you can control what apps are visible to your child and even set time limits. Time limits are essential because we all know that if we let them play all day they will.  Your account is also accessible via your desktop browser, which will give you more control. You can do things like select what web pages they can visit and add videos as well. KIDO’Z gives you complete control of every aspect, which will give you piece of mind when you hand your child your tablet or phone.

As I mentioned, you have full control of what apps are visible, but KIDO’Z also threw in some extras. They included a More Apps section, which is their own app store for kid safe apps that you can download. There is also the KIDO’Z Browser which is preset with 1,000 or so pages that are kid safe and will engage your child. Then there is KIDO’Z TV and KIDO’Z Games. KIDO’Z TV is a series of videos by category like Sesame Street, animals, movies (just quick scenes), learning, and so on. KIDO’Z Games are online flash based games, and unfortunately most of the newer devices won’t have flash to access any of these. You can also chose to have any of these applications show up on the main screen or not.

The interface your child will see is as simple as can be. It’s iOS like, in that there are no folders or widgets, just a simple display of icons for them to choose. When they are finished with a particular app, the KIDO’Z interface will return. There is no way your child can go back to the main screens of the device unless they know the password. The interface actually resembles the Nabi tablet interface, which is clean and simple to use.

KIDO’Z is absolutely free and for those of you looking for something simple to keep you kids locked into their own apps and/or if you want to limit their time, it’s the perfect app. Easy to setup and easy to use. That’s two combinations I love. Check out my hands on video below and hit one of the download links to get started. As always, let me know what you think.

FEATURES:

  • Multi kids accounts
  • offline mode
  • Ads blocker
  • Apps blocker
  • Available in 17 languages

 

KIDO'Z_Play_Mode-Safe_For_Kids_01 KIDO'Z_Play_Mode-Safe_For_Kids_02 KIDO'Z_Play_Mode-Safe_For_Kids_03 KIDO'Z_Play_Mode-Safe_For_Kids_04 KIDO'Z_Play_Mode-Safe_For_Kids_05 KIDO'Z_Play_Mode-Safe_For_Kids_06 KIDO'Z_Play_Mode-Safe_For_Kids_07 KIDO'Z_Play_Mode-Safe_For_Kids_08 KIDO'Z_Play_Mode-Safe_For_Kids_Splash_Banner

 

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Play Store Download Link

Images of new Samsung “Godiva” phone for Verizon show up

Posted: 16 Jan 2013 10:05 AM PST

A couple days ago we reported on a new Samsung smartphone that showed up in GLBenchmark with the codename “Godiva.” The new device sports a dual-core Snapdragon S4 cpu and a 720p display. Despite the codename, there was speculation this may be a new slider type phone for the folks out there who like a physical keyboard. That would position the new device to be marketed as the Verizon Stratosphere III.

Some new images surfaced today of the SCH-i425, showing the front of the device and the rear with the cover removed. In the front view we can make out the Verizon logo. The images also confirm NFC support and a screenshot shows the device will come loaded with Android 4.1.2. Unfortunately, the angles do not reveal whether the new device is a slider.

source: Engadget

New image of HTC M7 surfaces

Posted: 16 Jan 2013 09:49 AM PST

As we start looking ahead to Mobile World Congress next month in Barcelona, one phone that may generate some interest and speculation is the HTC M7. In light of the slumping fortunes of HTC, the company is hoping to bring out a new flagship device to stem the downward spiral. The M7 may be that device. Loosely based off the DROID DNA, HTC is resisting the push toward bigger phones with a 4.7-inch screen. In most other ways though, the M7 should keep pace with the market offering a 1920 x 1080 display resolution, a 1.7GHz cpu, and an updated HTC Sense 5.0 interface as seen in some other leaked images.

The latest screenshot supposedly came from a short animation being created for new owners on how to install the SIM card the first time. The source notes there are some details, like the lack of branding, that suggest the final design is still not revealed with this render.

source: Unwired View

Mediafire File Sharing Service Finally Comes To Android In Newly Released App

Posted: 16 Jan 2013 06:48 AM PST

 

The infamous Mediafire service has finally come to the Android world in the form of the first official app recently unleashed in the Play Store. In case you’re not familiar with what it is— Mediafire allows for users to upload all sorts of precious files like documents or media to a cloud drive and then users can then access or share the files with any and all your friends via a simple link. What’s even cool is the fact that users can quickly search all your MediaFire files and folders.

The app is available in the Play Store now for all Froyo+ devices, so head on down there or scan the QR code and give it a try. We’re sure you’ll find that it’s worth it.

 

Play Store download link

Kite HD Tablet Featuring Ubuntu And Ice Cream Sandwich Now Available For Pre-Order

Posted: 16 Jan 2013 06:27 AM PST

 

If you are like me  and love to use Ubuntu, but wish you could use it on your tablets are going to be all smiles at this tidbit of news. DaVinci Mobile Technology has recently announced it is taking pre-orders for its Kite Full-HD tablet which comes jam-packed with all sorts of goodies including a 10.1-inch IPS display with a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, 32GB of internal storage, a Samsung Exynos quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM. While those features are certainly nothing to sneeze at— the real kicker is what operating system… errr—- operating systems that are running the show on this little toy. The Kite Full-HD has both Ice Cream Sandwich and Ubuntu 12.04 available as dual-boot options.

While the device is available for pre-order today, it’s probably a good bet that it will never be available out here in the States. But for those of you who might be interested in owning an impressive slab of Linux-based goodness can pre-order the device for €309 or approximately $413 USD at the source link below.

source: Notebook Italia
via: Engadget
Posted by at 6:50 AM

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