Saturday, July 21, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Samsung GT-N7100 Gets Benchmarked – Possible Galaxy Note 2

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 06:22 PM PDT

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I’ve been holding onto my blind hope that Samsung could be announcing the Galaxy Note 2 at their unveiling event on August 15th, and while I admit, it’s completely baseless, this new leak isn’t helping matters.

A mysterious device going by the codename GT-N7100 popped up on GLBenchmark and is turning some heads. Mainly because, as the name suggests, it appears to be a variation of the Note (the original was N7000) as in — sequel, folks. Specs for the device are everything you’d expect from a Note successor including a 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos processor complete with Mali400 GPU. 720p HD display was also listed although, at a strange 1280×720 resolution instead of the original’s 1280×800.

Anyone been holding off on upgrading to recent handsets for the Note 2?

[GLBenchmark | PhoneArena]

Gameloft Executive Answers Android Gamers’ Pressing Questions – Here’s What I Think [Opinion]

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 05:38 PM PDT

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Over the years, Android users have formed a sort of love/hate relationship when it comes to mobile games publisher Gameloft. At first, frustrations arose from the lack of Gameloft titles made available in the Android Market (Gameloft distributed the majority of their games from their own web-based app store). This was a huge hassle seeing how purchased games couldn’t be reinstalled on new devices, for instance, when upgrading or switching to a different phone.

More recently, they’ve come under fire from users over a lack of supported Android devices from their apps in the Google Play Store. Gameloft has also jumped head first into the “freemium/free-to-play” based gaming model which struck a sour note with many gamers. The problem is, more often than not, a freemium title often requires in-app purchases in order to progress (think of it as having access your own free arcade cabinet, but you still have to put quarters in it to play).

Gameloft VP of Americas Baudouin Corman tackled a few of these hard-hitting questions in a Q&A session. Glad to see he’s at least dealing with his customer’s complaints head on, rather than avoiding them. Here are just a few of the questions Android users have been asking Gameloft, as posted on the company’s blog:

Why doesn’t Gameloft support more Android devices?
For customers, I imagine it’s frustrating if one of our games isn’t available for your device. There are a lot of devices out there with different screen sizes, different firmware, and different specifications. We want our games to work on as many of them as possible, but we also want each player to have an optimal playing experience. We optimize our games for each device and with hundreds of devices on the market and more coming out each day, we sometimes have to choose our battles. But we’re constantly revising our publishing list. Did you notice we recently added the Transformer Prime?

Why has Gameloft moved to a 100% freemium strategy?
We haven’t! When we first started making free-to-play games, I think there was fear among our biggest fans that we were abandoning the core gamer audience. Some people assumed that we would stop making AAA core games all together. We’re very excited to bring games like The Amazing Spiderman and The Dark Knight Rises to market. I think we’ve found a healthy balance. Games like N.O.V.A 3 and Ice Age Village appeal to different audiences, but both audiences deserve the best quality.

Why don’t Gameloft games come to Android at the same time as iOS?
This is something we try to do. It’s a goal in 2012 to have simultaneous launches across iOS and Android. No one is more disappointed than we are when that doesn’t happen. For example, Asphalt 7 was supposed to release on Android at the same time as iOS. Last minute unexpected technical issues have caused a delay. We refuse to release games before they’ve completely gone through proper QA, and I think consumers would rather wait a bit longer than play a game that isn’t fully polished.

Looks like Android fragmentation is something game publishers — as well as Android users — just aren’t used to yet. Different devices feature different chipsets, screen sizes, resolutions and the like. Can’t say I’ve ever complained when an app or game hasn’t been compatible with my device because I understand the situation: developing for Android is tricky business.

When it comes to Gameloft’s freemium model (a trend in gaming I’ve grown to loathe), I think if gamers want less freemium and more paid-premium titles, the best way to make your voices heard is by speaking with your wallet. I’ve often seen grumbles from readers here on the site whenever a new game is released with console quality visuals, but features a higher $7 price tag. The bigger the game, the more man-power went into developing it. Engineers. Sound guys. Those dudes in leotards covered with ping pongs. Ugh, I really hate where I’m about to take this but… Back in my day, I paid $74 at Target for The Legend of Zelda on Super Nintendo. Yeah, that game was only 8MB. $7 will barely get you a #3 combo off the value menu at Mickey Dee’s. You want publishers to start taking the Android platform seriously? Be willing to spend a little more for quality titles.

While I tend to stay away from freemium games, I do believe there is a right way of going about them that many developers haven’t been executing. Yes, pull in more gamers by offering your title free of charge. Keep them playing with compelling and addictive gameplay. But, offer in-game items that can be purchased for a nominal fee that either make the game easier to play (potions, better weapons, level ups), and/or enhance gameplay and unlock bonus content. In-app purchases should never be required to complete a game. That creates nothing but nerd rage which 9 out of 10 doctors agree, is the worst kind.

What do you guys think about Gameloft’s answers to these questions. Do you feel like Android gamers should cut them some slack? How about freemium titles, or iOS users getting games before we do?

[Gameloft]

Legacy Play Store Application Brings Back Previously Paid Apps List [Download]

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 04:05 PM PDT

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Gotta love that Paul O’Brien. He’s always providing clever workarounds to problems on our Android devices. You may remember a few Play Store versions back, it was once possible to view a handy list of “Paid Apps” we purchased at some point in our Android walk. It was useful when switching devices because, chances were, you’re going to want to redownload those apps you forked out good money for. Somewhere along the the way, we lost our paid apps list. Instead, Google lumped them together with every – single – app – we’ve – ever – installed. On any device… ever. Not very convenient.

Well, MoDaCo has provided a “Legacy Play Store” app from yesteryear that runs right along side your regular Play Store. That means, you wont have to worry about the Play Store being force updated and removing your precious paid apps list ever again. Very handy.

Installing the Legacy Play Store on pre-Jelly Bean devices is as easy as sideloading any application. Download, click and begin installation. The elite few of us who are running Jelly Bean on our phones or tablets may need to have root, as the application will have to be pushed to the system/app folder. This not might not be necessary in all instances, but just in case you can’t get it to install “normally.”

Once installed, go into the Legacy Play Store’s settings and turn off notifications so you’re not getting hit with double notifications all across the sky. Enjoy.

[MoDaCo]

Google officially announces Jelly Bean rollout for Nexus S on T-Mobile, Rogers, Vodafone, and more

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 03:11 PM PDT

Last night we learned that some Nexus S owners had begun to receive the update to Android 4.1, and after receiving several more reports from users today (notably those on T-Mobile in the USA), Google has posted details of the update. Google says the update should be headed to handsets on T-Mobile, Rogers, O2, Vodafone, and H3G “in most countries,” so if you have a Nexus S tied to any of those networks you should expect a system update notification to hit your handset any time now. For more details head over to Google’s Nexus page over at G+. The link’s below.

[via Google+ | Thanks to all who sent this in!]

New software appears on Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy S3, brings dumbed-down search along with new kernel

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 01:24 PM PDT

A few folks exchanging their recently purchased Samsung Galaxy S3 at Verizon in exchange for a new model have found a new software version installed on the device. Tagged as version VRLG1, the updated software brings about a revised kernel. What users will notice most, however, is the implementation of internet-only search, or what has been commonly referred to as the “dumbed-down” search that Samsung and Google have been forced to turn to after a recent ban of certain Galaxy products in the United States.

Apple’s iOS patent for querying device-based results such as contacts has forced Samsung to remove the functionality from devices such as the Galaxy Nexus and other carrier-branded Galaxy S3 models. Right now, it appears the new VRLG1 software that strips this functionality is only showing up on new GS3 handsets direct from Verizon, but an OTA update to all handsets may be in the works. There is no indication of when that will occur at this time.

[via DroidLife]

Google+ for Android receives minor update

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 01:04 PM PDT

An updated version of the Google+ Android app has been pushed to the Google Play Store today, though its changelog appears to have carried over from a previous version. A quick look at the app provides no noticeable changes, so we are assuming this is a minor update meant mostly to deal with lingering bugs and other small issues. If you are a G+ users, you likely have already been prompted to update your Android app. If not, head over to Google Play to download the latest version now. Let us know if you come across anything new in the app we may have overlooked.

Google Play Link: Google+

Sprint’s LG Cayenne LS860 surfaces again alongside leaked images of LG Motion 4G for MetroPCS

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 12:16 PM PDT

LG hasn’t done a very good job of keeping the wraps on their upcoming Cayenne LS860 for Sprint. While details on the handset’s specs remain the same as the last time images surfaced, a new picture gives a frontal view of the device and confirm that LG will go with the software navigation buttons found in Android 4.0+. The Cayenne has previously been rumored to run a 1.2GHz dual-core processor coupled with 1GB RAM, LTE, a 4-inch WVGA display, 5MP camera, and slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

Making its first appearance alongside this latest leak is the LG Motion 4G, and Android 4.0 LTE handset reportedly headed to MetroPCS. Other specs include a Qualcomm chipset, qHD display, and 5MP camera. The phone could potentially find a home at AT&T, as well, under the model number LG P870. Release dates for both the Motion 4G and Cayenne LS860 remain unknown, but judging by the number of leaks coming from LG’s camp, don’t be surprised to hear an announcement soon.

[Twitter via UnwiredView]

Samsung to announce next Galaxy device on August 15

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 12:04 PM PDT

Samsung is asking members of the media to save the date for the unveiling of the next member of their Galaxy family. The bare minimum has been presented on details, with Samsung only providing an August 15th date for the event. The location and any hint as to what we might see have been withheld. This, of course, provides its own invitation to speculation as to what we could see.

Guesses include the Samsung Galaxy Blaze Q, a possible re-unveiling of the retooled Galaxy Note 10.1, or perhaps even the Galaxy Note 2. The latter would easily be the most exciting, but an Unpacked event on tap for later in August at Berlin’s IFA show seems the more likely venue for that announcement. So what will Samsung bring us this time? We doubt it will be as big a launch as the Samsung Galaxy S3, but we’re eager to see exactly what the company has in store.

 

DEAD TRIGGER’s big update available now from Google Play, zombie shooter now free to play

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 11:22 AM PDT

News of a new update to MadFinger’s DEAD TRIGGER arrived yesterday without word of a launch date, but fan’s of the zombie shoot-em-up didn’t have to wait long to get their hands on a new chainsaw weapon and more. The mobile game maker has announced the availability of the update, which includes several additional weapons, gadgets, environments, and enemies. What’s more, the game is now free to play. MadFinger will focus on in-app-purchases as a means of generating revenue but promises the game will “still remaining funny and fully playable” for those not wishing to spend any dough on virtual items and upgrades. If price was holding you back from checking out DEAD TRIGGER, that certainly isn’t a factor anymore. Head over to Google Play to download now. Hit up the PR below for more details.

Google Play Link: DEAD TRIGGER

Dead Trigger on Android Free To Play and with Massive Update

Brno, Czech Republic - July 20th 2012 – Dead Trigger, visually stunning first person zombie shooter arcade from Madfinger Games, today gets the new update the whole Android world has been calling for.

The new update brings more fun, more blood, more gadgets. From now on players can:

  • experience personally four new savage weapons (including two melees): Chain Saw, Lewis Heavy Machine Gun, Marine Engine with sharp-edged blades and Repeating rifle, a classic of the American West
  • enjoy the new funny and handy gadget - the Head-Flator X100 enables to inflate the heads of zombies to XXL size and... Headshot!
  • meet new zombie creatures - mutated mobsters or armoured SWAT members
  • explore new fantastic environments - underground car park or secret research base institute
  • try out new gadgets or get more money – reveal deadly survival arena, that is tailor-made for massacre of hordes of zombies
  • visit Casino and try your luck with a slot machine
  • and finally safe game data with cross platform cloud backup.

This huge update brings Dead Trigger also to Adreno 205, including Sony Xperia Play!

Moreover, Dead Trigger is now available on Google Play free to play while still remaining funny and fully playable without necessity of IAP.

Google buys e-mail client vendor Sparrow

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 09:37 AM PDT

Google and Sparrow have just announced that the former would be purchasing the latter in a deal for an undisclosed amount. Sparrow is a software development studio that makes one of the most highly acclaimed email clients for Mac and iOS. Mail is a big deal for Google so their interest in a company with that expertise is no shocker: we’re just surprised they decided Sparrow.

The team reassured everyone that Sparrow would continue to be supported, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be actively developing new features. The most we can be promised are security and stability updates going forward. Sparrow will eventually be integrated with the Gmail team so a majority of their focus will likely be on Google stuff. But what exactly?

Well, it’s hard to say for sure. Since they specialize in native UI clients and not web clients we’re not sure they’ll be working on that front. And since Sparrow is an iOS and Mac specialist studio we’re not sure if their talents will be put to use on Android.

Perhaps this move is to help Google get their admittedly sub-par iOS email client up to speed with the times (in which case this doesn’t really concern us too much). In short, anything is possible and neither Google nor Sparrow are keen on revealing too much of what this is all about just yet. Thoughts? [via Sparrow]

Google Maps in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa get more detailed maps

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 09:26 AM PDT

Google has just announced that Google Maps in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa will be getting more detailed maps to make it easy on those who rely on digital travel companions. More detailed ferry routes and transit routes tied into those ferry routes, coast lines, better accuracy for names and locations of major points of interest, and more.

The countries affected by these changes are Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lesotho, Macau, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore and Vatican City. Some of those countries alongside Egypt, Poland and Ukraine will be getting offline support, though Google didn’t go into detail about which out of the former list would be getting them. Find more details about all of the new changes over at the Google Lat Long blog.

Jet Set Radio for Android launching this Summer

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 09:09 AM PDT

Another great console port looks to be headed to Android! Sega has announced that Jet Set Radio, the graffiti tagging, street skating platformer from the original Dreamcast will be in the Google Play Store this summer. This cel-shaded style title is highly regarded as one of the best games of that generation of gaming.

The console it was on was way ahead of its time, and the game was one of the pioneers for the genre with games such as Mark Ecko’s Getting Up series. No pricing or exact date is available but we hope it won’t be long before we get to roam around urban city environments tagging walls to no end. [via PocketGamer]

ASUS Transformer Pad, Transformer Prime, and Transformer Pad Infinity getting Jelly Bean in coming months

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 08:54 AM PDT

With all the Jelly Bean rollout confirmations coming this week, ASUS found it appropriate to release plans for their own line of tablets. It has confirmed that the ASUS Transformer Pad, the ASUS Transformer Prime, and the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity will all be getting Jelly Bean down the line.

“In the coming months,” is all they could offer up for a time frame but it’s better than nothing. Don’t be alarmed if your device isn’t on the golden list just yet: ASUS is still investigating the possibility of bringing Jelly Bean for their other devices. Read on for the full notice to customers. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Dear valued ASUS customer,

At ASUS, one of the key commitments we make to our customers is a relentless drive to deliver the best user experience. We constantly strive to achieve this goal through our ‘Design Thinking’ philosophy that includes regular software and firmware updates for our products.

We are pleased to announce that many of our tablet products are scheduled to receive an update to Android 4.1, Jelly Bean. The ASUS Transformer Pad, ASUS Transformer Pad Prime and ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity are all scheduled to receive Android 4.1 updates in the coming months. We will provide further guidance on our expected timeframes for these updates near their release.

We are still investigating Jelly Bean updates for other devices, but we are not in a position to confirm whether any other products will be eligible for an update at the moment.

Thank you for your continued support.

ASUS

Huawei MediaPad 10 FHD gets new teaser [VIDEO]

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 08:12 AM PDT

Word has it that the Huawei MediaPad 1o FHD, Huawei’s full HD Android tablet introduced at Mobile World Congress, will be headed to store shelves this August. It’s only fitting, then, that they release another teaser for the device. They did just that on YouTube with a 1:48 clip showcasing the device and spitting off its main list of specs.

It’s a list that doesn’t disappoint as highlights include the obvious 10 inch 1080p HD display, an 8 megapixel rear camera, the 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 16 cores of GPU goodness by Huawei, and its Ice Cream Sandwich-infused (and hopefully soon-to-be Jelly Bean) software. Get a look at the new teaser above.

2012 London Olympics Limited Edition of the Galaxy S3 launches in Taiwan

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 06:56 AM PDT

Taiwanese residents are set to get one of the more interesting Samsung Galaxy S3 packages currently available. Samsung has released a special edition of the device to commemorate the 2012 Olympics set to take place in London. The package contains three smartphone standards with figurines of Olympic cyclists, weightlifters, and a Tae Kwon Do practitioner.

The device itself features a back plate with a stunning British flag design, and another back plate with a silhouette of a royal British guard. Finally, an accessory for the 3.5mm headset jack features a royal British soldier, though it has no other functionality aside from looking nice.

It’s a very interesting package, for sure, and I wouldn’t mind having it for the two custom back plate alone. Get more photos of the device over at ePrice. [via PocketDroid]
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