Thursday, August 2, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Droid RAZR HD Photos Leak

Posted: 01 Aug 2012 02:25 PM PDT

It’s Motorola’s turn to have some pictures of an upcoming device leaked onto the internet. Today it’s the Droid RAZR HD, which is expected on Verizon sometime in the near future. The phone sports a much improved screen over the original, but what other goodies it holds isn’t quite clear yet.

The backplate has a unique texture/pattern which will please some and disappoint others, but it is unique and I doubt you’ll see Apple claiming credit for this one.

Thanks to XDA user “siloner” for the pictures, which he got from a “friend”.

source: XDA

Motorola Defy XT and Electrify 2 heading to US Cellular [Video]

Posted: 01 Aug 2012 02:08 PM PDT

Today, US Cellular has announced two new quality Motorola handsets. Fist we have the Motorola Electrify 2, the higher-end out of the two that offers a 4.3-inch display and a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The device will also have an 8-megapixel rear camera along with a front facing camera. The phone also offers the same Smart Actions feature that’s prevalent in the Verizon Droid RAZR line. The Electrify 2 will set you back $179 on contract after a $100 rebate.

Next we have the Motorola Defy XT, which would be considered a mid-range device that sports a 3.7-inch screen with a 5-megapixel camera. Much like it’s predecessor, you can expect this device to be quite durable. The Defy XT will run you $99 on contract after a $100 rebate.

You can check out the video showcasing both devices as well as the official press release after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

CHICAGO – Aug. 1, 2012 – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and Motorola Mobility today announced two new Android™-powered smartphones to the carrier's lineup. Motorola ELECTRIFY™ 2, the next generation of the popular ELECTRIFY that runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, will be available online on August 1 and in stores on August 2. Additionally, Motorola DEFY XT will be available online and in stores on August 3. Visit uscellular.com for detailed pricing and visit motorola.com for additional product details.

The Motorola ELECTRIFY 2 and DEFY XT through U.S. Cellular come with the carrier's unique user benefits, including faster phone upgrades without re-signing contracts and the only points-based rewards program in the industry. Both smartphones will run on U.S. Cellular's high-speed nationwide network, which has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier.

"Customers who purchase Motorola ELECTRIFY 2 or DEFY XT will not only enjoy a new cutting-edge Android-powered smartphone, but will also get the best customer experience," said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. "A mobile phone should make life simpler and easier to get things done and U.S. Cellular believes the customer relationship with their wireless carrier should be the same."

With a slim 8.4 millimeter design, Motorola ELECTRIFY 2 is ultra sleek, made Kevlar® strong and features an invisible splash-guard coating to protect from spills. The 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 4.3-inch ColorBoost™ display make ELECTRIFY 2 a multimedia powerhouse, perfect for gaming, movie watching, and web surfing. Great for capturing photos and videos, the ELECTRIFY 2 features a rear-facing 8 megapixel camera with LED flash and a 1080p HD camcorder. It's also the first U.S. Cellular device to include SMARTACTIONS™, the free Motorola app that can help extend battery life as well as intelligently automate routine, everyday tasks and suggest ways to personalize your phone to make your life easier.

Motorola DEFY XT is perfect for customers looking for the features and functionality of an Android-powered smartphone with a durable design. Water-resistant, dustproof and with a scratch-resistant 3.7-inch touchscreen, DEFY XT is ready to take on everyday scrapes and spills. Not only strong and sturdy, it's also a great device for keeping connected with friends and family with a 5 megapixel camera and a front facing webcam for video chats. Stay entertained with access to more than 600,000 apps and games on Google Play™, as well as millions of books and songs and thousands of movies and TV shows. Also, the customizable activity dashboards offer additional functionality with access to an integrated compass, pedometer, music player, and weather.

"Motorola is excited to bring the next evolution of ELECTRIFY to U.S. Cellular customers and Motorola ELECTRIFY 2 is ideal for those who crave premium features," said Jeff Miller, corporate vice president, North America Go-to-Market, Motorola Mobility. "Motorola DEFY XT packs innovative specs into a resilient design that can withstand whatever life throws your way. These two products provide unique experiences and give consumers choice."

For more information about all of U.S. Cellular's devices and plans, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

 

Purchase of a data plan is required, and a new two-year agreement and activation fee may apply for new customers. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply.

 

About U.S. Cellular 
U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with unmatched benefits and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network that has the highest call quality of any national carrier. Currently, 25 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds and 54 percent will have access by the end of 2012. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Champion in 2012 for the second year in a row. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

Media Contact
Kelly Harfoot, U.S. Cellular

773.355.3697

kelly.harfoot@uscellular.com

 

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.

Media Contacts (for media and analysts only):

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2012 Motorola Mobility, LLC. All rights reserved.

Google Wallet is now cloud based and lets you use any debit or credit card you wish

Posted: 01 Aug 2012 01:56 PM PDT

To say Google Wallet is moving slow might be an understatement, but Google continues to make improvements. Today is a big one in that we can now use any major debit or credit card we want like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. They also announced they are moving card storage to highly secure Google Servers. This will make it easier for banks to add their cards to the Wallet app in a few weeks.

The other advantage to the cloud is you can now remotely disable your phone from using Google Wallet in the event you lose it. You simply go to the Devices Section on the Google Wallet website and you select which device you want to disable. You will still need to use a pin for your transactions, which is the only thing that will be stored on your phone. I still recommend using a pin lock or pattern lock for overall access to your phone to give you complete security in the event you do lose your phone though.

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Play Store Download Link

source: googlecommerce

Say goodbye to the Google Mobile Blog and hello to the Official Android Blog

Posted: 01 Aug 2012 01:31 PM PDT

Google asked readers what they wanted to see more of on the Google Mobile Blog and Android seemed to be the unanimous choice. So today marks the final post for the Google Mobile Blog and the launch of the Official Android Blog. Everything has been migrated so you don’t have to worry about losing anything. It’s time to update your RSS feed!!

sources: google mobile and official android

Samsung’s market share drops and Android’s growth slows according to comScore

Posted: 01 Aug 2012 01:19 PM PDT

comScore announced market share numbers for June and when comparing them to March, Android’s share increased by only 0.6% to 51.6%. Apple didn’t fare much better as they came in at 32.4%, an increase of 1.7%.

As far as manufacturers go, Samsung continues to roll, but they did have a minor setback. They came in at 25.6%, but that’s down 0.4% from March. In fact the only two gainers were Apple and HTC, which were +1.4% and +0.4% respectively.

 

source: comScore

More official Nexus 7 accessories revealed including a Bluetooth Keyboard Case and Rotating Stand

Posted: 01 Aug 2012 10:51 AM PDT

If you’re looking for more accessories for your Nexus 7 we’ve got a sneak peak for you. Our friends at Mobile Fun in the UK posted pictures of ASUS-made accessories that will be available soon. Unfortunately we don’t have release dates but we do have pricing. For starters, there is the Bluetooth Keyboard Case (pictured above) priced at £79.95 ($125). It’s a little pricey but it appears to work well as a docking station. Hit the break for more

The Rotating Stand Case which will go for £27.95 ($44) and is specially designed to increase the viewing ability of the Google Nexus 7 whilst offering superb protection against damage.

The Stand Case will be £22.95 ($36) and is designed to increase comfortable viewing of the Google Nexus 7 whilst offering superb protection against damage.

The Folio Case goes for £22.95 ($62) and will keep your Nexus 7 protected

Last but not least we have Screen Protectors that will cost £14.95 ($23)

source: mobilefun
via: droid-life

Featured Play Store Newbie: Dr Panda’s Hospital – Vet Game [Education/Toddlers]

Posted: 01 Aug 2012 10:24 AM PDT

Here’s another app for the toddlers. It’s called Dr. Panda’s Hospital – Vet Game and it’s all about playing doctor. I don’t think I ever met a child who doesn’t like to play doctor. Add in some animals and you’ve got something that will most likely keep kids pretty busy and hopefully learn a thing or two. Dr. Panda’s Hospital is best with kids between 2 and 6 years old. Your child gets to be a vet for 8 different animals, and it starts in the waiting room where patients come in one by one. Your child can bring the animals (patients) to beds, and with the help of the UI, figure out their medical issues and perform simple procedures to get them better. Now when I say procedures, I’m not talking about open heart surgery, I’m talking about things like giving shots, measuring blood pressure, applying band aids, and brushing their teeth.

Each patient is considered a “mini game” (10 in all) and your child will receive stickers for completing each mini game. I think in some ways this game not only teaches children a little about medicine, but it will also help them feel more comfortable at the doctors office. Dr. Panda does a great job in educating children while at the same time reducing their fears of doctors, nurses, and hospitals. I know my son doesn’t get too excited about going to the pediatrician, but after playing a game like this, he’s more likely to look forward to it.

You will also be happy to know that Dr. Panda is certified by the kidSAFE Seal Program, which is only awarded to those apps and websites that meet their 5 “core safety rules.”

Full list of game features:

  • Receive a fun and basic introduction to health, anatomy, and to the medical world
  • Cure stomach, eyes, ears, mouth and teeth
  • Measure blood pressure
  • Apply ointment to treat chicken pox
  • Adjust broken bones
  • Retrieve swallowed items
  • Laugh while delivering injections
  • Sort equipment into Dr. Panda's medical carrying case
  • Keep waiting room and patient rooms clean

Dr. Panda is only $1.99, but you can also try out a Free version to see how you like it. The Free version is limited to 4 animals and 3 mini games, but it’s enough to get you started. Check out the screenshots and video below then hit one of the download links to get started. You can also like their Facebook page to learn about new releases and promotions.

 

Dr_Panda's_Hospital_01 Dr_Panda's_Hospital_02 Dr_Panda's_Hospital_03 Dr_Panda's_Hospital_04 Dr_Panda's_Hospital_05 Dr_Panda's_Hospital_Banner

 

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

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Play Store Download Link – FREE

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Play Store Download Link - $1.99

AT&T has no interest in selling the iPhone [Updated]

Posted: 01 Aug 2012 09:29 AM PDT

It’s not like the iPhone is hurting over at AT&T as they accounted for 72% of sales during the 2nd quarter, but that may change because it appears AT&T corporate is instructing retailers to push sales of Android and Windows Phone handsets. BGR was able to get confirmation from three different sources. If a customer walks in seeking an iPhone, reps have been instructed to show them Android and Windows phones to give them a better chance at an “informed decision.”

The big question is why? As a whole AT&T grew by only 3% during the second quarter so although the iPhone still dominates their overall sales, total sales are obviously down. Many feel it’s because consumers are waiting for the iPhone 5. BGR thinks this new information is the real cause, but that doesn’t add up either because if they were  ”steering” consumers to Android and Windows phones instead, then overall sales wouldn’t have been so weak. Also if a consumer is waiting for the iPhone 5, then they wouldn’t be walking into a store to begin with.

This is probably something that just started during this quarter, but one still has to wonder as to why? They even went as far as mandating that retail staff carry an Android or Windows phone as their personal device.

It will be interesting to see what the 3rd quarter numbers show because one source told BGR that the iPhone represented 80% of their store sales, but now it’s probably around 50 to 60%. As of the time of this post, no comment was made from AT&T.

Update:

AT&T just commented with the following

The idea that we would steer any customer away from a particular device couldn't be more farfetched.  Our reps do what it takes to align customer needs with the best device for them.  iPhone remains one of our most popular devices, which doesn't happen by steering people away from it. Our reps are encouraged to try all devices so they are more knowledgeable on our industry-leading smartphone lineup.

source: BGR

More Sony Xperia SL Colors Leak

Posted: 01 Aug 2012 08:50 AM PDT

It seems the as yet announced Sony Xperia SL is going to be available in more than just the blue and pink colors that we’ve seen so far ( a good thing, to be sure).  Photos have surfaced showing the phone sporting black, grey and white paint schemes.  Photos and more info after the break.

In addition to the new colors, it also looks poised to get a processor speed bump up to a blistering 1.7 ghz on the same Qualcomm MSM8260 that the Xperia S is rocking.  We still don’t have a release date, but it’s expected that Sony will announce it around September 29th.

source: ePrice
via: unwiredview

How to back up your contacts with your Android phone

Posted: 01 Aug 2012 08:40 AM PDT

Normally there isn’t a major need to back up your contacts as long as they are synced with Gmail, but hey a backup of anything can’t be a bad thing. You never know what could happen down the line and if something does happen, taking a few minutes now might avoid any heartaches. Moon19th from our forums put together a really good post showing you how to do this. He details a simple export and utilizing another application called Moborobo.

As to Gmail syncing, I can’t believe how many phones I’ve seen from friends that aren’t even set to sync with Gmail. This mostly happens to people that are just getting a smartphone for the first time and the store moved their contacts over, but never went over how Gmail works. Verizon is notorious for this as they often set the contacts to only be backed up with their own Backup Assistant. So if you have any questions on if your contacts are being synced with Gmail, then Moon19th also shows you how to set that up.

Just hit the link below and make sure to hit up our forums in general if you ever have any questions or comments about anything Android. If you’re not already a member, you can sign up here.

Three ways to backup your contacts    /   Androidforum main page
Posted by at 5:49 AM

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