Thursday, March 29, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Snapdragon Powered Smartphone Travels Around The World In A Single Charge

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 06:43 PM PDT

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We’ve already seen Qualcomm’s dual-core S4 processor outperform Nvidia’s quad-core Tegra 3 in a few benchmark tests over the weekend. But how well does their little S4 perform when it comes to one of the single most important features of our smartphones — battery life? To show the world exactly how much their new processors will impact your upcoming smartphone’s battery, Qualcomm took a phone outfitted with their S4 processor around the world in a single charge, and uploaded the results to their YouTube channel.

Yes, we know — this sounds a bit more dramatic than it really was. What you’re looking at is a fun marketing gimmick of what is essentially a commercial for their upcoming S4 processors. Qualcomm did mention that the phone was powered down during flight but you have to admit, even over the span of 2 weeks, cold starts and multiple video takes, the results are still pretty impressive. Video below.

What did you guys think? Will you specifically be looking for Qualcomm S4 processor in your future smartphone?

Sprint HTC EVO One Detailed – Say Hello To Kickstand and Expandable Memory [Rumor]

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 05:32 PM PDT

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There have been a few rumors surrounding the upcoming release of Sprint’s next iteration of the HTC EVO. We all know it’s coming. After sending out press invites, we’re pretty darn sure Sprint and HTC are poised to make an announcement on the device on April 4th. We know HTC mentioned they would be releasing fewer devices for the year, instead focusing on their One line of devices. Does this mean Sprint’s EVO will be nothing more than a HTC One X with LTE radios? What exactly can we expect the specifics of the device to entail?

Well, last night, I have been bouncing back emails with a tipster and after cross referencing the information with some of our other tipsters (who prefer only to verify information) here is what we can expect from the HTC EVO One on Sprint (yup, that’s the name).

The device will naturally feature many of the same specs as the HTC One X but with a few exceptions. First, Sprint’s EVO One will feature removable storage with 16GB micro SD and — wait for it — the return of our beloved kickstand. Yes, movie and game lovers everywhere on Sprint can rejoice. If you ask me, that’s what made an EVO an EVO and I welcome its return (shame on you, EVO 3D. Shame).

Also, for this model the device HTC may not have the plastic casing of the regular One X, instead going for a full metal casing. The tipster mentioned that it felt solid in the hand. Color scheme is a little different in the Sprint version with the device remaining mostly black with silver accents and a red stripe along the kickstand. Since this will be one of Sprint’s LTE devices, you can expect the same S4 processor as the AT&T version. Everything else will remain the same as the AT&T/international version. Same display, software, etc.

The HTC EVO One on Sprint is expected to launch on June 6th but wont be Sprint’s premier LTE device. That title is reserved for the Galaxy Nexus LTE which we’re expecting sometime in April. And since we’re on the topic of rumors, I’ve also been hearing that a few Sprint employees have started training for the Galaxy Note (as well as the Evo One). What do you guys think? At this point are you thinking Galaxy Nexus or HTC EVO One? With the possibility of the Galaxy Note coming down the pipeline, does that muddy up your decision at all? Of course we’ll learn more once the HTC EVO One is unveiled on April 4th so, stay tuned.

Thanks, Anon!

Update: Seems AndroidCentral received a similar tip reporting the HTC EVO One will also have a SAMOLED display (pentile) and larger 2,650mAh battery. We’re trying to get this confirmed from our source but take it as you will.

Huawei’s MyTouch Ascend Device Gets Hands-on Treatment

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 03:30 PM PDT

While Huawei’s MyTouch phone for T-Mobile has been known to exist, it’s been escaping the grips of many-a people up to this point. Engadget procured the phone, however, and posted a hands-on for all to see. The device is placed in the low-end to mid-range market with its 1.4GHz S2 processor, 4GB of internal storage, 1GB of RAM, a VGA front camera, a 5 megapixel rear camera, and a 4-inch display. A spec-sheet lists it as having Android 4.0 but the unit handled only has 2.3.6 and a custom user interface. This device also features a nice spring-loaded slide-out keyboard. Hit the source link for the full hands-on, including video. [Engadget]

Android 4.0.4 Also Rolling Out to GSM Galaxy Nexus Devices

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 02:52 PM PDT

Earlier today it was learned that Google was getting ready to push Android 4.0.4 to GSM Nexus S devices. Well, it looks like the Galaxy Nexus has been invited to the party. GSM versions of the device are now receiving the update, but it is still unclear what exactly is changed.

We’ve heard from readers that it does seems a bit “zippier,” and “smoother,” but that’s about it. There should be a lot more going on, though, as it’s said there are over 100 changes over 4.0.3. Fingers crossed that owners of the CDMA versions of these devices will get the update before the apocalypse rises. [Google+, thanks Shawn!]

Samsung Registers Trademarks for Three Galaxy Devices

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 02:25 PM PDT

Samsung may have come up with three great news for three great smartphones, or they’re just covering their bases on some names they’ve thought up and aren’t keen on using them just yet. Whatever the case is, they’ve registered three new trademarks for names: Galaxy Grand, Galaxy Next, and Galaxy Premier. The Galaxy Next already exists and it’s a low-end Android phone from last year.

While the trademark filing descriptions are calling these phones everything since sliced bread, Samsung reserves the GALAXY name exclusively for phones and tablets.

It’s safe to say, then, that none of these are Android-powered microwaves. However, we’re still curious. It’s impossible to know what exactly these registered names are for but I can’t imagine Samsung won’t use at least one of them. [USPTO via PocketNow]

Android 4.0.4 Being Pushed to AOSP; Nexus S Poised to Receive Update (And How You Can Get It Now)

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 12:57 PM PDT

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Googler Jean-Baptiste Queru has confirmed that Google is nearly done with Android 4.0.4. They’re so far, in fact, that the update is now in the process of being pushed to the trees and trunks of the Android Open Source Project. He states that there are over 100 changes over 4.0.3, but we have no clue what they are right this moment.

We imagine those details will be made available shortly after the code is completely made available. Those with a Nexus S won’t have to wait, though, as the official update – believed to be final – has been found on OTA servers and is ready to be downloaded and installed. You’ll need to be on Android 4.0.3 to get it. Read this XDA thread to get started. [The Verge] [Note]: As a rule of thumb, only owners of the unlocked, unbranded version should install this. Some people have reported success with the T-Mobile version. [source 1|2]

Amazon Kindle Fire 6.3 Update Coming, Root Already Achieved

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 12:28 PM PDT

The Amazon Kindle Fire is receiving an upgrade to firmware 6.3 tonight. Before we go any further, let me just inform you that the upgrade has already been rooted. You can find more details on that in this XDA thread. That said, this new update does break the previous root method and the following changes have been made:

  • Sharing: Customers will be able to easily share favorite passages and notes from their books directly from Kindle Fire, without even leaving the book. Customers simply highlight a passage and select “Share” or choose the “Share” option from the toolbar within a book, write a note if they choose, and select which social network to share with. Passages or notes a customer chooses to share will be displayed to other Kindle readers viewing the same book, and customers can also choose to share via Facebook and Twitter. Amazon already has a vibrant community of readers who choose to share favorite passages and notes from their reading through Kindle.amazon.com. This update brings these notes and highlights to Kindle Fire, so a reader can easily see what other readers are saying about their books.
  • Book Extras: Powered by Shelfari, Amazon’s community of book lovers, Book Extras make it easy for customers to see supplemental material about the book they are reading, without even leaving the book. Customers can view descriptions of characters, a glossary of common terms used in the book, information on the authors and common locations referenced in the book, and more. To view Book Extras from within a book, customers simply tap the top of the screen to bring up the toolbar, tap the menu button and select “Book Extras.”
  • Archive of Personal Documents: Customers’ personal documents will be stored in the Amazon Cloud and available for re-download at any time from the Documents tab on Kindle Fire. Just as with Kindle books, Whispersync will automatically sync notes, highlights and last page read for personal documents.
  • Print Replica Textbooks: Students can buy thousands of print replica textbooks to read on their Kindle Fire and save up to 60% off the list price of the print textbook. Print replica textbooks maintain the rich formatting, color and layout of the print editions, with features including notes and highlights, zoom and pan, linked table of contents, real page numbers and whispersync of notes, highlights and last page read.
  • Reading View for Amazon Silk: There is a seemingly endless array of interesting and engaging content available on the Internet. Sometimes, unfortunately, that business article, blog post, or sports recap you clicked on is surrounded by a host of competing material. With Reading View on Silk, the content that you’re interested in is elevated above the clutter. When invoked by the customer, Silk will load the body of the page in a reading-optimized, single screen view (even for multi-page articles). The full page is still available in the background, allowing the reader to easily toggle back to a traditional view to see other interesting features on the page.
    Movie Rentals: The rental period for movie rentals that are downloaded to Kindle Fire now starts when a customer starts watching the movie, rather than when a customer starts downloading the movie.
  • Additional Enhancements: This update will also bring some of the features customers have requested, including faster re-connect of Wi-Fi after Kindle Fire has been asleep, and general performance enhancements.

The update isn’t quite available yet but you can download it from Amazon’s servers before they’re ready to push it out to everyone. Be sure to install it in the “Update Your Kindle” menu under settings. [via LiliPuting]

Google Maps Update Brings Newly-Designed Navigation Homescreen

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 11:37 AM PDT

Google Maps has gotten an update in the Google Play Store. Albeit small, it does add changes that might please you. Firstly, the Navigation home screen has gotten a redesign. Tabs for “starred” destinations, shortcuts, and destinations via contact addresses allow you to choose where you want to go faster. Another great feature is the ability to select which transit mode you want to look up directions for. You can choose between bus, subway, train or tram, or just search for any of them. Finally, map tiles now draw in higher quality. Find the update in the Play Store.

ASUS Transformer Prime Update Features Outed; Face Unlock, New Lock Screen Notifications, And More

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 11:09 AM PDT

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Remember yesterday when ASUS teased an awesome new update for the Transformer Prime? Well, it seems we’ve already gotten a sneak peak into what to expect. The new information is courtesy of the ASUS Italy Facebook page. According to them, we’ll finally be getting Face Unlock, a feature that is standard in Android 4.0.

There will also be new lock screen notification control. They don’t describe what this means, but it could just be the ability to access the notification pane while the screen is locked (something not currently possible). They’re upgrading ASUS Vibe from 1.0 to 2.0 (improved interface and more content), updating the Market, Google Books, Google Music, etc. to their “Play” counterparts, implementing a new upgrade path for the camera to allow them to update the camera with a firmware update, the ability to switch between portrait and landscape when hooking the tablet up to your TV via HDMI, and the ability to use a USB-to-Ethernet UX cable (sold separately) to support USB LAN connections.

If you were to tell an average user that ASUS didn’t have such awesome support, I’d think you were fibbing. Oh, and they say the update is due March 29th. Even if that is the case, other regions aren’t guaranteed to get the update at the same time. This all sounds pretty great to me. What do you guys think?

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 makes a stop at the FCC

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 09:44 AM PDT

The 10.1-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 has made a pitstop at the FCC as it rolls towards launch. The HSPA+ version, model number GT-P5100, has been given the approval of the federal commission, flashing its 850 and 1900MHz support along the way. Also put through the paces were the Tab 2′s 802.11n and Bluetooth 3.0 capabilities.

The presence of an HSPA+ radio tuned to AT&T compatible bands suggests the new slate could see a carrier release here in the States, but at this moment this remains unconfirmed.

[FCC via Engadget]

Android gamers not cheapskates after all, according to Humble Bundle data

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 08:07 AM PDT

Ever since the early days of Android its users have been stereotyped as folks who aren’t too keen on paying for their software. The myth has been kept afloat by a plethora of ad-supported titles available via the official Google Play Store (once the Android Market) and a handful of developer horror stories lauding the much more profitable nature of iOS deployment. We can’t forget accusations of Android users turning to pirated software to avoid shelling out any dough. So the picture being painted here shows Android users as quite the penny pinchers it would seem.

How about a little evidence that flies in the face of everything above? Humble Bundle, the software distribution model that allows users to choose how much they would like to pay for a collection of independently developed games, recently released their second Android pack and started collecting data on how much users of the OS were willing to pay. The results might surprise you. At an average payment of $7.43, Android users rank as more generous than buyers on Windows ($5.73) and Mac ($7.02). Android’s Linux counterpart saw its users ponying up an average of $9.92, which just goes to show how much users of open software want to support the indie developers that are creating great content for their platforms.

There is still time to go before the Humble Bundle wraps up, and statistics could change for better or worse over the next six days. If you haven’t checked out the Humble Bundle for Android #2, there’s no better time than now. Just don’t go making the rest of us look cheap if you decide to make a purchase.

[via HumbleBundle]

Samsung GT-I9300 said to be mid-range but packing dual cores, could launch in May

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 07:44 AM PDT

Remember this guy? It’s the Samsung T-I9300 and the umpteenth image to show up with some sort of claim tying it to the upcoming Galaxy S III. However, in this case a Galaxy S III it is not. As we suspected when the picture first appeared online last week, the phone in question is now said to be a mid-tier device falling in the Galaxy M range (remember Samsung’s new device nomenclature?). But for the GT-I9300 to be considered a step down form top-of-the-line, the Galaxy S III must have some amazing specs. The mid-level device is said to be rocking a dual-core processor clocked at 1.4GHz and a 720p HD display, hardware that in certain respects bests the current Galaxy S II.

The GT-I9300 is on track for a May release, so it may come concurrently with the GSIII (or at least pretty close to its launch). Does the mid-range handset give us any clues to unlocking the secrets of the Galaxy S III? We might infer that Samsung will be going with Android 4.0′s software navigation buttons in future models, but that’s about it.

[via GSMArena]

Epson now shipping Android-powered Moverio glasses

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 07:26 AM PDT

Epson America is now shipping what they call the “world’s first Android-based see-through wearable display.” In other words, a pair of glasses that runs on Android and simulates an 80-inch display right in front of your peepers. It does 3D, too. While the Moverio BT-100 See-Through Display is designed mostly for media consumption, its Google-made operating system allows for much more, including apps, games, email, and web browsing.

The Moverio display features 1GB of on-board storage with microSD expansion (4GB card included), built in Wi-Fi, and a controller featuring a trackpad and Android buttons for navigation. A set of built-in earbuds provides the Dolby mobile surround sound. Battery life, while not exceptional, comes in at 6 solid hours of use. We don’t expect too many folks to rock these things on their face for that long in one sitting, anyway.

The Moverio BT 100 glasses are available now, but such technology does not come cheap. $699.99 is the price to pay when purchasing through the Epson site. A pre-order is also available through Amazon.

Epson America Ships World’s First Android-Based See-Through Wearable Display

EPSON Moverio BT-100 See-Through Display Offers New Way to Interact with 2D and 3D Digital Content and Innovative Platform for Android-based App Development

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson America, Inc. today announced its newest and most innovative display technology, EPSON® Moverio™ BT-100, the world’s first Android-based see-through wearable display. Using micro-projection technology and an Android-powered track-pad controller, Moverio allows users to view streaming video, experience side-by-side 3D content and enjoy downloaded digital content on a virtual 80-inch perceived screen¹ projected into the user’s real environment. Featuring built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity² and nearly six hours of rechargeable battery life³, Moverio offers an innovative, portable way to interact with content from virtually any location. Users can also easily access downloaded content via the microSDHC card slot (4GB card included) and built-in 1GB internal user storage, even without wireless network access.

 

"As the world leader in visual imaging technology, Epson continually strives to set industry benchmarks for quality and innovation," said Anna Jen, director of New Business Development, Epson America. "The Moverio BT-100 see-through display is poised to significantly impact not only the way people interact with content for personal enjoyment, but the development of content for future applications - from virtual training platforms to a new way to interact with 3D CAD environments to visualizing 3D design renderings."

Enhanced Mobility and New Content Interaction
Moverio BT-100 leverages Epson’s leadership in LCD technology and visual imaging to project an 80-inch perceived "floating" display into the user’s environment for browsing the web, playing games, watching videos and interacting with content privately, while still allowing the user to experience and see the real world. Using Moverio’s Android-powered controller with Wi-Fi connectivity, users can watch streaming video from sites such as YouTube or Vimeo or manage, download and interact with apps and content from nearly anywhere. Additional features of the Android-powered controller include:

 

  • Enhanced Mobility: Rechargeable battery offers nearly six hours of battery life
  • Removable Memory: Built-in card slot supports up to 32GB microSDHC card
  • Download and Go: Transfer content, games and apps to the included 4GB microSDHC card or internal 1GB of user storage on the controller
  • Adobe® Flash® 11 Support: Stream videos from popular television websites featuring Flash 11 content and content rich Flash-enabled websites
  • Big Sound: Dolby® Mobile surround sound delivered to personal earphones or Moverio’s detachable earphones (included in-box)
  • Innovative Navigation: Touch-enabled track pad and navigational buttons enable easy interaction of content
  • Immersive 3D: Enjoy side-by-side 3D content like never before
  • Android Development Support
  • Moverio BT-100 offers a unique platform for technology enthusiasts and developers to create new Android-based applications and side-by-side 3D content for this innovative see-through display technology. To help support application and content development for Moverio BT-100, Epson is offering a range of programs for developers residing in the United States. For additional information on the Moverio BT-100 Android developer program, please visit www.epson.com/moverio.

Pricing and Availability
The EPSON Moverio BT-100 ($699.99 MSRP) is now available through Epson’s own retail site www.epsonstore.com, select resellers and by pre-order on Amazon.com.

LG Optimus LTE, Nitro HD receive CyanogenMod 9 nightlies

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 06:23 AM PDT

CyanogenMod’s latest Ice Cream Sandwich flavor has made its way to the LG Optimus LTE and its AT&T-branded brethren the LG Nitro HD. Before we get too excited, the CyanogenMod 9 release is only a nightly build. It will lack some of the polish of a finished build and may host the occasional bug or two, but for those owners of the LTE handset with an HD display itching to get a look at what arguably the most popular custom ROM will look like in its Android 4.0 incarnation here’s the chance. The Optimus LTE/Nitro HD certainly has the stuff to make it happen.

If you fancy yourself a trailblazer head on over to the CyanogenMod link below for all the details and a download link. For those less inclined, hold tight for a final build to come down the pipeline, though there is no telling how long you could be waiting.

[CyanogenMod via AndroidCentral]

Evernote for Android updated with speech-to-text and enhanced widget

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 06:08 AM PDT

Evernote has pushed a pretty major update to their Android app that will take voice notes to the next level. Using Google’s speech recognition suite users now have the option to transcribe voice input into text notes. At the very least it provides an easy way to search audio notes (the original recording remains pinned to the text note). Because it relies on Google’s service an internet connection is required to take advantage of the new functionality. Some users will be disappointed to learn that speech-to-text is only available on Android 4.0 devices and a few select other handsets.

Also receiving an update is Evernote’s separate widget app. The widget is now customizable with color, custom button, and note display options. A new “tiny widget” has also been introduced, occupying a single 1×1 tile and linked to a single Evernote function of the user’s choosing. What fans of Evernote will really like, though, is the new Quick Snapshot button, which launches the phone’s camera, snaps a photo, and saves it to Evernote.

You can grab the updated Evernote app with speech-to-text and the new widget from the Google Play Store now. Links are below.

Google Play Link: Evernote, Evernote Widget

[via Evernote]
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