Android Phone Fans |
- Sprint’s HTC EVO 4G LTE User Guide Exposed – Now Available For Download
- Instagram Update Adds Much Requested “Tilt-Shift” Feature – Brings Depth of Field To Your ‘Grams
- Samsung and Apple Drop Nearly Half of Patent Claims To Keep July 30th Trial Date
- The HTC One V lives! Hands-on part two from CTIA 2012 [video]
- AT&T Blames Google For Slow Android Updates – Google Fires Back With Android’s Openness
- HTC MediaLink First Look [CTIA 2012]
- HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE First Look [CTIA 2012]
- Sprint’s Galaxy S3 Pops Up In User Agent Profile – Packs Dual-Core Processor and 16GB of Storage
- AT&T CEO Says Shared Data Family Plans Are Coming Soon
- Update rolling out to unlocked HTC One S handsets
- Verizon 4G LTE expansions on tap for Virginia
- Virgin Mobile USA’s WiMAX network kicks off May 31 with HTC EVO V 4G
- Lenovo’s Android 4.0 smart TV now available in China
- Samsung Galaxy S III up for pre-order at Amazon UK
- Kyocera announces two new Ice Cream Sandwich handsets at CTIA
| Sprint’s HTC EVO 4G LTE User Guide Exposed – Now Available For Download Posted: 08 May 2012 05:56 PM PDT While the wife is busy reading “Fifty Shades of Grey,” you may feel the need to catch up on some light reading of your own. And what could be better while hanging out on the ‘ol porcelain throne than a 219 page user manual for the HTC EVO 4G LTE, now available for download in handy PDF format. Those of you that have already pre-ordered the phone and have been lusting over it since its announcement may find this a tad bit interesting, but really — there’s nothing here we haven’t seen already. That being said, why don’t you just head on over to our HTC EVO 4G LTE Forums, where you can chat with others who suffer from the same Android addiction as you. I’ll meet you there. [AndroidForums | Via Engadget | AndroidCentral]
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| Instagram Update Adds Much Requested “Tilt-Shift” Feature – Brings Depth of Field To Your ‘Grams Posted: 08 May 2012 05:16 PM PDT
The always popular Instagram was updated for Android devices today and includes the oft requested “tilt-shift” feature from the iPhone version. Now you can give your ‘grams that realistic depth of field look on either a horizontal/vertical plane (great for highlighting text from screenshots), or in a circular fashion (as highlighted in the image above) by clicking the new droplet icon. From there you can drag, rotate and pinch to zoom to get the desired effect. Although fun, really… this is just kids stuff when compared to an app like AfterFocus, which offers much better depth of field customization and a better overall “DLSR look.” Either way, nice to see Instagram still supporting the Androids. Now if we can just get that photo grid, we’d be all set. Enjoy Instagrammers!
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| Samsung and Apple Drop Nearly Half of Patent Claims To Keep July 30th Trial Date Posted: 08 May 2012 01:56 PM PDT It was only last week that Judge Lucy Koh told Apple and Samsung they both had to reduce the number of patent claims if they hoped to keep the proposed July 30th date for the start of their first US trial. Now, both Apple and Samsung have appeared to budge, filing motions that cut the number of claims nearly in half, with Apple dropping all of their asserted trademark claims. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean the companies can’t reassert the dismissed claims at a later trial. It was originally thought Apple would be in it for the long haul, but with Sammy’s devices continuing to gain market share — and not looking to stop anytime soon with the Samsung Galaxy S3 — Apple could be trying to speed things up with a quick resolution of the case. There is still a court recommended mediation scheduled for this month. Apple still maintains that Samsung is nothing more than a “copycat,” using Apple as the “developer of the world” to come up with new ideas. Apple’s Tim Cook says, “we just want people to invent their own stuff.” Samsung maintains that Apple is simply trying to “compete through litigation.” July 30th is the day that things get real interesting. <popcorn.gif>
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| The HTC One V lives! Hands-on part two from CTIA 2012 [video] Posted: 08 May 2012 01:12 PM PDT If you remember back at Mobile World Congress, HTC had the One V out for all to see… except it was just a prototype. We were allowed to play with the device but there wasn’t much to do but look. We decided to see if the device made any progress, and lo and behold: the video you see above proves that it has a heart. Despite being a One phone, the One V doesn’t house an S4 processor. It instead houses Qualcomm’s S3 processor, a dual-core offering that is still enough to run Sense 4.0 and Android 4.0 without too much of an issue. At the time of this writing, the device’s software either wasn’t near completion or HTC had to gimp the device to make work smoothly. Namely, their 3D recent apps feature seen on the One S, One X, EVO 4G LTE, and DROID Incredible 4G is not present here: you get the stock Android 4.0 look and feel for that. Another feature that is gone is contuinous shooting, and it won’t be coming back. ‘ Since the phone doesn’t have the ImageSense chip inside it can’t shoot up to 20 simultaneous photos. You can still hold the camera button down and take a series of photos, but it won’t be nearly as fast as on the aforementioned devices. You can also still take a photo while video is being recorded. A few other subtle changes were made to the eye-candy to make it easier on the S3 processor. It makes us wonder why newer offerings such as the Rezound won’t get Sense 4.0. It was first blamed on the processor, then HTC quickly transitioned into saying it was because it was a one phone. But the Rezound is as powerful, if not more, than the One V. Ultimately it just seems like a business move to get people to upgrade, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It works for Apple and they get no backlash so why not? I digress, though. Check out the quick retake above.
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| AT&T Blames Google For Slow Android Updates – Google Fires Back With Android’s Openness Posted: 08 May 2012 12:47 PM PDT Slow Android updates have long been a concern for Android fanboys looking to receive the latest offerings from Google HQ. When it comes to pointing the finger, we know that both OEM’s and carriers share the responsibility of devices receiving timely firmware updates, with the carriers ultimately having the final say on whether or not update will be pushed to those devices. Apparently, someone forgot to send the memo to AT&T’s CEO Randall Stephenson on exactly how the update process works. Speaking at Milken Institute event, Mr. Stephenson was asked why some phones are slow on receiving the latest version of Android. His response? It’s Google’s fault.
Puzzling. We’ve always been led to believe that Google develops the software, open-sources it and makes it available to anyone who wants to put it on their phone, tablet, watch, refrigerator, etc.. But we’re willing to give AT&T’s CEO the benefit of the doubt. It’s entirely possible he could have been referring to Google’s Nexus devices, of which Google does negotiate with carriers, manufacturers, and chipset makers in partnering up together to release the flagship. Either way, news got back to Google and spokesperson at Mountain View had this to say:
Stephenson’s blurb has been making the rounds across the usual media outlets, calling into question the true “openness” of Google’s mobile OS. But fear not, like most things, it seems to be nothing more than a misunderstanding on AT&T’s part, who, I’m sure will issue an updated statement in the coming days. [9to5Google | Via TechLand]
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| HTC MediaLink First Look [CTIA 2012] Posted: 08 May 2012 12:30 PM PDT HTC’s MediaLink is another entry into what seems to be all the rage these days: wireless 1-to-1 mirroring. Using HDMI and WiFi (and a proprietary wireless technology for when you don’t have access to WiFi), the HTC MediaLink will allow HTC One users to to watch any of their content, play any of their games, and use any app on the big screen without having to tether your phone to the TV using an HDMI cable. The unit is a smallish device that has a USB port for charging and an HDMI port. Wireless receivers inside will bring the video over and push it through that HDMI cable. It was a really smooth and easy process. To activate it, all I had to do was swipe up with three fingers. Conversely, swiping down with three fingers will disconnect the device from MediaLink. The device was mirrored onto the TV within a second and everyone could see what I was doing (definitely SFW). If you do it while watching the video there may be a bit of delay for buffering, but even on the demo’s WiFi network, which don’t always work nicely with all the signals whizzing around in the air, it resumed playback on the television in a reasonable amount of time. What was even cooler was the ability to continue watching the movie on the television as you go back to your device’s homescreen to use other apps. The accessory truly is great. I wish we could get this on all phones, but it’s exclusive to HTC One devices and chances are that not even HTC’s older phones will ever be able to take advantage ofit. As for pricing and availability, details haven’t been given just yet but HTC assures us the accessory will make its way to store shelves for under $100. Watch the video above.
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| HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE First Look [CTIA 2012] Posted: 08 May 2012 11:40 AM PDT We’ve gotten our first look of the HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE here at CTIA 2012 and early impressions are fairly positive. Despite having an S4 processor, Verizon and HTC don’t consider this device a part of the One series. Looking at the device, I’d say that assessment is accurate. The Incredible 4G’s S4 chip is not equipped with ImageSense technology, so you lose some features that are prevalent on the One phones. While there is still lag-free shutter, you can’t take continuous lag-free shots. This was a bummer for me as it was one of my favorite features on the One X. The 8 megapixel 1080p HD camera here still takes excellent shots, and that is the most important thing. Another area where it’s obvious the device is not a One phone is in its design. The device is a tad bit thicker than some of the One phones, but it’s far from bothersome. It still feels really natural to hold. It also has a removable battery. And no, theres no eye-bleeding flood of red underneath it. The device pays proper homage to the original with tones of red tracing the power button, speaker grill and the camera ring. I won’t lie: I was let down that we only have a qHD display. It’s a 4 inch display of the Super LCD variety, though, and it still looks great. I was also let down that there are only 8GB of storage inside, but the advent of a microSD card slot inside should make this a non-issue for some. On the software side, we have HTC Sense 4.0 with Android 4.0. Moving around the phone is just as snappy as it is on HTC’s other 2012 S4-equipped offerings. Expect Verizon and HTC’s usual bloat ware, alongside a host of Google apps that weren’t present on the device at the time. It looks like the DROID Incredible 4G LTE could be a legit option for those who want a 4G phone. Sure, it isn’t quite as great as the One S and One X, but it’s no bad phone in its own merit. We’ll be looking forward to getting another look at this device once it’s final and ready to go on sale. Stick around for more coverage from CTIA!        
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| Sprint’s Galaxy S3 Pops Up In User Agent Profile – Packs Dual-Core Processor and 16GB of Storage Posted: 08 May 2012 11:24 AM PDT It’s pretty much a given that the Samsung Galaxy S3 will be arriving on all 4 major carriers in the US in some form or another. I guess the big question is exactly which “form” or — how many cores, rather — can we expect to see the device launch with stateside? Well, when it comes to Sprint, a user agent profile may have the answer to that. PocketNow was able to dig up this UA string showing a mysterious device running on Sprint and their all new LTE network with the codename SPH-L710. From the listed specs, the device shares many of the same specs as the international Samsung Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) with only with one small difference… the inclusion of Qualcomm’s dual-core S4 processor. What’s interesting is the profile is also showing 16GB of internal memory but, can support up to 64GB of micro SD storage. In case you were keeping track, the US score board is now showing Verizon and Sprint, possibly becoming home to the dual-core variant of the Galaxy S3. Things aren’t looking so hot for AT&T and T-Mobile. I guess the real winner in this is Qualcomm who, honestly, makes one helluva dual-core. What say you? Disappointed? Or are the amount of cores even an issue to you?
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| AT&T CEO Says Shared Data Family Plans Are Coming Soon Posted: 08 May 2012 10:34 AM PDT The race for shared data is on. It’s been long rumored and semi-confirmed that both AT&T and Verizon will be offering shared data plans for families on a budget, but when it comes to AT&T — it looks like they could be first out the gate. In an interview with Cnet, AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega said he felt very “comfortable” with the upcoming shared data plans. This coming after previous statements from the CEO who, back in January, didn’t seem to enthusiastic saying AT&T would have to overcome IT and billing issues, as well as figure out exactly how they were going to subsidize devices on these plans. Seems most of the issues may have been worked out with the CEO now saying AT&T knows exactly how these plans will be structured. Still no word on exactly when we can expect these new shared data plans to roll out, but Mr. de la Vega did mention they should be available in the coming months. Where do you guys stand on shared data family plans? Is it something you’ve been interested in and do you think it could help lower that monthly bill?
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| Update rolling out to unlocked HTC One S handsets Posted: 08 May 2012 08:38 AM PDT Owners of an international version of the HTC One S not tied to a carrier are receiving a small treat today in the form of a 60MB update. Bringing the phone to firmware version 1.78, the new software looks to address early bugs rearing their heads only a month after the phone’s release. This includes the removal of redundant Ice Cream Sandwich software menu buttons in Google apps and likely a fix for WiFi issues reported by some owners. Navigating to Settings > About phone > Software updates will check for the update and pull it to your device. Again, this update is only currently available for One S handsets purchased unlocked and free of carrier restrictions. [via AndroidCentral]
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| Verizon 4G LTE expansions on tap for Virginia Posted: 08 May 2012 07:20 AM PDT If you want high-speed wireless coverage, Virginia is the place to be starting May 17th. Verizon is expanding the reach of its 4G LTE network in the state with the addition of Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Martinsville to their network map. The carrier hasn’t faltered in its dedication to blanket the United States in 4G coverage and more locations are planned for the coming months as part of an aggressive rollout that seeks to make Verizon the nation’s largest LTE network. They’ll have to keep it up to stay ahead of the competition. AT&T has been doing their part to challenge Big Red and Sprint is set to launch their fledgling LTE network in the coming months.
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| Virgin Mobile USA’s WiMAX network kicks off May 31 with HTC EVO V 4G Posted: 08 May 2012 07:02 AM PDT Now that Sprint is moving full steam ahead on the high seas of LTE, the carrier has been busy repurposing its WiMAX airwaves for use with its subsidiary networks. Virgin Mobile USA will be the first to benefit with the announcement of the service provider’s initial 4G lineup. Included are a couple of mobile hotspots, but the real jewel is the HTC EVO V 4G. It’s not a WiMAX version of the EVO 4G LTE, but it is a Virgin Mobile-branded version of the EVO 3D priced at $300 with no contractual obligations. The new WiMAX devices will be available for sale on May 31st, concurrently with the arrival of WiMAX speeds prices as low as $35 per month.
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| Lenovo’s Android 4.0 smart TV now available in China Posted: 08 May 2012 05:52 AM PDT Lenovo’s line of Android 4.0 smart TVs is now available in China. Running on the Snapdragon S4 platform, the range starts at 6,499 yuan ($1,030) for a 42-inch set and tops out at 14,999 yuan ($2,378) for the 52-inch K91 model. We first saw the alternative to Google TV back at CES, where it’ unique interface and Ice Cream Sandwich base layer initially intrigued us, but there is plenty of room for improvement. A release outside of China isn’t a guarantee. Lenovo wants to test the waters first. [via The Verge]
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| Samsung Galaxy S III up for pre-order at Amazon UK Posted: 08 May 2012 05:32 AM PDT Amazon UK has the Samsung Galaxy S III up for pre-order less than a week after the highly-anticipated smartphone was unveiled. Priced at £499.95 , the 16GB version of the flagship handset is being offered in its Pebble Blue and Marble White variants for a release on May 30th. Samsung held out on announcing the device until close to its retail availability; it looks that will pay off with a shorter wait for consumers. The phone should be available in most major markets by the end of the summer. [via AndroidPolice]
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| Kyocera announces two new Ice Cream Sandwich handsets at CTIA Posted: 08 May 2012 05:12 AM PDT It’s been a minute since Kyocera unveiled an Android smartphone, but their back with two new offerings out of CTIA. The Kyocera Hydro and Kyocera Rise are entry-level handsets running Ice Cream Sandwich atop hardware that includes a 1GHz MSM8655 CPU and 3.5-inch HVGA display. THe Hydro, as its name so cleverly suggests, is waterproof. It can take a 1 meter dunk for up to 30 minutes and emerge in functional form. The Rise trades resilience to water for a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Both phones feature Kyocera’s “Tissue Conduction” technology, a newly developed method of delivering increased sound quality by splitting the phone’s audio signal between a traditional earpiece speaker and a vibrating transducer. The vibrations are picked up by the ear as sound and apparently lend some clarity to the phone’s audio output. No carrier or release date was announced to go along with the new handsets. [via AndroidCentral]
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