Monday, March 4, 2013

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Google Android News Android Forums

Charcoal Black Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 Photo Leaked

Posted: 03 Mar 2013 01:48 PM PST

GALAXY Note 8.0_1

Samsung has always been one for adding a bit of colorful flare to its devices. Be it the Galaxy S III in Pebble Blue; the Note II in Pink; or the Note 10.1 in Garnet Red, Samsung loves to give us choices. Well it appears that the Korean Giant’s newest addition to the family, the recently announced Note 8.0 will be seeing multiple colors as well. As a leaked press shot suggests (below) the tablet will not just come in white but will also be available in a Charcoal Black color. 

Samsung-Galaxy-Note-8-0-Charcoal-Black

This rumored color addition does appear to add some weight to the idea that Samsung is abandoning its short-lived, influenced-by-nature color scheme. Although that isn’t to say that down the road we’ll see different color options added. We won’t know until for sure until after the Note 8.0 debuts in the second quarter of this year. Stay tuned!

Source: PhoneArena


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Google currently testing data compression feature for Chrome Browser

Posted: 03 Mar 2013 01:46 PM PST

chrome-for-android

 

Chrome is no doubt one of the most popular web browsers on our Android devices, but it appears that Google is intent on making the web browsing experience just a little faster than it already is. Taking a page from web browsers like that from Opera, Google has unveiled a preliminary build of its Chromium web browser that utilizes data compression. Here’s how Google describes the data compression feature:

“Reduce data consumption by loading optimized web pages via Google proxy servers”.

So essentially Google’s data compression will do two things: provide more efficient security and speed up page load times. More efficient security comes from the Chrome browser using SPDY (the company’s proxy servers) which forces SSL encryption for all sites. The speeding up of the load page times on the other hand, is done by multiplexing multiple streams of data over a single network connection and assigning high or low priorities to page resources being requested from a server.

Google hasn’t exactly made this feature public yet, but it is available to test out for those of you Android 4.2 users who like to be ambitious and try things out. Hit the break for the full instructions on how to get this neat feature going.

 

  • Go to Settings, About Phone.

  • Find the build number

  • Tap on the build number repeatedly about seven times

  • Note that after the third tap, you’ll see a snarky dialog that says you are four taps away from being a developer.

  • After the seventh tap you will see a message that says "You are now a developer.”

Once all is done, the Developer Settings option (which you need to enable USB debugging) will again be in the device’s Settings app.


Come comment on this article: Google currently testing data compression feature for Chrome Browser

Low-end Huawei Prism II with Jelly Bean coming to T-Mobile soon

Posted: 03 Mar 2013 11:02 AM PST

T-Mobile_Huawei_Prism

Images and specs of the T-Mobile Prism II (Huawei U8686) have been leaked online via @evleaks. A followup to the former Huawei Prism, the Prism II will feature a similar form factor to its predecessor and will come with Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, a 1.0 GHz CPU and a HVGA (480 x 320) display. Not much else is known yet about this device but check back with TalkAndroid as we learn more about the device.

Sources: Twitter & Twitter


Come comment on this article: Low-end Huawei Prism II with Jelly Bean coming to T-Mobile soon

LG hits the 10 million mark for LTE phones sold

Posted: 03 Mar 2013 10:39 AM PST

LG_Wireless_Ultra_HD_Transmission_Standard

The latest announcement from LG is that they’ve officially sold 10 million LTE-enabled smartphones globally. While they’re still trailing some of the biggest competitors in the market by a large chunk, it’s still a very impressive number, especially considering LTE isn’t commonplace all over the world like it is in countries like the US. Besides that, the number doesn’t include the Nexus 4, which has no (official) LTE but is still one of the best selling phones available on the market right now.

We’ve seen LG make a push for more LTE phones lately, and I think it’s going to pay off for them. 10 million is a good stepping stone, and LG has plenty of room to go up. When the wave of next generation devices hit the shelves in the coming months, expect LG to post some impressive numbers.

source: Newswire


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Update preps ESPN Bracket Bound app for 2013 tourney

Posted: 02 Mar 2013 07:14 PM PST

espn_bracket_bound_2013_app_play_store_banner

As March opens, college basketball fans are enjoying the final days of the regular season with teams jockeying for position in post-season tournaments. Next up will be conference tournaments and then the annual event known as “March Madness” – the NCAA Tournament. To help basketball fans keep up with all the action, ESPN has updated their Bracket Bound app for the 2013 season.

The app includes some features that users may find useful now, like the ability to setup favorite teams and games to keep track of the action. Other typical sports app features include access to news, conference standings, game results, and video clips of analysis and news. ESPN indicates the app will provide quick access to their WatchESPN app to watch live or recorded events as well as access to Twitter discussions the user may find interesting.

As far as the 75th NCAA Tournament goes, users can access the latest projections of who will make the field and where. ESPN indicates users will be able to access the ESPN Tournament Challenge using the app, including the ability to complete up to ten brackets. That function is not present in the app for now, but should be available via an update once brackets are announced.

You can check out some screenshots below. If you are interested in getting ESPN Bracket Bound 2013, use one of the download links below.

espn_bracket_bound_2013_screen_01 espn_bracket_bound_2013_screen_04 espn_bracket_bound_2013_screen_06 espn_bracket_bound_2013_screen_05 espn_bracket_bound_2013_screen_02 espn_bracket_bound_2013_screen_03

QR Code generator

Google Play Download Link


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Is Verizon prepping an Android 4.2.2 update for Galaxy Nexus users? Sure seems to be the case

Posted: 02 Mar 2013 05:27 PM PST

Android_4.2.2_Verizon_Galaxy_Nexus_Update

 

If you’re a Verizon Galaxy Nexus owner, then it looks like you’ve got some sort of update on the way… which we were already aware of and expecting. Reports are coming in that the nation’s wireless carrier is currently testing a mysterious JDQ39 build of Android 4.2.2 which seems to feature some new radios, but unfortunately seems to feature an old bootloader and old kernel version.

PWhy Verizon isn’t updating the kernel and bootloader beats us— but maybe it’s just part of its extensive testing before rolling out to the masses. Nevertheless we’ll certainly be keeping our eyes and ears open to what Verizon has up in its sleeves for you G-Nex users out there.

source: XDA Forums
via: Android Central


Come comment on this article: Is Verizon prepping an Android 4.2.2 update for Galaxy Nexus users? Sure seems to be the case

Hackers Access Evernote Secure Areas. Evernote Team Issues Service Wide Password Reset

Posted: 02 Mar 2013 04:56 PM PST

evernote

What would the internet be without hackers hacking things? Not a day goes by where some hacker somewhere is attempting to access secure or private information. Well it looks like the Evernote Operation’s and Security team discovered they they were at the receiving end of suspicious computer activities. Although personal content nor payment information looks to be affected the investigation does show that Evernote user information (usernames, email addresses associated with Evernote accounts and encrypted passwords) were obtained. While this is worrisome in itself, files containing said user information is encrypted. However rather than rely on just that the Evernote team is playing it safe and requiring that you head on over to evernote.com to reset your password. In the process they also would like to remind everyone the importance of keeping your password secure:

“There are also several important steps that you can take to ensure that your data on any site, including Evernote, is secure:

  • Avoid using simple passwords based on dictionary words
  • Never use the same password on multiple sites or services
  • Never click on ‘reset password’ requests in emails — instead go directly to the service.”

So if you’re a Evernote user then head on over to their web site to change your password. Hit the source link below to read the full post. It’s great to see a company be proactive about their security.  I don’t know about you, but I’m going to go reset my password right now.

 

Source: Evernote


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Toy Story: Andy’s Room Live Wallpaper Available in the Play Store

Posted: 02 Mar 2013 04:53 PM PST

ToyStoryAndy'sRoom

Back when I was a kid Toy Story was my favorite movie. Mostly because it appealed to something I then often thought about; my toys coming to life when no one was around. To this day it’s proved a timeless classic with millions of toys, two sequels and multiple videogames. Just the other day even, Disney/PIXAR released Toy Story: Smash It! into the Play Store for your gaming pleasure. They’re not stopping there as they bring an interactive live wallpaper into the mix. Toy Story: Andy’s Room promises to visually brighten your day while also entertaining you with activities involving your favorite Toy Story characters. As if being entertaining weren’t enough Disney/Pixar also brings the following with this wallpaper:

• Encounter popular Toy Story characters: Unlock and interact with 5 characters from Toy Story including Woody, Buzz, Rex, Hamm, and the Aliens!
• Collect points to unlock new characters with fun mini games: Catch falling army men, and hit the bullseye on the dart board to earn valuable points!
• Hang out in Andy’s room from day till night: Play from sunrise to sunset, and watch the room change throughout the day according to your local time!
• Customize your own cork board: Write fun messages and reminders on the cork board in Andy’s Room!

If you’re looking for a Toy Story nostalgia fix hit the break for a link to the Play Store download. Enjoy!

Read more »
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Android Central

Android Central

Socialmatic camera takes and prints Instagram pictures, runs Android

Posted: 03 Mar 2013 02:41 PM PST

Socialmatic

Socialmatic is hoping to hop on the Instagram popularity bandwagon by releasing its own camera specifically aimed at taking, sharing and printing Instagram pictures. The idea for this camera has been around for some time, but now the company has some specifics for us to see. The Socialmatic camera will have 16GB of storage with an SDcard slot, both Wifi and 3G connectivity and run Android as its base operating system. Running Android will enable it to share using the Instagram app, naturally, but you won't be constrained to just that network.

Tying into the retro theme, the camera will actually be Polaroid branded, and has a mechanism to print pictures directly in the camera. The design is an uncanny resemblance to the Instagram logo as well, which we doubt is going to help usability at all but certainly gets the point across on what this camera is meant for.

Socialmatic is targeting the first quarter of 2014 for commercial availability of the product, but no specifics are given regarding pricing.

Source: Socialmatic

Android at Mobile World Congress 2013 wrap-up

Posted: 03 Mar 2013 08:25 AM PST

Fira Gran Via

A look back over the past week's Android news from Barcelona

Like CES a month ago, this year’s Mobile World Congress was lighter than usual on major Android announcements. HTC did its thing in London and New York a week before; Samsung’s got its big event planned for Mar. 14. And the Android manufacturers who were present skipped a couple of the major devices we had expected to see at the show.

So what we were left with was a scrappier show than usual, though one that still gave us a good deal to talk about.  In place of our usual international roundup this week, we’re going to look back over the past week in Barcelona and highlight some of the major Android developments.

Join us after the break, won’t you?

read more

Leaked image shows Charcoal Black version of Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Posted: 03 Mar 2013 05:59 AM PST

Android Central

When we first saw the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 in Barcelona, it came in one color. Marble White. While white is very much Samsung's thing these days -- all recent big name devices have launched in white -- it doesn't necessarily mean it's for everyone. So then, how about this? This press image sent to the team over at PhoneArena shows a sleek black colored Note 8.0, reportedly termed as Charcoal Black. 

The usual caveats apply here though, folks. Until it's official, it's not official, so park this one in the rumor basket for the time being. But, it's not all that unreasonable to expect there to be other color variants of the Note 8.0 when it goes on sale. Nor is that unreasonable to expect black to be one of those colors. How about you guys though? Jump into the comments below and let us know which you prefer. 

More: Hands on with the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Source: PhoneArena

UK pricing for Google Play gift cards appears, actual cards still M.I.A.

Posted: 03 Mar 2013 03:53 AM PST

Android Central

The Google Play gift card saga continues to roll for eager potential UK based customers, with this latest information appearing on the Google Play support pages. There's no telling at the moment just how long this information has been there, but what it confirms is the amounts we'll -- eventually -- be able to purchase. And it isn't in anyway a surprise. 

It seems that the UK price structure will follow an almost identical numerical scheme to the U.S. cards, with £10, £25 and £50 cards to be available. No £15 one, but that's not a disaster. 

Considering the first signs of a UK launch were seen back in December, the fact we're yet to see these on UK shelves is still somewhat frustrating. Missing the holiday shopping period could be seen as something of a fail on Google's part, but at this point we'll take them when we can get them. 

via Redmond Pie

Software update inbound for Verizon's LG Intuition

Posted: 03 Mar 2013 03:13 AM PST

Android Central

Anyone out there pick up an LG Intuition on Verizon? Well, if you did, looks like you have a software update heading your way sometime soon. And no, it isn't looking like Jelly Bean, especially since the international variant the Optimus Vu hasn't had that yet. 

But, updates usually have some goodies in for us, right? There's the usual bug fixes built in, along with enhancements to the speakerphone. Device wise, email split view is being added, a nice feature for a large screen device. Some apps are removed, Color and V Cast, yet at the same time the Amazon Appstore is added in. We've known since the Droid DNA though that Verizon is starting to put Amazon software onto their devices.

For the full rundown on the update, hit the source link below. It's a pretty meaty one, weighing in at 204MB, so you'll perhaps want to accept it at home when it finally drops. At present it's still listed as coming soon, but when it arrives for you be sure to jump into the LG Intuition forums and let us know what you find. 

Source: Verizon

LG: 10 million LTE smartphones sold worldwide so far

Posted: 03 Mar 2013 02:33 AM PST

Android Central

LG's latest sales announcement may still seem somewhat insignificant in the overall standings, but that's not to say it's an achievement that should be sneered at. Announced this morning, LG has now sold 10 million 4G LTE smartphones worldwide. There's a strong chance that the bulk of those sales were made in its native South Korea, but 10 million is 10 million, wherever they're sold. 

Consider too the global mess that is LTE, and the fact that outside the United States and places like Korea, it's still starting out in many areas. Europe is still getting to grips with LTE, the UK has barely started for example, and making a device LTE compatible in different markets is still more of a headache than it should be in an ideal world. 

LG is committed to the 4G LTE device market, and with the introduction of the F-Series at Mobile World Congress, hopes to bring affordable LTE devices to the market. 

Source: LG (Newswire)
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