AndroidGuys |
- More than half of all Android devices have potential to be a “Facebook Phone”
- HTC First photo gallery
- Samsung announces Galaxy Win, Galaxy Trend II and Galaxy Trend Duos II in China
- Like it or not, the Facebook Phone is here
- HTC First announced for April 12 with $99 price tag
- Facebook Home will be available for select Android devices starting April 12
- Google Chrome Android updated with Autofill and Password Sync
- Potential future Google Now features found hiding in latest app release
- Verizon CEO: “We would consider dropping contracts if consumers demand it”
- Android Version History: A Visual Timeline (Infographic)
- Samsung Galaxy Camera (Wi-Fi) arriving in April with $449 sticker
- GameStop expands trade-in program to include more brands
- 1,400 Best Buy retail stores to feature “Samsung Experience Shops
- Deezer music service comes to Android in beta release
- Google Now update includes real-time package tracking, quick settings
| More than half of all Android devices have potential to be a “Facebook Phone” Posted: 04 Apr 2013 12:37 PM PDT
As you’ve likely heard by now, Facebook today announced that the Facebook Home app suite and experience will be available for other Android devices. Starting on April 12 and moving forward, Facebook Home will be a downloadable app/launcher for the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, HTC One X+, and future devices.
Speaking at the unveiling today, Facebook indicated that the Facebook Home experience is designed to run on Android 4.0 or later. As of today, that’s roughly 54% of all devices. To be clear, this does not mean that all Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean phones will get official support. In essence, this is just the cut off point for which we can better understand which phones could see Facebook Home. The post More than half of all Android devices have potential to be a “Facebook Phone” appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Posted: 04 Apr 2013 12:16 PM PDT HTC First announced for April 12 with $99 price tag
                
The post HTC First photo gallery appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Samsung announces Galaxy Win, Galaxy Trend II and Galaxy Trend Duos II in China Posted: 04 Apr 2013 12:14 PM PDT Samsungintroduce three new devices today — Samsung Galaxy Win, Samsung Galaxy Trend II and Samsung Galaxy Trend Duos II. The Galaxy Trend phones are entry-level Android 4.1 Jelly Bean devices, featuring 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 4-inch WVGA (480×800 pixels) screen, 3-megapixel rear camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, 1,500mAh battery and a microSD expansion slot. The only difference between these two devices are that the Trend Duos II features two-sim slots, so you can run two networks at once.
All these devices are destined to China but we can only hope to see them landing in USA (don’t hold your breath). Do you think Samsung should just focus on their high-end devices or also on their low-tier phones? Tell us about it in the comment box below. Source: Sammy Hub The post Samsung announces Galaxy Win, Galaxy Trend II and Galaxy Trend Duos II in China appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Like it or not, the Facebook Phone is here Posted: 04 Apr 2013 11:41 AM PDT
After all that speculation, the Facebook Phone is here. And it’s not just one device. In fact, it can be the device you have in your pocket today. The Facebook Home app experience will be available as a download from Google Play so that you can install it on your existing phone. Click here to check out the HTC First photo gallery!
So what is the Facebook Home experience? In a few words, it’s Chat Heads, Cover Feed, Notifications, and Apps. While AT&T and HTC would to see you spend a few hundred dollars over the next few years, Facebook could probably care less. No, the social media giant would rather just see you draw ever closer to their services. Speaking of services, here’s what to expect in a Facebook Home experience: Cover feed: A constant, fresh stream of photos and updates from your newsfeed, cover feed is always present when you wake up your phone. It lets you stay up-to-date on your friends’ latest activities in real-time, all the time. You can swipe through to see more photos and updates, double tap to “like” a post and comment right from cover feed. Notifications: Notifications from apps and friends appear right on your home screen. It’s easier to see when you have a missed call, calendar reminder or new message. Open a notification with a double tap or clear them away to see your Cover Feed. Chat Heads: The mobile messenger lets you jump in and out of conversations while you do other things, like watch a video and browse the web. Reply right from chat heads, or move them around if you’re not ready to respond. Plus you can send and receive texts and Facebook messages from the same spot. App Launcher: See your favorite apps and post right to Facebook from the same spot. You choose what’s on your app launcher—press and hold an app then drag it anywhere. Instagram: HTC First is the only phone that comes with Instagram pre-loaded. Indeed this is an experience that could be summed up as a Launcher or home screen interface. Aptly named as Home, it functions as a direct link to Facebook at all times. Starting from the moment you power that screen on to the time you turn it off again, Facebook will be ever-present and alert. Messages can come in across the top of your screen, chat lets you get in touch with friends and family, and you’ve got Instagram filters to touch up your pictures of fingernails/hair/sushi/One Direction. Facebook expects that the Facebook Home software will be updated once a month and will improve with each iteration. Looking down the road a few months, Facebook Home will be made available for tablets as well.
While AT&T and HTC have collaborated on the HTC First, there are a number of other partners lined up to work with Facebook. Among those mentioned today are Samsung, Sony, Huawei, EE, Orange, Lenovo, and ZTE. We don’t expect AT&T to lock down the U.S. industry on Facebook Home devices so look for additional carriers to climb on board. We designed Home to be the next version of Facebook. But we also wanted to do something more. We wanted to reimagine the way we all use computing devices to make us more connected and bring us closer to the people we care about. If you think this is all a little bit too heavy handed, consider that this is what Facebook envisions for the platform. Speaking at today’s event, Mark Zuckerberg advised that he feels this is the best Facebook experience you can get. When asked if there is potential for an iOS version of this, the CEO said, “We have a great relationship with Apple. Anything that happens with Apple is going to happen with partnership.” Get used to it, this is the Facebook experience of the future. It just happens to start with phones. The post Like it or not, the Facebook Phone is here appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| HTC First announced for April 12 with $99 price tag Posted: 04 Apr 2013 10:59 AM PDT HTC today announced that the first Facebook Home device, the aptly named HTC First, will be available starting from April 12. The HTC First (formerly Myst) features a a 4.3-inch 720p HD display, a dual-core Snapdragon 400 processor, 4G LTE support, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a suite of Facebook-related applications,
[[Show as slideshow]] Touted as the “first set of phones” to feature the Facebook Home experience, the HTC First centers around the software and services more than the hardware. Designed to be big, but not too big, it’s supposed to feel comfortable and speak to who you are. The HTC First will be available in four color options:black, white, red and pale blue.
For those of you who want to try the Facebook Home experience but don’t need a new device, you might be able to download and install the app on your own phone. A number of devices are expected to launch with support for the Facebook Home app which will also be available starting April 12. Key features in the Facebook Home experience.
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| Facebook Home will be available for select Android devices starting April 12 Posted: 04 Apr 2013 10:43 AM PDT
Facebook today announced that the Facebook Home experience will be available for select Android devices starting from April 12. Right out of the gate, Facebook Home will be supported by the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, and HTC One X+. Of course, the two big flagship devices (Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One) will be able to handle the experience as well. If you have one of the aforementioned devices, look for the Facebook Home app in Google Play starting April 12.
Bigger picture, there are already a number of partners lined up to integrate and support Facebook Home. Among those listed in today’s announcement are EE, Samsung, Huawei, Qualcomm, ZTE, Lenovo, Orange, and Sony. The post Facebook Home will be available for select Android devices starting April 12 appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Google Chrome Android updated with Autofill and Password Sync Posted: 04 Apr 2013 10:38 AM PDT Google Chrome browser is known worldwide for its speed and user-friendly interface, and Google brought the browser to its mobile operating system, Android. Google Chrome browser is highly appreciated by the Android community, and after all the appreciation, Google upgraded the browser with serveral new updates. Just like the desktop version, it allow users to save their passwords and have forms autofilled when they’re signed into Chrome. Also it brings stability improvements and a fix for blank-page loads, it seems Google is making sure that their mobile browser is just as perfect as the desktop one. If you are using Chrome Browser on your Android device, then you will receive the update soon, or if your application is already updated, then tell us how’s your experience with the new and updated Chrome. Source: Google Chrome Blog The post Google Chrome Android updated with Autofill and Password Sync appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Potential future Google Now features found hiding in latest app release Posted: 04 Apr 2013 09:22 AM PDT
The guys over at AndroidPolice, as often is their wont, have gone digging through the recent Google Now (Search) app to see what’s hiding. And, as you can tell from the headline, there’s plenty of stuff tucked away, presumably waiting for activation. We’ll happily direct you to the source for full details, however we do have a good sense as to what might on the near horizon. From the sounds of it, users will likely be able to set location-based and general time reminders. Examples:
Imagine being able to tell Google to remind you to stop and fill up the tank on the way home from work.
Other notable details found look to include notifications for updates to websites that you frequent as well as transit preferences based on locale.
Considering the already-included code, we would be surprised if Google does not announce these features at next month’s Google I/O conference. The post Potential future Google Now features found hiding in latest app release appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Verizon CEO: “We would consider dropping contracts if consumers demand it” Posted: 04 Apr 2013 08:57 AM PDT
Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam has not ruled out the possibility of dropping contracts, according to recent comments. Speaking with CNET at an industry event, the head honcho said that he’s glad to see other carriers trying new things and, if consumers demanded it, Verizon would be able to adopt similar strategies.
It will take some time to see how effective T-Mobile’s new UNcarrier plans work for the carrier but we imagine all other players will be watching closely. Should T-Mobile see significant results over the next quarter or two we might expect others to move quickly.
The post Verizon CEO: “We would consider dropping contracts if consumers demand it” appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Android Version History: A Visual Timeline (Infographic) Posted: 04 Apr 2013 08:12 AM PDT Maybe you’re new to Android and want to know what all this talk about Gingerbread and Ice Cream Sandwich is all about. Maybe you’re the type who likes to live in the past. Whatever the case, we have just the thing for you! The fine folks over at Kinvey have created a infographic that details some of the major milestones in the history of Android. Take a trip down memory lane and see just how fast the platform has evolved, why don’t ya?
Kinvey ”Kinvey is a Backend as a Service platform that makes it ridiculously easy for developers to setup and operate the backends for their mobile, tablet and web apps.” The post Android Version History: A Visual Timeline (Infographic) appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Samsung Galaxy Camera (Wi-Fi) arriving in April with $449 sticker Posted: 04 Apr 2013 08:00 AM PDT
Samsung today announced that the Galaxy Camera (Wi-Fi) will be available later this month for $449.99 at Samsung.com and authorized retailers. Aside from the connectivity, the hardware for the camera is the same as its AT&T and Verizon counterparts. Details include a 21X optical zoom, 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, 4.8-inch HD SUper LCD display, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
Our gut tells us that this device will be available in Best Buy stores, especially those with the Samsung Experience Shops. Samsung GALAXY Camera (Wi-Fi) Now Available, Offers Advanced Photographic Prowess and Access to Android Apps New GALAXY Camera offers value to users seeking photo performance and connectivity RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – April 4, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and convergence technologies, today announced the availability of the Samsung GALAXY Camera (Wi-Fi), introducing photo enthusiasts another option to further their creativity and sharing potential. Centered on the Android™ Jellybean 4.1 platform, the GALAXY Camera is a powerful point-and-shoot camera with a familiar, intuitive user interface and access to Android applications from the Google Play™ market. “The GALAXY Camera Wi-Fi successfully blends cutting-edge digital imaging technology with Samsung’s latest line of class-leading Android devices,” said Ron Gazzola, Vice President, Marketing for Digital Imaging, Samsung Electronics America. “Focusing on features that simplify the user experience, the GALAXY Camera Wi-Fi offers an intuitive approach to feature-rich photography, without the need to be constantly connected.” Boasting a 21x optical zoom, 16MP backside illuminated CMOS sensor and class-leading 4.8-inch HD Super Clear Touch LCD, the GALAXY Camera makes it easier than ever before to capture breathtaking images, edit them with users’ favorite apps and then share over Wi-Fi to family and friends. The GALAXY Camera’s photo interface blends the capabilities of advanced camera with an easy-to-use touch interface, so users can learn and grow with their photography with each use. An innovative Smart Mode places camera settings at users’ fingertips, letting them fine-tune and adjust settings like shutter speed, aperture and exposure by simply manipulating sliders on the screen. The GALAXY Camera also offers a selection of different scene modes to help users define the appropriate settings for a particular scenario, whether they want to capture flowing waterfalls, an action-packed sports event, and more. Editing with Ease: The GALAXY Camera integrates a new Photo Wizard tool, featuring a comprehensive set of 35 editing features, designed to take advantage of the camera’s high-resolution touchscreen and make powerful enhancements on-the-go. Additionally, the Smart Content Manager offers innovative organizational tools for photos, with options to quickly and easily create folders and tags or suggest which photos can be deleted if they don’t come out the way the user intended. Lastly, Samsung’s Paper Artist app allows users to creative stylize and edit their photos with options for users to create new images that appear to be sketch-drawings or watercolor paintings. Pricing and availability The Samsung GALAXY Camera (Wi-Fi) will be available later this month for $449.99 at www.samsung.com and authorized Samsung retailers. For more information on the Wi-Fi version of the Samsung GALAXY Camera and the full line of Samsung digital cameras, lenses and accessories, please visit www.samsung.com. The post Samsung Galaxy Camera (Wi-Fi) arriving in April with $449 sticker appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| GameStop expands trade-in program to include more brands Posted: 04 Apr 2013 07:12 AM PDT
GameStop today announced that the device trade-in program has been expanded to include new brands. Effective immediately, phones and tablets from companies such as Motorola, Samsung, and BlackBerry are eligible for in-store credit or instant case at GameStop stores around the country. To help get things rolling, GameStop is offering a limit-time promotion which includes trade bonuses (in-store credits). The deal runs through April 28 and will see up to $50 extra for your items. Now through April 28, customers can take advantage of the following lucrative trade bonuses when they trade any accepted devices, including smartphones, tablets and media players:
GameStop Expands Electronics Trade Program to Include More Smartphones Popular handsets from Samsung®, BlackBerry®, Motorola® and other brands now eligible for instant cash* or in-store credit at GameStop stores nationwide GRAPEVINE, Texas (April 4, 2013) – GameStop® (NYSE: GME), the world's largest multichannel retailer of video games, has again expanded its mobile electronics trade program to include a variety of the hottest smartphones, following heightened customer demand. Customers can now receive instant cash or in-store credit for smartphones from top manufacturers like Samsung®, BlackBerry® and Motorola® at all of GameStop's U.S. stores. "GameStop's trade-in program drove more than one million electronics trades in 2012, proving we're meeting a real need for consumers," said Joe Gorman, vice president of mobile at GameStop. "With the variety of innovative new devices launching this year, it's the right time to add even more smartphones to our electronics trade program.” Now through April 28, customers can take advantage of the following lucrative trade bonuses when they trade any accepted devices, including smartphones, tablets and media players:
For example, customers can receive in-store credit up to $530 for an iPhone® 5 or up to $280 for a Samsung Galaxy S® III with this offer. GameStop PowerUp Rewards™ Pro members can receive even more in-store credit when trading electronics:
For more information on the latest accepted devices, as well as base trade values, visit www.GameStop.com/DeviceTrader. The post GameStop expands trade-in program to include more brands appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| 1,400 Best Buy retail stores to feature “Samsung Experience Shops Posted: 04 Apr 2013 07:01 AM PDT
Samsung and Best Buy today announced a partnership which will bring “Samsung Experience Shops” to 1,400 retail locations across the country. The first 900 of such min-stores will be available by early May with the remaining 500 locations rolling out over the summer.
The Samsung Experience Shops will provide consumers with hands-on time with a range of mobile devices including the tablets, smartphones, connected cameras, and more. While it does sound like the Apple and Best Buy experience, we wouldn’t expect anything else out of Samsung. We’re just pleased to see that Android devices could get more of a presence at retail locations around the country. SAMSUNG JOINS FORCES WITH BEST BUY TO PROVIDE CONSUMERS A UNIQUE MOBILE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Samsung Experience Shops in 1,400 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores creates a destination where consumers can experience Samsung’s extensive mobile ecosystem of products and learn how they work together from dedicated Samsung experts Richardson, TX – April 4, 2013 - Samsung Electronics announced today a unique relationship with Best Buy, the world’s largest consumer electronics retailer, centered on retail innovation for customers to explore, purchase, activate and service the broadest portfolio of Samsung mobile products and accessories. The Samsung Experience Shop™ will be installed in more than 1,400 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile specialty stores across the U.S. beginning this month. By early May, 900 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile specialty stores will feature the Samsung Experience Shop, with the remainder launching by early summer. At the Samsung Experience Shops, consumers can experience Samsung’s full range of mobile products including smartphones, tablets, laptops, connected cameras and accessories, all in one location. The shops enable consumers to interact with and buy Samsung’s latest mobile products and experience how the devices connect together to enrich their lives. Select Best Buy stores will have Samsung Smart Service™, which includes dedicated Samsung Experience Consultants™ and Best Buy blue shirt sales associates to assist customers with purchasing and activating mobile products on the carrier of their choice, understanding their device and supporting them throughout the lifecycle of their product. The specially trained Samsung Experience Consultants will assist with product demonstrations, basic product services, Samsung account set up, warranty registration and post purchase support. “Samsung has been delivering the latest innovation across the consumer electronics category for some time,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. “With the Samsung Experience Shops, we are ensuring consumers get the most of that innovation by learning how to leverage their mobile devices across our ecosystem of consumer electronics. Consumers will have one place to not only explore and learn about our full portfolio of mobile products, but also the support of a Samsung expert to help with selecting and servicing them. This will truly be a unique mobile shopping experience.” The shops vary in size, with the largest being approximately 460 square feet. Within the larger shops, the Samsung Connected Solutions™ area creates a place for customers to see how easily Samsung devices connect and share content across multiple screens. “We look forward to showcasing Samsung products in the Samsung Experience Shop in all Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile locations. This is part of our Renew Blue transformation strategy – working closely with vendor partners to innovate and drive value, while also updating our stores to focus on growing and profitable categories,” said Shawn Score, head of U.S. Retail for Best Buy. “Our promise to our customers is simple: we’re committed to providing the best value, service and selection. Our partnership with Samsung on the Samsung Experience Shop is another way we’re delivering on that promise.” In addition to the in-store experience, a Samsung Experience Shop launches today online – www.bestbuy.com/samsungexperienceshop – featuring product shopping aisles and a full overview of the Samsung Experience Shop. The post 1,400 Best Buy retail stores to feature “Samsung Experience Shops appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Deezer music service comes to Android in beta release Posted: 04 Apr 2013 06:26 AM PDT Deezer music service this week announced a new beta version of its Android app which aims to enhance the experience for users around the world. Key features include a new UI with “ergonomic design”, predictive search, and a built-in mini player. The beta version of the new Deezer app for Andoid is available for download here and a final version will be accessible via Google Play soon. Deezer bets on Android to reinvent the mobile music experience
4th April 2013 This week, global music subscription service Deezer launches a new, recharged exclusive beta version of its mobile app for Android, designed to enhance the user experience for music fans worldwide and enable them to discover new artists and tracks like never before. Key features of the new app include:
Matthieu Gorvan, Head of Mobile at Deezer comments: "Deezer is a truly global music subscription service and smartphone adoption rates are rapidly on the rise worldwide. It's a key mission for Deezer to always make the best of the capacities of each mobile platform. Android allowed us to innovate further hence enabling new music discovery features." The beta version of the new Deezer app for Andoid is available for download here and a final version will be accessible via Google Play soon. iOS users need not worry – Deezer hasn't forgotten about you, so watch this space for further announcements in the near future! - End - Notes to editors: For more information, images and logos, please contact pr@deezer.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ About Deezer Deezer delivers an exciting, broad and truly global music experience to more than 26 million music fans across 182 territories. With 3 million subscribers, more than 1 million Facebook fans and more than 100 million shareable playlists, Deezer allows fans to enjoy music unconstrained by any of the barriers of the past, providing unlimited access to a catalogue of 20 million tracks, instantly available on any device – smartphone, laptop, tablet, home speakers, car, or work PC. Deezer's mantra is music discovery, helping fans rediscover the joy of finding and sharing fantastic new music through specially selected editorial recommendations for every single market in which it is present. With an international partnership with Facebook and strategic telecoms partnerships Orange, Everything Everywhere and Telenor, amongst many others, Deezer is committed to bringing music to new audiences worldwide. The post Deezer music service comes to Android in beta release appeared first on AndroidGuys. |
| Google Now update includes real-time package tracking, quick settings Posted: 03 Apr 2013 06:45 PM PDT The Google Now (Google Search) app for Android 4.1 devices or later has been updated to include a number of handy features. As you’ve guessed by the headline, you can now track shipped packages in real-time across select partners. Also included are quick feedback and settings on cards as well as faster Google search results.
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