Android Central |
- ASUS teasing something square and shiny
- Nook HD+ buyers will receive free Simple Touch reader with purchase starting March 24
- Netgear PTV3000 Miracast adapter firmware update fixes handful of bugs
- T-Mobile reportedly testing LTE network in 9 cities across the US
- Samsung 'Galaxy S4 Mini' sighted, looks like a miniature Galaxy S4
- Sony Xperia SP and Xperia L priced in the UK
- Archos GamePad, 97 and 80 Titanium tablets now available in the US
- From the forums: Top Samsung Galaxy S4 threads
- HTC gives update on HTC One delays, availability
- Onkyo updates app for 2013 receivers
- Tweedle for Twitter: Flying under the radar
- Deal of the Day: Cruzerlite DNA Persona Case for Samsung Galaxy S3
- Sony Xperia Tablet Z officially torn down, tablet parts found within
- Android Central 128: It's getting hot in here
- Garnet red and 'La Fleur' Galaxy S3 Mini now available from Carphone Warehouse
- First Sony Xperia Z firmware update hitting some devices in Europe
- Google Play books now live in Mexico
- Google reportedly working on an entry into the smart watch market
- Google Play gift cards now redeemable in Canada
- Android Central Podcast - Live!
- Samsung isn't forgetting about devices for emerging markets
- Verizon Messages now offers texting via tablets and computers
| ASUS teasing something square and shiny Posted: 22 Mar 2013 04:15 PM PDT
And we have no idea what it might be. Could it be the ASUS Qube? Or a high-end Chromebook? Or something less exciting for Google fans, like a router? ASUS is giving no hints. We'll know tomorrow, but fill the comments with your best guesses. Source: +ASUS 
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| Nook HD+ buyers will receive free Simple Touch reader with purchase starting March 24 Posted: 22 Mar 2013 02:49 PM PDT
Barnes & Noble is set to start including a free Nook Simple Touch e-reader with the purchase of its higher-end 9-inch Nook HD+ tablet starting March 24th. Reports in February indicated that B&N may be looking to scale down its Nook hardware efforts, and deals like this often coincide with a dumping of inventory. Since launching in 2011, the Simple Touch e-readers haven't taken off in the way B&N would have hoped to compete with Amazon's Kindle e-readers. Similarly, its multimedia-focused tablets haven't been a huge hit either. The deal will run for just one week, but should give a few buyers that were on the fence about a nook tablet to hop over and make the purchase. At the same time, it could help B&N get through some unwanted inventory. The Nook HD+ currently sells for $269 for 16GB of storage and $299 for 32GB, and the Simple Touch regularly retails for $79. Source: Reuters 
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| Netgear PTV3000 Miracast adapter firmware update fixes handful of bugs Posted: 22 Mar 2013 02:21 PM PDT
Using Netgear's PTV3000 Miracast adapter has been a pretty hit-or-miss affair, and is hoping to improve with its latest firmware update. Firmware v2.2.12 has a changelog that is mainly similar to the previous one, but fixes a handful of nasty bugs.
Fixing unnecessary complete lockups of the dongle is a great thing, but as @spaceman78204 pointed out to us on Twitter, it also seems to support his Nexus 4 running Android 4.2.2 just fine. This adapter still seems to be having its fair share of issues, but at least Netgear is giving a shot at fixing them. Source: Netgear; Thanks, @spaceman78204! 
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| T-Mobile reportedly testing LTE network in 9 cities across the US Posted: 22 Mar 2013 01:21 PM PDT
T-Mobile may be testing its LTE network in several additional cities above the two that it has already announced are complete. According to data collected by OpenSignal, which makes diagnostic software that many engineers use to test networks, there is some LTE network activity on T-Mobile in at least 9 different cities in the U.S. On top of the previously announced Las Vegas and Kansas City, the network is available in some capacity in New York, New Orleans, Denver, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco and naturally Bellevue, WA where the company is headquartered. OpenSignal has posted some preliminary speeds that they're seeing, which fall in line with what we've seen before. It's hard to take those as any indication of the speeds when the network officially launches, however. T-Mobile is set to unveil something at an event in New York City on March 26th, so we may be hearing a whole lot more about their LTE plans next week. Source: OpenSignal 
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| Samsung 'Galaxy S4 Mini' sighted, looks like a miniature Galaxy S4 Posted: 22 Mar 2013 01:08 PM PDT
The Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini hasn't exactly set the world alight, but Samsung looks set to continue the "Mini" line of devices with a new entrant later this year. The Samsung GT-i9190 -- rumored to go by the name of Galaxy S4 Mini -- has appeared online via the Twitter account a fellow named Ermek Kubanychbekov. Ermek, it seems, is also lucky enough to be in possession of a Galaxy S4. The shots posted on Twitter show the "S4 Mini" from various angles, along with some comparison pictures next to the Galaxy S3 and S4. Physically, it's the spitting image of the Galaxy S4, right down to the patterned back cover and flattened sides. On the software side the GT-i9190 is running what looks to be TouchWid'z Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, just like the full-sized S4. Specs, however seem to fall a little further down the food chain. The device is rumored to pack a 1.6GHz dual-core CPU with a 4.3-inch qHD (960x540) SuperAMOLED display. Samsung has a track record of shipping many, many devices in the mid-range space, but it's interesting to see it once again breaking out its top-shelf branding for what might be a relatively humdrum phone. That said, we'll wait for more official info before passing judgment. Source: Ermek Kubanychbekov; via: SamMobile 
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| Sony Xperia SP and Xperia L priced in the UK Posted: 22 Mar 2013 12:25 PM PDT
Earlier this week Sony announced the Xperia SP and Xperia L -- new mid-range and entry-level phones for the European market. Today we're starting to see the first UK pricing information for these two devices from some prominent online retailers. First up, the Xperia SP, Sony's latest mid-ranger is up for pre-order for a little over £300 -- the cheapest price at present is from Handtec, which offers the SP for £314.40 inc. VAT. That gets you a dual-core, 720p-screened device with an aluminum trim and customizable light bar, backed up by Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and Sony's UI. There's also an 8MP Exmor RS rear camera, as well as LTE connectivity. If it's the Xperia L you're after, the lowest price can be had from Clove, at £234 inc. VAT. The Xperia L bears a close resemblance to Sony's Xperia Arc series, and is powered by a 1GHz dual-core CPU with 1GB of RAM and a FWVGA screen. It's also packing the same Exmor RS camera tech as its big brother. So far none of the major UK networks have announced plans to range either new Xperia handsets, but we'll keep you posted with any future developments. Both devices are due to appear in Q2, with a late April timeframe being specified by Clove. Source: Handtec, Clove; via: XperiaBlog 
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| Archos GamePad, 97 and 80 Titanium tablets now available in the US Posted: 22 Mar 2013 12:09 PM PDT
Archos is finally letting U.S. consumers get their hands on two of its latest tablets and the much-awaited GamePad gaming device. Starting with the GamePad, we're looking at the same device that has been around for several months, last spotted by us at CES in January. It is essentially a 7-inch Android tablet that has a full set of appropriate gaming controls around the screen. On the spec sheet, we're looking at a 1024x600 display, 1GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, all running with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The 97 Titanium and 80 Titanium are going on sale as well, which are solid, well-priced pair devices. The 97 Titanium sports a 2048x1536 9.7-inch display, 1.6GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, dual cameras and also running Android 4.1. The 80 Titanium is the lower-end play, at 8-inches with 1024x768 resolution, but the same processor, storage and software as its big brother. Both devices are certified for Google Play as well. Archos has made all three devices available from several retailers in the U.S. -- Amazon, B&H Photo, J&R, Brandsmart, Hastings, Beach Camera and Adorama -- at pretty attractive prices. The GamePad will set you back $179, 97 Titanium $249 and 80 Titanium $169. You can learn a little more about the devices at the source link below. Source: Arcohs (Titanium); Archos (GamePad) 
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| From the forums: Top Samsung Galaxy S4 threads Posted: 22 Mar 2013 09:27 AM PDT
The dust has settled after last week's Samsung Galaxy S4 announcement event in New York, but there's still lots to discuss ahead of the phone's eventual launch. You'll find much of that discussion over at the Android Central forums. Here's a rundown of some of the top threads in our Galaxy S4 forum right now.
More: Samsung Galaxy S4 forum
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| HTC gives update on HTC One delays, availability Posted: 22 Mar 2013 09:05 AM PDT
North America will get the HTC One by the end of April, company saysHTC has just released a statement regarding availability for the HTC One, which has seen delays because of supply shortages. As you'd expect, the company is spinning things in a positive light, and promises that we'll see some general availability in Europe Next week, and North American and Asia by the end of April. Here's the full statement:
So the UK, Germany and Taiwan next week, North America and Asia-Pacific by the end of April. Our usual MO is to tell you that a few weeks isn't that long to wait. But after getting to use the HTC One for a couple weeks now, we can't say that with a straight face. Any delay should be particularly distressing for HTC, which has struggled financially for a number of quarters, as competitor Samsung prepares what should be another high-profile (and high-budget) launch with the Galaxy S4. We put the two phones up against each other last week in New York City, and it's going to be a tough call for many folks. 
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| Onkyo updates app for 2013 receivers Posted: 22 Mar 2013 09:01 AM PDT
Using your phone to control your home entertainment center has garnered the attention of just about every smartphone manufacturer this year. But it's not a new concept -- component manufacturers have had their own apps for some time now. I've got an Onkyo receiver at home, and the official Onkyo app was updated this week to work with the 2013 line of receivers. Check out our full look at the Onkyo app to see all the fun you can have ("Daddy, why did the piercing scream of my cartoon suddenly go on mute?"), and hit up the app if you've got a compatible reciever. 
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| Tweedle for Twitter: Flying under the radar Posted: 22 Mar 2013 07:33 AM PDT
There's no shortage of great Twitter clients out there -- we've highlighted dozens on the site -- but that doesn't mean we're going to stop showing off the best ones we find, such as Tweedle for Twitter. This client has been around for some time now, but may not be at the top of user's minds when asked to name the Top 5 clients available on Android. That doesn't mean it's a bad app though -- far from it, it recently pushed over the 500,000 user install mark on Google Play. Tweedle for Twitter offers a smooth and modern interface with the opportunity to granularly control notifications, syncing and the entire color scheme of the app. Hang around after the break to learn a little more about Tweedle. 
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| Deal of the Day: Cruzerlite DNA Persona Case for Samsung Galaxy S3 Posted: 22 Mar 2013 06:55 AM PDT
The Cruzerlite DNA Persona Case is available for just $7.00, 65% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping. Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts! 
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| Sony Xperia Tablet Z officially torn down, tablet parts found within Posted: 22 Mar 2013 06:19 AM PDT If you've ever wondered what's lurking inside Sony's thin and rather stylish Xperia Tablet Z, then company's ready to satisfy your morbid curiosity with an official teardown video. In it, a Sony-certified tablet gutter cracks into the Tablet Z to reveal an assortment of tablet parts, including tiny PCBs and a rather large battery pack. There's also the rather surprising revelation that the back of the waterproof slate is held on with little more than glue and tape. Those interested in seeing what goes into making an Android tablet can check out the video above. The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is due for release in the West starting in May. More: Sony Xperia Tablet Z hands-on 
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| Android Central 128: It's getting hot in here Posted: 22 Mar 2013 06:09 AM PDT Podcast MP3 URL: http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/acpc128.mp3 Thing 1: Galaxy S4 catch-up
Thing 2: Lordy, another HTC One story?
Thing 3: Google's been busy
Thing 4: Other odds and ends
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| Garnet red and 'La Fleur' Galaxy S3 Mini now available from Carphone Warehouse Posted: 22 Mar 2013 05:55 AM PDT
UK retailer the Carphone Warehouse has announced that it's begun stocking the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini in limited edition "garnet red" and "La Fleur" color options. We've seen both options before on the full-sized S3 -- the red was a prominent color offered by AT&T in the U.S., while the floral design has been spotted in renders, but hasn't seen as widespread a release. With the UK Galaxy S4 launch just a month away, now might seem like an odd time to hop aboard the Galaxy S3 train -- but if you're looking for something in a smaller form factor, you could certainly do worse than the S3 Mini. Carphone is offering the S3 Mini on contracts starting from £12.50 per month for the first six months, then £25 thereafter. The SIM-free price stands at £269.99 Source: Carphone Warehouse 
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| First Sony Xperia Z firmware update hitting some devices in Europe Posted: 22 Mar 2013 04:35 AM PDT
It seems Sony's Xperia Z is in the midsts of its first official firmware update. Xperia Z owners in Europe are reporting receiving the update to version 10.1.A.1.434 through the Sony PC companion app, however it seems the update isn't rolling out for everyone just yet, and it's not yet available directly on the device as an over-the-air update either. For our part, we haven't received any update on the unlocked UK model we've been using. There's also no firm information on exactly what's new in this update, though there's speculation it might address the recently discovered "sleep of death" issue causing Sony Xperia Zs to randomly die. According to XDA forum reports, the latest firmware doesn't fix the slow camera start-up times we pointed out in our Xperia Z review, which is unfortunate. If you've got an Xperia Z in Europe, be sure to hit the comments and let us know if you're seeing this latest firmware update. More: Sony Xperia Z reviewSource: XDA 
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| Google Play books now live in Mexico Posted: 21 Mar 2013 10:22 PM PDT
Google Play Libros han llegado a Mexico! Google has expanded the Play Store south of the border, and now Google Play Books is available in Mexico. Mexicans can now access thousands of titles, including both Mexican favorites and international staples. If you're a book lover, be sure to check them out from your phone's Google Play app, or on the web. You'll need the Google Play Books application if your phone doesn't already have it installed, and you can get it from the Google Play link above. Thanks, Spook! 
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| Google reportedly working on an entry into the smart watch market Posted: 21 Mar 2013 07:45 PM PDT
Making a "smart watch" type of device seems to be the new hot thing, and Google is reportedly eyeing its own entry into the quickly expanding market. According to a source of Financial Times, the watch is coming not from Google's famous X Labs that produced Project Glass, but rather from the Android division directly. Long-rumored upcoming smart watches from the likes of Apple and Samsung, along with actual devices like the Pebble watch are creating a market that could be ripe for a killer entry from Google. There's no indication as to when (or even if) the Android-powered watch would be coming to market, again according to FT's sources. We have to think that Google would want to get Glass out into the market first before trying to reinvent mobile computing once again. but Google is certainly capable of running multiple projects at once. Would you be interested in a smart watch from Google running Android? Or would it depend on the functionality and form factor? Sound off in the comments and let us know. Source: Financial Times; Via: The Verge 
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| Google Play gift cards now redeemable in Canada Posted: 21 Mar 2013 05:56 PM PDT
Google is in the process of activating their gift card program in Canada, and codes are now redeemable via the web for a number of users. We gave it a shot ourselves, and as you can see Rene was able to access the page to redeem a card with no trickery involved. If you're in Canada, and want to give it a try yourself, click here and see what happens. If you're not seeing it yet, we imagine you will soon. We've no word on just when the cards themselves will be on Canadian shelves, but it can't be that far out. 
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| Android Central Podcast - Live! Posted: 21 Mar 2013 05:54 PM PDT Show starts at 9 p.m. EST |
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Samsung isn't forgetting about devices for emerging markets
Posted: 21 Mar 2013 05:46 PM PDT
Samsung may be spending tens of millions of dollars to put on events for the unveiling of the Galaxy S4, but it hasn't forgotten about making devices targeted at emerging markets. We see a lot of new Samsung devices come through that are targeted at the mid range -- such as the Galaxy S3 Mini -- but the Korean manufacturer is also targeting the hyper low-end of emerging markets such as India and Indonesia. In areas where the landscape until recently has been dominated by feature phones, Samsung has gained considerable market share with devices that cost about $100 unlocked. The Wall Street Journal points out that Samsung's market share in Indonesia has risen from 2-percent in 2010 to over 50-percent last quarter.
While there is still a huge untapped market of feature phone users trying to make the move to smart phones, some are worried that Samsung's race to meet the low-end demands will cut into profits. Analysts calculate Samsung's operating margin on these low-end devices at about 12-percent, or less than half of what it is for high-end devices. It's hard to fault Samsung for trying to grab every piece of the market, however. In many cases these consumers are either buying a cheap phone or no phone at all, so choosing to not offer a low-end device to them is a completely lost sale. And with a company the size of Samsung, there's hardly a fight for resources to push into a new market.
Samsung is likely smart to push into emerging markets, if for no other reason than to get consumers acquainted with their smart phones for future purchases. Building up both market share, but also mind share, is extremely important for the long-term viability of sales in a market. They may be buying just $100 entry-level smart phones today, but in a couple of years there's a good chance that the same group of consumers will be ready for the higher end device -- and Samsung will be waiting there to sell them one.
Source: WSJ
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Verizon Messages now offers texting via tablets and computers
Posted: 21 Mar 2013 05:19 PM PDT
Verizon is updating its own messaging app today to support cross-platform syncing of SMS and MMS messages using your Verizon phone number. Users taking advantage of the Verizon Messages app on their Android phone can now carry on continuous conversations between the phone, their Android (or iOS) tablet and on the web from their computer. The apps send and receive regular SMS or MMS messages that appear as though they're coming to and from your own Verizon phone number. Messages stay saved and synced for 90 days on Verizon's end, but can also be exported and saved to external storage on your devices.
The new apps not only keep conversations synced between all of your devices, but also provide a central repository for all of the pictures, links and other attachments you receive. The new update has also added the ability to set an auto-reply for when you're busy and to optionally show your location to friends you're talking to.
If you're interested in trying out the new Verizon Messages service, you can download the app for your phone or tablet form the Play Store link above. The web interface can be found at the source link below, or under your "My Verizon" account.
Source: Verizon; More: Verizon Messages
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