Tuesday, July 31, 2012

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Google Android News Android Forums

Google Talk to step aside for Hangouts in Gmail

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 04:20 PM PDT

Ten heads are better than one, or so our friends at Google think as they have today unveiled that Google+ Hangouts will be replacing Google Talk as the embedded video chat service within Gmail. From today the service will be available for all users with a personal Google account, you’ll need to sign up for Google+ to enable the video conferencing feature.

Google Talk has long been Google’s messaging service since it launched on desktops back in summer 2005. It was also a mainstay of Android right from the very beginning, included as a core application in version 1.0 back in 2008. Google later added video calling to the application via the Android Gingerbread 2.3.4 update for the Samsung Nexus S.

Cue the launch of Google+ back in summer 2011. Google+ has had mixed success to date, although still very much a work in progress. All pros and cons considered, it’s fair to say that Hangouts has been one of the stand-out features of the service. As soon as Google+ was launched many Android users questioned the need for both Hangouts and Google Talk. Could this latest move be a nail in the coffin for Google Talk? Check out the video below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

 

Click here to view the embedded video.

Source: Gmail Blog

Specs for new gaming tablet from Wikipad released

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 03:59 PM PDT

Gaming fans interested in bringing the game experience down to a more personal, portable scale should have a new option hitting the market soon. Wikipad is planning to release a new tablet named after the company sometime before the end of the year. They recently showed off the latest iteration of the device to VentureBeat and shared specs for the device which include:

  • 10.1-inch IPS display
  • 16:10, 1280 x 800 resolution
  • weight of 560 grams
  • 8.6 mm thick
  • NVIDIA Tegra 3 T30 1.4GHz quad-core processor
  • 1 GB RAM
  • 16 GB internal storage (minimum, may eventually have more available)
  • 8-megapixel rear-facing camera/2-megapixel front-facing camera
  • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system
  • Controller add-on

That last item, the controller add-on, will be of special interest to gamers. Resembling an Xbox 360 controller, the add-on includes two sets of triggers, bumpers and analog sticks to go with four "face" buttons, a start button, and a select button. The device also places speakers in strategic locations to try to improve audio performance.

Pricing and a definite delivery date have not yet been set. As we previously reported, Wikipad is planning to team up with Gaikai to provide a streaming game service on the device.

source: VentureBeat
via: Phandroid

Ice Cream Sandwhich Not Coming to LG’s Optimus 2X?

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 01:12 PM PDT

Some sad news coming from LG Canada’s Twitter account today. The LG Optimus 2X won’t be receiving an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwhich as previously stated. The statement was issued in response to a tweet asking if the device would receive the delicious update. LG Canada did not explain the reason users would not see ICS, just stating “the original announcement was a general statement issued from HQ.” 

Although there may still be some hope yet, this announcement could be specific to LG Canada only, however, it would make little sense for LG to do that. It takes loads of man hours to bring software updates and it seems unlikely LG would spend all that time to NOT include the Canadian variants. We know the Optimus 2X has the capabilities to run ICS and this is not the first time a device manufacturer has ever backed out on something they said. This may be a good time for you to look at rooting your device!

source: Twitter

HTC Leaves the South Korean Market

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 01:06 PM PDT

 

HTC, the Taiwanese handset maker, closed down their office in Seoul, South Korea and has completely left the South Korean market to further focus on the larger markets that they are successful in. With HTC also leaving the Brazilian market not too long ago, it’s clear that HTC realizes what their strengths and weaknesses are. According to an official statement by an HTC rep, the move was made in order to “streamline operations” thus improving efficiency throughout the whole company. Also in the statement, HTC admits that it wasn’t an easy decision to make: “This is a hard decision that has direct impact on people who have contributed to the growth HTC has experienced the past several years.” 

In some ways, you have to commend a company when they admit defeat. It’s hard for a huge corporation like HTC to throw in the white flag, but focusing their attention to the markets in which they are successful in could help them out in the long run. Perhaps in the future, once they’ve re-established themselves, HTC may consider re-opening their doors to a possible return to the smaller markets.

South Korea have always been a difficult market for foreign companies to be successful in. HTC’s market share in South Korea was a measly 2% in 2011 and an even worse 1% thus far for 2012. In comparison, Korean born companies such as Samsung, LG and Pantech combined for a whopping 90%. Considering those astonishing discrepancies in market share, one cannot blame HTC for changing things up and re-evaluating their market strategies.

As a consumer, this shouldn’t worry you too much. HTC has a very strong user fan base and still widely successful in an overall generalized view. In my opinion, Samsung has enjoyed such a huge success because they have firmly established their Galaxy S line for years now. It’s a brand name that everyone knows and can easily follow throughout the years (i.e. Galaxy S, Galaxy S II, Galaxy S III, etc). As for HTC, it’s not as simple as that for consumers when their handsets have had inconsistent names such as the Thunderbolt, myTouch4G, Sensation 4G, Evo 3D… You get the idea. I believe branding is such an important part when it comes to marketing. It’s what captures the consumers eyes and allows them to essentially “piggy-back” on to the next iteration of the device. HTC is slowly heading into that direction with their HTC One lineup and hopefully in the coming years it turns into a brand that can directly compete with the Samsung’s Galaxy S’s market sales.

What do you guys think HTC should do to become a world wide behemoth such as Samsung? Sound off in the comments section!

source: ZDNET

 

T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy Note will be available August 8th for $249

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 10:49 AM PDT

After T-Mobile announced that the Galaxy Note was on its way in the coming weeks we officially have some details about the device. The magenta network will be launching the Galaxy Note on August 8th for $249.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate along with a two-year contract. If you end up going with one of T-Mobile’s Value Plans it’s going to cost you $199.99 up-front and $20 installments thereafter until the Note is completely paid off. I personally think the $299.99 up-front is the better option.

As far as specs go, it’s the same as the Galaxy Note that we have all seen before. It comes with a 5.3″ 800 x 1280 screen, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 16 gigs of storage and the 42mbps HSPA+ radio for T-Mobile’s “4G” network. You can check out our review of the AT&T version here.

Presser after the break.

T-Mobile Expands Its Galaxy Lineup With the Samsung Galaxy Note™

Bellevue, Wash. — Jul. 16, 2012

2012-07-30 12:55:18

T-Mobile USA, Inc., the No. 1 mobile operator brand in Samsung Galaxy S™ sales, and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S. and the No. 1 smartphone provider worldwide1, today announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Galaxy Note™. One of T-Mobile's fastest devices leveraging its 4G (HSPA+ 42) network and running on Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and Samsung's Premium Suite, the Galaxy Note provides an innovative, all-in-one experience that is perfect for work, play and everything in between.

 

Consumers are demanding larger smartphone screen sizes. In fact, a recent T-Mobile survey2 showed 77 percent of consumers prefer a device with a 4.5-inch or larger display rather than a smaller screen. The Galaxy Note speaks directly to that demand with a 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED™ touch screen — the largest screen on a T-Mobile® smartphone. The device is elegantly designed to handle both business and home tasks with ease.

 

The Galaxy Note with Premium Suite provides a range of productivity-enhancing features, such as the S Pen™, S Note, S Memo™ and Polaris Office. Now T-Mobile customers can write notes, to-do lists and annotate documents; share ideas and edited content; and create documents, presentations and spreadsheets to maximize efficiency while on the go. S Note helps to professionalize communications by providing templates for seven commonly used documents such as an idea note, travel notes, diary entry, meeting notes and recipes. S Note also allows you to import and annotate a PDF file and convert dictated or handwritten memos to text with the Continual Voice Input and Handwriting-to-Text features. With S Memo, Galaxy Note users have one-touch access to creating a typewritten, handwritten or voice dictated memo; researching information during creation; and adding an image.

 

The Galaxy Note also has the SAFE (Samsung Approved for Enterprise™) designation, which means it has a full suite of enterprise-ready features and capabilities, including comprehensive IT policy support for top-tier mobile device management (MDM) providers, on-device AES256-bit encryption, enhanced support for Microsoft Exchange, as well as integrated support for a range of virtual private network (VPN) solutions. The Galaxy Note also provides Wi-Fi Calling capabilities and, with a qualifying rate plan, can act as a Smartphone Mobile HotSpot for up to five devices.

 

"In addition to larger screens, today customers demand more from their devices — from having safeguarded access to corporate email and other productivity features to being able to rely on a speedy network for streaming content," said Andrew Morrison, vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. "With the unique and highly innovative Galaxy Note in our lineup, we are even better equipped to help our customers strike the perfect balance as they juggle both professional and personal activities."

 

The Samsung Galaxy Note also offers the T-Mobile 4G Pro App Pack, an aggregation of key applications, such as Dropbox, Evernote, Square, TripIt, CamScanner and LinkedIn, that can reduce the complexity and effort associated with finding and downloading business-related applications. By providing an easy path to cloud services such as Dropbox and Evernote, T-Mobile helps professionals easily store and access the documents, files, images and notes that will help them better manage their work from virtually anywhere.

 

Featuring a snappy Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S3 Processor with 1.5 Ghz Dual-Core CPUs, the Galaxy Note provides customers with incredible 4G experiences, making it the perfect all-in-one device to maximize efficiency and productivity, in addition to fun. The Galaxy Note offers a variety of entertainment experiences, such as T-Mobile TV in mobile HD3 for watching live TV programming, Samsung Media Hub for renting and buying the latest movies and TV shows, and Google Play Music for streaming and purchasing music. The Galaxy Note also features an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, to capture pictures and HD videos to share with friends, family and social networks.

 

Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Note is expected to be available at select T-Mobile retail stores and online via www.T-Mobile.com in the coming weeks.

 

Are you going to be getting one of T-Mobile’s new Galaxy Note’s? Is it worth it or would you rather go with a different carrier? Let us know in the comments below!

Yahoo! Sports Beyond Gold 2012 App Helps you Keep Up to Date with the Olympic Games

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 10:02 AM PDT

If you’re looking to follow the Olympic games that are currently underway in London without your face glued to the television, Yahoo! has got your back. The app they have created will allow users to closely follow Olympic games without having to watch a minute of television. It will allow you to keep up with the news, photos and access to which countries have earned what medals and for which events. The only downside to this application is that there are no video streams whatsoever.

The majority of us just wants to see who wins what medals and for which event. We usually end up spending hours of time watching television, now that Yahoo! has released their free app this should greatly minimize that amount. Many users have reported issues with the application and hopefully it’s fixed by now but if it isn’t and you come across the issue be sure to leave a detailed review over on Google Play!

 

QR Code generator

Google Play Download Link

NFC Hack Allows Verizon Galaxy S III Owners To Use Google Wallet

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 08:28 AM PDT

 

Next to the locked bootloader, the absence of Google Wallet in Verizon’s flavor of the Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone is a major buzzkill to owners of the device. Fortunately, the Android world is graced with fine individuals who strive to correct unjust actions by big brands. And with that, crafty developers Mike Beauchamp and Dustin Evans developed a special hack, which allows the NFC-capable smartphone to now utilize the famed mobile payment function. Naturally you’ll need your Galaxy S III to be rooted and it wouldn’t hurt to have some working knowledge of how to tweak and tinker, but it’s all worth it once you’ll have that sweet, sweet ability to tap your smartphone against any and all of those Google Wallet payment terminals.

Interested Verizon Galaxy S III owners can hit the source link for full details.

source: XDA

PSA: The Nexus 7 16GB is back in stock and delivers in 3 to 5 days

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 07:42 AM PDT

The Nexus 7 is a major hit, but the 16GB version seems to be the more popular version. Or at least Google didn’t anticipate the demand as it seems to go in and out of stock pretty quickly. Google was hoping more people would adopt the cloud concept, but the fact that the Nexus 7 is a WiFi only device makes it difficult at times, especially travelers. Anyways, we just wanted to let you know that the 16GB version is back in stock and it if you get on it quickly enough, there’s a good change you will receive it by the weekend. Just hit the Play Store link below to download.

Play Store Link

Samsung Galaxy Beam Now Available Through Various British Retail Stores

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 07:01 AM PDT

 

Those of you in the UK can finally look forward to the elusive Samsung Galaxy Beam smartphone— no seriously this time. Since seeing it in action at MWC this year, the phone has been incredibly anticipated and has even been up for pre-order for quite some time. Samsung has finally gone ahead and announced the projector smartphone will be available in various British outlets, starting today. In case you’ve forgotten, the Gingerbread-powered phone is humming on a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4-inch WVGA display and a projector capable of displaying content— all in high-definition and up to 50'' wide.

There is no word on pricing in Samsung’s announcement, though we’re expecting it to be somewhere in the neighborhood of £442.80 including VAT ($590). But hey— you can’t put a price on a device that allows you to share those special moments, right? Hit the break to see the full presser from Sammy.

 

UK AVAILABILITY OF SAMSUNG GALAXY BEAM ANNOUNCED
Latest Galaxy device now available

30 July 2012, London, UK – Samsung Mobile UK has today announced the Galaxy Beam will be available in the UK from today. Joining Samsung's Android-powered Galaxy portfolio, the Galaxy Beam is a projector smartphone that lets people display and share multimedia content wherever they are.

Simon Stanford, Vice President, UK & IRE Telecommunications & Networks Division, Samsung UK and Ireland said: "We were delighted by the hugely positive response we received from both customers and media when we first announced the Galaxy Beam at Mobile World Congress back in February. It's the kind of device you won't find anywhere else – a high definition projector within a standard sized smartphone – and is great for people who want to watch movies, show photos to friends or need to give a presentation while they're out and about."

People can use the Galaxy Beam to transform any room into a mini home-theatre by projecting full screen video clips, maps, business information and games onto the wall or ceiling – all in high-definition and up to 50'' wide. Holiday snaps can be captured and shared instantly using the Galaxy Beam which also boasts a 5MP camera. It's also a great device for both students who can collectively share videos or work in any room or student lounge, and gamers who can download their own or choose from over 1,000 games available via Game Hub, Samsung's dedicated virtual gaming store, then project games to turn gaming into a shared experience.

As well as its full built-in projector, the Galaxy Beam is still stylist and portable. Measuring just 12.5mm thick and featuring a sleek design, the device runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and is powered by a 1.0GHz dual-core processor, so its quick and responsive. 8GB internal memory means there's tonnes of space to store multimedia content, whilst its 2000 mAh battery means people don't have to worry about Galaxy Beam running out midway through sharing their content.

Motorola And Nextel Brazil Announce The Motorola i867 Ferrari Smartphone

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 06:35 AM PDT

 

The vast majority of you Android junkies may not have the luxury of owning a Ferrari supercar in our lifetime, but if you live in Brazil— Motorola and Nextel are offering customers a Ferrari smartphone in a budget package. Motorola’s i867 Ferrari is a modest little speedster featuring:

 

  • 3.1-inch touchscreen
  • Integrated GPS
  • Integrated WiFi
  • Bluetooth 2.1
  • 3MP Camera with 4X zoom
  • Push To Talk
  • 200MB of storage with 32GB microSD capacity / 2GB microSD  included

 

The smartphone is available to all Nextel Brazil customers and will go for R$ 1,499 ($741 USD) or for the promotional price of R$ 799 ($395 USD) with a data plan. You’ll find more details once you hit the presser found after the break.

 

Nextel and Motorola Mobility Launch the Motorola i867 Ferrari

This new PTT smartphone stands out with its superb design inspired by the Ferrari 458

July 26, 2012 

SÃO PAULO – July 26, 2012 – The Motorola i867 is the newest Android™-powered Push To Talk smartphone available from Nextel in Brazil. With Motorola Mobility's iDEN technology, the handset offers instantaneous high performance communication, PTT radio, cellular service, mobile Web access and messaging in a single device.

Inspired by the Ferrari 458, the device has a striking, differentiated design: a red back cover in high relief with air intakes, evoking the hood of the exclusive automobile. In addition to personalizing the handset with wallpapers and ringtones, the user will receive an exclusive Ferrari kit with key ring, leather case, sticker and vehicle charger. "The Motorola i867 is ideal for those who love cars and the quality, design, concept and exclusiveness associated with Ferrari," said Fernando Modé, Nextel marketing manager.

The handset comes with integrated GPS, corporate connectivity and Wi-Fi®. "In addition to its differentiated, innovative design, the new smartphone enhances the way users manage their lives, with the practicality of PTT and Android-based technologies," says Wagner Mendonça, iDEN sales director, Motorola Mobility Brazil.

The device has many functionalities, including a 3.1-inch touchscreen, MP3 player, stereo Bluetooth® technology, a 3.5-millimeter stereo headset jack and a 3-megapixel camera. It also features SWYPE technology for easy text entry and two microphones with noise cancellation technology, allowing for clearer conversations. It comes with a 2-gigabyte microSD memory card, expandable up to 32 GB with a card sold separately.

More than 450,000 applications are available for download on Google Play™, and five display screens provide quick access to frequently used items. Users also have access to relationship networks and Google Mobile™ Services, including Google Maps™ with Navigation, Google Talk™ and Google Search directly on the smartphone. The Motorola i867w is commercialized with the Nextel Email application, enabling the user to configure up to 10 personal and corporate email accounts.

Price and availability:

The Motorola i867 Ferrari will be available through Nextel sales channels for R$ 1,499 or for the promotional price of R$ 799 with a data plan. For further information, please access www.nextel.com.br.

About Nextel Brazil

Nextel has been operating in the country since 1997 and has invested more than R$ 5.3 billion. Currently the company has 4.2 million corporate users in its coverage area, which comprises 388 cities in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, Goiás, Bahia, Ceará, Pernambuco, Espírito Santo and Distrito Federal. For further information, visit www.nextel.com.br.

About NII Holdings

NII Holdings, a public company based in Reston, Virginia, USA, is a leading operator in the mobile communication area for high value corporate clients in Latin America. NII Holdings operates under the Nextel brand in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Chile, offering wireless communication tools that are fully integrated with digital cellular telephony, text messaging, internet access and Nextel Direct Connect® and Nextel Direct International services, enabling communication via digital radio among Nextel users. NII Holdings, Inc. is a Fortune 500 and Barron’s 500 company which was nominated one of the best multinationals to work in Latin America by the Great Place to Work Institute®. The company's shares are traded on Nasdaq under the NIHD symbol. Visit the company's site: www.nii.com.

Nextel, the Nextel logo and Nextel Direct Connect are registered trademarks used by Nextel Communications, Inc.

About Motorola Mobility
Motorola Mobility, owned by Google, fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people’s lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.

 
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