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- Samsung unveils pink Galaxy Note II
- Sprint reports strong sales for 4th quarter, year driven by 4G LTE growth
- Ouya to release new gaming consoles annually
- Featured Android App Review: Open Garden [Communication & Tethering]
- New, larger LG Optimus G Pro coming to MWC
- The Simpsons Tapped Out now available to everyone in Google Play
- Chinese database reveals follow-up to the HTC One SU
- Wikipad gaming tablet shrinks to 7-inches and gets a lower price
- Rumors of another Facebook phone continue to chug along
- dbrand inc review: The one stop shop for customized 3M vinyl skins for your device
| Samsung unveils pink Galaxy Note II Posted: 07 Feb 2013 01:30 PM PST Fans of the color pink rejoice! Samsung has unveiled a new color variant of their popular Galaxy Note II and this time it’s pretty in pink. The specs of this phone are exactly the same as the other colors: a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 720, an S-Pen stylus, LTE, NFC capability, an 8-megapixel camera, a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera, a quad-core Exynos CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 3,100 mAh battery, and ships with Jelly Bean. Currently the pink Galaxy Note II can only be seen on the official Samsung Taiwan website and there is no mention of availability for any of the markets. However since Valentines day is around the corner, Samsung might release it during that time. Samsung has sold over 5 million of it’s Galaxy Note II units and with the implementation of a pink version, there’s sure to be even more buyers ready to snatch one up. Hit the break for one more pic.
Source: Samsung
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| Sprint reports strong sales for 4th quarter, year driven by 4G LTE growth Posted: 07 Feb 2013 12:29 PM PST
Sprint reported fourth quarter and annual financial results today driven by record wireless service revenues. Fourth quarter net operating revenue totaled $9 billion, including $7 billion from Sprint platform wireless service. On an annual basis, the numbers were $35.3 billion and $27.1 billion respectively. This represented growth of 12 percent year-over-year for the fourth quarter and 15 percent growth for the full year. The Sprint subscriber base grew for the eleventh consecutive quarter, helped by strong 4G LTE sales and a good recapture rate for Nextel customers as that platform was shutting down. Despite the strong revenue numbers, Sprint reported a net loss of $1.3 billion for the fourth quarter. Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO, attributes the overall loss to investments in Network Vision and the iPhone, which drove up costs. Sprint reported they had a total of 4 million 4G LTE smartphones activated on the network as of the end of 2012. Sprint now has 15 4G LTE devices in the portfolio, including Apple devices, the LG Optimus G and the Samsung Galaxy Note II. Sprint’s 4G LTE network has launched in 58 cities and 170 more are expected to be added in the comping months. source: Sprint
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| Ouya to release new gaming consoles annually Posted: 07 Feb 2013 12:16 PM PST
The revolutionary Ouya gaming console is all set to push for a major first in the gaming industry. As opposed to seeing a new console model once every 5-7 years from a traditional gaming brand, Ouya is looking to buck the trend and follow the mobile model by introducing a new Ouya model annually. In a recent interview to our friends at Engadget, Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman highlights “there will be a new OUYA every year. There will be an OUYA 2 and an OUYA 3″ that will “take advantage of faster, better processors, take advantage of prices falling“. Oh and gamers won’t need to fret about having to buy too many games either as Uhrman confirmed that all games will be backwards-compatible— meaning you won’t need to buy multiple copies of a certain game. Moreover– games will be tied to a single gamer— effectively eliminating the need to buy multiple licenses for a game like what is seen on a certain gaming consoles. So while gamers would probably want to keep things fresh and current by purchasing a new console every year, it’s at least nice to know that we won’t need to be gung-ho about our games and all. Boy oh boy this new puppy is shaping up to be one heck of a mouth-watering device isn’t it? The month of June just can’t come soon enough. source: Engadget
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| Featured Android App Review: Open Garden [Communication & Tethering] Posted: 07 Feb 2013 10:52 AM PST
I had heard about Open Garden a while ago, but I never got around to actually trying it. If you haven’t heard of it before, it creates a wireless mesh network among all devices using the app. Think of crowd sourcing the internet. I think everyone of us dreams of the day where an internet connection is available virtually anywhere and that’s what Open Garden hopes to achieve. Open Garden allows you to share your data connection from your phone with your tablet, desktop, or laptop, but more importantly, with others around you. That’s where the difference lies from traditional tethering. In traditional tethering you share a data connection from one phone to one or more devices, but with Open Garden it could be many phones. They could even be phones from complete strangers. It’s about pooling data, which creates an open and stable network for all to use. Sure you can root your phone or buy a tethering plan, but even that can be a pain. You have to turn on your mobile hotspot and most of the time you can’t even use your phone at the same time. What you really want is your device(s) to always be connected just like your 3G or 4G phones. With those devices you don’t have to think about it, they are always connected assuming you’re not in a bad signal area. Let’s put it this way: If everyone were to install and use Open Garden on their phone, we would literally be connected everywhere. It would almost be impossible to find a place that wasn’t connected. Now obviously we aren’t at that stage yet and the technology is continuing to improve, but I think the folks at Open Garden are on to something.
Now before you go screaming that not enough people are using it, don’t forget you can still utilize it for your own needs. If you have a tablet that is WiFi-only you can use Open Garden to share your phone’s data connection to your tablet or even your laptop. You can even pool together your friend’s or other family members phones to get an even better connection. It’s all done via Bluetooth. It’s pretty easy to configure. Just download the app and install it on your phone and your tablet. Desktop and laptop users can download the software from the site (see below). Start the app on both devices. On your phone you will see an internet cloud with a line drawn to a red circle (your phone). On your tablet you will see the internet cloud and the circle (your tablet), but they won’t be connected by the line, assuming you don’t have a data connection. Just press connect on both your phone and tablet and they will connect after you agree to the privacy statement. On your phone, you will then see a circle for your tablet with a line drawn to your phone, which means it’s grabbing data from the phone. You can also see the amount of data that is being sent to the phone. If more devices are connected they will appear on the display as well. After connecting the devices for the first time, you don’t have to worry about connecting them anymore. From now on your tablet will always auto connect to your phone when away from WiFi. You don’t have to do a thing. Another interesting feature is the ability to connect others via NFC. Open Garden works very well, but let me also tell you that it isn’t perfect. This concept is still at it’s infancy so there are going to be issues. The bottom line is if you don’t have a tethering plan and you don’t want to get bothered with rooting, Open Garden will get the job done, but there are some caveats. First, your data connection will be a little slower. That’s not usually a big deal. Most of the time when I am in the middle of nowhere, I am happy to get anything. It’s not awful 2G speeds, but it’s not LTE either. Now you can pool other devices, but for now that is just going to give you stability. At some point the app will allow users to get faster speeds as more devices are pooled. The other thing is there are some limitations in what you can do. For example, certain apps that require a data connection to sync or get data won’t work. Dropbox was one of these. I was able to view photos that are stored in Dropbox, but I couldn’t upload any images. Another example is the Play Store. You can browse apps, but I wasn’t able to download or update any apps. In talking to the folks at Open Garden these limitations are being worked on with Google and will hopefully improve. On the flip side you can do all the Web browsing you want and you can still get your emails and Twitter feed. If you’re using a laptop or desktop, you shouldn’t have any limitations, but I wasn’t able to test it since none of my computers have Bluetooth. Another issue is that if you frequently use your phone’s Bluetooth for other things, it will get in the way. So if you want to use a Bluetooth headset, you’re going to have issues. I also found that if I tried to stream music via Bluetooth, it would cut out at times and the data connection would also suffer. The last two issues involve battery life and data. The word “Open” in Open Garden is there for a reason. It’s because the goal is to get as many people using the app as possible, which provides an “open” network that’s easily accessible. By allowing the app to run all the time, it keeps your tablet always connected so when you leave your house you don’t have to do a thing. It will be ready to go, and that’s what you want. It also means it’s ready to go for others around you. This means your battery could suffer. I don’t have any raw stats, but it will affect your battery. Everyone’s phone and usage is different so you will have to judge that one for yourself. What about data? Since Open Garden is about everyone and not just you, this means that others could connect to your device, which could possibly result in data cap issues. Of course, if many devices are available, the data will be pooled and in theory, it should be minimal. Again this is something that you will have to monitor for yourself based on your own monthly plan and allowances. The truth of the matter is you can use Open Garden for your own needs, but you will have to force close the application when you don’t need it if battery and/or data is an issue. I still think you should give it a shot the way it’s intended and see how things go. For Open Garden to be successful, everyone who uses it needs to have it running all the time. Open Garden is absolutely free and I urge you to give it a try. 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.      
Click here to view the embedded video.
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| New, larger LG Optimus G Pro coming to MWC Posted: 07 Feb 2013 10:44 AM PST
Sources claim a new, larger version of the LG Optimus G Pro that was announced last month is on its way to Mobile World Congress 2013. Last month NTT DoCoMo announced the availability of an upgraded LG Optimus G sporting a 5″ full HD display and a nice 3,000 mAh battery. That device was dubbed the LG Optimus G Pro and followed on LG’s popular Optimus G smartphone. In spite of that recent announcement, there were still rumors circulating that LG had a 5.5-inch device in the works as well. A picture supposedly showing the new 5.5-inch version has surfaced along with a spec sheet for the device from Korean carrier LG U+. The spec sheet points to the full 1080p 5.5-inch screen along with the 1.7 GHz quad-core Snapdragon we suspected would be present. Other hardware includes an LTE radio, 2 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal memory, a microSD card slot capable of handling up to 64 GB cards, a 13 MP rear camara and a 2 MP front camera. It appears LG has also decided to include a huge 3,140 mAh battery to help keep things running all day long. There was no information on scheduled availability or target markets, though it is expected to be revealed at MWC. We will be watching to see if LG’s new flagship device shows up ready to battle the HTC M7, Sony Xperia Z, and Samsung Galaxy S IV in 2013.
source: PhoneArena
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| The Simpsons Tapped Out now available to everyone in Google Play Posted: 07 Feb 2013 09:42 AM PST If there’s any current TV royalty it’s probably The Simpsons. If you’re a fan of the show then you’re in luck as a new game dubbed “The Simpsons Tapped Out” has made it’s way into the Google Play Store. Previously this game was only available in Europe as a limited release but Electronic Arts just made it available for everyone to download for free.
When you start the game, you take on the role of Homer Simpson and you’ve accidentally caused a nuclear meltdown that has destroyed Springfield, woops! Now it is up to you to rebuild the town of Springfield while collecting cash and donuts along the way. Mmm donuts! This game will play great on any of your Android devices, particularly on the Nexus 7 and the Nexus 10. If you’re interested in getting your hands on the app, click the Google Play link below to be redirected to the game. The trailer for the game is also below. Happy rebuilding!      Click here to view the embedded video.
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| Chinese database reveals follow-up to the HTC One SU Posted: 07 Feb 2013 09:22 AM PST
It seems like everyday a new smartphone shows up somewhere around the world. Today we look towards China as a new HTC phone has appeared in China’s telecom equipment certification database. With the name 603e, HTC seems to be following up their HTC One SU. The 603e sports a 4.3-inch (800 x 480) display, a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 5-megapixel rear facing camera and a micro-SD card slot for expandable storage. What separates the two, according to images of the 603e, is the presence of a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. The body of the device itself weighs only 130 grams and will be 9.8 mm thick. It will be available in black, white, green and yellow according to the database entry. The specs for this phone suggest that it will be a mid-range level device somewhere between the rumored M4 and G2 devices. Availability of this device is still unknown but check back with TalkAndroid for the latest news and release dates. Source: engadget
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| Wikipad gaming tablet shrinks to 7-inches and gets a lower price Posted: 07 Feb 2013 08:30 AM PST
It appears that Wikipad went back to the drawing board after they missed their October launch of the Wikipad gaming tablet. There was a delay because they discovered some issues with the controller. Sometimes a negative is actually a positive and Wikipad listened to potential customers about their proposed price point of $499 was going to be too high. They decided to change plans and make it a 7-inch display (instead of 10-inches) and lower the price to $249. What’s most interesting is that back at CES 2012, they actually showed an 8-inch version. Now the 10-inch is still in the plans, but no word on if or when it will ever be released. For now all the concentration will be on this newer design. It will feature a 7-inch (1280 x 800) IPS display, a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3, a 12-core NVIDIA GPU, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, microSD slot for expanded storage, 2MP front facing camera, 4,100mAh battery, micro HDMI, micro USB, GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It will be 10.67mm thick and weigh 322 grams. It will also be one of the few tablets that is PlayStation Mobile certified. I think this is a good move by Wikipad. It appears to be a solid device with a good price point. I am looking forward to getting my hands on one and when I do, I will certainly let you know my thoughts. WikiPad tells us that we can all expect to get our hands on one in the spring. Full press release after the break
Wikipad Brings 7" Tablet to MarketLOS ANGELES, CA (February 7, 2013) – Wikipad Inc. today announced that its 7" Wikipad tablet will be available from leading retailers in spring 2013 at a launch price of "We wanted to get Wikipad into our community's hands and what we found was that the smaller 7" form factor just seemed right,'" said Fraser Townley, President of Sales, The 7" Wikipad possesses the same powerful product specs as the previously shown and forthcoming 10" version in a form factor that is even more portable and at a price point that is even more accessible to gamers everywhere. In addition to the new compact form factor, refinements have been made to the dual-analog stick controller to ensure lightning-fast response times and the best gaming experience possible. Wikipad also announced the relaunch of its website that now includes a comprehensive support page that has dynamic links to social networks and technical forums. Wikipad – Built for Gaming The Wikipad is the only tablet to possess the unique combination of truly immersive video game experiences found in consoles with the functionality and portability of a Consumers will have access to entertainment and videogame content from partners and services including PlayStation®Mobile, Big Fish Games®, TegraZone – NVIDIA’s For a full list of product specs, video games that take full advantage of the Wikipad's
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| Rumors of another Facebook phone continue to chug along Posted: 07 Feb 2013 07:54 AM PST
Rumors of another Facebook phone surfaced last November and today we have some more news thanks to Twitter. Last year we heard that HTC was involved and the codename was “Opera UL.” Now we are hearing the codename is “Myst” and HTC is still involved. The specs are a little different from what we reported with the Opera UL. First of all the processor is now a dual-core 1GHz instead of 1.4GHz. It’s still a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro though. The display resolution was reported to be 720p (1280 x 720) and that still holds, but the display size has been revealed to be 4.3-inches. It still has an Adreno 305 GPU, but we also found out it will sport a 5MP rear camera and a 1.6MP front camera.
Facebook is also looking to burn its apps in the chip, which is certainly not surprising. They want users to log in to Facebook as the absolute first thing they do when they first turn it on. This phone is certainly not going to blow anyone away, but it seems good enough for the hardcore Facebook fan. source: Twitter
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| dbrand inc review: The one stop shop for customized 3M vinyl skins for your device Posted: 07 Feb 2013 07:32 AM PST
Personalizing your Android device is something a lot of us do. After all, you’ve spend hundreds upon hundreds on these handsets, so why not give it some flare to your own liking that separates it from others? That’s where dbrand inc. comes in and provides your device with some awesome top-of-the line 3M textured vinyl’s. For review purposes I’ll be using the Nexus 4 as that’s the device I have the product installed on, although the company provides these vinyl skins on a slew of devices on their website. First off, the quality of these vinyl’s are top-notch. According to dbrand, the vinyl’s that they use are generally reserved for architectural re-upholstering and auto body trim. Even better is the flat price of $9 per skin and you can actually request a customized skin for your liking. Just e-mail them what you have in mind and send them the images you want and they’ll be happy to work with you on what you want. Of course, customized skins often uses twice the material plus the added labor, so expect the price of that to double to about $18. With that being said, the two vinyl’s that I have from them feel and look great. As you can see with the pictures below, the cutouts are dead on with the camera and speakers. What’s even more surprising is how well the “nexus” letters were cut in precision to perfectly match it on my Nexus.
Texture wise, these aren’t just cheap “stickers” that have been slapped together. While the titanium seen above isn’t real titanium, it looks just as real and has great texture. Same goes with the black carbon fiber skin that is seen below, the texture is great and you can actually feel each line. I can’t say enough how great these look on your device. If you prefer a “cleaner” look and not have the “nexus” cut-out, then you can easily request that by e-mailing them.
I’ve also found that these skins are very easy to apply. With mildly steady hands I was able to apply these in no longer than 30 seconds. The best part is that you can re-apply these numerous times, this is especially great if you bought a couple colors and decide to swap the them out as you please. Last but not least, what makes an already great company into an awesome one? Customer service of course! After various e-mail exchanges and reading customers feedback from various threads on XDA and Reddit, dbrand provides great and speedy customer service. By far one of the best I’ve seen. What’s great is that you can shoot them an e-mail if you have any questions, whether it’s a personal request on a customized skin that you have envisioned or a general question about their products. Regardless of the inquiry they are quick to respond. You can purchase these skins on the first link below, and you can also check out their Facebook page for more HD pictures of their products on numerous devices! Needless to say, if you’re looking to customize your device then I would highly recommend dbrand inc! dbrand inc.
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