Android Community |
- Yota Devices announces licensing agreement with Qualcomm
- Pocket Casts 4 arrives with Holo style UI, syncing, backup and more
- Galaxy S IV rumored to have Exynos 5 Octa-core, but only in Europe
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE lands with US Cellular
- LG hands-on with “world’s smallest wireless charger” and Optimus G Pro case
- Archos G9 tablet lineup not getting Jelly Bean
- Waze update adds real-time road closure re-routing and more
- LG Optimus L3 II global release to begin this week
- Samsung announces Wallet app for Android
- Adobe releases Photoshop Touch for Android smartphones
- HTC: The ‘One’ will be our only flagship smartphone this year
- HTC Rhyme update coming soon to remove bloatware
- PSA: New Google Settings app in your app tray isn’t malware
- Instagram filters out decline rumors, passes 100 million active users
- LG Pocket Photo Printer hands-on with Optimus G Pro
- Android popularity triggered The Weather Channel app update
- Motorola DROID RAZR Jelly Bean update in testing – coming soon
- Zen Studios to release Star Wars Pinball for Android
| Yota Devices announces licensing agreement with Qualcomm Posted: 27 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST Coming out of Mobile World Congress, Yota Devices has announced that they have signed a software licensing agreement with Qualcomm. Yota Devices is the company behind the YotaPhone, which some will recognize as being the dual-display smartphone. For those not sure, the YotaPhone has a 4.3-inch LCD display and a 4.3-inch E-ink display.
This licensing agreement with Qualcomm could mean an easier global roll-out for the company. Aside from the dual-display set-up, the YotaPhone will arrive sporting a 28nm Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor. In terms of this deal, this makes Yota the first Qualcomm software licensee in Russia. While this move could eventually help Yota, this should also have some perks for Qualcomm. In fact, Qualcomm Europe President and Senior VP of QTI Enrico Salvatori has said that “Russia is strategically important” to them. Salvatori also noted that they expect “strong growth” in the number of 3G smartphones in Russia over the next two years. In addition to the Qualcomm agreement, Yota also recently announced some news in regards to manufacturing. That news arrived last week and basically stated that the YotaPhone would be manufactured by Hi-P. Or perhaps more interesting for those hoping to eventually get their hands on a YotaPhone — the company said the expect a global release to begin in the second half of 2013. Bottom line here, while we are interested in the device, we are even more curious to see how well received something like this would be with the average smartphone buyer. [via TechCrunch] |
| Pocket Casts 4 arrives with Holo style UI, syncing, backup and more Posted: 27 Feb 2013 10:24 AM PST Shifty Jelly offered a little Pocket Casts 4 teaser earlier in the month. At that time they offered a fairly decent look at the new features and had said that the release was coming this month. Well, true to their word, Pocket Casts 4 is now available in the Google Play Store. Those who have already purchased Pocket Casts will be able to grab the update for free. Everyone else, Pocket Casts 4 remains priced at $3.99.
The thing about Pocket Casts 4 — the update brought quite a lot in terms of new features and new looks. In fact, there is so much to say that Shifty Jelly used the “what’s new” section in the Play Store to note “what’s not new.” Basically, the name and the fact that it plays podcasts has stayed — almost everything else has changed, beginning with the looks. Pocket Casts is now sporting an updated user interface using the Holo style. More important here, not only does Pocket Casts look better on a smartphone, but it now looks equally nice on a tablet. Pocket Casts 4 also brings more control. In this case you now have the ability to control your listening from the notification center and lock screen as well as from a wired set of headphones or Bluetooth headset. Or as Shifty Jelly notes, “basically your favourite app is only ever a tap or two away.” Another addition with this update is built-in support for variable speed playback. Users have the option to listen from normal up to 3.0x and even go back. Yes, you can adjust down to 0.5x.
A few other notable additions include syncing and backup as well as smart playlists. The latter here will mean the ability to create lists based on criteria such as playing status, whether it is audio or video, download status, whether you have it starred and more. The syncing and backup is just as the names imply. With this you can backup (and later restore) your subscription list or sync your files (including current place) across devices. Those interested, or those simply looking for the update can visit the Google Play Store using this link. [via Shifty Jelly Blog] |
| Galaxy S IV rumored to have Exynos 5 Octa-core, but only in Europe Posted: 27 Feb 2013 10:00 AM PST The Samsung Galaxy S IV smartphone is still a bit of a mystery for now, but we’ll be learning all the details on March 14th for the official Samsung Unpacked Event. While we wait, a few more rounds of rumors are beginning to surface that has our interest piqued. New reports state the US model will be powered by Qualcomm‘s quad-core Snapdragon 600 series processor, while the Europe model will enjoy that new 8-core chip from Samsung.
Reports from Taipei Times are reporting that Samsung will in fact ditch their own silicon and opt for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 600 series here in the US, then use their own Exynos 5 Octa-core platform for the Galaxy S IV in Europe. The reason for this isn’t completely known, but could all just be due to the demand the flagship requires, and Samsung not being able to deliver. The Galaxy S III went the same route, which also could be because Qualcomm’s awesome chipset works so wonderfully with our 4G LTE networks here stateside. Then the GSIII internationally enjoyed Samsung’s own chipset. After the Galaxy Note II arrived worldwide with a Samsung Exynos processor, we figured the same would hold true for the GS IV, but it looks like that won’t be the case. Then again, Samsung does expect to sell over 100 million units. For now these are just rumors, but once March 14th comes around and Samsung officially announces the new flagship smartphone we’ll know all the details. Recent leaks have shown the Galaxy S IV with a 1.9 GHz Qualcomm quad-core, so that might end up being exactly what we get. Would you rather have the Octa-core, or the Snapdragon 600 series? [via PhoneArena] |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE lands with US Cellular Posted: 27 Feb 2013 09:30 AM PST US Cellular has officially announced the availability of the 4G LTE-equipped Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet. We had known this release was coming, however as of today the tablet is available for purchase. US Cellular will have the Note 10.1 available online and at the retail stores. Those interested in making the purchase should expect to shell out $499.99.
In order to get that price you will need to grab the tablet along with a data plan of 2GB or more. The Galaxy Note 10.1 will arrive running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and with specs to include a 10.1-inch display, quad-core 1.4GHz Exynos processor and the S Pen. The tablet will also have 16GB of internal storage, 2GB of RAM, a 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera. In addition to the hardware, those grabbing the Note 10.1 will see Google Now and Google Voice Search as well as a pre-loaded copy of Adobe Photoshop Touch which includes 2GB of free storage in the Creative Cloud. The tablet also has Samsung’s Smart Remote which is a universal remote control app that pairs with the integrated IR blaster. Basically, the Note 10.1 can be used in place of your television remote. Finally, as the Galaxy Note 10.1 does bring 4G LTE connectivity, you may be interested in the current state of US Cellular coverage. According to details from the carrier, they now have 4G LTE coverage available for 61 percent of their user base. This includes coverage for select cities in Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. [via US Cellular] Device Info
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| LG hands-on with “world’s smallest wireless charger” and Optimus G Pro case Posted: 27 Feb 2013 09:02 AM PST In addition to the smartphone announcements, LG has also made some smaller announcements. Of which, one is actually being touted as the “world’s smallest.” This one happens to be the LG WCP-300 Wireless Charger. Another item being shown off is the flip cover case for the Optimus G Pro handset. We recently spent a few minutes checking out each of these while on the show floor here at Mobile World Congress.
Up first is the wireless charger, and well, it is small in size. The charger actually measures in at 69.8mm (2.75-inches) by 11.9mm (0.47-inches). The actual charging area is 18mm x 18mm (0.71-inches). The charger will be available in black and/or white and is Qi compatible and available for use with a standard microUSB cable.
What can we really say here, if you are into wireless charging and happen to have a Nexus 4 or Spectrum 2, the WCP-300 wireless charger may be what you are looking for. As for the small size, this should be a nice option to have while on the road as it will take little space in your gear bag and on the hotel tables. One catch though, LG has yet to announce a price. Moving away from the wireless charger and over to the Optimus G Pro case. This one is dubbed the G Pro Quick Cover and according to LG, will have a fine grip, stylish design and be able to offer protection for the display. This is a folio style cover which will likely seem familiar for those who have used the Samsung flip covers. That is to say the G Pro Quick Cover will replace the battery cover with the front folding over to protect the display. This G Pro Quick Cover will be available in a few colors to include black and white as well as yellow, pink and blue.             |
| Archos G9 tablet lineup not getting Jelly Bean Posted: 27 Feb 2013 08:18 AM PST Archos has come forward with a bit of disappointing news for owners of the G9 tablets. Basically, you will not be getting Jelly Bean. While we are certain that at least some of the current owners will be disappointed by this news, take some comfort in the fact that Archos did update from Honeycomb. Basically, the Archos G9 tablet line includes the 80 and the 101 and as it stands, you will be sticking with Ice Cream Sandwich.
The details have been posted on the official Archos Facebook page and note that they will not release an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Archos has said that this decision came after “many months of analysis and testing” and due to the fact that the G9 lineup includes “multiple hardware configurations.” They did however go on to try and make this lack of an update sound good. Archos made it clear that the G9 tablets has received updates. In fact, they have released “15 firmware updates taking it across many versions of Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich.” As for those who feel they must have Jelly Bean, there are a few options available. There are unofficial builds available from CyanogenMod and Paranoid Android. These include CyanogenMod 10.1 and ParanoidAndroid AOSPA 4.2.2. In other words, Jelly Bean will run on the G9 tablets, however it seems Archos has decided to focus on some of the newer models. The company has announced plenty of newer tablets lately including the Platinum and Titanium lines. For those wondering about the G9 tablets, those were first introduced in the autumn of 2011. [via ArcTablet] |
| Waze update adds real-time road closure re-routing and more Posted: 27 Feb 2013 07:48 AM PST Waze for Android has been updated to version 3.6. And while that may sound like just another version number, this update brings some interesting new features. Also, for those thinking you have your navigation needs taken care of with the default Google apps, Waze has some features that still may be of interest to you, one of which is new and has arrived with this latest update.
That feature is real-time crowd-sourcing. Basically, Waze v3.6 has added the ability to report road closures in real time. On the flip side of reporting, Waze will then close that road off and make sure others are routed around it. Bascially, your fellow Waze users could help keep you out of traffic due to road closures or an accident. Those looking to make a report will need to tap the closure icon (from the report screen) and then choose the type of closure and make a note as to how long it is anticipated to last (assuming you know). And for those thinking you can simply close roads to make it difficult for others, Waze notes that they “will only close down a road once its algorithm has enough evidence to discount the possibility of error.” Furthermore, they are also able to detect when a closure has ended based on cars successfully traveling that route. Keeping on the topic of reporting, this update has the report pins titled on the map which should help to give a better indication as to the direction of the event. Other additions and changes that have come along with the v3.6 update include new moods, a new inbox with the ability to select multiple messages and the general mention of optimized performance and bug fixes. This update has also reduced some of the clutter on the maps by showing only the relevant road names. Bottom line here, if you are already a Waze user, this is an update you will likely want to grab. For those yet to try Waze, now is as good a time as any to give it a shot. Best of all, Waze for Android is available for free and with support for a wide variety of devices (Android 2.2 or later). [via Waze Blog] |
| LG Optimus L3 II global release to begin this week Posted: 27 Feb 2013 07:15 AM PST LG announced the L Series II during Mobile World Congress. This series consists of the L7 II, L5 II and the L3 II and as of today we have some release details for the L3 II. LG has offered details on the global roll-out to include which countries can expect to see the L3 II come available. The one catch, they have yet to say anything in terms of the price.
According to LG, the Optimus L3 II will be available for those in Brazil this week. Additional countries will include other markets of South and Central America as well as Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa. LG has also said they will be releasing two versions of the Optimus L3 II — a single-SIM and a dual-SIM model. On the topic of the price, given the specs, we expect the price to be relatively low. The Optimus L3 II will arrive running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and with hardware to include a 3.2-inch QVGA IPS display, single-core 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage and a 1540 mAh battery. The handset will also have a 3 megapixel rear-facing camera and be available in a variety of colors to include black, white, pink and titan. Aside from the hardware, LG has added a software feature that was previously only available on the ‘premium’ smartphone models. This feature is called QuickMemo with Overlay. What this means is that you will be able to use QuickMemo on top of another screen. The Overlay feature will have you writing notes what LG refers to as a transparent layer. This basically just cuts out the need for splitting the display and having both apps run side by side — which would be difficult on a 3.2-inch display. [via LG] Device Info
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| Samsung announces Wallet app for Android Posted: 27 Feb 2013 06:54 AM PST Coming out of Developer Day at Mobile World Congress, Samsung has unveiled Wallet. Despite the way the name may sound, the wallet app is not a payment system. Instead Wallet will be similar to what we have seen with Passbook from Apple. That is to say Samsung Wallet will be a ticket and coupon management app. One catch here, while Samsung has offered some official details, you are not going to find this in the Google Play Store just yet.
In an effort to keep from making comparisons to Passbook, here is how Samsung describes Wallet; “a convenient mobile app which allows users to store and manage event tickets, boarding passes, membership cards and coupons all in one place.” Wallet will bring features such as push notifications based on location and some of the launch partners will include Walgreens and MLB as well as Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com and Lufthansa. We would also expect the list of partners to grow as we get closer to a public release. As of now the Samsung Wallet API is in beta and available only for developers. Looking forward, Samsung has said they will be accepting early sign-ups. At this time a specific date as to when that will happen has not been given. Otherwise, similar to the recent news of Samsung partnering with Visa on the payWave NFC payments, we are expecting to learn more about the Samsung Wallet app on March 14 when the company announces the Galaxy S IV. Basically, and not to poke fun at Samsung, but it looks like Android users will soon have [via TNW] |
| Adobe releases Photoshop Touch for Android smartphones Posted: 27 Feb 2013 06:27 AM PST Adobe Photoshop Touch has been available for Android tablets for some time now, however as of today, that support has come available for smartphones as well. The smartphone support has arrived in the form of a new app called Photoshop Touch for Phone and can be found by way of the Google Play Store. The app will seem familiar for those who have been using the tablet version. One exception to that statement however is the price, Photoshop Touch for Phone is $4.99.
For those keeping track, the tablet version of Photoshop Touch remains priced at $9.99. And yes, this means those who are running the tablet version would need to make another purchase should they decide they want and/or need the phone version. The app is noted as being “almost identical set of features with the tablet app, in an experience designed for smaller screens.” That is to say Photoshop Touch for Phone users can expect to have features to include layers, advanced selection tools, adjustments and filters. The phone version also includes a Photoshop Touch exclusive feature called Scribble Selection. This brings the ability to make high-precision selections using nothing more than your finger. Other features include Camera Fill which blends the camera feed with layers in real-time. And for those who cannot get enough filters, Photoshop Touch for Phone brings a new filter called Ripple as well as the ones that are available in the tablet version. Those using the app on their phone will also get a free 2GB Adobe Creative Cloud account which will serve as a place to store files. The nice part with that, you can begin working on an image on your phone, save it to your Creative Cloud account and then pick up the editing using another device. Features aside, Photoshop Touch for Phone is currently sitting at version 1.0.0 and with support for devices running Android 4.0 ICS or later. [via Adobe] |
| HTC: The ‘One’ will be our only flagship smartphone this year Posted: 26 Feb 2013 04:20 PM PST Today news has surfaced that the HTC One (M7) will be the companies only flagship “One” series smartphone released this year. The first thing that came to our minds was: what about Verizon? We know the new flagship HTC One is arriving on almost all major US carriers in mid March, but now it looks like Verizon might be left completely out in the cold.
Basically they are taking the same route as Samsung and a few others, which is that quality beats quantity. Instead of releasing multiple phones throughout the year, spending millions in research and updates, they’ll just launch a single flagship device. This doesn’t mean we won’t see some mid-range smartphones, this just means they won’t be focusing so much on the high end. We won’t be seeing an HTC One+ anytime soon. Verizon is the only one left out here. We’ve seen reports that Verizon has their own device in the works, or maybe they’ll only get the DROID DNA which has been readily available for a few months. Recent leaks have unearthed an HTC DLXPLUS, which could be Verizon’s version of the HTC One. Most likely it will carry some sort of ‘DROID’ branding – since this is Verizon and all. Oh and probably a big Verizon logo front and center somewhere too. What this all comes down to is marketing and brand strategy. HTC will be focusing all of their efforts on this new flagship smartphone we all know as the “One” and we won’t see another one, or the “Two” until next year. At least according to today’s reports. It’s a bold statement and HTC is banking hard on their new smartphone. Will you be buying the One, or opting for the GS IV? [via Omio] Device Info
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| HTC Rhyme update coming soon to remove bloatware Posted: 26 Feb 2013 03:46 PM PST For all ten of you that still have and own the HTC Rhyme, today we’ve learned that the folks from HTC and Verizon are prepping a little software update for the Plum Purple smartphone. Those hopeful for some new features, an actual OS update, or anything fancy sadly we have bad news. This appears to only be a small update to squash some bugs, as well as remove junk.
The HTC Rhyme and that cute little charm that came included will have an update arriving within the next 24-48 hours if a recent update to Verizon’s support page is accurate. The Rhyme will be updated to build number 2.20.605.13 and no, this is not Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Personally if the HTC Thunderbolt can handle it, the Rhyme can too. No such luck here though folks. According to the Verizon Support PDF as you can see below, this update will mainly be focusing on removing a few of Verizon’s old and outdated apps. Also known as bloatware that no one uses anyways. Verizon Music on demand, video on demand, as well as VCAST Video have all been removed in this update.
Basically you’ll have less blatware apps taking up space, and wasting room in the app tray on your little pretty HTC Rhyme. As a side note, the Rhyme was promised an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich just like the Thunderbolt, but we doubt that will ever arrive. The Thunderbolt just got ICS a few weeks ago so who knows, maybe the Rhyme is up next. We’ll report back if that ever happens. [via Droid-Life] Device Info
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| PSA: New Google Settings app in your app tray isn’t malware Posted: 26 Feb 2013 03:30 PM PST We’ve been receiving a few comments this afternoon that users are magically getting an unknown application installed on their devices. You’ll notice a new green “Google Settings” icon in your app tray, and a few comments were worried it was a virus or malware. Don’t worry folks, this is simply a part of the new Google Services 3.0 that was updated this afternoon.
So yes this is new, and no you can’t get rid of it, nor is it anything fishy or malware. Google updated their Google Services Framework APK on our devices silently in the background. Much in the same way the Play Store automatically updates itself when the time is right. Google’s added Google+ sign-in features, and a few other improvements around the board. Now when an app wants to sign in using, or access, your Facebook or Twitter the same option will soon be available for Google+. Google’s essentially making everything access Google+ accounts and such. Now users will be able to link apps to the social network in a way not previously available. It’s all about app integration, but the new Google Settings icon and app is completely useless. There’s absolutely zero need for it.
All the “Google Settings” button does for you is provide shortcuts to settings already on our devices. From here you can manage what is being used. The search option is just a shortcut to Google Search “settings” and the Maps option is just a shortcut to the Google Maps settings page. So while it’s nice and makes things easier – it is not necessary. Although you can manage sign-in privileges from it, but that’s blank since nothing uses the new feature quite yet. So there you have it. There’s a new green Google Settings icon, it’s here to stay, and it’s nothing to worry about. Carry on. [via AndroidPolice] |
| Instagram filters out decline rumors, passes 100 million active users Posted: 26 Feb 2013 02:56 PM PST The extremely popular photo-sharing and tweaking service has seen its fair share of ups and downs lately, but new reports are showing Instagram is doing just fine. Now owned by Facebook, Instagram has filtered out all of those rumors of a decline in users and popularity and confirmed they have over 100 million active users. That’s quite the number.
Despite their previous privacy and terms of service issue, their numbers seem to be doing just fine and only going up. It appears that users don’t care about those rumors, and would like to just continue creating art, or photography. Do take notice, that 100m mark is actually monthly active users, not daily. Many promised to quit using the service and swore it off completely after a few terms of service changes that actually ended up being nothing at all – or so we thought. It looks like those were all empty promises and threats, because users are still creating timeless art in huge numbers. Last month it was at 90 million. So in under a month it has increased 10% already. Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom made a few heartfelt comments on their blog post (linked to above) and states Instagram helps the world connect on a much more visual level. Enjoying baseball games from your office chair, and things of that sort all by following fans on the social photo-sharing site. I have to admit, I’ve actually met a few people through Insta after posting some of my outdoors photos. It’s a crazy world we live in. Now get to adding those filters. For some added humor this afternoon enjoy this Instagram Parody, but it might not be safe for work. Enjoy! |
| LG Pocket Photo Printer hands-on with Optimus G Pro Posted: 26 Feb 2013 01:57 PM PST Here at Mobile World Congress we’re enjoying all sorts of smartphones, tablets, and Android-powered gadgets. One thing that we’re seeing plenty of is accessories too. Today we got a few minutes with LG’s latest offering, and they are calling it the LG Pocket Photo Printer. It’s a little big for a pocket but works quite well so read on for all the details.
It’s time to wirelessly print a few photos using the newly announced LG Optimus G Pro smartphone. The name “Pocket Photo” refers to a few things here. One being the miniature size of the printer, and the second being the small 2×3 images it prints out. Oh and did we mention this doesn’t use ink. Yea, basically it’s like magic! The LG Pocket Photo is 4.76 x 2.83 x 0.94 inches in size and will print your photos in just under 30 seconds. If you’re wondering how it works, simply tap your smartphone to the NFC capable device and you’ll have that photo in-hand shortly. No wires needed here. NFC does all the work, and it’s rather fun. Take a quick peek at the video below: While I don’t remember the last time I printed a photo, the option to do this completely without wires, and without the need for constantly getting more ink is rather neat. Add in the fact it’s all able to be done on the go with my Android smartphone and this little printer – and we’re liking it. I’m instantly thinking of all those Instagram users that want to share their photos with the real world, and not just with their social media following. Filters galore!
You’ll need the dedicated app from LG to send the images, but that’s all this neat little printer requires aside from the special paper. The printing process this machine uses is Zink – that's Zero Ink paper technology. The paper has a layer of dye crystals that change color according to heat generated by the printer. All said and done you have a printed photo that can’t be smeared because there’s no ink, and you can make them whenever you want on the go. Reps stated the device will be available in April for around 130 Euros, or roughly $170 USD. Although final pricing and release date aren’t confirmed. Hopefully it will be cheaper when the time comes. Who’s interested in buying one of these?        |
| Android popularity triggered The Weather Channel app update Posted: 26 Feb 2013 01:47 PM PST An update for The Weather Channel app arrived in the Google Play Store a short while back. That update brought the app up to version 4.0.1 which included numerous improvements such as faster maps, more detailed forecasts, a refresh button, optimization for tablets and more. The update also brought some improved focus on the in-app advertising. But before we get into that, it looks like Cameron Clayton, president of the Weather Company’s digital division has recently been talking about that update, and why it came now.
To put this bluntly, it appears as if the Android app update came as a result of the team realizing that Android is a popular platform. Let us clarify that statement though, Clayton, in speaking with Fierce Developer noted that “around the end of Q3 or the start of Q4, our Android app took over from our iPhone app in terms of active monthly users.” He went on to say that The Weather Channel app on Android now has more than 18 million active monthly users and that this “was a wake-up call” for them. They hadn’t expected the Android app to eclipse the iPhone app so soon. So yes, Android is a popular platform and it has lots of users. Lets shift away from sounding like an Android fanboy and jump over into some of the reasoning behind this update. In particular, touching on the in-app advertising. Those who use the app will likely realize the overwhelming ads. For those not using The Weather Channel app, you can get a look in the screenshots below. Clayton has said that they needed to re-imagine how they did mobile advertising and “do it much better” going on to say that he is “very bullish on what we’ve accomplished.”
If you ask us, at times, the app has the appearance of being an advertisement first and a place to get weather second. Of course, to be fair, that is part of the design. In fact, the branded (advertising) backgrounds are all weather-triggered and all actively change in real time. In that respect, it is pretty neat. Still, we cannot help but wish these branded backgrounds could change to un-branded backgrounds if we were willing to pay a few bucks for the app. Needless to say, you are not going to be able to make everyone happy and despite the complaints that I may have about the app, I still use the app because it provides accurate and up to date weather details including current conditions, an extended forecast, videos, a map, any emergency alerts and more. For those using The Weather Channel app, do you think this latest update was a step in the right direction design wise? |
| Motorola DROID RAZR Jelly Bean update in testing – coming soon Posted: 26 Feb 2013 12:46 PM PST The update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for the original Motorola DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX has been somewhat of a mystery. After the company did an excellent job updating their RAZR HD and RAZR M, the original RAZR owners have been stuck waiting. Today however we have good news that the official beta (soak test) for the update has started, and hopefully it will be rolling out to all users soon.
Back on Christmas weekend the update actually arrived for a few lucky individuals, but it apparently had a few issues and immediately was pulled. For whatever reason it was started early, but now is officially getting the soak test treatment from Motorola Mobility themselves. Soak tests go out to individuals that are a part of the Motorola Feedback Network, and it has been done this way for over the past year. As expected, this is the final stage of testing for the much anticipated update. If all goes well with these limited run soak tests we could see Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean roll out to the original RAZR/MAXX within the next few weeks. The email going out to the VIP test network doesn’t confirm which version of Jelly Bean, but most likely we’ll get 4.1.2 and not the latest 4.2 build. Motorola’s recent devices are all on Android 4.1.2 at the moment so that’s what to expect. If all goes well the update should arrive just on schedule with Motorola’s recent report of a Q1 update timeline. We’ll report back when we know more. Stay tuned you eager RAZR owners. - Thanks to all who sent us tips! Device Info
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| Zen Studios to release Star Wars Pinball for Android Posted: 26 Feb 2013 12:39 PM PST We already have the Star Wars edition of Angry Birds and it looks like we will soon have some pinball. The game is being released by Zen Studios and will arrive as Star Wars Pinball. Some may recognize the Zen Studios name as the company behind Zen Pinball HD which is already available in the Google Play Store.
Speaking of the Zen Pinball HD app, those already playing that will be able to download the Star Wars themed tables as additional in-app purchases. Star Wars Pinball will also be available as a stand-alone game. Look for both of these to come available in the Google Play Store on February 27th. The tables will bring features to include interactive 3D characters and each will focus on a different iconic moment from the Star Wars universe. There will be a total of ten Star Wars themed tables available. The initial release however will include just three of those ten. The first three will include Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Boba Fett, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Aside from table pricing ($1.99 per table) for those looking for the in-app purchase on Zen Pinball HD, we have yet to see what (if anything) the stand-alone version of Star Wars Pinball would be selling for. The Zen Pinball HD game is currently available for free and with support for Android devices running 4.0 ICS or later. [via CNET]       |
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