Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums


HTC expected to get Android 4.2.2 update in July… but no further updates after that

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 03:17 PM PDT

ATT_HTC_One_X_Front_TA-281x360

 

Is the HTC One X smartphone not going to get a taste of Key Lime Pie? It certainly appears to be the case as a mysterious tweet from an insider indicated that HTC would be providing the Android 4.2.2 update as its final update for the smartphone— not the Android 5.0 update that was expected by the masses.What’s even more baffling is there’s no reasoning for why the update wouldn’t hit the device either. Could it be a potential delay of the Android 5.0 launch by Google? What about memory limitations for Sense + Android 5.0? Perhaps the real likelihood is well, it might be too much work to try and stuff new software into increasingly “outdated technology”. It sucks, but that’s likely the real culprit… if it’s true that is.

Naturally we will need to wait for the official word from HTC before we can jump to any real speculation that is. On the flipside, at least reports are indicating the Android 4.2.2 + Sense 5 update will hit devices from July. A bit of a silver lining for One X owners we suppose.

source: LlabTooFer Twitter | Gotta Be Mobile


Come comment on this article: HTC expected to get Android 4.2.2 update in July… but no further updates after that

Sony Xperia Z released to AOSP

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 02:00 PM PDT

sony_xperia_z_aosp_banner

Sony announced today that they have opened the software code for their Sony Xperia Z smartphone to the Android Open Source Project. The software has been uploaded to Sony’s GitHub. Between that and information available at Sony’s Developer World site, external developers should have everything they need to get started. The project will be overseen by the same people who were over the Sony Xperia S AOSP. Sony points out that the software is not intended for everyday use and several apps and services one might expect on a standard smartphone are not present. Hit the break for a short video about the project and some shots of what is included in the code.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: Sony Mobile


Come comment on this article: Sony Xperia Z released to AOSP

Next gen HTC Butterfly spotted in OTA information?

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 09:37 AM PDT

htc_dlxplus_ota_screen_cap

More clues about the next generation HTC DLXPLUS devices have been discovered in some OTA testing information. The DLXPLUS codename is used by HTC for a line of phones normally marketed as either the HTC Butterfly or DROID DNA depending on the market and carrier. The OTA information indicates at least three different versions of the device are being prepped, including:

  • DLXP_U – this version includes GSM and WCDMA antennas and would likely end up as a global version of the phone;
  • DLXP_UL – this model is LTE-enabled, so obviously it would be intended for carriers offering LTE service;
  • DLXP_WL – this version of the device is geared toward a CDMA2000 network, which could point to this being a Verizon specific version that may become the DROID DNA 2.

Sources believe a fourth version of the phone exists with the codename DLXPLUS_J that would be marketed as the successor to the HTC J Butterfly for the Japanese market.

source: GSM Insider


Come comment on this article: Next gen HTC Butterfly spotted in OTA information?

LG Share the Genius event scheduled for May 1st to introduce LG Optimus G Pro

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 08:55 AM PDT

HTC_Share_The_Genius_Event_May_01_2013_Optimus_G_Pro

With AT&T set to add the LG Optimus G Pro to their portfolio starting May 10th, LG is getting on the event bandwagon for their latest flagship device to hit the U.S. shores with a Share the Genius event on May 1st. The event will take place in New York City and is headlined by indie music group Atlas Genius. The LG Optimus G Pro will be entering the market up against the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S 4 so any buzz they can generate to help show that they too are a player in the top end of the smartphone market will help.

 


Come comment on this article: LG Share the Genius event scheduled for May 1st to introduce LG Optimus G Pro

Verizon announces the Pantech Perception smartphone, brings touchless controls for a modest price

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 08:49 AM PDT

Pantech-Perception-366x251

 

Sure we have seen some smartphones tout some impressive toucheless control features, but those type of devices come at a king’s ransom— so they may not be accessible to a wider range of customers. Fortunately Pantech quickly realized that the technology should be available to a wider range of customers and has introduced its brand-new Perception smartphone. The device is a typical mid-ranger which features Ice Cream Sandwich loaded up, a dual-core Snapdragon chip, 4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD display, an 8MP camera + 2MP FFC and 16 gigs of on-board storage. Sure those may be ho-hum to the masses— but the real ace in Pantech’s cards is the arrival of Motion Sense technology on the Perception. The technology allows users of the device to do things like wave their hands to answer calls or moving your finger up and down to scroll up and down through a list. Pretty awesome.

This smartphone is set for arrival on Verizon’s wireless network on April 25th, which should make customers of that network happy, but customers of other networks a wee bit sad. But if you are on Big Red’s network— the great thing about the Perception smartphone and its Motion Sense technology is the impressive price it will arrive at: $99 on-contract (after a $50 mail-in-rebate). You can find more deets when you hit the source link.

source: Verizon


Come comment on this article: Verizon announces the Pantech Perception smartphone, brings touchless controls for a modest price

Budget smartphones to experience explosive growth and account for 46% of all smartphone shipments by 2018

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 08:10 AM PDT

samsung-galaxy-family

 

It’s no surprise that budget-level smartphones are beginning to gain the favor of consumers worldwide, but it appears there is an imminent explosion of budget-level devices in the coming years. A recent trend by research firm ABIresearch concludes that shipments of sub-$250 phones will grow from 259 million in 2013 to a whopping 788 million in 2018; conversely, mid-level (sub-$400) and high-level ($400+) smartphone shipments are expected to grow from 635 million to 925 million between 2013 and 2018. The reason? Well, it’s quite simple really— budget smartphones continue to see an impressive boom in emerging markets, such as African and Asian countries. Additionally, budget smartphones continue to act as a bridge between the few of you out there who are still on a dumbphone, allowing for more advanced features for a modest to reasonable price. Here’s senior practice director Jeff Orr sharing his thoughts:

 

"As smartphone penetration moves from early adopters to mass-market and laggard consumer segments, the smartphone as a product will be less dependent on technical superiority, and more dependent on reliability and value." 

 

Still, ABIresearch is quick to point out the importance and relevance of the mid and high-level smartphones. It points out that “premium smartphones tend to carry the most advanced wireless connectivity and operators who are upgrading their network want to ensure that the handsets running on their network can deliver the best possible experience and customer satisfaction“. So in other words— budget-level devices tend to operate on 3G-esque speeds, while mid and high-level devices tend to offer items like LTE. Oh and don’t forget, people do love things like those awesome displays and nifty personal assistants that help make life easier and all.

source: Business Week


Come comment on this article: Budget smartphones to experience explosive growth and account for 46% of all smartphone shipments by 2018

Best Buy now taking pre-orders for the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 06:15 AM PDT

Best_Buy_Text_Message_Galaxy_S_4_Pre-orders

If you’re a Verizon customer and you want to make sure you get your Samsung Galaxy S 4 on release day, you might want to head over to Best Buy because they are now taking pre-orders. They did a soft announcement in that they sent out text messages telling customers that you can pre-order now, but it’s in store only.

Verizon hasn’t even announced an official release date other than sometime in May, and they aren’t even taking pre-orders yet. If you remember, Verizon was the last major carrier to offer the Galaxy S III, so this is just history repeating itself. I’m expecting a late May release, but hopefully I will be wrong.

source: gottabemobile

 


Come comment on this article: Best Buy now taking pre-orders for the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Samsung Galaxy S 4 to be in AT&T stores on April 27

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 06:03 AM PDT

AT&T_Tweet_Samsung_Galaxy_S_4_Availability

Are you wondering when you can finally put your hands on the Samsung Galaxy S 4? Well AT&T made it official via Twitter that it will be in stores starting this Saturday, April 27. It appears they will only offer the 16GB version for now, and the 32GB version will arrive at a later date. Word is that if you pre-ordered it, you could get it as soon as tomorrow.

source: @ATT


Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S 4 to be in AT&T stores on April 27

Rumor: Key Lime Pie won’t be ready for Google I/O?

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 05:53 AM PDT

Android-Key-Lime-Pie_034

Today’s Google I/O rumor is a Debbie Downer, but take it with a very small grain of salt. Google I/O is taking place next month, and unless you have been living under a rock, you know it’s the biggest stage of the year for Google. Naturally you would expect that a new version of their OS would be announced, even if it were a minor tweak. Everyone and their brother is expecting that Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie will be the chosen one, but a new rumor suggests that Google is pushing it back two to four months. The supposed reason is to give OEMs “breathing room” as in so many phones aren’t running Ice Cream Sandwich and/or Jelly Bean yet.

This sounds plausible, but this has been a problem since day one for Android so why would Google start caring about it now? It doesn’t make much sense to me, but a rumor is a rumor and some of them do come true.

The same source is reiterating what we reported over the weekend, which is that we will see an updated Nexus 4 with 32GB of storage and LTE. They believe the price point will be $349, and the current 16GB model will drop to $299. The 8GB model would likely be phased out or dropped to $249.

So what do you guys think? Is it possible that Google would not show an updated version of Android on their biggest stage? Do you think we will finally see an LTE version of the Nexus 4?

source: gadgetronica
via: phonearena


Come comment on this article: Rumor: Key Lime Pie won’t be ready for Google I/O?

TalkAndroid Daily Dose for April 22, 2013

Posted: 22 Apr 2013 08:48 PM PDT

TalkAndroid_Daily_Dose

With hectic schedules, it can be hard to keep track of everything in your news feed. That’s why we created the TalkAndroid Daily Dose. This is where we recap the day’s hottest stories so you can get yourself up to speed in quick fashion. Happy reading!!

Guides

How to set up and use HTC TV and the IR blaster on the HTC One

Reviews

HTC One review: The best phone on the planet, but is it good enough?

Apps

Runtastic Mountain Bike and Road Bike now available in Play Store

Netflix to offer $11.99 per month subscription supporting up to four simultaneous video streams

Carriers

Cricket shows off unlimited family plan, only $40 per line

Google Glass

Google Glass "about a year-ish away" according to Eric Schmidt

Phones

All-in-one toolkit for unlocking and rooting the AT&T and Sprint HTC One now available

HTC sells out of unlocked HTC One devices for $575

Huawei introduces the mid-range A199 smartphone, brings dual-SIM capability and Jelly Bean in a light package

Samsung Galaxy S 4 scratch test: Gorilla Glass 3 vs a steak knife and more

Insider confirms that recent "design guidelines" of upcoming Samsung devices are inaccurate

Samsung to introduce the world's first plastic OLED display on the upcoming Galaxy Note III?

Miscellaneous

Controlling you smartphone or tablet with your brain could be a reality thanks to Samsung and the University of Texas


Come comment on this article: TalkAndroid Daily Dose for April 22, 2013

No comments:

Post a Comment