Saturday, May 19, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Samsung Galaxy S III rooted, sort of

Posted: 18 May 2012 02:53 PM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy S III has been rooted ahead of launch…sort of. A developer going by the alias of Chainfire has successfully achieved root with the device’s release candidate firmware but never even had GS3 in hand. Instead he took advantage of a leaked software build and did the rooting virtually. The good news is that if Samsung doesn’t make any adjustments to the phone’s kernel rooting will be an easy process once users have the new Galaxy in hand. The whole process required only reloading the kernel with an altered adb binary and then manually installing SuperUser.

Chainfire isn’t making the build he is working with available to the public, and there is still time for Samsung to change things up. For now, it seems like the Korean smartphone maker has decided to forego adding extra hurdles for developers when it comes to rooting the Galaxy S III.

[via AndroidPolice]

ITC bans importation of Motorola devices after Microsoft patent ruling

Posted: 18 May 2012 02:44 PM PDT

The ITC is passing down judgement in a patent spat between Motorola and Microsoft, and the decision doesn’t fall in the Android smartphone manufacturer’s favor. After an initial ruling in December of last year found Moto guilty of infringing on at least one of seven Microsoft patents, the international body has agreed and ordered a import ban. Motorola is blocked from bringing new shipments of their smartphones, which include the Droid RAZR, into the US. Given the damage this could have on the company’s sales, it is likely the two parties will attempt to reach some sort of licensing deal before all is said and done.

[via Engadget]

Verizon to activate global capabilities for select 4G LTE phones soon?

Posted: 18 May 2012 01:20 PM PDT

Verizon wasn’t shy to tease global roaming capabilities for a number of 4G LTE smartphones, including the LG Spectrum and Motorola DROID 4. Months later it looks like at least one handset is just about ready to do some globetrotting. An info sheet on display for the HTC Rezound mentions that the ability to use the phone in 185 countries is “coming soon” with a “global feature.” From the wording, it sounds like users may have to pay for a global plan to unlock the world-ready radios already built in to the handset.

Employees are being told to post up similar in-store info sheets for the Motorola DROID RAZR and Droid 4, so we could see the feature on all three phones very soon.

[via DroidLife]

David Beckham hocks the Galaxy Note for Samsung in latest Olympics tie-in

Posted: 18 May 2012 12:45 PM PDT

What do David Beckham, the Olympic anthem “Bugler’s Dream,” and the Samsung Galaxy Note have in common? If you answered “a newly leaked advertising tie-in for the upcoming Olympic Games to be held in London,” well, you’d be correct. Samsung teased the new TV spot on its Facebook page earlier today, but the full ad subsequently leaked to the internet, initially appearing on Twitter.

Along with the ad  Samsung is teasing something for March 22nd. We’re likely looking at another Olympics-related event rather than a device or software announcement. Samsung is playing a large part in sponsoring the London games this summer, so expect plenty more ads like this to be in our future.

[via AndroidCentral]

Motorola updates ICS upgrade roadmap, Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX scheduled for Q2

Posted: 18 May 2012 12:05 PM PDT

Motorola has update their upgrade schedule for devices in the US giving us a better idea of when to expect Android 4.0 for a range of smartphones and tablets. Motorola DROID RAZR and Droid RAZR MAXX owners will be first to see the official version of Ice Cream Sandwich along with the WiFi + 3G Motorola XOOM tablet this quarter. With Q3 approaching rapidly the update shouldn’t be too far off.

Most other major devices are expected to receive their upgrade to ICS next quarter, with the Droid XYBOARDs, Atrix 4G and Atrix 2, and Droid 4 and Droid Bionic set to receive the update in Q3. The adjusted timeline also confirms that the Droid 3 and Droid X2 won’t receive an upgrade to Android 4.0, which comes as disappointing news for owners of the handsets that were released within the last year. For everyone else it will soon be time to start anxiously refreshing your system updates screen in hopes that a nice, chilled dessert will be waiting for you.

[via DroidLife]

Motorola DROID Bionic gets leaked 5.9.905 OTA

Posted: 18 May 2012 09:28 AM PDT

It looks like another build for the Motorola DROID BIONIC has leaked. It’s not Ice Cream Sandwich, but it is yet another update that should make the device that much smoother. And we’re sure these updates are all preparing the phone for the transition to Android 4.0 before too long. Users should be happy that this phone is getting the attention it gets considering how bad it was when it first launched.

The DROID Bionic has evolved into a very stable phone over time, though, and it can still go toe to toe with many of Verizon’s current devices. In any case, you can go ahead and flash this update if you want. It’s build 5.9.905 but it requires .902 to properly flash. Find an SBF file that will take you back to .902 here, and instructions and download links for the leaked .905 build are here. [via Droid-Life]

Official Google Wallet app requesting root permission

Posted: 18 May 2012 08:37 AM PDT

Something odd is going on with the Google Wallet app. After a recent update the app appears to be requesting root access, though the initial report is that nothing has changed within Google Wallet that would need root access.

Some suggest Google is doing this to check if a phone is rooted or not so they can deny access, but the app has worked for some whether they grant it access or not.

Another odd thing is that some people were not able to use the app after allowing it root access, but were able to use it once they disallowed it. In other words, we have no idea what’s going on with Google Wallet. Nothing in the changelog suggests Google made this change intentionally. It’s just one big mind scrambler. How is it acting for the lot of you? [via Droid-Life]

Virgin Mobile giving $25 in Google Wallet credits to everyone who activates an LG Optimus Elite

Posted: 18 May 2012 08:14 AM PDT

Virgin Mobile is running an interesting promotion to get people to buy their newly-launched LG Optimus Elite. They’re giving $25 of Google Wallet credit to use at participating retailers and shops.

This is no doubt a promotion to highlight the device’s NFC chip and to encourage users to try out mobile payments, a fairly new field of technology for American consumers. You’ll first get $10, and another $15 will show up after three weeks of the device being activated.

If you return the phone before then, you’ll lose out on the full promotion. This ends in July so you have a fair amount of time to take advantage.

Don’t forget that you’ll also get a $35 account bonus good for one month. That specific promotion is for new customers only and it ends on the 30th of this month. Head to Virgin’s site to get started and read on for full press details.

The Ultimate Pay Phone

MAKE YOUR VIRGIN MOBILE LG OPTIMUS ELITE YOUR WALLET AND GET $25

From 5/18/12 through 7/18/12, you can get $25 credited to your Google Wallet™ account by first purchasing and activating an LG Optimus Elite™.

Then activate your Google Wallet and Google Wallet prepaid card within 7 days of activating the device on a Virgin Mobile USA Beyond Talk monthly plan.

With Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities and built-in services like Google Wallet, you can now use your LG Optimus Elite like never before - as a wallet – making it one of the fastest, easiest and flat-out coolest ways to make a purchase at participating retailers.

For more information on the LG Optimus Elite:

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-phones/lg-optimus-elite-phone.jsp

For more information on Google Wallet:

http://www.google.com/wallet/what-is-google-wallet.html

Limited time offer, promotion runs from 5/18/2012 through 7/18/2012 ("Promotion Period"). Not available in all markets/retail locations. $25 Google Wallet offer Terms and Conditions: Offer requires: (1) purchase of a new LG Optimus Elite from Virgin Mobile and activation on a Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk account; and (2) activation and set up of Google Wallet prepaid card within seven (7) days of Virgin Mobile account activation, during the Promotion Period. Upon successful activation, Google™ will: (i) add a $10 credit to the Google Wallet prepaid card within 48 hours of activation; and (ii) add an additional $15.00 credit to the Google Wallet prepaid card within three weeks of successful activation and set up. No personal credit card information is required for offer to apply. To see where Google Wallet is accepted, please go to http://www.google.com/wallet/where-it-works.html. NOTE: Credits applied toward Google Wallet accounts are performed by Google or its designees. For more questions or inquiries about this offer, or about the status of your credit, please call Google Wallet: 855-492-5538. Other restrictions apply.

©2012 Virgin Mobile USA, L.P. All rights reserved. VIRGIN and the Virgin signature logo are registered trademarks of Virgin Enterprises Limited and are used under license. The LG Electronics, Inc. and Optimus Elite logo are registered trademarks of LG Electronics, Inc. The Google logo and Google Wallet is a trademark of Google Inc. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Get an Android PC on a stick for $74

Posted: 18 May 2012 07:17 AM PDT

While a proper Android-based computer has yet to form in a practical way, this new option is a viable alternative for its price. It’s the $74 MK802 stick from retailer All Express. The device comes with Android 4.0, apparently, and while the listing’s title mentions “Google TV,” we can’t seem to figure out whether or not that’s the Google TV we all know and love or just an SEO trick.

The device is equipped with hardware that can be found inside a mid-range phone. It’s sporting a 1GHz Cortex-A8 processor, 512MB o RAM, 4GB of internal storage, 1080p playback capabilities and more. If the 4GB of storage is a little on the low side, fret not: a microSD card slot is available for expanding storage up to 32GB.

WiFi is included for downloading apps and browsing the web, and it all hooks up to your monitor or TV using an HDMI port (cable not included). It’s an interesting device for $74.  If the development community gets their hands on it this could become an inexpensive, yet functional Google TV module. I wouldn’t fully bet on that, of course, but it’s possible. Find it at All Express. [via Electronista]

UK getting the Pink Galaxy Note this June

Posted: 18 May 2012 06:07 AM PDT

If you didn’t know, Samsung introduced some alternate colors for the Samsung Galaxy Note. Unfortunately, those alternate colors only launched in Korea. Well, it looks like parts of Europe are about to get in on the fun as Carphone Warehouse have pegged June 2012 as the launch date for the berry pink version in the UK. You can sign up to be notified of its arrival if you’re into it. Head to Carphone Warehouse to do just that. [Recombu via Android Central]

Refurbished 32GB HP TouchPad on sale for $195 at Woot; today only

Posted: 18 May 2012 05:30 AM PDT

While this isn’t the lowest price this tablet has ever been available for, the HP TouchPad is a bit hard to find. Paying nearly $200 for this tablet might be justified, all things considered. Woot is offering the 32GB-equipped device for $195 for one day only.

It’s a refurbished model, but if you take a look at the going rates on eBay you’ll find that it’s a bargain: there, the 16GB version is going for as high as $275! The 32GB is close to $500. Are you starting to see why this would be a good idea?

Sure, WebOS was pretty much driven into the ground, but the Android community couldn’t help themselves and they got all sorts of ROMs made for the device. Do some research over at XDA and RootzWiki to get started, but in the meantime make sure you purchase one of these at Woot pronto.

Android Overload: HTC One X Only $130 For New Customers and Upgrades, HTC EVO LTE RUU Now Available, and More

Posted: 18 May 2012 12:51 AM PDT

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Congrats. You’ve mad it to the Android Overload. These are all the stories form throughout our day that didn’t make it onto our front page — but because we like to keep our readers well informed, we posted them here for y’all to take a final look at. There’s always something here for everyone, so, pull up a chair and dig right in!

  • HTC One X is only $130 at Amazon Wireless for new customers and upgrades. [Amazon Wireless]
  • Motorola Xoom WiFi now receiving Ice Cream Sandwich update in Canada. [Motorola]
  • Verizon clarifies: customers can keep grandfathered unlimited plans as long as they pay full price for upgrades. [NYT]
  • Samsung devices account for 40% of all Android smartphone sales. [eWeek]
  • LG Optimus 4X HD gains FCC certification. Sports global bands and AT&T compatibility. [FCC]
  • Sony teams up with leading accessory makers to make cases for Xperia devices. [SonyMobile]
  • HTC EVO 4G LTE RUU now available. Sense ROMs soon cometh. [XDA]

 

Samsung Galaxy S3 For T-Mobile and AT&T Make An Appearance At Bluetooth SIG

Posted: 18 May 2012 12:19 AM PDT

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We’re expecting the Samsung Galaxy S3 to arrive on the big 4 carriers here in the US, but unfortunately, nothing’s been announced yet. Well, here’s some good news for AT&T and T-Mobile customers. Both versions of the GS3 have just made their way through the Bluetooth SIG, revealing not much other than their BT capabilities, and corresponding model numbers (generic images have been used).

Following the model number patterns with current Samsung devices, the SGH-T999V will be headed to T-Mobile, while the SGH-I747 will arrive on AT&T. Word is, these US models will sport Qualcomm’s dual-core S4 processor with an added RAM boost to the tune of 2GB. Looks like it wont be much longer until we find out.

[UnwiredView]

Best Buy Now Alerting HTC EVO 4G LTE Pre-Orders of Indefinitely Delayed Shipment Date

Posted: 17 May 2012 11:20 PM PDT

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Earlier today, we reported that Best Buy was notifying pre-orders that the  HTC EVO 4G LTE would arrive on May 23rd, a few days later than the original May 18th launch date. This came after news that both the EVO and One X were being held up at Customs, and lead a few to believe (or hope, rather) that this would be the new “official” launch date.

Well, Best Buy is now sending out emails correcting the mix up, letting Evolte pre-orders know that the device has now been delayed indefinitely, with no expected date on when it may arrive. Still bad news, I know, but that sounds more in line with what we’ve been hearing. As you were…

Thanks, Alex!

Amazon To Begin Selling Ad Space On Kindle Fire’s Welcome Screen For $600,000

Posted: 17 May 2012 09:24 PM PDT

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In a move I would have expected to see Google jump on first, it looks like the other Google (Amazon) is attempting to make back some of that money they’re losing on every Kindle Fire sold by selling “prime” location ad space on their 7-inch tablets. For a measly $600,000, you too can advertise your latest rap album, product, or service, directly from the Kindle Fire’s welcome screen. The half a mil reportedly gets you 2 full months of ad time, with your ad showing up on every boot, adding to the “sponsored screensaver” ads that appear whenever the device shuts down.

There are a few complications, however. Advertisers aren’t completely sold on this new opportunity, and Amazon isn’t quite sure how they’re going to implement this new… “feature.” Apparently, they are still undecided if they will add it to current Kindle Fires, or just in future ad-supported models. There’s also the potential of upsetting current customers who wouldn’t exactly be pleased to find ads popping up out of nowhere on their once ad-free device.

What do you guys think? Would having ads pop up on your tablet justify a heavily discounted tablet? Think Google should implement something similar to drive down the price on their rumored $250 quad-core tabbie?

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