Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

T-Mobile’s Taking Off The Gloves – Will Introduce New Data Plan That’s Actually Unlimited (Like, For Real)

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 06:13 PM PDT

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In an effort to prevent more more customers from leaving for greener pastures, the #4 largest carrier in the US is getting ready to introduce a new data plan to woo current customers, while enticing new ones. Starting September 5th, the #4 largest carrier in the US will officially unveil their all new “Unlimited 4G Nationwide 4G Data” plan and officially move into Sprint’s turf.

I know what you’re thinking, “We all know what ‘unlimited’ really means.” But no, really. For real this time. T-Mobile is doing away with the usual data caps and allowances, giving their customers the chance to live it up like it’s 2010, before all this throttling business became the new business model. Pretty darn epic.

The new (truly) unlimited data plan will be offered for $30 a month for current “Classic” customers and $20 for “Value” customers. This squeezes the new unlimited data plan right in between T-Mo’s unlimited 5GB for $35, and their unlimited 2GB for $20. The catch? Well, there doesn’t seem to be one, other than T-Mobile noting that customers wont be able to tether (no brainer). With LTE and the converting of their 2G network to 3G just around the corner, anyone else thinking magenta?

[TMoNews]

Official Ice Cream Sandwich ROM For HTC Thunderbolt Leaked And Ready For Download

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 05:29 PM PDT

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HTC Thunderbolt users are in for a treat today after a leaked official build of their upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich update was leaked onto Team BAMF’s forums. Build number 7.00.605.2 takes the Thunderbolt’s firmware up to Android 4.0.3 and brings Sense 3.6 along for the ride.

This is a completely stock ROM with a little root added in for super user permissions which means it should be more than stable (providing this is the final release before the official OTA rollout). Hit the source link (in a few minutes as the site seems to be overloaded) and have fun.

[TeamBAMF]

 

Samsung Galaxy S3 coming to MetroPCS this fall

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 02:04 PM PDT

The fall lineup for MetroPCS has been teased and it features a marquee phone many on the network will be eager to get their hands on. Along with handsets from Coolpad and ZTE we can expect a duo of Samsung smartphones, including the Galaxy S3. The second offering looks rooted in older Galaxy generations but gets one feature that sets it apart: VoLTE. Both should be popular options.

As far as the Coolpad and ZTE phones, they feature 4 and 4.3-inch displays respectively, but that’s about all we know. The Coolpad phone could debut in the next week or two and retail for $149. The Samsung Galaxy S3, which is in all ways identical to previous versions of the phone released, looks more likely to set customers back about $450, if not slightly more. MetroPCS should have their hands full over the coming months after launching the LG Motion 4G today.

[via PCMag]

7-inch Lenovo IdeaTab A2107A gets handled by the FCC

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:17 PM PDT

A new 7-inch offering from Lenovo did the rounds at the FCC recently, with a filing appearing online today. From the information provided, it can be gathered the the device goes by model number A2107A and falls into Lenovo’a IdeaTad line. The slate features a 7-inch display with 1024×600 resolution, a 1GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM, and 2MP camera. The FCC only checked this one out for WiFi, so there doesn’t appear to be an option with cellular modem in the plans.

That’s about all we can gather, but if we had to guess Lenovo will be aiming to sell this one right around the $199 sweet spot as a competitor to the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire. Exact availability and pricing cannot be determined at this time.

[via WirelessGoodness]

Google could move 8 million Nexus 7 tablets this year at current rate

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 12:27 PM PDT

According to the results of a bit of number crunching based on touch panel shipments, Google could realistically move 8 million Nexus 7 tablets this year. That may not be surprising after high demand has seen the device in and out of stock at Google’s online store since its launch, but compared to initial projections it’s enough to cause a double take. The Android maker had set a goal of 3 million units sold by the end of 2012.

Tech-Thoughts did the math based on a Digitimes report and available sales figures, so the number is little more than an educated estimation. But the site predicts Google will ship 3 million or more tablets in each of the remaining quarters of the year. Even if their numbers are drastically off, it is still pretty plain to see that Google should meet and exceed their goal of 3 million total sales for the year.

[via BGR]

Another look at the Sony Xperia J ahead of IFA announcement

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 11:28 AM PDT

With the Sony Xperia J expected to be announced in a little over a week at Sony’s IFA press showing, we’re getting one last leaked look at the device thanks to MobileReview. As we have seen in previous leaks, The Xperia J isn’t going to blow anyone away with its specs, but it is a nice looking phone with a serviceable 1GHz Snapdragon MSM7227a CPU, 512MB RAM, and a 5MP camera to go along with its 4-inch display and Ice Cream Sandwich. We won’t know the full details on pricing and availability untilSony’s announcement, if they even choose to reveal the information at that point. But expect this one to take over at the lower end of Sony’s lineup.

 

[MobileReview via MobileSyrup]

Google goes live with Play Store gift cards, available at RadioShack, Target, and GameStop

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 11:14 AM PDT

After it was all but confirmed this morning, Google has gone live with gift cards for their Play Store. A landing page is now present at the Google Play site detailing the gift cards and exactly where to find them. As we learned earlier, the cards will come in denominations of $10, $15, $205, and $50, and will only be redeemable on one-time app and game purchases, as well as the purchase of books, music, and movies, and TV shows. Magazine subscriptions, hardware, and accessories aren’t covered. The gift cards will be available for purchase at RadioShack, Target, and GameStop, though a note on Google’s site says, “Google Play gift cards are on their way to retail stores near you. They may not have arrived yet, so please call ahead to check availability.”

[via Google Play | Thanks, Keith!]

New Nexus rumors heat up, DoCoMo doc suggests handsets from LG, Sony, Samsung

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:59 AM PDT

Earlier today came word of a possible new Nexus device from Samsung, but that might have been just the tip of the Google-branded phone iceberg. If we are to believe a report coming from japanese site Android Noodles, NTT DoCoMo shows at least three Nexus devices on their roadmap, one each from LG, Sony, and Samsung. This wouldn’t be the first time we have heard rumors that Google plans to release up to five new Nexus phones by the end of year.

The names given for the devices include the Samsung Galaxy Nexus II, which makes sense given the GT-I9260 model number leaked this morning, LG Optimus Nexus, and Sony Xperia Nexus. If the rumors pan out, it seems apparent that Google’s new Nexus line seeks to combine manufacturer flagship brands with the Nexus name, leaving open the possibility for an HTC Nexus One X, though it isn’t mentioned in the report.

If the convention holds true, it would be a watershed moment for the Android industry. Major manufacturers would essentially offer their top-of-the-line hardware in a stock Android flavor with easy access to future OS updates. That’s enough to satisfy any fanboy’s wet dream.

[via AndroidNoodles]

MetroPCS unveils LG Motion 4G, unlimited everything for $55

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:36 AM PDT

MetroPCS today announced some exciting news for its consumers. For starters, a new promotion for 4G has kicked off that sees them offering one of the best 4G rates you’ll find in American wireless.

For a limited time they’re giving you the option to take a $55 unlimited everything rate plan which includes unlimited text messages, unlimited voice calling, and unlimited 4G data.

For those on family plans, you simply add another $50 for each line if you choose to step them up to this tremendous offer. The best part about it is that these prices will be locked in for life, so if you get in on it while it’s still available you’ll never have to worry about losing it for as long as you are a MetroPCS customer. That is full of win.

But they had more announcements to make: a new, affordable Android device will be launched to go along with that new plan you’re sure to want.

The LG Motion 4G is a phone that’s friendly to a budget, but despite its wallet-friendly nature you’re getting a pretty decent package. 4G LTE, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a 3.5 inch display, 5 megapixel camera with 1080p HD video recording, and Android .4.0 make this one to consider.

The device is coming in at $150, and that’s a very small price to pay for the hardware they’re promising. The phone and service will be available in-store and online later this week. If MetroPCS had a presence in my area I would be all over this. Read on for full press details.

MetroPCS Delivers 4G LTE for All with Even More Affordable 4G LTE Android Smartphone and Unbeatable Unlimited 4G LTE Data Plan

At $149, LG Motiontm 4G brings affordability and strong performance to MetroPCS’ 4G LTE smartphone line-up

DALLAS – (August 21, 2012) – MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) now offers more choices for those consumers who want to have it all from their wireless service at unparalleled value with a new even more affordable addition to its 4G LTE smartphone portfolio – the LG Motiontm 4G. The powerful AndroidTM smartphone puts a feature-rich handset experience and exceptional 4G LTE service within reach for value-conscious consumers – starting at just $40 per month – taxes and regulatory fees included.

Building on its vision to provide the best deal in town for 4G LTE, MetroPCS also today unveiled a promotional 4G LTE service plan that is only available for a limited time but offers benefits that can last a lifetime – unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data for only $55 per month for a single line. Families can get this unbeatable offer for just $50 per month on the account’s second, third and fourth lines. Even though the promotional service plan is available for a limited time only, customers will continue to receive service at the promotional price for as long as they maintain service with MetroPCS. The $55 service plan can save individuals up to $2,200 over the course of two years in service costs alone when compared to similar competitor offers.

MetroPCS is celebrating the launch of this new handset and unlimited 4G LTE promotional plan launches by offering consumers a mail-in rebate on the second of any two 4G LTE smartphone purchases. The rebate offer applies to all MetroPCS 4G LTE phones, including the newly launched LG Motion 4G, meaning customers can get a feature-rich 4G LTE smartphone for as low as $99 plus tax and unlimited 4G LTE wireless service for as low as $50 per month.

As MetroPCS’ first smartphone powered by Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), the LG Motion 4G has everything consumers need to fully utilize the benefits of one of the most advanced Android versions available. Its 1.2 GHz dual-core processor makes multi-tasking easy while consumers use the phone’s 5MP still camera, 1080p HD video recorder and browse the web and multimedia on the 3.5″ touchscreen.

Additional features include:
• Simultaneous voice and data on 4G LTE
• LG QuickMemo™ gives users the ability to personalize messages and share comments across a wide range of content including web pages, digital magazines, photos and more – all with a simple swipe of a finger
• Fun camera features like Cheese Shutter, which allows users to take a photo using just the sound of their voice, and Time Catch Shot which takes multiple photos at once and allows users to pick the best one
• The ability to take still pictures while recording video at the same time
• Corning® Gorilla® Glass touch screen

The LG Motion 4G supports MetroPCS’ 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot service, for additional charge, and is offered at $149 plus tax. Consumers interested in purchasing the device can visit their local MetroPCS store or go online to purchase the phone and sign up for service beginning later this week.

LG Optimus G leaked to be OEM’s most powerful smartphone yet?

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 08:58 AM PDT

LG could be getting ready to drop a monster of a device if recent rumors are to be believed. AsiaToday has claimed to have heard of one “LG Optimus G,” a superphone that would rival the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy S3.

It’s said to feature LTE with VoLTE capabilities, a 4.7 inch TrueHD IPS display, 2GB of RAM, a 13 megapixel camera, and a quad-core SoC of unknown variety. Naturally we’d guess Tegra 3 or Qualcomm’s quad-core S4, but anything’s liable to be inside that beast.

For software, LG’s bringing their latest Optimus UI atop a healthy helping of Ice Cream Sandwich. So are we slated to see this thing at IFA? We can’t say for sure.

LG will definitely be at IFA for a few different areas of their electronics business, but it’s possible they could be leaving this phone behind until a later date. But we’re keeping our fingers crossed that they’ll add on to the already exciting showing we expect to see in Berlin starting August 31st. [via PocketDroid]

Google accidentally confirms Play Store gift cards via support page – $10, $15, $25, and $50, no devices, and more

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 08:31 AM PDT

We’ve known Google would bring Play Store gift cards for a little over a week now, and we even got an idea of what to expect for the entire slate. A Google support page that has been deleted as of the time of this writing surfaced on the web.

But Google’s own caching feature got the best of them — a small snippet of the page remained in search results for “Google Play Gift Card” for a short time, and it at least confirmed that the cards would be coming in four different denominations.

We can expect to see $10, $15, $25, and $50 denominations in all, though not all of these may be available at any one retailer. We also know that Google has a gift card balance limit of $2000.

Finally, Google won’t be permitting the use of gift cards toward in-app subscription services or devices toward the Google Play Store, but that’s all the relevant info we could gather from the except below.

We’re a bit saddened we can’t use gift cards toward devices. Technically it is still cash value, and the card had to be purchased using real currency. It’s tough to say what Google’s motive is here, but whatever it is I’m sure it’s a good one.

Between a support page popping up, an update to facilitate gift cards in the Play Store, and the latest leaks of the physical cards themselves, we’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t believe that the late August through early September launch window we’ve been hearing is true. The rumored hard date is August 26th so we’ll see if that is legit by the beginning of next week. [Android Police via Droid Dog]

Google Play gift cards are available in the United States in the amounts of $10, $15, $25, $50. To find a retailer near you, visit play.google.com/about/giftcards. Any gift cards you redeem will appear on your account as part of your Google Play balance. Note that the Google Play balance has a $2000 limit.

How to redeem. You can redeem your Google Play gift card four ways ways: At play.google.com/redeem

On the back of your Google Play gift card, SCRATCH TO REVEAL CODE. Visit play.google.com/redeem and enter the redemption code found under the scratch-off section. Once you’ve entered a valid redemption code, the value of the card will be automatically applied to your Google Play balance, which will appear as a payment method when you go through the purchase flow on Google Play.

While making a purchase on the Google Play website (play.google.com)

Ensure you’re signed in to your Google account, and select an item to purchase*.

*Note that Google Play gift cards may not be used to purchase subscriptions or items from the Devices section, including accessories (chargers, covers, etc.).

While making a purchase using the Google Play Store app on your device. Open the Google Play Store app on your device, and navigate to the content you’d like to buy; Tap on the item to see the details page; Tap the blue box that lists the item’s price; Tap the gray drop-down arrow to see a list of payment options; Select Redeem; On the back of

Jawbone JAMBOX Remix site will soon let users customize colors of accessory for free

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 07:50 AM PDT

The Jawbone JAMBOX, one of the most popular and simple Bluetooth speakers on the market, will look to get even more attuned to the very customers buying it. Jawbone will soon implement an option called JAMBOX Remix for all users to select their own colorways when ordering their JAMBOX.

If I wanted to buy a blue and green JAMBOX to match up with the Phandroid logo I could do just that. You can change the grill of the device as well as the “caps”. There are currently 13 colors for the speaker grill and 9 for the caps, meaning there are 117 different combinations to choose from.

Jawbone is currently giving their most loyal customers an exclusive taste of the service, but come August 28th everyone will be able to order one in their favorite colors. And the best part of all is that it’s a free, optional service — you only pay for shipping and the original cost of the JAMBOX. Sounds good to me. [via Engadget]

Plants vs Zombies sequel on the way

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 06:56 AM PDT

Popcap games has announced that Plants vs Zombies will be getting a sequel. Unfortunately their press release does nothing to give us an idea of what to expect except that we’ll be getting the obvious medley of new graphics, levels, features, and more. They did tell us to expect an early Spring launch for next year, but that was it. We don’t even have an image to whet our appetite with. But know that’s coming, and that you still have plenty of time to get caught up with the first installment from the Google Play Store.

Acer Liquid Gallant and Liquid Gallant Duo formally unveiled ahead of IFA

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 06:27 AM PDT

While Expansys may have outed Acer’s Liquid Gallant and Liquid Gallant Duo ahead of schedule, it appears Acer was willing to do that themselves. They’ve unveiled the new smartphones ahead of IFA, and while it’s not made to sit atop the smartphone food pyramid it should find a nice place inside the hearts of many-a budget shopper.

The 4.3 inch smartphone comes in two flavors: one with a single-SIM configuration anACd one with dual-SIM for whoever needs that sort of thing. A 1GHz processor sits inside this thing accompanied by 1GB of RAM, a 5 megapixel camera, 4GB of internal storage, a 1,500 mAh battery, Bluetooth 3.0, Android Ice Cream Sandwich, and more.

Acer is looking to bring the device out in two colors to smart — Gentle Black, and Ceramic White. We’re not exactly sure what a Gentle Black is supposed to look like in person, but we imagine it’ll have a more carbon or dark metallic type of look.

September is the targeted landing period for the two smartphones, but the single-SIM variant will be available only a short time after its big brother dual-SIM. Stay tuned as more info regarding the devices comes out of IFA Berlin starting August 31st. Read on for full press details.

Acer launches Liquid Gallant and Liquid Gallant Duo – Everything you need in the palm of your hand

Acer announces a winning twin of smartphones, the Liquid Gallant and Liquid Gallant Duo. With their advanced features and rich functionalities, these smartphones are the perfect companions of modern day’s explorers.
From the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, to the dual-sim dual stand-by model, ideal for globetrotters or for who wants to choose the better rate, these smartphones are designed to offer an enhanced user experience.

The Liquid Gallant and its dual-sim twin brother, the Liquid Gallant Duo, sport a 4.3-inches display with a qHD resolution, offering a clear and detailed rendering of every image and text on screen. The unique design, that makes the Liquid Gallant (Duo) so comfortable to hold in your hand, is further enhanced by the power button placed on the back of the phone, so that lighting the screen when you slide it out of your pocket has never been more convenient. The Liquid Gallants are available in two colors: Gentle Black and Ceramic White.

“This new Acer smartphone mission is quite simple: bring the best experience to all the modern days’ explorers, which results in creating a very affordable phone with no compromise on performance and usability” says Allen Burnes, SPBG EMEA Vice President.

Indeed the Liquid Gallants combine powerful processors and plenty of memory to enjoy an exceptional browsing experience. They run Android ICS 4.0.4 for a smooth and user-friendly performance. As usual, Acer has improved the user experience, adding cool touches such as the convenient unlock screen, the improved notification area, the famous Swype keyboard and more.

The 5 MP rear camera with LED flash deliver advanced features for an extraordinary experience. Taking a one-time shot in a circular path you’ll be able to capture a 2.5D view of your beloved. With automatic smile detection, you’ll never miss a person smiling. You can take pictures with higher contrast and rich of details and easily assemble them into a single panoramic photo. What’s more you can set the focus point where you want simply by touching anywhere on the viewfinder.

Finally, the Liquid Gallants bring a premium clear and loud sound experience to the users with enhanced Surround Sound, whether they are used as hands-free conference devices or as portable music players.

The Liquid Gallant Duo will start hitting the shelves in September 2012, closely followed by the Single-sim variant.

Come discover these striking twins at the Acer booth at IFA – Hall 12 booth 101, from Aug. 31st to Sept. 5th.

Oovoo update brings four simultaneous video streams

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 05:51 AM PDT

Oovoo, one of the most popular video chat services you can find, has updated its Android app to add great new functionality. The app now allows you to view four different video streams simultaneous.

This means you can keep your eyes on more of your friends  at the same time. You still get twelve-way groups, but the rest of the folks you don’t want to see will unfortunately be confined to text chat.

Other new changes include a widget, deeper Android integration such as showing missed Oovoo calls in the dialer, or showing which of your contacts is available for a call.

Push notifications make their debut here, and they’ve added support for even more devices. More changes, like localization for Mandarin Chinese, Italian, and Spanish, are all welcome additions. Read on for full press details and find the new app in the Google Play Store here.

ooVoo QUADRUPLES SOCIAL VIDEO-CHAT FUN WITH RELEASE OF FREE iOS, ANDROID FOUR-SCREEN MULTI-PARTY MOBILE VIDEO-CHAT APPS

ooVoo Goes Ultra-Mobile with Must-Have Features for Social Video-Chat

NEW YORK, (August 21, 2012) – ooVoo, the fastest-growing and largest independent social video-chat provider with 54 million registered subscribers, today unleashed free iOS and Android apps that let subscribers easily include more of their friends in all their fun…wherever and whenever they wish.

As the leader in group video-chat, ooVoo’s new mobile apps are the only major communications product offering users four simultaneous video streams at once on mobile devices, and hosting a total of up to 12 participants on one call, for free! ooVoo’s free apps for mobile devices offer more flexibility and several industry-first social video-chat features that raise the bar for connected fun.

ooVoo is the go-to place for free group video-chat, and no one matches ooVoo’s capabilities, quality and fun. The new ooVoo product upgrades across mobile platforms allow users to:

- Host four simultaneous video streams at once on screen – for free – on iOS or Android mobile devices in high quality (over 240 devices supporting 4-way)
- Gain deep integration into the native Android address book using the Google Social API
- Take advantage of ooVoo’s Android widget that shows online friends, missed calls and enables one-touch chat session starts plus calls straight from their phone or tablet home screen
- Enjoy the first optimized, multi-party communications experience for new, high-speed LTE
mobile networks
- Stay always available — the new ooVoo mobile app provides subscribers with push notifications, making them always on and always reachable
- Text chat with anyone during a video call on both iOS and Android
- Get improvements to the user experience that make ooVoo easier and fun to use

“Multi-party video-chat is the most social thing one can do on mobile, and with the launch of ooVoo’s four-screen mobile apps we’re creating an easy and free way to let more friends get together, participate and be a part of each other’s worlds – which bring us all closer together,” said Jay Samit, president of ooVoo. “ooVoo is the marriage of communications and social. ooVoo gives everyone the ability to share experiences with friends as they happen regardless of location or device.”

Starting today, the free ooVoo updates are available for immediate download from iPhone App Store and Google Play.
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