Sunday, May 19, 2013

Android Community

Android Community


Google H840 media streamer hits the FCC to replace the Nexus Q

Posted: 18 May 2013 11:31 AM PDT

Google’s Nexus Q media streamer was short-lived, and canceled shortly after being revealed at last years Google I/O event. With no word on a replacement at this years show, we’re now seeing its successor hit the FCC. A new Google device branded as H840 DEVICE has cleared the FCC this week (product code H2G2-42, an apparent play on The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) and it has our interest piqued.

androidcommunity_nexus_q_0002-540x362

The listing doesn’t reveal tons of details, but mentions that this new device “functions as a media player” among other things. The FCC listing is being backed and protected by a confidentiality report, so we’re stuck with very little details, for now.

google_h840_fcc_1-580x306

Unlike many device that clear the FCC, this wasn’t sent through with any test photos, or they are being withheld from our site, so all we have is the picture you see above. It certainly has Google all over it, mentions media player, and us currently under testing by the FCC. As you all know a new Nexus Q wasn’t announced this year at Google I/O, but neither was a new Nexus phone or a new version of Android. It still could be coming though.

Google could be preparing to announce a new Nexus Q type media device, as well as the rumored Android 4.3 and white Nexus 4 on June 10th. At least according to multiple tips, leaks, and reports. Details from Droid-Life state this device could be codenamed “Wolfie” and be Google’s answer to the Nexus Q and the OUYA game-console in one. This new H840 could be tied into Google Games, and double as a media streamer, among other things.

Personally, we feel Google needs a device that does Google TV, Games, and streaming all in one. Now that would make more sense. Google announced a new music-streaming service at I/O this year, Google Music All Access, now we just need this new media streamer to go along with it to rock out our living rooms. Stay tuned for more details.

SOURCE: FCC

VIA: SlashGear

Android Authority

Android Authority


Is the Nexus dead? What the Galaxy S4 with pure Android means for Samsung and Google

Posted: 18 May 2013 06:09 PM PDT

GS4 Pure
A few days ago, Google formally unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition with pure Android. It’s a modified version of the flagship Samsung handset that we first saw announced back in March, and it stands to offer the standard Nexus user experience. What does this mean for Google’s actual line of Nexus phones? Is the Galaxy S4 with pure Android meant to replace them?

I’m not sure how long Google and Samsung sat through negotiations to try and get a product like this out the door. I think it may have been a long time coming. But it makes so much sense that you have to wonder, why didn’t they do this sooner? In fact, why don’t all Android phone makers release a Nexus-like device of their own? It simply baffles the mind.

What we have with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition is a device with absolute top-notch hardware paired with the best software that Android has to offer. It is, strictly speaking, one of the best Android phones ever — at least if you’re with T-Mobile and AT&T. The only thing that will keep it out of most people’s hands is its prohibitive price tag. And that’s where real Nexus devices have it beat.

Still, it makes a truly compelling case for an upgrade or a switch. It’s exactly what a lot of people want: a top-of-the-line phone with the latest version of Android. And it will be updated to even later versions of Android when newer ones start coming out. If Google wants to stop making new Nexus phones like the highly rumored Nexus 5, then the Galaxy S4 with pure Android is the perfect excuse. The question is, would Google really go that far?

State of the Nexus

LG-Nexus-4
The maker of the current Google Nexus phone, LG Electronics, managed to snag a mere 3% of the global Android market in Q1 2013. This shows that adding high-end hardware and timely Android software updates together doesn’t always result in a killer combination. The Nexus 4 does have a few glaring faults — such as lack of microSD card support and lack of 4G LTE — that might have contributed to its weak sales. But it really should have sold more units and the bottom line is that it didn’t.

Google’s end-game is, as we all know, to get Android into the hands of as many people as possible. So it makes sense for it to partner with the current market leader, Samsung. And as for why it was necessary to inject an already existing phone with Nexus DNA instead of delivering a new one with actual Nexus branding (which they’ve already done in the past)? Well, the Galaxy brand is a much bigger brand than Nexus. It has more clout, and might possibly lead to bigger sales which would then translate to Android getting into the hands of more and more people.

There’s also the fact that the Galaxy S4 trumps the Nexus 4 in terms of hardware and sheer performance, which makes it a sensible candidate to become the latest Nexus model.

The power of the Galaxy

galaxy s4 vs iphone 5 s4 back aa
Google’s Nexus effort, as a whole, doesn’t appear to have been very successful. On the other hand, Samsung’s Galaxy brand has been a huge success. Only last week, an exec at Samsung declared the Galaxy S4 to be the fastest-selling Samsung handset ever. It’s on track to hit the 10 million unit sales point by the end of this month. And now we have this, a pure Android version of the same smartphone. Can you imagine what will happen next?

In all likelihood, the standard Galaxy S4 — with TouchWiz and all — will go on to sell many millions more after the end of May. And all the other people who have been keeping an eye out for a true high-end phone with stock Android can now set their sights on the Galaxy S4 Google Edition, which of course in the end means even more sales for Samsung yet again.

The mere existence of the Galaxy S4 Google Edition solves a number of problems all at once. It takes care of the Galaxy S4 storage problem because removing TouchWiz and all the extra software features that come along with it means less storage space is taken up by “system apps.” It also ensures that Android users have a chance to really enjoy the best of the Android software, because the hardware in the Galaxy S4 is more than capable of supporting pretty much everything (except worldwide carrier support, of course, at least for now). Developers will also benefit because now they can treat this phone like a special developer version of the Galaxy S4 (it comes with an unlocked bootloader).

Is this the end for the Nexus?

The Galaxy S4 Google Edition shows that Google is starting to finally get it. Google took a phone from Samsung and made it go from great to greater. Now, ongoing software support can help ensure that it sells fairly well despite the high price tag. But where does this leave Google’s Nexus line of smartphones?

If Google has plans of retiring the Nexus phone, now is the right time to do it. It just put the word out on a Nexus-ified version of one of the most advanced handsets ever, plus as we all know, it is supposed to be working on other high profile projects, such as its first smartwatch as well as the upcoming (still rumored) Motorola X Phone (not to mention Google Glass). Android phone makers are doing a good enough job of producing great models, and the world certainly doesn’t need more Nexus phones. If anything, there needs to be less phones with Android to cut out the issue of fragmentation.

The decision to release the Galaxy S4 Google Edition may be part of an experiment to see how the market reacts. If successful, we may never see another Nexus branded smartphone from Google ever again.

    


Sonic the Hedgehog spins his way to Android devices, Tails and Knuckles also playable

Posted: 18 May 2013 05:46 PM PDT

Sonic the Hedgehog-w645

If you grew up in the 1990s, you’ll remember Sonic the Hedgehog as one of the more popular console game characters. If you’ve been longing for games you played in your youth, then here’s yet another reason to be happy you’re using Android. Sega has just released Sonic the Hedgehog on Google Play. We get to play Sonic at 60 FPS with widescreen support and re-mastered audio. Plus, we get to play Sonic’s friends, Tails and Knuckles, too.

Previously available on iOS devices, Sonic spins his way into Android smartphones and tablets, where you can play the re-mastered classic, plus a few new features. First, the game has been optimized for mobile devices, which means you get to enjoy Sonic in full screen and up to 60 FPS smoothness. The soundtrack has likewise been re-mastered, and it’s a big improvement over the 16-bit

Additionally, you can play new characters, Sonic’s friends Tails and Knuckles. These new characters let you explore Sonic’s world in a whole new way by using their unique abilities (flying, gliding and climbing around the levels). You will need to unlock them first with gameplay, though. Experienced players can also increase the challenge level with the new Time Attack Mode.

Sega made sure players will enjoy the title by adding in a few extras, which make Sonic the Hedgehog all the more enjoyable in our connected world. In particular, the mobile app features achievements and a leaderboard to encourage players to become more competitive — a feature that console games of the 20th century did not have.

Miss your Sega Genesis controller? Fret not, as Sonic the Hedgehog offers support for Power A Moga, Nyko, XBOX, and all HID controllers. The game costs $2.99 on the Google Play Store. An iOS version is also available, although Sega is yet to release the free update with new playable characters to iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users.

Check out the promo video from Google Play.

    


Shipping: Verizon Galaxy S4 pre-orders to customers, T-Mobile Galaxy S3 LTE to stores

Posted: 18 May 2013 05:17 PM PDT

samsung galaxy s4 vs galaxy s3 both white aa

The last of the Big Four to start selling the Galaxy S4 in the U.S., Verizon, appears to have started shipping Galaxy S4 pre-orders already. Meanwhile, last year's Galaxy S model (the LTE version) has been reportedly spotted heading to T-Mobile stores.

Verizon Galaxy S4

Droid-Life reports that Verizon Galaxy S4 buyers have received notifications that their pre-orders are currently prepped for shipping, and while they have an estimated delivery date of May 23, they could actually reach some of the early buyers faster then expected.

Initially announced for May 30, the launch date for the Verizon Galaxy S4 has been pushed up to May 23, at which point the handset will most likely be available in brick-and-mortar stores.

verizon-galaxy-s4-shipping-1

Verizon sells the 16GB Galaxy S4 model for $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and with new two-year contracts, and the handset is available in both Black Mist and White Frost. The 32GB model is not in stock with the carrier at this time.

T-Mobile Galaxy S3 LTE

The "old" Galaxy S3 may still be an enticing proposition to buyers, especially T-Mobile subscribers looking to score the LTE version of the handset.

The LTE edition (SGH-T999L model) is apparently heading to stores according to a screenshot scored by TmoNews.

While a release date for the T-Mobile Galaxy S3 LTE edition is not officially available, it looks like only the 16GB white model has been spotted shipping to stores, although we'd expect it to be available in other colors as well.

 t-mobile-galaxy-s3-lte-shipping-1

The non-LTE T-Mobile Galaxy S3 is still available from the carrier and retails for $69.99 upfront followed by 24 monthly installments of $20 each, so we'd expect the LTE version to have a similar price. However, it's worth noting that the non-LTE version is currently marked as out-of-stock on T-Mobile's website.

    


Galaxy S4 “Nexus” could be a software-modified T-Mobile unit, report says

Posted: 18 May 2013 03:29 PM PDT

google-io-galaxy-s4-google-edition-1

The special Galaxy S4 “Nexus” edition may be a software-modified T-Mobile Galaxy S4 model (SGH-M919), a new report shows, which could be good news for existing and future T-Mobile Galaxy S4 owners.

According to AnandTech, the available evidence suggests that the Galaxy S4 Nexus edition is actually based on the T-Mobile version, a device that best meets the hardware criteria.

Google revealed little on stage when announcing its partnership with Samsung to sell a Galaxy S4 version running stock Android OS. The device doesn't have an actual product name to differentiate it from the other Galaxy S4 units out there – which is why we call it Galaxy S4 Nexus or Galaxy S4 Google Edition – but it's not a Nexus-branded device as you'd expect it to be. Moreover, a model number for the handset is not available either, and we’re yet to see an FCC filing for it.

Google-IO-Galaxy S4 Google Edition price 1600 aa

What's known about it is that Google will start selling it from the Google Play Store on June 26 for $649, or what an unsubsidized Galaxy S4 already costs. n terms of hardware, the handset will offer 16GB of storage and support LTE with both AT&T and T-Mobile. In addition to being carrier-unlocked, the handset will also ship with its bootloader unlocked. Obviously, it will run Android 4.2.2 (or Android 4.3 right out of the box?) and will receive "prompt system updates" like any Nexus handset.

With all that in mind, let's look at what AnandTech says about the handset:

SGH-M919 has always included support for LTE on Bands 2, 4, 5, and 17 (that’s 1900 PCS, 1700/2100 AWS, 850 Cellular, and 700 Lower B and C) and WCDMA on Bands 2, 4, and 5. At another level, this is the same hardware as the AT&T variant but without the arbitrary RAT (Radio Access Technology) locking that AT&T has put in place to restrict use of Band 4 WCDMA which T-Mobile needs for a good experience. This translates to that support for AT&T and T-Mobile LTE and WCDMA. That also means Snapdragon 600 (APQ8064AB) and no Exynos 5.

In case that will be confirmed, then current and future T-Mobile Galaxy S4 owners will have some reasons to be happy, as they'll be able to run the Nexus firmware on their handsets instead of the TouchWiz-filled default one faster than anyone else. Of course, it makes sense to assume that the community will bring the Galaxy S4 Nexus firmware to other Galaxy S4 version in the very near future, so a stock Android Galaxy S4 experience may be just around the corner for handset buyers.

Moreover, some Galaxy S4 fans may end up purchasing a subsidized T-Mobile version in order to run the Nexus firmware on it without having to pay the full $649 for the handset, especially considering T-Mobile’s UNcarrier approach to selling smartphones, which doesn’t come with a mandatory two-year agreement.

Speaking about custom ROMs for the Galaxy S4, we’ll remind you that the T-Mobile Galaxy S4 version already has support for CyanogenMod 10.1 so it would make sense to assume that the Nexus firmware could be just as easily installed on the handset.

Google-IO-Galaxy S4 Google Edition Hugo Barra 1600 aa

However, nothing is official just yet, and we'll have to wait for the Nexus 4 to hit stores before telling you with absolute certainty which U.S. Galaxy S4 version it resembles most.

On a different note, we're not encouraging you to install custom ROMs on any of your devices, we're just informing you on the available options out there, so don’t blame us if anything goes wrong during such procedures. Whatever path you decide to follow, remember that whatever will happen to your device(s) will fall under your responsibility and yours alone.

    


Hangouts quietly gets a new update to fix tablet woes

Posted: 18 May 2013 11:07 AM PDT

google-io-hangouts-1

Google this week at Google I/O unveiled its unified messaging service called Hangouts (our app review here). The Google Talk replacement has had a rocky launch, causing update woes for many, especially those with a tablet. Rest assured that Google has quietly pushed out a new update for Hangouts, which will make the app compatible with tablets of varying sizes.

Keep in mind that users may still be experiencing compatibility issues, as the service is being pushed out over several days. So it shouldn’t be long before users running Android 2.3 or higher see Google Talk get replaced with the Hangouts interface.

The excitement for Hangouts has dwindled a little bit as users learned that, unlike iMessages, it does not have SMS support yet. The sort-o good news is that Google Hangouts Community Manager Dori Storbeck confirmed that SMS support was coming, but quickly rescinded her comment saying, “we actually have nothing to announce at this time.” However, there’s still hope for SMS integration, as the app still requests a number of SMS permissions.

Have you downloaded the new update for Hangouts? Has it fixed the tablet woes that were previously an issue? Better yet, have you gotten to use the new messaging service?

    


Rumor: Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 coming with Intel Atom Z2560 chip inside

Posted: 18 May 2013 06:02 AM PDT

samsung galaxy tab 3 press

Galaxy Tab 3 7.0

A new GLBenchmark test result reveals that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 model would come with an Intel Atom Z2560 chip inside, which may be a surprising choice for the Android device maker.

Model number GT-P5200 has been spotted in GLBenchmark results both in Wi-Fi-only and 3G versions – we'll remind you that the GT-P5200 is said to be the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, although this particular tablet version is yet to be unveiled by Samsung.

According to the benchmarks, the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 is said to pack a 10.1-inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution, a 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2560 processor with Hyper-Threading, a 400MHz PowerVR SGX 544 MP2 graphics processing unit and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean under the hood.

 galaxy-tab-3-10.01-gt-p5200-glbenchmark-test-1

When it comes to processor choice, the already unveiled Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 comes with a 1.2GHz dual-core Marvell PXA986 CPU, while the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 is an unannounced product, but it’s rumored to pack a 1.5GHz dual-core processor.

The Intel Atom Z2560 said to power the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 is part of the same Clover Trail+ family of mobile chips, with its bigger brother, the Intel Atom Z2580 (clocked at 2GHz) being used by other mobile devices including the Lenovo K900.

The Lenovo K900 has managed to match in AnTuTu benchmarks the Galaxy S4 (Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 version) and we're mentioning this because just recently, the GT-P5200 has reportedly scored 24616 in AnTuTu.

galaxy-tab-3-10.01-gt-p5200-glbenchmark-test-3

Comparatively, the Samsung-made Nexus 10 sporting a 1.7GHz dual-core processor scores around 13000 in AnTuTu. The pricier Galaxy Note 8.0 packing a 1.6GHz quad-core processor scores around 18000 in the same benchmark test (see our review here). Moreover, as you can see in the screenshot above, the GT-P5200 apparently outscores the GT-P5100 (Galaxy Tab 2 10.1) and GT-N8000 (Galaxy Note 10.1) in 3D graphics performance, with the Google Nexus 10 being a better match.

From the looks of it, the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 may be Samsung’s first Intel-based tablet, but the device seems ready to offer a respectable performance, at least on paper.

That said, we're still going to have to wait for Samsung to make the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 official. If recent rumors revealing potential release dates for the three Galaxy Tab 3 models (already announced or rumored) are to be believed, the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 could hit European markets in early June (Wi-Fi version) and in late June (3G version), so an announcement may be very close.

    


Riptide GP2 demo shows new Play games services multiplayer in action

Posted: 18 May 2013 05:56 AM PDT

Google-IO-2013 Google Play Games Services 1600 aa

The developers of Riptide GP2 released a video demoing the multiplayer support coming to the game thanks to the implementation of the new Play games services.

If you watched the Google I/O keynote on Wednesday, you probably remember the awkward moment when Hugo Barra tried to demo cross-platform multiplayer gaming on stage using the hotly anticipated Riptide GP2. To the disappointment of the audience, the multiplayer session failed to work for some reason, leaving us curious about how the new Play games services will look and work.

If you need a primer, Play games services is basically the Android equivalent of Xbox Live or a similar service. It provides a way for game developers to implement achievements, cross platform multiplayer, cloud saves, and leaderboards.

The team behind Riptide GP2, Vector Unit, put up a little video to show us what Google couldn't demo on stage due to technical difficulties. Check it out.

As you can see, Play Services lets users instantly set up multiplayer games with up to four players. The system also supports game invites, which are received both in-game and outside of it via the Android notification system. The system works across devices, Android or iOS, and even with web-based games. The three players in the demo use a Tegra 4-powered Shield console, a Nexus 7 coupled with a Moga controller, and a Galaxy S4.

Vector Unit says that it recorded the video in real time, meaning that the connection times are pretty good. The process of setting up and joining the multiplayer seems simple and fast, which is crucial for the success of the platform. To be fair though, connection times will also depend of server load, so it's possible that the process will be slower when games services roll out on a wide scale.

Games services is a feature that promises to boost the quality of Android gaming, at a time when more companies work on Android-powered gaming consoles. What do you make of it?

    


Benchmark suggests that Galaxy S4 Active will ditch the Snapdragon 600 for an S4 Pro

Posted: 18 May 2013 05:00 AM PDT

samsung-galaxy-s4-lock-screen

The Galaxy S4 Active is said to be very similar to the Galaxy S4, pictured above

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4 Active showed up in an alleged benchmark result that reveals some of its specifications, including a slightly older processor.

At this point, the consensus in the Android blogosphere is that he Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is real, and that it's coming soon. The device was even confirmed by a Samsung executive. The Galaxy S4 Active is said to be waterproof and dustproof, and Samsung will likely market it as a phone for the outdoorsy, inspired by the success of Sony Xperia Z, the first major Android phone to feature resistance to water and dust.

Everybody thought that the Galaxy S4 Active (also known as J Active, though that's likely just an internal name) would be identical to the general purpose Galaxy S4 in terms of specifications. However, a benchmark result uncovered by Techtastic indicates that at least the processor of the Galaxy S4 Active will be different.

Samsung SGH-I537, a codename associated with the AT&T version of Galaxy S4 Active showed up in the GFXBench results database. The device is powered by a Snapdragon MSM8960 (Snapdragon S4 Pro) system on a chip clocked at 1.9GHz. Other specifications revealed by the listing are Android 4.2.2 and a Full HD screen, both identical to those of the Galaxy S4. Note that benchmark listings can be easily counterfeited, and even if the entry is real, it could belong to a prototype.

Samsung SGH-I537 performance in GFXBench – unified graphics benchmark based on D 47 000344

Samsung currently sells two variants of the Galaxy S4, one running on Snapdragon 600 (available in most markets) and one running on Exynos 5 Octa (currently selling in South Korea and a few other countries).

Why would Samsung swap the Snapdragon 600 for an older S4 Pro on the Galaxy S4 Active? One reason could be cost reduction, though teardowns show that the difference between the two configurations is of only a few dollars per unit. Another possible answer could be a supply issue, though we haven't heard of any supply bottlenecks related to the Snapdragon 600.

The Galaxy S4 Active has been rumored to be unveiled in the next few weeks, possibly along the Galaxy S4 Zoom and the entry-level Zest. Stay tuned for more details.

    


Leaker: Android 4.2 coming to One soon, “Senseless” edition later this summer?

Posted: 18 May 2013 03:35 AM PDT

htc-one-rear-in-hand

A source known for providing insider information on HTC devices tweeted that the HTC One could get an update in "2-3 weeks", while a “Senseless” edition might come in late summer.

One of the most popular devices of the moment, the HTC One, is behind the times (and the competition) when it comes to the Android version. The HTC One is running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean coupled with Sense 5, at a time when the newest version of Android, 4.2, has been out for almost six months.

Naturally, HTC One users have been clamoring for an update, but the good news is their wish may be granted in as little as two to three weeks.

The info comes from a noted purveyor of insider information on HTC that has a good reputation when it comes to leaks of the Taiwanese company's handsets. @LlabTooFeR has correctly predicted the HTC First, also known as the "Facebook phone", and the specifications of the HTC M4, which is said to hit the market as the HTC One Mini.

Now @LlabTooFeR is back at it with info on the Android 4.2.2 update for the HTC One:

The tweet refers to this earlier one:

Even more exciting is the reference to a “Senseless” HTC One, in other words, a One running stock Android, just like the Galaxy S4 “Google Edition” unveiled at I/O. As you can see, @LlabTooFeR is not committing to the info, so it’s hard to say if it’s his speculation or something he knows for a fact.

Though @LlabTooFeR has a successful track record when it comes to leaks, we wouldn't recommend ingesting this information without the proverbial grain of salt. Even the best connected insiders get it wrong sometimes. We’ve asked @LlabTooFeR  for more info on the “Senseless” One via Twitter and we’ll update this post with his comments.

Update: @LlabTooFeR says he knows about the HTC One without Sense “for a fact”.

With that said, we've also heard about Sense 5 coming to the HTC J Butterfly by the end of the month, with Android 4.2.2 possibly in tow. It wouldn't be too far-fetched to believe that HTC is preparing a rollout for all its flagship devices, including the popular HTC One.

What will Android 4.2 bring to the HTC One? The most significant updates are the possibility to have widgets in the lock screen, a quick-settings panel in the notification dropdown and a swipe-based keyboard.

As for the HTC One Google Edition, an HTC employee did tease us during the I/O keynote, though an HTC PR boss was quick to shut down the speculation.