Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Google’s New Ad Policy Could Signal The End For Airpush and Other Annoying Android Ads

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 07:11 PM PDT

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There’s always been a sort of love/hate relationship with Android and their exorbitant use of ads inside their apps. On a good day, they’re unobtrusive and give you the chance to experience apps you would normally wouldn’t because you’re too cheap to spend a buck on a theme (I’ve been guilty of this myself). On a bad day, they push ads to your notification bar, hound you about a free iPood you’ve magically won, and install shortcuts onto your homescreen that imitate a separate app.

If you thought Google needed to do something about this it turns out they’re on top of things. Aside from implementing a new feature in Android 4.1 Jelly Bean that allows users to “silence” app notifications (a simple long press on the notification will take care of that), Google recently updated their content policy for ads found inside apps and it looks like they’re cracking the whip on devs using sketchy ad services to pay for their apps. Check out the “Ads Context” description found in their Google Play content policy page:

Ads Context

It must be clear to the user which app each ad is associated with or implemented in. Ads must not make changes to the functioning of the user’s device outside the ad by doing things such as installing shortcuts, bookmarks or icons or changing default settings without the user’s knowledge and consent. If an ad makes such changes it must be clear to the user which app has made the change and the user must be able to reverse the change easily, by either adjusting the settings on the device, advertising preferences in the app, or uninstalling the app altogether.

Ads must not simulate or impersonate system notifications or warnings.

I would just like to point out that last line, “must not impersonate system notifications or warnings.” Sound a bit like those Airpush ads to you? Can’t be sure but developers found in violation of Google’s Play Developer Program Policies can have their app removed from the Play Store and frequent violations can result in their developer’s account being terminated.

The main problem I’ve always had with ads is that I feel like it “cheapens” the Android experience, making users feel like they have some 3rd rate mobile OS on their device. I think Google imposing stricter guidelines on ads inside Android will only help to mature the platform and make users feel more secure that they’re in control of their device, not some pushy app agency.

[Reddit]

Smart Tab 1 Is A MIPS-Based Jelly Bean Running Tablet With Low $125 Price Tag

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 06:24 PM PDT

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There’s a new low-priced Jelly Bean tablet on the block and it’s coming to you courtesy of Karbonn Mobiles (yes, mobile has an “s” at the end). It’s called the Smart Tab 1 and it’s being touted as the world’s first Jelly Bean tablet to hit India. The 7-inch device is powered by a 1.2GHz MIPS JZ4770 processor, features a 2MP camera, 3G compatibility, micro SD slot, and comes out of the box running on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The tablet’s best feature however is its low $125 price tag.

The last we heard of a MIPS-based tablet, it was back when the $100 Ainovo Novo 7 was announced with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Then, a sub-$400 tablet sounded like a steal (no matter how shoddy the quality). And even though these tabs wouldn’t be able to hold a candle to the Nexus 7, for the truly frugal Android buyer, it’s hard to not take notice when a tablet is touting Jelly Bean for around $100. What do you guys think? Deal, or no deal?

World’s Lowest-Cost Android(TM) 4.1 ‘Jelly Bean’ Tablet Shipping Now — It’s MIPS!

Karbonn Mobiles Now Shipping MIPS-Based(TM) Tablet in India

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jul 31, 2012 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) – MIPS Technologies, Inc. MIPS -2.49% , a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for home entertainment, networking, mobile and embedded applications, together with Ingenic Semiconductor, a leading China-based CPU provider for mobile multimedia applications, and Karbonn Mobiles, a leading mobile brand and provider of attractively priced multimedia phones in India, today announced availability in India of the world’s lowest-cost Android(TM) 4.1 ‘Jelly Bean’ tablet.

The Karbonn Smart Tab 1 tablet, which leverages the popular, ultra low-power MIPS-Based(TM) JZ4770 SoC from Ingenic, is available now to consumers in India. Priced at Rs. 6999 (approximately US$125), the tablet will be available via the Karbonn website, as well as numerous online portals and retail outlets in India such as Reliance Digital and Walmart.

The Karbonn Smart Tab 1 tablet was first introduced in early July with the Android 4.0 ‘Ice Cream Sandwich’ operating system. An upgrade to Android 4.1 will be available to customers who purchased this earlier version of the tablet.

According to a recent ABI Research study, the Indian media tablet market is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 71% from 2011 to 2017. “2012 is an important year for media tablets in India as an increasing number of models designed for the India market become available at different price tiers,” says mobile devices practice director Jeff Orr. “Keys to success for tablet vendors will be localized content, seamless connectivity, and providing an enhanced user experience.”

“With its unmatched combination of high performance and ultra-low power consumption, the MIPS-Based Ingenic SoC was a natural choice for our new tablet. Long battery life, leading-edge features and a wealth of local content make the Karbonn Smart Tab 1 tablet an ideal product for the Indian market. Building on our success with mobile handsets in India, Karbonn is pleased to be a leader in bringing an Android 4.1 tablet to market, and the first company in the world to offer an Android 4.1 tablet at such an affordable price point. We intend to be the leading marketer in the Indian tablet market wherein we wish to reach up to 200 thousand units per month by focusing on enterprise business solutions segmentation, education, healthcare, hospitality and next-generation business verticals,” said Pradeep Jain, managing director, Karbonn Mobiles.

“This new tablet demonstrates continued adoption of our cost-effective JZ4770 SoC in mobile devices. The JZ4770 SoC leverages the simplicity and elegance of the MIPS architecture, and features extremely low power consumption, 1.2GHz performance, and a high level of functional integration. Millions of tablets are already shipping around the globe based on our design, and we anticipate increasing success as more and more companies recognize the differentiation our solution can enable,” said Qiang Liu, chairman and CEO of Ingenic Semiconductor.

“After joining with Ingenic to announce the world’s first Android 4.0 ‘Ice Cream Sandwich’ tablet in December, we have achieved numerous additional tablet design wins. Working closely with Ingenic and its OEMs, we are seeing increasing success for the MIPS architecture in tablets, especially in emerging markets such as China, Indonesia and now India. With our deep expertise in Android development, we are able to quickly port new versions of Android to MIPS-Based devices, with speed that is second only to Google itself,” said Gideon Intrater, vice president of marketing, MIPS Technologies.

To learn more about the Karbonn Smart Tab 1 tablet, including features and availability, visitwww.karbonnmobiles.com .

For more information about the MIPS-Based JZ4770 SoC and XBurst CPU from Ingenic, visithttp://en.ingenic.cn/

[Karbon Mobiles | Engadget]

 

 

Google delays launch of Nexus Q, awards free device to those with pre-orders

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 02:27 PM PDT

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Last week it appeared Google had begun the rollout of the Nexus Q to the general public. Shortly after it appeared as though Google had sold out. Something tells me the initial response wasn’t so great, because the reality is that Google actually suspended the launch of the media playback device. Word of the delay comes from an email being sent to those with pre-orders, which cites consumer desires for the Q to do a bit more than simply act as a $300 jukebox. So that’s the bad news. The good news, for those that pre-ordered, is that Google is rewarding their patience with a free Nexus Q, just as was given to attendees at Google I/O.

It’s a standup move by Google, a company that wants to deliver on its promise of a July release without charging customers for a device that arguably isn’t worth its high price tag at this time, hence the promise of the same free “developer” device that was handed out at I/O. Google is saying these pre-orders will ship out soon, but for those that were planning on picking up the Q after seeing some feedback from the general public, the wait will continue. When Google will relaunch the new and improved Nexus Q is unknown. Here’s the full email:

We have an important update about your Nexus Q pre-order.

When we announced Nexus Q at Google I/O, we gave away devices to attendees for an early preview. The industrial design and hardware were met with great enthusiasm. We also heard initial feedback from users that they want Nexus Q to do even more than it does today. In response, we have decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better.

To thank you for your early interest, we’d like to extend the Nexus Q preview to our pre-order customers and send you a free device. If you had other items in your order, your credit card will be charged for those items only.

Your Nexus Q will be on its way soon and you will receive a notification and tracking number from Google Play when it ships.

The Nexus Q Team

Update incoming for AT&T’s HTC Inspire 4G

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 02:14 PM PDT

HTC has posted the details of an update that should be headed out to owners of AT&T’s Inspire 4G. The move to software version 3.20.502.2 brings the Inspire to HTC sense 3.0 and includes call optimizations, improved security, and background data enhancements. While HTC’s support site says the update will being rolling out to users today, they also provide a download and complete instructions for installing the latest software for the phone. A full changelog and complete instructions can be found at the link to their support page below.

[HTC via AndroidPolice]

Leaked Galaxy S Duos takes a page from the Galaxy S3′s book

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 01:45 PM PDT

This leaked image of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S Duos S7562 will make you do a double-take. Yes, it sure looks like a Galaxy S3, but it’s 4.-inch display, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, and 512MB of RAM sure say otherwise. As part of the Duos line, the main draw of the handset, which is said to be headed for a launch in India at some point later this summer, is its dual SIM nature. And Samsung’s Nature UI, which sits neatly atop Android 4.0.

Other specs include a 5MP rear camera and VGA front-facing camera as well as 4GB of internal storage. All signs point to this being yet another budget option in the Duos line, albeit with a bit more style. Exact details on pricing and release are unknown at this time.

[via Engadget]

FCC orders Verizon to stop blocking tethering apps, reaches $1.25 million settlement

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 12:57 PM PDT

The FCC has ruled that Verizon can longer tell customers how to use the data they rightfully pay for, and if that should include sharing of bandwidth via third-party tethering app, so be it. Verizon initially came under scrutiny after the company began blocking access to apps in the Android Market/Google Play Store that allow a smartphone user to share their data connection with a PC, a move that most saw as a blatant attempt to force customers to pony up an additional $20 per month for an officially supported version of the same feature.

The FCC’s reasons for ruling against Verizon have more to do with an LTE spectrum auction than with them telling Verizon how to run their business. As part of the deal that went along with this so-called C block spectrum, a highly desirable area of bandwidth, the FCC ordered that the owner of the spectrum could not limit the abilities of devices or users plugging into it. The FCC saw Verizon’s app blocking as a violation of this, and has ordered that Verizon cease limiting customer access to tethering apps. Verizon was also ordered to pay a $1.25 million settlement.

The bottom line: you can now download whatever third-party tethering apps you so choose on your LTE-enabled Verizon handset. As part of recent pricing changes, users on tiered data plans won’t have to pay an extra fee to use such services. The FCC, however, has not limited Verizon’s right to charge customers on unlimited data plans additional fees for tethering.

[via ArsTechnica]

Amazon Cloud Player updated with higher quality audio, users now limited to 250 free tracks

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 12:18 PM PDT

Amazon Cloud Player has been updated with a host of improvements that should make use of the cloud-based music service even easier for those hosting their audio libraries on Amazon’s servers. Foremost for audiophiles is an upgrade to 256Kbps audio for files matched from Amazon’s current library. Importing the library on your PC will be easier and happen automatically, either pulling songs from Amazon’s catalog or uploading your own. Previous Amazon music purchases will be automatically added, and future purchases will be added immediately. Also new is the ability to edit track metadata or to import song information for files matched to Amazon’s library.

The update will go into effect service-wide, and also includes a few changes to the number of songs you can store using the service. Amazon is now letting customers store up to 250 songs free, with an allotment of up to 250,000 available as a part of a premium subscription at $24.99/year. If you have been using Cloud Player up to this point, any music stored before July 31st 2012 will not count against the new limits.

[via Amazon | Thanks, Lincoln!]

Pre-iPhone design concepts add weight to Samsung’s defense in patent trial

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 11:50 AM PDT

Remember this image? It was presented by Apple to the courts as proof that Samsung knowingly aped the design of the iPhone. The proof is plain to see, as Samsung shifted toward touchscreen designs shortly after the launch of the first iteration of the Apple’s first smartphone. Right. Nevermind the many other form factor designs that Samsung continued to release after the iPhone. And let’s not forget about product designs that existed before the iPhone. Yep. Samsung is fighting back with their little illustrative picture, and it makes Apple’s argument a bit harder to swallow.

The designs shown above can be dated to 2006, well before Apple’s plans for a smartphone were revealed. What’s more, the seeds of Samsung’s eventual touchscreen UI can also be traced back to the same time period. For further review, Samsung submitted a more detailed view of their phone concepts before and after Apple’s offering.

The basis for an all-touchscreen mobile device existed well before the iPhone, and it’s fair to say both parties drew much of their inspiration from similar sources and movement in the tech industry, but it’s harder to argue that Samsung blatantly copied patents held by Apple when designing what would become their lineup of Android smartphones. The court battle is just getting started out in California, but the mounting evidence makes a clear conclusion hard to reach at this time.

[via OSNews | Thanks, Tad!]

Pictarine consolidates your social media photo streams so you don’t have to

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 11:37 AM PDT

Photos make up a large part of the social networking experience, but with so many pictures spread across so many different services, it’s fair to say some of the best might be missed. Pictarine aims to change that, offering a consolidated stream culled from 11 different networks and pared down to a singular experience. The new app makes it easy to view, comment on, share, and like photos posted by friends and the other you follow. It also promises to help you “rediscover” some old favorites you may have forgotten while enabling the ability to bookmark new images that meet your fancy.

The app’s concept is simple, and so is using it, but for the budding photographer or photo fan it’s definitely worth a try (it’s free through Google Play). Hopefully greater functionality and new features will be added in future updates, but Pictarine gets the basic job done without much fuss.

[via GooglePlay]

Original Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 gets Ice Cream Sandwich in the UK and Italy

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 09:50 AM PDT

The original Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is still alive and kicking, and Samsung knows it still has some regions which need the upgrade to Android 4.0. Italy and the UK are two such regions who are now getting Android 4.0 for the device. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 was the company’s first tablet to use Honeycomb 3.2, Android’s first tablet-specific operating system arc.

They’ve come out with many other tablets since then but the truth of the matter is that the Tab 10. is only a year old, and it still has some nice hardware that keep users from switching to the behemoths that have been released so far this year.

The WiFi version in then UK is getting the upgrade to be more specific, while the 3G version in Italy will be the one donning the frozen treat. Aside from the new goods that come with Android 4.0 you can also expected a slightly updated version of TouchWiz. [SamMobile, XDA via AP]

Samsung Music Hub launches in the United States with free 30-day trial

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 09:32 AM PDT

Samsung has announced the availability of their Music Hub service, a free and paid music service that gives users a library of music to both buy and stream.

The free Music Hub service simply gives you the ability to buy new tracks from Samsung for a flat, one-time fee. Those tracks are then sent straight to the cloud and made available for playback on any device you should happen to own.

It’s not unlike the music-buying experience Google Music currently offers. Where they go deeper than Google is their premium $9.99 per month service that lets you stream unlimited music from four different labels, a “scan and match” feature.

This sounds like it’ll determine which songs you’re uploading from your existing collection and put them into your account from Music Hub instead of having to upload those tracks, personalized custom radio based on artists, songs, genres, and a recommendation engine, and more.

Samsung Galaxy S3 users will be the first to get their hands on Music Hub, and they can enjoy the full extent of the service’s premium features for free for 30 days. Read on for full press details.

Samsung Mobile Launches Music Hub in U.S. on the Galaxy S III with a

Free 30-Day Trial

 

3-in-1 mobile music solution lets you upload your music collection to the cloud, stream and purchase songs from an extensive catalog, and listen to personal radio

 

 

DALLAS (July 31, 2012) -- Samsung Music Hub - the first completely integrated, all-in-one mobile music service - is now available in the U.S. on the Galaxy S® III. Music Hub simplifies and enhances the everyday experience of listening to music. The mobile music service provides a rich music experience for everyone whether users are an avid collectors wanting easy access to their own music collection, someone with ever-changing music tastes, who likes to sample a broad selection of music and genres or individuals who prefer radio.

 

A free 30-day trial of the service will be extended to new Music Hub users in the U.S. New subscribers also will be able to choose a free album that will be instantly available on their Galaxy S III and can also be uploaded to their personal music collections on the internet.

 

"We’re redefining mobile music by offering a more integrated experience on the handset and lifting the barriers to your music.  Our service encompasses all music including your own collection in the cloud, a robust streaming catalog that is seamlessly integrated with a music store, and a personal radio service that caters to all of your music moods and genres," said TJ Kang, senior vice president of the media services team for Samsung. "By providing a free album and trial, we hope Galaxy S III owners will experience for themselves a new, intuitive and easy way to discover music."

 

Based on the technology services of mSpot, a leading mobile content service provider recently acquired by Samsung, the new Music Hub service will initially be available on Samsung Galaxy S III devices sold through leading U.S. carriers. Galaxy S III users can access the application directly on select handsets and via the Samsung App Store or Google Play. More information on accessing Music Hub on select handsets can be found at: http://www.samsung.com/us/article/music-hub-all-the-music-you-want-all-in-one-place. This pairing with the Galaxy S III is ideal as the overall Music Hub experience has been optimized and specifically designed for mobile devices. Advanced streaming and downloading options let users save storage space, play music when offline, and cut down on mobile data usage. Audio settings are designed to prolong battery life and ensure smooth streaming even under spotty network coverage.

 

The Music Hub service will be offered as both a free and premium version.

 

Music Hub Store (free) allows users to:

  • Access millions of songs from the 7digital catalog - which includes music from all four major labels (Sony, EMI, Universal, and Warner), plus select independents- from which users can buy tracks and albums, as well as listen to 30-second previews of all songs
  • Store purchased music in the cloud, allowing it to automatically load on all registered Music Hub devices, while still being available on those registered devices locally for offline listening.
  • Use the Music Hub web player, in addition to the mobile app, with which users can access their music library and the Music Hub catalog/store online at www.musichub.com.

 

Music Hub Premium ($9.99 per month, with a free 30-day trial offered) offers access to all of the free version features, as well as:

  • A Scan & Match Cloud Locker: Upload music to the cloud to play it on any device registered with a Music Hub account. Music Hub also utilizes scan-and-match technology to decrease upload time and ensure high-quality playback. Any unmatched songs are directly uploaded from user’s library to the cloud offering 100 GB of storage for all unmatched songs, so users can access rare or personal recordings across their devices. Music Hub also automatically updates playlists or music purchases music updated across all registered devices.
  • A catalog of millions of songs for purchase AND streaming: Enjoy full access to 7digital’s entire Music Hub catalog, including music from all four major labels, to stream or purchase, with unlimited plays and no advertisements. Search for new music, create playlists, share songs with friends, and view lyrics and album information.
  • Personalized and Custom Radio: Create personal stations based on favorite songs and artists, or browse genre stations recommended and custom-created by the Music Hub team. Users also can tag songs they like to find and play back later.
  • Customized Recommendations: Discover great new songs, artists, albums and radio stations all the time - and the more users listen, the better Music Hub’s recommendations will get.

 

Samsung, Music Hub, Galaxy and Galaxy S are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

 

About Samsung Telecommunications America

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

About mSpot

mSpot is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., which was formed in 2004 and acquired by Samsung in 2012. A provider of innovative music and video delivery service for mobile devices, the company has been offering white-labeled cloud entertainment services for mobile carriers such as AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. It also has its own brand services available in the Android Marketplace or App Store. For more information, go to www.mspotcorporate.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2011 consolidated sales of US$143.1 billion. Employing approximately 206,000 people in 197 offices across 72 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LED. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world’s most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About 7digital Limited

7digital is a leading digital content technology company based in London. Through 7digital’s download store (http://www.7digital.com) and mobile applications, consumers can access over 19 million legal high quality music tracks, as well as audiobooks and videos, at competitive prices across Europe, North America and beyond. Combining 7digital’s secure and robust technology platform with the broadest agreements in the digital media industry, the company provides comprehensive digital download and streaming services to a wide range of partners and brands around the world.  7digital’s enterprise level Application Programming Interface (API) is used by 300 partners globally, including Samsung’s Music Hub.

 

Pantech Marauder brings an entry-level, user-friendly Android smartphone to Verizon for $50

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 08:11 AM PDT

Verizon Wireless today announced the Pantech Marauder, a new entry-level smartphone that features Android. Not only is this smartphone entry level in its price, it’s entry-level in its implementation.

Pantech has offered up two modes of use: starter mode and standard mode. The former gives users a simplified user interface that shows four home screens with preset widgets, a quick dialer icon for placing calls from the home screen, and a simplified lock screen. Standard mode will give users more flexibility once they’re ready to do a bit more with their phones.

Those users will get up to 7 customizable homescreens and an Android experience that’s closer to stock with a customizable lock-screen.

Its specs are quite decent, too, as it features a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth 3.0, a physical slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 4G LTE, and more. Expect this one to land August 2nd for $50. Read on for full press details.

BASKING RIDGE, NJ and HAUPPAUGE, NY -- Verizon Wireless and Pantech today announced the 4G LTE-powered Pantech Marauder™ is coming exclusively to America’s largest 4G LTE network starting Aug. 2.  The Pantech Marauder provides first-time smartphone customers with a dual-interface option, allowing customers to fit the device to their lifestyles or specific needs.

Brought to market by Personal Communications Devices, LLC (PCD), the Pantech Marauder offers customers the option to choose between Starter Mode and Standard Mode.  Starter Mode is a simplified and more intuitive experience that is perfect for those who are new to the smartphone world.  This option eases first-time customers into the smartphone experience with the help of four easy-to-learn home screens featuring preset widgets and an uncluttered, easy-to-use lock screen.  Starter Mode also features a quick dialer icon that allows customers to make phone calls directly from the home screen.  Standard Mode is a general smartphone setting for those who are familiar with the Android™experience.  It offers up to seven fully customizable home screens and a customizable lock screen with quick access to frequently used applications.  All settings are maintained when switching between modes so customers do not have to worry about losing information.

The Pantech Marauder features a virtual keyboard as well as a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, making it the perfect choice for messaging aficionados and for those who want an excellent messaging experience.  With the 5-megapixel camera, customers can take pictures, capture high-definition video, and easily share them as well as video chat with family and friends, using the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.

Additional features

  • Notification Curtain that displays quick on/off settings, phone settings, connectivity and sync, social media and email
  • On device help section provides guided tours for first-time smartphone customers to help learn the tips and tricks of their new device
  • 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB RAM
  • Support for Google™ Mobile Services, including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google+, Google Search™and Google Maps™, as well as access to the Google Play Store
  • Share media with friends and colleagues wirelessly to DLNA®-enabled devices
  • Bluetooth® Version 3.0 Support Profiles: headset, hands-free, object push, advanced audio distribution (stereo), audio/video remote control, file transfer and phone book access
  • Daily Life Assistants such as clock, calendar and weather
  • Easy access email that is compatible with Microsoft® Exchange, Yahoo!® Mail, Windows Live®, AOL®, Gmail
  • microSD™ card slot with support for up to 32 GB
  • Mobile Hotspot capable to share 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices

The Pantech Marauder will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com starting Aug. 2 for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.  Customers receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.  New customers that purchase a Pantech Marauder smartphone will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Share Everything plan.  Customers can purchase unlimited talk and text messaging with 1 GB of data for $90 monthly access.  Customers can visitwww.verizonwireless.com/shareeverything for additional information on data plans.

For more 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.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 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 Pantech
Pantech Co., Ltd., is one of Korea’s top three mobile handset makers. Pantech has received wide-ranging industry recognition for its innovative handset designs, and has also introduced a significant number of breakthrough technologies in the mobile phone industry. Established in 1991, Pantech collectively has approximately 3,000 employees and 4 regional sales offices worldwide. For more information on Pantech, please visit www.pantechusa.com.

Sprint HTC EVO 3D owners now receiving Ice Cream Sandwich

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 06:56 AM PDT

Reports are flowing in that Sprint’s HTC EVO 3D owners are beginning to see notifications to download the upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich over-the-air. We’ve long known of Sprint’s plans to bring Ice Cream Sandwich to the device.

It notably excludes Sense 4.0, though we didn’t expect anything to the contrary considering all the leaks have been running 3.6 and considering this device doesn’t house an S4 processor.

In any case, you’ll at least be getting the most modern features of Android (Jelly Bean introduced some new things, of course) that you can hope for right now, as well as a few small things to look forward to in Sense 3.6. Hit up the settings menu of your phone to pull it down. [AndroidForums.com, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Real-time New York City subway service updates now available in Google Maps

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 06:46 AM PDT

Google has updated Google Maps to include real-time service updates for New York City subway users. When clicking on one of 468 subway stations Google Maps will show any alert that may be causing a delay or stoppage in service.

Google will also alter directions based on service interruptions to ensure you’re not being thrown from the pan into the fire should you happen to encounter more than one service interruption on your route.

It is a pretty big feat for Google, but they finally got it done for the busiest city in the nation and one of the biggest in the world. Grab Google Maps from the Google Play Store. [via Google]

Samsung Epic 4G Touch receiving Ice Cream Sandwich IMM76I.FF18?

Posted: 31 Jul 2012 06:08 AM PDT

We’ve known about build IMM76I.FF18 for the Samsung Epic 4G Touch for quite some time. It’s been leaked earlier this month and was confirmed to be running Android 4.0.4 back then.

Now, we have at least one report that a user has received the very same build over-the-air. The problem is that we’ve only seen and received one such report so far.

We’ve been scouring our usual places to see if we can find anything regarding the upgrade, but alas no one else seems to have reported this. Could this person have accidentally been identified as a tester? Is this a glitch in Sprint’s system?

Go ahead and check for the OTA on your phone to see if you can pull anything down. We’ve reached out to our tipster for more information so be sure to check back for any updates. [Thanks Diesel!]
Posted by at 7:53 AM

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