Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Nexus Q Easter Egg Transforms The Device Into A Magic 8 Ball – Still Doesn’t Know Chuck Norris’ Power Level [Video]

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 06:26 PM PDT

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I actually discovered this over the weekend while showing off the Nexus Q at my buddy’s house (other than it’s good looks, really, there wasn’t much to show off), but since it has been making the rounds across the Android blogs, I figured I’d post it here for those that haven’t seen it — especially since you’re more than likely to pass up a purchase on the Nexus Q.

Like the fun loving boys at Google so often do, they’ve included an “Easter egg” inside the Nexus Q that when activated (tap the black ball 8 times), transforms the device into a glowing Magic 8 Ball of sorts, answering your most sought after questions. Okay, well maybe it doesn’t answer much of anything. The Q mostly just gives you attitude, saying everything from “No” to, “I’m tired,” rarely ever giving you a straight answer. Pointless? Maybe. Fun? You’re damn right. Check out our video below for the Easter egg in action.

Madfinger Sale Discounts Shadowgun, Samurai II: Vengeance to 99 Cents (Dead Trigger Coming Soon)

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 04:53 PM PDT

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Madfinger Games has discounted all their titles in the Google Play Store to the very affordable price of a single US dollar. That’s right, for only a buck, you can finally try out a few of the best action games currently available on Android. Madfinger announced the newly discounted Shadowgun and Samurai 2: Vengeance, while hinted that although Dead Trigger’s release is currently being held up due to testing, when it does launch (it’s looking like sometime tomorrow), it too should be available for only 99 cents. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Although I have already purchased the non-Tegra (THD) versions of these games in the past (never owned an Nvidia Tegra device), I will be using this opportunity to pick up the Tegra optimized versions of Shadowgun THD and Samurai 2 THD for my newly acquired Tegra 3 powered Nexus 7. If you plan on picking one up yourself, I’d recommend you do the same (great way to show off the power of the tablet). Have fun!

[Madfinger Games on Google Play]

Amazon buys mapping firm for $2.8 million

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 03:33 PM PDT

If you aren’t buying up map companies these days, you aren’t cool. Amazon is the latest to snap up a map company of their own. The Wall Street Journal reports that Amazon has bought UpNext, a firm who provides mobile mapping, navigation, directions, and more for $2.8 million.

UpNext apparently has their leg up on 3D mapping technology, as well, so Amazon would be right up there with the big boys. Buy what’s the reason? Why, the Kindle, of course. Amazon sent a clear message with the Kindle Fire that, while they may be using Android for their software, they would be making it their own.

If the user interface for the 7 inch tablet wasn’t enough, then completely bypassing Google’s apps ecosystem was. And now they want to do even more to offer what they believe is the optimal tablet experience. We’ll see what comes of this, but for now we only know that they bought the company. [via WSJ]

MotoActv update brings better notifications, less force closes, more

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 02:59 PM PDT

The MotoActv smart watch by Motorola has gotten itself a nice new update. The sport-centric watch will bring fixes for force close issues, will introduce more useful notifications, improved “pause” functionality during workouts, a fix for battery drain while WiFi is on, and a lot more.

Some users are starting to see firmware 1.7.10. If you want to check and see if your watch is ready to pull the update down be sure to hook it up to your PC and give it a whirl. Read below for the full changelog. [via Droid-Life]

Nokia warns Google, ASUS that the Nexus 7 tablet infringes on wireless patents

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 02:06 PM PDT

It seems no one can catch a break these days. A spokesperson for Nokia has called Google and ASUS out on a possible patent infringement existing in the Nexus 7 tablet that was unveiled last week at Google I/O.

Part of the infringement allegedly covers the standard IEEE WiFi 802.11. Nokia reportedly has more than 40 licensees who pay for the privilege to use the technology.

Fortunately for Google and ASUS, Nokia will be a bit more lax in pursuing a licensing deal than other OEMs have been lately.

Instead of pushing for bans on sales, Nokia will do the civil thing (yes, civility still exists) and give Google the opportunity to come forth and work up a licensing deal.

We imagine things’ll get a bit more heated if Google and ASUS refuse to do so, but it beats launching a missile toward the enemy before they even have the chance to wake up and brush their teeth in the morning. Let’s hope Google, ASUS, and Nokia work something out. [via The Inquirer]

Sony Xperia SL a follow-up to the Xperia S?

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 01:51 PM PDT

For those who thought the original Sony Xperia S was just a bit underwhelming for their needs, Sony may soon be ready to introduce a follow-up.

One “Sony Xperia SL” has been spotted in the Indonesian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology databases.

There’s reason to believe this isn’t just some typo as the model number is also different from the original, and it’s quite similar to the Xperia S — LT26i for the S and the LT26ii for the SL.

So what does that L stand for? “Large,” perhaps? Could it come with a better dual-core processor and a screen size of 4.3 inches or larger?

Could we see the device we’d hoped to see from Sony the first go around or is this a minor refresh that won’t turn many heads? Will we see this device at all?

We may never know, but just know that it’s out there and that we’ll be trying to dig for more information. [via Xperia Blog]

Samsung, Android top dogs in latest comScore numbers

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 12:54 PM PDT

The folks at comScore have released their latest smartphone market share numbers for the three month period ending May 2012. The two charts we care about — smartphone OSs and phone vendors — show that Android and Samsung beat out the rest. Google’s Android owned 50.9% of the share.

That was enough to dominate the likes of Apple at 31.9%, RIM at 11.4%, and Microsoft and Symbian combining for just 5.1%. It’s likely we’ll see Google creating even more separation from RIM as a number of compelling Android-based phones are due this year, and shipment of Blackberry 10 devices has been delayed until 2013.

Considering Apple’s latest iPhone this Fall will be a substantial upgrade over the 4S and that many iPhone 4 owners will be due for an upgrade, they just may slow Google down a bit (even if only temporarily).

Oh, and Samsung has remained the number on mobile phone vendor (which includes both feature phones and smartphones) with LG, Apple, Motorola, and HTC trailing in that order. Take a look at the charts to get the full numbers if you’re interested.

AT&T Galaxy S III in stores July 6th

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 11:31 AM PDT

While those who have pre-ordered AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S3 have already gotten their hands on the device, AT&T has not yet been able to make the device available to those keen on walking right into a store and taking it off of  a shelf.

Fortunately it looks like that crowd will finally get that opportunity come July 6th as AT&T’s promised that the device will be in stores that date.

Many carriers were expected to have their device out by June 21st, but a series of delays hampered their plans. Rumors suggested Samsung was to blame as shipments were later than expected, and more rumors came up that those delays were due to a shortage of Qualcomm S4 chipsets.

Those are just rumors, though, and the device will be out this Friday so there’s no need to dwell on them any longer. Let’s hope other carriers follow suit soon enough. [via AT&T]

HTC One V available from assortment of regional carriers in the United States

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 11:05 AM PDT

The HTC One V may not be the most attractive device in HTC’s “One” line-up with its S3 dual-core processor, but it does quite alright for itself.

HTC have announced that the One V will be headed to an assortment of regional carriers in the Associated Carrier Group, US Cellular, and Virgin Mobile.

The Android 4.0 device features a 3.7 inch display, a 5 megapixel HD camera, and a 1,500 mAh display. Read on for full press details.

Premium mobile experience of HTC One series comes to Associated Carrier Group (ACG), U.S. Cellular and Virgin Mobile USA

BELLEVUE, Wash., July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced that the HTC One™ V, part of its critically acclaimed HTC One series of smartphones, is now available in the United States from the Associated Carrier Group (ACG), U.S. Cellular and Virgin Mobile USA.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120620/SF27968LOGO)

The HTC One series represents HTC’s most premium mobile experience with an amazing camera and authentic sound. The HTC One V integrates Android™ 4.0 (ICS) with HTC Sense® 4, HTC’s branded user experience featuring broad enhancements to audio quality and simplifying how people listen to music on their phone. HTC ImageSense™, part of HTC Sense 4, includes a new suite of camera and imaging features that brings the amazing camera experience to life.  Along with top-end design, the HTC One V offers a premium mobile experience with broad appeal making this a highly compelling device for an array of U.S. carriers to showcase on their shelves this summer.

“The HTC One Series has been positively received by consumers and received critical acclaim from professional reviewers since being introduced this year,” said Martin Fichter, vice president, product management. “We are thrilled to offer the high end features and premium experience of the HTC One V to a broader audience in the United States.”

Amazing Camera

The HTC One V, featuring HTC ImageSense, offers an amazing camera that delivers fast image capture and better image quality under adverse conditions. An easy-to-use display with side-by-side photo and video capture buttons means the HTC One V can serve as both camera and video recorder, and with quick activation directly from the home screen, superfast autofocus and continuous shooting, to take as many as 99 photos simply by holding the shutter button.   HTC Sense 4 also integrates Dropbox™, with up to 25 gigabytes of free space for two years, enough storage for more than 10,000 high-quality photos.*

The 5-megapixel camera features a f/2.0 lens with back illuminated sensor meaning more light is allowed into the sensor to capture quality photos in adverse conditions, such as low light, no light or bright backlighting. With HTC Video Pic™, the smartphone is able to capture still photos while simultaneously recording HD video. The HTC One V can even capture still images during video playback. HTC One V also gives an easy way to share photos and videos with family and friends through Media Link HD** which wirelessly sends content from the smartphone to any TV with an HDMI input.

Authentic Sound

HTC One V provides authentic sound with Beats Audio™, allowing listeners to experience music as the artist intended.  Whether listening to music, watching a movie, or playing a game you can now experience a rich and premium sound experience on the HTC One V.  HTC Sync Manager software makes it easy to transfer songs, artists and playlists from a music library on a computer to the smartphone.  The new HTC Car Stereo Clip** also allows customers to easily bring their mobile music to their car’s sound system by simply plugging it into their car’s 3.5mm audio jack.

Premium Design

Utilizing the classic, award-winning design of the HTC Legend™, the HTC One V offers a sleek unibody design and offers entry-level users a high-quality, high-performance model that they’ll want to show their friends. The timeless, simple aluminum unibody architecture and slightly curved chin allow the HTC One V to fit smoothly in the palm of your hand. The HTC One V features a 3.7-inch super LCD screen, speedy Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S3 1 GHz processor and is supported by a 1,500 mAh battery.

Availability

More information on the HTC One V and HTC’s portfolio of products can be found at http://www.htc.com/us/.  For specific information on the availability of HTC One V in the U.S., please visit our carrier partners at:

ACG (Associated Carriers Group) presently has twenty-seven Member Carriers based in various markets throughout the United States. More information is available at www.associatedcarriergroup.com.

U.S. Cellular, the Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network.  To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com.

Virgin Mobile USA, one of Sprint’s prepaid brands, offers millions of customers control, flexibility and connectivity through Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk no-contract plans with unlimited data and messaging on a wide array of devices including Android-powered smartphones on the Nationwide Sprint Network. Experience Virgin Mobile on the Web at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and purchase Virgin Mobile USA products at www.virginmobileusa.com.

The HTC One V is also available in Canada through Bell, Canada’s largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs including Bell Mobility wireless, and also through TELUS, a leading national telecommunications company in Canada.

About HTC

Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC’s portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by HTC Sense®, a multilayered graphical user interface that vastly improves user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit www.htc.com.

* Customers sign up using your device. Dropbox is provided by a third party.

** HTC Media Link HD and HTC Car Stereo Clip are sold separately.

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1gBQ3)

Google and Samsung to work together in attempt to reach cross-licensing deal with Apple

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 09:12 AM PDT

Apple’s latest round of favorable decisions in a series of lawsuits stemming from allegations of patent infringement hit close to home in more ways than one. Not only did a court decide to ban sales of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the US, but a verdict also put a preliminary injunction on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, a handset that was co-developed with Google and is viewed as the flagship device of the company’s most recent Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean updates.

At its essence, a ruling against the Galaxy Nexus is an indictment of the Android operating system itself, and Apple will surely want to leverage this in future legal battles. Now Google is looking to take a more active role in settling the dispute, joining forces with Samsung to hopefully reach a cross-licesncing deal with Apple. The deal would look to provide monetary compensation to all parties involved for the use of various elements of intellectual property across Google’s Android, Samsung’s hardware, and Apple’s iOS devices. Obviously, a cross-licenscing deal would be more beneficial to Google and Samsung than simply paying Apple a fee to make sure sales of the devices like the Galaxy Nexus are not halted.

Speaking to The Korea Times, a source within Samsung said, “It’s too early to comment on our game plan (with Google) in the legal battle; but we will do our best to get more royalties from Apple, which has benefited from our technology. The fight is becoming more dramatic and the possibility of a truce in the form of a cross-licensing deal, seems to be becoming likely."

And such a deal could not come soon enough. The endless patent trolling occurring in the mobile sector seems to have taken center stage over what used to be innovation and healthy competition. We’re not out of the woods yet, but if the time to reach a deal is now, let’s hope those squabbling over slide-to-unlock patents and tablet aesthetics can shake hands and put this chapter behind us.

[via 9to5Mac]

HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE unboxing [VIDEO]

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 08:40 AM PDT

Verizon announced the release date for the HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE today, and now we have one of the very first looks at the device just days ahead of that July 5th due date.

It houses a 1.2GHz dual-core S4 processor by Qualcomm, 1GB of RAM, a 4 inch qHD display, an 8 megapixel 1080p HD camera with flash, a front-facing camera, 8GB of internal storage (~1GB for apps and ~5GB for media, but comes with a microSD card slot), a 1,700 mAh battery, NFC, and much more.

For software, there’s the usual Android 4.0 with HTC Sense 4.0 combination and Verizon’s crop of custom apps. Be sure to stay on the lookout for our official reviews in the coming days, but be sure to check out our quick look at the device in the YouTube video above.

If you have any specific questions you want answered in the review be sure to leave them here and I’ll do my best to get them all.

Samsung Display born of Samsung’s mobile display and S-LCD units

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 07:30 AM PDT

Samsung has consolidated their display manufacturing business by combining the entity once known as Samsung Mobile Display with the company’s S-LCD unit to create the singular entity Samsung Display. The merger makes Samsung Display the largest manufacturer of display glass with 39,000 employees and seven factories now set to focus on LCD and OLED production. Samsung hopes to leverage its experience and resources to continue to grow their display business and continue to improve on screen technologies as well as methods of production to meet ever-growing demand. The new arm of Samsung is dedicated to creating “displays beyond imagination.” Hit up the press release for a few choice quotes and more info.

Samsung Display Newly Established as World’s Largest Display Manufacturer

SEOUL, South Korea–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Samsung Display Co., Ltd., a global leader in display panel technologies and products, announced today that it has begun conducting business as a newly merged corporation with Samsung Mobile Display and S-LCD corporations.

“Our combined strengths will guide Samsung’s display business through the next decade and longer, in turning the many synergistic benefits of the company into far-reaching, tangible results.”
Samsung Display is the world’s largest display manufacturer, now with 39,000 employees and seven production facilities worldwide. Oh-hyun Kwon, vice chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics, was elected CEO of Samsung Display at the general meeting of stockholders and board of directors.

Kwon said, “Samsung Display is destined to attain virtually unlimited growth, through continuous efforts to combine our proven know-how in the display field with an overwhelming creative spirit.” He added, “Our combined strengths will guide Samsung’s display business through the next decade and longer, in turning the many synergistic benefits of the company into far-reaching, tangible results.”

Samsung Display also decided upon its corporate slogan: ‘displays beyond imagination’ and declared it would move forward with a bold goal of striving to continually lead the future.

Through its merger with Samsung Mobile Display and S-LCD corporations, Samsung Display plans to expand the company’s management efficiencies, while optimizing the synergistic effects of its LCD (liquid crystal display) and OLED (organic light-emitting diode) business initiatives. The company also intends to strengthen its global competitive edge by combining OLED production technology with precision large panel operations and seasoned supply chain management.

About Samsung Display Co., Ltd.

Samsung Display Co., Ltd. is a global leader in display panel technology and products. Employing approximately 39,000 people at seven production facilities and nine sales offices worldwide, Samsung Display specializes in high-quality displays for consumer, mobile, IT and industrial usage, including those featuring OLED (organic light emitting diode) and LCD technologies. As a total solution provider, Samsung Display strives to advance the future with next-generation technologies featuring ultra-thin, energy-efficient, flexible, foldable and transparent displays. For more information, please visit www.samsungdisplay.com.

HTC Incredible S now receiving Ice Cream Sandwich update

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 06:46 AM PDT

HTC is making good on their Android upgrade timeline with the release of Android 4.0.4 for their Incredible S. The Ice Cream Sandwich update is available  over the air for the international GSM version of the phone, ticking yet another device off of HTC’s list of 17 expected to receive Android 4.0 this year. The new software should come much to the chagrin of Droid Incredible 2 owners on Verizon, who will likely have an extended wait before receiving the combination of ICS and Sense 3.6.

The update weighs in at around 250MB. Those hoping to receive it can perform the standard system updates check under the Settings menu in an attempt to pull the software upgrade for installation.

[via TheUnwired]

Official: HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE launching July 5th at Verizon for $149

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 06:37 AM PDT

Verizon has finally come clean with an official launch date for HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE two months after unveiling the phone at CTIA in May. The phone will be available July 5th and is priced at $149.99 on a new two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate. As the name implies, the handset will be privy to Verizon’s high-speed LTE network and features a dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 4-inch qHD display, and Android 4.0 with HTC Sense 4. While not officially a member of HTC’s One family, the Droid Incredible 4G LTE gets many of the same capabilities, including ImageSense and Beats Audio integration. Read on for Verizon’s full press release below. (Bonus: check out our first look from CTIA as a refresher)

DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE By HTC Available Beginning July 5 Exclusively On The Verizon Wireless Network

BASKING RIDGE, NJ -- Announced earlier this year at the International CTIA WIRELESS® 2012 show, the DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC, will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com starting July 5. Customers who rely heavily on their mobile devices will find everything they need in the DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC. Running the latest version HTC Sense® 4, HTC’s branded user experience, integrated with Google’s™ mobile operating system, Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, customers can take advantage of an enhanced mobile experience and enjoy the latest Android features, as well as the power of 4G LTE speeds.

Every aspiring shutterbug will have something to smile about when they experience the amazing 8-megapixel camera with quick activation from the home screen so customers never miss that perfect shot. Additionally, HTC Video Pic allows customers to simultaneously shoot HD quality video and take pictures at the same time. Uploading photos or videos onto social networking sites or sharing through e-mail takes only seconds with 4G LTE speeds.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is available in 304 markets across the United States. In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of 4G LTE coverage areas, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, where available, allowing customers to stay connected from coast to coast.

Lifestyle features:

  • Authentic Sound: Customers will benefit from Beats Audio™, an enhanced auto tuning technology that allows users to hear music the way the artist intended. Beats Audio is incorporated across the entire experience for richer, more authentic sound and whether watching a video or playing a game, customers are sure to be impressed with the sound quality.
  • Read Later: Active readers who are constantly on-the-go can use the Read Later feature to save online content, such as news articles and website pages, to view later, even when they are offline.
  • Android Beam™: Sharing YouTube videos, Google Maps locations and more with others is faster and easier than ever with Android Beam. Android Beam is as simple as tapping two compatible phones together for users to instantly share information.

Additional features:

4-inch super LCD qHD display

  • 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus, LED flash, BSI, f/2.2 and 28 mm lens
  • Front-facing camera for video chatting with friends and family
  • 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor
  • Mobile Hotspot-capable to share a 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices
  • Support for up to 32 GB microSD™ memory card

Price and availability:

The DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC will be available beginning July 5 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for 149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services at a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

Samsung to introduce low-cost portrait QWERTY Ice Cream Sandwich handset (GT-B5330)

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 05:53 AM PDT

A new portrait QWERTY handset from Samsung has emerged, and it appears as if it could be one of the mobile maker’s first affordably priced Android 4.0 smartphones. The Samsung GT-B5530 breathes some life into the BlackBerry-esque form factor that has waned from popularity recently, and according info revealed through the Chinese certification process will feature 3G support and a QVGA (320×240) display. GL Benchmark data identifies Android 4.0.4 as the phone’s OS and shows a processor clocked at 850MHz.

Samsung’s plans for the GT-B5530 are not known at this time, but based on the known specs the phone is a far cry from Samsung’s most recent Ice Cream Sandwich release, the Samsung Galaxy S3. While the portrait QWERTY form factor has long been associated with business power users, this low-powered phone might find itself targeted towards tweenie texters. Other specifics are not known at this time.

[via SammyHub]
Posted by at 7:54 AM

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