Thursday, February 21, 2013

AndroidGuys

AndroidGuys


Qualcomm intros Snapdragon 200 and 400 series of mobile processors

Posted: 20 Feb 2013 12:38 PM PST

 

qualcomm_snapdragon_720Qualcomm today introduced a pair of new mobile processors aimed at mid-range and entry-level smartphone experiences. As the numbers might lead you to believe, the Snapdragon 200 is focused on delivering  a balance of value and performance as well as better battery life. The Snapdragon 400 seeks to power “high-volume” smartphones and tablets with a user’s expected performance, connectivity and battery life.

The Snapdragon 400 has two configurations: dual-core Krait CPUs running at up to 1.7GHz per core, and quad-core ARM Cortex A7 CPUs running at up to 1.4GHz per core. Additional details include an Adreno 305 GPU and high-speed LPDDR2 or LPDDR3 RAM, as well as support for most modern cellular radios, 1080p HD video playback and capture technologies. Also able to support dual SIM cards, and 13.5-megapixel cameras, the Snapdragon 400 includes Miracast functionality.

The Snapdragon 200 features a quad-core ARM Cortex A5 processor at up to 1.4GHz per core, an Adreno 203 GPU, LPDDR2 RAM, HD video playback, support for dual SIM cards, and up to 8 megapixel cameras.

Qualcomm expects the new Snapdragon 400 and 200 to be available later this year.

Qualcomm

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X-mini UNO speaker review

Posted: 20 Feb 2013 10:13 AM PST

x-mini_uno_greenThe X-Mini UNO Mono Capsule Speaker is a small yet powerful little speaker that travels quite well. Barely a few inches tall, the sound is much clearer than we expected for the diminutive (3.5 input) speaker.

Available in a variety of color options, the X-mini UNO features an internal battery that promises up to 20 hours of playback. On average, we found no problem hitting the 10-12 hour mark on full charges. Naturally this changes with the volume levels and results will vary.

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The X-mini features ceramic drivers to help deliver the clear highs and warm bass sounds. Don’t get us wrong – this is not going to be the speaker of choice for long term spots. No, this is the perfect companion to toss in a bag for road trips, music at the office, or conference rooms. As you might suspect, the X-mini expands to provide a richer sound with better lows. Collapsed you’re looking at under two inches and expanded you’re barely hitting four inches.

Unlike other models we’ve tested in this space, the X-mini does a great job of staying put. If you’ve ever spent time playing music through one of these capsule speakers then you know they like to dance around. Thanks to an internal weight, the X-mini UNO stays where you place it.

What we liked:

  • Better than expected sound for size
  • Six color options to suit taste
  • Doesn’t hop around like other models
  • Above average battery time

Room for improvement:

  • Tendency to sound shrill at high volumes
  • Would like to see Bluetooth option

Where to buy:

You can learn more about the X-Mini at the company website where they sell them for $49.99. Head to Amazon, however and you could score one of six colors (green, red, blue, orange, purple, gun metal) for $39.99 each. While there, check out some of the other models, including some for less than $20 a piece.

 

The post X-mini UNO speaker review appeared first on AndroidGuys.

The Weather Company launches first major redesign since 2009

Posted: 20 Feb 2013 09:38 AM PST

The Weather Company, together with Toyota, launched a major redesign on Monday of The Weather Channel App for Android. The first major overhaul of the app since 2009, the visual appearance is striking. The application instantly displays your localized forecast, and even estimates when current conditions may change.

 

Of course, this free app comes at a cost. Your front page forecast is layered on top of a completely branded background, something The Weather Company says “offers weather-triggered, dayparted creative for more relevant storytelling and a more integrated experience for both the consumer and advertiser.”

If you can look past the advertisements however, this redesigned app really does have a lot of new features that will make you happily raise your brows. Easier access to current conditions, instant severe weather information and updates, new localized maps including past and future radar, a broader choice of weather related videos, and even the ability to share weather forecasts, maps, alerts and more with family and friends on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks.
Let us know what you think. The new Weather Channel App is now available on Google Play.

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HTC introduces trade-in program for the HTC One

Posted: 20 Feb 2013 09:27 AM PST

HTC yesterday introduced their most impressive device to date, the HTC One. As an old HTC fan, I will say that I am impressed by the handset am looking forward to how the One performs.

htc_one_cropped3To help make the HTC One their most successful device to date, HTC introduced a ‘trade-in’ programon their website. HTC is offering a $100 Visa gift card or the trade-in value of your old phone if you purchase the new One. After buying it, send in your old phone with proof of purchase for a One, and then wait for the refund. Sign up for it over here. Unfortunately, the offer is just valid in US for now, though we hope HTC will introduce it in other countries as well.

Are you planning to buy the new HTC One and send in your old Nexus One or Samsung Galaxy S? Tell us about it in the comment box below.

Source: HTC

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Virgin Mobile throws a $79.99 Kyocera Event for the prepaid crowd

Posted: 20 Feb 2013 08:04 AM PST

kyocera_event_720Virgin Mobile today announced the next Android smartphone to join its roster, kicking off the Kyocera Event. Priced at only $79.99, the no-contract handset, runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and features a 3.5-inch display, 3.2-megapixel camera, and 1GHz processor.  Not a ton of power, no, but it beats the heck out of our first Android phone.  What’s more, we love that plans start at $35 a month and do not require any long term commitments.

Look for the Kyocera Event in black at Virgin Mobile or pick up a red one at Radio Shack.

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VIRGIN MOBILE USA LAUNCHES KYOCERA EVENT FOR THE GROWING WAVE OF 
SMARTPHONE USERS

Smartphones can make even the most mundane situation an "event."  Stuck in line?  Multitask by posting witty observations and pics on Facebook or Twitter.  On an endless road trip? A little online shopping makes time fly by.  The new Kyocera Event Android smartphone helps to make every moment – and dollar – count for anyone looking for an affordable phone, and especially the estimated 500,000 people who each week make the jump from feature phones to smartphones[1].  The black version of Event launches today at Virgin Mobile USA for $79.99[2] without a contract[3].  A red version of the phone will be available exclusively from RadioShack, where Kyocera recently was named the retailer's 2012 Device Vendor of the Year, beginning March 3.

Kyocera Event's 3.5" HVGA IPS touchscreen display ensures crisp, bright viewing from any angle while adjustable brightness allows optimum viewing in any light.  With Virgin Mobile USA on Sprint's nationwide high-speed network[4] and the phone's 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, Event provides snappy access to apps, email and the Web and delivers Virgin's "Higher Calling" promise to those new to smartphones with its Beyond Talk unlimited data[5] and messaging plans starting at $35 per month.

"Kyocera Event on Virgin Mobile is the perfect device for the millions of people buying their first smartphone, or those who simply want a full featured, yet affordable phone without a contract," said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications.  "Whether it's the simple elegance of black or the stand-out-in-a-crowd confidence of RadioShack's  exclusive red, Kyocera Event has style and performance far beyond its affordable price tag."

With Android™ 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), Kyocera Event offers access to the Google Play Store where users can download thousands of free Android apps including games, productivity tools, travel assistance and rewards programs.  Google Maps™ and Google Navigation™ eliminates the need  to ever ask for directions again.  A 3.2- megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash and video camcorder helps ensure each moment is captured, and the virtual QWERTY keypad with Swype® allows users to share messages faster and easier with rapid text entry.  Kyocera's MagniFont is an extra-extra-large font size to help ensure users can always see what they're doing, and Kyocera's Eco Mode software monitors and conserves battery power.  With 4GB ROM/512MB RAM memory and support for microSD™ memory card expansion up to 32GB, Event owners can store and transfer thousands of photos, videos, music and more.

The post Virgin Mobile throws a $79.99 Kyocera Event for the prepaid crowd appeared first on AndroidGuys.

12 wallpapers for your Android device (Greens)

Posted: 20 Feb 2013 07:49 AM PST

Looking to change up your Android home screen?  It doesn’t get much easier than swapping out the wallpaper; it’s one of the quickest ways to breath new life into the mobile experience. We recently began curating a collection of wallpapers for you, dear reader, and are only too happy to share the goods!

We’ll be adding to the collection on a regular basis and will occasionally highlight a theme or specific artist’s work we really appreciate. This collection of wallpapers is centered around the common theme of “Greens“.

Click to view slideshow.

 

Click here to see the entire  collection of wallpapers.

Note that the wallpaper page may go through a few changes over the coming weeks and that your experience should improve with each update. If you see something that you think we’d like to share, drop us a line.  What’s more, if you have created some wallpapers of your own and want help in spreading the word, we’re your guys.

SEE ALSO

 

 

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Samsung rumored to employ Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 for Galaxy S4

Posted: 20 Feb 2013 07:26 AM PST

samsung_logo_720Samsung will forgo the in-house Exynos processor in favor of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 for the upcoming Galaxy S4, reports Korean Media (translate). Allegedly, Samsung’s own chip is power hungry and gets rather warm as compared to the Qualcomm processor. Not that we’re complaining; the benchmarks for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 are incredible.

Among other details, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is expected to feature a 4.9-inch Full HD display, 2GB RAM, 64GB internal storage, and the

  • 1.9Ghz Quad Core APQ8064T Qualcomm Snapdragon 600/800 processor.

See Also: What we expect: Samsung Galaxy S4

The post Samsung rumored to employ Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 for Galaxy S4 appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Images of LG Optimus F5, Optimus F7 leaked

Posted: 20 Feb 2013 07:02 AM PST

A pair of images for the forthcoming LG Optimus F5 and Optimus F7 have surfaced with but a few days to go before Mobile World Congress. Details are a mystery at this point though we suspect the phones will fall in the middle of the Optimus L and Optimus G series. LG is expected to announce the full specs and availability at a press event on February 25.

 

The post Images of LG Optimus F5, Optimus F7 leaked appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Beautiful Widgets 5.1 intros new tablet widget, weather options

Posted: 20 Feb 2013 06:48 AM PST

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Beautiful Widgets, one of our favorite apps for Android, has a new update today and we’re only too happy to help spread the news. Key among the changes in v5.1 are the option to choose from AccuWeather and Weather Underground for weather sources, the ability to remove geolocation, and a new tablet widget. Also, a new Lifestyles feature gives users a quick rating for various outdoor activities (jogging, fishing, barbecue, etc).

BW_5_01_Lifestyle_01

Download Beautiful Widgets (Google Play)

LevelUp Studio

 

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Swiftkey celebrates 4th anniversary by bringing ‘flow’ out of beta

Posted: 20 Feb 2013 05:31 AM PST

SwiftKey, easily the most recognizable name in Android keyboards (and possibly Android software altogether) has just turned 4 years old. So, how does an app company celebrate? Cake, cookies, ice cream? Nope – they release more software.

The company has taken their “flow” functionality out of beta, and hit the primetime spotlight with it. The feature is already a huge hit, and is sure to add to their already massive 2 million download, 70,000 5-star rating portfolio. The flow functionality incorporates swiping gestures, and is wonderful to use.

SwiftKey 4 is on sale right now for $1.99 – 2 dollars off – and is a free upgrade for anyone already having purchased SwiftKey in the past. Click the link below to download it now.

Download SwiftKey 4

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