Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Sprint shipping 32GB Samsung Galaxy S III pre-orders today

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 02:21 PM PDT

A quick update for those of you waiting for your Samsung Galaxy S3 pre-orders to ship from Sprint. According to a post on the carrier’s community forums by a Sprint rep, all pre-orders for the the 32GB version of the phone are set to ship today. Sprint is directing folks to sprint.com/myorder to check for the current status of pending shipments, but it sounds like that won’t be needed in this case.

Sprint was forced to push back the launch of the 32GB GS3 model due to supply shortages, but launched the 16GB version on its original June 21st release date. Samsung is expecting to catch up with the overwhelming demand for their latest flagship smartphone next month.

[via Sprint | Thanks, Richard!]

CONTEST: Google IO Gift Pack #3… World’s Best Android Forums

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 01:50 PM PDT

There are a lot of sites that have “Android Forums” but there is only one REAL Android Forums… and that’s AndroidForums.com. Since the day Android was announced, Android Forums has been the #1 community for Android enthusiasts. Today, with over 1 million members and 4.5 million posts, it’s the single best resource for Android information, questions, answers, tips, tricks, support, and everything else Android related.

But there is so MUCH information on AndroidForums.com that sometimes GREAT information gets buried. For contest #3, we’re putting you on a reconnaissance mission to recover the best threads in Android Forums history. You ready to rock?

The Prize:

  • Winner will receive all of the Google IO 2012 attendee gifts announced in the keynote speeches (assuming they are transferable).

How To Enter:

  • If you’re not already, sign up for AndroidForums.com
  • Find your single favorite thread or post in Android Forums history
  • Visit the AF Treasure Trove Contest thread and create a new reply with the two following things:
    • Link to the URL of your favorite thread or post on AndroidForums.com
    • Explanation of why it’s your favorite thread or post
  • You CANNOT submit the URL of a thread or post that has already been submitted
  • Deadline to enter is Friday, June 29th at 11:59pm Eastern

Winner Selection:

  • We’ll be using the number of likes/thanks on your forum post as a general indicator of best entries (get your friends/family/peers to upvote you!)
  • Winners will be selected based on the helpfulness of the threads/posts they link as well as their explanation
  • Winner will be selected at the sole discretion of Phandroid and Neverstill Media Staff

Rules & Regulations:

  • ONE entry per person
  • Each entry may only contain ONE link
  • Entries which link to threads/posts that have already been submitted by another member will be disqualified.
  • Phandroid reserves the right to disqualify entrants for any reason including (but not limited) to: submitting multiple entries, creating multiple accounts for the purpose of entry, adjusting comment details, spamming competing entrants with negative votes/comments, crating mass accounts to upvote themselves, or any act in attempt to circumvent the normal rules/process for the purpose of winning.
  • Google employees and/or employees of Phandroid and Neverstill Media are not eligible to win. However, mods and guides are unpaid contributors to AndroidForums.com and are fully eligible to win this contest.
  • Must be 18 or older to win
  • International entries accepted, but (all) winners may be asked to pay for shipping and handling
  • Included gifts/prizes are limited to those announced in the Google IO 2012 keynote speech
  • Winner will be contacted through the E-Mail address with which they registered for AndroidForums.com
  • If Winner does not acknowledge receipt of winning announcement within 48 hours, another winner may be selected as a replacement
  • Actual shipment date of prizes is too be determined.

DON’T FORGET THERE ARE TWO OTHER WAYS TO WIN!

Good luck to everyone and HAPPY IO!

Next Kindle Fire could be coming July 31st

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 01:49 PM PDT

Though not much info has surfaced on a Kindle Fire sequel, several reports have at least confirmed Amazon’s intention to release a new iteration of the Android-based tablet this year. Now word is emerging the updated Kindle Fire could be headed out way as soon as July 31st. Upgrades will likely include a camera (though its location on the front or rear of the slate is unknown), a higher resolution display, and hardware volume controls.

The timing is appropriate given Google’s plans to release a Nexus-branded tablet this summer. We could see that device unveiled this week at Google I/O and speculation is building that it will launch next month. Given the so called Nexus 7, which is being produced by ASUS, will sport more robust hardware than the current generation Kindle Fire while aiming to hit the $199 price point could mean the next edition of Kindle’s e-reader gone tablet will gain Bluetooth capabilities and more storage capacity among other enhancements.

Rumors have pointed to additional Kindle models to be launched this year, though they may be timed to line up with the holiday season. Amazon may also launch a series of redesigned eInk Kindles alongside the new Kindle Fire.

[CNET via The Verge]

First CyanogenMod 9 release candidate published, available for 50 Android devices

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 12:38 PM PDT

The CyanogenMod team has been busy crafting their customized version of Android 4.0 since its code first hit Google’s open source database, going through months of nightly test builds to perfect the latest version of the popular smartphone ROM. Now CyanogenMod 9 has officially reached release candidate status, and you can get it now.

CM9 is available for a collection of 50 different Android devices covering both phones and tablets with more sure to be added over the coming days and weeks. For the moment this includes the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, ASUS Transformer Prime, and the HTC Sensation among others. To download the release candidate and install head on over to Get.CM.

[Get.CM via DroidLife]

CONTEST: Decide Who Wins Google IO Gift Pack #2

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 12:27 PM PDT

Yesterday we started a contest where you can guess the Google IO Gifts to Win The Google IO Gifts. Today we’re giving away our 2nd of 3 Google IO Gift packs and our readers will help decide who goes home with the prize(s).

(Picture by Android Engineer/Pioneer, Dan Morrill on Google+)

The Prize:

  • Winner will receive all of the Google IO 2012 attendee gifts announced in the keynote speeches (assuming they are transferable).

How To Enter:

  • Post a comment on this article by Friday, June 29th at 11:59pm Eastern
  • In the comment these two (AND ONLY THESE TWO) things:
    • Link to an app or game YOU have developed on the Google Play Store
    • 140 Characters or less convincing our readers why you should be the winner

Winner Selection:

  • We’ll be using the number of likes/upvotes on comments/entries as a general indicator of quality entries (get your friends/family/peers to upvote you!)
  • The quality of your app/game and your comment will be the primary considerations when selecting a winner
  • Winner will be selected at the sole discretion of Phandroid and Neverstill Media Staff

Rules & Regulations:

  • One entry per person
  • Phandroid reserves the right to disqualify entrants for any reason including (but not limited) to: submitting multiple entries, creating multiple accounts for the purpose of entry, adjusting comment details, spamming competing entrants with negative votes/comments, crating mass accounts to upvote themselves, or any act in attempt to circumvent the normal rules/process for the purpose of winning.
  • Google employees and/or employees of Phandroid and Neverstill Media are not eligible to win
  • Must be 18 or older to win
  • International entries accepted, but (all) winners may be asked to pay for shipping and handling
  • Included gifts/prizes are limited to those announced in the Google IO 2012 keynote speech
  • Winner will be contacted through their Google Play Store Support E-Mail address
  • If Winner does not acknowledge receipt of winning announcement within 48 hours, another winner may be selected as a replacement
  • Actual shipment date of prizes is too be determined.

Good luck to everyone and HAPPY IO!

HTC Connect gives the mark of approval to compatible A/V equipment, boasts greater connectivity

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 11:04 AM PDT

A lot of smartphones on the market today feature DLNA compatibility, an wireless audio/video streaming standard that is built into a boatload of televisions, video game consoles, and set-top devices. The problem is, different devices don’t always play nice, making it a crapshoot as to whether or not your phone and television can interact seamlessly. HTC is looking to make the headaches associated with DLNA and other wireless connectivity standards a thing of the past by launching the HTC Connect program.

HTC Connect certifies A/V equipment as compatible with HTC One series phones, which themselves will receive certification via a future software update. The HTC Connect seal of approval means that the devices should play nice out of the box. The first company to partner with HTC on the initiative is Pioneer. The company’s 2012 lineup of audio/video receivers and wireless speaker systems will be fully compatible with HTC’s flagship lineup of Android smartphones. Check the press release below for a few more choice details.

HTC ANNOUNCES HTC CONNECT PROGRAM TO FOSTER GREATER A/V CONNECTIVITY

Pioneer Electronics is the first partner to feature HTC Connect compatibility in its 2012 line of products

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - June 26, 2012 - HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced its HTC Connect™ certification program designed to offer consumer electronics manufacturers the opportunity to create an improved sound and visual standard for seamless connectivity between HTC® devices and consumer electronics. For consumers, HTC Connect will mean high-quality, wireless audio and video sent through their HTC smartphones to their compatible in-home and in-car electronics.

Smartphones are changing the way individuals listen to music and watch video, making it easier than ever before to enjoy rich multimedia content almost anywhere. HTC is working to bring the benefits and ease-of-use of mobile connected devices into the home through the HTC Connect initiative. HTC Connect certification introduces new connectivity standards for partners, and gives consumers using an HTC Connect certified device a new level of convenience through seamless integration with their other compatible consumer electronics. The HTC One™ series of smartphones is slated to receive HTC Connect certification through a software update in the coming months.

“The vision for HTC Connect is to allow our customers to easily stream their favorite high-quality video and audio from their smartphone into their home or car. This new initiative will build upon HTC’s innovation in smartphones with leading consumer electronics brands,” said Kouji Kodera, chief product officer, HTC Corporation. “We’re also excited to announce Pioneer Electronics, a leader in the audio and video industry, as our first partner to demonstrate the initial HTC Connect certified audio experience for consumers.”

Pioneer Electronics - First HTC Connect Partner
Pioneer Electronics is the first and leading partner to bring HTC Connect certified devices to market. HTC Connect will be featured as part of Pioneer’s 2012 lineup of DLNA capable audio/video receivers and wireless speakers delivering a seamless and consistent audio streaming and control experience.

“We’re very pleased to be working with HTC on this important evolution of audio technology, which fits very well with Pioneer’s strong commitment to embracing the smartphone movement in our home entertainment products,” said Russ Johnston, executive vice president, Home Electronics Division, Pioneer Electronics.

“The use of smartphones as primary content sources in the home is a trend that’s developing very quickly, and HTC is helping to provide a much-needed solution for a very significant and growing part of the market.”

The HTC Connect certification will also be extended to future Pioneer products.

[Updated with assembled statue] Jelly Bean statue takes up residence on the lawn of Building 44

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 10:54 AM PDT

With Google I/O starting tomorrow, it is expected that we will be learning a lot more about the next version of Android over the coming week. Dubbed Jelly Bean, the version tentatively known as Android 4.1 has been memorialized with a statue on the lawn of Building 44, the home base of the Android team at Google’s Mountain View campus. The monument takes up residence among the other dessert-themed versions of Android and portrays a tipped over bowl of candied sugar goodness.

The debut of a new Android version statue all but confirms that we will indeed be introduced to the next version of Google’s mobile OS during tomorrow’s keynote address. We’ll be there live beaming back news and insights as they occur.

Update: The original image scoured from Google+ was merely a cleverly arranged photo-op. The final version, once fully assembled, takes the form of a see-through Android mascot filled to the brim with oversized Jelly Beans. [Twitter]

[via Google+]

Analysts say Galaxy S III supply shortages may have robbed Samsung of 2 million units

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 10:48 AM PDT

Yesterday, Samsung president JK Shin expressed the company’s expectations to move 10 million Galaxy S III handsets by next month. Today, analysts are reporting that supply shortages and shipping delays may have cost the company the opportunity to move an additional 2 million Galaxy S III handsets this quarter. Carolina Milanesi, analyst for Gartner, chalks shortages not so much up to Samsung’s confidence in their products abilities to compete, but rather that they might have “over-estimated the competition.”

With the HTC One X launching as the phone’s main competitor during Q2 and a new iPhone still a few months away, even more customers looking for a new smartphone may have been drawn to the Samsung Galaxy S3 after the popularity of its predecessors the Samsung Galaxy S II and Samsung Galaxy Note.

Our readers should be all too familiar with these supply shortages after most North American carriers delayed the release of the phone and flaws in the manufacturing process pushed back the launch of the Pebble Blue version of the Galaxy S III in Europe. Even after lowing the expected shipments in Q2 to 8 million, analysts raised projected sales in Q3 to 15 million.

[via Reuters]

Latest version of Firefox for Android comes to market in stable form

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 09:59 AM PDT

The Firefox beta was updated yesterday, but today the stable version of the app has finally received the latest changes. The latest version of Firefox introduces a new rendering engine that allows them to load and render pages much faster and with much better performance.

Firefox have refined not only their HTML5-based rendering engine, but the performance and aesthetics of the browser as a whole. As clunky as the old version was this update is a night and day difference.

Features like Firefox Sync, the Awesome Screen, and more converge to give you a nice new option for mobile browsing. Oh, and there is flash support. That sound good enough for you? Take it for a spin in the Google Play Store.

Motorola Dinara/ATRIX 3 lands at the Bluetooth SIG

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 08:03 AM PDT

After making an appearance at the FCC not too long ago, the Motorola Dinara, also affectionately known as the Motorola Atrix 3, has made its way to the Bluetooth SIG.

This is just another step in the process that lets us know we should be seeing it unveiled soon. The Android 4.0 device will feature an HD display, 4G LTE, an S4 processor, and more.

We’d like to assume AT&T will carry it whenever it’s out but there’s no telling if they will. We should at least see the device in Canada and Europe, however, so if AT&T doesn’t end up carrying it users can always import.

In any case, there’s not even a rumored price tag for this device yet so we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves. Check it out at the Bluetooth SIG here if you care. [via Unwired View]

Instagram for Android update allows you to share likes to Facebook, search for users and tags

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 07:51 AM PDT

Instagram for Android has gotten a decent upgrade in the Google Play Store. For starters, you can now share your likes to Facebook. This is an optional feature and it can be enabled or disabled in the settings menu. They’ve also added the ability to search for users and tags in the Explore tab, something that I’ve been dying to see. Finally, a bug fix for the “loading more comments” issue has been applied. You can find the upgrade here.

Original Galaxy S3 ad gets extended cut [VIDEO]

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 06:49 AM PDT

While 30 second spots seem to do the trick for most people, Samsung’s been holding on to an extended version of their original Samsung Galaxy S3 ad. This two minute version is likely way too expensive for TV, but no one said anything about YouTube. I think most will like this even more than the original, all things considered.  Hit the play button above to see for yourself.

Vizio re-introduces $99 Google TV box with OnLive gaming

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 06:23 AM PDT

We heard about Vizio’s plans to release a Google TV box earlier this year at CES, but we weren’t given much info as to what, exactly, we’d be getting. Welp, today they’ve reintroduced the device as the Vizio Co-Star, and we now know that it will only cost $99 for the privilege to own it.

The device is a standalone box that features the latest Google TV and some pre-installed applications such as Amazon Prime video and Netflix. What’s more is that this will be the first Google TV device to support OnLive, a game streaming service that lets you play console quality games without the necessary hardware — all you need is a good internet connection.

The device will come coupled with a dual-sided Bluetooth remote and WiFi radios inside. Other than that, it looks to be a very simple setup and I’m sure a lot of eyes will be on this one once it launches. Pre-sales begin next month.

VIZIO Launches The VIZIO Co-Star™ With Google TV Giving Users The Power To Turn Any HDTV Into The Ultimate Smart TV

IRVINE, Calif., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — VIZIO, America’s #1 LCD HDTV Company*, announced today the launch of the highly anticipated VIZIO Co-Star™ Stream Player. Using the latest version of Google TV™, the VIZIO Co-Star makes it easy to transform any HDTV into the ultimate smart TV, merging live and streaming entertainment into one intuitive and easy experience. With VIZIO’s new stream player, users get instant access to thousands of apps, full-screen web browsing capabilities-via Google Chrome™ with Adobe® Flash® Player and HTML 5 support-and the best in streaming entertainment.

Unique to the stream player market, the VIZIO Co-Star offers the distinct advantage of connecting to a cable or satellite box. This allows viewers to enjoy live TV along with the web, apps, OnLive cloud gaming, and other streaming entertainment without interrupting what they’re already watching. This integrated experience along with the universal touchpad remote with keyboard eliminates the need to switch TV inputs or remotes to access alternative content and provides viewers with a truly smart TV experience.

“Our focus to deliver the best consumer experience continues with today’s announcement of the Co-Star, which delivers a superior smart TV interface that anyone can add to their existing HDTV,” said Matt McRae, VIZIO’s Chief Technology Officer. “We combined the powerful features of Google TV™ with an intuitive and easy to use interface, giving users the power to enjoy an entire world of entertainment.”

The added benefit of Google TV’s powerful search feature lets viewers easily browse websites, hunt for streaming movies or locate their favorite TV shows; and with picture-in-picture technology, it can all be done while simultaneously watching live TV action.

In addition to favorite apps such as Netflix®, Amazon Instant Video, M-GO, YouTube® and iHeartRadio, the VIZIO Co-Star is the first stream player to offer video games on demand through the OnLive® Game Service. OnLive allows users to demo, watch and play hundreds of top-tier video games directly from ‘the cloud’ via their VIZIO Co-Star, eliminating the need for users to own an independent game console. With easy access to thousands of apps through Google Play, Co-Star offers the most comprehensive stream player available today.

Complementing the overall experience, the VIZIO Co-Star includes a universal Bluetooth® remote with an innovative touchpad that lets you touch, tap, scroll and drag. A full QWERTY keyboard helps users search for their favorite entertainment. Plus, its universal feature makes it easy to control home entertainment devices with one remote.

The VIZIO Co-Star incorporates a number of power user features intended to satisfy the variety of user demands, starting with support for 1080p Full HD and 3D entertainment. Built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi provides easy wireless Internet access without unsightly wires. Integrated USB port connects to hard drives, keyboards and other peripherals. The VIZIO Co-Star even enables viewers to enjoy photos, music, and movies from any DLNA-enabled phone, tablet, or computer on the TV screen.

The VIZIO Co-Star exceeds expectations by combining a definitive user experience with a powerful smart TV platform, resulting in an all-in-one solution that brings the ultimate smart TV experience to any HDTV.

The VIZIO CO-Star will be available for pre-orders in July 2012 only on VIZIO.com for $99.99, with an introductory free shipping offer, while supplies last.

*IHS iSuppli Corporation Research Q2 2012 Market Tracker Report of Q1 2012.

**High-speed/broadband Internet service and access equipment are required and not provided by VIZIO. Additional fees and/or subscriptions may be required for certain content and services. VIZIO makes no warranties, representations, or assurances of any kind as to the content, availability, or functionality of third party content or services.

HTC EVO 3D ICS update rolls out in EMEA; Sprint users cry

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 05:49 AM PDT

HTC’s making nice on most of their 2011 phones getting Ice Cream Sandwich. The HTC EVO 3D is the latest to receive the upgrade, but unless you’re in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) you won’t be seeing this.

And even if you are, your carrier might not be able to get it out to your handset right away. The update clocks in at around 300MB and expectantly includes HTC Sense 3.6, a small upgrade over its previous version but nothing as significant as Sense 4.0.

Meanwhile, Sprint users here in America are still waiting and there’s no telling when it will get out to everyone. The last release window we heard of was June,  but unless they have something brewing up over the next five days it looks like we might have to wait a little while longer. [via The Unwired]

Huawei Ascend D Quad delayed until August due to SoC issues

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 05:20 AM PDT

When the Huawei Ascend D Quad was introduced this past February in Barcelona we didn’t think we’d be waiting until the summer months for its release. But it got pushed back to a possible July date, and we thought its arrival was almost certain.

Now, more bad news puts the release date at some point in August. Huawei themselves have confirmed that their own-built quad-core chipset has encountered some technical difficulties.

For that, the delay isn’t too surprising considering that’s the most important component for any phone, but we’re no less disappointed. Huawei had a real opportunity to supplant itself as a premium OEM with this release, but their inability to get the device out in time seems to be hurting that chance.

Quad-core options powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 have since been available in other OEMs’ handsets, and we’re sure Qualcomm is not too far behind with their own.

Huawei may still have one of the most powerful devices when it launches, but we can’t imagine anyone waiting for the phone are willing to wait much longer considering the options HTC and Samsung are coming to town with. [CMNO via Unwired View]
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