Android Central |
- Google releases Android 4.0.4 factory images for select GSM devices
- Nearly half of U.S. mobile subscribers have smartphones, survey finds, with Android making up half of that
- ZTE Fury Review
- New at ShopAndroid.com: Cruzerlite Androidified TPU case for the AT&T Galaxy Note!
- Hulu Plus updated with additional tablet support and new UI
- Kyocera Echo receives an update, fixes MMS audio bug and more
- Google adds manager feature to Android Developer Console
- T-Mobile highlights upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich updates for the HTC Amaze 4G and HTC Sensation, offers no release dates
- How to manually update your GSM Galaxy Nexus to Android 4.0.4
- Sprint LG Marquee updated with call lock-up bug fix
- Sony Mobile launches 'Night of Imagination' with Labrinth
- ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #39: Droid Incredible 3500mAh Extended Battery, Atrix 2 Tough Case & more!
- Zite for Android officially launches, learns your habits and tailors your news
- T-Mobile HTC One S may launch April 22, leaked screen suggests
- Gangstar Rio: City of Saints now available in the Google Play Store
- Deal of the Day: Incipio Premium KICKSTAND Case for Kindle Fire
- ASUS Transformer Prime updated with Ethernet accessory support
- HTC One series reportedly launching in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on April 2
- Verizon LG Lucid now available
- Motorola Motoluxe now available in Romania
- Google Play Movies launches in France
- Android 4.0 update for HTC Sensation on Vodafone UK launching today
- Samsung launches 'store within a store' at leading Phones4U branch
- Samsung Galaxy S 'value pack' comes to Korea, adds ICS features to Gingerbread
- Late-night poll: It's all about the kickstand!
| Google releases Android 4.0.4 factory images for select GSM devices Posted: 29 Mar 2012 03:59 PM PDT Google has released the official Android 4.0.4 factory images for the international (GSM) version of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the T-Mobile and European unlocked Nexus S. These are files that allow you to return your Nexus to stock, no matter how badly your system software gets screwed up. With these files, you'll always be able to return to stock Android 4.0.4 (build IMM76D). Everything is included and when finished flashing these, it will be as if your phone had been left pristine and ran all the OTA updates. The files could also be of use to Nexus owners who want to update to 4.0.4 with a clean start and nothing left over from before. Remember that flashing these system images will wipe all data from your phone, including music, pictures or other media. If you just want to update your GSM Galaxy Nexus from 4.0.2 to 4.0.4, we've got that covered too. To flash these system images, you'll need to be comfortable with fastboot and the command line, and you'll find a "flash-all" script packaged with the images to help you get started. Check the source below for Google's downloads links. Source: JBQ on Google Groups 
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| Posted: 29 Mar 2012 03:24 PM PDT Smartphones are big business these days and the market isn't showing any signs of slow down, nor is any predicted in the next little while. New information coming from Nielsen suggests that smartphones are now in nearly 50 percent of U.S. mobile subscriber households with Android claiming 48 percent of individuals who have owned a smartphone. 32.1 percent chose Apple's iPhone and RIM's BlackBerry captured the remaining 11.6 percent. Of those surveyed in February who got their smartphone in the last three months, 48 percent chose Android with 43 percent opting for Apple's iPhone -- not looking good for RIM. Source: Nielsen 
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| Posted: 29 Mar 2012 01:57 PM PDT Could a device that is only $19.99 on a two-year contract hold any relevance in the Android world in 2012? It seems that lately you can either drop a couple of hundred dollars to get yourself a highly spec'd device or you can take the cheaper route and grab a mid range device, but what do you sacrifice by doing that? ZTE has been trying to become more reputable, they recently also released the ZTE Warp, and now they have brought the ZTE Fury to Sprint. On paper the device has specs of what we saw in most 2011 devices, so that leaves us wondering -- is the ZTE Fury a year late to the party? Let's hit the break and check out how the device performed as it was put through the paces, and see if it could be enough to make it as your next daily driver.
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| New at ShopAndroid.com: Cruzerlite Androidified TPU case for the AT&T Galaxy Note! Posted: 29 Mar 2012 01:45 PM PDT You were just about to pass over this post because it has to do with cases and stores and stuff weren't you. That's too bad, because ShopAndroid.com has the Cruzerlite Androidified case for the AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note in stock. And to celebrate, we're going to give away a half-dozen. You'll need the AT&T version of the Galaxy Note, and you'll need to leave a comment in this thread, and that'll take care of that. We'll shut this one down at 10 p.m. EDT tonight, so get crackin'! 
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| Hulu Plus updated with additional tablet support and new UI Posted: 29 Mar 2012 11:47 AM PDT It's been a while since we heard anything from the folks over at Hulu. Today though, they've gone ahead and updated their Android app to include support for a few more tablets in addition to switching up their user interface for the better. In total, Hulu Plus now has support for nine Android tablets, seven of which were just added today. The full supported tablet list:
In their blog post announcing the update, Hulu did mention that this is just the beginning of their Android tablet roll out and more support will be coming soon. If you're looking to get Hulu Plus on your device, the app is free to download but you will need to subscribe to their service at a cost of $7.99/mnth. They do however off a free week long trial with a cancel any time option. The update is available in the Google Play Store right now, download is past the break. Source: Hulu 
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| Kyocera Echo receives an update, fixes MMS audio bug and more Posted: 29 Mar 2012 11:37 AM PDT Don't worry, faithful Kyocera Echo owners, your two dual screens are not forgotten about. Sprint has just announced an OTA update that will bring some bug fixes and security enhancements your way. This update addresses the MMS audio issue where the audio would cut out after 8 seconds as well as makes changes to the roaming guard display. In addition they have activated the Commercial Mobile Alert System in this update and implemented some security fixes. If you have an Echo and have yet to receive the update, be sure to check manually for it. Source: Sprint 
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| Google adds manager feature to Android Developer Console Posted: 29 Mar 2012 11:25 AM PDT Here's a cool little feature Google's added to the Android Developer Console: You can now add managers to the account. That way, the account holder (say, Mobile Nations) can grant someone (say, me) access to the company's Android apps in Google Play without having to hand over the keys to the castle in the form of the account password. A wise move from the folks in Mountain View. More: Google Developer Blog 
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| Posted: 29 Mar 2012 10:33 AM PDT With Ice Cream Sandwich slowly making it's presence known around the world on various device, T-Mobile has now gone ahead and presented some information for HTC Amaze 4G and HTC Sensation owners. The support documents for both devices have just been updated to let everyone know a forthcoming Ice Cream Sandwich update will eventually be available for both. HTC has said all of this in the past so it's not as if any big secret was revealed, though it is nice to see T-Mobile getting things in order. Sadly, they forgot to mention any dates for release but as noted above, have advised the documents will be updated accordingly when things get closer. Source: T-Mobile (1), (2) via: Android Police 
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| How to manually update your GSM Galaxy Nexus to Android 4.0.4 Posted: 29 Mar 2012 09:42 AM PDT Android 4.0.4 has started rolling out for the GSM/HSPA+ Samsung Galaxy Nexus (that's the international, non-Verizon version), as well as a couple of other devices. Not everyone's getting the automatic update right away, but fortunately we've got an easy method that'll allow you to manually update from the earlier version 4.0.2 to 4.0.4 with the minimum of fuss. Note that this is for stock phones, and for people who want to update without really doing any real hackery but don't mind a little command line work. Nothing we do here is permanent, other than the update itself. If you've already flashed CWM, then you probably already know what you're doing anyway. And with that ... Thanks, cgrunner on XDA, for the OTA location 
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| Sprint LG Marquee updated with call lock-up bug fix Posted: 29 Mar 2012 09:28 AM PDT Owners of Sprint's LG Marquee (a distant cousin of the LG Optimus Black) will be pleased to see the roll-out of a new software update for the device. The new version LS855ZVC fixes one glitch that's been particularly frustrating for some users -- a bug which sometimes resulted in the phone locking up during calls. In addition, Sprint says the update improves the Marquee's security, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on whether you're interested in rooting the device. Head on over to "Settings > About Phone > System Updates > Update LG Software" and check for updates to see if yours is ready. As ever, these updates are doled out gradually over time, so don't be too alarmed if you don't see anything just yet. Source: Sprint 
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| Sony Mobile launches 'Night of Imagination' with Labrinth Posted: 29 Mar 2012 09:12 AM PDT Not content with hiring acclaimed director Wes Anderson to create a series of TV commercials, Sony's brought in another big name to promote its new Xperia NXT line-up (that's the Xperia S, Xperia P and Xperia U, in case you were wondering). Its latest promotion sees Sony Mobile joining forces with British singer-songwriter Labrinth to launch a 'Night of Imagination' event in London's Mayfair district next Wednesday, April 4. Sony and Labrinth promise an exclusive set, including a secret collaboration and "a never-before-seen performance." Coincidentally, Labrinth also has a new album, Electronic Earth, coming out a couple of days before the event. Sony's giving away tickets to the spectacle, as well as assorted Labrinth-signed goodies away on its official Xperia Facebook and Twitter accounts, so you'll want to head that way if you're interested in getting involved. We've got the full presser after the break. 
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| Posted: 29 Mar 2012 08:49 AM PDT The featured items for today's ShopAndroid.com Daily Giveaway include the Seidio Innocell 3500mAh Extended Battery for Droid Incredible, Case-Mate Tough Case for Atrix 2, Seidio SURFACE Case for Motorola Droid 2, and the Mobi Crystal Case for Droid Charge. If you'd like a chance to win one our featured accessories from today's giveaway, leave a comment below stating which item you'd like for your Android. We'll randomly select one lucky winner and announce them next Monday. Seidio Innocell 3500mAh Extended Battery for HTC Droid IncredibleIf you're looking to get the most life out of your HTC Droid Incredible, then this Seidio Innocell 3500mAh Extended Battery is how you're going to get it. It has double the capacity than the standard OEM battery, and comes with a replacement door featuring a soft touch coating. With the battery and door installed, it adds about 5-6mm to your Droid Incredible. 
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| Zite for Android officially launches, learns your habits and tailors your news Posted: 29 Mar 2012 08:04 AM PDT If you're a big consumer of news and information on your Android device, you'll be happy to hear this news. Zite, the personalized magazine app that's been popular on iDevices for about a year now, has finally been brought over to Android. Zite aims to bring you the news most tailored to your interests, and it continues to learns what your preferences are the more you use it. Fortunately, the app doesn't leave you out in the cold after your first boot. Once you've opened the app once, you can link your Twitter and Google Reader accounts to give Zite a starting point for what your interests are. After you've linked some accounts, you can then pick from a list of different genres to further tailor the news you'll be brought. The list is fairly expansive, and should give nearly anyone all of the options they could hope for (and more). Navigation around the app is easy; simply swipe left or right to move from genre-to-genre. Articles are presented in a list fashion, and if you tap an article, you're shown the full contents of what was written. A little niggle I noticed is that certain articles decided to automatically launch in the browser instead of the app. I'm hoping that's just an early release issue and will get fixed soon. Otherwise, on a tablet, the UI is pretty plan, but functional. Zite doesn't look like it was optimized for Android tablets, but it runs, nonetheless. With Ice Cream Sandwich out, I was kind of hoping for more in terms of visual polish, but if just getting a working app out the door was the goal of the developers, they've done that much. Zite for Android definitely comes off like it's still in beta, but it's been a hit on iDevices for some time, so if you were pining away for it, it's finally here. If your run-of-the-mill RSS feeds (or Pulse or Google Reader) weren't cutting it, definitely give Zite a shot. If they were, maybe you should give Zite a shot, anyway. It's definitely got room to grow, but I'm sure the developers will be hard at work, ramping up their app for the Android faithful. We've got a whole bundle of screenshots after the break. 
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| T-Mobile HTC One S may launch April 22, leaked screen suggests Posted: 29 Mar 2012 07:58 AM PDT The HTC One S may be going on sale in some parts of Europe as early as next Monday, but the phone's U.S. launch might not be far behind. TmoNews obtained the T-Mobile internal screenshot you see above, which references a launch date of April 22, just over three weeks from now. The image shows the T-Mobile version of the device, alongside a countdown clock displaying the purported date. As ever, carrier launch plans are subject to change change -- just ask anyone who tried to buy a Verizon Galaxy Nexus last November. So this is no guarantee that the One S will be arriving in Tmo stores on this date, but it's probably safe to say T-Mobile's first Android 4.0 device isn't far off. Keep it locked to AC for all the latest on the One S as release approaches. Source: TmoNews 
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| Gangstar Rio: City of Saints now available in the Google Play Store Posted: 29 Mar 2012 07:12 AM PDT If you're not a thug in real life but want to live out that lifestyle Gameloft has now released something to help make you get a little bit closer. Gangstar Rio: City of Saints is now available in the Google Play Store for all if you're willing to fork over $7 for it. As you can tell by the name, this portion of the series takes place in Rio de Janeiro and offers over 60 missions to play through as well as a whole arsenal of weapons to choose from with your customizable characters. If you're into some gangster action, you'll find the NSFW trailer and download link past the break. 
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| Deal of the Day: Incipio Premium KICKSTAND Case for Kindle Fire Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:44 AM PDT
The Incipio Premium KICKSTAND Case is available for $21.95, 37% off the regular price today only. Grab yours while supplies last! 
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| ASUS Transformer Prime updated with Ethernet accessory support Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:29 AM PDT Good news, ASUS Transformer Prime owners! You should have a new over-the-air update waiting for you this morning. According to reports from the Android Central forums, the new software version 9.4.2.21 is now rolling out on devices in the U.S. ASUS says the update introduces a raft of new features, including support for an upcoming Ethernet accessory, which will plug into one of the Prime's USB ports, allowing connectivity to wired networks. Also said to be included is a fix for the screen flicker issue affecting some devices, along with various ASUS app updates, improved HDMI support and enhanced lock screen options. If you're rocking an ASUS Transformer Prime, then be sure to head to the usual spot in Settings -> About and check for updates. If you're already updated, then let us know how it went in the comments. More: Transformer Prime forum 
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| HTC One series reportedly launching in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on April 2 Posted: 29 Mar 2012 05:56 AM PDT We've known about the HTC One series' UK launch date of April 5 for some time now, but now it appears some European countries may get HTC's new smartphones a few days before the rest of the world. According to a press release from HTC's German arm, the HTC One X, One S and One V will launch in Germany, Austria and Switzerland from next Monday, April 2. The One X will reportedly retail at €599 SIM-free, while the One S and One V will sell for €499 and €299 respectively. The One X is HTC's flagship phone for 2012, and (in Europe, at least) ships with a quad-core Tegra 3 CPU and a 4.7-inch, 720p display. While still a formidable smartphone, the One S pares things back a bit with a dual-core Snapdragon S4 chip and a 4.3-inch qHD SuperAMOLED panel. Finally, the One V represents HTC's new entry-level offering, with a 1GHz single-core CPU, a 3.7-inch WVGA display and a design reminiscent of the old HTC Legend. Software-wise, all three run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with HTC's Sense 4 software. The next week is sure to be an exciting time for HTC fans. If you plan on picking up a HTC One series device in the next few days, be sure to shout out in the comments. Source: The Unwired; via: The Verge 
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| Verizon LG Lucid now available Posted: 29 Mar 2012 05:37 AM PDT Right on cue, Verizon Wireless has today launched the Lucid, a mid-range 4G LTE smartphone from LG. The Lucid packs a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU with 1GB of RAM, a 4-inch IPS screen and a 5MP rear camera. On the software side, there's Android 2.3 Gingerbread with LG's Optimus UI, and the promise of a future upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich in the future. It's nothing too fancy, but for $79 on a 2 year contract (after a $50 mail-in rebate), you wouldn't expect a bleeding-edge device. We'll have a full review of the LG Lucid in the next week, so stay tuned. Source: Verizon Wireless 
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| Motorola Motoluxe now available in Romania Posted: 29 Mar 2012 05:33 AM PDT Motorola announced today that the Motoluxe is now available on Cosmote and Germanos. This follows the recent launches in France and Greece. You'll see from our hands-on that the Motoluxe appears to be a decent midrange phone, so for those of you in Romania this might be something to look at. Pricing starts at 29 lei (VAT included) with the Smart XXL 2-year subscription. Without a subscription the phone will be 999 lei (VAT included). Hit the source link for all the details. Source: Motorola 
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| Google Play Movies launches in France Posted: 29 Mar 2012 05:15 AM PDT Google has today announced the launch of Google Play Movies in France. The service launches in France as "Google Play Films", and Google's touting the availability of French language classics like La Grotte Des Rêves Perdus and Le Bal Des Actrices, along with the larger library of English titles already available in the US, UK and elsewhere. If you need to pick up your copy of the Android app for Google Play Movies (or Google Play Films), we've got the usual QR code and store link after the break. 
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| Android 4.0 update for HTC Sensation on Vodafone UK launching today Posted: 29 Mar 2012 04:55 AM PDT Considering Vodafone UK carried the HTC Sensation exclusively for the first month of its availability, there should be more than a few Vodafone Sensation owners eagerly awaiting the update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. That waiting ends today, though, as Voda has announced the availability of the new software upgrade, which also bumps the phone up to version 3.6 of HTC Sense. Here's what the carrier had to say --
Vodafone remains quite about the release date of the ICS update for its version of the Samsung Galaxy S II. That update is already available on O2 and Three-branded handsets, though bizarrely not on unbranded ones. An earlier statement given by the network says it aims to release ICS for the Galaxy S II "as quickly as possible." Source: Eurodroid 
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| Samsung launches 'store within a store' at leading Phones4U branch Posted: 29 Mar 2012 04:43 AM PDT Remember that thing Samsung was meant to be doing at Phones4U on Oxford Street, London on March 30? Shockingly, it turns out it's not a Galaxy S III launch event, but instead the opening of a store within a store at the leading branch. What this means, according to Samsung, is that a large portion of the store will be dedicated to all things Samsung, with the latest phones and tablets on show, and "play areas" for prospective customers to try them out. Samsung already operates "Samsung Digital Plaza" locations in South Korea, but this is the first we've heard of the manufacturer getting more involved in the retail world outside of its home turf. We're not expecting any new products to show up at Phones4U tomorrow. But the store's prime location in central London, combined with the new Samsung partnership, may make it an ideal spot for showing off upcoming Samsung phones in the future We've got Samsung's press release after the break. 
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| Samsung Galaxy S 'value pack' comes to Korea, adds ICS features to Gingerbread Posted: 29 Mar 2012 03:54 AM PDT Despite some confusion as to whether it was or wasn't real, the fabled Samsung 'value pack' for original Galaxy S phones (the 'GT-i9000' GSM version, that is) has now started rolling out, beginning in Samsung's native South Korea. The pack attempts to make up for the fact that the OG Galaxy S isn't getting an official Ice Cream Sandwich update by bringing a handful of high-profile ICS features to the current version of Gingerbread. Same goes for the mid-range Galaxy K and Galaxy U. These include face unlock, the ability to snap photos while recording video, enhanced photo editing features, and improved folder functionality in the Launcher. We're there are some who will settle for nothing less than a full ICS update, but it's nice to see Samsung offering something to owners of the Galaxy S, which launched in mid-2010 with Android 2.1 Eclair. The good news for anyone still holding out for ICS is that there's a great selection of Android 4.0 custom ROMs available for the phone, if you're willing to root. No word on anyone outside of Korea getting this update, and we're not holding our breath when it comes to the U.S., where original Galaxy S hardware (and branding) is all over the place. Source: Samsung Tomorrow; via: Engadget 
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| Late-night poll: It's all about the kickstand! Posted: 28 Mar 2012 11:42 PM PDT We got wind of a new rumor about what may be next in the EVO line this afternoon, and some of the best reactions were about the kickstand. Yes, it's rumored to have one, and yes, lots of folks are happy about it. I understand, because I am, too! To me, of all the things that were great about the original EVO 4G (and there are a lot of them) the kickstand always stood out the most. The OG EVO not only changed the game with it's big screen, but having a method to lean it back and watch a movie or two was huge. It was a stroke of genius, other phones have come with one since, and many of us are hoping HTC and Sprint bring it back. Of course, there's likely just as many folks who don't give a hoot, and even some who think we're a bit crazy to love the kickstand so much. Maybe they're right. But that isn't about to change anyone's mind now is it? Whether you love the kickstand, hate the kickstand, or just don't care, let us know in the poll.
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