Wednesday, June 6, 2012

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Latest Sony SmartWatch Updates Causing Significant Issues With Devices Including Complete Malfunction

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 01:47 PM PDT

 

Software updates are generally greeted with open arms for owners of various devices. But occasionally, there are updates that are released that owners may want to ignore… which may be for owners’ good. Such is the case with recent software update for the Sony SmartWatch. Apparently owners of the device who recently updated the required application in order to operate the watch has experienced everything from random disconnects to minor functions not working as seen in the below examples:

As of now, there are two specific software versions that are identified to likely have caused the issues. Version 1.2.33 has caused SmartWatches to be completely bricked— as in they are completely non-functional. Shortly after it was found that version affected devices, version 1.2.34 was released, though while it keeps the device functional– it’s not without its gaffes either as highlighted in the above screenshot. It looks as if most owners haven’t been affected just yet, so if you own the watch, you will want to hold off on updating the watch until Sony releases a statement highlighting the various issues have indeed been corrected or that a new and thorough update is on the way.

Let’s hope Sony does one or the other soon. Otherwise they’re going to have an ugly blemish on its otherwise impressive year so far.

Play Store link

 

 

source: XDA

NVIDIA showcases five upcoming Tegra 3-optimized games at E3

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 12:49 PM PDT

E3 just kicked off a few minutes ago and our friends at NVIDIA are showcasing 5 big time TegraZone games at their booth. All five are Tegra 3-optimized, which make them console-like quality. The first is Dead Trigger (pictured above), which we told you about last week. It’s a First Person Shooter and it’s your job to take down all the zombies. The Tegra 3-optimized version provides effects like enhanced water, specular lighting, volumetric fog and ragdoll physics. It should be available by the end of this month.

Next up is Puddle THD (pictured below). This game is already on Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network, but for the first time is being shown off utilizing the power of the Tegra 3. It has simple mechanics in that you guide the water to a target through tilt controls. With Tegra 3 you get higher resolution textures, advanced fluid effects, better shadows and advanced physics effects.

Demons’ Score THD (pictured below) also utilizes the Tegra 3 and is a break-beat action game that integrates music with battles. It features high-quality 3D graphics thanks to Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 3. Tegra 3 optimization brings higher resolution textures, advanced bloom effects, rim lighting, dynamic shadows and depth-of-field effects.

Bounty Arms (pictured below) is a 3D side-scrolling action game created by Open-Reset and Luma Arcade. Tegra 3 enhancements include visual and performance upgrades and exclusive content like co-op play and advanced particle effects.

Last but not least is Heroes Call (pictured below), which is an RPG with “lush” graphics, many quests, and multiple characters with varied abilities. With Tegra 3 optimization you get higher resolution light maps, spectacular maps on character weapons and armor and additional physics interaction on objects and particles.

source: nvidia

 

 

Toshiba Excite 7.7 unboxing and initial hands on review

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 11:04 AM PDT

Toshiba is upping the anti for tablets in 2012 after the lack of success from the Thrive lineup. These newer versions are thinner, sport a better design, and feature more horsepower. We recently reviewed the Excite 10 LE, which didn’t quite impress us, but Toshiba has three newer tabs from Excite line: the Excite 7.7, Excite 10, and Excite 13. All three tabs sport the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 5MP rear camera, 2MP front-facing camera, stereo speakers enhanced by Toshiba and SRS Technologies, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich. All three look gorgeous and feels great in the hand thanks to the textured aluminum body.

The biggest difference with the three models is the display size. I’m reviewing the 7.7, which sports, you guess it, a 7.7-inch display. This version is the only one with a AMOLED display and it’s resolution is at 1280 x 800. They did include a microSD slot for up to an additional 32GB of storage, a microUSB port, and Toshiba’s proprietary connector slot for charging and connecting to optional docks.

Toshiba is offering the 16GB version for $499 and the 32GB for $579 starting June 10th. My initial impression is that it’s a great tablet, but the price seems very high. Yes, it has a Tegra 3, but ASUS is offering up the Transformer Pad TF300 for $399, which sports a Tegra 3 and has a 10.1-inch display. I do need to spend more time with it, but for now check out my initial hands on….

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

 

T-Mobile Rolling Out Maintenance Update for the HTC One S

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 10:44 AM PDT

Good news for you T-Mobile HTC One S owners. A new update has been readied by T-Mo and they’ve begun to push out version 1.84.531.2.710RD to all handsets beginning today. The update is being delivered via the OTA (over the air) method and T-Mobile sates that you wont be able to force the download yourself. Looks like you will just have to be patient on this one. The update is rolling out in stages and should reach all One S devices by July 7th. Along with the usual bug fixes the update includes the following:

  • Resolves goodbye splash not appearing when powering off due to low battery.
  • Resolves voicemail indicator not appearing while using Wi-Fi calling.
  • Improvements to Wi-Fi Calling
  • Improvements to camera stability
  • Resolves signal fluctuation.

So there you have it folks. Keep an eye out for an update notification because overall improvements are always welcomed. Hit the source link to see the official support doc and be sure to let us know when the update hits your device.

source: T-Mobile
via: AndroidCentral

New Facebook Concept Phone Emerges Online

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 10:23 AM PDT

After the downright failure of the HTC ChaCha and Salsa, rumors of a new Facebook phone have been in the works for quite some time now. It has been said that HTC and Facebook are teaming up again to create round two of the Facebook phone but this time will will sport the Facebook brand instead of HTC. Facebook has even added fuel to that fire by hiring an ex Apple designer who is thought to be helping in the creation of said phone. While nothing has emerged as of yet, outside designer Michal Bonikowski whipped up a little design of his own outlining what he believes this possible Facebook handset will look like.

Without having anything to go on, Bonikowski rendered this image entirely on his own. He believes the phone will be Facebook blue, made from metal, and will adorn a 4.2-inch screen. Bonikowski’s mock-up also contains a 5MP front facing camera coupled with an 8MP shooter on the rear. Charging the phone is done through the wireless inductive method which would include a dedicated “Facebook” docking station (seen above). As far as internals go, we have no information in that regard but when we are talking about a hypothetical rendering done by someone who doesn’t even work for Facebook or HTC it shouldn’t really matter. Either way, bonikowski’s rendering looks a heck of a lot more appealing that what HTC came up with before. Head to the source link if you want to check out more of his design.

source: YankoDesign
via: UberGizmo

Samsung’s new Eco-Friendly Galaxy Exhilarate Launches on AT&T June 10th for $50

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 09:13 AM PDT

 

Back in January AT&T announced at CES a number of new devices and this Samsung Galaxy Exhilarate was one of them. This Android device would be considered an entry level smartphone, but it does pack a bit of decent hardware inside. Along with being eco-friendly, the Exhilarate boasts a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon,, a 5MP shooter with video recording at 720p, a 1.3MP front facing camera. So this device stacks up to be a fairly decent phone for anyone looking for an Android phone in the $50 price range. June 10th you can expect the Samsung Galaxy Exhilarate to land on AT&T. So keep a close watch if this is right up your alley.

For the full press release hit the break.

 

 

AT&T to Launch its First LTE Smartphone with Environmentally Conscious Features, the Samsung Galaxy Exhilarate

Dallas, Texas, June 05, 2012
Beginning June 10 AT&T will offer a new option for customers looking for sustainable features in a smartphone – the Samsung Galaxy Exhilarate™. The Exhilarate will be available in all AT&T channels for $49.99 with a two-year agreement and is the first AT&T 4G LTE smartphone to obtain UL Platinum certification. This phone is also set to be one of the first to go through AT&T's eco-rating system, which will be unveiled later this summer.

AT&T customers have access to the nation's largest 4G network, covering more than 260 million people. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. That means AT&T customers are able to enjoy a widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G experience on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you're on a much slower 3G network.

The Exhilarate features a rear casing made from 80 percent recycled (post-consumer waste) material and is packaged with a low-load, energy-efficient charger that alerts customers when the device is fully charged. The device also boasts a 4-inch touchscreen Super AMOLED display, a dual core 1.2 GHz Scorpion processor, voice recognition and access to AT&T U-verse® Live TV****. It also features a 5-megapixel auto-focus rear-facing camera that let's you record videos in 720p HD and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera.

In addition, the Exhilarate is the first 4G LTE smartphone to receive platinum certification from UL Environment, a business unit of UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Since 2011, AT&T has joined UL Environment and other sustainability stakeholders in working towards the development of requirements to identify leading mobile phones from an environmental and human health perspective. UL Environment sets minimum requirements for "environmentally preferable" mobile devices by measuring environmentally sensitive materials, energy management, manufacturing and operations, impact to health and environment, product performance, packaging and product stewardship.

AT&T will also offer two custom case options by Incipio. These ECO ® SILICRYLIC® cases are made from a combination of biodegradable and recycled materials. Composed of two parts, an inner silicone rubber made of recycled silicone regrind material, and an outer bio resin plastic shell, ECO SILICRYLIC complements the environmentally conscious features of the smartphone it protects.

"AT&T is committed to developing and supporting products, like the Samsung Galaxy Exhilarate, that enable consumers to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing features or the ability to enjoy a world-class smartphone experience," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility. "We're working hard every day to empower consumer choice and provide consumers with more options in-store as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability."

source: AT&T

 

 

 

 

Amazon Wireless Offers New Verizon Customers The Galaxy Nexus For 1¢ Only

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 09:08 AM PDT

 

Unhappy with your existing mobile carrier and considering Verizon’s awesome mobile service, while also desiring that almost pure Android experience found in the Galaxy Nexus smartphone? Online retailer Amazon Wireless may just have the deal for you. It has just announced a very sexy deal where it is offering the awesome device for a mere 1¢. Yes you read that right… new Verizon customers will be able to grab the 4G LTE and Android 4.0.4-powered smarphone for a penny. While this deal is only for new customers, Amazon hasn’t forgotten existing customers may very well be interested in the device as well. That’s why it will be offering the Galaxy Nexus to existing customers for a not-too-shabby price of $50 as well.

The Amazon promotion link is currently not live yet, but be sure to keep checking as it will appear anytime now. Oh and you’ll want to make sure you do that too— the deal for both new and existing customers is a limited time only.

source: Amazon Wireless

Best Buy Now Taking Galaxy S III Pre-Orders for Verizon, AT&T and Sprint

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 09:07 AM PDT

Now that we know that all five of the major U.S. carriers are getting the Galaxy S III, I can only imagine a large sum of you are just dying to get your hands on one. With as much demand as there will be for the device, it would behoove you to get your pre-order in a as soon as possible to help fend off any possible delays from getting your precious new toy. For those of you who have been throwing money at your computer screen we’ve got one better for you. Best Buy today started taking pre-orders for the GSIII as offered from Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T. That’s right, you can walk into a Best Buy store right now and claim one for your very own. As it stands right now, you are going to have to go into an actual brick and mortar store to place your pre-order, no sign of online pre-orders as of yet.

So those of you that are still with us, who’s getting one and from which carrier?

Thanks Sven!

source: Best Buy

 

 

Verizon officially announces the Samsung Galaxy S III, Grandfathered customers won’t lose unlimited data

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 09:01 AM PDT

Somehow we missed the Verizon press release yesterday on the Samsung Galaxy S III. There really isn’t anything new because we already knew that pre-orders will start tomorrow, June 6th with a price of $199 for the 16GB version and $249 for the 32GB version. What we didn’t know was the release date, but Verizon didn’t offer one up in the presser. It’s likely to be June 21st since Verizon likes to release devices on Thursdays, and yes, sometimes on Fridays, which would make it the 22nd.

They do offer one thing that differentiates their version of the GSIII from the others and that’s the Color App. About a month ago Verizon and Color announced their partnership, so it’s no surprise that it will come pre-loaded on their GSIII. If you’re not familiar with Color, it will allow you to live broadcast video with audio.

The other thing to note is that Verizon’s presser uses “Pebble Blue” terminology as opposed to “Metallic Blue,” which was in T-Mobile’s presser. Rumors have circulated that Samsung may have changed the color. I haven’t received a flat out denial from Samsung reps, only that it’s supposed to be called “Pebble Blue.”

Last but not least, we reported yesterday that grandfathered customers might lose their unlimited data upon purchasing the Galaxy S III. Verizon has said that they will transition to a shared data plan and customers will lose their unlimited data upon signing a new contract using an upgrade. This will take place sometime in the Summer, but we have no idea what date. Verizon reps told me that if you pre-order, you won’t lose your grandfathered status. The question is if you don’t pre-order, will they change the plan right before the phone is released? It doesn’t appear to be so. In looking at the presser below, they say that customers are subject to a 2GB data plan at $30 per month. This is the current plan, so if they really planned on changing things before the actual release, they would need to mention it. They didn’t, so everybody can relax. Of course if you wait until July, you could have an issue, which would mean that in order to keep your grandfathered status, you would need to pay full retail.

Full press release

Verizon Wireless Announces Samsung Galaxy S® III Coming To America's Largest 4G LTE Network

The Next Generation Smartphone with the Power to Share and Intelligence to Make Everyday Life Easier

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced the 4G LTE-powered Samsung Galaxy S® III is coming to America's largest 4G LTE network.

Galaxy S III customers can use Share Shot to create their own temporary photo sharing network with a group of friends who are nearby at the same party or event. Photos can be taken by any member of the group and shared with the entire group. One touch sharing with S Beam allows friends to share pictures, videos, documents and more by simply touching two Galaxy S III devices’ backs together. Galaxy S III customers can take advantage of 4G LTE to share live video broadcasts of life's special moments with their Facebook® friends using the Color app. As an exclusive feature for Verizon Wireless, customers can live broadcast video with audio when using Color.

The Galaxy S III has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED™ display and runs Android 4.0™, Ice Cream Sandwich. Watch a video while texting friends or surfing the Web at 4G LTE speeds with Pop Up Play. Videos can be played in a small window while customers use the rest of the display to complete other tasks such as typing emails, organizing calendars and updating their social networks. Multi-tasking is seamless with the 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and 2 GB RAM paired with the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. Customers can also interact with the Galaxy S III in simple and fun ways thanks to Motion Gesture.  With Motion Gesture, customers can initiate a phone call from a text message by simply raising the phone to their head, or they can pause a video by covering the display with their hand, and even get to the top of an email message and contact list.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is currently available in 258 markets, covering two-thirds of the of the U.S. population.  Verizon Wireless 4G LTE will be in 400 markets covering 260 million people by the end of this year.

Additional features:

  • Smart Stay – So intelligent, the display only dims when the customers' eyes are closed or no longer facing the screen
  • S Voice™ – Featuring natural language recognition, you can control the apps and services used most with words instead of touch. Use S Voice to turn the volume up or down on the music player, answer or reject incoming calls, shut off or choose to snooze the alarm clock, or take a picture by saying "smile" or "cheese."
  • AllShare® Play – Share HD videos and your favorite songs by streaming multimedia content from the Galaxy S III to a compatible Samsung Smart TV® or home audio system when connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and remotely access files on up to six Samsung devices.
  • Evolved camera capabilities – Burst Shot mode instantly captures 20 continuous shots and Best Photo feature selects the best shot to display.
  • Enhanced camera – 8-megapixel rear camera with zero-lag shutter speed and a 1.9-megapixel front camera so customers can capture pictures and videos of themselves or video chat with family and friends.
  • Mobile Hotspot – Share a 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
  • microSD card slot for expandable memory.

Pricing and availability:

  • Samsung Galaxy S III will be available online for pre-order starting June 6 at 7 a.m. ET atwww.verizonwireless.com/galaxys3 and will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online in the coming weeks.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S III will be available in 16 GB and 32 GB models for $199.99 and $249.99 respectively with a new two-year customer agreement.  Customers will also have the choice of the Galaxy S III in two colors, Marble White or Pebble Blue.
  • Customers that purchase a Galaxy S III will need to subscribe to a 4G LTE mobile broadband data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

Customers can visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/galaxys3 to sign up for more information and availability details on the Samsung Galaxy S III for Verizon Wireless.  For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.  Follow @VZWnews on Twitter™ for the latest news on Verizon Wireless.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Samsung Mobile
Samsung Mobile (Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC), a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com.

Samsung, Galaxy S, AllShare, S Voice, Samsung Smart TV and Super AMOLED are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.  Other company names, product names and marks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks. 4G used in connection with the Samsung Galaxy S III refers to the fact that the device is capable of operating on Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network.

Oracle Has Its Sights Set On A New Target, Slaps Lawsuit On Lodsys

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 07:14 AM PDT

 

Oracle has its sights set on a new target now that it quickly found it was no match for Google. It has decided to go after patent troll and bully Lodsys by seeking invalidation of four of Lodsys’ patents. Here’s the quick rundown of Lodsys: the company has been harassing developers of all types for the last few years by either suing them or offering quick and demeaning small settlements. Developers generally figured it would be easier to settle, rather than go out through a costly and exhausting legal battle. However, the same developers who were bullied eventually went to Google and asked for some help regarding this. Google filed a report for reexamination back in August 2011 seeking to invalidate two specific patents: “078″ and “565″. Generally speaking, if the patents were found invalid, then Lodsys would have no patents and thus, nothing to sue for. The catch to this process is it takes an incredibly long time to go through the process and both Lodsys as well as developers almost always settle before the process is complete.

So what does this have to do with Oracle? Well there is the notion that Oracle is trying to make a few things right away since it lost to Google. You see, like Google-based developers, Oracle developers have also been sued by Lodsys in the past. Seeing that it can at least salvage something from the Google loss, Oracle has decided to sue Lodsys for you guessed it— seeking to invalidate patents. The difference between Oracle’s action against Lodsys and Google’s previous action? Well— this is a lawsuit. This means if Lodsys is found guilty, you can bet Lodsys will be liable for any and all damages including legal fees and additional costs.

Ladies and gents, let the next chapter of the lawsuit games begin.

source: Android Police
Posted by at 5:44 AM

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