Android Community |
- AT&T details the latest 4G LTE expansions
- LG Optimus G Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Note II
- Google Fiber approval comes for Grandview, Missouri
- OUYA teardown shows us the insides of a mini game console
- HTC First sees first price drop as AT&T cuts to under a buck
- Sony drops the PlayStation Mobile developer licensing fee
- Samsung GALAXY S 4 retail availability expands to Staples
- Apple requests Android source code documents in Samsung suit
- Microsoft Office Web Apps gain Android support
- DROID RAZR M and RAZR HD refresh expected to bring a new color
- T-Mobile Q1 2013 results show first branded customer growth in four years
- G-Box Midnight MX2 runs Android and XBMC
- Emotionsense App wants to put a therapist in your pocket
- Time Warner Cable TV app to get remote streaming update
- Rumored LG tablet coming later this year could use Android
- HTC One Tablet: Would you buy it?
- LG Tablet in the works for Q3 this year
- Vivo Xplay smartphone detailed with 5.7″ 1080p display and built-in amp
- Sony Xperia i1 ‘Honami’ true camera phone specs leak
- Huawei P6-U06 image leak highlights the thin design
| AT&T details the latest 4G LTE expansions Posted: 08 May 2013 11:19 AM PDT Coming just a few days after the previous expansion, AT&T has announced the latest for the 4G LTE network rollout. The last time around brought good news for those in select cities of Kansas, Missouri and Texas and as of today it looks like new and expanded coverage has arrived for those in seven states as well as in Puerto Rico.
Those seven states include Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and West Virginia. Starting first with the coverage for Alabama, here we are seeing coverage as having been added for Monroeville and Evergreen. Coverage for Kentucky includes Frankfort and the coverage for Michigan includes Saginaw and Bay City. The newly added coverage in Tennessee is for those in Cookeville and McMinnville. The LTE coverage for those in Texas now includes Beeville. The remaining coverage included in this round is for those in Aberdeen, Washington; Ashland and Huntington, West Virginia and Vieques, Puerto Rico. Bottom line here, this is just another round of LTE expansions from AT&T. Perhaps the more interesting bit is how these updates seem to be coming on a fairly regular basis. By that, we have been seeing a few updates per month and as previously mentioned, the last came just a few days back. Anyway, those in any of these locations may want to head out and begin taking advantage of these newly increased speeds. |
| LG Optimus G Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Note II Posted: 08 May 2013 10:53 AM PDT Now that the LG Optimus G Pro is readily available in the US from AT&T, we decided to pair it up against the competition. With the Galaxy Note II already being available for some time, can the late-to-the-game Optimus G Pro compete? Both feature stunning 5.5-inch displays and more so lets take a quick look below and let you decide.
On paper both devices might seem nearly the same, but it’s the small details that really set them apart. Both have quad-core processors and 2GB of RAM, both offer a 5.5-inch HD display, both are running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and the list goes on. However, deep down they are quite different, and the LG Optimus G Pro actually sits well above the Note II. Both of these are massive smartphones, there’s no doubt. If you have the hands and pockets to fit this big of a device, both are a great buy. Samsung is famous for their cheap plastic materials, and LG followed right in their footsteps. Dedicated home button and all. Even their pulldown menu appears to slightly copy Samsung. However, LG’s plastic doesn’t feel quite as cheap, and also isn’t as slippery and hard to hold. Overall though the Galaxy Note II just looks a little better, and has some better design curves.
In the hand the LG Optimus G Pro is actually easier to hold, not as slippery, and doesn’t feel as massive. It’s also quite a bit lighter. As you can see above the colors are possibly a little better, but more on the display below. LG has sleeker bezels and rounded edges, and this makes the device look and feel smaller and makes it much easier to grip. Something that is important at this size. LG also has a leg up regarding hardware under the hood too. Above we mentioned they sound the same on paper, but they are very different machines. The LG has a 5.5-inch full HD 1080p display, vs just 720p on the Note II. Then that quad-core processor is quite a bit different too. Samsung has a 1.6 GHz Exynos quad-core, while the LG rocks Qualcomm’s latest generation 1.7 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 series. Something much faster, stronger, and more efficient. Then LG also gives you double the storage offering 32GB, vs just 16GB on the Note II. They both have a micro-SD slot for expanding storage up to 64GB, and both have massive removable 3,100 mAh battery options. Sadly the Optimus G Pro in Korea has a spare battery in the box, but AT&T decided to leave that out here in the US. They also don’t have a stylus, which is fine, but one in the box to help compete with Samsung wouldn’t be a half bad idea.
Below is a full detailed list from our device database giving you the breakdown of all the hardware and software specs, so we’ll let you peek at that for the final details. Now that we’ve reviewed both devices, this is a toss up. The LG Optimus G Pro is a better device in all aspects, however, the software on Samsung is just that much more polished. The second major issue was battery life. Having a more efficient processor with the LG we expected great battery life, but the aging Note II seriously outperforms LG here. There’s something going on with LG’s battery life situation, and it needs fixing. The 32GB LG Optimus G Pro from AT&T is just $199. The older, not full HD, only 16GB Galaxy Note II will run you $299. So obviously the LG might be a better choice for many. If this would have arrived near the same time as the Note II, it would win outright. Sadly with the Note III on the horizon and expected to be announced in late August, we have a feeling many will wait to see what Samsung delivers. You can’t go wrong with either device, but here are the facts. Samsung will probably update to the latest version of Android faster, their software is more polished, and it still gets better battery life. Oh and you can’t forget that S-Pen stylus for content creation with the Sammy. You’ll enjoy either of these massive smartphones, so the choice is yours.      Device Info
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| Google Fiber approval comes for Grandview, Missouri Posted: 08 May 2013 10:26 AM PDT Coming off the recent announcement for Shawnee, Kansas, the next Google Fiber city has been announced. The next city will be Grandview, Missouri and this set of details is looking rather similar to what we saw from Shawnee. Basically, Google Fiber will be coming for those in Grandview, however the when remains the question.
At the moment Google has said it will “still be awhile” before they can build Fiber in Grandview. Further details reveal how they still need to plan and engineer the Fiber network in Grandview. What we have at this time includes little more than an approval from the Grandview, Missouri Board of Aldermen. While we suspect those in Grandview may be disappointed at the lack of a timeline for the rollout, there should be some comfort in the fact that Google Fiber has at least been approved because that is a step above most locations. Google Fiber, for those not as familiar, will bring Gigabit internet, which has speeds that are said to be “up to 100x faster than the average American broadband connection.” Aside from the recently announced approvals for those in Grandview and Shawnee, Google Fiber has also been approved for Austin, Texas and Provo, Utah. The service is also available in Kansas City with pricing set at $70 per month for Gigabit Internet and at $120 per month for Gigabit Internet + TV. [via Google Fiber Blog] |
| OUYA teardown shows us the insides of a mini game console Posted: 08 May 2013 10:03 AM PDT The OUYA game console has been pretty popular lately, and with the device shipping to thousands of buyers over the next month or so we’ll only be hearing more. While reviews have been mixed, the potential for the Android-powered game console are quite high. Today the folks from iFixit are back with another teardown. Showing us the insides of the OUYA.
Now for those lucky few who got the special edition developer kit, the OUYA came in see-through plastic so you’ve probably seen the insides plenty. However, iFixIt takes it up a notch and tears the entire thing apart piece by piece and tells us what everything does. It’s always fun, and this teardown shows just how easy it is to break into the OUYA. In their piece-by-piece deconstruction of the OUYA console, and the controller, they came away surprisingly happy and gave the device a great score. OUYA received a 9 out of 10 (10 being the best) for repairability. Stating that everything was extremely easy to access, modular, and the use of standard phillips and hex screwdrivers made things dead simple.
Powering everything under the hood is that NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, and we got a very good close up look at the die here. The teardown does reveal the heat sink was soldered in place. So replacing the thermal pad (or paste) and doing any crazy mods could cause an issue. That aside everything is extremely modular and the creators stuck to their word about making this device easy to modify. Now if we could just toss a Tegra 4 inside, then we’d be happy. Interestingly enough, they found 5 metal plates in the bottom to keep the square console weighted down and balanced, which was odd but makes complete sense. If you wanna know more hit the link below.    [via iFixit] |
| HTC First sees first price drop as AT&T cuts to under a buck Posted: 08 May 2013 09:51 AM PDT The HTC First launched with AT&T back on April 12 and while the handset hasn’t even been available for a full month, it has already been given a price cut. Or maybe a bit more accurate here, a price slashing. The handset had been selling for $99 on a two-year agreement and as of today, those interested can pick it up for under a buck.
AT&T seems to have shifted the decimal point and now has the HTC First selling for $0.99. Of course, that is still on a two-year agreement. AT&T has said this is a sale price, however they have yet to set an end date for the sale. Otherwise, the full retail price is listed as being $350.99. You know, just in case you are looking to avoid the long term commitment.
The HTC First remains available in four colors (white, black, pale blue and red) and is running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with the Facebook Home launcher. The First has 4G LTE connectivity along with a 4.3-inch 720p display, dual-core 1.4GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and a 2000 mAh battery. The handset also has a 1.6 megapixel front-facing camera and a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera. While the handset has the Facebook Home launcher, that can be turned off with a few taps. We previously offered some details on how to make the switch. Underneath though, you will find a stock Android 4.1 installation. Bottom line here, the HTC First could be a nice match for those who cannot get enough Facebook in their lives. And coming as a bonus, the handset is now selling for $0.99 as opposed to $99. Those considering a purchase may also benefit from our earlier review. [via AT&T] Device Info
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| Sony drops the PlayStation Mobile developer licensing fee Posted: 08 May 2013 09:15 AM PDT Sony has recently announced that they have ditched the licensing fee required for developers looking to publish games on the PlayStation Mobile platform. While this will be good for developers looking to publish games for the PlayStation Vita, this will also include those looking to publish games for Android smartphones and tablets.
For those curious, the licensing fee was previously set at $99. The dropping of this fee seems like a good start towards attracting new submissions, however we cannot help but look past the limited amount of supported devices. At present the PlayStation certified Android devices are mostly from Sony. That makes some sense, however seeing expanded device support from other manufacturers would likely help in addition to the dropping of the licensing fee. Of course, that is not to say only Sony devices are supported. The PlayStation certified device list also includes select models from HTC. The HTC handsets include the EVO 4G LTE and a variety of One models such as the S, V, X, XL and X+. For now though, Sony has dropped the fee in an effort to attract additional developers in hopes they bring additional games. Looking forward, it seems that attracting some of the more popular devices, such as the Galaxy S III or the recently launched GALAXY S 4 certainly wouldn’t hurt either. If nothing else, additional device support could attract additional users. And in turn, those additional users could also help to bring additional games. Anyway, while the dropping of the licensing fee will likely not have an immediate effect, it may help to improve things in the future. So how about it, anyone using a PlayStation certified device? [via Sony] |
| Samsung GALAXY S 4 retail availability expands to Staples Posted: 08 May 2013 08:34 AM PDT Staples has announced availability details for the Samsung GALAXY S 4. The retailer will have the handset available under a few carriers, however the in-store and online availability does vary from carrier to carrier. Simply put, the GALAXY S 4 availability with Staples really just means those interested will have another location to pick from when it comes time to make a purchase.
One perk of shopping with Staples though, they have variety. That is to say that Staples has multiple handsets available from multiple carriers. Basically, this could potentially be a good place to go if you are trying to device which handset you want to buy. Putting that thought to the side, Staples will have the GALAXY S 4 available for $199.99 on a two-year agreement. For now they have said the Verizon Wireless model is available for pre-order and will be available in-store and online as of May 30. The T-Mobile version is available in-store now. A date for the T-Mobile online availability has yet to be announced. Further details also show the AT&T model will be available in-store only, however as of now Staples has yet to reveal a date. In addition to the GALAXY S 4 itself, Staples will also have the complete line of accessories available for sale. The accessories include cases as well as screen protectors, chargers and docks. That said, if you are considering a purchase but are still in need of additional information — you may benefit from reading our recently published GALAXY S 4 review. [via Business Wire] Device Info
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| Apple requests Android source code documents in Samsung suit Posted: 08 May 2013 08:03 AM PDT In the ongoing legal issues between Samsung and Apple, it looks like the latter has requested records dealing with the Android source code. This comes as part of the second patent infringement case between Samsung and Apple. Here we have Apple requesting the information based on the argument that Android is being used in all the allegedly infringing products from Samsung.
Apple, coming by way of a court filing, has said this “provides much of the accused functionality.” Mark Lyon, who is a lawyer for Apple has said “it's a question of transparency” noting that they “have concerns that they’re not doing a full search.” Basically, this all stems from a dispute over evidence gathering. The interesting side here comes by way of Matthew Warren who is a lawyer for Google. Warren has said that Apple made a “strategic decision” in keeping Google off the complaint. This basically has Google as a third-party to the case which ultimately means they don’t have the same legal rights when it comes to items such as "reciprocal discovery." As far as turning these documents over, while that may or may not happen, Google has said they feel this may lead to “future discovery that we don't think they're entitled to.” Bottom line here, while these Samsung and Apple issues appear never ending, this is likely not the last time we will be hearing about this portion either. [via Bloomberg] |
| Microsoft Office Web Apps gain Android support Posted: 08 May 2013 07:29 AM PDT Microsoft originally launched the Office Web Apps back in 2010. This launch had the web apps serving as companions to the full desktop Office experience, however improvements over the years have added mode features. Some of these improvements have dealt with collaboration and the ability to create documents and access Office content from a wide variety of devices.
On that note, it looks like Android users are being given some additional functionality. Microsoft has recently announced that Android tablet users will soon have the “full power of the Office Web Apps.” This means Android tablet users will be joining the Windows 8 tablet and iPad users. The Android support will arrive for those using the Chrome browser. Some of the features here will include the ability to access Office content and tools as well as the ability to edit documents. Microsoft also has plans to add real-time co-authoring support within the Office Web Apps. Basically, this means users will be able to see the presence of others as well as any edits without having to refresh the page. Microsoft has said they have already started offering this in the PowerPoint Web App and that “in the next few months” you will see this functionality getting “faster.” The above video gives a brief look at co-authoring with the PowerPoint Web App. Microsoft also has plans to add real time co-authoring support in the other Office Web Apps over the next few months. [via Office 365] |
| DROID RAZR M and RAZR HD refresh expected to bring a new color Posted: 08 May 2013 06:49 AM PDT Motorola introduced a platinum colored DROID RAZR M a few months back. The handset was for Verizon Wireless and was selling exclusively through big box retailer Best Buy. That particular model was a simple color refresh and the handset carried the same specs and $49.99 price tag. Well, flash forward till today and it looks like the DROID RAZR M may soon be getting another color refresh.
The color this time around is blue. Additionally, the DROID RAZR HD is also expected to arrive in blue. We have yet to see an announcement from either Motorola or Verizon Wireless and instead the details are coming by way of @evleaks. While no source can be 100 percent reliable, this is one that has been proven in the past. Basically, if you had been considering the purchase of a DROID RAZR M or RAZR HD with Verizon Wireless and really like the idea of getting the handset in blue — you may want to hold back for a little while to see how this all shakes out. Otherwise, we would also expect the blue models to be available for a limited time such as what we saw with the pink DROID RAZR M. Shifting over to the far right of the above image, that third handset is one that most users will never get a chance to own. That one is said to be an employee edition RAZR M. For this, we would expect this one to launch with a different styling on the outside, but with the specs and internals being the same as the regular RAZR M. |
| T-Mobile Q1 2013 results show first branded customer growth in four years Posted: 08 May 2013 06:24 AM PDT T-Mobile has posted their Q1 2013 results and while these numbers will not reflect the recent merger with MetroPCS, the carrier has said this quarter has brought the “first positive branded customer growth in four years.” T-Mobile is reporting 3,000 branded net customer additions, which to put a year on that first positive branded customer growth in four years comment — means this stems back from 2009.
Otherwise, some other highlights from the report include the carrier as having 199,000 branded postpaid net losses, which is a 61 percent year-over-year improvement. The report also shows branded prepaid net additions as being 202,000 and the total customer net additions as being 579,000. Additionally, the branded postpaid churn was 1.9 percent, which is said to be the lowest since the second quarter of 2008. Shifting away from some of the numbers, T-Mobile is citing some of the quarters highlights as being the 4G LTE launches and the shift to becoming the UNcarrier. Not that we think Android fans will be happy to hear this bit, however the carrier is also citing the successful launch of the iPhone 5. They noted having sold about 500,000 iPhones since the launch. Nothing all that new in terms of the 4G LTE launches as T-Mobile is still shooting for a goal of having coverage available for 200 million users by the end of 2013. That all being said, John Legere, President and CEO of T-Mobile has said they ended the quarter with “strong operational momentum, which is continuing into the second quarter.” And as one would expect given the recent closing of the merger with MetroPCS, Legere touched on that noting how “things only get more exciting from here.” [via T-Mobile] |
| G-Box Midnight MX2 runs Android and XBMC Posted: 08 May 2013 05:38 AM PDT Most of the Android products we talked about around here are either smartphones or tablets, but that certainly isn’t the only place the operating system is used. Another very common place to find Android running the show is in the set top box market. A new set top box running Android that comes preloaded with XBMC has debuted.
The set top box is called the G-Box Midnight MX2 and it uses a custom version of XBMC. The box support hardware accelerated video playback and is configured for easy installation of add-ons for services such as Amazon and others. The set top box ships with a wireless remote control and has four USB ports. Android hackers will also appreciate the fact that the set top box ships pre-rooted allowing you to install apps that require root access. The box uses an Amlogic AM8726 ARM Cortex-A9 dual core processor, has 1 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of integrated storage. The device uses the Android 4.2 operating system. The device has a footprint measuring 5 x 5 x 2-inches and connected to the TV using an HDMI cable. Other features include integrated Wi-Fi and an integrated Ethernet port. Check out the video below to learn more about the set top box. [via Liliputing] |
| Emotionsense App wants to put a therapist in your pocket Posted: 08 May 2013 05:24 AM PDT A strange new application has turned up for Android users that wants to turn your mobile phone into a therapist. The application is called Emotionsense and it’s designed to monitor your text messages, calls, sounds, and your location to predict your mood. The goal of the application is to reveal when you’re at your most stressed or happiest.
This application has the potential to literally help you find your happy place. The app is available free of charge and was developed by the University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory. The information the application collects is monitored invisibly. Information is gathered from the smartphone’s GPS system, accelerometer, and microphone. The app is able to develop a pattern of habits for the phone owner as they go about their day. The application was developed as part of a research project started at the University with the goal of determining how smartphones can be used to record people’s mood in the real world. The smartphone is a particularly good platform for this sort of monitoring because many people have their device with them at all times. During the day, the app will generate a pop-up window asking the user how they’re feeling. The user will be able to rank their mood from positive to negative and note how active they have been. Hopefully users of the Apple be able to take advantage of the information to help improve their mood. [via Dailymail] |
| Time Warner Cable TV app to get remote streaming update Posted: 08 May 2013 05:08 AM PDT Being able to stream your favorite television programs and movies to your mobile device when you’re outside the home is a great capability. You might not always take advantage of it, but in those times when you’re bored on the bus or at the airport and have nothing to do, being able to stream video content is welcome.
Time Warner cable has had its TV application available for a while. The company is now tipping that a “serious” update to the application will be coming to Android users next Tuesday. The update will bring with it a huge assortment of on-demand content. The on demand content will include 4000 TV shows and movies. Users of the Android application will also be able to stream live TV and on-demand content to Android devices using older versions of the operating system. The app work on Android devices from version 2.2 up. Some of these features have been available for the iPhone version of the application for a while. It’s nice to see Android users finally getting some love and many will welcome the ability to stream video content when they’re away from home. [via Engadget] |
| Rumored LG tablet coming later this year could use Android Posted: 08 May 2013 05:00 AM PDT LG already has a number of gadgets on the market today, and a number of those products use the Android operating system. A rumor has surfaced from Korea hinting that a new tablet is coming from LG in the second half of 2013. What’s unclear according to the rumor source is what operating system the tablet will run.
LG has a history of using Android for a number of its products, but there’s a chance that the new tablet will run Windows. Intel and other companies in the tablet market have hinted that prices of Windows 8 tablets could plummet later this year bringing them very close in price to Android offerings. LG previously tried to get into the tablet market with its Optimus Pad, which failed to gain traction. While the rumor of a new tablet coming from the manufacturer has no specifications, LG was showing off a new seven-inch screen during CES. That seven-inch screen rivals Apple’s own Retina Display used in the iPad. The seven-inch LG Display screen at a pixel density of 324 ppi and a resolution of 1920 x 1200. That could be perfect for a seven-inch LG tablet running Android. The question remains whether or not LG will try another Android tablet or if it will give Windows 8 or Windows RT a shot. Our money says the tablet will run Android since Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets have underperformed on the market. [via SlashGear] |
| HTC One Tablet: Would you buy it? Posted: 07 May 2013 04:41 PM PDT Now that the HTC One smartphone has arrived on multiple carriers and is readily available for users to check out, we’re left wondering when HTC will get back into the tablet game. Last year they swore off Android tablets for the meantime, but today rumors are floating around about an HTC tablet with Windows RT. I’ll pass on that, but what we’d really like to see is the HTC One Tablet.
So we must ask. HTC, where is the One Tablet? You guys have been riding a pretty big wave of success and praise lately for the HTC One. Nearly every single review I’ve read loved it, as did we. Now is the perfect time to release an 8-9″ slate that completely matches the One punch-for-punch. Give us everything we love about the One into a compact and portable slate, have them work together seamlessly, and bring it to market at a decent price. Please don’t make another HTC Jetstream. I think the sting is still hurting from that failed device. The image above was found over at PocketNow, where they themselves make a pretty darn compelling argument about an HTC One tablet, so we wanted to gauge the interest of our readers as well. HTC hasn’t been doing well lately, as we’re sure many of you know, and they’ve pulled out of many markets and even cut back on device production. So now that they aren’t churning out 15 different smartphones, why not match the success and praise of the HTC One with the One Tablet. It makes perfect sense. Yes, the build quality makes the One nearly the best device I’ve ever held. Period. And that could make for a pretty heavy tablet, but the iPad mini has no problem with it, so why can’t HTC? Samsung’s latest tablets have front facing speakers, and HTC beat them to the punch with this latest phone. We’d love to see nearly everything offered on the One, including the front speakers, on the One Tablet. That’s something we’d buy!
So what would we have in an HTC One Tablet? The device pictured at the top of the page with stunning build quality to match the One, and specs like these. An 8-inch 1280 x 800 (or even 1080p if you can swing the price) SLCD3 display, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 600 or 800 processor and 2GB of RAM, give us at least 32GB of storage (and hey, maybe a micro-SD slot) keep those awesome front facing speakers and beats audio integration, and offer all of this for $329. Basically if HTC could release this being similar to the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 only with the look, feel, design, and dazzle of the HTC One at the same price as the iPad mini, that would sell. Or we’d like to think so at least. The folks from HTC might still be treading the water lightly, and their CEO even has his job riding on the One‘s success. Hopefully it does well in the next 3 months, and we see a matching HTC One Tablet later this year. What do you guys think? |
| LG Tablet in the works for Q3 this year Posted: 07 May 2013 04:14 PM PDT It looks like a new Android tablet could be on the horizon from the folks at LG. For those who haven’t been around the world of Android for long, LG made a tablet way back in the day, but it wasn’t too great. The LG G-Slate never received any support from the carrier, or the manufacturer, but now it might be time they dabble in that market again.
LG’s recent smartphone push has been extremely successful for the company. Certainly they aren’t doing good like Samsung, but better than most. LG’s Optimus G was a hit last year, the Nexus 4 is still extremely popular, and today we reviewed their new Optimus G Pro. LG’s hardware has seriously improved, as has their hardware, and they at least do a fairly good job at updating the OS these days. According to some new reports coming out of UnwiredView, LG will be dropping another tablet sometime between July and September of this year. Sadly however, this could end up being an awful Windows RT slate, and not run Android. We’ll have to wait and see if either actually happens, but hopefully it runs the OS we all know it should. And that is Android. The Optimus Pad and T-Mobile G-Slate were both pretty unsuccessful back in a time where Android wasn’t fully fit for tablets. Honeycomb we can safely say was quite the mess, but things have came a long ways since those days. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich made Android tablets competitive, and Android 4.1 and 4.2 Jelly Bean have only continued that success. LG hasn’t released a tablet in a while, and the same goes for HTC (stay tuned for more on that) and with their success as of late now would be a pretty decent time. Hopefully this report is accurate, and LG has a slate in the works. |
| Vivo Xplay smartphone detailed with 5.7″ 1080p display and built-in amp Posted: 07 May 2013 02:57 PM PDT Today we’re getting additional details about a rather impressive sounding smartphone. This thing truly can compete with – and beat – nearly everything available today in terms of raw specs, design, and features. Vivo isn’t a name we hear often, but their new Android 4.2 Jelly Bean 1080p powerhouse smartphone the Vivo Xplay is worthy of our attention.
All the details about this impressive phone were unveiled today, and lets just say I’d really like to own one. Vivo is competing with and beating the folks from Samsung, LG, and more with this thing, sadly it will never come to the U.S. if the past gives us any indication. Read on for all the details about this neat new smartphone. So why does it sound so impressive. Here’s the spec sheet: It comes with a 5.7-inch 1920 x 1080p full HD display, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM (like the GS 4 and HTC One) 32GB of internal storage, micro-SD slot, 13 megapixel rear camera and even a huge 5 megapixel front shooter, as well as a massive 3,400 mAh battery. And that isn’t all. You’ll enjoy premium sound with an additional Texas Instrument OPA2604 amplifier chip to boost audio across the board as well.
Interestingly enough they manage all of this into a device only 8mm thin, so slightly thinner than a Galaxy Nexus, or even the Nexus 4. Nice right? FLAC audio playback is supported (and you’ll need all the storage you can get for that) it has NFC, and it features some software options called Vivo Free Touch. This allows you to shake or interact with the phone without touching it. Which is nice when your fingers can’t stretch across that 5.7-inch screen. For additional details and pictures check out Engadget’s coverage. This stunning and impressive sounding device will be launching soon in parts of Asia, and we’d really like to get our hands on it. It’s like a Galaxy Note II, only slightly better in every way possible. What do you guys think?     [via Liliputing] |
| Sony Xperia i1 ‘Honami’ true camera phone specs leak Posted: 07 May 2013 01:57 PM PDT It sounds like the folks from Sony are finally ready to truly offer a compelling camera solution for Android users. We know Nokia is betting big with their PureView technology, and recently we’ve been hearing quite a bit regarding cameras on Android smartphones. From HTC’s Ultrapixel, Google claiming superior cameras on Nexus phones, and even Samsung could have a 16 megapixel GALAXY S 4 in the works. Well, Sony might beat them all with the Xperia i1 smartphone.
The latest leak back on May 1st revealed the codename Honami, and that went on to detail an upcoming smartphone from Sony that will truly be a flagship smartphone with a top-tier camera unlike any other. Talks of a Sony Exmore RS sensor better than anything from HTC, Samsung, or even Apple, and a Cybershot lens from their popular camera line. The phone will have premium grade glass over the lens for clearer and crisp images in an area where most smartphones don’t pay much attention. Not to mention many smartphone lenses don’t have covers, or get scratched easy. Then we’re also hearing Sony will top the rest with an impressive Xenon dual-LED flash offering 10x the brightness of any other smartphone for stunning low-light photography. Sounds nice right. Well today we’re getting specs of the top-tier handset this will all be bundled inside.
Essentially this is just a Sony Xperia Z, which is a stunning smartphone, completely on steroids in all aspects. Then Sony has taken every single approach possible to truly enhance the camera on board too. The reports go on to mention that Sony is putting more effort behind this smartphone than anything they’ve done in the past, and looks to truly make this their flagship smartphone. Sony has some great devices, some overpriced, but overall quality handsets. We’d love to see more be available in the US, especially if this rumored device ends up being a reality. If they can deliver this for $249 on contract, I’m sold. What do you guys think? [via UnwiredView] |
| Huawei P6-U06 image leak highlights the thin design Posted: 07 May 2013 01:53 PM PDT A short while back we saw some details on the Huawei P6-U06 and as of today it looks a like a few images have leaked. This round of images are nice in that they are of an actual handset as opposed to a render. Not to mention, they are fairly clear and have come along with a few details in terms of specs.
Anyway, the images come courtesy of nowhereelse.fr and as you can see from the above image, a highlight of this phone is the thickness. Or maybe more accurate in this case, a highlight is the thinness. The Huawei P6-U06 is said to measure in at 6.18mm. There isn’t any way to verify that based on these images, but the handset does appear to be rather thin.    Aside from the thickness, the Huawei P6-U06 is said to be sporting a 4.7-inch TFT display at 1280 x 720, quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. Otherwise, aside from the 6.18mm thickness, the remaining dimensions are 132.6 x 65.5mm. Nothing so far in terms of the battery size. The one bit we have yet to see is a picture showing the back of the device. Or for that matter, any images of the device with a Huawei logo showing. All that aside, given these recent leaks we suspect an announcement will be coming sooner rather than later. This one however isn’t likely to arrive for sale in the US. Instead we are looking towards China in terms of P6-U06 availability. [via Engadget] |
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