Android Central

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• Android platform numbers for March are in, come from a new collection method
• Use Google Apps for Business? Grab a free copy of Quickoffice from Google Play
• HTC infographic details one day with the HTC One
• AntTek Quick Settings: Jelly Bean customization for all
• Kobo Arc now available to purchase directly from Kobo in Canada and U.S.
• Humble Mobile Bundle adds 3 bonus games to the original 6
• ASUS offers settlement for Transformer Prime wireless issues
• Line2 update adds tablet support, MMS, and a redesigned UI
• 'HTC First' could be the rumored 'Facebook phone'
• Verizon goes middle of the road with the free LG Lucid 2
• Sony Xperia ZL launches in Canada
• HTC One tip: Keep your Events organized
• EE launches the '4G Taxi' in London and Birmingham
• Ematic announces 7-inch Jelly Bean tablet for $79.99
• Dinamotxt: SMS syncing with your tablet
• HTC One also coming to Sprint from April 19
• AT&T's HTC One comes with a free Media Link HD for streaming (for a limited time)
• AT&T HTC One coming April 19, starting at $199
• Deal of the Day: LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors for Galaxy S3
• Nexus 7 32GB WiFi and 3G variants also launched in India
• Could the Nexus 4 finally be heading to Canada's TELUS?
• Here's a pre-rooted ROM for that Galaxy S4 you don't have
• Samsung 'Galaxy Mega' supersized smartphones rumored
• Someone won a Moga Pro Android gaming controller! Was it you?
• Another HTC Thunderbolt update on the horizon

Android platform numbers for March are in, come from a new collection method Posted: 02 Apr 2013 05:23 PM PDT The collection method has changed, but the results surprise nobody -- new versions climb while legacy versions fall Every month Google releases a handy chart telling us what version of the operating system folks are using out there. This month, they did things a little differently and now collect data only from devices that have visited the Google Play store in the past month, versus all phones that checked into Google's servers as done in he past. It didn't make much of a difference. Jelly Bean continues to climb and is now at 25-percent, Gingerbread is down 5-percent, and lower version are clinging to life support. The one change we didn't expect is Ice Cream Sandwich to actually climb while devices were getting update to Jelly Bean. We'll write that off to the new collection method. If you're a developer, this will help you decide which devices to target. If you're just an interested fan, the data sure is fun to talk about.  Source: Android developer site. More: +Android Developers

Use Google Apps for Business? Grab a free copy of Quickoffice from Google Play Posted: 02 Apr 2013 05:07 PM PDT Google is now providing a way to edit and create Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents for Google Apps for Business users Google Drive is pretty slick. It allows you to collaborate, edit on the fly, and create documents and easily share them. The problem is, most of the time somebody in your organization will end up using a Microsoft Office product and throw a wrench in it all. You see, Google Drive's editing abilities don't mix well with Microsoft Office files.  Since Microsoft Office is the de facto standard for business documents, Google is trying to alleviate any problems a bit by offering up a free copy of Quickoffice -- which is very compatible with the various MS Office format. If you're a Google Apps user, grab it free from the Google Play link above.

HTC infographic details one day with the HTC One Posted: 02 Apr 2013 04:53 PM PDT The folks who can get one are loving their HTC One, and everyone loves infographics - this had to happen While you're waiting to have a look at the new HTC One, you're probably thinking of how you might use the phones features. We're covering them to give you the in-depth story on what they can do and how to use them, and HTC is now showing you why you may want to. Blinkfeed and Zoes and the rest of the new Sense 5 can be a bit confusing. We get it. HTC gets it. This is the sort of material HTC needs to produce to cut some of that confusion away, and show folks that they can be productive and have fun with their smartphone. Be sure to click the source link for the mega-huge not safe for mobile version. Source: HTC

AntTek Quick Settings: Jelly Bean customization for all Posted: 02 Apr 2013 04:31 PM PDT Get total toggle control with a custom version of Jelly Bean's Quick Settings on Android 2.1 and up. One of the most anticipated features Jelly Bean brought to Android was Quick Settings. These handy little toggles live in the notification area, and make turning things like WiFi and Bluetooth on and off just a swipe away. While they're a welcomed addition to Android, they are limited to eight static titles and have no option for customization. That's where AntTek Quick Settings comes in. Compatible with Android 2.1 Eclair and above, this app not only replicates Quick Settings functionality on non-Jelly Bean phones, but gives Jelly Bean users a much needed level of customization. Check out the full run through of what this app can do after the break. read more

Kobo Arc now available to purchase directly from Kobo in Canada and U.S. Posted: 02 Apr 2013 03:42 PM PDT 7-inch Android tablet finally available directly from Kobo in North America alongside range of e-Ink devices The Kobo Arc is a fine tablet in its own right, despite not quite matching the Nexus 7 in the grand scheme of things. There are several reasons that one might choose the Arc over the Google offering -- the screen, speakers and 64GB version but a few. But, a couple of issues plagued the Arc from launch -- the software, and availability issues. The software was rectified back in March, and now it seems, in North America at least, that the availability has been solved too.  Part of the problem was the lack of any way to buy one direct from Kobo. While available through retail partners worldwide, they weren't exactly plentiful, and the 64GB version proved somewhat elusive too. Kobo however, has today announced that their full range of eReaders -- including the e-Ink devices -- are available to buy from Kobo.com in Canada and the U.S. Good news for anyone tempted that struggled to get hold of one. The full press release can be found after the break.  read more

Humble Mobile Bundle adds 3 bonus games to the original 6 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 03:38 PM PDT An above average donation now gets you nine games in total; previous donors will receive the bonus games automatically The first mobile-only Humble Bundle has added three more games to the roster for those who choose to donate more than the average. On top of the original six games on the list -- Contre Jour, Anomaly Korea, Plants vs. Zombies, Bladeslinger, The Rooma and Metal Slug 3 -- donations above $5.53 (at the time of writing) will also receive Funky Smugglers, Raiden Legacy and Another World. Anyone who previously purchased the bundle at that price will receive the games for free, which is great little gesture for the early donors. You can donate whatever you'd like to receive the first 6, but at just a few extra dollars to get 9 games in total there's no reason not to give it a thought. Head to the source link below to donate and get your own Humble Mobile Bundle like nearly 100,000 people already have. Source: Humble Bundle

ASUS offers settlement for Transformer Prime wireless issues Posted: 02 Apr 2013 03:18 PM PDT ASUS settles class action suit, settlement class members get a GPS dongle and $17 for their troubles The ASUS Transformer Prime looks beautiful with it's thick spun aluminum back. It also has an issue with weak Wifi and GPS signals because of it. In April of last year, they offered a dongle to improve the GPS signal to anyone who wanted one, but apparently that wasn't enough to satisfy everyone as a class action suit was brought against ASUS. Today, ASUS has settled it. If you're in the US, and can prove that you bought a Transformer Prime between December 1, 2011 and February 19, 2013, and didn't return it for a refund, you can join the settlement class and get a GPS dongle and $17 US. ASUS is quick to remind everyone that they agree there were GPS issues, disagree with any Wifi issues, and that this is in no way an admission that they are liable for anything, they just settled rather than continue: The lawsuit claimed that the Asus Eee Pad TF201 Transformer Prime tablet GPS and WiFi signal quality is diminished based on the design of the tablet. Asus denies all allegations regarding WiFi but Asus acknowledges that GPS performance did not meet the expectations of all customers, which Asus addressed by offering the Dongle to Asus Eee Pad TF201 Transformer Prime tablet owners. Asus is entering into this proposed settlement to avoid burdensome and costly litigation. The proposed settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing. If you fit the criteria, follow the links below to find out more information. Source: Fraser vs ASUS; via Facebook

Line2 update adds tablet support, MMS, and a redesigned UI Posted: 02 Apr 2013 02:36 PM PDT The app that brings a premium VoIP solution to Android gets clearer audio and new features. First released for Android way back in early 2011, Line2 lets its users make phone calls and send texts using only a data connection -- no carrier minutes or texts required. True to its name, it gives subscribers a second phone number that the app uses for sending and receiving calls and texts. The latest update enables picture messaging (MMS), and adds support for Android tablets. Even over a slow DSL connection, call quality was surprisingly good on my Nexus 7. The revamped UI is a welcomed addition as well; it matches Android's Holo design quite nicely. Free accounts can only make calls and send texts to other Line2 users (incoming voicemails and texts can still come from anywhere). For a fully functional experience, a subscription fee of $9.95 a month is required. This buys you unlimited calls and texts to the U.S. and Canada, along with a host of other goodies like call forwarding and visual voicemail. Hit the Play Store link at the top to check it out Line2's latest version.

'HTC First' could be the rumored 'Facebook phone' Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:42 PM PDT It has a screen and buttons This Thursday we'll be live from Facebook HQ to meet the social network's "new home on Android," but today we're seeing what might be the "first" hardware to run the rumored Facebook-centric home screen. The often-accurate @evleaks Twitter account has just published the image above, identifying it as the "HTC First." The timing of the leak and the (Facebook blue) typeface used strongly suggest that this could be the device codenamed "HTC Myst," reported in recent weeks to be the new HTC-built Facebook phone. (Update: @evleaks tells Android Central that this is indeed the rumored Facebook phone.) There's not much else to say about the image in question -- we can see a 16:9 aspect ratio screen, a volume rocker and a power button, and that's about it. Its most interesting features are its capacitive buttons -- presumably back, home and menu -- though anything's possible in these heady days of Facebook-powered home screens. If you've got any wild theories of your own, shout out in the comments! Source: @evleaks

Verizon goes middle of the road with the free LG Lucid 2 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 12:51 PM PDT 4.3-inch, Android 4.1.2 smartphone will be available online April 4, in stores later LG today announced the Lucid 2, a mid-range Android smartphone available online this week and in stores in the coming weeks for the low, low price of free on contract. You get what you pay for, generally, in the smartphone world, but considering this phone won't cost you a dime, the specs manage to be middle of the road -- for 2012. Here's the rundown: 4.3-inch IPS display at qHD resolution Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor at 1.2 GHz. 1GB RAM 8GB storage (actual available storage will be less) microSD card slot 2,460 mAh battery 5MP rear camera The Lucid 2 also can take advantage of the official LG wireless charger, which we took a look at back at Mobile World Congress. More: Verizon

Sony Xperia ZL launches in Canada Posted: 02 Apr 2013 12:37 PM PDT C$675 SIM-free, also available through Rogers, Bell and Videotron Sony's new North American flagship, the Xperia ZL, is now on sale in Canada. If you're looking to pick one up off-contract, Sony's Canadian store is selling the 5-inch ZL for C$674.99 a pop. That gets you a 1080p screened smartphone powered by a Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core CPU, 2GB of RAM and a 13-megapixel Sony Exmor RS rear camera, running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. It's not water or dust-resistant like its international cousin, the Xperia Z (check out our review), but it does boast a more ergonomic, hand-friendly back panel and a smaller footprint. If you'd prefer to go the subsidized route, Bell, Rogers and Videotron are selling the device for C$99, C$124.99 and C$199.99 respectively on 36-month contracts. (Yes, that's three whole Earth years -- you'll be approaching the middle of 2016 before your next upgrade.) Pay your money, take your choice. Stateside, the Sony U.S. Store is still taking pre-orders for the Xperia ZL at $759.99, and expects to begin shipping from Apr. 8. We'll have a review of the Sony Xperia ZL in the weeks ahead. In the meantime you can read all about what we thought of its big brother, the Xperia Z. Source: Rogers, Bell, Videotron via XperiaBlog; Sony Store Canada

HTC One tip: Keep your Events organized Posted: 02 Apr 2013 12:33 PM PDT Renaming your events on the HTC One keeps your gallery in good order No one in their right mind would argue that photos are the premiere feature of the http://androidcentral.com/htc-oneHTC One. Taking them, showing them, sharing them -- the UltraPixel system, along with Zoes and Highlights -- are where its at.  Unfortunately, things get a little muddy when it comes to picture organization on the HTC One. It's not overly difficult, but the HTC One and Sense 5 do things a little differently.  See also: Explaining HTC One Zoes and Video Highlights Images are grouped into "events" based on date and location. Other phones do that, too -- this isn't unique to the HTC One -- but it's much more prominent here. But if I'm going to show someone a Highlight Video the HTC One created, I don't want to have to sort through 13 "Pensacola, Florida" events to find the one I'm looking for.  So you're going to want to make your own event titles. That's as simple as long-pressing on the event, and choosing rename. You'll also find other options for the events, such as splitting up all the images,  There's also a side-effect. When a video highlight is created, it takes the event name and uses it at the end. So, again, a date or location doesn't give you the best result. We explain in a little more detail after the break. More: HTC One forums read more

EE launches the '4G Taxi' in London and Birmingham Posted: 02 Apr 2013 11:15 AM PDT 40 Hackney Carriages in London and 10 in Birmingham to offer free LTE for passengers Not content with being the UK's only 4G LTE carrier thus far, EE is taking it's high speed data on the road by way of taxi. The carrier has made over 40 cabs in London and a further 10 in Birmingham to not only act as mobile advertisements for their LTE service, but will also offer free 4G data to passengers.  Each taxi is adorned with an EE 4G Mifi which will provide its passengers with an LTE mobile hotspot to connect to while taking in their journey around the city. Useful? Perhaps. It's obviously all a big marketing exercise on EE's part, but in the centre of London, free LTE even for a short amount of time is worth making use of when 3G is traditionally sketchy in the busiest parts of London. So, if you're hailing a cab and one of these approaches, jump in and give it a whirl.  Source: EE

Ematic announces 7-inch Jelly Bean tablet for $79.99 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 10:59 AM PDT A new contender has entered the ring in the fight for your budget dollars. Weighing in at only $79.99, the 7-inch Genesis Prime is the company's first certified Google tablet. Apps like Chrome, GMail, Maps, and YouTube will come preinstalled thanks to the tablet getting Google's approval. The specs you get are definitely in line with the price: 1.1 GHz processor, 4GB storage memory, VGA front facing camera, and a battery life of 4.5 hours. The scale reflects this tablet's featherweight status, with an official listing of just 0.59 lbs -- more than 2 oz less than the Nexus 7. The device comes with an HD video player, however the actual resolution of the screen itself is not listed. On-board storage gets supplemented with an included 5GB of cloud storage. It doesn't get much cheaper than this for a certified Android 4.1 tablet. You can pick one up at Amazon, although there is quite a wait for shipping at this time. Hit the break for the full press release. Source: Ematic read more

Dinamotxt: SMS syncing with your tablet Posted: 02 Apr 2013 09:51 AM PDT You'll be able to text from your tablet with your carrier number, but there are some UI struggles along the way As Android tablets become more and more popular -- especially the smaller 7-inch form factor -- they seem more natural to want to manage text messages from. Dinamotxt does just that by linking up your phone and tablet to give you full SMS syncing between the two. The back-end service works great and is a seamless experience when switching devices, but there are some unfortunate and confusing issues with the UI. Hang with us after the break to check out Dinamotxt, a new app that lets your tablet cover your texting needs. read more

HTC One also coming to Sprint from April 19 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 08:17 AM PDT $199.99 with 32GB of storage, pre-orders start April 5 Following on from AT&T's announcement earlier today, rival network Sprint has announced that it too will start selling the HTC One from Apr. 19. Pre-orders on Sprint begin a day later than AT&T this Friday, April 5. Sprint will sell the phone with 32GB of storage for $199.99 on a two-year plan. Doesn't look like Sprint's offering any free accessories with preorders, unofortunately. Like AT&T, Sprint will carry the phone in silver and black color options.

AT&T's HTC One comes with a free Media Link HD for streaming (for a limited time) Posted: 02 Apr 2013 07:08 AM PDT This underrated high-def streamer comes free with AT&T HTC One preorders through April 18 AT&T this morning announced that its HTC One, which will be available April 19, will come with a free Media Link HD. That begs the question: What the heck is the HTC Media Link HD? It's not a new product. In fact, the Media Link HD is HTC's second foray into wireless streaming. As the name implies, it takes content from your phone and pushes it to your television in living color. And in high definition. HTC made it dirt-simple, too. Plug everything in -- you use microUSB for power and HDMI to your TV -- and swipe up on your HTC One (or any of HTC's 2012 phones, too) to connect. It takes a few seconds the first time and is nearly instantaneous after that.  The really neat thing about the Media Link is that HTC's continued to improved it over the past 8 months or so via software updates. The caveat: To get the free Media LInk HD, you need to preorder the HTC One from AT&T, and do so by April 18. Check out our full HTC Media Link HD from June 2012. More: HTC One forums read more

AT&T HTC One coming April 19, starting at $199 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 06:54 AM PDT 32GB for $199.99, 64GB for $299.99, pre-orders start April 4 AT&T has announced that its HTC One will go on sale from April 19. The device will be sold on two-year plans with 32GB of storage for $199.99, in addition to the AT&T-exclusive 64GB model that'll set you back $299.99. AT&T's also offering a free HTC Media Link HD streaming box with on-contract pre-orders. The release timing gives the HTC One a crucial couple of weeks on store shelves in the U.S. ahead of the launch of its main competitor, Samsung's Galaxy S4. The AT&T HTC One will be available for pre-order starting this Thursday, Apr. 4, at 1 p.m. CDT, so if you're looking to guarantee yourself a handset, that's when you'll want to place your order. More: HTC One review

Deal of the Day: LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors for Galaxy S3 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 06:19 AM PDT The April 2 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors for Samsung Galaxy S3. These thin covers are custom designed to protect your Galaxy S3's screen while giving you an ultra-clear, high definition look and feel. Durable and scratch resistant, the TruTouch sensitivity gives these protectors a more natural feel on your touchscreen. Includes 3 per pack. The LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors are available for just $5.00, 75% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last! Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

Nexus 7 32GB WiFi and 3G variants also launched in India Posted: 02 Apr 2013 05:36 AM PDT Neither version expected to available via Google Play Store says ASUS India Following close behind the official launch of the Google Nexus 7 in India, the larger 32GB version is also set for launch in both WiFi and cellular hats. However, while the 16GB Nexus 7 is available from the Google Play store in the country, it appears that the two more expensive versions won't be.  This comes according to the good folks over at AndroidOS.in, who say that ASUS India has indeed confirmed to them that the 32GB WiFi and 3G Nexus 7 will only be available through their retail partners when they go on sale sometime next week. The 32GB WiFi only will cost Rs. 18,999 while the 32GB 3G Nexus 7 will set you back Rs. 21,999.  It may seem old news to those of us in Europe or North America, but official availability of the Nexus 7 -- and now, the full range -- is big news. India is a rapidly growing mobile market, and it's great to see the big hitters entering the frame over there.  Source: AndroidOS.in

Could the Nexus 4 finally be heading to Canada's TELUS? Posted: 02 Apr 2013 04:05 AM PDT Price cards, dummy​ units signal arrival of Nexus 4 on Canadian carrier Many Canadian mobile operators have been offering the LG-made Nexus 4 for the past several months, but TELUS has been a notable hold-out. Today we're starting to see signs that the carrier might be preparing to offer the Nexus for sale in-store. MobileSyrup has been tipped off with shots of pricing cards and dummy units for the Nexus 4 on TELUS, and it's also reporting that device should be going on sale from the second week of April -- that's right, next week. Take this with a pinch of salt in the absence of any official announcement, but it certainly looks like TELUS should be getting the Nexus 4 sooner rather than later. Source: MobileSyrup (2)

Here's a pre-rooted ROM for that Galaxy S4 you don't have Posted: 02 Apr 2013 03:31 AM PDT ODIN-flashable package for Exynos 5 Octa version of upcoming handset Very few people -- mostly folks on the payroll of Samsung or one of the major mobile operators -- can claim to be in possession of a Galaxy S4. Even fewer will have the rare Exynos 5 Octa version, as it seems most of Europe and North America will be getting a quad-core Snapdragon 600-powered GS4 instead. Nevertheless, if you're among the lucky few currently rocking an octa-core GT-i9500-model Samsung Galaxy S4, you might be interested to see that a pre-rooted (and also pre-release) firmware is now available for download over at the XDA forums. As ever, the package can be flashed through the ODIN desktop utility, and you'll do so at your own risk. But pull it off and you'll have full, unrestricted access to that shiny new unreleased handset of yours. More details and download instructions can be found over at the source link. It should go without saying that you shouldn't attempt to flash this onto the other Galaxy S4, the more common, Snapdragon 600-fuelled GT-i9505. Source: XDA

Samsung 'Galaxy Mega' supersized smartphones rumored Posted: 02 Apr 2013 03:08 AM PDT Rumored 'Galaxy Fonblet' gets a name change, reportedly coming in 5.8 and 6.3-inch varieties Samsung clearly sees the future in big-screen smartphones. In addition to recently announcing the 5-inch Galaxy S4, it's got the similarly-sized Galaxy Grand on the way, not to mention the 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2. So what's next? According to the latest round of reports, a new line of 5.8 and 6.3-inchers. ​Today's report comes from SamMobile, which has a pretty solid track record when it comes to unannounced Samsung devices. Reportedly the Galaxy Mega 5.8 (GT-i9152) will pack a 5.8-inch screen and appear from the week commencing May 27. Similarly, the Galaxy Mega 6.3 (GT-i9200) should pack a 6.3-inch screen and emerge around the week starting Jun. 17. The new "Mega" branding is apparently a replacement for the (somewhat cringeworthy) "Galaxy Fonblet" name that was being bandied about prior to MWC. No details on internal specs are offered, but the product codes suggest neither "Galaxy Mega" device will be a particularly high-end handset. What's more, the Galaxy Mega 5.8's code suggests it may be offered in a dual-SIM "Duos" variant, like the Galaxy Grand. And the Mega 6.3's size would tie in nicely with the limits of Samsung's recently-announced game pad accessory. So would you be tempted by a possible mid-range handset with this screen size? Let us know down in the comments! Source: SamMobile

Someone won a Moga Pro Android gaming controller! Was it you? Posted: 01 Apr 2013 11:40 PM PDT Ok, actually, it's two someones, but who's counting right? Simon took a gander at these hot little Moga Pro Android gaming controllers at PAX East 2013 and we got a couple to pass on to our fantastic readers. The winners are as posted after the break, and if you were chosen watch your email as we'll be following up during the week to get your shipping info. read more

Another HTC Thunderbolt update on the horizon Posted: 01 Apr 2013 08:51 PM PDT The Thunderbolt's latest update brings minor software improvements. Those still wielding an HTC Thunderbolt can expect a new update soon from Verizon. Labeled version 7.02.605.10, this update weighs in at a scant 19.3MB. Although not as groundbreaking as the recent Ice Cream Sandwich update, new software improvements are always a plus. Among the improved features are the microphone, text messaging app, email, HTC Watch, and newly visible amber alerts. Reports of users receiving this update have yet to come out. If you're one of the first, let us know in the forums. Source: Verizon

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