Saturday, April 13, 2013

Android Authority

Android Authority


Samsung’s Galaxy S3 gets a battery boost with a massive 7000 mAh battery

Posted: 13 Apr 2013 03:13 AM PDT

galaxy-s3-batterySamsung’s Galaxy S3 has a 2100 mAh battery, which is more than often barely enough to get you through the day. If you want to give your Galaxy S3 a little boost in the power department, a Redditor has found an off-brand 7000 mAh extended battery to does just that.

As you would expect with any extended battery, it adds quite a bit of bulk to the Galaxy S3, and shockingly, that’s really the only trade-off compared to the standard battery. ZeroLemon’s 7000 mAh battery has NFC built into it, so you won’t have to worry about giving that up when switching out the Galaxy S3′s standard 2100 milliamp battery.

It’s not very costly either. At the time of this writing, the 7000 mAh battery costs a mere $33.99, and Amazon Prime members will, of course, get free two-day shipping. That isn’t a whole lot of money when you consider that Hyperion’s 4200 mAh battery isn’t much cheaper at $24.99.

ZeroLemon’s 7000 mAh comes in three different colors: black, white and blue. So, if you’re interested in giving your Galaxy S3 a boost when it comes to battery life, you may want to head to the source link below and check out this powerhouse.

Google beats Bing in malware test

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 07:58 PM PDT

google-search

It's funny how Microsoft's 'Scroogled' campaign seems to do more harm than good for them. First, their campaign to get users to complain about Google via twitter blew up in their face, and now there's news regarding just what a Bing search will get you. The one thing you don't want when doing a search is what Bing will bring you more of… and that's malware.

In an 18-month study, German security company AV-Test tried out four different search engines. Out of those four (Google, Bing, Yandex, and Blekko), Google was the champion. With over 10 million sites tested, Google returned only 272 malicious results. The full results can be found HERE, but since we're more worried about the Google vs. Bing comparison, we'll concentrate there. With about the same number of websites tested, Bing returned 1,285 malicious hits. That's right, you're five times more likely to get malware via Bing than Google.

None of those numbers are really worthy of alarm, and really serve to illustrate just how great Google is at security. As a huge part of their business, and what got them to the position they reside in, Google is right to be so diligent about search. Microsoft really brings this attention upon themselves, with such a heavy-handed campaign aimed squarely at Google.

Now which results do you think the people in those commercials would prefer?

 

Verizon announces upgrade availability changes for wireless customers

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 06:40 PM PDT

Verizon Wireless
Verizon has just announced that it will be making a few changes concerning upgrade eligibility for customers under two-year wireless contracts. It also announced changes that affect the discontinued New Every Two program and the shared upgrade option that is available for all its customers.

Currently, Verizon customers may take advantage of early upgrade eligibility and switch up their devices at only 20 months, meaning it isn’t necessary to wait out until the full 24 months is up before moving to change or upgrade a contract tablet or smartphone. However, with today’s announcement, customers may only upgrade their devices after their contracts expire. The first ones that will be affected by this are those with contracts that end on January 2014. However, Verizon notes that customers still have the option to simply purchase devices at full price separately.

Meanwhile, Verizon customers who still have credits from the New Every Two program, which was ended in January 2011, are now being advised that their unused credits will expire on April 15. And as for those who wish to share an upgrade with another person on a single account, they will no longer be able to do so unless it’s for upgrading to devices in the same category (i.e. upgrading a phone to another phone, instead of a tablet or a Jetpack to a phone).

Cut the Rope: Time Travel announced, making its way to Android in the near future

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 03:19 PM PDT

cut-the-ropeZeptolabs hasn’t developed a Cut the Rope game in two years, but the company announced it is returning to the series with a new game from the Cut the Rope series called Time Travel.

Details are scarce, as the developer hasn’t announced release date or pricing information just yet. Even the minute long teaser trailer had little to no hints on a launch date. If previous Cut the Rope games are anything to go by, we can expect to see the game in two formats: a free version and a $0.99 version.

Cut the Rope: Time Travel will be launching on both iOS and Android, just like the previous Cut the Rope games. Gameplay footage wasn’t shown, but as the name implies, the game will be focus on time travel.

We’ll let you know when Zeptolabs reveals more information on the game.

The Friday Debate: Is Google Glass really the future of computing?

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 03:06 PM PDT

The-Friday-Debate aa Image: Evan Forester/Flickr

We are all mobile geeks, here at Android Authority. We love everything with a power button. We like to comment the latest news and endlessly argue over which phone is better. On the Friday Debate, we pick a hot issue and proceed to discuss it. Join us!

This week, Google announced the setup of a special venture fund dedicated to kick starting startups that want to develop applications for the futuristic Glass head-mounted computer. But the most exciting Glass-related news that came this week was the revelation that the first units will ship within a month to Google Glass Explorers.

With new and disruptive technologies, controversy is never far away. Some hail Google Glass as the next paradigm shift in computing. Others bemoan the potential privacy issues, or even call it an overhyped gimmick.

Today, at the Friday Debate, we discuss Google Glass – is it the future of computing or just a storm in the teacup?

Darcy LaCouvee (G+): 

Initially, I believe Google Glass will be limited to the confines of advanced information hubs, like all the major metropolitan areas. From studying our Analytics at Android Authority, it’s clear that people in places like Singapore, New York, London, Seoul, California, and Texas are likely to be the types of people most interested in this. Ardent Google evangelists and mobile technology early adopters could care less about privacy.

In terms of development, we’re seeing a lot of heavy hitters with endless budgets that are quite keen to adopt this new platform quickly.

How many times did smartphones and tablets come out before they gained mainstream adoption? Many. I think it will be a slow start initially, and the experience will be sub-par But it will only get better.

Passive interaction, information-at-a-glance, and super-computing assisted learning and interaction with our environment and networks characterize platforms of the future. Google Glass is ahead of the curve. Makes Facebook look like a fax machine.

Google Glass Press (4)

Robert Triggs (G+)

Perhaps it's the slightly cyber-punk look, but I've always had the feeling that Google Glass is going to be a game changer. Darcy LaCouvée is spot on when he says it's ahead of the curve, and the techie in me certainly sees the potential.

But I do have my reservations; Google Glass further cements the idea that we should always be "plugged in". After all, you can't use it when you're not wearing it, and to put Google Glass on the nightstand is to essentially declare yourself offline. Which is a pro and a con.

You can check your smartphone at will, but beaming social updates directly into your eye is far more intrusive and won't be to everyone's liking.

I expect it to be popular, but perhaps it won't replace the smartphone as some expect it to. As for privacy, I think that businesses' declaring where it can and cannot be used is a perfect compromise. In public it's not an issue, even in the days of pen and paper you'd be subject to ridicule for drinking too much, or be called out in the local paper for spouting political nonsense in the town square.

Sergey Brin demonstrates Google Glass

Sergey Brin demonstrates Google Glass

David Gonzales (G+):

Honestly, I find it quite strange that wearable tech is still not the norm considering all the possibilities available to us in this day and age. But there’s very little doubt in my mind that Google Glass will be enough to kick start an entire industry of wearable computers.

As for privacy concerns and whatnot, you have to remember that Google Glass will ultimately be offered to people who were born digital. To paraphrase one of the more famous lines from The Dark Knight by Christopher Nolan, we merely adopted the Internet — and with it, accompanying issues concerning freedom and privacy. Many people out there were born and raised with the kind of Internet that we have today — the kind that didn’t exist back when the Internet was first made available to the public. To these people, I think privacy will be but a minor concern.

Eventually, I believe Google Glass will spread far and wide but not because of the groundbreaking tech that it brings or the insane number of great things that it makes possible. Instead, people will line up for it just because it’s neat, much like cigarettes. People won’t care much about the primary concerns being raised by some cautious tech-savvy observers now. They just want to feel really cool.

google glass girl Credit: DVF

Derek Ross (G+)

Wearable computing is the future. Google is jumping in head first into this completely new market space. As with anything new and unknown there’s bound to be consumer apprehension.

When it comes to privacy and Glass, it’s quite simple. All of these arguments have happened before. They happened 10 years ago when camera phones were being introduced to the world. Various organizations, places of business and even municipalities tried to ban camera phones. How did that work out? After everyone owned one, the majority of concerns went away.

Those that are forming negative opinions on a product they have never used themselves, let alone even seen or touched really need to reevaluate their outlook on the world. Crying wolf when the wolf hasn’t even stepped out of his den yet seems a bit premature.

Vote in our poll and join the discussion!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Flipboard 2.0 users love their magazines

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 02:19 PM PDT

Flipboard 2.0

In the wake of Google Reader being shuttered, Flipboard announced a new 'create your own magazine' feature. That function, built into their 2.0 update, allows users to basically cobble together stories they find interesting. Due to the interface of Flipboard, it populates like a digital magazine. You can even share it via various social media platforms. Pretty awesome, right?

Clearly, it is. Flipboard has noted, via their blog, that over a half million people have taken advantage of that feature. That's a lot of people playing 'magazine editor' with Flipboard, though only the content can be manicured… not the layout. This was timely for Flipboard, and only promises to get better.

The newest version of Flipboard, and this magazine feature, is not yet available for Android. That means these half million magazine users are all iOS devotees. There is no breakdown of which devices these magazines were accessed or created through, but I'm sure the iPad is our main culprit.

The question for us is how much Android will impact this number. Flipboard has not given a solid release date for Android, and their sharing function for magazines is not yet available on Google+. For Flipboard users, this is a fantastic feature that is sure to renew and increase interest in the service. I'm a big fan of a great service getting better, so Flipboard 2.0 should be a lot of fun. If you're a stat junky, check out the cool infographic on the Flipboard blog!

 

Jelly Bean update on its way to Motorola Droid Bionic, starting Monday

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 02:13 PM PDT

Motorola Droid Bionic

We’ve known for a while now that the Motorola Droid Bionic would eventually be getting an update to Jelly Bean. Now it looks like the time has come. Verizon has now released a detailed page that lists the update as build number 98.72.22.XT875, which brings with it Android 4.1.2.

Unfortunately, you will still have to wait until Monday before the rollout begins. Like most Verizon rollouts, it may take days or even weeks for the update to reach all Droid Bionic users, though.

So what’s new in the update? Quite a bit actually.

First off, there is the usual suspects which include Google Now, improved notifications, Jelly Beans’ smarter keyboard and Project Butter speed improvements.

Next up we have Droid Bionic specific changes. This is includes improvements to voice and data connectivity for Back Up Assistan Plus and Visual Voicemail. There also general improvements for calander settings and mobile hotspot data is also reportedly improved with this update.

So now you just have to wait through the weekend. Come Monday, if you are lucky the 98.72MB download file will be waiting. For those that absolutely want it sooner rather than later, starting Monday you can always navigate to Menu>Settings>About Phone> System to see if you can get the update right away.

How to get Facebook Home working on your Nexus 4 (and other devices)(Updated, no-root method found)

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 01:51 PM PDT

Facebook Home Compatible This is a guide being written up to get around compatibility problems with Facebook Home. Use at your own risk. This method was not discovered by us. It was discovered by Krzysztof Bryk and sent our way by Jaime Lefebvre. All credit for the find goes to them. We’re just publishing it here so people can find it!

So as you may have noticed, Facebook Home was released today. If you want to learn more about it, our review for Facebook Home is here. You may have also noticed that most phones aren’t supported. Yes, it’s silly, but for now the only a few devices can use Facebook Home including the Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3, and the HTC First, among others. So many people trying to install it, or even side load it, may be getting errors like the one found in the picture above. No worries, there may be a way to fix it today.

As mentioned above, a Mr Bryk found a method that allows devices to get around this compatibility problem. It should work on any device that sports a 720p or better display. Additionally, you’ll need root access and a file explorer. Of course, there are no guarantees here. Also, this is a build.prop mod, so it should be relatively easy to do. Shall we get started?

Modding your phone to work with Facebook Home

  1. Download the Facebook Home, Facebook, and Facebook Messenger APKs from here. These are the full and official versions of Facebook, Facebook Home, and Facebook Messenger.
  2. Install all three APK files (you may need to change your settings to allow for installation from Unknown Sources first).
  3. Once everything is installed, go ahead and open up Facebook Home once to make sure you get this error. It’s labeled as “Home” in your app drawer.
  4. Now comes the fun part. Open up your favorite file manager. Navigate to /system where you’ll find the build.prop file. Be sure you make a backup of your build.prop before proceeding. Very, very important.
  5. Not kidding, go make a back up of that build.prop please. Thank you.
  6. Open the build.prop by long clicking and selecting to open in a text editor.
  7. The next part is the hard part as you’ll be editing several of these lines. Edit only the lines we’ve written here and none of the others. One you’re ready, edit the followings lines:
  • Change ro.product.model to GT-N7100. It should look like this: ro.product.model=GT-N7100
  • Change ro.product.brand to samsung. It should look like this: ro.product.brand=samsung
  • Change ro.product.name to t03gxx. It should look like this: ro.product.name=t03gxx
  • Change ro.product.device to t03g.  It should look like this: ro.product.device=t03g
  • Change ro.product.manufacturer to samsung. It should look like this: ro.product.manufacturer=samsung
  • Change ro.com.google.clientbase to android-samsung. It should look like this: ro.com.google.clientbase=android-samsung

Once you’re finished making all of the edits, reboot your device. Once rebooted, open Facebook Home again and it should start working! This has been tested on the Nexus 4 so far. So it will definitely work on there. The list of devices this will work on is practically unknown so the only way right now to find out if it works for you is to give it a try. Once again, it should work on any rooted device with a 720p or better screen.  While Facebook Home isn’t the most wonderful app ever, people should be able to try it without waiting months for compatibility to change. If you’ve given it a try and it works, feel free to leave a comment and let us know what devices are working and which ones aren’t.

Update!

XDA user theos0o has modified the original APK to work with any device (or so the claim goes) without root. You can find more information in this XDA thread. Here’s how it works. You uninstall all Facebook apps from your device, then install the file you can download from the link. Nice and easy with no root required. Except those where Facebook is installed in /system/app (i.e. pre-installed). You folks will still need root. Enjoy!

Carphone Warehouse offering a free Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 with the purchase of a Galaxy S3 Mini

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 01:51 PM PDT

samsung-galaxy-tab-2-7.0

Carphone Warehouse is offering a free Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 with the purchase of a Galaxy S3 Mini on a new two-year contract.

Interested buyers will have to sign-up for a new two-year contract through O2, Orange or Vodafone to get the free Galaxy Tab 2 7.0. Plans begin at £22, £26 and £38, respectively. Additional plan options can be found at the source link below.

Alternatively, if you’re not interested in a new two-year contract and still want a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, the tablet is running for £122.99 on eBay, which is $189.05 USD at current exchange rates.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini supports a 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display, a dual-core 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a 5MP rear-facing camera, a VGA front-facing shooter and 8GB of internal storage. It also has a slot for a microSD card allowing up to  32GB of expandable storage. On the software side of things, the device is running Samsung’s TouchWiz atop of Android 4.1.2, which can be upgraded to Android 4.2.

Are you interested in this deal from Carphone Warehouse or are you waiting on the Galaxy S4 Mini’s arrival?

ZTE Director arrives to U.S. Cellular, for one penny on contract

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 01:40 PM PDT

ZTE Director

While most of us will gladly put down a little cash to ensure a great smartphone experience, not everyone feels that way. Some users can’t afford or simply don’t need high-end handsets. For these kind of users there are devices like the newly announced ZTE Director for U.S. Cellular, a single-core smartphone that costs just a penny with two-year-contract.

If the ZTE Director looks familiar to you, that’s because it is both visually and internally similar (though not identical) to the ZTE Fury, which launched way back in March of 2012 on the Sprint network. Like the Fury, the Director sports a 3.5-inch display, a 1GHz single-core processor, 512MB RAM and 4GB storage. There is also a 3MP camera, microSD and Android 4.0 ICS. At least on the OS front, that’s a step up from the Fury’s Gingerbread.

Let’s be honest, the experience certainly isn’t going to be great. There will be apps that just won’t perform well, or even won’t work at all. The phone will also be a little laggy at times. Still, for first time smartphone buyers with modest needs and modest expectations, it could do the trick.

If you do have your heart set on the ZTE Director, it would probably be smarter to skip the contract altogether and buy it outright for $99, though we leave that up to you.

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Motorola X Phone delayed – will launch sometime in August or later [RUMOR]

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 05:11 PM PDT

Given that the fabled Motorola X Phone is nothing but rumor at this point — actually, we did get a quick glimpse at an alleged prototype a few weeks back — I find it funny that a phone with absolutely no release date can be “delayed.” Apparently that’s the case if PhoneArena’s latest rumor holds [...]

Colorful OtterBox Defender and Commuter cases now available for the HTC One

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 04:08 PM PDT

After coming soon pages went live back in February, OtterBox’s popular line of Commuter and Defenders cases are now officially available for the HTC One. Sure, the HTC One definitely isn’t the most fragile smartphone ever constructed, but we wont blame you if you want to get a head start on protecting your investment. And [...]

Gameloft releases new Dungeon Hunter 4 trailer – coming soon to Android devices [VIDEO]

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 02:35 PM PDT

It was towards the tail-end of March that we saw a teaser for the upcoming Dungeon Hunter 4, and it gave us a quick glimpse at what Gameloft had in store for the latest sequel in the franchise. Following the official launch of the button-mashing-extravaganza on iOS, we now have a full trailer, complete with [...]

HTC One spoofs the Bachelorette as she looks for the next phone to become her one true love [VIDEO]

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 01:57 PM PDT

When it comes to the HTC One, it seems HTC could be thinking outside the box when it comes to marketing their upcoming flagship in fun new ways. Sure, they took the HTC One X on a sexy skydiving photo shoot, but that didn’t exactly bring the lulz. Now, HTC is enlisting the help of [...]

Facebook Home now available — what are your early thoughts? [POLL]

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 12:25 PM PDT

It’s Friday, folks, and Facebook has finally released Facebook Home in the Google Play Store. As its name implies, Facebook Home strives to become your next home-screen replacement, giving you all things Facebook as soon as you press that power button on your phone. It’s quite the interesting experience, one we’ve already gotten to play [...]

The PhonePad+ turns your Samsung smartphones into tablets for £149.99

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 10:24 AM PDT

ASUS made some pretty epic strides in the smartphone-tablet hybrid game with the Padfone combination, but you soon won’t need to own an ASUS smartphone in order to get that same sort of experience. Introducing the PhonePad+, an accessory designed to turn many smartphones into a tablet with a very nice and practical design. It’s [...]

German court invalidates Samsung 3G patent in latest Apple victory

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 10:06 AM PDT

Samsung’s plan to win injunctions against the sale of certain Apple products in Europe backfired when a German judge not only ruled in the iPhone-makers favor, but also rendered the 3G patents in question invalid. Samsung was accusing Apple of infringing upon a wireless patent for a “turbo encoding/decoding device and method for processing farm [...]

Facebook Messenger update brings Chat Heads to all, no Facebook Home needed

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 08:53 AM PDT

Facebook Home will be available for a select group of Android handsets today, but in the meantime check out a new update for Facebook Messenger. It enables the new Chat Head pop-up messaging windows on most devices, no need for Home. And while it acts independently, it still brings the same functionality we saw showcased [...]

Sprint nabs exclusive purple Galaxy S3, available now for $99

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 08:12 AM PDT

Today Sprint has begun offering the Samsung Galaxy S3 in an exclusive Amethyst Purple color option. With the Galaxy S4 right around the corner, the carrier is looking to squeeze every last ounce out of the GS3 before bidding it a fond farewell. The purple edition will be available as a 16GB model only and [...]

Latest Google Keep update enables Google Drive sync, homescreen and lockscreen widgets

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 08:00 AM PDT

There is an update available for Google Keep that brings about several new features for users of Google’s fledgling note taking service. Some of the most notable additions to the app include the ability to sync Keep with Google Drive, as well as the ability to jot down quick notes directly from homescreen and lockscreen [...]

HTC First now available from AT&T

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 06:16 AM PDT

Say hello to your new Facebook Home. The first phone to ship with the social network’s custom Android launcher is now available for purchase as an AT&T exclusive. The HTC First is priced at $99 and available in four color, including black, red, white, and pale blue. For the price you get a handset powered [...]

Hacker hijacks plane remotely with an Android smartphone

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 06:10 AM PDT

Here’s a nightmare scenario: you’re on a dream vacation to Paris, the flight seems to be going smoothly. But then the pilot realizes the plane is circling over China, drastically off course. Only later is it revealed that a hijacker has remotely accessed the plane’s systems and plotted a new destination, all from a basic [...]

UK investigating ‘freemium’ games targeted at kids, could land Google Play in hot water

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 05:37 AM PDT

The UK’s Office of Fair Trading has a bone to pick with so-called ‘freemium’ apps targeted at children. It’s no secret that more than a few parents have been shocked to find a massive bill after leaving their kids to their own devices, mommy or daddy’s smartphone in hand. The OFT is now looking into [...]

ES File Explorer 3 now available in “Public Test” version via Google Play

Posted: 11 Apr 2013 07:49 PM PDT

While I wouldn’t go as far as saying ES File Explorer is one of the ugliest file managers around… let’s just say it was never going to win any beauty pageants. Good news, the developer is looking to change that in the latest version dubbed ES File Explorer 3. While not officially ready to make [...]

Android and Me

Android and Me


Facebook Home now available for select Android devices

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 09:59 AM PDT

If you love Facebook, or you have a Facebook account and are curious what all the buzz is about, now is the time to install Facebook Home. The new app from Facebook is actually a family of experiences that includes a new lock screen and home screen called Cover Feed, a new app launcher, [...]

Visit our site to read the full article.

HTC First now available from AT&T for $99.99

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 08:46 AM PDT

The HTC First, the world’s first phone to ship with Facebook Home pre-installed, is now on sale at AT&T. Available in white, black, red and pale blue, the HTC First can be purchased for $99.99 with a new two-year contract or $449.99 for those who aren’t willing to sign their life...

Visit our site to read the full article.

Facebook Chat Heads now available for Android

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 08:13 AM PDT

Facebook Home is scheduled to launch later today for select Android devices, but one of the coolest new features of Facebook’s launcher is available right now. Today the standalone Facebook Messenger app was updated to include the new Chat Heads feature, which overlays Facebook messages on...

Visit our site to read the full article.

NVIDIA shows off Battlefield 3 running on Tegra 5

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 06:11 AM PDT

Most Android smartphones sold in the US this year will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, but next year should be a different story. NVIDIA will finally have a mobile chip with integrated LTE, called Tegra 4i, and their next generation chip codenamed Logan (aka Tegra 5) will offer a mobile GPU...

Visit our site to read the full article.

Android Central

Android Central


How to uninstall Facebook Home from your current phone

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 03:58 PM PDT

Remove Facebook Home

Facebook wants you to use its new Android launcher - but it's also made it easy to get rid of

Want to remove Facebook Home from your phone? Maybe you tried it and it's just not for you? It's OK. It's pretty easy to get Facebook Home off your phone, and it only takes a few seconds.

(In fact, kudos to Facebook for making the process so simple.)

You can safely and easily remove Facebook Home from your current phone without losing anything. The normal Facebook app will still be there. You won't lose any chats, or any of your e-mail or contacts. Removing Facebook Home simply means you're going back to whatever "launcher" (that's the name for the home screens and app drawer on your phone) you were using before.

It's quick and easy, and we'll walk you through it.

read more

    


At least one AT&T store is selling the HTC One a bit early

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 03:11 PM PDT

AT&T HTC One

Officially not for sale until April 19, but some folks are hearing differently -- and one fellow scored his today!

If you're ready to buy the HTC One from AT&T, you might want to go visit your local store this evening. That's what go3go from the forums did, and he walked out with a shiny new HTC One in silver for his troubles.

Just went in to my local AT&T store to check up on the pre-order deal with the media link since it said it was out of stock online. Was told the pre-order period was last week and the phone was out today. Walked out with a silver 32 gig. Still kind of in shock, since I was convinced it wouldn't be out till next week O_o

It's a kick-ass phone, and we're glad that go3go was able to get his, but we have to wonder -- was the AT&T salesperson a bit confused about which HTC phone was released today, or is this just a quiet early launch? "Officially" the HTC One goes on sale April 19. 

If you dropped in on AT&T and checked, what did you find out? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to congratulate go3go on his score.

Source: HTC One forums

    


Upcoming title Arma Tactics makes us want Project Shield even more

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 02:49 PM PDT

Project Shield

Polish up your battlefield command with Arma Tactics, coming soon to Google Play

We're all patiently waiting for the release of NVIDIA's Project Shield, but seeing things like today's mention of the new game Arma Tactics makes it seem like a long wait. It looks very much like a typical combat squad game on a console or the PC, including the incredible graphics and fine-tuned controls.

You lead your squad through close combat, with random missions and an endless variety of tactics can be used to finish them. Some of us would go the stealthy route and snipe the enemy, while others can rush in with barrels blazing. Either way sounds pretty damn awesome right now.

NVIDIA promises Arma Tactics to be "one of the best looking mobile games to date." The video certainly appears that way. Tegra 4 enhancements like complex textures and physics, or environmental effects (check out the smoke in the video) have really got me itching to play this one on the new hardware. 

NVIDIA says Arma Tactics is coming soon to Google Play, in the meantime hit the break and watch the video.

Source: Tegra Zone

read more

    


Dungeon Hunter 4 trailer now live, Android version coming soon

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 02:20 PM PDT

The proven gameplay of Dungeon Hunter 3 has a worthy successor in the works for Android

Gameloft has just released the latest version of its extremely popular Dungeon Hunter game on iOS, and it's now making the announcement that the game will be hitting Android soon as well. To get everyone excited about the expanded release, it is releasing an official trailer of the new gameplay. Dungeon Hunter is a fun hack-and-slash fantasy game with new graphics and gameplay on top of the proven aspects of the previous games like multiplayer and an intense storyline single player mode.

Gameloft isn't quite ready to spill the beans on an expected date for the Android launch, but it reiterates that the game is nearly ready to hit Google Play. Take a look at the trailer above, and if you're interested in the franchise you can get a primer on it by trying out Dungeon Hunter 3 first.

    


How to install Facebook Home on your current Android smartphone

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 01:17 PM PDT

Facebook Home

There's a little more to it than simply downloading a new application - we'll walk you through it

Facebook has released its "Facebook Home" application for current Android devices, helping to bring your friends and family even closer to you. It's a separate app, so you'll have it alongside the traditional Facebook and or Facebook Messenger applications.

Installing it couldn't be simpler, but you'll need to see if Facebook Home supports your phone.

Then, hit the link at the top of this post, if you haven't downloaded Facebook Home yet. Once it installs, you're just a couple clicks away from using Facebook Home.

read more

    


Which Android smartphones can get Facebook Home?

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 01:09 PM PDT

Facebook Home not supported

Facebook Home is now available in Google Play, but not for every Android device. Facebook says it'll be adding more in the near future. (And if you don't mind a little hackery, you should be able to get it onto your phone easily enough.)

Here is the list of phones that are officially able to run Facebook Home. We'll update it for the first several months as Facebook adds more devices. (Facebook Home currently is only officially available in the United States.)

read more

    


Motorola Droid Bionic update to Jelly Bean coming Monday

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 11:51 AM PDT

Droid Bionic

Android 4.1.2 will be pushed to devices in phases

Droid Bionic users can expect an OTA starting Monday, changing software build numbers to 98.72.22.XT875. This is Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, and comes with some nice goodies. Google Now with its predictive search and voice commands will be included. Expandable notifications will now be accessible, letting users control music, return calls and texts, and even manage email from the notification panel. The Jelly Bean keyboard brings better dictionaries, as well as voice typing that works without a data connection.

Some Motorola-specific enhancements include better Mobile Hotspot connectivity, an updated 'Back Up Assistant Plus' and new Visual Voicemail, along with improved voice and data reception quality. The OS also gets a little lighter, with Sling and MOG apps being removed by default.

As the OTA update starts hitting devices next week, things will be quite busy in the forums. Be sure to post your findings after you give Jelly Bean a spin.

Source: Verizon

    


Verizon moves to longer and stricter upgrade times

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 11:28 AM PDT

Verizon logo

Customers will now be waiting an extra 4 months for new phones

A few changes to how Verizon is doing upgrades were announced today, none of which are particularly beneficial to subscribers. The current 20-month waiting period for device upgrades has been extended to 24-months; Verizon says this "aligns the upgrade date with the contract end date and is consistent with how the majority of customers purchase new phones today." Current contracts that are up in January of 2014 or later will be affected by this change.

Verizon has also given a 3 day notice that all New Every Two program credits will expire. Anyone wishing to make use of their credits before they're gone forever must do so before April 15. Upgrade sharing is here to stay, but upgrades can no longer be mixed and matched between device types. That is, an upgrade for a phone can only be used for a phone, not for a tablet or hotspot.

This is an interesting move by Verizon, coming only a few weeks after T-Mobile's no-contract plans. It looks like Big Red isn't worried about longer and more restricted upgrades pushing folks over to other carriers, especially now that no contract plans with separate phone payments are being offered. Will these changes affect your carrier of choice? Sing out in the comments.

Source: Verizon

    


Facebook Home now available for download

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 10:52 AM PDT

Facebook Home

Launcher brings your friends' posts to you quicker (and prettier) than ever

OK, boys and girls. Now's the time to see what all the fuss is about over this Facebook Home thing. As promised, it's now available in the United States, for free, from the Google Play Store. (It's actually still propagating in Google Play as we write this. If you don't see it immediately, hang tight. It's coming.)

If you've somehow missed all the hullabaloo over the past week, Facebook Home is part custom launcher, part messaging client -- and all Facebook. You install it and get your friends Facebook posts front and center, in a nicely designed sort of lock screen called "cover feed." Then there's the "chat heads" messaging system -- it went live this morning in the Facebook Messenger app which pops up your friends profile pictures in little persistent bubbles. The traditional Facebook application is still there, of course.

read more

    


Actual pilot downplays theoretical takeover of an airline by way of Android app

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 09:07 AM PDT

Ask the Pilot

Could an exploit via an Android app really hijack a plane? Not so, says a prominent pilot/author

Finally, some sanity. After many a blog post this week re-reported Help Net Security's "Hijacking airplanes with an Android phone" piece -- in which security consultant and pilot Hugo Teso apparently demonstrated how he could theoretically interfere with an aircraft's flight management system -- and headlines grew more and more alarmist, Patrick Smith, editor of the popular "Ask the Pilot" blog has a few things to say about the matter.

Starting with, "This is my pre-emptive plea, an open letter to the media to rein in this silly airplane story before it gets too much traction."

We're listening.

read more

    


Chat heads go live on Facebook Messenger as we await Facebook Home

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 08:05 AM PDT

Facebook Messanger

Facebook app also updated to prep for Facebook Home's launch today

Facebook this morning has rolled out an update to its Facebook Messenger app -- and "chat heads" are now live! These are the little persistent notifications that you get when someone messages you. Tap it to open and reply. You can move it around on the screen, but it'll remain docked to an edge. To get rid of it, just press, hold and toss to the bottom of the screen.

If you use Facebook Messenger but hate chat heads, there's an option in the settings to turn them off when you're using other apps, so they won't just float on your screen.

The Facebook application itself also has gotten an update this morning, in preparation for Facebook Home. (Some bugs were also squashed, according to the new changelog.)

We're expecting Facebook Home (the launcher) to go live anytime now.

    


Sprint peddles purple Galaxy S3 for $99 on contract

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 07:35 AM PDT

Galaxy S3 in purple

Sprint this morning announced that it's now carrying the Samsung Galaxy S3 in purple -- OK, amethyst purple, they call it -- for $99 on contract (and after a $50 mail-in rebate). That'll get you the 16GB version of the GS3, which is about to be replaced by the Galaxy S4 sometime this quarter. But, hey! Purple!

    


Deal of the Day: Amzer ShellCase w/ Holster for HTC One X

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 06:25 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The April 12 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Amzer ShellCase w/ Holster for HTC One X. The Amzer Shellster combines the protection of a hard case and the power of a clip-stand holster. The case is impact resistant for complete protection and quickly slides in and out of the holster. Lined with a soft fabric, the holster doubles as an adjustable clip stand, perfect for displaying or media viewing.

The Amzer ShellCase w/ Holster is available for just $9.00, 55% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last!

Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

    


Android Central 131: E-mail, voicemail and Facebook - oh, my!

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 06:04 AM PDT

Podcast MP3 URL: 
http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/acpc131.mp3

Thing 1: New devices and reviews

Thing 2: Software and updates

Thing 3: Random stuff to cool to miss

    


HTC First with Facebook Home now available on AT&T

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 05:55 AM PDT

HTC First

$99.99 on-contract or $449.99 up-front, available in black, white, red or pale blue

A little over a week after its announcement at Facebook HQ, the HTC First is available to buy from AT&T. The Facebook Home-equipped handset puts the social network front and center, with Facebook's new launcher bringing your news feed (and neat little features like chat heads) directly onto your home screen.

The HTC First will set you back $99.99 on a standard two-year contract, or $449.99 if you're buying it outright. All four color options -- black, white, red and pale blue -- are available over on AT&T's site.

Incidentally, we're not yet seeing Facebook Home on the Google Play Store, but that's also due to launch today alongside the Facephone. We'll continue watching throughout the day and keep you posted.

More: Hands-on with the HTC First

Source: AT&T

    


NYPD equipping officers with Android smartphones, new app

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 05:08 AM PDT

NYPD app (Image: NYT) Image: NYT

Android app arms police with real-time data

Some 400 police officers in New York have been equipped with Android smartphones and a new crime-fighting Android app under a pilot scheme, the New York Times reports.

The app is designed to give officers the ability to run person and address searches, bringing in information from several different sources. Officers can look up police records on individuals, including photos, and access vehicle registration records. The app is also fully location-aware -- NYPD officer Tom Donaldson told the NYT “If I see that in the last month, there have been six arrests on the seventh floor for drug trafficking, maybe I want to hang out on the seventh floor for a while.”

Police would previously have had to rely on cumbersome laptop-based systems in their patrol cars to retrieve this info, or radio details back to a dispatcher. The app, officers tell the NYT, offers a much easier way to access this data. Donaldson explains, “Our dispatcher will tell us if they have a warrant or not but it’s a simple yes or no answer. I don’t know if the guy is wanted for murder or for not paying a parking summons. We rarely know. Now we know.”

Source: The New York Times; via: The Verge

    


New O2 Refresh plans decouple phone and service costs

Posted: 12 Apr 2013 04:13 AM PDT

O2 store

UK carrier appears to be following in the footsteps of T-Mobile USA, allowing customers to pay off their phone separately to their service plan

O2 UK has announced the launch of "O2 Refresh," a new kind of price plan designed to disconnect the cost of smartphones from the cost of service plans. On O2 Refresh, customers effectively pay a separate service charge and monthly installments towards the cost of the phone.

That means O2 customers wanting to upgrade early can simply pay off the remaining amount on their phone plan and start a new one, with no changes to the service plan. Naturally, if you're upgrading O2 encourages you use its O2 Recycle service to cash in on the value of your old phone, up to £260. Alternatively, if customers fully pay off their phone plan they'll then only pay the service fee each month.

O2 refresh service plans range from £12 per month for 600 minutes, unlimited texts and 750MB up to £22 p.m. for unlimited minutes and texts, and 2GB. From Apr. 16 O2 Refresh will be available with the HTC One, Sony Xperia Z, Blackberry Z10, Samsung Galaxy S3 and iPhone 5, with the option of making an up-front payment towards the cost of the phone.

In today's press statement O2 points out that many smartphone owners want to upgrade more than once every two years. O2 Recycle allows them to do just that, in a more economical way, while cleverly renewing their commitment to O2 in the process. (After all, phones purchased through O2 will be locked to the network.) The network also cites its push towards 4G LTE this summer as a reason for making it easier for customers to pick up new 4G-capable handsets.

On the other side of the Atlantic T-Mobile USA has been switching to a similar system, with separate service fees and installments towards buying your phone, as well as the option to pay off the remaining cost of your device at any time.

Brits, hit the comments below and let us know if you'd switch to O2 for this kind of deal.

Source: O2

    


LinkedIn acquires Pulse in $90 Million deal

Posted: 11 Apr 2013 11:10 PM PDT

Pulse

Pulse, and its 30 Million users, was bought out today by social platform LinkedIn

Pulse, one of the most popular news readers for Android, was bought out by none other than LinkedIn today. The deal was reportedly to the tune of $90 Million, which consisted of stocks and a cash transfer. According to both parties, the Pulse news reader won't be going away any time soon, though. The Pulse team seems to be looking forward to the fruits of the deal, as they mentioned on their blog today.

LinkedIn is the perfect partner as we continue our journey. The company shares our passions and values, our belief in the power of knowledge and elevated discussion, particularly for professionals looking for insights to help make them better at what they do. We believe this important step is the key to an even better experience for our community, and we’re excited for what’s to come.

We can't predict the future, but there's little reason for the new owners to change anything at the moment. Pulse has more that 30 Million users, and is clearly one of the more successful apps for Android and iOS. We expect Pulse to continue to operate as it does today, at least for the foreseeable future. If you've not yet tried Pulse, give it a look by clicking the Google Play link above.

Source: All Things D; More: Pulse

    


I hate the Nexus 4 Wireless Charger

Posted: 11 Apr 2013 08:12 PM PDT

I hate the Nexus 4 Wireless Charger

WebOS Nation Editor in Chief Derek Kessler remembers a simpler era, when Palm Touchstones ruled the land

About a month ago I picked up an LG Nexus 4. I've known Android for some time, but until buying the Nexus 4 I'd yet to actually own an Android handset. While Android has surprised me in some areas and frustrated me in others, that's not what I'm here to talk about today. Nope, I'm here to talk about the Nexus 4 Wireless Charger and how much I hate it.

The photo above was taken approximately five minutes after I'd carefully and deliberately set my Nexus 4 onto the Wireless Charger to, well, wirelessly charge. And it did. The move to get from being positioned centered on the charger to resting on its side with the charger as a glorified kickstand was smooth and quiet. It went entirely unnoticed as I sat not two feet away, working on my computer. Not until I looked over to see if it had stayed in position did I discover that it in fact had not.

Normally my Nexus 4 just slips down half an inch or so until it's no longer optimally positioned on the charger and no longer taking a charge through the ether. Sometimes it also lists slightly to the right, but only by ten degrees or so. After I took that photo, rolled my eyes, and posted it to Twitter, I carried on with my work, curious to see where the Nexus 4 would slide to next. Five minutes later, my typing was interrupted by a soft thunk - gravity had finally conspired to pull the phone entirely off the charger and it was now resting flat on its back on my desk.

read more

    


Android Central Podcast - Live!

Posted: 11 Apr 2013 06:02 PM PDT

Show starts at 9 p.m. EST
(or thereabouts)

The Android Central Podcast is recorded live in front of a live studio audience, so you can catch us in the act.

Watch us live from your phone
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Miss a show? You can listen to every episode of the Android Central Podcast online.
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