Saturday, September 15, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Google Now Knows Your Favorite Actor’s Bacon Number

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 05:06 PM PDT

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For those that maybe aren’t well accustomed to pop culture there’s this thing, it’s called the 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon. Apparently, every well-known actor is linked to a single man (in some way or another). His name is Kevin Bacon. And everyone has either worked with him directly, or worked with another actor, who’s worked with another actor and so forth — all the way up to 6 people deep.

It’s a fun little game and it looks like Google Now is able to supply users with these answers, providing you with just about any actor’s “Bacon number.” Simply open up Google Now and ask, “What is (insert actors name) bacon number?” Google Now will pull up and read that actor’s Bacon number, along with a list of actors who have been associated with him. We don’t know how Google does it, we’re just thankful that they do.

Thanks, Kyler!

Motorola Droid RAZR M developer edition, unlocked and ready for purchase

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 03:38 PM PDT

As promised, Motorola has released a developer edition of the recently launched Droid RAZR M for Verizon. The only difference between the dev edition and the phone release yesterday on Verizon is an unlockable bootloader (and an unsubsidized pricing). Otherwise, you get the same specs, including a 4.3-inch qHD display and 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor. The Motorola Droid RAZRM Developer Edition is available now for $549.99.

[via Motorola]

ITC rules Apple did not violate Samsung patents

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 02:57 PM PDT

A preliminary ruling by an International Trade Commission judge has found Apple not guilty of violating Samsung-owned patents in the production of their iOS lineup. Samsung claimed that the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch infringed upon four patents covering such technologies as 3G integration, the transmission of data packets, and the integration of web surfing into a mobile device. The complaint was filed last year and sought the ban of the offending devices in the United States.

The initial ruling is not the end of the road for Samsung, however. The full commission will meet in January to decide if the judge’s preliminary verdict will stand. Concurrently, Apple has a claim in with the ITC seeking to punish Samsung for violating several patents, mirroring a case the company recently won in California.

[via Reuters]

Google Wallet no longer supported on Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 01:32 PM PDT

Those that have been sideloading Google Wallet onto their Verizon-branded Samsung Galaxy Nexus handsets and using the mobile payment system (despite no official support by the carrier) were greeted with bad news today. Users attempting to open Wallet on their handsets are now greeted with a message reading, “This version of Google Wallet is no longer supported.”

Again, this shouldn’t come as a huge shock, as no carrier officially supports Google Wallet other than Sprint, and the app is blocked in most cases. However, with the Galaxy Nexus rooted users have up until now been able to workaround this and still use Google Wallet as intended. We’re sure those in the developer community are already working hard to find a way around this, but it looks like if you ever want an official mobile payment solution on Verizon’s GNex, you’ll just have to wait for the eventual launch of ISIS.

[Thanks, Jake!]

Sony Xperia Ion gets Ice Cream Sandwich in international markets

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 12:43 PM PDT

The Xperia Ion is the latest device from Sony to receive an update to Android 4.0.4, as the software is beginning to roll out to users in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The update to firmware version 6.1.E.19 targets the LT28i version of the device, so if it hasn’t already started, the update should be coming to other international markets shortly. The version of ICS looks to mirror the software delivered to the Xperia S and Xperia P. No word on when we can expect Ice Cream Sandwich for AT&T’s version of the Ion, but hopefully it’s not too far off.

[via XperiaBlog]

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 headed to AT&T on October 21st?

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 12:27 PM PDT

Samsung hasn’t come clean with any of the details of the Galaxy Note 2′s launch in the US, but it is sounding like next month might be a good bet. Sources speaking to BGR have confirmed that the phablet is currently on track for an October 21st release at AT&T. The date is also said to feature another high-profile launch: the Windows Phone 8 Nokia Lumia 920.

It seems that Samsung is attempting to copy the successful world-wide launch of the Galaxy S3, with head JK Shin pointing towards October as the date of the Note 2′s general launch. All signs to point to the phone finding a home on each of the major US service providers plus at least one regional carrier.

[via BGR]

 

Diane von Furstenberg and New York Fashion Week glimpsed through the lens of Google Glass

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 12:06 PM PDT


Earlier in the week we saw a quick preview of a little bit of clever marketing Google has been up to with Project Glass. They equipped designed Diane von Furstenberg and a few slinky models with their own headsets and then sent them off into the world to capture the New York Fashion Week experience. The result has now hit the web, for all to view. While the content of the video probably won’t interest too many of our readers, it’s worth noting that the video doesn’t look half bad for being captured on a head mounted piece of hardware. And hey, it’s probably the closest we will ever come to strutting it down a high-fashion catwalk for ourselves

[via Engadget]

T-Mobile’s HTC One X+ delayed, could launch with bigger battery [RUMORS]

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 11:15 AM PDT

Some new rumors are surfacing regarding the HTC One X+. While most reports point to the device being identical in nearly every aspect (save for a faster processor) to the original, there are some whispers of the phone sporting a slightly thicker frame in order to make room for a larger battery. Regardless, HTCSource is reporting that T-Mobile’s version of the handset has been delayed, and no definitive launch date is known at this time.

A larger battery makes sense, and it would certainly help the One X+ compete against phones like the Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX HD, but it isn’t a given. What seems more certain is that the phone will launch with Jelly Bean and Sense 4.5, a new version of HTC’s custom interface that won’t include many major changes. An updated gallery app is expected. HTC has a press event coming up next week, so it’s possible we will get some fresh info on the handset. Phandroid will be there covering it love, so keep it tuned here.

[via HTCSource]

Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE Review

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 11:04 AM PDT

The Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE is touted as the first 4G LTE handset on Sprint’s network to carry a full QWERTY keyboard. And while in most cases that would simply be enough to warrant a spot in a carrier’s product lineup, the Photon Q goes beyond just being useful as a messaging phone. With the DNA of Motorola’s Droid series of QWERTY sliders apparent throughout, the handset combines one of the best hardware keyboards on the market with top-tier specs to provide one solid Ice Cream Sandwich handset. So are your thumbs ready? Let’s take a look at the Photon Q, keyboard and all.

Hardware

The Motorola Photon  Q 4G LTE, as with most Motorola devices, immediately strikes you for its build quality. The phone doesn’t seem as solid as the RAZR series with its Kevlar-infused case, but it hardly feels like a plastic toy either. This extends right down to the QWERTY keyboard, but we’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves there. We’ll get the one immediate complaint out of the way: if you want a compact phone, the Photon Q is not for you. At about a half-inch thick, the Q feels plenty chunky. But that’s the tradeoff for a slider.

In terms of specs, the Photon Q carries a 4.3-inch qHD display that is bright and reproduces color well. We suspect this has something to do with Moto’s ColorBoost technology being built in. While it isn’t an HD resolution display, it still manages to impress. Buried beneath the display is a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor and 1GB of RAM as well as 8GB of internal storage. A microSD card slot is also included to expand the phone’s memory capacity. Oh, and in case the name of the phone didn’t make it painfully apparent, this thing packs 4G LTE.

Other goodies include Bluetooth 4.0, NFC (and Google Wallet is supported since this is Sprint), HDMI and microUSB ports, and a nice external speaker. The Photon Q’s battery is non-removable, and for all its thickness Moto only managed to cram a 1785mAh battery inside. Needless to say, battery life could be a concern for some.

Software

The Photon Q ships with Android 4.0.4 skinned with Motorola’s custom user interface. If you haven’t scoped it out in a while, it is much improved with the latest versions of Android, sticking closer to a stock experience while providing a few functionality tweaks and altering the aesthetics of the OS slightly. But everything is exactly where it would be in a stock device, including multi-tasking, a customizable launcher, lockscreen controls, etc..

As expected, the improved speed of the Ice Cream Sandwich framework coupled with the powerful hardware of the Q make for a smooth experience from simply navigating the OS or web to running apps and games. Speaking of apps and games, Sprint hasn’t included much here. So you get a pretty lightweight experience out of the box.

The biggest point to make here is how far the UI once known as MotoBlur has come. What was once possibly the worst manufacturer-produced Android skin is now pretty enjoyable to use. It looks and feels like ICS, just the way it should be.

Camera

The Photon Q carries a 1.3MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear camera. The camera is rated for 1080p video capture and features an LED flash and autofocus capabilities. When snapping photos you get a selection of effects and scene modes as well as the ability for multi-shot and panorama image capture. The camera provides a good degree of control over settings such as exposure and focus, but there is no user-adjustable white balance.

The video camera provides similar options, including video modes and Ice Cream Sandwich standards such as time-lapse. There are also modes for handling audio when recording video, which could come in handy for a noisy environment.


Overall the camera was fairly impressive when set to its highest quality, providing crisp and colorful images and video.

Keyboard

We’ve saved the best for last, and it just so happens to be phone’s main differentiating feature. The keyboard on the Photon Q is identical to that of the Motorola Droid 4, so our praise for it remains. It’s one of, if not the best hardware keyboards on the market. Five-row layout, nice clicky buttons, plenty of space for flying thumbs.

You could rattle off some serious messaging with this thing. Long emails are no problem. Heck, write your next novel on it. But for all it’s greatness, you really have to think hard about whether or not a hardware keyboard is all that useful. It’s the reason we’re looking at a pretty fat phone in the pocket, and with advancing software keyboards making a hardware QWERTY less relevant, it might be hard to justify for some.

Conclusion

If you just can’t stand to let the hardware QWERTY keyboard go the way of the dinosaurs, then hands-down the Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE should be an option for you. Next to the Motorola Droid series, there really isn’t much competition out there. It’s got it all, from a snappy dual-core processor to 4G LTE connectivity. The user experience is as solid as other Moto standouts such as the RAZR and RAZR MAXX, but its size and battery life don’t really compare. The decision ultimately comes down to these elements. Is a thicker phone worth the hardware keyboard to you? If so, the Photon Q is recommended with the highest confidence.

Conan O’Brien says screw the Kindle Fire — the $5 Amazon Wendell is where it’s at [VIDEO]

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 09:55 AM PDT

The Amazon Kindle Fire will be a very hot holiday item coming in at $159, but Conan O’Brien says Amazon could be coming out with something even more affordable — the Amazon Wendell. A fat, sweaty guy will be at your service to read your novels, roleplay your games, and more.

For an extra $5 you might even get what you didn’t bargain for, but depending on who you are and what you like you may or may not like the added… erm… “performance enhancements” Amazon will add. You can only know what I’m talking about by watching the hilarious video above.

Sprint may be delivering LTE to Boston and Chicago next Friday

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 08:58 AM PDT

Sprint hasn’t come out and publicly announced a date for the hundred or so markets they’re planning to launch LTE in by the end of this year, but we may have word on a couple of very important markets. According to a leaked document received by Engadget Sprint is expected to light LTE up in Boston and Chicago next Friday, September 21st.

The document notes that optimal speeds and performance won’t be promised until Sprint makes it officially official, but users should be able to access the network during the test/trial period just as well as the Sprint engineers can. It’s the most we can ask for after the debacle that was Clear’s Wimax rollout. Let us know if you start to see 4G lighting up in these markets this time next week.

Verizon Galaxy S3 update brings remote diagnostics tool

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 08:31 AM PDT

Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy S3 seems to be getting itself an update soon, and it will add some very useful tools for those finding themselves in a Verizon store often. The update will add Verizon’s remote diagnostics tool. The tool will allow Verizon tech support reps to view your smartphone over the internet for things like troubleshooting, app training, and more.

Other changes include the ability to watch the Guided Tours video over 3G and 4G, better stability and connectivity with backup assistant, better data connectivity with S Beam, more accurate NFC tagging, a fix for the “No SIM” error popping up, and more. The 30MB update will be known as build IMM76D.I535VRALG7, and the rollout usually isn’t far behind the official support document. [Verizon PDF]

Motorola says “Long Live the Battery” in latest DROID RAZR HD MAXX ad [VIDEO]

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 07:41 AM PDT

The Motorola DROID RAZR HD MAXX HD will be a hot phone when it launches later this year. Not only is it a beast in performance and build quality, it also has a pretty darn good battery.

Motorola’s smartly advertising that fact in their latest commercial for the device where they are saying “long live the battery.” There’s a bit of a double-meaning there, and we’re wondering why Motorola decided to go with a lesser version at all.

The MAXX doesn’t add much more girth to make up for the larger battery, and it’s the same exact phone otherwise. Except for a small difference in price there should be no reason for anyone to go for the MAXX-less variant.

We can’t take it for granted, though, seeing as we were afraid that Motorola might not have come out with a MAXX variant for this phone at all. Let’s just appreciate the strides taken in battery technology and enjoy the TV spot above.

AT&T 4G available in Wilmington and Philadelphia

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 06:56 AM PDT

AT&T has announced it’s just lit up two more markets with their 4G LTE. Folks in Wilmington, Delaware and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will get the super fast speeds being delivered to many currently-available 4G LTE devices. Offerings like the Motorola ATRIX HD and the Samsung Galaxy S3 await those who were holding out for LTE coverage, and more are sure to be on the horizon this holiday season. You should see their LTE logo light up in the right corner of your screen so be sure to check at your earliest convenience.

Google Maps Navigation comes to Qatar, Egypt, Lebanon, and more

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 06:07 AM PDT

Google Maps with Navigation is a great service that much of the world has been enjoying for quite some time, and now even more of our friends will be able to enjoy it. Folks in the beautiful countries of Lebanon, Egypt, Qatar, Algeria, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will now be able to let Google guide them using their Android phones. Users will be afforded many of the same features that those around the world do, but some region-specific exclusions may apply. For the most part, though, this is Google Navigation at its finest. Be sure to find the app in the Play Store.
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