Android Central |
- What is Stock Android?
- Google Play Books, separate 'Games' section now available in Ireland
- US Cellular launches ZTE Imperial for $0.01 on-contract
- US Cellular and NQ Mobile strike deal to provide security apps to customers
- Google Now update brings new cards for TV shows and Google Offers
- Recon Instruments announces Recon Jet HUD glasses for $499
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown and Scribblenauts Remix come to Android
- Google rebranding of Motorola continues with a new logo
- NVIDIA Shield delayed as 'mechanical issue' pushes launch to July
- Google Play edition HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 now on sale!
- First look: Google Play edition HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4
- New stock camera app debuts in Google Play edition GS4 and HTC One
- Sony Xperia i1 'Honami' poses for family photo
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini and Mega now in stock at Clove
- British Airways relaxes electronic device rules
- Retailers weigh in on Sony Xperia Z Ultra
- Deal of the Day: Incipio DualPro Hard Case for HTC One
- Possible Moto X prototype sighted once again, Sprint release rumored
- AT&T LTE expands or rolls out in seven new markets across the US
- Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A announced as world's first LTE-Advanced smartphone
- LG Optimus G2 appears in leaked slides
- Sony Xperia Ion Jelly Bean update now available via PC companion software
| Posted: 26 Jun 2013 04:02 PM PDT
There's Nexus and Google Play editions and experiences ... Just what exactly is 'Stock Android' anymore? (And does it even matter?)The term "Stock Android" gets thrown around quite a bit — particularly with the introduction of these Google Play edition devices — and has earned a level of reverence that's pretty unparalleled in the Android world. Even the words get a capital letter, so you know it's something that people care about. The (very vocal) minority of us have even forced HTC and Samsung's hand to release their latest and greatest with all their hard work removed and the mighty Stock Android in place. But Stock Android itself is a misnomer, and it's almost impossible to define. Webster's tells us that "stock" is the original from which others derive. In that sense, it does describe Android as Google intended it. But we don't apply a direct definition to most things when they work their way into daily use, so Stock Android (with the capital S) needs some further explanation. I'm not preaching from my virtual soapbox here; I'm every bit as guilty of muddling things as anyone else is. But that doesn't mean we can't discuss it, right? Let's do that, then. 
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| Google Play Books, separate 'Games' section now available in Ireland Posted: 26 Jun 2013 03:26 PM PDT Two new categories arrive in the Play Store for Irish users
The Google Play Help pages, which have been updated today, also indicate that Play Books are now available in Ireland. We haven't tracked down an official post from Google indicating whether or not the full book catalogue will be available to Irish users just yet, but we would guess that the service would not launch without all of the proper deals in place. More: Google Play Help; Thanks, John! 
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| US Cellular launches ZTE Imperial for $0.01 on-contract Posted: 26 Jun 2013 02:45 PM PDT Another standard low-end device to round out the carrier's LTE lineup
The ZTE Imperial rounds out the low-end of U.S. Cellular's lineup, with an off-contract price of just $299 although most will end up grabbing it with a 2-year agreement for just a penny. The carrier says it is targeting the device at the first-time smart phone user, and it has a price and feature set that reflects that. Source: U.S. Cellular 
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| US Cellular and NQ Mobile strike deal to provide security apps to customers Posted: 26 Jun 2013 02:32 PM PDT
Two branded security apps to help keep customer's smart phone data safeIn an effort to offer better comprehensive security to its customers, U.S. Cellular announced today that it will partner with NQ Mobile to provide security apps to its 5.2 million customers. The partnership expands on a previous program that offered an app called "NQ Family Guardian" to customers, with two new apps called "U.S. Cellular Mobile Data Security powered by NQ Mobile™" and "U.S. Cellular Privacy Protector powered by NQ Mobile™". The apps will be free in the Play Store as branded options limited to the carrier's customers. Together the apps aim to give customers protection from viruses, malicious URLs and other outside threats along with a security suite that offers secure encryption for photos, videos and other data users want to keep safe. On their own, NQ Mobile's self-branded versions of the apps have done well in the Play Store with high ratings and reviews, so U.S. Cellular certainly seems to have made a good choice here. Source: U.S. Cellular 
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| Google Now update brings new cards for TV shows and Google Offers Posted: 26 Jun 2013 02:04 PM PDT
Google improves location-aware and voice-controlled features for NowAn update to Google Now is bringing two new types of cards, TV shows and Google Offers, to users starting today. For those who have an internet-connected TV on the same network as their mobile device, Google Now can now listen to the show you're watching and offer more information -- such as actor or show details -- right on your device. For Google Offers users, Google Now will show reminders for upcoming saved offers when you're near a store that you can use the offer at, which expands on Google's current location-aware shopping and research cards. Additionally, the latest update also includes a new voice action to play music from Google Now. You can now say "Play [artist name]", and a prompt will pop up letting you select your preferred music app from the ones you have installed. The app will then open and begin playing from the artist you asked for. The new TV show card is U.S.-only for the moment, but the other new features should be available for everyone. You can grab the latest updated Google Search (which is Google Now) app from the Play Store link above. Source: +Android 
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| Recon Instruments announces Recon Jet HUD glasses for $499 Posted: 26 Jun 2013 01:28 PM PDT
Serious athletes now have their own version of Google GlassBuilding on its previous efforts in the HUD (Heads up Display) market, Recon Instruments announced today that its latest Recon Jet HUD will be available for $499. These Android-powered glasses are targeted directly at cyclists and triathletes, providing extremely useful information just a glance away. You can think of the Recon Jet as a distant cousin of Google Glass, targeted at a sports-minded wearer to show information such as heart rate, cadence and power output through a suite of on-board sensors. Athletes will be able to track their speed, pace, distance, time and ascent/descent throughout a race or training session. Just as is the case with Google Glass, the Recon Jet pairs with a phone over Bluetooth for connectivity and can display caller ID and text messages as well as upload details of their current activities to social networks. The Jet has a 1GHz dual-core processor, dedicated graphics chip, Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS and a camera on the front along with the aforementioned sensors. Recon notes that the components of the glasses are evenly distributed to both sides, adding just 14 grams in weight to each side of the sunglasses. While the Recon Jet is focused on a core set of features for serious athletes, the company is making an SDK available for developers to write apps for the platform. Recon says it is already in talks with major health and fitness companies to make new native apps for the device. In its current form, the Recon Jet is offered in an early "Pilot Edition" for $499 from now until July 21st. This Pilot Edition is for willing early adopters to give a try several months before full production begins. After the July 21st cutoff the pre-sale price will jump to $599. Hang around after the break to see a few more pictures showing off the Recon Jet and HUD interface. 
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| Batman: Arkham City Lockdown and Scribblenauts Remix come to Android Posted: 26 Jun 2013 01:08 PM PDT
Available in the Play Store for $5.99 (Batman) and $0.99 (Scribblenauts)Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is bringing two of its biggest mobile games, previously only available on iOS, to Android. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown and Scribblenauts Remix are now available on the Google Play Store, for $5.99 and $0.99, respectively. In the action-adventure game Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, players set out to defeat some of the Dark Knight's most infamous enemies, along with their armies of henchmen. Jumping rooftop to rooftop and exploring Gotham City, Batman fights one-on-one with villains like The Joker, Two-Face, and Deathstroke. 
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| Google rebranding of Motorola continues with a new logo Posted: 26 Jun 2013 12:46 PM PDT
Motorola has a new logo and it looks much better than its predecessor; it even includes the words: "a Google company." Since Google acquired Motorola Mobility, there haven't been too many visible changes in branding or products. This is likely due to existing product deals that had to be met and contracts that likely needed to be fulfilled. However, it appears Google is ready to move forward with Motorola's handset business and rebrand it in a big way. Logos are a big deal and the most visible aspect of the brand, for better or worse. If a company has suffered, its logo is going to carry the weight of that and vice versa. It is a good move by Google to redesign it and it looks great, in my view. After the logo comes the products, so might we see the rumored Motorola X sometime soon? What do you think of Motorola's new logo? Will it help a diminished brand or not make much of a difference? Source: The Verge 
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| NVIDIA Shield delayed as 'mechanical issue' pushes launch to July Posted: 26 Jun 2013 12:00 PM PDT
No new shipping date given for portable Android gaming console/controllerNVIDIA Shield — the graphics company's ambitious move into the consumer hardware space — will miss its June 27 shipping date because of a "mechanical issue" that popped up during final testing, the company announced today. It did not say when the handheld gaming device would finally hit customers' hands. An NVIDIA spokesperson told Android Central:
NVIDIA would not disclose the nature of the issue, or which third-party component was the culprit. "Mechanical" sounds like moving parts, however, and there aren't many of them on Shield. (Buttons, the joysticks and d-pad, exhaust fan and the clamshell hinge come to mind.) 
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| Google Play edition HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 now on sale! Posted: 26 Jun 2013 10:00 AM PDT
HTC One runs $599, Samsung Galaxy S4 is $649Today's the day, and now's the time. The Google Play edition — that's the official name, by the way — Samsung Galaxy Galaxy S4 and HTC One are now on sale directly from Google Play. These are full-price devices, each upwards of $600, running "stock"-ish Android 4.2.2, which is the latest version of Android released. We say "stock"-ish because, well, "stock" Android means all sorts of things. Anyhoo. You get the Android experience in the purest sense of the word with these devices, and with a couple extra thrown in. (Namely, Beats Audio on the HTC One, and the Samsung flip cover clock on the Galaxy S4.) The 32-gigabyte HTC One costs $599, and the 16-gigabyte Samsung Galaxy S4 runs $649. You can order both from the devices section at Google Play. And it's worth mentioning that Google Play has a pretty horrible track record when it comes to up-time during major device launches. So if your order starts to hiccup, hang tight, and be patient. It's also worth a reminder that these are U.S.-only for now. 
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| First look: Google Play edition HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 Posted: 26 Jun 2013 10:00 AM PDT
Here they are, folks. The "Stock Android" HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4. otherwise known as the new "Google Play edition" devices. Two phones we know quite well, seeing as how they've been available for weeks, if not months. But these are different. They are, more or less, Google's. Gone is HTC's custom software, Sense 5. Gone is Samsung's TouchWiz. Instead, we've got Android 4.2.2 (which Samsung has on its stock GS4, but HTC doesn't on its One) and Google's own svelte user interface. We've also got easily unlockable bootloaders, for those who like to tinker. And we've got hefty price tags, at $599 for the HTC One, and $649 for the Galaxy S4. We've only had these phones for about 24 hours now. Not long enough for a full review, but certainly long enough for some initial impressions, especially since we're already intimately familiar with the hardware. If you're on the fence about ordering and curious about what you'll be getting, read on. 
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| New stock camera app debuts in Google Play edition GS4 and HTC One Posted: 26 Jun 2013 10:00 AM PDT
Redesigned radial menu makes it easier to see all your optionsWe've got our our hands on the "Google Play edition" Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One, and we've been putting both devices through their paces. For the most part, it's hardware we already know running software we've seen before on the Nexus 4. But there's one subtle change we've noticed that could make it a little easier to control your photographic options on the new Googlified devices. The camera app that ships on the Google-branded GS4 is later than what's on the Nexus 4 (version 1.1.40012 versus 1.1.40001, if you're keeping track), and the UI has been somewhat redesigned. The big circular menu on the Nexus is replaced with an arch-shaped menu on the Google Editions, making it easier to see all your options without your thumb getting in the way. 
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| Sony Xperia i1 'Honami' poses for family photo Posted: 26 Jun 2013 09:04 AM PDT
First leaked image allegedly shows upcoming 20-megapixel Sony 'cameraphone'We've heard a good deal about the Sony "Honami" already — an upcoming camera-centric Sony smartphone said to pack a 20-megapixel Cyber-Shot camera and re-vamped camera software. The name "Xperia i1" has also been thrown around in reference to the device, which sources have told us is due to make an appearance sometime in Q3. Today we could be getting our first look at the "Honami" — or Xperia i1 — courtesy of Brazilian site Techtudo. The outlet has snapped a couple of images of what it says is the Xperia i1, complete with 20-megapixel rear camera. The hardware shown seems to employ Sony's "Omnibalance" design language — note the trademark trim design and rounded power button — while not matching any Sony phones we're familiar with. 
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| Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini and Mega now in stock at Clove Posted: 26 Jun 2013 08:10 AM PDT |
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British Airways relaxes electronic device rules
Posted: 26 Jun 2013 07:57 AM PDT
Devices may be used after plane leaves runway under new rules
From July 1, British Airways will change its electronic devices policy after landing, allowing smartphones, tablets and other gadgets to be used immediately after the plane leaves the runway, reports BBC News. Under the existing rules, BA passengers must wait until the plane has stopped at the terminal building before powering on their devices.
BA will be the first European airline to bring in relaxed rules for electronic devices after landing, after the British Civil Aviation Authority said the move presented no safety risk. But the changes won't affect restrictions in place around take-off, which require passengers to turn off all devices until they reach 10,000 feet.
Over in the U.S., the FAA is reportedly looking at taking things a step further and relaxing its own blanket ban on electronic device usage below 10,000 feet. A formal decision from the aviation authority is expected this fall.
Source: BBC News
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Retailers weigh in on Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Posted: 26 Jun 2013 06:50 AM PDT
Phones 4u confirms plans to stock device in the UK, Amazon.de pre-order pricing appears
Following yesterday's global announcement, we're starting to hear details of retailers' plans for Sony's latest smartphone/tablet hybrid, the Xperia Z Ultra. The 6.44-inch beast will be offered through Phones 4u, the retailer has confirmed, making P4u the second major UK player to hop aboard Sony the Z Ultra train. Yesterday Three UK said it'd carry the device upon release.
Meanwhile the first SIM-free prices are starting to emerge, and Amazon Germany is listing the device for pre-order at €679 (£575, $884). An eye-watering European pre-order price isn't entirely unexpected considering the phone's laundry list of high-end specs. The Ultra includes Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 800 chip, a new "Triluminos" 1080p display from Sony, waterproof and dust-resistant credentials and a glass-backed chassis. A €679 or £575 launch-day price would put Sony's latest on equal footing with the Samsung Galaxy S4, which launched at £579.99 in the UK.
A global launch is scheduled to take place sometime in Q3, but there's no firm release date just yet. If you're not yet acquainted with the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, check out our hands-on impressions from yesterday's launch event.
More: Xperia Z Ultra hands-on
Source: Amazon.de via: XperiaBlog, Phones 4u
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Deal of the Day: Incipio DualPro Hard Case for HTC One
Posted: 26 Jun 2013 06:47 AM PDT
The June 26 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Incipio DualPro Hard Case for HTC One. Featuring a high quality, polycarbonate plastic exterior embedded in a shock absorbing silicone core, this case provides sturdy protection without sacrificing style. With dual layers and a rigid plextonium frame this case still allows access to the screen, camera and ports of the device.
The Incipio DualPro Hard Case is available for just $18.00, 40% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping!
Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts
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Possible Moto X prototype sighted once again, Sprint release rumored
Posted: 26 Jun 2013 04:16 AM PDT
Motorola 'XT1056' said to be in testing on Sprint, appears to be running vanilla Android
While Motorola has officially acknowledged that the "Moto X" will be its next flagship device, we've yet to hear much in the way of official details from the manufacturer — and in the absence of any hard information, the rumors and leaks continue to flow. Today brings a fresh image of what might well be the front face of the device, sent to PhoneArena by an anonymous source. The phone appears to match the device sighted in Vietnam a few months back, and more recently in an AT&T-centric leak, hiding behind a dummy case.
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AT&T LTE expands or rolls out in seven new markets across the US
Posted: 25 Jun 2013 10:20 PM PDT
Another week, another grouping of markets getting or expanding their AT&T LTE network footprint. Each time we get a new set of cities they seem to be smaller and smaller, indicating that AT&T has covered many of the largest markets and is working to fill out its complete nationwide network. Users in the following cities with LTE-enabled devices and the correct plan provisioning should see the network available now:
- Minot, North Dakota
- Warren County, New Jersey
- Visalia-Porterville, California
- Brainerd Lakes, Minnesota
- Jackson County, Georgia
- Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina
- Mount Vernon, Ohio
Don't expect these announcements to slow down any time soon, though. AT&T still has a lot of ground to cover, and they're going to be sure to let us know what the progress is.
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Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A announced as world's first LTE-Advanced smartphone
Posted: 25 Jun 2013 08:04 PM PDT
Launching this summer in Korea in Blue Arctic and Red Aurora
Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy S4 LTE-A, the first smartphone ever to use LTE-Advanced technology. Samsung promises "twice-as-fast network speeds to produce an unparalleled multimedia experience." LTE-Advanced works by combining different frequencies, and using them as one -- something Samsung refers to as "leveraging carrier aggresion."
This new Galaxy S4 variant will have similar specifications to the current Galaxy S4, however will ship with Qualcomm's next generation processor -- the Snapdragon 800 with 2.3 GHz Quad Core CPUs. The screen, cameras, and battery capacity appear to be identical to the current Galaxy S4. Internal memory will have a capacity of 32 GB, with the standard micro SD slot available for an additional 64 GB.
So far it appears this phone will be a Korea exclusive, launching this summer. Initial color options will be Blue Arctic and Red Aurora, with more colors following after launch. The full press release from Seoul is available through the source link below.
Source: Samsung
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LG Optimus G2 appears in leaked slides
Posted: 25 Jun 2013 05:43 PM PDT
A Wild LG Optimus G2 appears; uses dual-buttons. It's super-effective!
If you weren't pretty sure we are about to see the LG Optimus G2 in New York on August 7, you haven't been paying close attention. That's OK, rumors fly around and they can be hard to keep track of, but usually pictures make it easier. Thanks to habitual leaker @evleaks, we now have a few.
Nothing that confirms or denies the expected specs of a Snapdragon S800 processor and 1080p HD display, but LG and Qualcomm pretty much let that out of the bag a week or so ago.
What is interesting is that the mystery buttons on the back of the device are shown in these pictures, along with a slide that leads us to believe they will be tied to the volume setting. We'll likely know all there is to know in a little over a month, but for now we can look at the images and speculate. Hit the break to see the rest.
Source: @evleaks. h/t Jerry's Kid!
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Sony Xperia Ion Jelly Bean update now available via PC companion software
Posted: 25 Jun 2013 05:02 PM PDT
Sony's update bonanza continues, as the Xperia Ion gets its Jelly Bean update
AT&T and Sony have released Android 4.1.2 for the Xperia Ion today, but so far we've heard no users getting it the normal way. Instead of pushing out the update over the airwaves, it looks like users will need to use the Sony PC Companion (the the Mac equivalent Sony Bridge for Mac) to update their handsets, at least for the time being.
The download and installation will bring the Ion to Android 4.1.2, build version 6.2.B.0.211. While there is no official changelog just yet, the expected things like Google Now and Project Butter should be on-board and available.
There's no word that this will remain and update-by-wire situation, and it's possible that this limited test precludes a normal OTA push. Either way, if you've been waiting since you heard Jelly Bean was coming, taking a few minutes to use Sony's software won't be too much of a burden.
Anyone try Jelly Bean on their Ion yet? Sound out in the comments and let us know what you think.
Source: Xperia Blog
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