Android Central |
- This week's sidebar poll: Are you interested in converting your HTC One or Galaxy S4 into a Google Play edition device?
- Google Play edition HTC One bootloader and recovery now available
- Chrome for Android updated with full screen tablet browsing and automatic page translation
- T-Mobile announces 'JUMP!' upgrade plan, new LTE markets and devices
- The Xperia Z on T-Mobile: a watershed moment for Sony smartphones in the U.S.
- Live from T-Mobile's event in New York City
- T-Mobile launches Sony Xperia Z, available July 17 for $99 down
- NSA contributes to Android, but there is no secret backdoor
- SEGA's Crazy Taxi now available on Android
- LG Optimus G Pro 'Value Pack' now available via OTA update
- Samsung and HTC phones to soon support ZigBee?
- CyanogenMod 10.1.1 released, patches several known security exploits
- The return of the Weekly Photo Contest: Summer travel
- Huawei Ascend Mate headed to Vodafone UK
- Motorola Droid Mini, Ultra and Maxx pictured
- Latest Droid Ultra leak points to August 8 release date
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom arriving in the UK SIM-free tomorrow
- Skype for Android updating with sign-out improvement
- Sony Xperia Tablet Z review
- Deal of the Day: LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors for Galaxy S3
- Google confirms Latitude being retired from August 9
- Samsung set to break ground on new US headquarters in San Jose
- New Google Maps app starting to seed on Google Play
- Samsung offering $4 million prize pool for Tizen app developers
- 'Recon Jet' Android-powered HUD glasses won't ship until December
| Posted: 10 Jul 2013 03:37 PM PDT
To hack, or not to hack? That is the question.People who order a Google Play edition Galaxy S4 or HTC One are starting to see their devices delivered today, and one of the things that goes along with that is the hacking that's going to happen to slap the operating system from the Google Play edition devices onto their carrier counterparts. It may turn out to be relatively easy (for the end user, that is) or it may be more difficult, but we're sure it will happen. And that means people with the carrier or OEM models of these two have a decision to make -- to hack or not to hack? You lose a lot of functionality that comes standard on the versions with HTC and Samsung's firmware, but to many people that's all just extra fluff they never wanted in the first place. In the other camp, you have the people who have no desire to lose these and take what they feel would be a step backwards to a bare-bones build of Android. It's something to think about, especially if you're tied to your current phone for two (or more) years. We can't make that decision for you, but we are curious about just how many are going to take the plunge. There's a poll in the sidebar to the right, or you can just click through the break and find it. Take a second and answer it, and feel free to say why you voted the way you voted in the comments here. Before we go, a look at last week's poll. What is your top social networking feature?
For the two-thirds of us that enjoy social networking, it looks like the quality of our Android app is the most important feature, Are you listening Facebook and Twitter? 
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| Google Play edition HTC One bootloader and recovery now available Posted: 10 Jul 2013 02:51 PM PDT
The first step of turning your HTC One into a Google Play edition is now readyHey there sports fans, if you're thinking of taking your existing HTC One and converting it into a bona fide Google Play edition HTC One, the work has already begun. The stock bootloader and stock recovery have been pulled off the device, and they're uploaded with all the instruction you need to get them flashed. Doing this, along with using a complete system image (which I'm told is coming soon) on your HTC One will turn it into a Google Play edition device -- and get it on the track for OTA updates along with the new One's people are recieving today. Of course you'll be giving up a lot by losing HTC Sense, but you have the choice if you're willing to take the chance and understand the risks. You'll find full instructions at the source link below. Happy flashing! Source: XDA; via: Android Central forums 
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| Chrome for Android updated with full screen tablet browsing and automatic page translation Posted: 10 Jul 2013 01:52 PM PDT
Version 28.0.1500.64 has been promoted to the stable channel, now rolling out to devices via Google PlayGoogle is pushing out an update for the Chrome (stable branch) browser, with two very nice changes for Android users. The first, and one that everyone with an Android tablet will love, is full-screen browsing for Android tablets. This works the same as we've seen for phones, and the title bar disappears as you scroll down the page. Letting your tablet make full use of the screen real estate is a welcome change. Also in version 28.0.1500.64 is automatic page translation via Google Translate. If your web surfing takes you to a page that's not in your device's native language, Google Translate kicks in and translates the page for you -- just like it does on the desktop. There's also a new optimized interface for RTL languages (including Arabic, Farsi, and Hebrew), and the ubiquitous stability and performance fixes. Grab your update via the Google Play link above. Source: Google 
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| T-Mobile announces 'JUMP!' upgrade plan, new LTE markets and devices Posted: 10 Jul 2013 12:34 PM PDT |
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The Xperia Z on T-Mobile: a watershed moment for Sony smartphones in the U.S.
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 12:31 PM PDT
Sony finally has the smartphone it needs to become a major player in the U.S. mobile market.
Since its sweep at CES 2013, The Sony Xperia Z has become known in some circles as the best phone Americans can’t buy — thankfully, that changes next week when T-Mobile will add Sony’s flagship to its portfolio. Our own Alex Dobie put the Xperia Z through its paces back in March with a thorough review, and seeing as though the domestic version of the device is almost identical to the international one, we won’t waste your time with yet another teardown. We will, however, discuss how the Xperia Z fits into T-Mobile’s summer lineup — one of the more robust of all the major carriers — and examine what its addition means for Sony’s mobile footprint in the U.S. Hit the break for our thoughts and impressions.
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Live from T-Mobile's event in New York City
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 12:01 PM PDT
We're live with T-Mobile's CEO, the Sony Xperia X and some major new upgrade news in New York City.
Peep the liveblog after the break!
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T-Mobile launches Sony Xperia Z, available July 17 for $99 down
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 12:00 PM PDT
Sony's waterproof flagship handset hits the magenta network
T-Mobile is finally taking the stage in New York to (among other things) announce the Sony Xperia Z for its network, and it will be available next week on July 17th. This is the same Xperia Z we know and love from before that has been available unlocked, with full waterproofing and top-end specs.
The Xperia Z hits T-Mobile for $99 down on an installment plan, with 24 monthly payments of $20. That breaks down to $579 in total if you'd prefer to buy outright. Customers buying online -- starting with a July 16th pre-order date -- will also get a free Bluetooth wireless speaker while supplies last.
Interestingly, Sony's own stores and online store will sell the T-Mobile branded Xperia Z starting today, something that Sony hasn't historically done. These orders are also up for the free Bluetooth speaker deal.
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NSA contributes to Android, but there is no secret backdoor
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 11:53 AM PDT
All Android code is available for public review, and plenty of people are reviewing it
It came to light today (though it was never a secret) that the NSA (the National Security Agency), a U.S. intelligence service that's been in the news as of late for things nobody likes, is contributing code to Google's Android project. Of course, the Internet's first reaction was predictably "OMG PRISM! They're building in PRISM!!11one!"
You can relax folks. While the NSA has no official statement about what they call their Security Enhancements for Android project's link to the PRISM project, this isn't something new. They've been working on this Android code since 2011, which is an offshoot of their SE (Security-Enhanced) Linux project before that. Their SELinux code was peer reviewed by anyone and everyone, and the commits were generally accepted as being great additions that make a secure operating system even more safe.
While Android isn't developed in the open, upon release the code is all available. There are all manner of very smart and god-like code nerds pouring through it, and any shenanigans would be quickly uncovered. Let's just take a deep breath, and realize that the NSA could be very helpful writing code to keep systems secure.
More: Bloomberg
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SEGA's Crazy Taxi now available on Android
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 10:52 AM PDT
Once a Dreamcast hit, now an optimized Android port
In the continuing movement of bringing popular Dreamcast games to Android, the once console-system-maker SEGA has brought us another classic: Crazy Taxi. For those who didn't play it back in its heyday, Crazy Taxi puts players in the shoes of manic cabbies whose ultimate goal is to collect as much fare money as virtually possible.
The rules of the road do not apply in the Crazy Taxi world, where players are encouraged to barrel through crowded city streets, speed off the tops of parking garages, and combo their way to winning the race to collect the most cash. Not even the ocean is off-limits, where deep sea exploration is possible by hurdling off parked transporter ramps.
The Android version features Arcade and Original modes, with 16 playable mini games -- letting players choose from longer or shorter sessions of dangerous driving. The original music from bands like The Offspring and Bad Religion is even included.
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LG Optimus G Pro 'Value Pack' now available via OTA update
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 09:55 AM PDT
New tools include Smart Video, Dual Camera and Pause & Resume Recording
LG Optimus G Pro owners on AT&T should be on the lookout -- an over-the-air update is coming your way. Dubbed the 'Value Pack,' this update brings features very reminiscent of another popular flagship phone. We've been expecting this update for a few months, so it's good to hear the rollout has begun. New features are detailed as follows:
New Tools:
- Smart Video intelligently recognizes the position of a user's eyes, automatically pausing the video when the user looks away and then restarting it once they resume active viewing.
- Dual Camera, an extension of the Dual Recording feature, lets users simultaneously capture photos of the subject and the shooter using both the front and back cameras for a picture-in-picture composition, so both sides of an experience are snapped and saved.
- Pause & Resume Recording allows user to pause video in record mode and then restart the recording to create one continuous video file.
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Samsung and HTC phones to soon support ZigBee?
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 09:42 AM PDT
Home automation has been something Android has dabbled in in the past. The variety of standards and brands vying for the space is causing some confusion, but the more that are supported the faster we will see home automation become a realty for more households. The ZigBee Alliance is one of these specifications for wireless communication. Native support for the standard could soon be coming to Samsung and HTC phones. Samsung makes a slew of products, some of which are actually ZigBee products, so it's natural evolution for them to put support in their mobile devices. HTC is also interested in more support for standards like ZigBee. We have no official word from the companies or a date in which we think we may see support, but let's hope it's sooner rather than later. I for one am very excited at the prospect of home automation and would love to control light switches and appliances with my smartphone. As I mentioned above, the more support manufacturers enable on their phones, the faster we will see the deployment of more automation products.
Source: Pocket- Lint
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CyanogenMod 10.1.1 released, patches several known security exploits
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 09:24 AM PDT
Heads up everyone using CyanogenMod on their Android device -- there's a security release coming your way. The 10.1.1 release patches several high-profile security issues (including the Master Key exploit) and it is highly recommended that all users install the update when available for their device. Specifics are:
- Bug 8219321 aka “MasterKey” exploit (also patched in CM 7 and CM 9 source)
- CVE-2013-2094 (Linux kernel exploit)
- CVE-2013-2596 (Qualcomm-specific exploit)
- CVE-2013-2597 (Qualcomm-specific exploit)
- General device bug-fixes
There are no new user-facing features in this release, so everything should look and feel exactly as you're used to. Stay safe, guys and gals!
Source: CyanogenMod
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The return of the Weekly Photo Contest: Summer travel
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 09:02 AM PDT
To kick things off with style, this week's prize is a Developer Edition OUYA console and two extra retail controllers
To celebrate the grand opening of our new Photography forums, we're bringing back the weekly photo contests! As before, it's a great way to show off your skills taking great pictures with an Android phone or tablet, and there's always a great prize attached.
This week, the subject is summer travel. Take any picture. It could be a Panorama, a Zoe, an Auto-Awesome .gif, a Photosphere, etc., just something that you feel captures the spirit of a great summer getaway. And the prize this week is something that everyone will be interested in -- a Developer Edition OUYA console, with two extra retail controllers.
Entering is easy. Just head into the forums (use the link below) and post your entry. Tell us what Android you used to get the picture, and any back story you want to add to it. We'll pick a winner Tuesday (July 16) night at 11:59 PM ET, and announce them on the blog with next Wednesday's contest. Hit the break for the full rules.
Enter this week's Photo Contest
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Huawei Ascend Mate headed to Vodafone UK
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 08:40 AM PDT
Huawei 6.1-incher confirmed for Voda UK — no release date or pricing yet
It's been more than six months since we first laid eyes on the Huawei Ascend Mate back at CES 2013. At the Huawei presser in Las Vegas, the Mate turned heads mainly due to its gigantic 6.1-inch screen, at the time one of the largest we'd seen on a smartphone. Half a year later the device is about to make its way to the UK market, and it's been picked by major UK operator Vodafone.
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Motorola Droid Mini, Ultra and Maxx pictured
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 08:37 AM PDT
We're starting to hear more and more about Motorola and Verizon's new Droid devices — in recent days we've revealed promotional materials and a possible release date for the Droid Ultra and Droid Maxx. Now prolific Twitter leaker @evleaks has published an image of all three new Droid devices — Droid Mini, Droid Ultra and Droid Maxx.
Unsurprisingly the Ultra and the Maxx are almost identical from the front, as history would suggest the Maxx merely being an Ultra with a larger battery. Meanwhile, the smaller Droid Mini sports a similar design with a reduced screen size — 4.3 inches, according to our source. With Aug. 8 being tipped as a possible launch date, hopefully we won't have to wait much longer before these new Droids are officially unveiled.
More: Motorola Droid Ultra forums
Source: @evleaks
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Latest Droid Ultra leak points to August 8 release date
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 08:13 AM PDT
Get ready to say Hello Moto on August 8, according to this leaked commercial story board
Update: We've had to pull the leaked image. A handy Google search may help if you missed it.
The Droid Ultra, complete with a Gorilla Glass screen and Kevlar encasing, will launch August 8 according to this leaked television commercial story board that appeared in our inbox. The commercial itself will feature what sounds like a very tough phone, taking a beating and coming through without a scratch.
There's also a hint at some sort of customized voice control software, as the actor will tell the phone to play some smooth jazz tunes by saying "Hello Moto. Open Spotify. Play Coltrane mix." We've no clue if this refers to some special blend of Motorola's software, or part of Google Now's ever-increasing functionality.
What we do know is that there are a lot of people excited to see Motorola's latest come to their local Verizon store. If all goes as planned, we'll be seeing just that in about four weeks. Head into the Droid Ultra forums and join the discussion while we wait.
[LEAK] 8-8-13 at Android Central forums
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Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom arriving in the UK SIM-free tomorrow
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 08:10 AM PDT
16-megapixel camera/phone hybrid priced at £442.80
Hot on the heels of the Galaxy S4 Active, the Galaxy S4 Zoom is about to become available in the U.K., through independent retailer Clove Technology. Clove is expecting its first stock of the device tomorrow, July 11, and it's priced the device at £442.80 inc. VAT (£369 exc. VAT.)
That'll get you a mid-range Android smartphone with a mid-range point-and-shoot camera strapped to the back of it. The Zoom packs a 4.3-inch qHD SuperAMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 CPU, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and most importantly, a 16-megapixel rear camera with 10X optical zoom. For more on the Galaxy S4 Zoom, hit the link below for our hands-on feature.
More: Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom
Source: Clove
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Skype for Android updating with sign-out improvement
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 08:02 AM PDT
Bug fixes also in first update following major design overhaul
We couldn't blame you for being a little confused as to how you're meant to sign out of the new Skype for Android. The messaging app received a major update last week with a brand new UI, and as a side-effect, the sign-out option — now buried under a menu overflow in the "profile" section — became a lot more difficult to find.
Skype has today responded to user criticism with a new update that makes it easier to sign out wherever you are in the app. In a new update pushing out through Google Play today, you can now sign out by pressing menu (or the menu overflow) in Recent, Favorites, People or Profile.
The new update also includes bug fixes for issues affecting users who set to "offline" on the old Skype 3.2 and then had problems making calls in 4.0. In addition, video capabilities have been re-enabled for some devices, and there are improved translations for Russian, Brazilian Portuguese and Traditional Chinese, Skype says.
The update should be pushing out through Google Play sometime today.
Source: Skype
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Posted: 10 Jul 2013 07:09 AM PDT
Slick design and useful features make the Tablet Z Sony’s best yet — but is it worth the money?
Let’s not mince words — in a market dominated by Apple’s iPad, any high-priced 10-inch Android tablet is a tough sell. Over the past year, the Android slates that have proved the most successful have been smaller, less expensive models like ASUS and Google’s Nexus 7. Yet from the start Sony has concentrated its efforts on the high-end tablet space, with the Xperia Tablet S and Sony Tablet S before that. This year the strategy remains much the same — push a high-end tablet with unique multimedia functionality — but the resulting device promises to be more than just another Android tablet.
So here comes the Xperia Tablet Z, a super-thin, super-light water-resistant tablet with LTE connectivity, some unique battery-conservation tricks and a camera that’s more than an afterthought. But with prices starting at £400 in the UK, it’s packing a premium price tag. So how does it measure up? Read on to find out.
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Deal of the Day: LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors for Galaxy S3
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 06:55 AM PDT
The July 10 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors for Galaxy S3. These screen protectors are custom designed to protect your Galaxy S3's screen while giving you an ultra-clear, high definition look and feel to your device. Durable and scratch resistant, the TruTouch sensitivity gives them a more natural feel on your touchscreen.
The LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors are available for just $5.00, 75% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last!
Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts
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Google confirms Latitude being retired from August 9
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 04:14 AM PDT
Closure affects Latitude on Android, iOS, the web and Latitude API
Alongside today's Google Maps for Android news, the company has confirmed that Latitude, its location-sharing service, will be closing from Aug. 9. The shutdown affects Latitude in its entirety — on the web, Android, iOs, through badges and the Latitude API. After the Aug. 9 cut-off date, Latitude components such as check-ins and friend lists will be disabled in various Google properties.
Google's location-sharing focus is being shifted across to Google+, which already supports check-ins and social sharing of location data. The move comes as Google has been making efforts to focus on a smaller number of products, closing services deemed less important. In a controversial move, the company recently retired Google Reader, its RSS solution. We doubt the closure of Latitude will prove anywhere near as contentious — nevertheless, if there's anyone out there still using Latitude, be sure to sing out in the comments.
Source: Google
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Samsung set to break ground on new US headquarters in San Jose
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 02:09 AM PDT
Striking new headquarters hopes to reinvigorate Samsung innovation and U.S. presence
Following up on its previous announcement that the company will build a new U.S. headquarters in San Jose, California, Samsung is set to break ground on the new facility this week. The strikingly beautiful structure, which is designed by NBBJ, will end up being 10 stories tall and cover 1.1 million square feet. The glass and metal tower (shown above) will be accented by a parking structure and amenity pavilion. The design firm says that the building is meant to invite the community on campus with cafes and a "Samsung expo" at the corner.
The building is expected to be finished in 2015 at a total cost of $300 million, and will end up being the workplace for 2,000 Samsung employees in both R&D and sales. The goal for this new San Jose headquarters is to bring Samsung closer to the Silicon Valley tech scene, where companies like Google, Apple and Facebook have their world headquarters.
Construction is expected to begin this week, and in the meantime you can see several beautiful renders of what the finished product will look like at NBBJ's website below.
Source: NBBJ; TechCrunch
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New Google Maps app starting to seed on Google Play
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 01:48 AM PDT
Update 'rolling out to Android 4.0.3+ users over the next few weeks,' according to Play Store listing
A little under two months ago at Google I/O, Google offered a preview of the next version of Maps for Android. Stand-out features included a completely revamped UI, with a search bar front and center, together with smoother visuals, a re-tooled Zagat experience and Google Offers support.
Today it seems the new version of Maps — ver. 7.0 to be precise — has started to push to some users though Google Play. If you're not seeing it yet, you're not alone. None of our devices are seeing the update, and the "what's new" entry for the app suggests it could be weeks before many get access to the new Maps — "This update will be gradually rolling out to Android 4.0.3+ users over the next few weeks."
Google also highlights a re-worked UI for Android phones and tablets, including a new tablet UI with less chrome and clutter, and a greater focus on the actual map. There's also enhanced navigation including "live traffic updates, incident reports and dynamic rerouting," and a new "explore" section showing shops, restaurants, hotels and other attractions nearby.
Google's transitioning certain features away from Maps, and as such check-ins and Latitude support are absent in the new version (the company's blog post says it'll be retired altogether from Aug. 9). "My Maps" support is also absent for the moment, as is offline map caching, at least as officially — you can still cache areas of the map by typing "OK Maps" in the search box, in a sort of Easter egg.
As always, the version of Google Maps available to you will vary based on your device and which version of Android you're running. If you're on 4.0.3 or above, hit the Google Play Store to see if your update is ready, and let us know if in the comments if you manage to pick it up.
More: Google previews next major Maps update at Google I/O
Source: Google Maps Blog
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Samsung offering $4 million prize pool for Tizen app developers
Posted: 09 Jul 2013 11:59 PM PDT
Developers submitting apps by November 1 could grab up to $200,000 for their effort
In an effort to pull some developers over to making apps for its up-and-coming platform, Samsung and Intel have put together a $4 million prize system for Tizen app development. As one would expect, app developers are currently spending far more time (or all of their time) developing for the most popular mobile operating systems out there -- such as Android, iOS and even Windows Phone -- far before even considering Tizen. By offering up some big prizes for the best apps it receives in this "Tizen App Challenge", Samsung is hoping to at least kick off development for the platform.
App submissions are categorized into "Games" and "Non-Games", with multiple sub-categories in each. The top app for each category in "Games" will win a $200,000 prize, with 2 runners-up making $100 and 3 more making $40,000. For "Non-games" the prizes will be $120,000, $60,00 and $30,000, respectively. This will certainly create a fight amongst the willing devs to make the best app, but we would have to think that Samsung might be better off spreading out the money to try and draw in more entries at this point.
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'Recon Jet' Android-powered HUD glasses won't ship until December
Posted: 09 Jul 2013 10:35 PM PDT
'Pilot Edition' still just $499 until July 21; $599 thereafter
Recon Instruments new Android-powered HUD glasses, called the Recon Jet, won't be shipping until December of this year according to the company's website. After announcing that it is selling an early "Pilot Edition" to eager wearers that were willing to drop $499 on a pre-order a couple of weeks ago, those users will likely be waiting several months for their glasses. Recon Instruments' website indicates that even the Pilot Edition glasses will be shipping on a "first-come, first-serve" basis starting in December. As for general availability of the glasses after the Pilot Editions ship out, it's anyone's guess at this point.
If you happen to be in the target market of dedicated athletes that are willing to give the Pilot Edition Recon Jet glasses a try, you still have the option to pick them up at the $499 price -- in either black or white -- until July 21st. After that date, the price will rise by another $100 for the general consumer launch.
Source: Recon Instruments
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