Friday, July 12, 2013

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Vine for Android gets massive update, introduces new camera tools, revining, and more

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 05:02 PM PDT

Insta-who? Vine has updated their Android application in the Google Play Store bringing with it a ton of new features and enhancements. So long, suck-town. Hello, worthy Instagram competitor!

Nexus 4 no longer listed as “best smartphone,” is now “first Google smartphone”

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 03:48 PM PDT

Huh. Will you look at that. It’s not breaking news by any means, but only a few minutes ago Google updated the device page of the Play Store with only a very small change to their Nexus 4 listing. Previously, the caption describing the Nexus 4 read “the best smartphone.” While that statement is definitely [...]

More rumors that refreshed Nexus 7 to launch before end of July

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 03:30 PM PDT

More rumors circulating that the new Nexus 7 refresh is due out by the end of July with a Snapdragon S4 processor. This is contrary to a previous leak from an ASUS support rep.

Sprint officially announces new Unlimited My Way and All-in plans

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 02:13 PM PDT

After it was leaked yesterday, Sprint is finally ready to announce their all new Unlimited, My Way and All-in plans.

Roadmap leak tips possible HTC One and Moto X release dates on Verizon Wireless

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 12:30 PM PDT

When Verizon Wireless announced that they’d soon be carrying the HTC One on their network, many customers let out a sigh of relief. Arguably one of the best Android devices on the market, it was comforting for most to know that it was, in fact, coming… we just weren’t given any solid date other than [...]

Apple, Amazon end dispute over “App Store” name

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 12:26 PM PDT

Amazon and Apple have been fighting for a long time over whether the former as the right to use the term "Appstore" to sell Android apps. Well, it looks like Apple's finally giving up.

Hands-on video: Sprinkle Islands now available on Google Play

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 12:02 PM PDT

After 2 long years, the wait is over. Mediocre is back with their first sequel, Sprinkle Islands. The game brings back the familiar gameplay of the original, along with more brain bending physics puzzles and even bosses.

Jay-Z says Magna Carta Holy Grail app issues were “not cool”

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 09:55 AM PDT

I caught a bit of flak from our readers on the 4th of July when I expressed my distaste with the way the Magna Carta Holy Grail album launch was handled. If you aren’t in the know, Jay-Z’s latest album was to be released three days early to 1 million Samsung Galaxy owners, and for [...]

Skype makes it easier to sign out in latest update

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 07:55 AM PDT

Skype has issued an update that brings the sign-out button to the menu of each of the main three views (Recent, Favorites and People), as well as the profile view.

Chrome for Android update brings translation bar

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 07:17 AM PDT

Google has issued a ice new upgrade to the stable channel for Google Chrome for Android. The upgrade attempt to knock down more of the language barrier as a new translation bar will show up automatically when viewing a foreign page.

Was this camera sample taken with a Motorola Moto X?

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 05:59 AM PDT

The Motorola Moto X is still being kept under wraps by Motorola, but it appears we have our first look at the types of photos the device's 10 megapixel camera can produce.

Google brings back menu option for offline maps in the latest Google Maps update

Posted: 11 Jul 2013 04:55 AM PDT

Google has listened to user feedback and brought the menu option back in a new follow-up update for Google Maps. Users can select the 'Make this map area available offline' card below the search box for easier access to the feature.

Android Central


Android Central


Posted: 11 Jul 2013 04:24 PM PDT
Boost Mobile HTC One SV update
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome another phone into the Jelly Bean club. Boost Mobile's HTC One SV is currently getting its update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, with Sense 4+ thrown in for good measure.
The update weighs in at a little more than 400 megabytes, so you'll probably not want to do this without Wifi. In addition to the OS update, you'll get Google Wallet and Google Shopper, and a "Connection Optimizer."
Boost tells us the udpate will be available through July 17, so get to it.

    


Posted: 11 Jul 2013 04:12 PM PDT
Chrome OS Files App

New notifications for several apps, full-screen 'Immersive Mode' and 

Google has just released a large update to the stable channel of Chrome OS to version 28.0.1500.68, which includes lots of nifty features and purported performance improvements. First up are the user-facing features, which include a newly designed Files app that now gives access to Shared and Recent files from Google drive, as well as new notification pop-ups for Hangouts, Gmail, screenshots and others. Google has also updated the Chrome Office Viewer to make handling of Microsoft Office documents just a little easier. If you decide to dive into chrome://flags, the latest version also offers an "Immersive Mode" which hides more of the browser chrome and gives a full-screen experience.
Under the hood, version 28 brings the new "Blink" rendering engine, which supposedly speeds up browser performance but offered no distinguishable performance change on our Chromebook Pixel. Speaking of the Pixel, you will now see a visual indicator of touch screen input when clicking on a link, which can be useful for non-touch-optimized sites.
Overall this update brings a tightening of the screws around several different areas of Chrome OS, with lots of little tweaks that make living in the browser just a little easier and better performing. Hang around after the break for several screenshots of the new features in action.
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Posted: 11 Jul 2013 03:04 PM PDT
Cameringo

Free eBook and eight great apps to get new 'shutter bugs' started with photography

As it regularly does, Google Play is highlighting a specific subject with a content promotion and this time the focus is on photography. This week's focus is kicking off with a free eBook from the Play Store -- "Android Photography" by Colby Brown is a 104 page book focusing (pun, I know) on the basics of controlling your phone's camera, which settings to use and how to shoot in different situations.
The book also gives tips on which third-party apps to use to help your photography skills, and Google Play is helping out by offering a full list of popular apps for "shutter bugs". Popular apps like 500px and Camera Zoom FX make it into this list of 8 apps focused on viewing and taking photos.
When you go to "purchase" the book from the Play Store at the link above, don't be alarmed if you're asked to enter your Google Wallet information or get GW set up, it's a necessary process for having the book linked to your account. Happy shooting!

More: 'App Focus: Photography' | 'Android Photography' by Colby Brown

Android Central Photography Forums


    


Posted: 11 Jul 2013 02:17 PM PDT
Verizon Roadmap Leak

August to see several device launches; new 'Droid' devices nowhere to be seen

Right on the heels of the latest Moto X device leaks, a new roadmap from Verizon may have just revealed the launch dates for both it and the HTC One on Big Red. According to a purported "Go To Market" roadmap obtained by PhoneArena, the carrier will finally see the previously-confirmed HTC One on August first, with the upcoming flagship Moto X hitting a few weeks later on August 23rd.
While it's a fashionably late appearance for the One on Verizon when compared to the other carriers, an August 23rd launch of the Moto X could put it right in line with the other three if current launch date rumors hold true. As for the expected launch of multiple new "Droid" devices, this roadmap doesn't give us any indication of their release windows.
It looks like Verizon may be in for an important month of August.
Source: PhoneArena

    


Posted: 11 Jul 2013 01:16 PM PDT
Sprint

'Unlimited, My Way' and 'My All-In' plans available starting tomorrow

As a possible reaction to the sweeping changes Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have been making to their plan structure over the last year, Sprint is introducing two new kinds of plans and what it calls an "Unlimited Guarantee". First up is a new plan structure called "Unlimited, My Way", which similarly to other family and "shared" plans lets you build out a plan for multiple people, saving on additional lines all the way up to 10 per account. While the base price per line isn't yet detailed, the plans will offer unlimited data for $30 per month per line, or a cheaper $20 per month option for just 1GB of data. Unlimited, My Way plans can add mobile hotspot in 1GB increments for $10 per month as well.
On the individual side, a new "My All-In" plan gives a single line of service with unlimited talk (to any phone), unlimited text and unlimited data with 5GB of mobile hotspot for $110 per month. This plan matches its current highest-end unlimited plan, but now throws in the mobile hotspot data at no additional charge. Both My All-In and Unlimited, My Way plans include unlimited calling to any phone or number -- wireline or wireless -- which is an improvement from previous plans that would only offer unlimited calls to mobile numbers.
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Posted: 11 Jul 2013 11:30 AM PDT
Sprinkle Islands

New gameplay mechanics through 48 all-new levels hit Google Play

Sprinkle is an extremely popular game that has been around since 2011 (yes, that long), and today developer Mediocre has finally released a much-anticipated follow up title: Sprinkle Islands. Known more recently for releasing the also-popular game Granny Smith, the developers haven't been asleep at the wheel when it comes to a sequel to Sprinkle. Islands picks up where the original game left off, adding new game mechanics and improved graphics that were already top-of-the-line.
The latest iteration of Sprinkle hits Google Play today, so let's take a little deeper look at the game after the break.
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Posted: 11 Jul 2013 10:58 AM PDT

Game offers exclusive in-depth look at characters not fully revealed by the movie

Capitalizing on launching the same week as the feature film from Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, Pacific Rim the game is making its way to Android today for $4.99. The game pulls heavily from the movie in terms of characters, plot and art but keeps things mobile-friendly with a head-to-head fighting style of game. The game offers both a "Story Mode" with 30 levels and "Survival Mode" for extended play, with distinct challenges in each. As you move through the game, you can customize up to five different characters with upgradeable skills and armor as you unlock different achievements.
You can watch a trailer for the game above, and grab a download of Pacific Rim from the Play Store link at the top of this post. Pacific Rim the movie is set to be released in U.S. theaters tomorrow.

    


Posted: 11 Jul 2013 10:00 AM PDT
Social networking and communications proved to be one of our broader topics thus far. Tackling everything from who you should follow online, why we post status updates in the first place, protecting our online privacy, and what kind of keyboard is the best, week three of Talk Mobile 2013 ran the gamut. And true to our goals with Talk Mobile, little time was spent talking about specs and stats - the discussion revolved around higher concepts of how we use these devices to begin with.
As always, we're wholly interested in your feedback and are constantly tweaking Talk Mobile to be the very best we can make it. So feel free to sound off in the comments about what you think of Talk Mobile so far.
Our goal with Talk Mobile has always been to generate a discussion in the community, and we're thrilled with the comments and deep discussions that have come as a result. There are a lot of great comments, and we'd like to take a few minutes here to highlight what we think to be the very best. You'll find them below, and those we've picked as winning comments will be receiving some awesome prizes - so be sure to watch your email.
We're also happy to have a reader survey for social and communications week, and by simply filling it out you can be entered to win a $100 gift card to Best Buy. Incentive? You betcha.
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Posted: 11 Jul 2013 09:32 AM PDT
Moto X page

Photo shows what appears to be a matte plastic backing 

Despite the lack of any official reveal, we've seen plenty of the phone many are assuming to be Motorola's Moto X. The rear of the device has been allegedly caught on camera again, but it's not so colorful this time around. The camera lens, flash, 3.5mm headphone jack, and recessed Motorola logo are consistent with previous rear shell photos. The speaker grill, composed of three rows of holes, also looks similar, except it is on the opposite side of the camera lens in this photo. From this angle, we can also see what looks like a second microphone next to the headphone jack.
The above photo comes out of China, and in recent months we've also seen video of what might be the Moto X from Vietnam. Carrier-specific versions of the phone are also making the rounds, with AT&T and Sprint varieties having come to light.
With a phone this important to Motorola, we'll be watching with interest to see how things unravel in the coming weeks and months.
Source: Phone Arena

    


Posted: 11 Jul 2013 08:54 AM PDT
Kyocera Hydro Edge

Coming to Sprint July 19 and Boost Mobile July 23

We first spotted the successor to the Kyocera Hydro at CTIA 2013 in Las Vegas a few months back. Now, the Kyocera Hydro Edge has become official, joining the underwater leagues of such phones as the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active and Sony Xperia Z. As its name would suggest, the Hydro Edge was made for water resistance — up to 3.28 feet in water for 30 minutes to be exact.
On Sprint, the Hydro Edge is available on new lines and eligible upgrades with two-year service agreements for $19.99 before tax after a $50 mail-in-rebate (which comes in the form of a reward card). Boost Mobile subscribers will have to shell out more up front since they are no-contract customers, with the total coming to $149.99 before tax. The Hydro Edge is the first phone to ever be available for pre-order on Boost Mobile.
For more, see our Kyocera Hydro Edge hands-on. We've got official specs after the break
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Posted: 11 Jul 2013 08:14 AM PDT
Lumia 10202013 is, among other things, the year of camera-centric smartphones. On the Android side, we've already witnessed the launch of the Galaxy S4 Zoom, and Sony is rumored to be joining the cameraphone party later in the year with the Xperia i1 "Honami."
But today all eyes are on Nokia in New York City, with its announcement of the Windows Phone-powered Lumia 1020. Rumors — and a number of reliable leaks — suggest it'll pack a massive 41-megapixel PureView sensor with advanced optics.
Our friends over at Windows Phone Central are live from NYC today with full coverage of all Nokia's announcements, so check the link below for all the details as they emerge.

More: Nokia Lumia 1020 event liveblog on Windows Phone Central


    


Posted: 11 Jul 2013 08:06 AM PDT
Magna Carta app

Issues downloading album through app 'disheartening,' says rapper

If you tried to download Jay-Z's new album Magna Carta Holy Grail through the free promotional app for Samsung phones last week, you may have run into issues. Around launch time on Jul. 4 many users reported that the app was slow, unresponsive and crashy as servers became overwhelmed with fans trying to download the album.
And the app problems haven't escaped the attention of Jay-Z himself. According to the NY Daily News, the artist mentioned in a radio interview that he was aware of the launch-night issues, saying the situation was "not cool."
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Posted: 11 Jul 2013 07:44 AM PDT
Google+

Google is keeping a history of your +1's, but you don't have to share it with everyone if you don't want to

The latest update to the Google+ Android app doesn't have the most exciting changelog, but the one feature it adds is a user-facing one that brings up a larger question of the service. With the latest version, the Google+ app will now show content in your "stream" that wasn't shared directly by someone in your circles, but instead was +1'd by someone. In reverse, this means that things you +1 on your own will be shown to your friends as well, assuming you keep the default +1 settings.
Now this is far from a privacy alarm -- you have these people in circles and use Google+ for a reason -- but rather something that needs to be kept in mind. When there's an app update to specifically highlight this new content type, it's important to focus on. Stick with us quickly after the break to see how to change your settings.
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Posted: 11 Jul 2013 07:31 AM PDT
Galaxy Note 8
Canadian carriers TELUS, Rogers and Bell send word they've today launched the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 with 4G LTE data connectivity. The Note 8 sells for C$579 outright on TELUS — on-contract deals are also available from the carrier's website. Rogers has it for C$499 off-contract, and Bell offers it on a three-year plan for C$349.99 up-front or C$549.95 outright.
The Note 8 is the smaller of Samsung's two Galaxy Note tablets, with an 8-inch 1280x800 resolution display, a 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos CPU and 2GB of RAM. There's also 16GB of storage, microSD expandability and a 5-megapixel rear camera. Naturally, Samsung's S Pen support is included, with a dockable stylus fitting the device's right side.
For more on the Note 8, check out our full review of the U.S. version.
Source: TELUS, Bell

    


Posted: 11 Jul 2013 07:07 AM PDT
Deal of the Day The July 11 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Seidio ACTIVE Case (with kickstand) for HTC One. The ACTIVE Case provides great shock and impact absorption while adding minimal bulk to your HTC One. This two-layer case features a lightweight rubber polymer, a hard skeleton for added protection and a retractable kickstand. Comes in black, blue, red, purple and white.
The Seidio ACTIVE Case (with kickstand) is available for just $18.00, 48% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last!
Deal also available in the Canada store
Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

    


Posted: 11 Jul 2013 06:25 AM PDT
London Underground

Tube connectivity provided by Virgin Media now available to O2 subscribers

UK mobile operator O2 has today become the latest provider to launch free London Underground Wifi connectivity to its subscribers. Like rivals Vodafone and EE, O2's offering Wifi through a partnership with Virgin Media, which has hotspots at more than 120 tube stations across central London.
After registering their devices with O2 Wifi, O2 customers can get started by connecting to a Virgin Media hotspot and selecting O2 from the list of available providers. Then to complete the process, they'll need to enter their phone number in the form that appears.
Unlike some other major cities, London's underground network lacks cellular data reception of any kind, making Wifi a necessity for anyone wanting to get connected while they travel. O2's Wifi partnership with Virgin Media means Three now is the only major provider not yet offering this service, putting the UK's smallest network at a potential disadvantage.
Source: TNW, O2 YouTube

    


Posted: 11 Jul 2013 02:12 AM PDT
Google Maps offline cache

User feedback prompts new 'offline maps' card and 'where's Latitude' button

When Google launched its new Maps app for some users yesterday, it was criticized by some for the way offline maps had been handled. The feature, accessible via menus in earlier Maps versions, could only be activated by searching for "OK Maps" in the new app, in a sort of Easter egg.
Today the app has been updated once again with an easier way to download offline map caches — tap the (empty) search bar and you'll find "Make this map area available offline." It's perhaps not the most obvious place to put this feature, nor the most elegant-looking card, but we can't fault Google's fast turnaround on this issue. (The "OK Maps" shortcut will continue to function in the new version, Google says.)
In addition, there's now a "Where's Latitude" button in the main menu area linking to Google's support page on Latitude's retirement. The service, which is absent from the new Maps app, will be closed entirely on Aug. 9.
If you're running the new version of Maps, you should see an update to your app this morning. As an aside we're now starting to see the new Google Maps 7.0 on more of our devices, so if you're not updated yet you might want to check your Play Store app for updates.
Source: Google+

    


Posted: 11 Jul 2013 01:38 AM PDT
Sony IFA inviteThis year's IFA — the annual consumer electronics show held in Berlin, Germany — is still a little under two months away. But it seems invites are already going out to the Japanese press for Sony's big IFA booth unveiling and press conference, which is set for Sep. 4 in hall 4.2 of the Messe Berlin exhibition center.
An invite received by Japanese blog RBMen indicates things will kick off at 4pm local time (3pm BST, 10am EDT, 7am PDT) at the Sony booth. IFA is of course a general consumer electronics trade show, but on the mobile front we'll be expecting to hear more about the rumored "Xperia i1" (Honami) device, said to pack a 20-megapixel camera with advanced optics. We'll be on the ground in Berlin once again this year, so keep it locked to AC this September for full IFA coverage.
Source: RBMen; via: PhoneArena

    


Posted: 10 Jul 2013 11:16 PM PDT
LG's new slim display

It takes thin parts to make a thin smartphone, and LG is leading the pack when it comes to display technology

LG is showing off a new 5.2-inch LCD display that they claim holds the title of world's slimmest full HD display. Checking in at only 2.2mm in thickness, they also feature an ultra-slim 2.3mm bezel. This means your great-big smartphone can be a little less great-bog overall.
They credit their new technology, dubbed Advanced One-Glass-Solution, for enabling such a thin panel. It uses dual flexible printed circuits (opposed to a single circuit) that have been inserted between the glass itself and the touch film. This reduces the number of lines etched onto the panel circuit by more than 30-percent. In addition, LG is has a new bonding system using optically clear resin to mate it all together into one very thin piece.
These panels are said to offer superior visibility outdoors, along with a better contrast ratio and an increased brightness of 535 nits. The 1080x1920 panels are use a true RBG pixel layout -- none of that pentile silliness here. Combined, these features make the new panel outperform every other current HD LCD panel, and we don't have to take LG's word for it -- Intertek has officially certified the results.
I'll stick my neck out and say it -- I'll bet we'll see these panels in the upcoming LG G2. It should be an interesting Q3 in the mobile space. Hit the break for the full press release.
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Posted: 10 Jul 2013 10:15 PM PDT
Element Case
If you're a registered member here at Android Central then you know we always have a contest happening. And if you're not registered, well -- now is as good a time as any. Winners of our contest sponsored by Element Case are posted below, and if you were chosen watch your email as we'll be following up to get your info. Stay tuned for more upcoming contests folks. Congrats to the winners!
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Posted: 10 Jul 2013 07:59 PM PDT
Motorola

New Motorola flagship to be available on all major carriers at launch

We may not have many details on the handset itself, but rumor has it that Google is ready to put $500 million behind marketing the upcoming Moto X. According to sources of The Wall Street Journal, Motorola has the go-ahead from Google to spend several hundred million dollars promoting the new handset both in the U.S and Europe. Sources say that it will also be priced competitively to current high-end handsets -- $199 on-contract and $599 off-contract -- and will make its way to all four major carriers this Fall.
Not much new about the Moto X is being revealed at this point that was not already known, but the WSJ claims that Motorola has succeeded in seriously reducing the amount of pre-installed bloatware on the device across carriers, which is a huge plus if it turns out to be the case. Sources indicate that morale at Google is high about the potential success of the Moto X, and we're certain that those of us in the Android crowd are looking forward to the launch of the device as well.
Source: WSJ

    


Posted: 10 Jul 2013 07:10 PM PDT
Opera 15

Multiple features added for file handling and performance

A new update to the popular Opera browser has hit the Play Store, dubbed Opera 15 to those keeping count. The browser switched to being Chromium based in a previous release, which has been updated to Chromium 28. Time from icon press to actual web browsing has improved, making this release noticeably faster at startup.
Some interesting new features have been sprinkled throughout the latest version of Opera. It is now possible to download videos that can be played in Opera by either long pressing or using the download button. The location of where said videos -- and any other downloadable files -- are download to is now configurable, allowing the user to choose what device folder is used. It is also possible to browse external SD card folders and open files for use in Opera. Those with something to hide will be happy to see the new "open in private tab" context menu, as shown above.
Under the hood Opera gets an improved Cookie clearing mechanism, a fix for the unintended-uninstall-bug for Samsung devices, and memory leak plugs with stability improvements.
Check for updates directly in the Play Store or use the Play Store button at the top to get the latest version of Opera.

    


Posted: 10 Jul 2013 05:52 PM PDT
Google Maps

Get easy access to Views, place details, search results, and alternate direction routes

Many have heard about it, but few have received it. The new Google Maps app that was previewed at Google I/O hit the Play Store yesterday, with a reported rollout starting today. A lot of new changes come with a sizeable update (to version 7.0) such as this. Many, like the loss of Latitude and the 'relocation' of the offline maps feature have taken center stage in this update. Others, like the new gestures, were simply posted on one of Google's support pages.
These gestures come in two varieties: two-finger and one-finger. To access satellite imagery, public transit, and traffic, use two fingers to swipe from left to right, and the Views portion of Google Maps will open right up. The remaining gestures all use a single finger. Place details -- such as information about businesses -- can be accessed by swiping up on the info sheet header. To view additional search results, a left or right swipe can be used on the bottom info sheets. Alternate direction routes can also be summoned with an info sheet swipe to the left or right.
Source: Google Support
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