Android Central |
- Motorola Electrify 2 has an official Jelly Bean update working its way around
- Facebook updating their Android app outside of Google Play for some users
- HTC One versus Sony Xperia Z
- Pocket Casts hits v4.1 with new dark theme, various playback improvements
- Beam Player: simple, clean folder-based music player
- U.S. Galaxy S4 model to be powered by Snapdragon 600 CPU
- Reminder: Still time to win a Samsung Galaxy S4 in our 'World's First' contest!
- Deal of the Day: Incipio DualPro Hard Case for Droid RAZR M
- HTC One $100 trade-in deal extended to April 4th
- Mobilicity, Wind, Videotron and Sasktel to carry Samsung Galaxy S4
- HTC: Galaxy S4 is 'more of the same,' 'pales in comparison' to HTC One
- Samsung Galaxy S4 will integrate 'Mobeam' barcode trasmission technology
- OtterBox confirms Galaxy S4 Defender, Commuter and Reflex cases
- Press plans to continue development post Google Reader shutdown
- Android Central Podcast: Galaxy S4 special edition
- Sony SmartWatch update brings seven new watch faces, notification previews
- Ingress update lets users submit portal locations and information fixes
- This week's sidebar poll: Samsung Galaxy S4 or HTC One?
- Relive Samsung's Galaxy S4 announcement event
- Samsung Galaxy S4 software improvements headed to the Galaxy S3
- Rogers, Bell and TELUS all announce plans to carry the Samsung Galaxy S4
- AT&T branded Samsung Galaxy S4 anounced
- U.S. Cellular confirms their plans to carry the Samsung Galaxy S4
- Sprint to sell Galaxy S4 in Q2, unlimited LTE still intact
- Samsung shows off Hub and new content services on the Galaxy S4
| Motorola Electrify 2 has an official Jelly Bean update working its way around Posted: 15 Mar 2013 03:57 PM PDT
The Motorola Electrify 2 is the latest handset to get a Jelly Bean update, as Android 4.1 is currently rolling out to users in the usual slow, cautious manner. Motorola reminds us of a few Jelly Bean features like expanded notifications, Google Now, and voice search at their announcement page, but there's also plenty under the hood that makes Jelly Bean an incredible upgrade for any phone or tablet. Project Butter anyone? As mentioned, the update is coming in phases. To check if it's your turn to have a crack at it, go to the settings and look for a system update. If you see one, holler in the comments and let us know how it's working out! Source: Motorola 
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| Facebook updating their Android app outside of Google Play for some users Posted: 15 Mar 2013 02:55 PM PDT
For the past couple of days users have been seeing a download notification for a new Facebook build (140579 or 141046). The notification would get stuck for many folks, and reboots or battery pulls just caused another notification and stuck download. The whole thing pretty much acted like a clunky, amateurish malware attack. It's not. The update is legit, and from Facebook. They are pushing out an update outside of the Play Store (which is a direct violation of the developer agreement, by the way) to some users to test new features. If you have the setting checked to allow installations from unknown sources (sideloading) you might have seen this. You also might still be stuck fiddling with the notification that won't go away. To fix that, hook up with some Wifi -- Facebook won't download the update while you're using your data connection. Let's ignore that Facebook may be breaching their developer agreement. Lets also ignore that they are silently pushing software to a users phone, when that user is unaware and didn't ask for it. We'll also overlook the way Facebook thinks all Wifi is free and unlimited. But we can't overlook the fact that they let this go on for three days and still haven't posted a little something to their blog or dropped a little blurb in the Google Play app description to let the users -- you know, the ones who are worried what the hell this fake Facebook download is doing -- know what was going on. Anyhoo, if you see the notification about it, just turn on your Wifi and it will overwrite your current Facebook app with something -- nobody knows exactly what, because Facebook hates change logs, too -- newer, and hopefully better. Via: The Verge 
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| Posted: 15 Mar 2013 02:37 PM PDT
The HTC One is due to launch globally in the next month, so how does it compare to Sony's latest, the Xperia Z?The Xperia Z is Sony’s best smartphone yet, and it’s one of the first major flagship devices of 2013 to hit the market. But there’s competition coming, and not just from Samsung. HTC will be launching the HTC One in Europe from the end of the month, and the Taiwanese manufacturer’s going all-out with its very best build quality, redesigned software and a new kind of smartphone camera. So how does HTC’s latest hold up against Sony’s glass-clad beast? We’ve got comparisons in video, pictures and words after the break. 
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| Pocket Casts hits v4.1 with new dark theme, various playback improvements Posted: 15 Mar 2013 02:20 PM PDT
Pocket Casts just received an update to version 4.1, bringing a new "dark" theme and several notable playback improvements. Even though it just recently made the major jump to version 4 with a complete redesign, the updates don't stop there. Version 4.1 has a new dark theme, which should be easier on the eyes when viewing in dim environments and generally just please the crowd that likes a darker UI. On the playback side, v4.1 adds global playback speed options, set "start from" times for episodes, larger buttons and various other little fixes. If you haven't taken a look yet, the new and redesigned Pocket Casts 4 is certainly worth consideration. You can grab a download from the Play Store at the link above, and stick around after the break for a quick side-by-side comparison of the light and dark UI. 
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| Beam Player: simple, clean folder-based music player Posted: 15 Mar 2013 12:53 PM PDT
There are countless music players out there offering buckets of features and flair, but sometimes you just want a basic app to play music from a folder structure. Beam Player fits the bill for this use perfectly, and doesn't go over the top on design or unnecessary features either. Best of all it's holo, tablet responsive, and has great widgets and notification controls. Hang with us after the break to see more of what Beam Player has to offer as a simple music player. 
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| U.S. Galaxy S4 model to be powered by Snapdragon 600 CPU Posted: 15 Mar 2013 10:39 AM PDT
At yesterday's big Samsung Galaxy S4 announcement, the manufacturer revealed that multiple versions of the phone would be produced running differing CPUs, as was the case with last year's Galaxy S3. Certain markets, including the U.S., will get a 1.9GHz quad-core chip powering their S4, while other territories, including the UK and Europe, would get an octa-core Samsung Exynos 4 chip at 1.6GHz. However, there was some confusion as to exactly which quad-core chip would be fitted in the quad-core Galaxy S4 -- Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 600, or the slightly older Snapdragon S4 Pro. Today a Qualcomm spokesperson has confirmed to us that the quad-core Galaxy S4 is indeed packing the faster Snapdragon 600 chip, so hopefully we can all avoid any more sleepless nights worrying about that one. The U.S. variant Galaxy S4 joins the HTC One and LG Optimus G Pro, which will also ship with Qualcomm's latest chip. While the S4 Pro, found in devices like the LG Optimus G and Nexus 4 is certainly a capable chip, we'll always welcome a little more processing horsepower -- Qualcomm claims its new chip offers an up to 40 percent increase in performance over the S4 Pro. More: Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S4; Galaxy S4 forums
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| Reminder: Still time to win a Samsung Galaxy S4 in our 'World's First' contest! Posted: 15 Mar 2013 07:58 AM PDT
Now we know exactly what's coming in the Samsung Galaxy S4, there's still time to enter our World's First Galaxy S4 Contest to win a handset of your own as soon as it's released. How do you enter? Simply post a comment on the original contest news post (not this one!). That's it -- do that and you're automatically entered. But we'll be closing the contest soon, so get in your post while you still can. We'll be closing the contest at 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, March 17th, and we'll announce a winner the following day. When you're done, you'll find plenty of friendly Galaxy S4 discussion over in our GS4 forum. Good luck to everyone who enters! 
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| Deal of the Day: Incipio DualPro Hard Case for Droid RAZR M Posted: 15 Mar 2013 07:01 AM PDT
The Incipio DualPro Hard Case is available for just $17.00, 43% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last! Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts 
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| HTC One $100 trade-in deal extended to April 4th Posted: 15 Mar 2013 06:03 AM PDT
Not overly impressed with Samsung's latest offering? HTC is here for you. The deal that started last month has been extended -- buy an HTC One and get a $100 Visa gift card when send in your old smartphone. All you have to do is sign up online by the new deadline to qualify for the deal. After you register with HTC by April 4th, just send your HTC One proof of purchase and old phone in to HTC to claim your $100 Visa card. Easy money. HTC says the extension is due to "overwhelming response" from fans, but we suspect the reported delay in shipments of the phone might also be a factor. No doubt there were a lot of people waiting for the Galaxy S4 announcement before signing up for any manufacturer promotions. The competition between these two phones is going to be fierce, and a free 100 big ones from HTC is going to make the choice that much more interesting. More: Complete HTC One preview, HTC One forums
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| Mobilicity, Wind, Videotron and Sasktel to carry Samsung Galaxy S4 Posted: 15 Mar 2013 05:13 AM PDT
If you're in Canada and were wondering why your carrier was left out of our initial availability announcement, have no fear - more carriers are here. Four more Canadian carriers have confirmed they will carry the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4: Mobilicity, Wind, Videotron and Sasktel. The details on pricing of release dates are still yet to be announced, and it looks like we'll have to wait until we get a little closer to the Galaxy S4 launch in Canada to get them. 
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| HTC: Galaxy S4 is 'more of the same,' 'pales in comparison' to HTC One Posted: 15 Mar 2013 04:30 AM PDT
HTC digs its claws into Samsung following Galaxy S4 unveilingHTC has issued a statement dismissing Samsung's Galaxy S4 as "more of the same," claiming the handset "pales in comparison to the all-aluminium unibody HTC One." The statement, attributed to recently-appointed Chief Marketing Officer Benjamin Ho, singles out the S4's plastic chassis and familiar design for criticism --
And HTC's reaction to the S4 wasn't limited to an official statement. Company reps dressed in HTC One shirts trolled the line outside Radio City Music Hall last night, handing out chips, hot chocolate and HTC One promo materials. Later in the night, the official @HTC Twitter account became a source of snarky live commentary and retweets. 
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| Samsung Galaxy S4 will integrate 'Mobeam' barcode trasmission technology Posted: 15 Mar 2013 04:08 AM PDT
Following up on Samsung's announcement today, Mobeam is saying that its barcode transmission technology is going to be integrated into the Galaxy S4 software. Mobeam's patented technology allows phones to mimic the characteristics of a standard 1-D barcode so that laser scanners used in most POS (Point Of Sale) systems can read them. Typically these laser scanners can't read smart phone screens, so Mobeam gets around this by having the device send pulses of light that mimic the reflection of scanning a barcode. It's pretty technical (and secretive, naturally) but the end result is that the phone can store barcodes for coupons, gift cards, event tickets and more. This is an interesting development considering Samsung just announced its Wallet app at MWC, which aims to offer tickets, membership passes and coupons on devices. We could see Samsung integrating this Mobeam software solution into an app like Wallet to offer better payment options. We'll have a better idea of Samsung's plans once we dive deeper into the software on the Galaxy S4. Source: Mobeam (BusinessWire); Mobeam Samsung Galaxy S4 Forums | Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S4 | Samsung Galaxy S4 Details
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| OtterBox confirms Galaxy S4 Defender, Commuter and Reflex cases Posted: 15 Mar 2013 03:34 AM PDT
Right on time, OtterBox is confirming that it will bring its most popular case styles to market for the just-announced Samsung Galaxy S4. The popular case maker will sell the Defender, Commuter and Reflex cases for the S4, giving a wide range of options depending on the amount of device protection required. The heaviest of the bunch, Defender, is a three-piece setup consisting of a hard plastic shell shrouded in a silicone outer layer along with an integrated screen protector. The Commuter is lighter, with an inside layer of silicone to protect against shocks. Reflex is thin two-piece design that is ideal for users that would like to occasionally dock their devices. OtterBox says the three case models will be coming "soon" for the Galaxy S4, but hasn't given any pricing or specific availability at this time. It's good to know that accessory makers are pledging to get products out the door as soon as possible, though. Source: OtterBox (BusinessWire) Samsung Galaxy S4 Forums | Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S4 | Samsung Galaxy S4 Details
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| Press plans to continue development post Google Reader shutdown Posted: 14 Mar 2013 10:46 PM PDT
One of our favorite Google Reader clients, Press, released an update to its app today explaining that it plans to continue development after Reader shuts down on July 1, 2013. First and foremost, Press is not shutting down when Google Reader goes away. The team is already looking into another backend syncing solution, which will ideally be cross-platform one. Noting that they, too, just found out yesterday about the shutdown, they state:
Press isn't alone in their search for a new platform to provide cross-platform RSS news syncing. There are dozens of popular news readers and podcast managers that rely on Google Reader as a syncing platform that will all be either shutting down or looking for a new means to keep going. 
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| Android Central Podcast: Galaxy S4 special edition Posted: 14 Mar 2013 09:22 PM PDT Podcast MP3 URL: http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/acpc-gs4.mp3
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| Sony SmartWatch update brings seven new watch faces, notification previews Posted: 14 Mar 2013 08:46 PM PDT
The Sony SmartWatch controller app is receiving an update that brings several new flashy watch faces and increased functionality to the accessory. The new watch faces cover all the bases -- analog, digital, abstract -- and come in different colors as well. The update also brings improved battery level information, notification previews from your device and improvements to search when looking for new apps for the SmartWatch. The app should also now be easier to get installed on non-Sony devices, which is a plus. If you happen to be using a Sony SmartWatch, you can grab a download or update to the app at the top of this post. 
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| Ingress update lets users submit portal locations and information fixes Posted: 14 Mar 2013 08:01 PM PDT
Ingress has just been updated today to give users the ability to submit and update portal location information. For existing portals, players at those portals can now submit new photos that they feel better show the location. You can also now submit suggestions for improvements to the portal name, description or location information. For areas that users think would be good portal locations but aren't yet, they can submit a photo and information for consideration to open a portal there. The update also claims to improve GPS location accuracy and stability, along with a host of nondescript "bugfixes and performance improvements". If you're a hardcore Ingress player, this will be an update to get. You can grab an update or download of the latest version from the Play Store link above. 
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| This week's sidebar poll: Samsung Galaxy S4 or HTC One? Posted: 14 Mar 2013 07:16 PM PDT
You knew this was coming. We know all the details of both the HTC One and after tonight's event we know what there is to know about the Samsung Galaxy S4. Now we need to know which one you'll be picking up. Will it be HTC's newly designed One with Sense 5, or Samsung's familiar looking, yet all new Galaxy S4? Or neither? There's a poll in the sidebar to the right, and it's also embedded after the break. Vote, and let everyone know why you feel the way you do in the comments. Try to be kind to each other, OK? 
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| Relive Samsung's Galaxy S4 announcement event Posted: 14 Mar 2013 07:03 PM PDT
Miss our live coverage of Samsung Mobile Unpacked 2013? Fear not, the entire event is now available to stream on YouTube, so if you're so inclined. On the night, the Galaxy S4 was unveiled with the kind of pomp, ceremony and surrealism we've come to expect from the Korean manufacturer. Actor Will Chase, Samsung Mobile head JK Shin and box-wielding miniature humanoid Jeremy Maxwell saw us through the proceedings, which included some bizarre role-playing segments to demo the main S4 features. Check it out after the break, and be sure to hit up our hands-on coverage if you haven't already. More: Samsung Galaxy S4 liveblog, Samsung Galaxy S4 forums 
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| Samsung Galaxy S4 software improvements headed to the Galaxy S3 Posted: 14 Mar 2013 06:57 PM PDT
Samsung showed off a whole bunch of new software improvements launching with the Galaxy S4, but apparently they won't remain exclusive to Samsung's latest. PC Mag managed to catch a word with Nick DiCarlo, Samsung's VP of Portfolio Planning, right after the Unpacked event in New York City. While discussing the new software features on the Galaxy S4, the topic of what might see its way onto the Galaxy S3 cropped up:
This could also include the Galaxy Note 2, though that wasn't specifically mentioned. That opens the door to a whole bunch of the new features such as dual-camera, S-Translator, S Health, and perhaps even the Smart Pause and Scroll features. We've seen a real push on the software front in recent months from Samsung, highlighted by launching the Galaxy S4 on Android 4.2.2 -- the latest and greatest. It's by no means a concrete confirmation, nor do we have any idea when such updates may appear. But, the Galaxy S3 was a worldwide smash for Samsung, it's not unreasonable to think they'll support it as long as they can. Source: PC Mag 
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| Rogers, Bell and TELUS all announce plans to carry the Samsung Galaxy S4 Posted: 14 Mar 2013 06:05 PM PDT
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is hot property, and we're sure to hear about many of those hundreds of worldwide carriers to offer it in the coming days. U.S carriers have been quick out of the gate, with three of the big four already announcing plans, along with U.S. Cellular. Our friends up in Canada need not worry, as Rogers, Bell and TELUS have all released their first statements about Galaxy S4 availability. All three have taken to their Twitter accounts to deliver somewhat vague, yet still important statements of intent. All three are keeping release dates close to their chest right now, and are just saying 'soon.' We know not to expect anything before the end of April, but for anyone hoping to snag a new Galaxy S4 on one of these carriers this will be good news to hear. Samsung Galaxy S4 Forums | Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S4 |Samsung Galaxy S4 Details
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| AT&T branded Samsung Galaxy S4 anounced Posted: 14 Mar 2013 05:42 PM PDT
Not that anyone was doubting they would, but AT&T announced their plans to carry the Samsung Galaxy S4. As AT&T reminds us in their press release, they were the first U.S. carrier to get the Samsung Galaxy series, and now just a few short years later we have the fourth iteration of this immensely popular family of devices. Their official page is located here, however it doesn't appear to be up quite yet - attempting to load it will take you to the general Samsung devices page. This will most likely be fixed shortly after this writing. Jeff Bradley, senior vice president of devices, AT&T says:
For a complete listing of the Galaxy S4's specifications, you can check out the official specs. However, the real draw of this phone is the software, so make sure you see Samsung's latest flagship phone in action by heading over to our hands on review. The forums will be hopping for the foreseeable future, so make sure not to miss out on the discussion. See you there! Samsung Galaxy S4 Forums | Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S4 | Samsung Galaxy S4 Details
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| U.S. Cellular confirms their plans to carry the Samsung Galaxy S4 Posted: 14 Mar 2013 05:40 PM PDT
As we all hoped heading into Samsung Unpacked in New York City, U.S. carriers are certainly getting behind the new Samsung Galaxy S4. It's by no means surprising to see so many want a piece of one of the hottest devices to launch in 2013, but it's still reassuring to see such support literally moments after the event ended. The latest to confirm the Galaxy S4 is U.S. Cellular. There isn't a whole lot to go on at the moment though, as their statement is short, and sweet:
So, no pricing or availability information yet, but nevertheless a great sign from U.S. Cellular that they'll be picking this one up. Samsung Galaxy S4 Forums | Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S4 |Samsung Galaxy S4 Details
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| Sprint to sell Galaxy S4 in Q2, unlimited LTE still intact Posted: 14 Mar 2013 05:32 PM PDT
Sprint is planning to release the Samsung Galaxy S4 in the second quarter of the year, and is confirming that it will continue to offer unlimited LTE with the device. Following in line with most other carriers, Sprint isn't getting to much more specific about pricing our availability details:
It's a good time for Sprint to remind potential buyers that it will still offer unlimited LTE on the handset, in a time where many people may be looking to switch carriers with a new device purchase. Samsung Galaxy S4 Forums | Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S4 |Samsung Galaxy S4 Details
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| Samsung shows off Hub and new content services on the Galaxy S4 Posted: 14 Mar 2013 05:27 PM PDT
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is real, official, and the waiting is finally over. There's a lot to take in on both the hardware and the software front, and we're really only just beginning to scratch the surface. During the Unpacked event in New York City, we were treated to a first look at some of the new content services that will be coming to market with the Galaxy S4. First up is Samsung Hub. This does exactly what it says on the box, and is the single entry point for all of Samsung's content services on the Galaxy S4. Browsing, managing and purchasing a variety of content can be done through the Hub using a single Samsung account. Samsung Apps has been updated to add extra search features to find apps in both Samsung Apps and Google Play that are optimized for Samsung devices. Samsung ChatON on the Galaxy S4 combines the VOIP and video calling elements with the new dual-camera mode introduced allowing for photo sharing during calls. ChatON now also integrates a screen sharing feature, allowing you to share your Galaxy S 4 display with the person you're chatting with and control it during the call. Group Play is all about sharing. Music, documents, games, all can be shared with your friends without the need for a common WiFi network. The SDK to this is being opened up to developers too, so it's going to be interesting to see what game developers can come up with. The Galaxy S4 is also the first device to ship with Visa's payWave function built in. In its simplest terms this is geared towards making NFC payments on a global scale using the Galaxy S4. We're sure to see a lot more of all these in the coming weeks, but for now to see the full press release, click on past the break. Samsung Galaxy S4 Forums | Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S4 |Samsung Galaxy S4 Details
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