Thursday, March 28, 2013

Android Central

Android Central

ZTE Grand S and Grand Memo set for Chinese launch

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 03:40 PM PDT

Android Central

ZTE's latest high-end devices finally set for launch in their native China on March 28. 

ZTE has brought some impressive looking high-end devices to the table in the early part of 2013, although so far brought to the table is all that's happened. The 5-inch, full HD Grand S was first unveiled at CES in Las Vegas back in January, followed by the gargantuan 5.7-inch Grand Memo in Spain at Mobile World Congress. We left both events with little idea of when the devices might come to market, but now, thankfully we're starting to get some release information. 

In their native China, ZTE will launch both the Grand S and the Grand Memo on March 28. The Chinese version of the Grand Memo will come to market carrying a Snapdragon S4 Pro for 2,688 Yuan ($432.) The processor in the Grand Memo will vary by market, going right up to the new Snapdragon 800, but the Snapdragon S4 Pro is still a pretty good piece of equipment. Other notable specs include Jelly Bean, 2GB of RAM, a 13MP camera, LTE support and that 5.7-inch 720p display. 

The smaller Grand S carries the slightly higher price of 3399 Yuan ($547.) Despite being physically smaller, the Grand S packs a full 1080p display. It too carries a Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2GB of RAM, a 13MP rear camera, LTE and Jelly Bean. The Grand S also has a pretty amazing array of different colours to choose from, including the bright yellow one we went hands on with in Las Vegas. 

At the moment, we're only talking a Chinese launch for these devices, but seeing them hit store shelves is a start. We still have no idea at this point if either of these will make their way to Europe or North America. 

via Engadget Chinese

Action Launcher gains 'Shutters' - swipe your way to widgets

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 03:01 PM PDT

Action Launcher Shutters

Tablets also get some attention, along with a number of other fixes

Every now and then you run into a cool system-level Android app that does some really interesting stuff -- and does it well. Action Launcher is one such application. From Aussie developer Chris Lacy, Action Launcher, erm, launched in October 2012 and shifted the usual Android launcher paradigm -- the home screens for app icons, folders and widgets, and a separate app drawer full of icons -- to a far-left (and extremely speedy) list view for apps. 

An update in December brought forth Covers -- sort of uber-folders that added a slick new bit of functionality to the application.

And now, we have Shutters, available in an update today along with a slew of new features and fixes.

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MakerBot teaming up with OUYA to make 3D printed consoles

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 02:47 PM PDT

Makerbot Ouya consoles

Just as the first systems are getting ready to ship this week, MakerBot has teamed up with OUYA to make 3D printable cases for the consoles.

The partnership means that anyone who gets their hands on an OUYA and happens to have a MakerBot Replicator 2 can design and print custom cases for their console. OUYA helped create 3D printing design kits, which are available on MakerBot's website Thingiverse.com for anyone to use. OUYA sees the hardware customization as an extension of their commitment to having an open console.

If you're willing to spend the time (and money) on a 3D printer, there's no reason in their eyes that you shouldn't have a custom case around your OUYA. MakerBot plans to show off the first 3D printed OUYA consoles at the launch event tomorrow in San Francisco, so be on the lookout for some crazy new designs.

Source: MakerBot (BusinessWire)

Getting bad battery life from 4.2.2 on your Verizon Nexus? Try a factory reset

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 02:14 PM PDT

Factory reset

Did the 4.2.2 update for your Verizon Galaxy Nexus cause horrible battery life? You're not alone, and a reset may just fix you up.

Now that the Verizon version of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus finally got the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update, there's a number of folks out there with some serious complaints about battery life. If you're one of the unlucky folks affected, you know exactly what I mean. If not, a quick look across the Internet will get you up to speed about the troubles these folks are having. Make no mistake, it's a real issue.

Now you'll need to keep in mind that the Verizon Nexus is one of those early LTE devices that will never have stellar battery life, but plenty of folks have found a way to get back to where they were before the OTA (in regards to battery life). Their secret? A factory reset. It's something that nobody ever likes doing, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet and just do it. We'll discuss why, and talk about how it's done after the break.

More: Android Central Forums

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LG Optimus G now shipping to the UK from Expansys

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 02:02 PM PDT

LG Optimus G

After a somewhat ridiculously long wait, the LG Optimus G is finally available in the U.K. from at least one retailer. Expansys, which put the phone up for pre-order just shy of a couple weeks ago, now has the device in stock and ready to ship. This is the same Optimus G we know and love, and its coming out of the box with Jelly Bean on board (rightfully so) compared to the ICS we saw at the initial release. The price has dropped just slightly from the pre-order, now £469.99 (incl. VAT) for the SIM-free version.

It may seem like old news if you've seen the Optimus G available for several months here in the states, but those of you in the U.K. still interested in picking one up can head to the source link below.

Source: Expansys

Gameloft bringing Iron Man 3 to Android on April 25

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 01:32 PM PDT

Sometimes you gotta run before you can walk. -- Tony Stark

We saw the teasers yesterday, and today Gameloft has announced that Iron Man 3 is coming to Android. It's set to launch on April 25, and it looks like a new breed of endless runner. 

Before you complain about yet another endless running game, be sure to check the trailer above. Flying above city streets, firing a lazer at obstacles and enemies is a far cry from Temple Run. This looks like a ton of fun, and even if you're not a fan of Iron Man, who doesn't love to blow the bad guys out of the sky?

No news on what this one's going to cost, all Gameloft is telling us is the date and where to see the trailer. When it comes, we'll have a good look at it.

Source: @Gameloft

Google Play Movies & TV adds in-content 'Info Card' search

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:43 PM PDT

Google Play Movies & TV

Update brings Google Play Moves & TV to India as well!

Google has just updated its Play Movies & TV app to include what it calls "Info Card" search, giving you information about the movie you're watching when you pause. Similar to what Amazon offers on its Kindle Fire tablets, Info Cards give you contextual information about the movie when you pause it, listing the actors in the scene, related movies and the soundtrack playing at the time. The cards are of course in the new "Google Now" card style, overlaid on the movie along the right side and look like what you'd get if you performed a Google search on the actor from a device.

Info Cards are available for only certain movies -- and certainly a limited selection -- that have an Info Cards "badge" on them, so be on the lookout next time you're renting or buying something from Google Play. Also included in this update is Play Movies & TV content for India, which is again a huge deal.

Google Maps updated with more live transit info for D.C., NYC and SLC

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:18 PM PDT

Google Maps transit

Google Maps -- on mobile and the web -- has been updated with fresh live transit data in three U.S. cities. The new data covers departure times for seven lines on the New York City subway, in addition to bus and tram data in the greater Salt Lake City area and service alerts for the Washington D.C. Metrorail.

As the new data is pulled from Google's servers, there's no app update to download -- just fire up the Google Maps app as you usually would, and the new live data will be available.

The addition of new data to Google's live transit database should also improve the functionality of Google Now, which pulls live public transportation data to Jelly Bean phones through its cards system.

Source: Google Lat Long blog

Google Translate app updated with offline support

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 11:30 AM PDT

Google Translate offline

An update to the Google Translate app for Android is going out today, adding support for offline translations for fifty languages. It's a big upgrade for Google Translate, which until now has required an internet connection. (We all know how expensive international roaming can be.)

The new version supports Android 2.3 Gingerbread and above, and languages can be downloaded from the new "Offline languages" menu. A word of warning -- downloading an entire language to your phone takes just as much space as you'd imagine. With only English and German installed, we'd already taken up a hefty 280MB of internal storage.

There are also some limitations to offline mode -- it's currently text-only, so voice translation and image translation don't work offline.

If you've already got Google Translate installed, hit the Play Store to get the latest update. If not, you can use the handy Google Play link above.

Source: Google

HTC One camera tips: How to take better pictures

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 10:19 AM PDT

HTC One camera

A few simple tips will help you get better pictures from your HTC One

The HTC One's "Ultrapixel" camera is one of its main selling points, as is the vast assortment of photo features arranged around it. But knowing how to get the most out of the camera hardware and its array of software options isn't always easy, which is why we've come up with a quick guide to walk you through the best way to using the HTC One's camera features.

If you're picking up an HTC One this week in Europe or Asia -- or you're planning on taking the plunge in the weeks ahead -- you'll want to check it out after the break.

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Preview of Frontline Commando: D-Day

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:52 AM PDT

We swung by the Glu offices while prepping for GDC 2013 today to check out their next Frontline Commando game, due to launch this Thursday on Google Play. You'll find a lot of the same third-person, duck-and-cover action that the franchise is known for, along with a few new elements that really sets it apart.

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Nexus 4 now available in Brazil

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:34 AM PDT

Nexus 4 in Brazil

A quick heads up for our friends in Brazil -- you can now purchase the Google Nexus 4. So sayeth our pal Carlos via e-mail, as well as Google's own Hugo Barra. You can snag it at Ponto Frio as well Fast Shop.

And while you're at it, be sure to swing by our Nexus 4 forums should any questions arise. 

Thanks, Carlos!

Carphone Warehouse taking Galaxy S4 pre-orders tomorrow, offering free accessories and tablet

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:10 AM PDT

Galaxy S4

UK high street retailer Carphone Warehouse has announced that it's to begin taking Samsung Galaxy S4 pre-orders from tomorrow, Mar. 28. And to sweeten the deal -- and get a commitment to buy out of consumers a month ahead of launch day -- Carphone is offering free accessory bundle for every pre-order, and a free Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 for the first 2,000.

The accessory pack includes a Galaxy S4 screen protector, case and car charger, which the retailer says is valued at £64.97. The tablet isn't exactly cutting-edge, but still sells online for upwards of £150, and has recently got its update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Carphone Warehouse, like other UK retailers, is expecting to stock the Galaxy S4 from Apr. 26. Hit up Carphone's Galaxy S4 landing page tomorrow to take advantage of the pre-order offer.

More: Carphone Warehouse

Earn to Die: All the zombie mauling fun you could ask for

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 07:41 AM PDT

Earn to Die

Who doesn't love killing a few dozen zombies while driving to survive the apocalypse? No one, that's who. Earn to Die helps get you your daily zombie-killing fix, and it does so with quality gameplay and graphics. Initially an extremely popular iOS title with millions of installs and plenty of time in the top charts, Earn to Die has come to the Play Store in all its glory. Nothing was lost on the way over either, and the game plays just as great on Android.

The developer has also made the game free for the first lengthy level, and the full-priced version is extremely cheap to boot. Hang with us after the break to learn a little more about Earn to Die, a fun side-scrolling zombie apocalypse game.

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Deal of the Day: Samsung Flip Cover for Galaxy Note 2

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 06:20 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The March 27 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Samsung Flip Cover for Galaxy Note 2. The Flip Cover replaces your Galaxy Note 2 battery cover to provide additional protection for your screen against smudges, scratches and dirt. Simply remove the battery cover and clip on the hard plastic portion of the protective Flip Cover in its place. Color options include gray, white, blue and pink.

The Samsung Flip Cover is available for just $27.00, 32% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last!

Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

Sony Xperia Tablet Z to launch in the UK on May 20, priced at £499

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 05:56 AM PDT

Xperia Tablet Z

Sony's Xperia Tablet Z has been out in Japan for sometime, and now we've got the first details of the new Sony tab's UK arrival. British online retailer Clove has the tablet up for pre-order now priced at £499.20 including VAT, with a release slated for Monday, May 20.

The 10-inch, 1080p-screened Xperia Tablet Z is powered by a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU, with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. There's also an 8MP Sony Exmor R rear shooter and hexa-band 4G LTE connectivity, in addition to IP57-rated water and dust resistance. On the software side, it's running Sony's own UI atop Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

We went hands-on with the Xperia Tablet Z at Mobile World Congress last month, and were quite impressed with the tablet's thin profile and sturdy build quality. At £500, though, it's going to be a tough sell -- even with 4G LTE support and a high-quality camera.

For more on the Sony Xperia Tablet Z, check out our hands-on preview.

Source: Clove

Snapdragon 600-powered Sony Xperia A, UL rumored alongside 6.4-inch 'Togari'

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 04:44 AM PDT

Xperia logo

With the Xperia Z out the door -- and Xperias SP and L due in a few weeks -- Sony Mobile’s attention may be turning to the rest of its 2013 product line-up. That, according to the latest rumors from Japan, might include a duo of Snapdragon 600-powered handsets and a monstrous 6.4-inch tablet hybrid.

According to Japanese site smasoku.mobi, the Xperia A (codenamed “Dogo”) will arrive on Japanese carrier NTT Docomo this summer. Specs are said to include a 4.6-inch display, the aforementioned Snapdragon 600 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a 2300mAh battery and water and dust resistance. An IR blaster is reportedly on-board too, as is 1Seg Japanese TV support and NFC-based mobile wallet capabilities.

Next up is the Xperia UL (codenamed “Gaga”), which apparently sports a similar design to the America-centric Xperia ZL. As far as specs are concerned the main difference between the two is the upgrade from a Snapdragon S4 Pro to Snapdragon 600. The other vital stats -- 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and 2300mAh battery, haven’t changed all that much. Like the Xperia A, it’s also said to support 1Seg, IR capabilities and mobile wallet.

Finally, Sony’s gigantic 6.4-inch handset, purportedly codenamed “Togari,” remains on the cards according to the Japanese site. In Japan it’s set to launch “later this year” on Docomo, however Sony is said to still be in talks with carriers. If the “Togari” does see a widespread release, it might go up against Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3, which is expected towards the back half of the year.

As always, take these rumors with a pinch of salt, and bear in mind that these Japanese products might look somewhat different when we see them in the West. Regardless, these look like some interesting devices -- in particular, we’re curious to see how Sony tackles the phone/tablet hybrid space.

Source: smasoku.mobi; via: XperiaBlog

Three UK launching 4G service during Q4 2013, carrier in 'no rush' for LTE

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:35 AM PDT

Android Central

During yesterdays earnings report, Three UK CEO Dave Dyson also spoke of his carriers plans for their as yet un-announced LTE network. Three has picked up spectrum from both rival carrier EE, as well as the recent spectrum auctions, on which their future LTE network will be based. According to Dyson, we shouldn't expect to see LTE from Three anytime before Q4 2013, but that they are in "no rush for LTE." 

Three currently offers an "Ultrafast" network via HSPA+, and customer response has been excellent. In our own real world tests, in certain areas Ultrafast can match, and even beat, EE's LTE for download speeds so you can understand Three's relaxed attitude towards 4G. 

They're also purposely waiting until the other two of the big four carriers -- O2 and Vodafone -- launch their own LTE offerings. Dyson went on to say that Three is content to see how these two position their 4G offerings, before looking at how they offer their own. 

4G is definitely the buzzword in this day and age, but Three isn't losing out too much by waiting. Besides offering some extremely fast HSPA+ data speeds, they also offer a wide range of all-you-can-eat data plans. Ultrafast will lead into 4G, and the first LTE markets will be where Three currently sees the most demand for mobile internet. 

Source: Mobile News

The original Sonic the Hedgehog coming to Android

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 09:18 PM PDT

Sonic

Big news from GDC for Sonic fans! The original Sonic the Hedgehog is making it's way to Android. It will cost $2.99 (a bargain for any fan) and we have no release date as of yet. We do know that it's going to be completely re-written as a native Android app, and deliver a "rock solid" frame rate and take advantage of the wide screen of Android devices for superior game play. In addition, Time Attack mode will be included, as well as a completely remastered sound track.

While not official, folks at SonicRetro think the new game may be built using the Retro Engine, as developer Christian Whitehead recently tweeted:

 Those feels, I'm preparing a build for GDC and I won't even be there.

It sounds like we're going to be in for a treat. We're going to talk more with Sega tomorrow and see if we can't get a little demo. All you need to do is dust off the old Game Gear and practice. 

Source: SonicRetro; Android Police

Green Throttle expands Atlas Controller support to any device running ICS and above

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 06:43 PM PDT

Green Throttle

Green Throttle, a start-up focused on bringing quality console-level controllers to Android devices, is announcing wider device compatibility of its app and Atlas Controller. The controller can now be used on any Android device running ICS (4.0.3) or later, although Green Throttle recommends you use a device with video-out support in order to play on a larger screen. After its installed, Green Throttle Arena lets you play games with up to four players on your Android device with a much better experience than using a touch screen.

The app is free, but the Atlas Controller itself will set you back $39.95 stand-alone, or $49.95 with a bundled Micro USB charger and HDMI cable. If you want to play with a friend, a two controller bundle runs $89.99. If you'd like to check them out for yourself, you can grab the app from the Play Store link above, and see more about the controller and technology at the link below.

More: Green Throttle
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