Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Ice Cream Sandwich finally finds its way to HTC’s Thunderbolt

Posted: 05 Feb 2013 02:12 PM PST

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Yes folks, this post isn’t a flashback to a year ago. The HTC Thunderbolt is actually receiving the much elusive ICS update for the device. This update upgrades the Thunderbolt to Android 4.0.4 with Sense 3.6. Head to Settings > About phone > Software update to see if your update is ready.

Considering ICS came out almost a year and a half ago, I’d like to say it’s better late than never… But this is as late as you can get. Anyone still using this as their primary device?

Thanks, Josh! 

BlackBerry 10 Android Runtime Layer planned for Jelly Bean update

Posted: 05 Feb 2013 02:01 PM PST

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It has been confirmed that BlackBerry 10′s Android Runtime Layer will be updated into Jelly Bean with it currently on Gingerbread. If you’re not familiar with this, BlackBerry Z10 owners are currently able to side-load Gingerbrea-based Android applications onto their device. This is certainly a huge thing for the platform as it’s able to take advantage of Android’s ecosystem.

While the news is only confirmed, there’s no timetable as to when the update will be made available for the masses. Until then, stay tuned!

source: Crackberry

Latest Android Distribution Chart Shows Gingerbread Still On Majority Of Android Devices, But Jelly Bean And Ice Cream Sandwich On The Rise

Posted: 05 Feb 2013 01:54 PM PST

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It’s February friends– so that means it’s time for the latest edition of the Android Distribution Chart highlighting what OS it is that us Android folk are using on our devices. Similar to what we saw in the last edition, Gingerbread is still on the vast majority of Android devices, but the overall number continues to decline at an almost free-fall rate. As of the time of this writing, Gingerbread is found on about 45% of all Android devices, down over 2% from the number seen in the previous Distribution Chart. In addition, the number of Jelly Bean devices continue to creep upwards as we are now seeing just a shade under 14% of all devices featuring a variation of Jelly Bean, while Ice Cream Sandwich also creeping upwards to 29%.

So yes friends we can finally breathe a sigh of relief— more and more of our devices are featuring current software (finally). Let’s just hope we see the overall number of Jelly Bean and Ice Cream Sandwich devices continue to creep upwards before Google’s next dessert arrives.

source: Android Developers

MoviePass releases Android version of app to support subscription movie service

Posted: 05 Feb 2013 10:29 AM PST

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We are all familiar with the many services that are available for streaming, downloading, and viewing movies on your TV or other device. Using a subscription model, MoviePass is trying to bring a similar concept to the viewing of movies while they are still in theaters. MoviePass promises members the opportunity to view all movies in participating theaters with no blackout dates. To support the service, they have released their MoviePass app to the Google Play Store.

MoviePass members pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to movies in local theaters. The app that goes with the service will help members find participating movie theaters, find out what is playing and show times. Members of MoviePass will be able to earn rewards that can be used for different discounts and the ability to order other items like soundtracks. Members will get access to invite only events, premieres and screenings to go along with social media features like invites for friends or ranking and reviewing movies.

MoviePass is currently in the process of conducting a private beta and they only way to get in on that is to get an invite. You can request one at their website, moviepass.com. Pricing is projected to be between $25 and $40 per month depending on location.

moviepass_app_screenshot_01 moviepass_app_screenshot_02 moviepass_app_screenshot_03

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Google Play Download Link

 

AT&T fires up LTE in five new markets

Posted: 05 Feb 2013 09:16 AM PST

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AT&T’s LTE service continues to grow. It’s not as large as Verizon’s, but I have to say that AT&T is doing a good job in their expansion. Those of you in the following cities can now enjoy LTE. Assuming you already have an LTE capable phone, you should see “LTE” under 4G as part of your range indicator. If you don’t have an LTE capable phone, then what are you waiting for?

New Markets:

  • Albany, Georgia
  • Dalton and Calhoun (Northwest), Georgia
  • Norfolk,  and parts of Portsmouth and Virginia Beach, Virginia

Expansions:

  • Elkton and North East (Cecil County), Maryland
  • Hatfield (Montgomery County), Pennsylvania
  • Doylestown and Chalfont (Bucks County), Pennsylvania

 

Samsung introduces the entry-level Galaxy Young and Galaxy Fame

Posted: 05 Feb 2013 08:49 AM PST

 Samsung_GALAXY_YoungSamsung_GALAXY_Fame

Samsung just pulled the wraps off two entry-level devices called the Galaxy Young and the Galaxy Fame. They both resemble the Galaxy S III, but are much smaller. The Galaxy Young (above left) will feature a 3.27-inch (480 x 320)  display and a 3MP camera while the Galaxy Fame (above right) will sport a 3.5-inch (480 x 320) display and a 5MP camera. The Fame will also get NFC. The rest of the specs are identical for both phones: 1GHz CPU, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of storage, microSD slot, 1300mAh battery, and Android 4.2.1.

The Galaxy Young will be offered in white, deep blue, wine red, and metallic silver and the Galaxy Fame will be offered in pearl white and metallic blue. Last but not least, both phones will be offered in either dual or single SIM versions. No word on pricing, but we hear that they will become available in March.

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Samsung-GALAXY-Fame-Product-Specifications

source: Samsung Tomorrow

Amazon Coins to be used as app currency on Kindle Fire

Posted: 05 Feb 2013 08:41 AM PST

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Amazon has announced a new currency system, appropriately titled Amazon Coins, for its Kindle Fire lineup. The Coins can be used on the Kindle Fire (and presumably other Android devices as well) to buy apps, games, and most importantly, in-app content. And when it launches in May, Amazon’s going to be giving away “tens of millions of dollars” of Coins to users to kickstart the program. Afterwards, the coins will be available to purchase normall. All applications submitted to the App Store before April 25th will be able to exchange the Amazon Coins automatically.

This isn’t a new concept, as it’s similar to what Facebook does for their games and apps, but I think it’ll be interesting to see how Amazon puts its own spin on the idea. In their press release, they made a bold claim that they see higher revenue per user than any other Android platform. Although they didn’t give any specific numbers for us to dissect, if its true, this Coins idea is definitely going to help change the way we view application stores and markets, which is better for consumers and developers. We’ll be sure to let you know if any more details pop up between now and May.

source: Amazon

Ouya Gaming Console To Be Available In Retail Stores By June For $100

Posted: 05 Feb 2013 07:50 AM PST

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Some lucky developers may already have what is the most revolutionary console to hit the market in quite some time— but it looks like the rest of us normal folk will have a chance to purchase the device by late spring/early summer. During an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman took some time to address the major questions that many of us have been seeking an answer for, while also giving us an indication of how much hype the console is getting at this time. Uhrman mentions right off the bat that the console will launch for the general public for a mere $100— with controllers being available for another 50 bucks and should be available at most major retailers such as Amazon, Gamestop, Target and Best Buy sometime in June; conversely, kickstarter backers will see the console by sometime next month. In addition to highlighting the cost and availability of the Ouya gaming console, she is quick to mention how much support the device is getting from not only developers, but gaming fans alike:

 

“We haven't made any significant announcements for our line-up for our launch in June or our unveiling. We have about half a dozen to a dozen community sites with lists of as long as 200 titles coming to OUYA. We feel we'll have a large suite of titles and titles from developers that are exclusive to OUYA.

You can expect games from every genre, from publishers you know, triple-A publishers. We already announced that Final Fantasy 3 is coming to OUYA from Square Enix. We are definitely working on exclusive content, Final Fantasy 3 has a lot of exclusive features — it's the only version that's made it to the TV. It's a unique version that will be available only on OUYA”.

and

 

“We 68,000 backers, and we've been selling units every day. The number of orders have grown each month. We haven't disclosed any numbers. I think it's fair to say to get established players in the retail space excited about pre-selling OUYA speaks to the excitement in the marketplace. We've had 68,000 backers, we have more than that in pre-orders today”.

 

So there you have it folks— the Ouya gaming console is literally growing by the day— so it shouldn’t be too far-fetched to see some immediate success upon its release. Ladies and gents– feel free to commence the June countdown at this point.

source: Wall Street Journal

 

 

NVIDIA Shows Off Ability To Stream PC Games To Project SHIELD Gaming Device, Reiterates How Badass The Gaming Device Can Be

Posted: 05 Feb 2013 07:32 AM PST

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It’s one thing to see NVIDIA’s Project Shield bringing PC-level action to gamers— but it’s another thing to see the concept in action. Let me explain— NVIDIA took some time to highlight that gamers can get caught up in playing in intense gaming sessions for games such as Borderlands 2, but often times have to take a break in order to be AFK (away from the keyboard)— having to stop the action entirely and kill any momentum gathered from within the game. NVIDIA points out that with its new Project Shield gaming device— gamers won’t need to stop their game anymore just because they are AFK from the desktop computer. Thanks to the built-in Tegra 4 chip and the ability to stream PC games through a SHIELD Android app and the tap of a few buttons, gamers can immediately resume the action and enjoy PC-level gaming thanks to the awesome graphics and fluid controls. What’s even more awesome is despite the fact that games are streamed– there’s no drop off in terms of overall quality of the games. Very nice NVIDIA.

We know you’re itching to get an idea of how this works, so be sure to hit the source link in order to see the streaming games concept in action.

 

source: NVIDIA Blog

 

 

 

Verizon Galaxy S III Gets Leaked Android 4.1.2 Build

Posted: 05 Feb 2013 07:08 AM PST

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We know it’s been a long, arduous wait for that Android 4.1.2 update for you Verizon Galaxy S III owners, but it appears that owners can at least get a sample of what’s to come in that update. Thanks to some crafty individuals, a new Jelly Bean build called VRBMA2 has been leaked and while it may have some minor bugs here and there— it’s currently ready and waiting to be flashed by those of you who are feeling a little lucky and all.

We know you’re all just itching for more juicy details– so head on down to the source link below and check out the full XDA thread.

source: XDA
Posted by at 6:52 AM

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