Android Central

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• HTC and Playstation Mobile offer free games for Sense 4+ phones
• The new Star Trek Into Darkness app gives exclusive access to content and Starfleet Academy
• Action Launcher 1.2.0 update brings new search feature, improves covers
• Sony Xperia T Jelly Bean update rolling out now
• Android Central's Valentine's Day contest: Nexus 4s and Nexus 7s up for grabs!
• "HTC! HTC! HTC! M7! M7! M7!"
• Super Grid Run is another retro-style game worth your time
• Intel to showcase new dual-core smartphones at Mobile World Congress
• Deal of the Day: Seidio 3500mAh Extended Battery w/ NFC for Galaxy S3
• Acer debuts the Liquid C1, powered by the Intel Lexington chip for emerging markets
• HTC codename 'M4,' 'G2' rumored to follow 'M7'
• Pocket Casts 4 to hit Google Play in February, and it's awesome
• Sony Xperia Z pre-orders begin in the UK, free headphones offered
• Android Central 124: The Great Experiment
• Delta updates its Android app with v2.0 makeover [DYKWIA?]

HTC and Playstation Mobile offer free games for Sense 4+ phones Posted: 01 Feb 2013 03:22 PM PST If you have an HTC Sense 4+ phone, HTC and Playstation Mobile want to give you a free game every week through the end of February. Much like the offer for free games on Sony devices, there are no hoops to jump through, just download the Playstation Mobile for Android app, set up your Sony Entertainment Network account, then use your Sense 4+ phone to download your free games. Supported models include: HTC One V HTC One S HTC One X HTC One XL HTC One EVO 4G LTE HTC One X+ There is one sticking point -- your phone must be running Android 4.1 and Sense 4+ or higher, which leaves folks on AT&T and T-Mobile out in the cold unless they've rooted and ROM'd. Feel free to express your distaste in the comments.  This week's free game is Cubixx, and HTC reminds us all to check every week for a new game. See the source link for the full details. Source: HTC; via +HTC

The new Star Trek Into Darkness app gives exclusive access to content and Starfleet Academy Posted: 01 Feb 2013 02:55 PM PST If you're counting down the days until J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek Into Darkness” opens in theaters, there's a new app in Google Play you'll want to give a look. Simply titled the Star Trek App, you'll be presented with missions to complete, and as a reward you'll get exclusive access to special content upon completing them. The missions involve things like virtual scavenger hunts -- where you scan photos or other imagery, use audio, or are location aware. These use the latest tech from Qualcomm, such as the Qualcomm Labs’ Gimbal platform and Qualcomm Vuforia augmented reality tool. The Start Trek App is one of the first commercially released app to use these platforms, which we first heard about at CES. In addition, users will have access to the latest news about the upcoming film, and be able to have assets like video, wallpapers, and images delivered directly to their device. The app is free, runs on Froyo or higher, and you can download it at the Google Play link above. The full press release is after the break. More: Star Trek  read more

Action Launcher 1.2.0 update brings new search feature, improves covers Posted: 01 Feb 2013 01:21 PM PST If you're using Chris Lacy's Action Launcher, there's a pretty sizable updating waiting for. Version 1.20 brings a helpful search feature right there in the Action Bar. It's able to search through your contacts, apps and even music, giving the results there there on the home screen. Action Launcher's unique "Covers" -- think folders with more functionality -- have gotten even better and now serve as app shortcuts as well as a folder with more options inside. There also are options to hide apps from the app list, some visual changes, and you can import home screens from other third-party launchers. We've got the entire changelog after the break (Lacy jokes that it's too long to fit on a single Nexus 7 screen, which is saying something), and some demo video is ready to go there as well. The update should be live in Google Play any time now. read more

Sony Xperia T Jelly Bean update rolling out now Posted: 01 Feb 2013 12:56 PM PST Just one day after passing through certification at the PCTRB forum, the Jelly Bean update for the Xperia T has started pushing out to users. This is an unusually quick turnaround from certification to going live, usually taking a couple of weeks. It's all the more surprising considering Sony put out an alpha release of the software just a week ago. That being said, we're not going to complain about more users getting their hands on Jelly Bean. The final update is software version 9.1.A.0.489, which consists of Android 4.1.2 and the 3.4.0 kernel. Its unclear which regions this rollout is starting in, but XperiaBlog notes that some users in the Netherlands have it. Considering the speedy push for the T, we can hopefully see confirmation of the update coming for the TX and TL soon as well. Source: XperiaBlog

Android Central's Valentine's Day contest: Nexus 4s and Nexus 7s up for grabs! Posted: 01 Feb 2013 11:42 AM PST Awwwwwwwww. Isn't that sweet? It's Lloyd with a green heart. And a Nexus 4. And a Nexus 7. Yeah, we're falling for the Valentine's Day fanfare this year, and you're going to reap the benefits in our inaugural Android Central Valentine's Day Contest. Wanna win a Nexus 7 and a Nexus 4? And find out how I tricked this woman into taking a picture with me? Read on for all the deets. read more

"HTC! HTC! HTC! M7! M7! M7!" Posted: 01 Feb 2013 11:01 AM PST HTC CEO gives brief glimpse of "M7" handset at company party in Taipei HTC CEO Peter Chou is super stoked about his new "M7" handset. In footage of the company's recent end-of-year party in Taipei broadcast by Taiwan's NextTV, Chou took to the stage to thank the M7 team for working overtime in recent weeks, before producing his very own white M7, which he used to snap a picture of the audience. The relatively low video quality doesn't give us a great view of the device, but we can make out a central camera, LED flash, an HTC logo on the back, and a border of some kind along the top. On the whole, we'd say it looks more like the early in-software render that appeared a few weeks back than more recent leaked images. More evidence of the "M7" moniker (still a codename, we think) comes from amateur video captured at the same event, which shows Chou and his audience launching into thunderous (even slightly Ballmeresque) chants of "M7!" and "HTC!" Check it out after the break -- it certainly shows a side of Chou we don't normally see at the company's well-scripted media events. We still don't see "M7" as a final marketing name for the phone -- remember, this was a private HTC gathering, not a public event. In any case, we'll learn more at HTC's press events in New York City and London on Feb. 19. Source: NextTV, cnYes; via: Engadget, Mobile01 read more

Super Grid Run is another retro-style game worth your time Posted: 01 Feb 2013 09:02 AM PST We've seen an influx of throwback or retro games hitting mobile devices, and Super Grid Run is following this trend with a fun and fast-paced title. There's honestly not to much to learn about how to play the game, but that doesn't keep it from providing hours upon hours of challenging gameplay. On top of the quality game mechanics, the combination of a black and neon color scheme along with arcade-style old school soundtrack make this game a winner. Read on after the break and see what Super Grid Run is all about. read more

Intel to showcase new dual-core smartphones at Mobile World Congress Posted: 01 Feb 2013 08:07 AM PST At CES Intel showed for the first time its new, emerging market orientated, Lexington chips. During the keynote presentation though, mention was made of the next generation of performance orientated, dual-core chips for higher end smartphone offerings. Dubbed Clover Trail+, and based on Intel's Atom Z2580, CES also threw up the first smartphone powered by the chip, the monstrous 5.5 inch Lenovo K900. While the K900 is destined only for select Asian markets and Russia at this time, Intel has now promised we'll get to see more Clover Trail+ devices later this month at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.  Other than that, we really don't have much to go on. We're promised a look at the new dual-core smartphones, as well as another look at the lower spec Lexington based devices for emerging markets. OEM partners are included, so we should be seeing actual devices that actual consumers can purchase, not just Intel reference devices. If the K900 is anything to go by though, we're pretty excited to see what Intel can bring for the future. Source: Intel

Deal of the Day: Seidio 3500mAh Extended Battery w/ NFC for Galaxy S3 Posted: 01 Feb 2013 07:34 AM PST The Feb. 1 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Seidio 3500mAh Extended Battery w/ NFC for Galaxy S3. Tired of running out of battery life when you need it the most? When you can’t get to an outlet, this high quality NFC battery will keep you moving forward all day. It utilizes a premium Japanese cell to ensure the highest level of safety and performance, offering up to 60% more battery life than your stock battery. Comes with a replacement battery door. The Seidio 3500mAh Extended Battery w/ NFC is available for just $54.00, 28% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last! Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

Acer debuts the Liquid C1, powered by the Intel Lexington chip for emerging markets Posted: 01 Feb 2013 07:27 AM PST At a joint event in Thailand, Acer and Intel have debuted the latest smartphone to launch on the recently announced 'Lexington' chips for emerging markets. The Acer Liquid C1 as it will be known, follows the trend of average specs, but is a marked step up from the Intel reference device and the competitor products from Lava and Safaricom. The Liquid C1 will launch on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and will house a 4.3 inch IPS display at 960x540 resolution, and an 8MP rear camera. Despite being targeted towards emerging markets, the Liquid C1 has a much improved, and more 'premium' appearance than previously seen Lexington based devices.  The 1.2GHz single-core Intel Z2420 chip won't scream by any stretch of the imagination, but we've been impressed thus far with Intel's previous single-core chips and their hyper-threading technology to offer a good compromise of performance and battery life.  The Liquid C1 will initially launch in Thailand sometime during February in black and white versions, and will follow later on in other South Asian countries. Price is said to be 9990 THB (£212/$335). Source: Intel Thailand via GSM Arena

HTC codename 'M4,' 'G2' rumored to follow 'M7' Posted: 01 Feb 2013 06:59 AM PST When it comes to big international product launches, rarely does HTC ever reveal just one phone. So with the days counting down to the manufacturer's Feb. 19 announcement events in London and New York, we're not too shocked to witness the first rumors of additional 2013 HTC devices. read more

Pocket Casts 4 to hit Google Play in February, and it's awesome Posted: 01 Feb 2013 04:48 AM PST It's been a long old time since the last Pocket Casts update, but the developers, Shifty Jelly, have today published some details on the next version of their incredibly popular podcatching application. They've been working on it now for some six months -- they are just a three man team, after all -- and what they're bringing to the table goes beyond the realms of a minor version bump. It's a complete redesign of the app. We're currently involved in beta testing the new version, and all we can say is, it's pretty awesome.  The redesign takes in the latest Android design guidelines, and will also include proper tablet support. Shifty Jelly has specifically targeted the Nexus 7 and the Nexus 10, so it should look great on large and small tablets. Equally exciting is the cross-device syncing and remote backup promised. Syncing will cover subscriptions, playlists and even play states on each of your Android devices. So, you're heading home from work listening to the latest Android Central podcast, but you don't finish by the time you get to the front door. Just head inside, pick up your tablet, and carry on where you left off. We're really excited for this feature.  There's still a lot of stuff in Pocket Casts 4 that hasn't been shared yet, and won't be until it sees release. The good news is that Shifty Jelly intends to ship Pocket Casts 4 as a free update to the existing app sometime in February. We can't wait.  Source: Shifty Jelly

Sony Xperia Z pre-orders begin in the UK, free headphones offered Posted: 01 Feb 2013 04:28 AM PST 5-inch Sony phone available to pre-order at Three, O2, Phones4U and CPW with free £300 cans; launch slated for Feb. 28 Today sees the start of Sony's launch promotions for the Xperia Z in the UK. The 5-inch handset is can be pre-ordered through mobile networks O2 and Three, as well as retailers Phones4U and Carphone Warehouse. All four could earn you the chance to walk away with a set of £300 Sony MDR-1R Prestige headphones, though the promotion is limited to the first 1000 pre-orders at each retailer or carrier. The pre-order promo runs from now until Feb 28, when the Xperia Z goes on sale in the UK. Here's a quick breakdown of what each Xperia Z launch partner is offering -- read more

Android Central 124: The Great Experiment Posted: 01 Feb 2013 04:11 AM PST Podcast MP3 URL:  http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/acpc124.mp3 Thing 1: The Nexus 4 is back in stock Nexus 4 available on U.S. + Canadian Google Play stores This is the white Nexus 4 Android 4.2.1 pushing for the Sprint Galaxy Nexus Nexus 4 charging orb listed online for $60, but it's out of stock Thing 2: This week's awesome apps Cubes vs. Spheres makes physics fun again First look: The Carbon for Android Twitter app Thing 3: Other stuff Android and BlackBerry 10: How they stack up Google+ app adds new notification tray, links when posting HTC hosting events in NYC and London on Feb. 19 - 'M7' on the way? HTC 'M7' parts caught on video What you need to know about cell phone unlocking RUUs, ROMs not the target of takedown, HTC says Windows Phone-using Gmailers get a reprieve

Delta updates its Android app with v2.0 makeover [DYKWIA?] Posted: 31 Jan 2013 08:07 PM PST Airline still lacking a proper tablet app, however A bit of good news tonight for those of you who a decent amount of time at 35,000 feet. Delta has updated its Android application to Version 2.0, just a couple weeks after it dropped for iOS. With it you'll get a brand-new user interface, as well as a bevy of new options, including the ability to purchase domestic flights from your phone (they're still working on international flights), or add economy comfort seats and other trip extras. A Delta representative on the Flyer Talk Forums expanded a bit on the update, saying: Just like we’ve added in the iPhone version of the app, we’ve included the ability to find, compare and book flights. We’ve also updated My Trips to give you a quick and easy way to purchase Economy Comfort and our Trip Extras, including Wi-Fi and Priority Boarding. You’ll also be able to use the Track My Bags and Check Flight Status features to improve your day of travel experience. At the core of the new functionality, we’ve optimized (and in some cases completely re-written) our backend systems to provide you with faster response times in all areas of the app. Additionally, we have updated the look and feel to help you find the most important features easily. Missing -- still -- is any sort of tablet application. That's been annoying enough in the past (never mind that the phone application has worked just fine when sideloaded on tablets), but it's especially disappointing given the awesomeness that Delta brought in its iPad app, particularly when it comes to seeing what's on the ground beneath your flight at any given time. More: Android travel apps

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