Android Community |
- Hangouts set to be the future of Google Voice
- Verizon 4G LTE approaching 500 markets milestone
- T-Mobile Galaxy S III 4G LTE model rumored for June 5 release
- Google+ Android app update adding new Photos experience
- GALAXY S 4 Active images leak showing a ruggedized red device
- T-Mobile choosing ISIS over Google Wallet
- Samsung Galaxy S III 4.2.2 update leaks with GALAXY S 4 features
- Jolla Sailfish smartphone arriving with Android app support
- Hisense Sero 7 Pro with Tegra 3, Android 4.2 takes on Google’s Nexus 7
| Hangouts set to be the future of Google Voice Posted: 20 May 2013 10:44 AM PDT When Google announced their new Hangouts service at the Google I/O dev conference last week, their new unified cross platform messaging and video service, the first thought we had was in regards to Google Voice. Would Voice be going the way of Google Reader, or did they have something else planned. Today we’re learning that Google Hangouts was designed to be the future of Voice.
Where are we hearing such reports exactly? A Googler from the Hangouts team, Nikhyl Singhal, had a few comments to share over on Google+ and we have all the details. He goes into a few brief comments regarding incoming and outgoing calls, Google Voice and more. Essentially stating that while outbound calls aren’t supported on the web or Chrome extension in Hangouts, yet, you can accept incoming calls through Google Voice. Singhal mentions that both inbound/outbound calls will both be supported extremely soon, from all areas that Hangouts are available. In the meantime however, users can keep using Google Talk if they’d like to enjoy those features like previously available. Then he moved on to Google Voice, something many have been patiently waiting to hear about.
So that’s good news. We know many of you have been patiently awaiting a Google Voice update, more features, and hopefully video chatting. This looks to solve everything in one go, hopefully. Original leaks suggested Hangouts (formerly babel) would be a unified messenger of all of Google’s services. This still looks to be the plan, the rest will just be “coming soon” according to these reports. |
| Verizon 4G LTE approaching 500 markets milestone Posted: 20 May 2013 10:15 AM PDT Today the team over at Verizon Wireless are back sharing more details about their exhaustive and competitive 4G LTE network rollout. Confirming that after a few new markets have launched with LTE today, their numbers have reached an all-time high and they are approaching another milestone. As of today Verizon 4G LTE is available in 497 markets across the US.
Today Verizon launched 4G LTE in another 6 markets. Ranging from Kentucky to Michigan, and even Colorado. With 6 more markets officially enjoying 4G LTE that brings the total number to 497 markets, which is just a few shy of their 500 US market milestone. AT&T and others are working hard and fast, but Verizon is showing zero signs of slowing down anytime soon. For those wondering, the 6 new locations to see LTE today are: Durango, Colorado; Corbin and Madisonville KY; Adrian and Mount Pleasant, Michigan; and Marietta, Ohio. Then something Verizon hasn’t done in the past, they’ve released the full list of 4G LTE networks. A pretty long chain of regions and locations around the US.
Verizon also confirmed that as of May 16th, their 4G LTE covers nearly 95% of the 3G networks around the US. Over 40% of their smartphones are all running on 4G LTE, and 63% of all internet devices sold from Verizon also are running LTE speeds today. That isn’t all they had to brag about either. Over 54% of all network and data traffic on Verizon is now 4G LTE. The important part there being that they’ve managed to do all of this in just 2 years. Verizon expects to pass that 500 mark extremely soon (probably next week or so) and will continue to drive forward their 4G LTE rollout. T-Mobile has a lot of catching up to do, that’s for sure. |
| T-Mobile Galaxy S III 4G LTE model rumored for June 5 release Posted: 20 May 2013 09:59 AM PDT Samsung’s new flagship smartphone the GALAXY S 4 might be all the rage right now, but the folks from T-Mobile aren’t giving up on the older brother just yet. Some new details have confirmed Samsung and T-Mobile will be releasing a 4G LTE capable budget priced Galaxy S III early next month. Now that T-Mobile has a 4G LTE network, it’s time to upgrade all those phones.
Luckily all those Galaxy Note II owners were able to just accept an over the air update to enable 4G LTE on their handsets, but with the Galaxy S III you won’t be so lucky. Now that the GALAXY S 4 is readily available T-Mobile and others have lowered the price on the Galaxy S III, so some could get the new LTE version for quite cheap. According to TmoNews details, the new 4G LTE capable Galaxy S III on T-Mobile will be launching on June 5th, although we don’t have a price to confirm. The leak states they’ll be replacing the supply with the 4G LTE model, so it sounds like the new low price should remain in tact. You could get it for as low as $69.99 from select T-Mobile installment plans. Then, in just a few days on May 29th, we’re also hearing the Galaxy Exhibit will also hit T-Mobile with 4G LTE. Which is a budget aimed mid-range phone that we first saw way back in February, but haven’t heard much about after. That dual-core Android 4.1 Jelly Bean phone should be even cheaper, and another great option for Tmo customers. While many will probably opt for the GALAXY S 4 for the bigger screen, better features, and updated version of Android the Galaxy S III with LTE will be a great option for those looking to spend a little less. We’ll update when we learn more details or hear it from T-Mobile themselves. |
| Google+ Android app update adding new Photos experience Posted: 20 May 2013 09:12 AM PDT Google confirmed 41 new features for Google+ last week during I/O. As of today however, it looks like they have detailed 42. This latest update is for the Android Google+ app and touches on three items — images, location and the overall stream. Additionally, there was also talk of notifications, profile editing and quicker access to the recently released Hangouts app.
That said, lets dive in with the images. With these Google appears aimed at making the whole image experience simpler. The features here include Auto-Backup, Auto-Highlight and Auto-Enhance as well as Auto-Awesome. These items can all be accessed by visiting the Photos section from the Google+ Android app and for the most part, they sound as they are. Take Auto Backup for example, your images will be automatically backed up to the cloud. Auto Highlight will allow you to browse a selection of top shots and Auto Enhance will allow for what Google describes as “subtle” and automatic improvements to your images. Lastly, there is Auto Awesome which will allow for the creation of animations, panoramas and more based on your images.
While Google+ Photos seem to have attracted the most attention, there was also the Location changes. These have the Google+ app with a new section called Locations. From here you ail be able to see where your friends happen to be. These locations are displayed on a map and will only be shown for friends who are already sharing their location with you. The Locations section will be accessible from the left hand menu. For those worried, your location sharing can be adjusted using the settings. Otherwise, remaining Google+ app changes include the stream, which in this case mean the addition of hashtags. Those browsing their activity stream will be able to see the hashtags in the upper right hand corner of posts. These hashtags are automatically added by Google and when clicked, you will get additional content based on that particular tag. Users can also choose to manually add hashtags. Remaining items include tweaks to the notifications along with the ability to edit a bit more of your profile from the Android app. Plus, there is the previously mentioned one-click access to Hangouts. With that, the Google+ for Android app is expected to arrive in the Google Play Store today and will be available for devices running Android 4.0 or later. SOURCE: Google |
| GALAXY S 4 Active images leak showing a ruggedized red device Posted: 20 May 2013 08:35 AM PDT We have seen a few leaks related to the GALAXY S 4 Active in recent history. Looking back and we have seen details that suggested a release would be coming in July and that the handset would be heading towards AT&T as the SGH-I537. Time will tell how accurate these leaks end up being, however as of today it looks like a few images have been revealed. The images are offering a look at both the front and back of the handset and have come along with some details in terms of specs.
This round of GALAXY S 4 Active details are coming by way GSM Arena who are reporting the handset will have an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera and a display pixel density of 480ppi. This does bring some questions in terms of the display though. The handset was previously thought to have a 5.0-inch 1080p display, however at this point it is not certain if the display will be a Super AMOLED. The images, which are showing the AnTuTu benchmarks also reveal a resolution of 1920 x 1080, Adreno 320 graphics and quad-core ARMv7 processor. The other detail revealed here shows a model number of GT-I925. Otherwise, as you can see from the images here in the post, the GALAXY S 4 Active is sporting a red and black design and so far there hasn’t been anything in terms of additional colors just yet.    While it is hard to tell without any side-by-side with another handset, the GALAXY S 4 Active doesn’t appear to be all that bulky. Nonetheless, it is expected to be rugged, well, at least in terms of the handset being both dustproof and water resistant. The one difference here (as compared to previous reports), it was believed the Active model would have the same 13 megapixel rear-facing camera as the regular GALAXY S 4. Aside from that difference, the remaining and still unconfirmed specs for the GALAXY S 4 Active look to include 16GB of internal storage, 2GB of RAM, a 2600 mAh battery, 2 megapixel front-facing camera and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The other interesting item worth mentioning from these images comes from the front of the display — it appears as if the GALAXY S 4 Active has three hardware buttons. SOURCE: GSM Arena |
| T-Mobile choosing ISIS over Google Wallet Posted: 20 May 2013 07:56 AM PDT Similar to what we have seen with Google Wallet and Verizon Wireless, it looks like T-Mobile has offered a bit of insight in terms of which mobile payment system that will be supporting. Basically, it seems T-Mobile is blocking Google Wallet in support of ISIS. This latest bit comes by way of a recent question that was posed to the T-Mobile help account on Twitter.
The carrier was asked if there was any timeline as to when Google Wallet support would be available for the Galaxy Note II. Well, in a bit of not so happy news for Google Wallet hopefuls, T-Mobile responded with the following; “We’re supporting ISIS, the wireless payment standard for mobile devices.” While disappointing, this news is probably not all that surprising. After all, we saw the T-Mobile ISIS test program and app launch in October of 2012. The issue here comes down to support as for now, ISIS availability is pretty limited. At present the ISIS support is limited to Salt Lake City, Utah, and Austin, Texas. Naturally this response brought a few complaints, however it also brought another interesting point. The person that originally posed the question responded with a complaint about how ISIS is only available in those two markets and with word that if they rooted their handset they could use Google Wallet. That is certainly one way to handle the issue, of course, that is likely not a route that will be taken by many. All said and done, having Google Wallet blocked in favor of ISIS doesn’t seem like it will help do anything to further the availability of mobile payments. Then again, maybe mobile payments are not quite ready to catch on and the eventual widespread rollout of ISIS will be the take off. After all, it is hard to argue with the three carrier (T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and AT&T) backing of ISIS. VIA: electronista SOURCE: Twitter |
| Samsung Galaxy S III 4.2.2 update leaks with GALAXY S 4 features Posted: 20 May 2013 07:18 AM PDT We saw T-Mobile begin rolling out a Galaxy S III update last week. That update was bringing the handset to Android 4.1.2 with new features to include multi-window, however it looks like that will not be the most recent Galaxy S III update for very long. A Galaxy S III update that is said to still be in the testing phase has recently leaked. This one is Android 4.2.2 with a build ID of JDQ39.
For now we haven’t heard anything from the carriers and instead this leak has reportedly come direct from Samsung. Assuming the testing phase goes will, this update is expected to come available in June. Of course, that will be initially available for unlocked handsets and carrier specific models will likely be waiting quite a bit longer. Putting the potential wait aside, lets discuss the features which look to include more than a few from the GALAXY S 4. Android 4.2.2 build JDQ39 for the Galaxy S III should be getting goodies to include new screen modes, voice controls and an updated S-Voice. These are all GALAXY S 4 features with the new screen modes being Adapt Display and Professional Photo. The other GALAXY S 4 feature, the enhanced voice controls will allow the user to control their phone with their voice. Galaxy S III users will also be getting the lockscreen from the GALAXY S 4. This will include support for multiple widgets, the Ripple and Light unlock effects and the ability to set a personal message as well as change the clock size. Aside from the GALAXY S 4 specific items, this update also adds a few other Jelly Bean goodies. The changelog points towards items to include Daydream as well as a new driving mode, actionable alerts, new additions in the Notification Center, the ability to run Samsung apps in full-screen and a new Smart Switch widget. The gallery will also see some changes. In this case it looks like users will have the option to choose a white background. Finally, the remaining item here is an updated Settings app. This one will bring a tabbed interface to the settings and should be familiar for those who have used a GALAXY S 4. All said and done, it looks like Samsung has a decent update for the Galaxy S III in the works, not lets just hope the carriers will approve and release it without much in terms of a wait. SOURCE: SamMobile |
| Jolla Sailfish smartphone arriving with Android app support Posted: 20 May 2013 06:45 AM PDT Jolla has unveiled their first smartphone, the Jolla, which is running the Sailfish OS. At present the Jolla smartphone has been officially unveiled, however it appears early days and some details are still on the lighter side. We do know the Jolla will be sporting a 4.5-inch display and as a plus for Android users, the handset will have support for Android apps. Of course, like the rest of the details, there are some questions surrounding the app support.
To begin with though, lets discuss the specs we have seen. The Jolla will have 4G connectivity along with 16GB of internal storage along with a microSD card slot, 8 megapixel rear-facing camera and a dual-core processor. That brings the first question, the process is still unspecified and at this time. There will also back cover plates that will allow you to swap out for different colors.    The back cover plates are dubbed “The Other Half” and they will actually do a bit more than just give you a new exterior color. Jolla has said these covers will be able to automatically adjust fonts, ringtones, profiles, color themes and more. The Jolla will also have a removable battery, however the battery size has yet to be mentioned. Sailfish is based on MeeGo and is said to be “gestured based.” As far as the Android app support, without having further details we bring up thoughts of support being similar to what we have seen announced for the BlackBerry. Otherwise, at present the folks at Jolla are asking for your support — both from users looking to buy a handset and from developers looking to create Salifish apps. The Jolla website points towards what they are referring to as The Movement. Basically, this is a pre-order campaign that will give some perks for those willing to get in early. The handset is priced at €399 (about $515 US) and is being sold contract free and unlocked. As for placing a pre-order, you can get the Jolla limited edition smartphone and Other Half, which comes with a t-shirt and priority pre-order status. The key here, you pay €100 up front and then pay the balance when the phone is actually available for purchase. Finally, at present the Jolla will arrive first in Europe and shipments are expected to begin before the end of the year. VIA: SlashGear SOURCE: Jolla |
| Hisense Sero 7 Pro with Tegra 3, Android 4.2 takes on Google’s Nexus 7 Posted: 19 May 2013 11:48 AM PDT Today we have something pretty interesting for all you tablet lovers. A new slate that’s aiming to take on Google’s Nexus 7 has leaked, and you’re going to like the price. It’s called the Hisense Sero 7 Pro, from the popular Chinese manufacturer, and has everything and more the Nexus offers but for just $99. Read on for full details on this impressive and well-rounded budget slate.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because the Hisense Sero 7 lite was recently spotted at the FCC. The Chinese manufacturers first slate officially going up for sale in US markets. However, the Hisense Sero 7 Pro we have the exclusive on today is a much better device, offers more than the Nexus 7, is only $99, and was found available as we speak inside Walmart. According to our tipster the Sero 7 Pro rocks a 1.3 GHz Tegra 3 quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, and a 7-inch 1280×800 HD IPS display, just like the Nexus 7. Then what makes it even better is the micro-SD slot for expanding storage, mini-HDMI for video out, and dual camera. The Sero 7 Pro sports a 5 megapixel rear with LED flash, and 2 MP front, respectively.    Running Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean and full Google Play Store certification, this tablet is as well rounded as it gets for $99. That’s for sure. As you can see from the images provided, the build quality is decent, and our tipster claims it feels quite premium given the price. The Hisense Sero 7 Pro also comes with the usual array of senors and radios. WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, NFC, and a 4,000 mAh battery. Hisense offers TV’s here in the US, but this marks their first tablet aimed at the US market. Our tipster reports their USA website link on the box isn’t even active yet, which leads us to believe some Walmart locations are selling this device early. You can head to www.hisense-usa.com/tablets, but as stated, the page isn’t yet active. For now we’re looking for additional details, but you might want to run down to your nearest Walmart and grab this deal of a tablet. Who’s interested? Quad-core Tegra 3, 8GB storage, micro-SD and HDMI-out, not counting Android 4.2 Jelly Bean all for just $99. Let us know below! Update: Many reports have confirmed the price is actually $149, and the Hisense Sero 7 lite will be $99. Get em while they last. – Thanks Selim for the tip!          |
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