T-Mobile Valentine’s Day sale extended until tomorrow? Posted: 11 Feb 2012 04:07 PM PST Getting a free 4G smartphone seems like an awesome idea. But it seems like so many of you are getting them, that T-Mobile’s system is having issues. And according to a plethora of consumer reports, T-Mobile has found the need to extend the Valentine’s Day offer until tomorrow. Like many others, our friend BigMerf has reached out to T-Mobile via multiple social networks, and he received this message straight from Magenta’s Facebook account. Just like this message, many other users are confirming that T-Mobile staff has told them to come back the next day, as the systems are being overloaded with awesome purchases of free 4G devices! We hope that T-Mobile can make an official announcement soon, as we would love to know if this is really happening. But more than anything, this post is meant to reach out to our readers to see what they have heard. Many of you have been told that this deal is being extended, straight from representatives’ mouths. So let us know what information you have acquired, and where from. [Via: T-Mobile (Facebook)] Thanks, Bigmerf and Andres!

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 now available in India Posted: 11 Feb 2012 03:22 PM PST All of our fellow Indian Android Phandroids can now get a hold of a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7. This tablet has just been introduced to the country as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 680. And it features all the good specs, with a pricetag of 33,600 INR (about $678 US dollars). This tablet features Android 3.x Honeycomb (will get Android 4.0), a 7.7-inch 1280x800p AMOLED Plus display, a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, WiFi/Bluetooth 3.0, a 3.2 MP rear-facing camera and a 2 MP front-facing shooter. All of this packed in a thin 7.9 mm body, making it the thinnest Samsung tablet around. Go ahead and check out our hands-on experience with the device for more details. This tablet is surely one of the most enticing in the Galaxy Tab family. Especially for those that prefer smaller sized tablets. So if you are a resident of India and are looking for a good tablet to purchase, the Galaxy Tab 680 should definitely be considered. [Source: AndroidOS.in Via: Unwired View]

Meep! tablet to be the next gadget for the kiddos Posted: 11 Feb 2012 02:59 PM PST Technology is not the only thing that is advancing, kids nowadays are becoming more aware (as well as dependent) on the gadgets that we enjoy everyday. And if you want to give your kid a good Android fix, the just-announced MEEP! Android tablet might be the way to go. The MEEP! tablet is manufactured by Oregon Scientific, and has a 7-inch display, WiFi connectivity and a G-Sensor (for improved viewing angles). It also features a helpful amount of parental controls, which can be modified and controlled from any computer or smartphone with an internet connection. Aside from that, we do not know any more details. Oregon Scientific claims that this is an affordable tablet, though, as well as durable. And it might be important to note that it is geared towards children of age 6 and above. We know that those kids will be running around with these devices, so let’s see just how durable this device ends up being. Education should be one of the main concerns with such devices. The manufacturer will also offer accessories, which include musical instruments for all the little musicians out there. Hit the press release and stay tuned for more details to come during TIA Toy Fair, this weekend, if you are interested in purchasing a new gadget for your little ones. Android-Based MEEP! Tablet to Feature Music, Movies, e-books, Parental Controls and more OREGON SCIENTIFIC MEEP! Oregon Scientific Unveils MEEP!, a new Android-based tablet for kids! (PRNewsFoto/Oregon Scientific) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Oregon Scientific, a leading designer and worldwide marketer of personal electronics, today announced its entry into a hot new category: kid’s tablets. Leaving cartridge-based devices behind in the dust, the new Wi-Fi enabled MEEP! tablet runs on the Android operating system and offers music, movies, e-books, and apps from leading developers – all on a large, 7-inch color touch screen! The MEEP! tablet will be unveiled for the first time at the Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) 109th American International Toy Fair this weekend. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120210/NE51475 ) Sharing a mobile device is a tough feat, especially for parents, when there is a risk it could be dropped, broken, scratched or rendered useless. The MEEP! tablet is an affordable fix for a tech -hungry generation of kids, featuring a tough design and an enhanced rubber silicon sleeve for added protection. Geared for children age 6 and up, the MEEP! tablet is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing access to a sea of web content that can be downloaded to its internal memory or SD card and viewed from any angle courtesy of the tablet’s internal G-Sensor. All websites and content can be monitored through intuitive parental controls that are adjusted remotely on any computer or mobile device with a browser and an Internet connection. The MEEP! tablet from Oregon Scientific will feature a variety of accessories sold separately, including musical instruments. [Source: PR Newswire Via: Engadget]

Minecraft Pocket Edition update brings survival mode and more Posted: 11 Feb 2012 02:38 PM PST Minecraft players know that the pocket edition is by no means as fun as the full (PC) game. But if you have been waiting for this game to become a bit more like the desktop version, the update will be to your liking. Version 0.2.0 includes survival mode, adding a little bit of violence and adventure to your building fun. In Survival mode, you will be able to go out and look for materials raise your buildings. Hunting for food and running away from flesh-eating zombies is also part of the new additions. Not to mention the fact that you can now fly in Creativity Mode. Those dying to try out the new features can simply update or purchase the app via the Android Market. The game still goes for $6.99, but you can also check out the free demo if you are willing to give up a substantial portion of the materials, as well as single-player world-saving and multi-player environments. [Via: Android Police]

Poll: Would you use a mobile device as a desktop computer? Posted: 11 Feb 2012 02:18 PM PST Needless to say that Android smartphones are powerful gadgets. We have already stopped using our computers and replaced them with our phones to perform many tasks. But as smartphone technology advances, the time when we can completely replace our PCs with our Android smartphones might not be very far off. I have attempted to replace my laptop computer with the Transformer and laptop dock. This experiment lasted 2 weeks, and to say the least, it was a very frustrating time. But Android is evolving quickly, with quad-core smartphones, Chrome browser, and better UIs and applications being developed every day. In this video, the user has hooked up his Samsung Galaxy Nexus to a monitor, and managed to get a great desktop experience with the help of a keyboard and touchpad. All main features work great with this set-up, and internet browsing looks like a breeze. Other manufacturers are already making an attempt to unify computers, tablets and smartphones. Motorola and ASUS being the most notable, with devices like the Transformer, the Padphone and Motorola’s docks / desktop UI. Using a mobile device as a computer replacement is not too convenient just yet, though. Performance is not quite there, and Android apps are nowhere close to beating some PC programs. Video/image editing, as well as other assignments would be a pain if performed only with a tablet (at least for now). We have a long way to go, but projects like this make unified computing seem much closer. But what do you guys think? Participate in the poll posted below, and let us know what you think in the comments section. Take Our Poll [Source: Clove Via: Droid-Life]

One-day deal: Phillips Android Media Player for $89.99 Posted: 11 Feb 2012 01:10 PM PST WiFi-only Android-powered devices are not as popular – our smartphones can do everything these gadgets feature, and more. But if you are looking for a portable media player, this deal might spark your interest. Woot deal of the day features A Phillips Android media player (SA3CNT08K) for the low price of $90 (goes for about $140 on Amazon). It is not the device of your dreams, but it could get the job done for certain users. Specifications include a 3.2-inch 480x320p display, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 720p HD video playback, 8 GB of internal storage and WiFi/bluetooth connectivity. As mentioned, not the best device out there, but it could be great if you are looking for a media player with a bit of extra punch in functionality. The deal is only available today, so check out Woot.com for more details. Would any of you purchase a device like this? And why? Thanks, Danndroid!

Spray-on antenna to revolutionize the mobile industry Posted: 11 Feb 2012 12:45 PM PST One of Google’s latest projects is “Solve For X,” a project that allows people to propose ideas that would solve world problems through technology. We did not think great projects would start spawning so quick, though. The latest Solve for X proposition includes a spray-on antenna, which may revolutionize the way mobile communications work. Chamtech Etnerprises claims that this product can increase mobile energy efficiency by 10%. It is also more light-weight, and as you can assume, it can be used on anything. Imagine being able to paint an antenna into your device when you find yourself without signal. Even better, how about painting your car with it. Maybe even your house, or a tree. The possibilities are endless. CTO Rhett Spencer mentions that Chamtech is in the talks with government-based customers (including the military). This is the reason why not much detail about the product is provided. But it seems like it uses organic elements to improve magnetic and radio frequency signals. Being organic, it can be used under any circumstances. This includes outer space, underwater, and wherever it may be seen fit. Undoubtedly, this would be a great solution for mobile carriers. Instead of installing antennas, they could just go and spray an antenna on anything. And if you live in a low-signal area, all we would need is a technician to come and spray your house with this technology. What do you guys say? Is this the future? Check out the video and let us know what you think. [Source: Chamtech Via: Engadget]

Rumor: HTC Endeavor – Sources confirm what we already expect Posted: 11 Feb 2012 12:20 PM PST We have all heard about HTC’s upcoming flagship device – the HTC Endeavor (formerly known as the HTC Edge). We are expecting this device to be announced at Mobile World Congress, which is just a couple of weeks away. The rumored specs on this device are simply stunning, but if you haven’t had enough, new sources are confirming them. The newest details come from MoDaCo‘s sources, and include the following: Android 4.0 (with Sense 4.0) 1.5 GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor 4.7-inch 720p display 1 GB of RAM WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 8 MP rear-facing camera / 1.3 MP front-facing camera HSPA+ radio (quad-band) As mentioned, we have already heard these specs before. It is great to see more sources confirming them, though. This device will be quite the super phone, and MWC should be an exciting event for HTC, as well as many other manufacturers. Stay tuned for upcoming details, and let us know what you think. Is anyone thinking of waiting for this bad boy? [Source: MoDaCo Via: The Verge]

Motorola Droid 4 rooted, just like that Posted: 11 Feb 2012 11:59 AM PST The advantages of having a rooted Android smartphone are endless. Many users can no longer live with a locked down device, and smartphones are being rooted as soon as they come out (sometimes even before). The newest root news revolve around the Motorola Droid 4, which can already hacked for all its root goodness. This device was just released yesterday, and there is already an exploit available. Those interested in rooting their devices must always remember the usual disclaimer: Rooting your device can void your warranty/insurance, and there is a chance of bricking your device. This must be done carefully, and after reading instructions thoroughly. If something bad happens, the responsibility falls solely on your hands. Now that we have that out of the way, we can move on to the details. You have Dan Rosenberg to thank for all of the hard work. This security researcher fell into a bit of a dilemma, though. After working endlessly to bring everyone a rooting solution for the Droid 4, he thought it would be fair for him to take $200 to buy himself a Motorola Droid 4. He would donate the rest of the money for charity. It seems this was not acceptable by many Android users out there, so he decided to just donate everything to the American Red Cross. Personally, this guy is doing a great thing for the Android community. It doesn’t seem like a bad idea for him to get a bit out of it. At least a device – I mean, he was not trying to live out of this money. Regardless, the exploit and rooting instructions are available straight from his site. So go ahead and check it out if you are interested in rooting your brand new Droid 4! You can also find the files there, so have at it. If you want to donate some money, just head to this site. What do you guys think, though? Is it fair for this fine gentleman to get a Droid 4 out of his hard work? If not, then why? [Source: vulnfactory Via: TalkAndroid]

Google: Google Wallet is safe, but we will disable prepaid cards – just in case Posted: 11 Feb 2012 11:31 AM PST >Google’s new payment method has been great to those that are able to use it. The convenience of being able to pay with a tap of your smartphone is simply unbeatable. But one of the main concerns has been security, which proved to be an issue this week. The Search Giant has just issued its second official statement about the matter, and it is not looking very pretty. The first official statement mainly covered the fact that Google Wallet should not be used on rooted devices. Having root access can also put your device at risk. Another advice was to make good use of lock-screen protection. This would solve the issue, right? But that was until we found out that un-rooted devices were also at danger. Google has just released another official statement. This one mentions that Google Wallet is still safe to use, as long as you protect your device with a good lock-screen, as well as other precautionary measures. But Google is not taking any chances, and has decided to temporarily disable provisioning of prepaid cards. This would stop the bad boys from using your prepaid credit, in case the device does not have a screen-lock. Google also asserts that they are taking care of this problem, and will be issuing a permanent fix soon. We hope that these issues end soon, because we see this service growing substantially in the coming years. Just be careful with your device, and make sure no one can get to your cash. Google assures that Google Wallet is still safer than real wallets and credit cards. So as long as you watch your back, you should be ok. Protecting your payments with Google Wallet Over the last few days we’ve received questions and concerns about issues related to the security of Google Wallet. People are asking if Google Wallet is safe enough for mobile phone payments. The simple answer to this question is yes. In fact, Google Wallet offers advantages over the plastic cards and folded wallets in use today. First, Google Wallet is protected by a PIN -- as well as the phone’s lock screen, if a user sets that option. But sometimes users choose to disable important security mechanisms in order to gain system-level "root" access to their phone; we strongly discourage doing so if you plan to use Google Wallet because the product is not supported on rooted phones. That’s why in most cases, rooting your phone will cause your Google Wallet data to be automatically wiped from the device. Second, we also take concrete actions to help protect our users. For example, to address an issue that could have allowed unauthorized use of an existing prepaid card balance if someone recovered a lost phone without a screen lock, tonight we temporarily disabled provisioning of prepaid cards. We took this step as a precaution until we issue a permanent fix soon. And just like with any other credit card, you can get support when you need it. We provide toll-free assistance in case you lose your phone or someone manages to make an unauthorized transaction. Mobile payments are going to become more common in the coming years, and we will learn much more as we continue to develop Google Wallet. In the meantime, you can be confident that the digital wallet you carry provides defenses that plastic and leather simply don’t. -Osama Bedier, Vice President, Google Wallet and Payments [Source: Google Commerce Via: Android Central]

ChaCha provided controversial responses to Iris Posted: 11 Feb 2012 11:00 AM PST Ever since its inception at a hackathon, late last year, Iris has championed itself as the closest thing to Siri for Android. And things started looking good when Dexetra (the company that created it) announced its partnership with ChaCha. This would allow Siri to gain a content-base to search from, a partnership similar to Wolfram Alpha’s with Siri. Yet a scoop by Gizmodo could have some drastic effects. The problem in question seems to stem from the responses being provided by ChaCha. This makes the app come across as anti-abortionist and racist. The questions, and their controversial replies as provided to Gizmodo, are When you ask Iris “is abortion wrong?” the Android app will answer: Yes, abortion is wrong. The Lord has said, “You shall not murder,” (Exodus 20:13). The life that is growing within the mother is a child, a baby. The Bible looks at the life in the womb as a child. Thanks! and Pushing it, I asked “are whites superior to blacks?” This was the answer: Whites are NOT superior to blacks. Just different. [my emphasis] Like Dr Verwoerd and the original, genuine policy of apartheid always said. and finally, someone suggested that I ask “is rape ever justified?” The answer: Realistically speaking, that is a matter of opinion. There is no evidence that the US government has ever considered “justifying.” Now, I must mention that these responses came even while searching on the ChaCha website, until the company had them removed, with improved answers put in place. Hopefully, Dexetra doesn’t pay the price for ChaCha’s mistakes.

Get any T-Mobile smartphone for free – only today Posted: 11 Feb 2012 10:53 AM PST Just in case you forgot about last tuesday’s announcement, T-Mobile is having its Valentines Day sale today. This offer allows Classic And Value plan subscribers to get any 4G smartphone, as well as some 4G tablets, for free after a mail-in rebate. Just remember that HSPA+42 devices ( HTC Amaze 4G and Samsung Galaxy S II) will require a 5 GB data plan. Other than that, you are in the clear for your brand new 4G devices. Go ahead and check out the press release and T-Mobile’s website for more details. You may want to take advantage of this deal, whether it is for a Valentine’s Day gift or not. Cupid’s Arrow Hits Mark: T-Mobile Offers Free 4G Phones to Celebrate Valentine’s For one day only, on Feb.11, all of T-Mobile’s 4G smartphones and select mobile broadband devices are free with the switch to a qualifying two-year plan BELLEVUE, Wash. — Feb. 7, 2012 — In the spirit of the season, T-Mobile USA, Inc. will show consumers lots of love with another jaw-dropping promotion for its “Valentine’s Day Sale.” For one day only, Saturday, Feb. 11, T-Mobile will give customers the chance to get their hands on the latest 4G smartphones and select tablets for free, making a perfect gift for loved ones or themselves. The promotion includes T-Mobile’s fastest 4G smartphones and select tablets running on America’s Largest 4G Network® such as the Samsung Galaxy S™ II1 and the T-Mobile® SpringBoard™ with Google™. New and existing eligible customers can take advantage of this deal receiving their device for free after a mail-in rebate card when they sign up for a new two-year contract on any qualifying Classic Plan™2 or for a $0.00 down payment after mail-in rebate card when signing up on a qualifying Unlimited Value™3 Plan. “T-Mobile has a commitment to make the 4G experience affordable and accessible to everyone, so this sweet deal on smartphones and tablets is our Valentine’s gift to consumers,” said John Clelland, senior vice president of marketing, T-Mobile USA. “No matter where loved ones live, T-Mobile wants to bring them closer with unlimited talking, photo sharing, video chatting, texting, and more.” A recent online Omnibus survey4 with Harris Interactive found that four-in-ten (44%) of first time smartphone buyers in 2012 say the cost of the data plan associated with the smartphone is the most influential reason they have not purchased a smartphone before. The value for customers extends beyond the “Valentine’s Day Sale” as T-Mobile offers the best rate plan pricing on America’s Largest 4G Network.

Apple at it again, file injunction request against Galaxy Nexus Posted: 11 Feb 2012 10:36 AM PST I’m not even going to bother to write about this patent mess. We all know the system is broken, and that any change for the better is not going to dawn upon us any time in the foreseeable future. What I will let you know is the main bullet points: the filing was done at the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The preliminary injunction request against the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is based on four patents, as quoted by FOSS PATENTS: the “data tapping” patent based on which the ITC ordered an import ban against HTC a patent related to Siri and unified search, which must be of huge concern to Google with a view to its core business a new slide-to-unlock patent that even had the head of the Taiwanese government profoundly worried a word completion patent that provides major speed improvements for touchscreen text entry The first one, considering it succeeded against HTC, is most certainly a win for Apple. I’m not aware of the details of the second one, but it’s the last two that get me really irritated. However, I can hardly say I expected anything else when I learnt they were granted these patents as recently as last year.

Dear Users: Happy Valentines! With Love, Samsung Posted: 11 Feb 2012 10:31 AM PST It’s time for love! And I’m so glad that the companies we’re fond of are showing us some, too. Take Samsung, for example. In a bid to boost their own app store, the Korean manufacturer has announced that it will be offering a number of apps and games for free until the 21st of February. And what’s even more awesome? Those who download all the free apps and games in the promotion get a $5 app voucher! I haven’t checked out which apps are being offered, but I’ll update this article as soon as I find out. [via IntoMobile]

The Xyboards go global Posted: 11 Feb 2012 10:29 AM PST The horribly-named Motorola Xyboard will very soon receive an OTA that will add some very useful features.  Users of both the 8.2 and 10.1 inch tablets can soon enjoy improved browser performance, maintenance of a data connection when switching between WiFi and 3G/LTE, and stylus enhancements for the 10.1 inch version. But the new capability to roam internationally using a GSM connection is by far the biggest highlight of the news released by Verizon, itself. You do get some bloatware, in the form of The Daily app, unfortunately. But overall, it seems like a decent deal. [via The Verge]