Android Central |
- Download the Sense 5 wallpapers from the HTC One
- HTC One allows for 'distortion free recording' with dual membrane microphones
- Sony Xperia Z camera - initial sample images and comparisons
- The latest Chrome Beta brings password and autofill sync to Android
- Jelly Bean ticks up a few more points in latest platform numbers
- Sony Xperia Z hands-on and initial review
- Humble Bundle 5 brings six games in one awesome deal
- Verizon Galaxy S3 seeing its Android 4.1.2 update today
- Super Hexagon update helps with lag on Nexus 7, other devices
- Device Info Live Wallpaper: system information right on your homescreen
- Google Play gift cards now available in the UK, spotted in Tesco
- Announcing our Winners in the 'Spring into TEGRA' Contest!
- Verizon officially gets its Galaxy Note 10.1 on Thursday
- Deal of the Day: OtterBox Commuter Series Case for Galaxy S3
- Two more casualities of Twitter's power play
- Win a Nexus 4 charging orb from Android Central's international giveaway
- New Opera for Android browser runs webkit, available now from Google Play
- Android 4.2.2 update for Verizon Galaxy Nexus leaks out
- Verizon exec expects LTE-only phones in 2014, subsidies to decrease over time
- Mobiroo offers unlimited paid app downloads for a flat monthly fee
- Facebook Messenger now offers free voice calling for Android, as long as you're in Canada
- Update: 'Leaked' pictures stolen from Expansys mockups
| Download the Sense 5 wallpapers from the HTC One Posted: 05 Mar 2013 04:17 PM PST
An enterprising XDA member was able to yank the HTC One's default Sense 5 wallpapers while handling the device at an HTC event in Italy, and he's uploaded the files so everyone can enjoy them. There's 18 in total, and they range from the abstract to minimal, with a couple artsy black and whites thrown in for good measure. To use them, visit the source link below and download the rar file to your computer. Extract it and copy the files to your device storage, and set using the normal tools or a "helper" app like Image 2 Wallpaper from Google Play. There is some very nice pictures here, and it's well worth a look. Source: XDA 
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| HTC One allows for 'distortion free recording' with dual membrane microphones Posted: 05 Mar 2013 03:22 PM PST
A little information about the HTC One and BoomSound has been made available today, concerning the quality of audio captured by HTC's latest device. Very few of us know or care about things like the membranes over the microphone in our smart phones, but we all know what it's like to record some audio and hear the dreadful "hiss" when we play it back. It's also a great way to ruin an otherwise awesome video you've recorded. And it happens far too often. HTC has found a way to correct this by using a twin-membrane microphone. Normally, only one membrane is used on a standard smart phone microphone, which means the sounds you want to hear aren't really separated from the sounds you don't want to hear, and loud, high pressure sounds can cut the mic completely. When the software does its job of leveling and equalizing the audio, we're often left with a background hiss and low levels. HTC says the twin-membrane setup will help make that a thing of the past. With two microphones, each having a twin-membrane setup, there's more room for the mic to capture the sound you're trying to record via the extra sensitive membrane, while the high pressure membrane can handle the loud sounds that would normally shut a sensitive mic down. It sounds like a lot of voodoo that would be interesting to an audio engineer, but if HTC is correct and the outcome is "distortion free" then we all have reason to be excited. The release date is moving closer, and we'll soon be able to see for ourselves how well HTC's BoomSound operates. Source: HTC blog 
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| Sony Xperia Z camera - initial sample images and comparisons Posted: 05 Mar 2013 02:12 PM PST
We take a first look at photo and video on the Xperia Z's Exmor RS-powered camera, and compare it to last year's Xperia TIf you've read our initial review of the Sony Xperia Z you'll know it's packing Sony's new Exmor RS camera tech, which incorporates a fancy new 13-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor. But how does this translate into actual photos and videos? Check out our selection of early sample images and video after the break to find out. For comparison's sake, we've also got a few side-by-side shots with the 13MP Exmor R camera on last year's Xperia T. 
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| The latest Chrome Beta brings password and autofill sync to Android Posted: 05 Mar 2013 02:10 PM PST
There's an update to the Chrome beta channel for Android, bumping it to version 26.0.1410.26. Along with a new number comes some fixes and enhancements that are important, but the real news here is that this version also includes support for password sync and autofill sync. That means that any other instances of Chrome (version 26 or higher) you've signed into and set up can now share things like log in details, or your address for web forms, or any text field that has a common label. This is great news if you visit a lot of sites on the web and have Chrome set up to securely remember your passwords, and the autofill sync is a blessing if you buy a lot of stuff online. Of course, you can also opt to turn this off if you use another method to manage your passwords and personal details. Chrome beta for Android works with phones and tablets running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher. You can download it, or update, from the Google Play link above. Source: Chrome Releases blog 
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| Jelly Bean ticks up a few more points in latest platform numbers Posted: 05 Mar 2013 01:14 PM PST
The latest Android platform version numbers are in, and things are marching slowly along in the direction you'd expect. Jelly Bean -- which comprises Android 4.1 and 4.2 -- ticked up a few percentage points to 16.5 percent of active devices as measured over the past two weeks. (It was a 2.9 percentage point increase, to be precise.) More: See February's version numbersIce Cream Sandwich fell just four-tenths of a point, and Honeycomb dropped just one-tenth of a point. Gingerbread fell 1.4 percentage points. Source: Android Developer Dashboard 
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| Sony Xperia Z hands-on and initial review Posted: 05 Mar 2013 11:51 AM PST
For Android fans, the Sony Xperia Z was one of the highlights of a fairly quiet CES. A 5-inch, 1080p phone with a bold new design language and fancy new camera technology, the Xperia Z was probably the most compelling phone of the show. And just a couple of months later, it's now available to buy in the UK. Without a doubt Sony Mobile's new baby is one of the largest, specciest Android phones around, but it's soon to be joined by the formidable HTC One and Galaxy S4. So how does it shape up? Check out our first impressions after the break. 
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| Humble Bundle 5 brings six games in one awesome deal Posted: 05 Mar 2013 11:22 AM PST
There's no better way to get a handful of awesome Android applications for one low price than the Humble Bundle, and it's back in its fifth iteration with up to six titles. The gist is that you pay whatever you want and get these four apps:
And if you opt to pay more than the average price (which as of this writing is a little more than $5 -- that'll change as time goes on), you also get Super Hexagon and Dungeon Defenders. Plus, you can choose for some of your purchase to go to the Electronic Fronteir Foundation and the Child's Play Charity, which helps bring technology and games to children in hospitals. (Humble Bundle says it's donated more than $10 million to date.) So peep the video above, and hit the link below for Humble Bundle 5. More: Humble Bundle 
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| Verizon Galaxy S3 seeing its Android 4.1.2 update today Posted: 05 Mar 2013 10:04 AM PST
Verizon's Galaxy S3 is getting its update to Android 4.1.2, with the new build hitting phones right about ... now! Here's the full changelog for VRBMB1:
Not huge improvements, we suppose (with Bluetooth being the exception), but we'll never look an update in the mouth. More: Verizon Galaxy S3 forums; Thanks, Craig! 
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| Super Hexagon update helps with lag on Nexus 7, other devices Posted: 05 Mar 2013 09:52 AM PST
Super Hexagon, that ridiculously difficult and ridiculously awesome game from Terry Cavanaugh, received an update today that, among other things fixes input lag on a number of devices, notably the Nexus 7. That's been a sore spot for many of us since launch. Also, the game should now launch faster, setup has been improved, and the legacy options button is gone. Plus, you'll find other bugfixes. Hit the link above to get your game on. 
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| Device Info Live Wallpaper: system information right on your homescreen Posted: 05 Mar 2013 08:53 AM PST
A lot of live wallpapers are just for show, and while Device Info Ex certainly looks cool, it can actually show you some really useful information as well. This live wallpaper takes every bit of information about the internals of your phone and puts them on display in a minimalist control panel look behind every homescreen. Take a look at a few bits of information about Device Info Ex Live Wallpaper with us after the break. 
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| Google Play gift cards now available in the UK, spotted in Tesco Posted: 05 Mar 2013 08:16 AM PST
Google Play gift cards appear to be finally available in the United Kingdom, as they've been spotted in Tesco. We first got wind back in December of the UK redemption page going live, but no other news about the cards. Then, just a couple of days ago, we were given the gift card denominations that would be available, but still no physical items. Finally, they have been spotted in one of the most common grocery stores in the UK and hopefully will be found elsewhere as well. The cards, as you can see, can be bought in the £10 or £25, though we heard that £50 options will also be available. Source: EuroDroid 
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| Announcing our Winners in the 'Spring into TEGRA' Contest! Posted: 05 Mar 2013 07:28 AM PST
First off, we would like to thank everyone for submitting their entries. The fun and creativity put into your entries was definitely on display. We really appreciate the time and effort put in to each and every entry… so THANK YOU! Second, a BIG THANKS to our friends @NVIDIA. They've stepped up to partner with us on a few contests now, and for their continued support, we offer much thanks. If you're reading this, show them a little love and give them a follow @NVIDIA and @NVIDIATegra. Now… it's time to announce the winners. Each winner will walk away with a brand new Tegra-powered HTC One X+… Drumroll please… 
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| Verizon officially gets its Galaxy Note 10.1 on Thursday Posted: 05 Mar 2013 07:04 AM PST
The Galaxy Note 10.1 showcases Samsung's S Pen, with a number of apps and features designed specifically for it. Samsung showed it off for Big Red back at CES in January. See our complete Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 review from August 2012. 
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| Deal of the Day: OtterBox Commuter Series Case for Galaxy S3 Posted: 05 Mar 2013 06:41 AM PST
The OtterBox Commuter Series Case is available for just $22.00, 37% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping. Deal also available in the Canada store Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts! 
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| Two more casualities of Twitter's power play Posted: 05 Mar 2013 06:14 AM PST
TweakDeck dies alongside its master; tablet app from Carbon developer won't be releasedWe've got a couple more deaths to report in Twitter's ongoing war against anything third-party. MoDaCo's Paul O'Brien has dropped the news that we all knew was coming -- in the wake of TweetDeck's depreciation, his customized "TweakDeck" will also bite the big one. Writes O'Brien:
Then there's the anticipated "Graphite" tablet app from the developers of the Carbon for Android Twitter app. Developer M.Saleh Esmaeili on Google+ gave word that because of Twitter's practices -- "not even close to predictable on what they have in plans for us third-party client developers," he writes -- Graphite won't be released, nor will a paid version of Carbon. "I'm drawing a line for myself here," Esmaeili continued. "Carbon for Android is the last app I ever make that is a client for another service, hoping I can keep my word on this." Twitter has significantly limited newer applications, capping the number of users at 100,000, with no exceptions, as part of this month's API changes. Sources: MoDaCo; +M.Saleh Esmaeili 
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| Win a Nexus 4 charging orb from Android Central's international giveaway Posted: 05 Mar 2013 05:58 AM PST
We've got four Nexus 4 charging orbs here, and each of them is looking for a loving home. That means it's giveaway time again! We want to give all four of these to someone who can use them, and unlike Google, we're doing it worldwide. We're going to break it up to make sure two of these go to folks who can't order them from Google, so that means some special rules. Read carefully. 
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| New Opera for Android browser runs webkit, available now from Google Play Posted: 05 Mar 2013 12:31 AM PST
The folks at Opera have released their new web browser for Android, dropping the Presto browser engine in favor of webkit, which is also used in Chrome and the AOSP browser. The beta build is available for download from Google Play, and it's got quite the list of features. There's a new "Discover" panel which sorts popular articles from the web, an all new Speed Dial, Off-Road mode for times when your connection is a bit bad, tabbed browsing, and more. Keep in mind that this is a beta product, and even Opera notes:
We'll be taking a closer look at the new browser, in the meantime if you're the adventurous type you can download it at the Google Play link above, and hit the break for a short product video and the full press release. 
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| Android 4.2.2 update for Verizon Galaxy Nexus leaks out Posted: 04 Mar 2013 10:09 PM PST
The leaked build of Android 4.2.2 for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus we first saw over the weekend has just hit the internet courtesy of a member at XDA that has pulled the build directly from a Google OTA server. The update is meant to bring Galaxy Nexus users on big red up from 4.1.1 to 4.2.2 -- build JDQ39 -- directly, with no fancy hoops. As we noted, this is an actual OTA file meant to be applied to stock and unrooted devices. This still doesn't mean the update is finalized or ready for release just yet, but it does give a whole bunch of legitimacy that the update is in its testing phases. If you're interested in giving this update a go and have your Galaxy Nexus running on stock 4.1.1, you'll need to be rooted with a custom recovery -- or be able to temporarily boot a custom recovery -- to apply the update. If you're unsure on the process to accomplish either of those, head to the forums where we have some fantastic guides to walk you through it. Verizon Galaxy Nexus ForumsSource: XDA; Via: Droid-Life 
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| Verizon exec expects LTE-only phones in 2014, subsidies to decrease over time Posted: 04 Mar 2013 09:00 PM PST
According to CFO Fran Shammo, Verizon will have LTE-only phones in the market by late 2014 and expects device subsidies to decrease in the next few years. Speaking at the Deutsche Bank 2013 Media, Internet & Telecom Conference, Shammo explained that the move to LTE-only devices in late 2014 will help reduce the cost of smart phones. Presumably if a device doesn't require a CDMA chipset at all the manufacturers will be able to cut costs, but we have to wonder by how much the price could change just by leaving the CDMA chipset out. Further expanding on reducing the cost of smart phones, Shammo said that he expects device subsidies to fall over the next two to three years due to competition between manufacturers. Presumably lower upfront costs for devices mean smaller subsidies for the carrier to take the burden of, but we doubt those savings will be passed on to consumers. Subsidizing handsets is an expensive proposition for carriers, and any savings they find will be internalized while on-contract prices for consumers will likely stay the same. The rigid pricing model for on-contract phones in the U.S. makes it hard for savings to make it to the end user. Source: FierceWireless 
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| Mobiroo offers unlimited paid app downloads for a flat monthly fee Posted: 04 Mar 2013 07:24 PM PST
Mobiroo is hoping to hop on the popularity of mobile device subscriptions by offering users access to hundreds of top paid apps at a flat monthly rate. At the promotional price of just $2.49 per month, users will be able to download any paid app in the Mobiroo library, which it claims at this point would cost thousands of dollars if purchased from Google Play. The catalog supposedly has a good spread of top apps from multiple genres, and is continuing to expand. The expected price of the service after the promotional period ends is $5 per month, which still seems like a good value. What will really matter in the end is if the apps you want are on the service. If they are, you could have a chance to save a lot of money if you'd prefer to keep a flat monthly fee for all of your purchases. It certainly won't work for everyone, but if the app catalog is robust enough it could be interesting. You can see more about Mobiroo and sign up for the service at the source link below. Source: Mobiroo; PR Newswire 
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| Facebook Messenger now offers free voice calling for Android, as long as you're in Canada Posted: 04 Mar 2013 05:59 PM PST
The Facebook Messenger app for Android was updated today, bringing feee VoIP calling to users in Canada. This mirrors the way things were done on the iOS app, which saw support for folks in the U.S. about two weeks after it debuted in Canada. While there's no guarantee the Android app will follow the same roll-out schedule, we're going to assume that it will cross the border soon. In addition to the new VoIP calling, the app allows group conversations to be viewed in the sidebar, and allows them to be searched by name and friends. Hit the Google Play link to update. Via: Cnet 
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| Update: 'Leaked' pictures stolen from Expansys mockups Posted: 04 Mar 2013 05:43 PM PST
Update 2: EVLeaks has deleted its tweets sharing the "leaks." Update: It appears this stuff comes from a speculative product info page published by online retailer Expansys. So we can probably discount these images. The Samsung Galaxy S4 may be the most anticipated Android device ever, and our old pals at @evleaks may have just outed the specs and overall design of it. While it's still a render, if true we get to see the more rectangular design of Samsung's next, as well as a comparison against the previous models (see the pic after the break). On the specifications front, we're told to expect a Super AMOLED HD screen of an unknown size, 2GB of RAM, a 13MP camera, and storage options of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. Of course it will be running on Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean). As we saw with the Galaxy S3, Samsung isn't afraid to toss out a red herring or three. But evleaks has a very solid track record, so that has to be considered. We see nothing here we wouldn't expect from the next Samsung Galaxy S phone, so we're excited. We'll know more in about 10 days. 
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