Sunday, September 23, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

LG Optimus L7 rumored to come to Boost Mobile as the LG Venice

Posted: 22 Sep 2012 07:34 PM PDT


While LG’s Opimus L series had our attention at MWC 2012 with their elegant looks, the specs and features simply weren’t up to par with other devices. These mid-tier devices are meant to be affordable and “stylish,” not powerful. But if you are looking for a buck-saving smartphone, you might want to keep your eyes locked on this one.

The guys from EVLeaks have been bringing us some great images and information about rumored devices, and they are now reporting an LG Venice. This device is said to be Boost Mobile’s version of the LG Optimus L7. As such, we expect it to come with identical specs, which include the following.


LG Optimus L7 Specs

  • Android 4.0
  • 1 GHz single-core processor
  • 4.3-inch IPS-LCD display (480×800)
  • 512 MB of RAM
  • 2.4 GB of internal storage with microSD slot
  • 5 MP rear-facing camera / 0.3 MP front-facing camera

Not a bad device, especially considering it will probably come with a very enticing price tag. We will definitely stay on the lookout for the LG Venice, so stay tuned for upcoming details.

[Via: EVLeaks]

DYZPlastic’s Series 3 Android figurines about to hit stores, last preview announced today

Posted: 22 Sep 2012 07:04 PM PDT

You know you are in nerd heaven when these little Android figurines are getting released and we are going crazy over them. I am usually pretty excited about these little Andorid dudes, but boy is today’s preview awesome! Say hello to Sir Knightly Bild.

This valiant warrior has seen many a fierce fight. Every night he ventures into the unknown, unaware of what fresh hell awaits. He battles unimaginable beasts deep within Feature Creep Keep…

There is also this cute Whoogle the Owl, and the DYZPlastic teams says there are a few more they are keeping under the veil. You know, you don’t want to ruin the surprise!

We have been keeping a close eye on these previews, and we are more than ready to take spend all our cash on these as soon as they become available this monday, Sept. 24th. Check out the other previews at their official blog, and go get your figurines at Dead Zebra’s store this monday!

I am definitely getting this one. I mean come on, it even looks like me.

[Source: DYZPlastic]

Motorola aims to fix Android 4.0 update delays for DROID Bionic

Posted: 22 Sep 2012 06:07 PM PDT

Sadly, broken promises is something we have grown used to when it comes to Android updates. It is upsetting, but manufacturers have to know that great communication and customer service can sometimes do more than a timely update. We have to give props to Motorola for this one, as they are not beating around the bush about the DROID Bionic’s delayed Android 4.0 update.

The DROID Bionic has had a rough life (read our review). It went from being one of the most exciting devices of CES 2011 to getting completely redesigned, delayed and being unsuccessful at launch. But hey, it is not a bad device. The only issue is that the Bionic now faces another complication.

The Bionic was said to get Android 4.0 by early Q3, 2012. Of course, we are past that point now, and all eyes are now on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Regardless, Motorola ‘s Punit Soni has taken it upon himself to talk to talk to the community and try to work things out.


We have a plan for Bionic. I am currently solidifying things to ensure we can publish it, commit and follow up. I think you guys have gotten a raw deal and we could do way better. But you are one of the top few things I worry about when I look at Upgrades.

With that, users are now much more content about the delayed OTA update. At least they feel like they are not getting ignored, and it takes honor to apologize and accept they have wronged. I know I wouldn’t mind waiting a bit more if customer service was this attentive (just don’t make me wait too long either).

[Source: Punit Soni Via: Engadget]

Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 Developer Edition now out of stock

Posted: 22 Sep 2012 05:34 PM PDT


That was quick. Verizon’s Galaxy S3 Developer Edition went on sale just yesterday, but the device is in backorder status just a day later. We doubt the unlocked device was so popular that Samsung was not able to keep up with demand, though. Odds are Samsung just didn’t expect to sell many of these, so they kept stock pretty light.

Both 16 GB and 32 GB versions of the Galaxy S3 are currently out of stock, so you are out of luck if you wanted one soon. Looking at the bright side, it seems customers won’t have to wait too long before receiving their backordered devices. Samsung is asking to allow them 2 weeks to ship the smartphones.

The item you have chosen is currently out of stock and will be placed on back order. You will not be charged for the back order. If you wish to proceed, you will receive notification via email regarding the status of availability. Please allow us 2 weeks to receive the item you have chosen.

Those still willing to sign up and wait a bit can go ahead and place their orders at Samsung’s website. We advice you do it soon, though, before more people snatch them and force you to wait longer.

Thanks, Max!

[Source: Samsung]

Apple wants another $707 million from Samsung, and most of its devices banned in the US

Posted: 22 Sep 2012 05:02 PM PDT


Apple is going for the jugular this time! Apparently those $1.05 billion dollars were not enough, and the company has filed a request to get an extra $707 million in additional damages and interest for infringing on the Apple’s designs. But oh no, it doesn’t stop there. Apple wants those Samsung devices banned in the US once and for all (we know Apple wants a plethora of old and new devices banned).

This would not cover all Samsung devices, but based on the request, such ban would apply to most. The US sales ban would apply to “any of the infringing products or any other product with a feature or features not more than colorably different from any of the infringing feature or features in any of the Infringing Products.”

Yeah, that is pretty much all of them, with very few exceptions, probably. In return, Samsung has asked for a new trial, as the last one didn’t give them enough time to present a “full and fair” case. This could be getting ugly, guys. We will definitely keep our ears open for this one, so stay tuned!

[Source: Reuters]

HTC will give you a urBeats headset if you trade in your iPhone and buy an HTC One X

Posted: 22 Sep 2012 04:15 PM PDT


Are you ready to part ways with your used iPhone? If so, HTC is willing to make a deal with you. The Taiwanese manufacturer no longer bundles Beats headphones with their devices, but it is offering a urBeats headset (worth $99) if you trade in your used iPhone when you buy an HTC One X (read our HTC One X review).

All iPhone versions are eligible, so if you have an old 1st-gen iPhone laying around this might be an enticing deal for you. The unit simply has to be in working conditions and can’t have any type of screen damage.

This offer won’t be as enticing if you happen to have a newer device, like an iPhone 4s, as you can sell one of those for much more than $99. But if you have an older iPhone or simply don’t want to go through the complications of selling the device, you can jump on this deal by heading to HTC’ trade up page and filling out the form.

So what do you say? Would you trade in your used iPhone for some quality Beats headphones? Are you even a fan of Beats products?

Missed all the Motorola DROID RAZR i details? Watch the event here!

Posted: 22 Sep 2012 03:25 PM PDT

If you liked our coverage of the Motorola DROID RAZR i announcement, you are in for a treat! Motorola has recently uploaded its RAZR i announcement video to its official YouTube page. The device is literally a RAZR M with a different processor (you can check out our hands-on video), but the fact that Intel is now starting to jump two feet in with Android is important.

Intel hasn’t been a major player in the Android world, and with the RAZR i they will definitely get more ground in the mobile industry. That 2 GHz Intel Atom processor can’t be bad at all, but we will wait until we get our hands on it to make any judgements.

For now, you can go ahead and watch the full announcement. The video is right below!

Motorola takes a hit at inferior Apple Maps

Posted: 22 Sep 2012 02:59 PM PDT

Apple Maps has really taken some bashing since the release of the iPhone 5 and iOS 6. While the Cupertino Giant has been promising an impressive experience with its new Maps and navigation services, everyone has been rather disappointed.

Apple Maps is many times wrong about locations and directions, and the satellite images can look very distorted. Of course, the competition is not taking Apple’s move lightly. Especially Android manufacturers still using Google Maps, which Apple decided to dump with iOS 6. And now we even have Motorola going at it.

We must remember Motorola is under Google’s control, so in a way, this is also Google reminding Apple of the great services customers had with Google Maps. Now iPhone users are “iLost”. In this image, we have the Motorola RAZR M compared to the iPhone 5. It speaks for itself, so enjoy and sound off in the comments to tell us what you think of the new Apple Maps.

[Source: Motorola (Google+)]

The best Android kickstarters this week: LIFX and iMpulse

Posted: 22 Sep 2012 02:04 PM PDT


Oh, Kickstarter… why must thou always take my money? The Kickstarter site has simply been a success, allowing companies to get the funding they need to produce these innovative products/services. Think of it as a portal where the company can ask us (the consumers) to pledge and “back” the project and get first dibs on these products.

It is simply too hard to say no to such great ideas, and this week we have two of the most awesome Kickstarter projects we have seen in a while. At least for Android enthusiasts. These are iMpulse and LIFX.

LIFX

This is the most exciting, as we have been waiting for smart light bulbs to come to fruition. Google has been promising their own Android@Home light bulbs for a while, but with no results. It has been far past the promised release date, and we still haven’t even heard of any announcements related to the light bulb.

Like many of you, I have simply grown tired of waiting. But just as I start realizing that I am better off controlling my lighting manually, this Kickstarter project comes and “brings light” to my day!

This is because the LIFX WiFi-enabled light bulb is a treasure box! It is full of features that we simply are not expecting yet. I mean come on, at this point I am happy with a light bulb that would allow me to turn the lights on/off with my smartphone.

The creators of LIFX take things to the next step by offering lighting in multiple colors. And not just any colors, you can pick from a plethora of colors; from natural lighting colors to red and blue hues. This little guy can even give you phone notifications! Imagine the lights flashing blue (or any color) when you get an email or message. We will probably even be able to set specific colors for different types of notifications.

The LED light bulb also allows for dimming, strobe-like effects, control lighting from anywhere with internet access and even set a night light for the kids (which turns off after some time). Not to mention LED light bulbs last for over 20 years and consume less electricity.

I know I am signing up for this one. You can get a light bulb by pledging $69, or more than one if you decide to pledge more. Sign up and you should get your LIFX bulbs by March 2013. Check out the video below for more details!

iMpulse Controller

Our Android devices are fun to game with, and many times powerful enough to run console-quality games. But any gamer will tell you that no matter how amazing the graphics are or how immersive the experience is, on-screen controls can destroy the potential in mobile gaming. Your fingers do get in the way, and your actions are nos as precise as they are with physical gamepads.

I won’t go too much into detail on this one, as Chris reported it last night. But I thought it was worth a mention, as it is still one of the best ones of the week.

We don’t always want to be carrying huge controllers to play on-the-go, though, and this is why iMpulse comes in real handy. The bluetooth controller is small and can be used as a keychain! So wherever you go, you will be able to bust out your keys and start gaming like a pro.

The device can also be used as a key finder and camera remote, so it is not only good for gaming.

Wrap Up

So there we go, guys. These are some great Kickstarter projects to take your Android experience to its full potential. Soon enough my whole paycheck will start going towards Kickstarters. I am most excited about LIFX, but I am definitely signing up for both. Are you? Hit the links right below to do so, and don’t forget to tell us what you think about these in the comments section.


Pink Galaxy S3 Unveiled For South Korea – Targets Women and Men Confident In Their Masculinity

Posted: 22 Sep 2012 12:44 AM PDT

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Samsung has unveiled an all new color of their flagship Galaxy S3 line, this time rounding their lineup in an all new pink hue. I suppose you can also call it “salmon” seeing as how Samsung hasn’t officially named the color just yet (previous colors were called things like Garnet Red, or Marble White). This brings the grand total up to 7 colors that the Galaxy S3 is now available in. Pretty impressive for those that like their options, and if you’re an Android officianado, I’m sure you’ll appreciate this.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a pink color option presented by Samsung (and wont be the last) but when it came to other pink devices, those never made it anywhere near the states. We’re not positive, but we’re sure the same will go for this model as well. But you never know. Any men in the audience who’d love to have pink as a color option when buying their next smartphone?

[GSMArena]
Posted by at 8:17 AM

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