Posted: 24 Feb 2012 03:41 PM PST  According to a tip received by MobileSyrup, Rogers customers will soon be seeing the SE Xperia Arc S on the shelves. The Arc S is a slight bump from the current Xperia Arc that Rogers now offers with it's 1.4 GHz Qualcomm processor, and it's pretty likely that this will be the last Sony Ericsson branded device to hit North America now that Sony is sole owner of the name and franchisee. The Arc S is a lovely handset, and with Sony releasing a beta version of Ice Cream Sandwich already, it's going to be a fun one to play with. While it's always just a rumor until Rogers says differently, expect to see the Arc S next week with a possible price point of $30 (CAD) on a 3-year contract, or $475 (CAD) outright. Source: MobileSyrup 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 03:36 PM PST 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 02:07 PM PST  While we were at CES 2012 we got a look at the Toshiba Excite X10, the 10-inch tablet dubbed the thinnest ever. Since then, we've not heard a whole lot about the release of the device but it has no popped up on the Future Shop website for pre-order. The Toshiba Excite X10 will come in 2 different variations, being a 16GB and 32GB version. The Excite X10 packs a dual-core 1.2 GHz OMAP 4430 processor, 1 GB of RAM and has a 1280 x 800 IPS touch display but you can check out the full specs here. Pre-order pricing is set at $550 for the 16GB with the 32GB costing only $50 more to bring to $600. Source: Future Shop; Thanks, CrackTight! 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 02:02 PM PST 
So what it is about the Galaxy Note that's made it so popular? Samsung's shipped more than 1 million so far. That's different than "sold," but a million is not a small number. And will that popularity translate over to the North American markets? Will Samsung's aggressive marketing win out? Will it just be too darn BIG for our American sensibilities? It's a smartphone. A BIG smartphone. With a stylus. Not so hard to wrap your head around. But wrapping your hand around it? That's another matter.
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 01:52 PM PST The Sophos security website has reported a new bit of Android malware, and this time it's being spread on Facebook. If you watch the video above, you'll see how an unknown person on Facebook send you a link, which you dutifully click (because we all click random Facebook links from people we don't know, right?) and it downloads a malware ridden apk file to your phone. It's a trick folks have to use now that Google has a Bouncer at large in the Market. Unfortunately, the video stops there and leads the viewer to believe that it's another cause for panic and that we need to be up in arms over this. The reality is far different, and this is a classic case of sensationalism. What happens after the part where the video ends is really the important bit. After the file downloads, you'll have to choose to install it. This also depends on you having disabled the security feature that prevents third party apps from being installed, and failing to read the permission warning that pops up when you verify that you want to install this random file. Of course, across the Internet you'll probably not hear this part, because Android and malware in the same title generates hits. We've seen it before. So how do you stay safe? It's easy:
With Android, you get the freedom to install apps from anywhere, not just an official store where the folks that make the OS get 30 percent. You also get notified of what every app can do, and are forced to accept those terms. With that in mind, use just a little bit of common sense and you'll be fine. Source: Sophos 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 01:49 PM PST  The ASUS Transformer Prime is getting its third OTA update in a month today, with reports of a large-scale rollout happening as we speak. This update puts the build number at 9.4.2.15, and is reported to address the widespread random reboot issues folks have been seeing since the last update a few weeks ago. There's likely other changes, but ASUS hasn't released a change log just yet. What we do know, and this is all based on user reports, is that this update seems to run poorly the first few minutes after a reboot, so give it some time to settle after you apply the OTA. You can check for the update yourself by going into the settings and forcing the check in the About Tablet screen. We'll keep our eyes open for an official change log, and update when it appears. In the meantime, hit the forums and join the discussion! Thanks everyone who sent this in! 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 12:14 PM PST With the Google+ user base growing daily, we suppose it had to happen eventually. Yes, BlackBerry users now have themselves a Google+ app to make use of. It's not an official app mind you, it's one that was created by a company called Smarter Apps but it does indeed work for Google+ access. Some features are still missing, most notably hangouts and messenger but the basics are there. Needless to say, the Android version is still better no matter how you swing it. Check out the video above to see the BlackBerry and Android version go head-to-head and don't forget to follow Android Central on Google+. Source: CrackBerry 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 12:13 PM PST  The folks at Android like to have a bit of fun, especially when they're out of the office. Like we saw last year, they've designed a set of 85 Android pins and scattered them throughout the vendor booths at MWC, and collectors, bloggers, and Android nerds alike will certainly have a lot of fun collecting as many of them as they can. For the rest of us, who are stuck at home and not The +Android page wants to see your take on a pin design. Grab the template above, doctor it up as best you can, and drop a link on their Google+ post to the image. We wanna see as well, so be sure to drop a link to your picture in the forum thread we just set up so we all can have a look. For inspiration, here's a link to the 85 designs for 2012. Let's see what ya got! Source: +Android 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 10:59 AM PST  Chrome Beta for Android has received a mystery update over in the Android Market, updating the mobile version of Google's browser to version 0.16. There's nothing in the changelog to indicate what's new in this version, but we've noticed no new features, so we can assume it's just the usual mix of bug fixes and performance tweaks. However, if you're using CyanogenMod 9, or another ICS-based custom ROM, you may want to hold off updating, as there are reports in the Market comments section of this new version breaking things for those on using custom firmware. If you're running a custom ROM and still want to update, we recommend backing up your current version of Chrome before proceeding. Hopefully Google will be able to issue a fix for those affected before too long. We've got Market links for you after the break. Thanks, edhe! read more
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 10:43 AM PST  ViewSonic doesn't want to be left out of all the fun at Mobile World Congress, and today we heard about three new dual-SIM phones, and we're hearing rumors about the ViewPad G70 tablet (pictured). All four devices will ship with ViewSonic's custom version of Ice Cream Sandwich, and are decidedly entry-level. The ViewPad G70 is said to have a 7-inch, 1024 x 600 display, 4 GB of internal storage, 1 GB RAM, a 2 MP rear and front camera, microSD card slot, HDMI port and both a micro and mini USB port. The 3G version is expected to retail around $350. Of the three dual-SIM phones ViewSonic will show off in Spain next week, the best of the three in terms of specs is the ViewPhone 4s, a 3.5-inch device with an IPS display at 640 x 960 resolution. It will have a 1 GHz processor, a 5 MP rear camera and VGA front camera, and of course the dual-SIM card setup as mentioned. The ViewPhone 4e is a 3.5-inch device with a 320 x 480 display, has a 650 MHz processor, and a 3 MP rear camera. Last, but not least (especially in terms of raw size), the ViewPhone 5e is a 5-inch device with a 480 x 800 resolution. We've heard nothing about price or availability, but the fact that they are dual-SIM devices probably means that we'll see these in the far east or in eastern Europe. We'll know more next week. In the meantime, the pictures are after the break. Source: KisPlay blog (Chinese). More: Mobile-Review read more
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 09:46 AM PST  We reviewed the international version of the Note (the same one that Three will soon launch) back in November, and we were quite smitten with what has come to be known as Samsung's "phablet." While we wait for an official release date and pricing from Three, you can check out our review here. Source: Three UK 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 09:25 AM PST  An analyst with DisplaySearch (not exactly a household name) apparently has told CNET that Google will put its own tablet into production in April. And that's all he knows. No more. Quit asking.
We generally don't put too much stock into reports like this for the obvious reasons. But if indeed Google is working on its own tablet, that time frame might make sense, seeing as how the Google IO developer conference was moved to the end of June from May. There also are no promises that it would be some sort of "Nexus tablet," no matter how hard the bloggers wish it to be so. And as always, it's entirely possible it's all bunk. Source: CNET; analyst image via Shutterstock 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 08:47 AM PST Happy Friday, folks! Today's the last ShopAndroid.com Daily Giveaway for this week, and we're featuring some cool new accessories including the Cruzerlite Androidified A2 TPU Case for Galaxy Nexus, Qmadix Snap-On Cover for Motorola Droid Bionic, Seidio SURFACE Case for EVO 3D, and the Seidio ACTIVE Case for HTC ThunderBolt. As always, be sure to leave a comment below letting us know which featured accessory you'd like to win. Winners from this week's daily giveaway's will be announced in a post on Monday. Cruzerlite Androidified A2 TPU Case for Galaxy NexusThe Cruzerlite Androidified A2 TPU cases are made from shock absorbent and scratch resistant thermoplastic polyurethane. They're slim-fitting, and provide great protection for the Galaxy Nexus from day to day use and accidental bumps and spills. The sleek, lightweight design of the A2 TPU cases fully wrap around the Galaxy Nexus while also raising the front of the device to protect the screen while face down. Featured on the cases are custom designed Andy the Android prints. read more 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 07:43 AM PST  read more 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 07:21 AM PST  Motorola's getting ready to launch the MOTOLUXE in the UK, and the invite we just received makes it look like it's going to be quite the soiree. Come March 8 in London, we'll get to see the "new ultra-vogue, ultra-stylish smartphone." Not sure if we'd go quite that far -- as you'll recall from our look at the MOTOLUXE at CES last month it's a fair-to-middlin' 4-inch Android 2.3 device with an 8MP camera and some nice UI tweaks. 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 07:15 AM PST  The ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Case-Mate Tough Case for Motorola Droid RAZR. Built to withstand sudden drops and accidental falls, the Droid RAZR Tough Case is the epitome of protection. A snug, form fitting silicone wrap provides shock resistance, while the hard shell protects against impact. The Tough Case comes in black and is available today for just $16.95-- that's 52% off the original price! Take advantage of this Deal of the Day while supplies last.
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 06:20 AM PST 
More: Transformer forums 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 05:18 AM PST  The Sony Ericsson Xperia NX, the Japanese variant of the Xperia S, has today launched nationwide in Japan on the country's largest carrier, NTT Docomo. As expected, the device is now available in black and white, just like the Xperia S. Interestingly, it seems the Xperia NX will retain the old-style Sony Ericsson branding, whereas international models will sport the new Sony-only branding. The Xperia S, the NX's international cousin, is expected to make its debut in Europe from the second week of March, while the AT&T variant, the Xperia Ion, is slated for a Q2 release. For more on both devices, check out our hands-on comparison from CES. Source: NTT Docomo 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 05:06 AM PST  The only catch is that this version is available in Korea only for the moment. But we're sure you'll be able to find someone willing to import one for you, if you're mad enough to want this kind of thing. A special microsite will be going live later today at the source link, if you're interested in learning more. Source: HowToLiveSmart; via: UnwiredView 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 05:04 AM PST  Source: Acer; More: Complete MWC coverage 
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Posted: 24 Feb 2012 04:32 AM PST  Recon Instruments will be showing their patented, Android-powered HUD (Heads Up Display) in the Android booth at Mobile World Congress. Last month at CES Recon unveiled their HUD SDK for Android, and this time around we will get to see the MOD Live (Recon's name for this unit) in Barcelona. They're currently working with partners like Polar and Contour to third party apps to the HUD, but for now folks can use Recon’s free HQ Mobile app to access playlists on their phone, view and share run stats, see incoming calls, display text messages, and reply via the wearable wireless Bluetooth low energy remote.  Currently available for snowsport enthusiasts, Recon plans to branch out to other outdoor sportsmen and partner with more manufacturers. Dan Eisenhardt, CEO of Recon Instruments says:
Recon Instruments' MOD Live currently works with Uvex, Briko, Zeal Optics, Alpina, and Scott and Smith brand "Recon Ready" goggles, and are available for $399.99 (€360) at major retailers around the globe. Now, about those Google Glasses. ... More info: Recon Instruments 
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Posted: 23 Feb 2012 11:29 PM PST  One of the best things about Android is that the OS allows us to customize things that are built deep into the system. Things like keyboards, or the messaging application, or the home launcher. Using applications from the market, it's easy to make our Android phones look and feel like our Android phones. Before we got a little taste of Ice Cream Sandwich, a custom home launcher was a must for many a power user. But did that change with the stock Android launcher? It's the most customizable stock launcher yet, and for many the new folder system and launcher bar are just what the doctor ordered. For others, they need even more. And what about third party vendors, and their versions of Android? The TouchWiz launcher is pretty customizable, and the Sense launcher looks beautiful. Even Blur has come a long way and we don't have a lot bad to say about it any longer. There's plenty of pros and cons either way, so which camp do you fall in? Let us know in tonight's poll. 
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Posted: 23 Feb 2012 09:16 PM PST  Nova Launcher has made it's way out of the beta stage and into the Android Market. This Ice Cream Sandwich launcher is chock full of features you won't find in the stock launcher, and comes highly recommended by our own Android Central forums Super Moderator Cyber Warrior. A look at the feature list and we see why: Custom homescreen grid Scrollable dock Scroll effects Infinite scrolling Custom folder icons Backup/Restore Custom app icons The paid version offers up even more, like gestures, dock swiping, and the ability to hide apps in your app drawer. If you found the stock Android launcher in ICS a bit lacking, you should really give Nova Launcher a look. It requires Android 4.0 and both free and a paid $4 version are available in the Market. We've got a link to the free version after the break. read more
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Posted: 23 Feb 2012 08:13 PM PST  Android's Foursquare check-in app got an update this evening, bringing a few bugfixes. They are:
Snag it now in the Android Market or at the link in this post. read more
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Posted: 23 Feb 2012 05:45 PM PST 
It's not Ice Cream Sandwich sadly but it's a massive update either way. Go ahead and check for software updates, it should be there. If not, sit tight it will be along shortly and don't forget to drop by the Android Central Droid X forums and let us know how it's working out for you when you get it. 
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Sunday, March 11, 2012
Update - 55
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