Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Android Central

Android Central

Win one of five Android neon lights from your pals at Android Central

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 04:48 PM PDT

Android neon light

The Internet's a-buzzing about a really cool neon lamp Google has offered up for sale today. It's a green (natch) neon tube bent in the shape of everyone's favorite mascot, Google's bugdroid. We had to have a look, and of course we think they're pretty darn awesome ourselves. In fact, they're so awesome we decided to grab five of them before they sell out to give away!

Entering to win one is easy. Head into the forums, respond in the forum post to let us know you want to win one. It's going to be a U.S. only contest (the fixtures are designed for standard U.S. 110-volt AC wall sockets), and everyone is eligible except the folks who are on staff here at Mobile Nations. Sorry, Kevin. Don't try to cheat, cause we'll know and make sure you don't win.

The contest is open until Friday night (whenever Friday night ends in your time zone) and we'll post the winners here on the blog over the weekend. Good luck everyone!

While everyone else talks about them, we give them away. That's how the best damn Android blog in the universe rolls.

Enter to win one of five Android neon lights from AC

Acer Liquid Glow released in UK for £148 SIM free

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 03:49 PM PDT

Android Central

Acer's latest budget offering, the Liquid Glow, has gone up for sale in the UK. Priced at £147.99 SIM free at Expansys in black or white, the Liquid Glow is aimed squarely at the lower end of the market, and will go toe-to-toe with devices such as the HTC Desire C and Huawei G300.

The Liquid Glow was first seen back in February at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Despite being six months further on, the Liquid Glow still offers some pretty decent specs for the price point. 

It's a pretty nice looking thing, in a similar vein to its bigger brother, the Cloudmobile. The good news is that despite the four capacitive buttons seen on the front, the Liquid Glow comes with Ice Cream Sandwich. Not just that, but it's a pretty stock looking ICS experience too. 

Hardware wise you're looking at a 3.7-inch display at 480x800, 5MP rear camera with LED flash, NFC, 1GHz single-core processor, 512MB RAM and while onboard storage is a pretty lousy 1GB, there is a microSD card slot on board too. If you're thinking of shelling out for one, be sure to check out our hands on from MWC.

Source: Expansys

Pink Xperia P sighted out of its box in Hong Kong

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 02:54 PM PDT

Android Central

Does the world need another pink smartphone? Sony says yes, and looks set to bring to market a pink version of their mid-range Sony Xperia P. The folks at RingHK have got their hands on this pink Xperia P and have unboxed it to show off to the world. 

The Xperia P is a good looking device, there's no denying, and this one is definitely one aimed towards the ladies. It's not all show though, as we found out when we reviewed the device soon after launch. The 4-inch, dual-core Xperia P is well priced, packs decent specs and is finally due to receive its own Ice Cream Sandwich update in the coming weeks. 

While this may show that a pink Xperia P is indeed on the way, what we don't know is where and when. It's pretty clear that it will be available in at least some Asian markets, but beyond that we don't know a whole heck of a lot.

Source: RingHK via XperiaBlog

CoPilot Live review - a trunk-full of navigation features

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 02:17 PM PDT

Android Central

If you’re planning to squeeze in one more roadtrip before the summer dwindles out, you might be shopping around for GPS navigation apps. Google’s own Navigation for Android may do the trick, but is there still a market for traditional GPS nav apps? One of the many options available is CoPilot Live, and you might be surprised at how deep its functionality runs.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 up for pre-order at the Carphone Warehouse

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 01:44 PM PDT

Android Central

Second-gen Samsung Tab launching next Wednesday, Aug. 22

It’s been almost six months since we first laid eyes on the awkwardly-named Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, but it looks like the second-generation Tab is finally due a UK launch. Today the 10.1-inch, ICS-powered tablet appeared for pre-order on the Carphone Warehouse’s website, where it’s available in Wifi-only and Wifi/3G flavors. The lower-end version will set you back £299 ($469), while the premium model is listed with a slightly eye-watering price of £399.99 ($628).

The Tab 2 10.1 is available in black and white, and the first shipments are due to be sent out next Wednesday, Aug. 22, less than a week after Samsung will release the Galaxy Note 10.1 at its flagship London store.

So, it’s good to finally see the Tab 2 launching in the UK -- it launched in the U.S. back in May, if you recall. But with strong Android competition from the likes of ASUS and Huawei, not to mention Apple’s iPad, we’re not too hopeful about the Tab 2’s chances of making a bit splash next Wednesday.

For more on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, check out our full review of the U.S. version.

Source: Carphone Warehouse; via: Engadget

 

Adobe to begin blocking new installs of Flash tomorrow

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 12:43 PM PDT

Adobe Flash

Tomorrow, Adobe will flip the switch in the Google Play Store and start blocking new installs of Adobe Flash on Android. After that, the sky will begin to fall and peoples devices will stop working. OK, not really. But Adobe will indeed be blocking new installs and only those who have it installed currently will be able to get updates and security fixes. This isn't a surprise considering back in November Adobe announced they'd no longer be supporting the mobile Flash player but it is a reminder that if you're running a device that supports Flash and you want to keep it that way, get it installed.

Motorola Atrix HD LTE now available from Bell

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 11:18 AM PDT

Motorola Atrix HD

After having recently launched the Motorola Atrix HD in the U.S. on AT&T, Motorola has teamed up with Bell to bring the phone to Canadian customers The Motorola Atrix HD LTE as it shall be known as is now available for purchase on Bell. If you're looking to pick one up, Bell has set the price at a low $50 when agreeing to a new three-year contract. However, you can expect to pay over $600 if you're looking to get one without any carrier deals. If this one is on your wish list, you'll want to read our initial hands-on review and check out the specs first to ensure you get a better idea of what you're looking at. If you're mind is made up already, you'll find the Bell link below.

More Info: Bell

ASUS and Wikipad get PlayStation Mobile support

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 11:06 AM PDT

Android Central

Sony is currently holding its Gamescom 2012 press conference in Germany, and it's just announced that two new Android device manufacturers will be joining its PlayStation Mobile (formerly PlayStation Certified) program -- ASUS and Wikipad. The former needs no introduction, as it's the biggest player in the Android tablet market right now. The latter is a lesser-known organization responsible for the Tegra 3-powered Wikipad tablet, which sports an integrated gamepad. So it's a big win for the team behind that device, to be sure.

Equally, this great news for owners of ASUS tablets, who will get access to Sony's PlayStation library in addition to the already bundled NVIDIA TegraZone. There's no word on which ASUS tabs will be getting PS Certification, though we'd expect the Transformer Prime, Transformer Pad TF300, Infinity and Nexus 7 should all be capable. If the Nexus 7 manages to pick up PlayStation support, it'd represent another jewel in the crown of the leading Android tablet.

The two new manufacturers join HTC, which signed up to PlayStation Mobile earlier in the year. 

Source: Sony

Official SkyDrive for Android app announced, coming in a few weeks

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 10:50 AM PDT

SkyDrive for Android

Although there is a few apps on the Google Play Store right now that have some SkyDrive integration, there isn't a Microsoft delivered solution available. At least not yet. Microsoft took the time to go ahead and update folks on their SkyDrive happenings and mobile applications were a part of those announcements with an Android version officially announced as coming:

Today, as part of making sure SkyDrive is available to all Windows customers, we’re excited to announce that an official SkyDrive app for Android phones will be available in just a few weeks. The Android app is similar to our mobile apps for Windows Phone and iOS and allows you to browse your SkyDrive, upload files to SkyDrive, as well as share SkyDrive files with “Send a link.” You'll also be able to open SkyDrive files from other apps, as well as upload, save, and share to SkyDrive from other apps.

If you're invested into the Microsoft way, it'll be great to finally have an official app for Android. We'll let you all know when it pops up for availability. Other news from Microsoft today may help some developers out there, they've gone ahead and changed some of the API's available. If you're looking to make your own SkyDrive app, something to look into.

Source: Inside SkyDrive

T-Mobile Springboard 4G tablet getting ICS tomorrow

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 10:48 AM PDT

Android Central

In addition to confirming that its Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is getting ICS right now, T-Mobile USA has set out word that its Springboard 4G tablet will also see an upgrade to Android 4.0 from tomorrow, Aug. 15. The 7-inch Android tablet launched last October with Android 3.2 Honeycomb, so Springboard owners have had a long wait for their first major OS update.

Unlike the Tab 7 Plus, the Springboard will be getting updated over-the-air, so if you've still got one, head to Settings > About tablet > Software updates in the next day or so to see if your update is ready to roll out.

CTIA says goodbye to Enterprise and Applications conference, introduces MobileCON

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 10:14 AM PDT

CTIA MobileCON

Every year, the folks from CTIA like to invite industry experts out to their fall show called CTIA Enterprise & Apps. This year though will be a little different as they've now announced they're changing the name and some of the focus of the conference to go along with it. Now named MobileCON 2012 and debuting October 9-11, 2012 at the San Diego Convention Center, MobileCON 2012 focuses exclusively on the mobile enterprise IT community:

  • Enterprise Industry Spotlight— MobileCON 2012's format and focus will attract wireless and telecom leaders and professionals with the opportunity to significantly advance business opportunities and the potential to change the global wireless ecosystem.
  • Attendee Driven Experience— Attendees have the flexibility to choose the learning format that best fits their needs—whether that's immersive through the deep dives or interactive and peer-to-peer through the three thought leadership stages on the exhibit floor. Attendees can set their agenda to drop into any session and format that interests them. This flexibility will better facilitate networking, learning and information gathering. This year's show will feature M2M, security, mobile commerce, enterprise applications, cloud computing and vertical markets.
  • New High-Impact, Short-Form Speaker Sessions— MobileCON 2012 introduces Bit Talks featuring a compelling, diverse lineup of IT leaders from influential companies addressing discrete topics in 15-minute segments. Each Bit Talk will identify one primary problem to be anticipated, avoided or solved and include three things that were learned through the deployment or implementation experience.
  • Diverse, Compelling Keynote Speakers— CTIA has sought a roster of world-class speakers from the private and public sectors. Representing the organizations currently driving mobile enterprise innovation, MobileCON's speaker lineup will start the conversations that will drive the industry's agenda moving forward.

Given that Enterprise is huge business, it makes sense that CTIA would hold a conference with more dedication and focus given. They've managed to line up some great guest speakers although, right now, it looks like no one from Google has stepped up. Either way, we'll be there in San Diego in October to find out. You'll find the full press release below for your reading pleasure.

Source: CTIA

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EA's Origin platform coming to Android

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 08:59 AM PDT

Android CentralEA's Origin gaming platform is headed to Android, the company has revealed at the Gamescom show in Germany. Origin, which currently runs on PCs, will also reportedly launch on Mac, Facebook and Smart TVs.

Origin joins main rival Steam on Android, and it's likely that the Origin mobile app will take a on a similar form, allowing users to browse games and access community features without actually allowing titles to be played directly on the device.

No timeframe was given for the release of Origin on Android or any other new platforms, but as EA hopes to gain market share from Steam wherever possible, it'll no doubt want to exploit these new platforms as much as possible

Source: The Verge

RealPlayer review - old-school media streaming goes 1.0 on Android

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 08:01 AM PDT

RealPlayer’s Android app exits its lengthy beta today, and we got the chance to play around with the final product. Just like the beta, it handles all sorts of media types, including, audio, video, and images, though the user interface has been changed up a bit.

Beyond handling the usual stuff like playlists and track sorting by artist, genre, or album, RealPlayer brings a few extras to the table. One of them is track control from the lock screen. It does mean that you’ll have another lock screen to tap through when media is playing, but generally I didn’t find that much of a hassle. Wired headsets support pause/play with in-line controls, but not track skipping, while Bluetooth headsets are the opposite, able to skip tracks but not pause/play.

Read on for more, folks. More!

read more

Acer Iconia A110 bumped up to Jelly Bean before launch

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 08:00 AM PDT

Android Central

When Acer announced its 7-inch Iconia Tab A110 back in June, it was running Ice Cream Sandwich -- at the time, the latest version of the OS. Now, with the tablet’s October release approaching, it seems it’s undergone a software upgrade, bringing it up to the shiny new Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

The tablet has appeared in new renders over at online retailer eBuyer, showing a the Jelly Bean launcher and Nexus 7-like home screen setup. If accurate -- and it certainly looks it -- the A110 would be the first big-name Android tablet to get Android 4.1, with the exception of Google’s own Nexus 7, of course.

Hardware-wise, Acer’s 7-incher sports similar internals to the Nexus tablet -- there’s the 7-inch form factor, an NVIDIA Tegra 3 CPU and 1GB of RAM. The A110 boasts more ports, a rear camera and expandable memory, though at the cost of screen resolution, which is limited to 1024x600.

Acer’s tablet is fairly competitive on price, selling for £179.99 in the UK with 16GB of storage, however we have to wonder whether this will sway consumers away from Google’s offering, and the its promise of speedy updates.

 

Source: eBuyer, via: Engadget

New YouTube app for PS3 brings revamped UI, Android controls

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 07:53 AM PDT

PS3 YouTube

Playstation users have been able to watch YouTube videos on their consoles for some time, but the experience just got much better as the company announced a brand new app.

The app brings a completely refreshed UI that focuses on delivering the personalized content that YouTube has been pushing recently. Your subscribed channels, favorites and playlists are highlighted, bringing a much improved experience. Search also has been improved, with video results appearing instantly while you type. The app can also now be controlled completely with your smartphone after a quick pairing.

The app is available for free from the Playstation Store. Google is making a huge push with YouTube and the more good experiences across devices the better and this is just the next step.

Source: YouTube Blog

Q&A with Molecube - developing apps with YouTube superstars

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 07:09 AM PDT

Android Central

Not long ago we checked out the Epic Meal Time game, but we wanted to get to know the guys behind it, and particularly how they managed to wrangle a deal with a huge, established YouTube brand. Molecube has been making game for a little while, but mostly for iOS. We get some of their impressions on that transition, as well as plans for the future. 

Hi Pierre, thanks for your time! I'm a big fan of the game. Care to give us a bit of background on Molecube?

Hey Simon, thank you for having me! Molecube is an indie mobile game development studio based in Quebec, Canada. We are a small group of six individuals trying to do what we love for a living since two years. We’ve developed five games in our lifetime: Binja, Monstruction, Monsieur Monsieur, Justin Mac Fart and our latest release, Epic Meal Time!

Similar to every indie studio, in the last few years we’ve tried to be noticed in this crazy market. We’ve tried numerous strategies at different levels, we have even tried to market our marketing failures and successes in something called the “Experiment” for Justin Mac Fart but even that wasn’t enough to get us noticed. I think we’ve finally got this done with Epic Meal Time. We are very thrilled about that.

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Deal of the Day: Ballistic Shell Gel (SG) Series Case for HTC One X

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 06:40 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The August 14 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Ballistic Shell Gel (SG) Series for HTC One X. This case offers three layers of protection. A soft TPU absorbs shock from drops underneath a tough impact resistant polycarbonate shell. The third layer is made of a soft silicone with Ballistic corners. With access to the camera, ports and buttons, this is the perfect case for protecting your One X in the toughest environments.

The Ballistic Shell Gel Case is available for just $19.00, 46% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping!

Deal also available in the Canada store

Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts!

Vodafone gets arty with the 'Tate' edition Smart II

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 06:36 AM PDT

Android Central Android Central

If you are in the market for a new budget Android device and are feeling arty then Vodafone UK have something special to offer. As from today you can pop along to Harrods in Central London and pick up the new limited edition 'Tate' edition Vodafone Smart II for the reasonable price of £70 on pay-as-you-go. The device will also be in stock at selected Vodafone retail stores from August 16th although only 1000 have been made so if this floats your boat you need to get in quick.

The design has been created by art student Gaby Sahhar and it seems only right that if you purchase the Tate edition Vodafone Smart II you will also get two for one ticket entry into the Tate Modern or Tate Britain up until the end of January 2013.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions (mm) - 109 x 58 x 12.35
  • Weight (g) - 120
  • Touch Screen - HVGA (480 x 320 @ 180 ppi)
  • Processor - 800 mHz
  • Screen size (inches) - 3.2
  • Internal memory (MB) - 150
  • Memory card (GB) - 2 (expandable up to 32 GB)
  • Camera (MP) - 3.15 with flash
  • Operating system - Android 2.3

For more information on the design of the Tate Edition jump on over to the Vodafone Blog.

Not holding our breath for the Vizio Co-Star Google TV to ship today

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 06:14 AM PDT

Vizio Co-Star Google TV box

A few folks have pinged us this morning, reminding us that today was the original estimated shipping day for the Vizio Co-Star Google TV. We're pretty sure it's not happening today, though, as our order is clearly still in a "Processing" status, and the product page is back to "Coming soon." Don't give Vizio too hard a time, though -- we've always treated that "estimated" shipping date as a pretty loose ballpark. But we are just excited as the rest of you at the prospect of a $99 Google TV box. Let's just hope it fares a little better than Sony's software-hamstrung set. 

Here we go again: Dubious render claims to show Galaxy Note 2

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 04:19 AM PDT

Android Central

Just as it was with the Galaxy S3, here we have our first allegedly leaked render of Samsung's next, next big thing, the Galaxy Note 2. It's a large, white phone with an S3-like three-button setup, and a 16:10 aspect ratio screen. And... that's it. There's not much to go on here, and we have to say this bears all the hallmarks of fabricated or fan-made mockup. (When's the last time we saw an official promo shot of a sexy new phone with a blank screen?)

GSMArena, which was sent the image anonymously, says its source reports a familiar set of rumored specs for the device, including a 5.5-inch SuperAMOLED+ (RGB) display, an 8MP camera and a slightly higher-clocked Exynos 4 Quad chip. At this stage we'd be surprised if the Note 2 strayed too far from this spec list, but that does nothing to confirm the accuracy of the image.

So this might be the Galaxy Note 2, but really, it's probably not. The abundance of bullcrap Galaxy S3 renders in the run up to that phone's release has left us jaded and skeptical. Whatever the case, stay tuned for the real thing in a couple of weeks, as we'll be live from Berlin for the second Samsung Mobile Unpacked event of the year, where the real Note 2 will make its debut.

Source: GSMArena

Phones4U announces the LG Optimus 4X HD, coming Aug. 27

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 02:17 AM PDT

Android Central

Pre-orders start today, with Cheryl Cole tickets thrown in for good measure

Independent British retailer Phones4U has announced that it'll be launching the LG Optimus 4X HD in the UK later this month, and that it'll start taking pre-orders from today. The 4X HD is LG's international flagship for 2012, with a 4.7-inch True HD IPS display, a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 CPU, running Android 4.0 and LG's new Optimus UI 3.0.

Phones4U will make the phone available from Aug. 27 on a wide range of tariffs on leading UK mobile networks. If you want a free 4X HD, you'll be able to get one on contracts starting at £26 per month. SIM-free prices aren't available just yet, but based on European prices, we can probably expect something in the £450-500 area. The black version of the phone will be offered initially, followed at a later date by the white model.

To sweeten the deal, Phones4U is also offering the first 50 pre-orderers a pair of tickets to see British singer Cheryl Cole perform live this Autumn at the LG Arena in Birmingham. P4U points out the tickets are worth £100, presumably so you know where to set your eBay starting price.

In any case, it's good to see the 4X HD getting a wider European release, following its debut in Germany a few months back. LG's definitely upped its game in the past few months, and the 4X is a phone that deserves the chance to succeed. For more, check out our initial review of the handset, linked below.

More: LG Optimus 4X HD hands-on and initial review

Source: Phones4U

How to hack your Nexus 7 the right way

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 01:53 AM PDT

Android Central

For many, the Nexus 7 will be their first experience with one of Google's own branded Android devices. If you're interested in hacks of any sort on your phone or tablet, there really is no other option than to go Nexus. As we like to point out, we're constantly amazed by the posts our forum members put up when it comes to hacks, rooting and loading custom ROMs. This one is no exception.

Forum moderator dmmarck has put together a fantastic guide to help you along the path of all things Nexus 7, with step-by-step tutorials for all of your hacking needs. From the basic bootloader unlock and root, to more advanced flashing of custom ROMs and mods, it's all covered here. The best part about having a guide like this is the continued discussion and support after the first post. Any questions or comments you have can go right there to be answered. The sky is the limit when it comes to hacking a Nexus device, but remember it's always nice to have a way to get back to stock when things get a little out of hand. Thankfully, there's another fantastic post in the forums to help you do just that.

So let's go hit the forums and hack the Nexus 7 -- and even learn a thing or two along the way.

[GUIDE] Release the Kraken! Rooting & Hacking Your Nexus 7

[NSFW] Planet Pron app knows how to do Android porn right

Posted: 13 Aug 2012 10:57 PM PDT

Planet Pron

This entire review is Not Safe For Work. Chances are, you'll click through anyway. I don't blame you. Just remember I told you so. 

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Google officially announces Motorola downsizing, will take a $275 million charge in Q3

Posted: 13 Aug 2012 09:22 PM PDT

Motorola

Google this evening confirmed in an SEC filing that it plans to cut some 4,000 employees from the recent acquisition of Motorola -- about a fifth of the company's workforce. And it's going to cost Google some cash to do so -- to the tune of $275 million, and Google expects most of that charge to be taken in the third quarter. Google says it plans to close some 30 facilities as well, and "simplify its mobile product portfolio, shifting the emphasis from feature phones to more innovative and profitable devices."

The New York Times first reported the planned downsizing on Monday.

Shedding 4,000 bodies and 30 buildings won't immediately turn things around, though. Google correctly notes that Motorola has lost money 14 out of the last 16 quarters -- that's all but six months in the last four years -- and that while these cuts are a "key step" on the road to profitability, "investors should expect to see significant revenue variability ... for several quarters."

This affects real people, of course. Google says "generous" severance packages will be provided, as well as job placement services. Regardless, that's still 20 percent of Motorola work force that's about to be out of work. But if there's a company willing to treat layoffs with a little dignity, we're willing to bet it's Google.

Source: SEC

Ice Cream Sandwich coming to T-Mobile Galaxy Tab 7 plus, but only via Kies

Posted: 13 Aug 2012 08:26 PM PDT

Galaxy Tab 7 plus

T-Mobile support has let everyone know that an optional Android 4.0.5 update for the Galaxy Tab 7-plus should be ready and waiting in Samsung Kies tomorrow. Before we go any further, we know it says 4.0.5 -- that could be a typo or it could be a specially-built version from Samsung for the Tab 7-plus. I've reached out, and will let everyone know when I hear back.

What we do know is that it's Ice Cream Sandwich, which T-Mobile and Samsung feel is a drastic enough change in the user experience to make it an optional install versus pushing it out to everyone. We hate Kies as much as you all do, but we like choice so we won't ding them too much this time.

Anyhoo, you'll be updating to Android version 4.0.5 / Software version T869UVLG7, which will be required to access Music Hub after August 27, 2012. You'll need to have the latest version of Kies, and at least a 50-percent charge, See the full details at the source link.

Source: T-Mobile
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