Sunday, August 19, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Could Apple beat Google in the TV race?

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 07:11 PM PDT


Google’s entrance to the TV market has been a bit polarized; it is substantial, but not up to par with expectations. Google TV never took off and needs some serious work, but it seems Google has been ignoring the platform lately. In contrast, Google Fiber’s offer is impressive, but it is growing slowly (currently only available in one market). Could it be that Apple might have a better chance at this?

Let’s look at the situation before you start flaming me in the comments. I am an Android/Google fan, too. Trust me, there is nothing I would love more than to see Google succeed in this field. Google TV and Google Fiber are great services with major potential, but Google isn’t taking the necessary steps for it to take off.

Google TV continues to be luxury more so than a convenience or fun product. Many of these Google TVs can be expensive. Though recent offerings are affordable (the VIZIO Co-Star being the most notable), the general consumer usually doesn’t see the benefit in it. Yes, they have been selling like hot pancakes due to their price, but one company alone can’t make Google TV succeed.

What we need is a unified service, and this is why Google missed out on a great opportunity while launching Google Fiber. A Google TV could have been offered with the launch of a very popular and anticipated internet and TV provider like Google Fiber. This boost is what would have ensured Google TV’s future, and it seems like Apple is planning a similar move.

Cupertino might not have the best internet in the world, but rumors state that the iCompany is in talks with major cable providers in the US. This means that Apple TV could soon become much more than a cool little streaming device, it could become a “smart” set-top box that lives in most cable subscribers living rooms.

This updated Apple TV hardware/software would work as a hybrid, featuring live TV and other cable TV features, as well as internet apps and interactivity with mobile devices. But what about DVR? We all want to start recording out shows, right?

Well, rumors state that Apple is also working on a cloud-based DVR service. This means that users would be able to record shows in the cloud. Any recorded content will probably also be able to be watched from any Apple device, as it would most likely be linked to iCloud.

Apple is known to keep its mouth pretty shut about upcoming products, so all of this is still considered speculation and rumors. Where does Google stand on this, though? The point here is not that Apple may be threatening Google TV’s and Google Fiber’s future. Any company with enough resources, popularity, a good idea could do it. And most importantly, the will, which seems to be what Google lacks.

Will Apple take this market from Google’s hands? Maybe, maybe not. Google TV is a platform with great potential, and Google Fiber will start spreading like a virus (in a good sense of the word) soon. I say it is time for Google to get working on this – do you?

[Via: The Wall Street Journal 1, 2]

A better view of the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G (Official Images)

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 05:13 PM PDT

The device has received a whole new name and official documents have been leaked, but we haven’t really raken a good look at the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G. Some of the images we have are… alright. But if you want some high-def, official shots of the Relay 4G, we now have them for you.

A TmoNews reader has managed to get a hold of an official link from Samsung. In this support site, the device is shown from multiple angles and its components are labeled. Always a good day for some juicy details, so lets take a look!


Most specifications and features continue to be a mystery, but rumors indicate that this device will be no small contender. It is said to carry a 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, a 4-inch 720p display, 1 GB of RAM and Android 4.0.

Regardless, we know the phone is coming, and probably soon, so stay tuned to see when you can pick this baby up! Are any of you eyeing the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G for T-Mobile?

[Source: Samsung]

Time to level up – Dark Legends gives you extra EXP this weekend

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 04:40 PM PDT


Android gamers know that Spacetime Studios is the developer to go for a good mobile MMORPG. Dark Legends is one of their latest games, with a vampire theme and quests/missions to throw around. If you want to get strong and level up you character, though, this should be about the best time to start.

Dark Legends is currently holding its Bonus EXPWeekend, in which users will be able to get extra experience points for completed missions.

BONUS XP WEEKEND IS ON NOW!

Bonus dungeon XP Weekend!
Maps with a previous iteration reward of 5xp award 10XP!
Maps with a previous iteration reward of 10xp award 15XP!
First time dungeon completions have an extra bonus!

My main character is up to level 25, so I will spend more time doing other things this weekend. You should jump on it if you want to get to my level, though! Hurry up, because this event ends on Monday. And don’t forget to hit us back in the comments section below; are those extra EXP points helping you out? What level are you, and how much have you leveled up this weekend?

Samsung pulls out weapons, asks Apple for $421.8 million for patent infringement

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 04:19 PM PDT

The spotlight is on Motorola right now, as the Google owned company goes on the offensive trying to ban Apple imports. Samsung is pulling out its weapons too, though, and may be getting $421.8 million if Apple is proven guilty.

Sammy has brought three non-major patents to the table, related to e-mail, photo browsing and music playback. As Samsung is not losing sales due to said infringement, Apple would only have to pay for royalties. This means that it will be the same as if they had signed an agreement from the start, adding to $22.8 million in total.

Things get a bit rough once we look at Samsung’s standard-essential patents, which are not cheap to take care of. These patents would account for about 2%-2.75% of net profits, or between $290 and $399 million.

This war is far from being over, so both companies will want to juice each other out as much as they can. There is a possibility Motorola may be discriminating Apple due to their history of rivalry. Apple believes that Motorola should be more reasonable about standard essential patents and offer a sweeter deal. Plus, Cupertino doubts Motorola is charging other companies as much.

But then again, Apple’s demand of over $2.5 billion is also claimed to be an over-estimated figure. So both companies are to be blamed of getting dramatic. We should be seeing a conclusion soon(ish), so be sure that we will be here to let you know what happens.

[Via: The Verge]

Official: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Student Edition Bundle launching on August 19 for two weeks only

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 01:46 PM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Student Edition Bundle (what a name!) has been making rounds through the rumor mill for a few weeks now. One of our readers managed to purchase one ahead of release, but that was obviously not supposed to happen, as Samsung has officially announced the device’s release date to be this August 19th.

The education-oriented bundle comes with the tablet (of course) in white, a keyboard dock and a USB adapter for the same $249.99 tablet’s original price. It is a great deal for those looking to get a portable tablet with some extra functionality without breaking the pocket. Some might still prefer the power and quick updates the Nexus 7 offers, but the general consumer wouldn’t mind getting $100 in added value (price of the accessories) in exchange of paying $50 over the Nexus tablet.

Samsung’s official press release confirms the $250 price tag, but also brings a bit of sad news. This offer will only last two weeks (while supplies last), so you better get to your nearest participating store if you want this student bundle. You can get it starting this Sunday at Best Buy, Amazon, Tiger Direct, Costco and Fry’s Electronics.

It might not be the high-end device every gamer is looking for, but the added keyboard and USB adapter will come in very handy for light school tasks. So what is it going to be, Nexus 7 or Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Student Edition Bundle?

SAMSUNG Brings the Galaxy Tab 2 Back to School with Student Edition Bundle adding Keyboard Dock and USB Adapter at no Extra Cost

For Two Weeks Only Beginning 8/19, Bundle delivering $100 in added value to be available at participating retailers

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., August 17, 2012 - Samsung Electronics America Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announces that its Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 device will be available in a special Student Edition, beginning 8/19 and for two weeks only. The Special Edition includes a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 in a unique white color, a keyboard dock and USB adapter in the box - a retail value of $350 – for an SRP of just $249.99.

Students will realize substantial benefits from the bundle, which will add a physical keyboard to the device as well as a USB adapter that supports plugging in USB thumb drives as well as peripherals such USB mice. With these accessories and the preloaded Polaris Office, the Galaxy Tab 2 is perfect for typing research reports or even creating presentations. In addition, the multimedia features on the Galaxy Tab 2 are perfect for enjoying movies and music.

"The education market is a significant priority for Samsung, and we are very pleased to deliver a bundle that is sure to be appealing to just about any student at a very competitive price point," explained Travis Merrill, Director of Marketing, Galaxy Tab, Samsung Electronics America. "A busy student can achieve a PC-like setup in the dorm room, yet still pop the Galaxy Tab 2 out of the dock and slip it into a pocket for usage while on the go. It truly is the smarter way to learn."

The special packaging for the new bundle also includes an insert with a series of recommended cool educational apps from Google Play.

Galaxy Tab 2 - Powerful, Smart, Easy to Use

The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is a powerful dual-core tablet running Android 4.0. The devices features an integrated IR blaster for universal remote capabilities, as well as an easily accessible memory card slot for convenient loading of multimedia files in a range of supported file formats.

The tablet also offers endless content access in a sleek design that can maximize the home entertainment experience. The Smart Remote App and built-in IR Blaster turns the Tab 2 into a universal smart remote, helping users easily find their favorite shows. Users can choose from over 450,000 apps, surf millions of web pages with Adobe Flash™ support, and access favorite movies and TV shows from Google Play or Media Hub.

In addition, the Galaxy Tab 2 is fully Google certified for complete access to Google Play and is competitively priced at $249.99, so students don’t need to compromise when selecting a tablet.

The bundle will be available while supplies last, from 8/19 through 9/1. Participating retailers include Best Buy, Amazon, Tiger Direct, Costco and Fry’s.

[Source: Samsung]

All rumors (kind of) cleared up – OnLive sold to a new company, not shutting down

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 01:06 PM PDT


Onlive’s future suddenly became uncertain as yesterday’s rumors started spreading. We didn’t know if the company was simply shutting down or being acquired; lay offs and a possible bankruptcy filing were a probability, as well. OnLive declined to comment most of the day, but the day concluded with an official statement.

You can discard all possibilities of OnLive shutting down completely (at least any time soon). Instead, the company will be acquired by a “newly-formed company” that is “backed by substantial funding.”

We can now confirm that the assets of OnLive, Inc. have been acquired into a newly-formed company and is backed by substantial funding, and which will continue to operate the OnLive Game and Desktop services, as well as support all of OnLive’s apps and devices, as well as game, productivity and enterprise partnerships. The new company is hiring a large percentage of OnLive, Inc.’s staff across all departments and plans to continue to hire substantially more people, including additional OnLive employees. All previously announced products and services, including those in the works, will continue and there is no expected interruption of any OnLive services.

We apologize that we were unable to comment on this transaction until it completed, and were limited to reporting on news related to OnLive’s businesses. Now that the transaction is complete, we are able to make this statement.

While the e-mail clears up many rumors, it also creates a series of new questions. We have no idea what company this is or any details of its “substantial funding,” but at least we know much of the OnLive team will be sticking around. And don’t worry guys, OnLive is not going anywhere and your cloud-gaming won’t be interrupted.

[Via: The Verge]

Samsung might release a 5.8″ Galaxy Player/Tab, depends on what you consider it to be

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 11:51 AM PDT

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If SamMobile were to be trusted, the Galaxy Note 2 might not be the only 5+ inch device unveiled by Samsung at IFA 2012. A tip they received points to a 5.8 inch Galaxy Player which would run Ice Cream Sandwich, unlike previous Galaxy Players that all run Gingerbread.

While the feature-set isn’t too shabby for a media player, I can’t help be concerned about the size. At 5.8 inches, the device seems far too large to be a media player, and way too small to be a tablet. Android-based devices in the domain are already a niche, with a 5.8 inch screen they might be significantly limiting themselves even in that small subset. I fail to see how it could prove to be a commercial success, but hey, that’s how I felt about the Galaxy Note.

RadioShack will also offer Google Play gift cards, will come in 3 denominations

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 10:30 AM PDT

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We’ve received an anonymous tip from a RadioShack employee that the retail outlet will also offer the Google Play gift cards, after the earlier news that some Target stores might already have them in stock. Additionally, so far most reports claimed that the cards will come in a $10 or $25 flavor, but based on the image of the RadioShack inventory, it looks like there would also be a $50 version.

Asus Transformer Pad TF300 seeing Jelly Bean update

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 10:00 AM PDT

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Great news for all Asus Transformer Pad TF300 users: check your tablet’s updates because according to some users over at Droid Life, you should be seeing some Jelly Bean treats waiting for you! It’s really good to see the update being made available a little over a month since the release of the source code to the AOSP. Hopefully, similar news isn’t too far away for the other Asus Transformer users.

If you do happen to have a Transformer Pad that has been updated to Jelly Bean, we’d love to know how significant the improvements are.

[Droid Life]

Google-backed AOSP support program for Sony Xperia S kicked off

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 09:08 AM PDT

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This might be the most interesting bit of news I’ve ever covered at Phandroid: Google’s Jean-Baptiste Queru made a little announcement about an experiment that would see the Sony Xperia S receive direct software support through the AOSP, in a manner similar to the Nexus devices and the Motorola Xoom. Queru explained the choice of device as being a form of “thank you” to Sony for their relative openness with the developer community.

“It’s a powerful current GSM device, with an unlockable bootloader, from a manufacturer that has always been very friendly to AOSP.”

What really piques my interest about the experiment is

(a) Is this an early indicator for a possible Sony-branded Nexus device itself? Queru’s praise could definitely count in their favour, and also the community-driven AOSP codebase for the Xperia S could form the foundation for the device. It’s a very thin argument, but it’s the first thing that struck me.

(b) If this project were to be a success, would manufacturers be interested in offering users with the choice of their firmware, with updates coming through them, or AOSP ROMs with updates provided through Google?

This definitely has the potential to go on to become a huge deal later on, the biggest step taken against the slow-update problem that plagues the platform.

[The Verge]

Motorola goes on the attack, sues Apple for iPhone & iPad patent infringements

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 07:50 AM PDT

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A new day, a new lawsuit to report on. Not too long after Judge Posner famously threw out their other case, Motorola and Apple will once again go head-to-head, though this time it’s Motorola who made the first move. It’s the first time the company has gone on the offensive since the completion of Google’s takeover, and hence might be the first time Google has used the patents it owns aggressively (I’m not totally sure of this, if anyone can point to a previous occasion, or confirm this, please do so in the comments).

Motorola is demanding a ban on the imports of the iPhone and iPad for alleged infringements of intellectual property used in Siri, E-Mail notifications, location reminders and music/video players. Ideally, most of us would like to see the end of this nonsense, but honestly, considering the known animosity Apple has towards the Android platform, I’m going to be cheering Motorola on.

What are your thoughts on the case? Do you think Motorola/Google should have gone on the offensive?

[The Verge]
Posted by at 8:00 AM 0 comments

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Sony Xperia S and AOSP – a Google experiment

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 02:05 PM PDT

Earlier this week, Jean-Baptiste Queru, Google's Technical Lead on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), announced a new experiment he was starting up. Up to now, the AOSP has focused on Nexus class devices. As Queru explains, AOSP was setup so that in theory it would be possible to plug in files for additional hardware targets. Thus far though, the theory has not translated into practice. Queru hopes this new experiment may change that and help identify and eliminate hurdles present in the theory as it moves to practice.

The target of the experiment is Sony's Xperia S model. Queru selected the LT26 as it is a fairly powerful device currently on the market, has an unlockable bootloader, and a manufacturer that is friendly toward open source projects and philosophy.

If you are interested in helping out with the effort, check out the source link. Otherwise, keep an eye on this experiment as it may yield positive results not only for the Xperia S, but for other devices as well.

source: Google Groups
via: The Verge

Jelly Bean update rolling out to ASUS Transformer Pad TF300

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 01:56 PM PDT

As of today, Asus and Google’s smash hit tablet the Nexus 7 is no longer the only Android tablet boasting Jelly Bean. News started surfacing this morning that some lucky Transformer Pad TF300 owners have received the prompt to download the OTA update. This is yet another huge feather in the cap for ASUS who has easily positioned itself as the top Android manufacturer when it comes to OS updates. With rumours of a Jelly Bean update for the Samsung Galaxy S III arriving before the end of the month, here’s hoping it’s a sign of things to come!

If you own a TF300 you might want to go and check for updates, just be sure to check back in and let us know how that Jelly Bean tastes!

Source: ASUS

Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE unboxing and initial hands on review [Video]

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 12:32 PM PDT

It was a little over a year ago when the Motorola Photon 4G launched on Sprint, so it seems like the right time for a follow up. Motorola has done just that with the Photon Q 4G LTE. The addition of LTE speaks for itself and the Q signifies the addition of a QWERTY slider keyboard. This device is very much like the DROID 4 with a little more horsepower and the addition of the same diamond cut corners that were on the original Photon.

The Photon 4G LTE has a 4.3-inch qHD (960 x 540) ColorBoost display, 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4, 1GB of RAM, 8MP rear camera, 1.3MP front camera, 8GB of internal storage, microSD slot for an additional 32GB of storage, 1785mAh battery, Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, and Android 4.0.4. It’s also considered a world phone, but the SIM isn’t removable so it’s not going to be as flexible as you would like since you’re forced to work with Sprint’s roaming agreements abroad.

Since it’s a QWERTY, it’s not the thinnest phone in the world at 13.7mm thick, but the keyboard is the most usable and the sexiest to date. If you are a Sprint customer and you love QWERTY’s, then this is the phone for you, but I’m still questioning the $199 price tag on this one. On the flipside, the Photon Q 4G LTE is the first Motorola phone to have an unlockable bootloader via the tools on their new site.

Our own Roy Alugbue will do a full review, but for now check out my initial hands on video after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

Motorola files new patent case against Apple, seeks import ban on iPhone and iPad

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 11:39 AM PDT

While Samsung is still part of an ongoing battle with Apple, Motorola has decided to step up and join the fight. Google's Motorola Mobility filed a new case with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Friday, claiming some features on Apple's products infringe on it's patents.

After having it's entire case against Apple dismissed earlier this summer, Motorola has now requested an import ban on Apple's iPhone, iPad, iPad touch and Mac computers, claiming infringement on seven of its intellectual properties. Interestingly, the allegedly-infringed features include Apple's Siri voice-recognition software, as well as e-mail notifications, the music/video player and location reminders.

Motorola Mobility emailed the following statement:

"We would like to settle these patent matters, but Apple's unwillingness to work out a license leaves us little choice but to defend ourselves and our engineers' innovations." 

The patents in question aren't standards-essential, which means Motorola isn'tobligated to license its patents under the reasonable and non-discriminatory licensing law (FRAND). Unfortunately, details of the claim aren't yet available, though action is slated for Aug. 24, when the commission will announce a final decision in the company’s previous case and possibly place an import ban on the iPhone.

We'll be bringing you more details as we get them.

Source: Bloomberg

Cloud-based gaming service OnLive officially acquired by ‘newly-formed company’ with ‘substantial funding’

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 11:28 AM PDT

Yesterday, it was reported that the popular cloud-based gaming hub OnLive had allegedly laid off a majority of its staff and planned to file for bankruptcy. OnLive remained quiet for several hours after the initial rumor became widespread. When asked about the potential folding of the company, OnLive’s director of corporate communications refuted the claim by saying “we don’t respond to rumors, but of course not.”

As the business day wrapped up, the official word was sent out in the form of an email.

We can now confirm that the assets of OnLive, Inc. have been acquired into a newly-formed company and is backed by substantial funding, and which will continue to operate the OnLive Game and Desktop services, as well as support all of OnLive’s apps and devices, as well as game, productivity and enterprise partnerships. The new company is hiring a large percentage of OnLive, Inc.’s staff across all departments and plans to continue to hire substantially more people, including additional OnLive employees. All previously announced products and services, including those in the works, will continue and there is no expected interruption of any OnLive services.

We apologize that we were unable to comment on this transaction until it completed, and were limited to reporting on news related to OnLive’s businesses. Now that the transaction is complete, we are able to make this statement.

As it turns out, OnLive will not be shutting down its business operations any time soon. Instead, the company has been acquired by an entirely new entity. OnLive has chosen not to disclose the name of the newly-formed company, but the good news is that all existing services will continue without interruption. Unfortunately, many employees have been let go as a result of the merger. However, according to the statement, many could potentially be re-hired as the new company plans to increase it’s workforce. Details are still scarce, and there’s no official word regarding whether or not OnLive’s CEO Steve Perlman will have a future with the new company. If you’re not familiar with OnLive, you can check out our hands on from CES.

Source: The Verge

At Long Last: Testimony Is Finished In Apple Vs. Samsung Case

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 11:20 AM PDT

 

“We are done”. Those are the words of Judge Lucy Koh expressing an understandable sigh of relief after the epic Apple vs. Samsung battle out here in the States. The testimony and deliberations included words from famed professors to more or less gag orders aimed at Samsung developers. While Samsung and Apple will have a few hours for their closing arguments on Tuesday, the ultimate decision will be left to a jury of seven men and two women on whether or not Samsung did in fact, commit several patent infringements. And in case you all weren’t sure before, the panel will have a lot to think about too. In order for an infringement ruling to be made, the jury will have to unanimously agree that a particular patent is valid and infringed by a particular device. The issue is: there are tons of different phones and tablets named in the case (i.e. the Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab) in addition to the various patents.

We’re absolutely certain all eyes in the tech world will be on the ruling the jury and Judge Koh makes for the landmark case this upcoming week.

source: AllThingsD

Motorola Device Unlocking Site Now Live

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 10:51 AM PDT

 

It was reported last month that it was Motorola’s goal “to provide a way to unlock the bootloaders on our devices…” for those that like to venture down that path of phone customization.  It now appears that they’ve made good on their goal and promise.  Motorola’s site which will make this option available, is now live and filled with all the steps along with warnings and disclaimers one would find on any developer’s post such as XDA.  There currently aren’t any Motorola phones available for this feature but Sprint’s Photon Q is listed as the first phone that will take advantage of all the unlocked goodness. You will need fastboot, the Android SDK, as well as the Motorola drivers in order to unlock.  It’s also highly recommended that before you attempt to unlock that you read all the warnings, disclaimers, prerequisites, and consequences found on the link below as it’s not always for the feint of  heart.  All of said warnings and steps are clearly laid out on Motorola’s site, which can be accessed in the link below once you’re ready to take the plunge.  You’ve still got little time to do your homework on all things unlocking in the Motorola world before the Photon Q launches.

source:  Motorola

Sprint Will Give you $400 Store Credit for Leaving Your Current Wireless Provider

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 10:35 AM PDT

I love it when cell phone carriers fight for my business, it usually means I come out on top. Generally this results in a waived activation fee or a couple of free cases, but Sprint is taking it to a whole new level. How you ask? Great question, they are ready to offer you up to $400; all you have to do is sign up three (new) lines of service on an “Everything Data Share” or “Simply Everything Data” plan. In addition, you will have to sign a 2 year contract and must keep the lines open for at least 60 days. Once you have met the requirements Sprint will offer you $400 of in-store credit; which can then be used towards “qualifying devices.”

Does it sound too good to be true? Well it’s not really but there are some caveats. First of all, tablets, USB modems and accessories do not qualify for purchase with the $400. Secondly, you cannot receive a mail in rebate on a device if you are using the promotional cash to buy it. For example, if the phone you want is $250 with a mail-in rebate of $50, you will pay the full $250 and receive no additional rebates. Most importantly, one of the 3 lines you activate must be ported over from another carrier (a port is to transfer an active line of service). If you intend on porting your number, it cannot come from any of Sprint’s affiliates; like Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile.

That’s all the information we have for now. If you are interested in this promotion it’s rumored to begin on August 19th and would run through September 15th. So, who’s making the switch?!

source: phonearena

Samsung Galaxy S III Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Update Brings New and Innovative TouchWiz Features

Posted: 17 Aug 2012 07:07 PM PDT

Just as the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich brought along new features to its users, including The “Premium Suite” of applications (for the Galaxy Note), the Samsung Galaxy S III Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update brings new TouchWiz applications and features. As we reported previously, the Jelly Bean update (not the final) already leaked, and the folks over at AndroidCentral put a list together of all the enhancements. Hit the break for the complete rundown.

Redesigned Notification Shade

  • Redesigned date and time section
  • TouchWiz settings underneath new date and time section
  • Stock Jelly Bean expandable notifications functionality included
  • Certain Samsung applications include button controls from the notification shade

File Transfers over Android Beam

  • Android Beam now available alongside “S Beam” application
  • File transfers slower than “S Beam” as they are handled over Bluetooth

Task Switcher and Google Now

  • New Google Search and Google Now applications
  • Due to lack of on-screen keys, new button at the bottom of the task switcher has been added to launch Google Now
  • New button is accessible by long pressing the Home key

Basic and Easy Home Screen Modes

  • New home screen switching modes
  • “Basic Mode” consists of standard arrangement of icons and widgets, just as stock Jelly Bean
  • “Easy Mode” is a new and intuitive setting designed for first-time smartphone owners. It automatically fills in home screens with large widgets displaying favorite settings, applications and contacts
  • The modes can be switched through the Mode Control section in the Settings menu

Help Application

  • Geared towards first-time smartphone owners
  • Offers walkthroughs of basic tasks of keys, the lock screen, notification bar, wireless and networking settings, and setting ringtones

S Note Lite

  • Replaces “S Memo” application
  • It is a stripped down version of the Galaxy Note’s “S Note” application
  • Capable of creating multimedia notes consisting of texts, sound, video, drawings and voice recordings

Dormant Mode

  • Similar to iOS 6′s “Do Not Disturb” mode
  • Turn off specific notifications and events entirely or during specific hours
  • Block incoming calls
  • Disable the LED
  • Customize emergency controls, such as only receiving emergency calls from select contacts

Other Features

  • “S Planner” application has undergone a slight visual overhaul — the lines are cleaner and clearer, and it's easier to tell what's going on when multiple events are overlapping
  • The option to limit background data usage, which was confusingly absent from ICS-based Galaxy S III firmware is now available in the Jelly Bean update

They also noted that there weren’t any obvious performance gains, mainly because the phone is already blistering fast running Ice Cream Sandwich. They also expect this update to be available soon as the performance and stability appear to be ready for rollout.

Source: AndroidCentral
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