Android Community |
- Android 4.2.2 rolling out to Verizon Samsung Galaxy Nexus
- YouView Android app set for May release
- NVIDIA Tegra roadmap revealed with CUDA and OpenGL on board
- HTC CEO to step down if HTC One fails
- Griffin announces new accessories for Samsung GALAXY S 4
- GALAXY S 4 gets uniform “no” from top hack CyanogenMod
- Motorola Droid Bionic Android 4.1 update coming soon?
- Some Samsung GALAXY smartphone users will get Android 5.0 according to report
- Ridiculous Fishing may come to Android
- Samsung confirms smartwatch plans
| Android 4.2.2 rolling out to Verizon Samsung Galaxy Nexus Posted: 19 Mar 2013 11:16 AM PDT Verizon Wireless is finally rolling out the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update to its Samsung Galaxy Nexus devices. The update is long overdue, especially since owners of the GSM version of the device received the update last month. Many people purchase Nexus devices because they want to receive the latest Android OS updates as quickly as possible (alongside the great specs and affordable price points).
So what does the new Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update bring to your devices? Well you’re now able to add widgets onto your lock screen. You can add a clock, a calendar, your gmail app, or even your music player to your lock screen for quick and easy accessibility. Along with the new lock screen widgets, your phone will also receive a bunch of new camera features that should make your mobile photography much better. Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners will also have their stock keyboard updated to the new Gesture Keyboard, that allows for more accurate word prediction as well as Swype-like messaging. Meaning, if you’re too lazy to tap out your message, or if you only have one hand available at the moment for texting, all you have to do to spell out a word is slide your finger from letter to letter. Many Verizon Wireless Galaxy Nexus owners were angry when GSM Galaxy Nexus owners were receiving this update before them. Fortunately for many of them, they were able to satisfy their 4.2.2 needs when the update was leaked earlier this month. However if you weren’t one of those owners, you’ll be able to have your needs satisfied today, or soon. The update is currently rolling out in phases. [via SlashGear] |
| YouView Android app set for May release Posted: 19 Mar 2013 10:57 AM PDT Controlling your TV straight from your Android device is just about to get a lot easier, at least for YouView owners. YouView is a product that lets you watch both live TV an on-demand content. The YouView box comes with two digital tuners, so you’re able to watch one show while simultaneously recording another. The device comes with a 500GB hard drive (with a 1TB hard drive coming in the future) that lets your save all of your favorite shows/movies for later viewing.
The company had already launched an app for iOS devices, but there was a huge delay in an Android app release. The company optimistically believes that an Android app will be heading to Android devices come May, so that users can take advantage of the “second-screen” feature. This feature lets mobile phone users view YouView’s 7-day TV guide, and remotely record shows/movies via their device. All you have to do is pair your device with your YouView box. The reason for the 5-month Android app delay is due to the fragmentation of Android devices. YouView had to spend extra time perfecting its app so that a majority (and hopefully all) Android users would be able to use its service. The app shouldn’t be too demanding because all you’re doing is viewing program guides and hitting a “record” button. YouView is a nice, alternative to a regular digital tuner. There are over 80 free, digital channels available for viewing. Alongside the live selection of shows, and the on-demand selection, there is also a catch-up selection that lets you catch up with TV shows that aired up to 7 days in the past. YouView is also adding premium channels, like Sky’s Now TV, to its line-up that gives consumers a higher-quality viewing experience. [via Recombu] |
| NVIDIA Tegra roadmap revealed with CUDA and OpenGL on board Posted: 19 Mar 2013 10:50 AM PDT The folks from NVIDIA have just revealed their roadmap for the future today at their annual GPU Technology Conference, and we just got a glimpse at the future of mobile computing and Tegra. We’ve been hearing a bit lately about Open GL being found in the Nexus 4 drivers, but NVIDIA’s apparently confirmed it right here today.
We’ve seen the term “Logan” before regarding NVIDIA codenames, but along with it is a brand new platform called Parker that was revealed today too, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. NVIDIA just confirmed CUDA and OpenGL will be coming to Android, or at least their Tegra mobile processors. So what does that mean? This means all the GPU power will be joining the CPU to help out with all the processing.
Essentially this will bring mobile device performance, like Android smartphones and tablets, to an entirely new level in both gaming, as well as everything else. Imagine being able to use the 72 GPU cores in the quad-core Tegra 4 mobile processor to process animations, 3D visuals and launchers, images, 1080p video, and everything else. This will be a new level of Android device performance. More specifically Logan, coming next year, will integrate CUDA and OpenGL 4.3 into the next generation of Tegra processors. Most likely we’ll see the first steps of this in Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie at Google I/O. Then following into 2015 NVIDIA will be bringing their next-gen CPU and GPU power to a brand new platform for mobile, and it will be called “Parker”. They aren’t revealing much since we won’t see it until 2015, but there’s some exciting things in our future. Stay tuned as we dig for more details. |
| HTC CEO to step down if HTC One fails Posted: 19 Mar 2013 10:25 AM PDT HTC has a lot riding on its new flagship smartphone, the HTC One. The company believes that this new smartphone will be THE smartphone to get HTC out of its financial rut. HTC’s CEO, Peter Chou, has also stated that if the HTC One is not successful, he will step down as CEO. Chou spoke with HTC’s senior executives late last year about his decision, and is going all in with the HTC One.
Chou’s bet was a good bet, seeing as how reviewers and consumers alike have been praising the HTC One and its premium build. However, despite glowing reviews of HTC’s new flagship smartphone, both Chou and HTC had an unexpected change in fortune. The company had difficulties securing the supplies necessary to get the HTC One shipped out by its mid-March deadline. The delay in shipping was unsettling for both HTC and resellers alike. Many businesses were planning on selling the phone mid-March, and HTC hoped to get the devices in the hands of consumers before the Samsung GALAXY S 4 hit the shelves. The company said that its supply woes occurred because it is no longer considered a “tier-one customer”. It lost its status due to its lack of phone shipments last year. HTC still hopes to satisfy pre-orders by the end of March, and get the HTC One out to several markets at the beginning of April. However, since its about 2-3 weeks late on shipments, there’s a good chance that the Samsung GALAXY S 4, which is said to be launching by the end of April, will have a huge effect on HTC’s sales. The device will also see competition from Sony’s flagship smartphone, the Xperia Z. HTC faces an uphill battle, but hopefully the hype surrounding its flagship device is enough to drive customers away from the S 4 and into its direction. HTC also has a new marketing officer, and it plans on dramatically improving its marketing plans this year in order to get its devices known and out there. On the plus side, many consumers are impressed by the HTC One, and have said that they are planning on getting it as their next device. [via SlashGear] |
| Griffin announces new accessories for Samsung GALAXY S 4 Posted: 19 Mar 2013 09:32 AM PDT If you’re planning on getting Samsung’s next flagship smartphone, you’re going to need some great accessories to keep it safe. Griffin Technology has just announced its line-up of high-end smartphone accessories made just for the Samsung GALAXY S 4. All of the accessories are from Griffin’s most popular case and power collections and are great accessories for any S 4 owner to have in their arsenal.
First up is the Survivor Miltary-Duty Case. This accessory makes absolutely sure that your GALAXY S 4 can take a hit. It has a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame and is made up of shock-absorbing silicone. It can protect your S 4 from all kinds of environmental factors. It comes with a belt clip so you can easiy keep your S 4 with you at all times. You can get the case in either black, pink, or blue for $49.99.
So what if you don’t want such a hefty case? Well then perhaps the Survivor Skin is what you need. It’s silicon form factor can absorb impact and vibration enough to pass military-standard tests. It’s also slim, so you can easily slide your phone into your pocket. The Surivor Skin also comes in black, pink, or blue, and will set you back about $19.99.
The Reveal Case is similar to the bumper case Google sold for the LG Nexus 4. It protects the outside of your Samsung GALAXY S4, while still showing off its beautiful battery cover. The case is made of rubber, allowing you to get an easy grip on your phone. This case can absorb the impact and vibrations of your environment, while also still displaying your phone’s beauty. It will be available in black, blue, and purple for $24.99.
The last case announced by Griffin is the Midtown Wallet case. It doubles as both a case and a wallet. Simultaneously protect your new Samsung GALAXY S 4 while also carrying your cash, credit cards, business cards and more. It also follows the flip cover form where you can easily just flip open the one piece folio to see your screen. The Midtown Wallet will sell for $44.99
Next up we have a car charger. The PowerJolt Universal with ChargeSensor plugs into any 12 volt car outlet and contains a 10 watt charging circuit that can quickly charge your new S 4. There is a LED power indicator that shows when its ready to charge. There is also a SmartFuse Circuit breaker that protects your phone from any “power fluctuations”. It will sell for $24.99.
And the last accessory is the PowerBlock Universal with ChargeSensor. The charger has a 10 watt charging circuit as well that provides your Samsung GALAXY S 4 with fast charging. The ChargeSensor will detect how much energy your phone needs, and it will stop once it believes your phone is fully charged. This way you don’t accidentally overcharge your device. This accessory will retail for $29.99.
Griffin’s line-up of smartphone accessories are set to launch soon. The PowerJolt Universal with ChargeSensor, and the PowerBlock Universal with ChargeSensor will both go on sale sometime in April. All of the cases announced by Griffin will go on sale sometime in June. One of the biggest fears people have when they buy their new smartphones is breaking said smartphones. Griffin’s accessories are great for putting those fears to rest. |
| GALAXY S 4 gets uniform “no” from top hack CyanogenMod Posted: 19 Mar 2013 08:54 AM PDT The most famous and widely-used customized user interface for Android devices – CyanogenMod – has been declared a no-go for the brand new Samsung GALAXY S 4. This will come as a relatively large blow for Samsung if they do seek the Android hacker bid – or dollar, rather – as such a lack of support for the device from the developer community (hacker community) will result in a distinct lack of fun for those that call hacking their home. In other words, this essentially means Samsung will be selling phones to those that are happy with the way the phone works out of the box.
The announcement comes in a relatively unassuming package from Team Hacksung member XpLoDWilD who announces in an XDA Developer Forums post that unless someone goes out and does it themselves, there will be no CyanogenMod build for the Samsung GALAXY S 4 at all.
Team Hacksung is a sect of the larger CyanogenMod crew that creates custom software for Samsung devices. For more information on CyanogenMod, head to our fabulous CyanogenMod tag portal. As for the Samsung GALAXY S 4, you’ll want to head to the timeline below for all of our hands-on experiences, top to bottom.
The Samsung GALAXY S 4 will continue to be a contender in the smartphone universe one way or another, of that you can be sure – but for now, hacks may just fall flat. Thanks for the tip, Jess! |
| Motorola Droid Bionic Android 4.1 update coming soon? Posted: 19 Mar 2013 05:41 AM PDT If you own the Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone, there is an indication that a new update for the device may be rolling out soon. The smartphone only received its Android 4.0 update in October of 2012. A new report indicates that the Android 4.1 update for the device on the Verizon Wireless network has been approved to rollout.
The device is apparently listed on the Motorola upgrade page as being approved. Motorola has been steadily scratching names off the upgrade list to Android 4.1 over the last several weeks. Often, when Motorola updates its official listings noting that a specific smartphone will be upgraded, the update comes not too long after. With the Droid Bionic being scratched off the list this week, the hope is within the next few weeks Jelly Bean will begin rolling out to owners of the device. Another Verizon device was also checked off the upgrade list recently and that device was the Xoom tablet. Droid Bionic owners have been waiting for the Android 4.1 update to land since last year. Seeing the device updated on Motorola’s official update list should get owners of the Droid Bionic cause to celebrate. [via gottabemobile] |
| Some Samsung GALAXY smartphone users will get Android 5.0 according to report Posted: 19 Mar 2013 05:32 AM PDT Android fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the next version of the operating system dubbed Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. Rumors are now circulating hinting at which of the Samsung GALAXY devices will receive the Android 5.0 update. Devices rumored to be getting the update at this point include the GALAXY S 4 and the GALAXY Note II.
There are a few other devices that rumors suggest will get the Android 5.0 update as well from the GALAXY family. Those devices include the GALAXY S 3, the Note 10.1 tablet, and the Note 8.0 tablet. Sadly, reports do indicate that there are several Samsung smartphones that won’t be updated beyond Android 4.2.2. Devices tipped to be going no further than Jelly Bean include the GALAXY S 2 and the original Galaxy Note. A number of other GALAXY devices that were available in limited markets will also reportedly not make it beyond Jelly Bean. A few of those devices include devices like the GALAXY Ace, the GALAXY S 3 Mini, GALAXY Young, and the GALAXY Note. None of these devices have been confirmed as receiving or not receiving the update to Android 5.0 officially by Samsung. Official confirmation isn’t expected until May. [via CNET] |
| Ridiculous Fishing may come to Android Posted: 19 Mar 2013 05:23 AM PDT One of the most popular game apps on the iOS platform is called Ridiculous Fishing. The game has been very successful on the iPhone and the developer behind the game, Vlambeer, has admitted that it is considering the logistics of porting the game over to the Android platform. However, the developers are offering no specific timeframe or guarantee that the port will happen.
Game creator Rami Ismail said that “We’re still arguing about an Android release.” The developer says that he and his company have a lot to consider because they’ve never developed a game for the Android platform. The game costs three dollars for the iPhone. That is rather expensive for a game, but the game has no micro transactions. That means three dollars gets you everything again offers. Ismail said, “Developers should be scared to charge three dollars for a game.” He also noted that $.99 per copy you need sell endless amounts to survive as an independent developer. According to Ismail, very few games are able to come close to selling enough copies at $.99 to survive. Another cool game for the Android platform would certainly be welcome. Hopefully the developers will figure out how to port the game to Android soon. [via Joystiq] |
| Samsung confirms smartwatch plans Posted: 19 Mar 2013 05:03 AM PDT There has been plenty of speculation floating around that Samsung was working on a smartwatch. The rumors have been circulating at the same time Apple has been rumored to be working on its own smartwatch. Samsung has now officially confirmed that it is in fact working on a watch product.
The official confirmation comes from Samsung executive vice president of mobile Lee Young Hee. Lee admitted Samsung’s plans to Bloomberg and noted that Samsung had “been preparing a watch product for so long.” Lee also noted that Samsung is working very hard to get ready for the watch and said that the watch was part of Samsung’s plan to think beyond the current tablet and phone market. Lee didn’t go into any details on the watch with regards to how it would perform or what hardware the device would use. The watch is expected to run the Android operating system and act as a second screen to pair with Android smartphones. Watches of this sort are expected to do things like provide notifications for incoming calls and text messages. Users would likely also be able to view e-mail, answer and end calls, and perform other smartphone functions using the watch rather than their smartphone screen. The device will also likely give users control over music and other media on their smartphone. There is no indication of what timeframe we’re looking at for the product to come the market. [Image credit: Johan Loekito] [via SlashGear] |
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