Saturday, August 11, 2012

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Google Android News Android Forums

HTC Takes To Facebook, Reiterates Thunderbolt, Rhyme And Desire S Are Still On Tap For Android 4.0 Update

Posted: 10 Aug 2012 10:45 AM PDT

 

Today’s a great day for owners of a few older HTC devices. While it was rumored some devices might not get Ice Cream Sandwich, HTC took some time and addressed users on its Facebook page confirming the Desire S and Thunderbolt smartphones would receive the Android 4.0 update by the end of August. In addition to confirming those phones would certainly get the update, HTC also moved up the HTC Rhyme rollout to June-July instead of later in the year… and yes we’re in August already— but the hope is the update will be pushed out within the next few weeks.

So owners of the Thunderbolt, Desire S and Rhyme can now take solace in knowing the second-latest and greatest update is definitely on its way.

source: Android Police

HTC updating HTC One X international version to Android 4.0.4

Posted: 10 Aug 2012 10:38 AM PDT

Owner's of the international version of the HTC One X should expect to see a new over-the-air update rolling out to their devices. Reports indicate the update is very similar to the update that recently rolled out for the AT&T version of the One X and takes the device up to Android 4.0.4. HTC indicates in their announcement that the update includes improvements to Sense like mapping menu functions to the "recent app" key, better tab management in the browser, and some enhanced phone capabilities. Some memory and stability improvements are included as well. HTC also improved SDK support for Media Link and for the video call framework to help developers. Hit the break for the full statement from HTC.

As part of our ongoing commitment to ensure customers are receiving software updates that improve their user experience, we are pleased to announce our next upgrade for the HTC One X will be released on August 10th.

The primary update will include an upgrade to Android version 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), in addition to an improved Sense experience which will: enable the ability to map menu function to the ‘recent app’ key (improving visual presentation in non ICS apps like Facebook); improve tab management in the browser with a dedicated tab switching button and enhance camera capabilities such as white balance and continuous autofocus.  Furthermore, customers can expect enhancements to memory, platform stability and the overall browsing experience. Other improvements include a Single Sign-On for Facebook allowing user access across applications and browsers and upgrades to Beats audio, which reflect our dedication to providing an authentic sound experience.

From a developer perspective, we are expanding SDK support for Media Link and providing a framework for video call applications to achieve improved performance and quality.

State help for HTC requested by Taiwan Central Bank Governor Perng

Posted: 10 Aug 2012 10:17 AM PDT

As reported last week, after peaking in 2011, HTC has experienced a major slide in their financial performance during 2012. The tough times for HTC are taking their toll on the economy of Taiwan which is seeing their exports slowing. July exports were down 11.6% compared to the prior year and July marked the fifth straight decline. While HTC is only one company, their reduction in sales is a major factor affecting Taiwan’s gross domestic product. In response, Taiwan's Central Bank Governor Perng Fai-nan has asked the government of Taiwan to provide assistance to HTC. According to reports, the Industrial Development Bureau in Taiwan is already looking at some possible assistance packages.

source: Commercial Times
via: Android Central

Google Mobile search gets that Google Now look

Posted: 10 Aug 2012 07:34 AM PDT

I’ve really been enjoying the new Google Now search cards on the Nexus 7, and it’s no surprise that Google is heading in that direction for all their products. They just announced a new makeover for Google Mobile search that incorporates these same cards. Now when you search weather on a tablet or smartphone, you will get a new 10-day and hourly weather forecast that you can interact with. Other areas being updated are finance, currency conversion, unit conversion, dictionary definitions, local times, holidays, and sunrise/sunset times. You will even get a calculator when searching for calculations. For now it’s only available on mobile, but we can expect to see this hit the desktop soon. Head over to google.com on your smartphone or tablet and try it out.

source: Google Insidesearch

 

Samsung Launches Exynos 5 Dual-Core SoC, Brings 1.7GHz Speed And Mali-T604 GPU Goodness

Posted: 10 Aug 2012 07:31 AM PDT

 

You already know Samsung’s Exynos 5250 processors are screamers, but don’t forget— Samsung is always finding new ways to develop and produce better cutting edge technology. Enter Samsung’s Exynos 5 dual-core processors: A15 chips clocked at 1.7GHz and complimented with a Mali-T604 GPU which outperforms even the fastest quad-core processors in the land (i.e. Tegra 3 or Exynos processors). When paired with Samsung’s new Exynos 5, the Mali-T604 GPU is capable of supporting 2560×1600 WQXGA resolutions and items like LPDDR3 RAM 800MHz RAM, USB 3.0 and Panel Self Refresh for reduced power consumption — all of this built using Samsung's 32nm HKMG (High K Metal Gate) manufacturing process which allows for up to 30% less power consumption.

Expect Samsung’s newest screamer to be found in upcoming devices, like the Galaxy Note 2 perhaps?

source: Samsung



OTA Updates For ROM Users Made A Littler Simpler Thanks TO OTA Update Center

Posted: 10 Aug 2012 07:18 AM PDT

 

OTA updates certainly raises an antenna or two for us Android users. However, it’s much more common for users of devices with their stock software to get the coveted OTA updates— owners of devices running custom ROMs generally speaking are not as privileged to have the luxury. Well now, more ROM users will have the luxury as the team from the OTA Update Center has developed a means to offer a free OTA service to any ROM developer. It works in a straightforward way: app is installed into the ROM system that communicates with the servers to share the various OTA updates to anyone using the particular ROM. The hope is that it’s a more streamlined and simple process in order for users to get updates in a timely and efficient manner.

Those of you who are ROM users (and we know there’s a lot of you out there!) will have to wait for now and see if your ROM developer plans on incorporating the OTA Update Center. Developers on the other hand should definitely give the service a good luck or take it around for a spin and see if it works for them or not.

source: OTA Update Center
via: XDA



Wireless charging for smartphones and ultrabooks coming in 2013 courtesy of Intel

Posted: 10 Aug 2012 06:34 AM PDT

According to DigiTimes, Intel is expected to launch a new type of technology that will wirelessly charge Intel-powered smartphones. What this means is that your phone will somehow grab low power electricity from the air to charge your battery. This has already been approved by the Wireless Power Consortium as the Qi standard.

Intel won’t be the first out of the gate because both Sharp and NTT Docomo released devices already, but the cost has been the biggest factor in pushing this to the mainstream. According to DigiTimes, Samsung was expected to have launched something similar by now, but it will be delayed until late 2012 or possibly 2013. As for Intel, we probably won’t see anything until the second half of 2013.

Intel’s solutions is to use an ultrabook as the power source (along with related software) and a transmitter to wireless charge a smartphone. It will consume low power and the phone won’t be required to be put in a specific position.

source: digitimes

CyanogenMod 9 (Ice Cream Sandwich) Stable Builds Now Available

Posted: 10 Aug 2012 06:11 AM PDT

A late night tweet from CyanogenMod revealed CM9 stable ROMS are now ready for consumption. This marks the end of the CM9 branch, moving forward only critical bug fixes will be merged. Earlier in the night they only released it for the Galaxy Nexus, but now the majority of Cyanogenmod’s supported devices are ready for download. Moving forward the CyanogenMod team will focus solely on CM 10 Jelly Bean and maintenance of the CM 7 codebase.

Many of you may be wondering why CM 9? Why not give up on it since the team is heavily into CM 10 development? The simple answer is the CyanogenMod team does not like to leave things unfinished. They don’t profit from this at all, and the pure satisfaction of completing a goal is the largest reward. Now, to be more in depth; CM 9 serves as a “release suitable for the masses,” and for those who will not have 100% functioning builds of CM 10 immediately. This is actually really great if you’re not the type of person who is the “early tester” that downloads previews, alphas, betas, or nightly’s.

So, there you have it, I am curious to see how many of you were on CM 7 before this and if you were chomping at the bit for something new and stable. Let us know in the comments!

source: CyanogenMod

Gameloft’s Unreal-Powered ‘Wild Blood’ Trailer Hits the Web

Posted: 10 Aug 2012 05:50 AM PDT

Can you say Epic?! Well, last week Gameloft posted some artwork to tease a new addition to their family and yesterday they released a trailer for this new game called “Wild Blood.” Powered by the Unreal engine, the game looks to be incredibly smooth and makes me want to jump right in, and yield my sword to fend off enemies! I know, I get a little intense when it comes to games like this. Hit the break to check out the beautiful scenery and graphics in the Wild Blood trailer.

Click here to view the embedded video.

All Four Major U.S. Carriers Join Google, ISIS and Major Financial Institutions to Form Mobile Payments Committee

Posted: 10 Aug 2012 05:43 AM PDT

When Google recently updated Wallet with the ability to use any credit card, I was in a training class. I immediately lost all focus in what I was supposed to be learning and began punching in my credit card info so I could use NFC to buy stuff. My only issue would be finding a place to use the service, outside of 7-11 I mean.

Google knows it’s a challenge to find places to pay with NFC and so do other financial institutions looking to break into the industry. Well Google, Isis, PayPal, VeriFone and the big four carriers in the US are banding together to form the “Mobile Payments Committee.” The goal is to keep the technology moving forward and increase adoption among merchants. Wells Fargo, Capital One, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, etc. are among some of the financial institutions joining in on the fun. It makes sense to see all these powerful companies getting involved, this is truly the next wave of technology and I believe it will be the new norm. I think one major roadblock for merchants isn’t the security, but the cost of installing all these types of machines.

Soon the committee will begin educating and lobbying regulators, merchants, consumers and legislators in the ways of NFC. Hit the break for the full press release.

ETA Launches Committee To Guide Emerging Mobile Payments Industry

Mobile Payments Committee Will Include All Four Major Mobile Network Operators and Develop and Implement Industry-Wide Solutions for Mobile Payments

WASHINGTON, DC — The Electronic Transactions Association, the trade association of the global electronic payments industry, today launched its new Mobile Payments Committee, an industry-wide task force of representatives from top companies in the innovative market of mobile payments, including all four major mobile network operators – AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The Mobile Payments Committee will develop and implement industry-wide solutions to the complex policy and business issues surrounding the emergence of mobile payments in the U.S and globally.

"Mobile payments represent a game-changing business opportunity for our industry, and ETA's mission is to help our member companies succeed in this business," said ETA Chief Executive Officer Jason Oxman. "Our industry must work collaboratively to ensure that the regulatory and business environment promotes innovation and cooperation. As the trade association of the payments industry, ETA is the hub of activity in mobile payments, and our Mobile Payments Committee will help ensure that consumers and merchants have access to an efficient, reliable and secure mobile payments system."

The Mobile Payments Committee is chaired by Jackie Moran, Executive Director of Federal Relations for Verizon, and includes representatives from ETA member companies engaged in all aspects of mobile commerce, including credit card networks, processors, mobile network operators, developers, financial institutions and device manufacturers. ETA also announced today that all four of the nation's major mobile network operators – AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon – have become ETA member companies and will participate in the Mobile Payments Committee.

"As a nascent industry, the mobile payments market is just beginning to realize its full potential as a robust enabler of global electronic commerce," said Moran. "The Mobile Payments Committee is designed to ensure that the early stages of mobile payments are handled in the best possible way: With insight and ingenuity from all the players – private as well as public sector — involved in the exciting future of mobile payments."

Other ETA member companies participating in the Mobile Payments Committee include Google, Isis, Verizon, Wells Fargo, Capital One, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, VeriFone, Intuit, First Data, Panasonic and Neustar. The Mobile Payments Committee will address several issues facing the future of mobile payments, including:
• the business relationships needed to foster innovation and achieve network interoperability among merchants, credit card companies, mobile networks, equipment operators, equipment manufacturers and financial institutions;
• exploring the necessity of "best practices" that ensure merchants and consumers have access to the most innovative and effective mobile payments solutions;
• the education of legislators and regulators developing public policy around mobile payments; and
• the education of merchants and consumers about the potential of mobile payments to provide a
more efficient, reliable and secure experience at the point of purchase.

ETA's Mobile Payments Committee will hold its first meeting in late August and hold regular monthly meetings thereafter. The Committee will frequently update companies engaged in the mobile payments industry as well as policymakers on relevant proposals and solutions. While these proposals will remain voluntary, the Mobile Payments Committee will work with member companies to implement them in a comprehensive manner to ensure that the new field of mobile payments provides consumers and merchants with the best, most reliable, and most secure system.

 
Posted by at 5:44 AM

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