Sunday, April 15, 2012

Update - 176



Posted: 09 Mar 2012 03:46 PM PST
You can’t be a good deal. Well you can when you make it one hell of a deal. The folks at Newegg are doing so by having a sale right now where you can get a refurbished Eee Pad Transformer (TF101) and Keyboard dock for the steal of a price of $329.99. Normally you’re looking at getting this combination for around $500+ brand new. As you all know when you get the device you’ll get a chance to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich and depending on when you get it Asus should have the kinks worked out. I recommend jumping on this deal for this amazing tablet and dock as it’s surely to sell out quickly. Hit the source below to get in on this amazing deal.
source: Newegg
Posted: 09 Mar 2012 03:27 PM PST
I don’t know about you guys but I love remakes. Movies, TV shows, Cell phones, I like the idea of taking a once popular idea and modernizing it. Some may claim that this is a lack of creativity but I disagree. Why not bring back an ad campaign that worked before? Well Google is looking to do something similar as they plan on announcing a project that looks to recreate four classic ad campaigns. The announcement will be made at the South by Southwest Interactive Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas. The ads that look to be created include:
However rather than just recreate them Google plans on modernizing them by adding Gmail, YouTube, Maps, and Translate into the mix. Each campaign will have interactive features. For example, the Volvo ad that allows you to track Irv Gordon, the Volvo owner who put 3 million miles in the past 50 years on his Volvo in real-time.  You can hit the break below to check out a few of the making of videos and you can check out all the campaigns at Google’s Project Re:Brief site. Like I said, I’m a fan of this idea, what about you guys?

Click here to view the embedded video.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Posted: 09 Mar 2012 03:09 PM PST
Intel has recently been talking a lot about its Medfield platform, the Atom Z2460 processor, and the Orange “Santa Clara”, a European phone that will feature the Intel chipset. Cascheys Blog has run some benchmark tests on the Santa Clara, and while the processor is only single-core, it bested several other devices.
One benchmark test that was run, the “Vellamo”, was created by Qualcomm and will test eleven areas to gauge a mobile browser’s performance. The results from each area are combined into one score, which can be compared between devices. As you can tell from the photo above, the Santa Clara beat lots of other devices, including the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Its Javascript score was one of the strongest in the group, matched only by the ASUS Transformer Prime.
The other benchmark test that was used was the Rightware test. This benchmark test looks at phone’s ability to render Javascript and HTML. This time, the Santa Clara beat out the iPhone 4S.
I’m sure that Intel would readily agree with these results, as they’ve been talking nonstop about the greatness and improved power consumption of Medfield-powered devices. We do have to remember, though, that benchmarks aren’t everything, and ultimately the overall user experience is the most important thing.
Medfield medfield 2 medfield 3
source: Caschys Blog
via: Android Central
Posted: 09 Mar 2012 12:27 PM PST
Most of the time the subject of patents can be dreadfully boring, but when looking at recent patent filings, it can give you a glimpse of what the future holds. We’ve already seen things like flexible displays, which could come to market by this time next year.
Another very interesting patent from Samsung is an invention that allows users to completely customize their smartphone (or other device) skin. Users will be able to take a digital photo or other graphic and electronically wrap it around their device’s skin or film layer that’s associated within the device’s display unit.
The patent refers to the device as a mobile terminal, which is another word for smartphone or tablet. It states that images could be extended to a bezel (should there be one), the sides and full backside of the mobile terminal. This terminal will have a film layer that will cover the display unit and the exterior of the case. The design allows the screen image of the display to be combined with the image arranged on the film layer (#170 on FIG 2 above). Also the user may view the screen image from the display and the image arranged on the film layer as one image (#140 on FIG 2 above).
Even more interesting is the plan to offer this as an accessory. A film layer card can be purchased (#180 on FIG 2 above) and the user can separate the film layer from the card and attach it to the front surface of their device. The film zone (#171 of FIG 2) is matched with the display and the hole of the film layer (#175 of FIG 2) is matched up with the camera module (#190 of FIG 2).
To give you an idea of what this might look like in real life, here’s a video from Nokia on the Gem concept device. This concept actually goes further than Samsung’s patent in that the entire device is a touch-display, but it will give you a good idea of where things are headed and it will most likely blow you away.
Click here to view the embedded video.
So go ahead and try to tell me that you aren’t excited for this in the comments below.
source: patentbolt
Posted: 09 Mar 2012 11:20 AM PST
HTC Sensation owners in Nordic Countries and Sensation XE owners in Germany are reporting the receipt of an OTA update that isn’t just some bug fixer. That’s right, it appears Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich has arrived. The 297mb update brings you to build number 3.32.401.5 and includes Sense 3.6. Since there’s no changelog, the question is whether this is an accidental push or not.

For those that haven’t received the update, Sensation (only) owners can download the file here. You must have S-OFF and the latest stock build.
source: xda
Posted: 09 Mar 2012 10:47 AM PST
As we told you Wednesday the Huawei Prism has passed the FCC inspection in its journey to T-Mobile. What you see above is the Prism press shot with the T-Mobile branding. The newly dubbed T-Mobile Prism, or the U8651 (Astro) as it’s internally known, is still a bit of a mystery but we do know that it will launch with quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and HSPA connectivity on the 850,1700 and 1900 bands. It will also come with microSD support and sport a 1,400mAh battery. Add this to the 3.5-inch screen and Gingerbread OS we told you about and you’ve got yourself a decent “mid-range” device coming your way. No word on release date yet but given its recent pass through the FCC and official press shot I would say that it should see a release sometime in the near future.

source: TmoNews
Posted: 09 Mar 2012 09:32 AM PST
As we mentioned yesterday, Samsung will be showcasing the upcoming Angry Birds Space game on the Galaxy Note starting today at SXSW. We also had an idea that it’s going to be integrated with the Galaxy Note in some way, and now we can tell you what the story is.
Angry Birds Space will launch on March 22, and there will be a level exclusive to the Galaxy Note and a special package called, “Danger Zone,” will include 30 levels and will be free to all Samsung Galaxy users for a period of 3 months. If you don’t own a Galaxy device, it will be an in app purchase. Galaxy users will be able to to access the “Danger Zone” through Samsung Apps and the Google Play Store (level pack compatible above Android 2.1) for three months starting on the March 22 release date.
Samsung is also introducing a new character called Lazer Bird, and it reflects the personality of the Galaxy Note. “The bird's lazer vision resembles the best viewing experience on the crisp and expansive screen and its lazer strike super power the high performance.”
So who’s excited for a little bird-launching in space?
Full press release after the break:
Samsung GALAXY Note Becomes the Ultimate Entertainment Device at SXSW
Samsung and Rovio partner to unveil the new Angry Birds game to provide the ultimate on-the-go gaming experience
Austin, Texas, USA, March 9, 2012 – Today Samsung and Rovio will showcase Angry Birds Space for the first time on Samsung GALAXY Note at Samsung Blogger Lounge on the South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences & Festivals (Austin Convention Center, Room 19AB at 4:15 pm). As an official launch partner, Samsung will provide the first ever hands-on Angry Birds Space game play opportunities on the GALAXY Note before the official game launch.
Angry Birds Space will be showcased on the Samsung GALAXY Note, which provides the ultimate on-the-go entertainment experiences. Samsung GALAXY Note is a perfect gaming device as it comes with a vivid and expansive 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED screen and a dual-core processor, which ensures incredibly fast and smooth game play.
In celebration of the successful worldwide launch of Samsung GALAXY Note, a new category of mobile device all Samsung GALAXY device users will receive Samsung special offers in the new game.
For all Samsung GALAXY users, an exclusive Samsung GALAXY Note level will be provided in the Angry Birds Space game. In addition, "Danger Zone", a special package of 30 challenging levels normally available as an in-app purchase, will be made availablefor free to all Samsung GALAXY users from Samsung Apps and the Android Market (level pack compatible above Android 2.1) for 3 months. This exclusive offer will be available from March 22nd with the launch of Angry Birds Space.
Also, all game players will find extra fun playing the game with new Angry Birds Space characters. One of these special birds – the Lazer Bird – is introduced by Samsung, and reflects the personality of Samsung GALAXY Note. The bird's lazer vision resembles the best viewing experience on the crisp and expansive screen and its lazer strike super power the high performance. New characters, including the Lazer Bird in Angry Birds Space have unique superhero powers to help in their fight against the space pigs and bring their eggs safely back home.
Posted: 09 Mar 2012 09:19 AM PST
NCAA March Madness is about to begin and just like last year they are going to make PC, smartphone and tablet apps available so you can keep up on all the action, wherever you are. Formerly March Madness on Demand, the new app, March Madness Live, should be available in Google Play for “selected” Android devices before the tournement gets under way on Monday, March 13th. The app will run $3.99 but will give you access to a slew of cool features such as:
  • High quality live streaming video of every game
  • Video highlights of every game
  • Live radio broadcasts of every game
  • Schedules
  • Live scoring and stats
  • Live tournament brackets
  • NCAA Bracket Challenge game
  • My Channels
  • Social Arena
Those are just a few of the features you get for $3.99 and any basketball fan will love this app. Keep your eyes peeled for its release because we should see it over the next few days. Jump past the break to see the full press release. 
NCAA MARCH MADNESS LIVE is Available in the Apple App store and Android Market for the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship-
An expanded suite of products, available across online and mobile platforms, includes live video, game scoring and stats, personal channel lineup features and social media integration
Turner Sports, CBS Sports and the NCAA today announced the availability of NCAA March Madness Live in the Apple App store and Android market [now Google Play]. NCAA March Madness Live, formerly March Madness on Demand, is a suite of live products presented across multiple platforms, including online, iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, and select Android smartphones over Wi-fi and 3G/4G for $3.99. Fans can download NCAA March Madness Live from the Apple App store today, while the Android app will be available by tournament tip-off.
Fans will be able to enjoy live streaming video of every game of the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship as they are televised by TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV, starting with the NCAA Basketball® Selection Show on Sunday, March 11, and continuing through the Men’s Final Four semifinals games and the national championship game from New Orleans on March 31 and April 2.
NCAA March Madness Live will offer higher quality live video streams across platforms; video highlights for every game of the tournament on Android smartphones, including the LG Nitro HD, and iPhones; live game alerts on Android smartphones, iPhones, and iPads; and live radio broadcasts courtesy of Westwood One/Dial Global Radio Network for all 67 games. In addition to the new offerings, NCAA March Madness Live will again provide the same fan-favorite features from last year, including: schedules and live game scoring, live tournament brackets, the official NCAA Bracket Challenge game, My Channels personal channel lineup, live stats, and live social companion views.
Presenting app sponsors of NCAA March Madness Live on iOS are Buick, Capital One and Coke Zero, while AT&T, Infiniti and LG Electronics are the presenting sponsors for the Android app.
To view screenshots of NCAA March Madness Live, click the text below:
NCAA March Madness Live screenshots
NCAA March Madness Live features include:
• My Channels: Using this personalized channel finder, fans can easily find games by plugging in their zip code and selecting their TV provider in order to see their channel lineup for every game on TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV.
• Game Center View: The Game Center view provides fans with a control center at their fingertips for live in-game stats such as player stats, team leaders, scoring streaks, biggest lead and foul trouble, depending on which device they use – along with a graphic lead tracker – live social features, and access to live game radio and video.
• Coke Zero™ NCAA March Madness Social Arena: Extending the conversation beyond the broadcast, Coke Zero NCAA March Madness Social Arena will return as the “social water cooler” for March Madness conversation. New this year, features will be live across the entire NCAA March Madness suite of products and, for the first time, let fans grab key game moments and share them with friends and family from a computer. Additional social features include:
o Social commentary from other fans
o Live tournament trivia
o Chant and cheer features for their favorite teams
Coke Zero NCAA March Madness Social Arena will extend onto Facebook – offering a complete video gallery of all fan-grabbed moments, complete access to special-aggregated Twitter feeds of all 68 teams, a uniquely-visualized bracket view of the loudest fans, and more.
Fans will also have multiple ways- via social media- to be heard, stay informed and engage with rivals or other team enthusiasts:
• On Twitter, fans can follow:
o @marchmadnessTV which serves as the official home of March Madness TV providing game updates, tip-off times, breaking news alerts and channel details from all the game action on TBS, TNT, truTV and CBS.
o @marchmadness which serves as the official NCAA account offering behind-the-scenes access at tournament games and events.
• On Facebook, fans can like:
o NCAA Men’s Basketball March Madness – By liking this account, fans can unlock special video content, behind-the-scenes photos and much more.
NCAA March Madness Live is available to purchase from NCAA.com/marchmadness, the Apple App store at www.apple.com/itunes and the Android Market at www.android.com/market.
Posted: 09 Mar 2012 08:54 AM PST
If you haven’t a clue who InfoSonics is, or even what they do, it’s alright. They’re a technology manufacturing company based out of San Diego and they’ve just recently announced their very first Android smartphone, the verykool S700. The specifications of the device are about as “kool” as the name given to it, and it’s only running Android 2.2 Froyo out of the box.
The S700 features a 2MP (really) rear-facing camera, VGA front-facing camera, WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity and dual-sim capability (2G/3G only). The screen is a 3.5 inch capacitive touch screen, which , although unspecified, surely won’t be sporting too impressive of a screen resolution. The handset also comes shipped with 2GB internal memory that can be expanded to 32GB via a MicroSD card, built in FM radio, 1400 mAh Li-ion battery, GPS and a gyroscope.
The phone is obviously going to be aimed at the extremely low-range market, as even the cheapest of phones are beginning to sport greater specifications than the verykool S700. I honestly don’t like having to add such negative comments to a device, but the times, they are a changin’ and if you’re looking to enter a fairly established market, you have to bring everything you’ve got.
source: androinica
Posted: 09 Mar 2012 08:25 AM PST
We reported earlier this week that ASUS was selected to manufacture the first Google Nexus tablet. Now Digitimes posted news confirming this and adding that HTC and Acer were in the mix. The difference in their report versus what we posted earlier in the week is that a release could happen in May and they gave a price range of $199 to $249, whereas we heard June for the release and a firm price of $199. We did hear that production would start in April and Digitimes confirms that.
Unfortunately Digitimes is never the best source to get information, so thankfully there’s another source confirming some of these details. When Digitimes makes statements like, “The co-branded tablet PC is expected to be the first using Google Play Store, the sources noted,” you really have to question their validity. Of course, a broken clock is right twice a day right?
I do feel confident that ASUS is indeed the manufacturer due to the fact that they already have the MeMo 370T (pictured above) coming soon with a Tegra 3 priced similarly, but I’m still banking on June with a Google I/O announcement.
source: digitimes
Posted by at 12:30 PM

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