Android Community |
- Angry Birds Space passes 100 million downloads mark
- Google Maps offline coming soon to Android
- Google’s rumored 7-inch Nexus Tablet leaks with Android 4.1
- Superfine mod comes to Samsung Galaxy S III
- DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX getting ICS June 12
- Automate your life with on{X} – a new app by Microsoft
- Verizon confirms Galaxy S III to support GSM global roaming
- Gameloft announces Asphalt 7: Heat, and Spider-Man for Android [Video]
- NVIDIA and Nyko partner to bring PlayPad controllers for Tegra Tablets
- Verizon Galaxy S III launching July 5 according to rumors
- Best Buy offering Galaxy S III pre-orders starting today
- NVIDIA unveils 5 new Tegra HD games at E3
| Angry Birds Space passes 100 million downloads mark Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:46 AM PDT Wow! Those Angry Birds aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. After launching the all new Angry Birds Space in late March, it quickly was downloaded around 50 million times by the end of April. Now just 1 month later those Space birds have reached a huge milestone — 100 million downloads according to a tweet earlier today by the company.
In just under 30 days the popular game was downloaded over 50 million times, and now has doubled into a rather large number. When you really think about how many people are playing Angry Birds it really is astounding. The game is obviously highly addicting and if you haven’t tried it you should check out our Angry Birds Space review. Between the new levels recently released, Angry Birds Heikki coming this month, and an actual Angry Birds theme park opening in the UK the folks from Rovio are rolling along quite well in 2012. If the franchise continues to grow like this we all might be using an Angry Birds Facebook phone come next year. Do you still play Angry Birds? Or only have it downloaded and installed to keep your kids entertained and busy?
|
| Google Maps offline coming soon to Android Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:13 AM PDT Today we are hearing from Brian McClendon, VP of Google Maps on what they have in store with Google Maps and the future. As the entire event gets under way we’ve already learned a few interesting little bits about the extremely popular Google Maps. Things like over 5 million unique miles have been drove by the Google Map cars. Today however, they just announced full offline maps coming soon to Android.
Now you might be thinking to yourself “wait, that isn’t new.” And you are partly right. Last year Google made navigation transit directions available offline in some aspects. Users could input their navigation directions, their to and from information and save it for later use. While traveling outside of service range you could still have full directions and mapping. What Google’s announced today is completely different. You can now have entire cities offline. Obviously entire cities might be too large, but if you’re headed to London for a summer vacation and won’t have a phone data connection you can just download and save a large portion of the city. This enables users to have full navigation, directions, and mapping of their destination without a data connection. Using your phones GPS you can still get full directions, enabling most features to work perfectly without racking up that huge roaming bill. This has been available in Google Laps (beta) for a short while too. There are multiple different usage scenarios for offline maps, especially when they have the services, details, and reach of Google Maps. According to Google this will first be available on Android, and is finally coming soon. Stay tuned for more details as the Google Maps event continues.   
|
| Google’s rumored 7-inch Nexus Tablet leaks with Android 4.1 Posted: 06 Jun 2012 09:44 AM PDT There’s been a lot of talk lately that Google would be expanding their popular Nexus line this year with its first tablet. What we have today is another leak to add to the ever growing pile of rumors, although things are starting to come together. Just like recent reports, this appears to be made by ASUS, branded by Google, and comes in a 7-inch form factor.
Now this is obviously still a rumor, and these images are fuzzy computer screen press images according to the leakster that provided them to PhoneArena — so take from them what you will. The back of the tablet pictured above looks reasonable, and features a two-tone color scheme and plastic top to most likely improve the WiFi signal, appears to have a large rear camera, and volume rockers on the side. The picture you see below is the odd part of the leak if you ask us. The front of the rumored Nexus Tablet looks more like an over-sized Samsung Galaxy Note, not something from ASUS. Add in the fact it has a earpiece (or an odd looking speaker grill) I’m not quite sold yet and have my doubts. The source of the pictures claimed what we’ve already been hearing. And that is the tablet will be powered by NVIDIA’s KAI Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and oddly enough running Android 4.1 for the OS. There wasn’t a clarification if that was Jelly Bean, or just an improvement over Ice Cream Sandwich. If the past rumors are accurate this slate could be available in late July for around $199. Pretty interesting leak we have on our hands here. With Google I/O just weeks away, where we expect Google and ASUS to unveil the rumored tablet, we’ll all know soon enough. For everything we’ve seen or heard on the Nexus Tablet hit the various links below, then stay tuned for more details that I’m sure will be coming shortly. We’ll be live from Google I/O too so check back soon. [via Androidandme]
|
| Superfine mod comes to Samsung Galaxy S III Posted: 06 Jun 2012 03:06 AM PDT We think that the Samsung Galaxy S III has a nice camera as it is with the 8-megapixel resolution and decent optics. However, that’s not saying we would like to see better resolution and higher image quality for still shots and video. If you want more than the smartphone will offer by default, custom ROM developer hyperX has released a new mod for the smartphone that boosts video recording quality.
The superfine mod for the smartphone will boost 1080p full HD video recording to 30 Mbit in superfine mode and adds in support for 192-kbit audio as well. Along with the high-end mode, there’s also 24 Mbit fine mode and 19 Mbit normal mode. The mod also gets the ability to record 19 Mbit superfine 720p resolution video along with 15 Mbit fine and 10 Mbit normal mode. All the different video recording modes include the same 192 kbit audio recording. The future update hopes to add 60 fps capture to all resolutions. Other little things that you get with the tweak applied include the ability to start the camera while in a call and a shortcut to take photos during video recording using the volume up/down button. HyperX’s hack also changes the default action that won’t allow the camera app to load if the battery is under 15% charged. [via SlashGear]
|
| DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX getting ICS June 12 Posted: 05 Jun 2012 04:43 PM PDT We’ve heard and seen a lot of different reports regarding Motorola’s update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for their popular DROID RAZR, but some new details have recently appeared. We are now hearing that after a few delays Motorola and Verizon are aiming for June 12th to start the update.
According to reports from CNET, Verizon has confirmed the June 12th date but as usual these things are open to change at any moment. Motorola originally stated it would arrive before the end of Q2 so they are still within that time frame technically. The good news is when the update arrives it will be for both the RAZR and the RAZR MAXX since they run the same version. The cause of the delay was apparently the changes from 4.0.3 to Android 4.0.4 but they should have had that long ago. We’ve seen a few builds leak (linked below if you’d like to try) so either wait a few more days for the update or flash something unofficial. We’ll report back if we hear anything more. Device Info
Display
Dimension & Weight
Battery & Power
Software
Hardware
 Cellular Network
Device Connectivity
|
| Automate your life with on{X} – a new app by Microsoft Posted: 05 Jun 2012 04:03 PM PDT Yup, that’s actually the real name for Microsoft‘s latest Android application. It’s called on{X} and is basically what Motorola calls smart actions, or what Android enthusiasts know as Tasker. This app will help you set rules or actions that are then activated based on location, date, or time. Why Microsoft has released an Android only app is still puzzling me, but lets take a look.
Now before you even think about downloading it, you must sign in with Facebook. So if that isn’t your thing you can skip this right now. on{X} (pronounced ‘on-ex’) “lets you control and extend the capabilities of your Android phone using a JavaScript API to remotely program it.” That is how Microsoft explains it. Basically this means you can set it to always open Gmail or Microsoft Exchange email when you arrive at work (location based) check the weather when you wake up (time based) and many other tasks or actions. This is actually nothing new so I’m rather surprised Microsoft has launched this at all, especially only for Android. Hey, maybe they want all the Android hackers and developers to create some awesome code for them, then they’ll use it themselves. Just kidding, but seriously. Microsoft is calling these smart actions or tasks “rules” or “recipes” because they’ll be allowing developers and those with some code knowledge to write and create their own via Microsoft’s new onX.ms website. They even show in the video above a rule where once you physically leave work at a certain time of day (read: not lunch) on{X} will text your girlfriend or significant other that you’re on your way home from work — all automatically. We know this is eventually where smartphones, apps, and even Google Project Glass is headed, but it just seems odd this new app is coming from Microsoft and only for Android — get it from the link below. What do you guys think?    [via Microsoft]
|
| Verizon confirms Galaxy S III to support GSM global roaming Posted: 05 Jun 2012 03:09 PM PDT Before all the crazy news was released about the Galaxy S III over the past few days we mentioned global GSM radio support was included while it passed through the FCC. Today however Verizon themselves have indeed confirmed that their Galaxy S III will have 2G and 3G GSM radios that will enable global roaming on other carriers overseas.
This doesn’t mean you can use it on AT&T here in the US (without some heavy modding first) but what it does mean is the phone will support global roaming. If you take a vacation to Fiji or the Bahamas, or head to Barcelona Spain (like we did in February) you’ll be able to use your Verizon Galaxy Nexus on global GSM carriers that have partnered with Verizon — like Vodafone. PhoneScoop initially reported on this earlier today but the folks from The Verge have reached out to Verizon and confirmed the reports. Apparently the Galaxy S III won’t support global roaming out of the box, but will be enabled later this summer in an upcoming software update – at least according to Verizon. We’ve already heard Verizon confirm multiple phones to get the same treatment, so this makes perfect sense. As a reminder, pre-orders for Verizon’s Galaxy S III start tomorrow and we are hearing it will ship the first week of July.
|
| Gameloft announces Asphalt 7: Heat, and Spider-Man for Android [Video] Posted: 05 Jun 2012 01:49 PM PDT The good news for gamers just keeps flooding in today. After NVIDIA detailed some upcoming Tegra HD games earlier today we now have some exciting news from Gameloft. While we’ve hinted at a few of these already, today they are official. Asphalt 7: Heat (which looks amazing), Amazing Spider-Man, Kingdoms & Lords, and a few others were all announced today. Check out the Asphalt 7 preview trailer below.
Asphalt 6 is still my favorite racing game for Android, and I’m sure I’m not alone with that either. Today they’ve fully detailed the brand new and impressive looking Asphalt 7: Heat. You’ll be racing in Shanghai, Hawaii, London, Miami and more with some of the best racing graphics to date. The cars look extremely realistic too. Check out the screenshots and preview trailer below.    Then the new game titled Amazing Spider-Man that we talked about yesterday was finally shown off. We have screenshots and video of that too. The brand new Spider-Man will launch on July 3rd along side the new Marvel movie, has open environments and improved graphics. The first game wasn’t quite open and had certain levels you could jump around on, but this time they’ve gone big – the entire city is open for exploration. Another awesome looking game from Gameloft. Check it out!    They also announced a few other games, multiple were specific to iOS so for now we’ll just mention these two epic looking games heading to Android phones and tablets this summer. Stay tuned for more details and official launch dates.
|
| NVIDIA and Nyko partner to bring PlayPad controllers for Tegra Tablets Posted: 05 Jun 2012 01:20 PM PDT If one area of gaming has seen huge increases lately it’s been in the mobile space. Thanks to NVIDIA and their Tegra-powered devices we’ve seen some awesome games hit Android smartphones and tablets. Yesterday they announced a new partnership with peripheral makers Nyko to bring wireless game controllers to market optimized for Tegra devices.
NVIDIA and Nyko will be bringing two different wireless gamepad controllers to Android called the PlayPad. The model you see above is one of the two unveiled late last night. The controllers, the PlayPad and PlayPad Pro will be heavily optimized to work wonderfully with NVIDIA Tegra 2 and Tegra 3 devices, especially tablets — but should also work for phones if you’d like. Nyko is an extemely popular peripheral and accessory maker in the PC and Xbox markets and have been making peripherals for a long time. This is a great next step to bring true console-quality games to Tegra devices. We’re also hearing Nyko will have an app called Playground, that will allow non-Tegra devices to also enjoy the gamepad experience. According to Nyko the PlayPad’s will have carrying cases, and portable stands for users to prop up those tablets. Pretty nice looking controllers right? The dedicated home button is a nice touch too so you can quickly do some multitasking then get back to that first person shooter. [via Engadget]
|
| Verizon Galaxy S III launching July 5 according to rumors Posted: 05 Jun 2012 12:47 PM PDT When the news dropped yesterday that Verizon would start offering pre-orders for the “inspired by nature” Samsung Galaxy S III superphone starting tomorrow, June 6th I’m sure many of you were uber excited. One of the very next questions however was when would it actually be in your hands. We’ve received a few anonymous tips suggesting July 5th will be the day pre-orders start shipping.
Verizon has always liked Thursdays, and launched multiple phones on that day of the week so this is highly possible. For those hoping it would be released around the same time as the T-Mobile version on Jun 21st, it looks like that might not be the case. We are seeing similar reports from folks like Droid-Life reporting July 6th, so most likely pre-orders will start shipping on the 5th for a Friday arrival. For now this is just a rumor but the date and being a Thursday has us pretty convinced over here. Obviously we won’t know for sure until Verizon makes this official, and that could be a while. Hopefully this doesn’t turn out like the Galaxy Nexus and be delayed a month or two, but you never know. Stay tuned for more details. – Thanks Anon
|
| Best Buy offering Galaxy S III pre-orders starting today Posted: 05 Jun 2012 12:24 PM PDT Today Best Buy Mobile has announced that along with all the carriers here in the US, they’ll also be taking pre-orders for the highly anticipated flagship Galaxy S III smartphone from Samsung. Best Buy usually offers pre-orders for big ticket items, and with multiple carriers announcing details this week we knew this was coming soon.
With Samsung announcing 5 US carriers would all get the SGSIII in June, then the folks from T-Mobile, Verizon and more all releasing the details we were wondering when Best Buy would come out of the woods. This morning they’ve issued a statement and confirmed the pre-orders are available starting today. Just like the others Best Buy will also be accepting pre-orders for the Galaxy S III. With T-Mobile’s being available June 21st (and no pre-orders yet) they’ve been excluded but Best Buy does mention the $199 and $249 options on Verizon, as well as the $199 16GB model from AT&T and more. If you’d like this smartphone come launch date for your favorite carrier Best Buy is a good way to go. Other than a few different color options the SGSIII will be the same from all the carriers in the US, except not all will have 4G LTE of course. Hit all the links below for additional details.
|
| NVIDIA unveils 5 new Tegra HD games at E3 Posted: 05 Jun 2012 12:03 PM PDT As most gaming fans should already know, the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) is underway in Los Angeles today and NVIDIA is apparently bringing the heat for Android. NVIDIA has just unveiled not one or two, but five brand new Tegra 2 and Tegra 3 optimized THD games for Android phones and tablets headed to the Tegra Zone. Check out the screenshots and summaries after the break.
NVIDIA has been partnering with popular developers to bring some of the best, most impressive games to mobile devices. With the Tegra Zone and THD games such as Shadowgun, and the recent Dark Meadow we have no doubt more great things are coming soon. Today at E3 they’ve unveiled 5 pretty impressive new Tegra titles that should be arriving on Android phones and tablets this summer. Here’s a quick rundown of what we can expect. Dead Trigger THD Bounty Arms Demons' Score THD Heroes Call Puddle THD All these games should hopefully be available this summer. If you’re at E3 head down to the NVIDIA booth and play them today. More details can be found from NVIDIA at the via link below.       [via NVIDIA]
|
| You are subscribed to email updates from Android Community To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment