Android Phone Fans |
- Hidden Netflix Feature Turns Your Android Device Into A Remote For Your PlayStation 3 Console
- T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Hits The FCC As SGH-T779
- Official MediaFire App For Android Coming Soon To The Google Play Store
- Jelly Bean factory image now available for Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus, JRO03R binaries available for all Nexus devices
- Report: Kindle Fire HD now makes up 11 percent of web traffic from Amazon’s tablets
- Soak test for Motorola Atrix 2 set to commence, what to expect is a mystery
- Rumor: Samsung to introduce Tizen-powered Galaxy smartphone
- Survey Says: Developer interest in Android on the decline
- ASUS announces Transformer Prime update to Jelly Bean for Sweden
- Barnes & Noble introduces NOOK Video streaming service
- Eric Schmidt says Apple should have stayed with Google Maps
- Truffle Trails is a Trials-inspired obstacle course racing game… with pigs
- Sony Xperia Acro S now available unlocked in the US
- Matrix One is an affordable 7 inch Ice Cream Sandwich device for just $59
- New malicious hack would allow a website to wipe certain Galaxy S devices clean with irreversible effects [VIDEO]
| Hidden Netflix Feature Turns Your Android Device Into A Remote For Your PlayStation 3 Console Posted: 25 Sep 2012 06:56 PM PDT It was barely yesterday the Netflix app saw an update for Android devices that brought with it a redesigned and snazzy new UI. Apparently, that wasn’t the only thing Chris Jaffe and team had in store for the update. Apparently there was some hidden functionality buried inside the update that has only now been brought to our attention. As highlighted by a YouTuber, if you have the Netflix app installed on both your PlayStation 3 console and your Android device, you can use your phone or tablet as a full featured remote via your home WiFi network. Here’s how it works. Simply select a movie or show on your phone and it will pull up a prompt asking where you want to play the selected show/movie. Select PS3 and the phone then acts as a remote to fast forward, pause, and change the audio or subtitles. No more fiddling around with your PS3 controller (I’m always hitting the analog stick on accident sending my movies into fast forward). Pretty slick. Although I couldn’t get it working on my system, maybe you guys will have better luck. Give it a shot and let me know how it works for ya. [Engadget | Google Play Store]
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| T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Hits The FCC As SGH-T779 Posted: 25 Sep 2012 06:16 PM PDT Looks like T-Mobile will be adding an all new tablet to their 4G lineup, with the Samsung SGH-T779 passing through the FCC today. The FCC sketch reveals T-Mobile’s branding as well as the general dimensions of the device and yup, it’s looking like this will be T-Mo’s version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. Can’t say how well T-Mobile’s branded tabs have been selling, apparently well enough to warrant a new edition. What say ye? Anyone currently have a T-Mobile tab in their possession and if you do, which model? [FCC | Via UnwiredView]
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| Official MediaFire App For Android Coming Soon To The Google Play Store Posted: 25 Sep 2012 05:12 PM PDT It’s been a long time coming, but an official MediaFire application is finally coming to Android. One of my personal favorite file sharing sites (I love their desktop interface), MediaFire announced the good news via their blog today where they showed off a few images of their newly released iOS app. Took ‘em long enough to get on the ball, but I suppose it’s better late than never. No exact date on when we can expect the MediaFire app in the Google Play Store, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled.
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| Posted: 25 Sep 2012 03:38 PM PDT With Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus finally receiving its update to Jelly Bean, Google has made the factory image of Android 4.1.1 available for download. The updated image for build JRO03R comes as the binaries for the same Android build have been posted for all currently supported Nexus devices, including the Nexus S (crespo, crespo4G), Galaxy Nexus (maguro, toro), and Nexus 7 (grouper) as well as the Motorola XOOM WiFi (wingray). The Korean release of the Samsung Nexus S remains without a Jelly Bean factory image. [Google 1, 2 via AndroidPolice]
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| Report: Kindle Fire HD now makes up 11 percent of web traffic from Amazon’s tablets Posted: 25 Sep 2012 02:19 PM PDT According to a new report from ad analytics firm Chitika Insights, the Kindle Fire HD is off to a good start for Amazon. Only a week removed from its commercial availability, the new slate now accounts for 11 percent of all web ad impressions clocked for Amazon’s Kindle Fire family. But Amazon still has a ways to go to catch Google’s Nexus 7, which launched over the summer to high demand. Chitika calculates that the 7-inch Jelly Bean tablet accounts for a 68.5 percent web share when compared to the Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD. [via Mashable]
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| Soak test for Motorola Atrix 2 set to commence, what to expect is a mystery Posted: 25 Sep 2012 01:58 PM PDT Word has trickled down by way of the Motorola Feedback Network that a soak test is set to kick off at some point today for a new update to the Motorola Atrix 2 for AT&T. Other than that, the details of what to expect are unknown. The first conclusion we might jump to is Ice Cream Sandwich, though Motorola’s recently updated upgrade timeline would suggest that the update is still in development. Next to the Atrix 2, the status of the update was marked with a note saying “further plans coming soon.” If we want to take a glass-is-half-full approach, perhaps the note on the upgrade timeline actually suggests the upgrade is imminent, and this soak test could be the first step in a process that will eventually end with Atrix 2 owners everywhere receiving Android 4.0. We wouldn’t hold our breath on that one just yet. If you are a member of Moto’s Feedback Network and receive the new software, be sure to let us know what you find.
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| Rumor: Samsung to introduce Tizen-powered Galaxy smartphone Posted: 25 Sep 2012 12:53 PM PDT When it comes to Android, Samsung has been one of the platform’s biggest supporters (and more often than not, Google’s surrogate in courtroom battles targeting devices running the OS), but the smartphone and tablet maker has never fully written off the idea of dabbling in other mobile operating systems. Most recently Samsung has launched a series of Windows Phone devices and in the past event attempted to launch their own mobile OS dubbed Bada. Through all their endeavors their Galaxy brand has remained synonymous with Android, thanks in no small part to the success of the Galaxy S line of smartphones. This might change soon. A report from Digitimes claims that Samsung will soon launch a Galaxy device running an alternate OS to Android, the Linux-based Tizen. You may recall that Tizen is the very platform that Samsung rolled their Bada OS into. It is a platform backed by the likes of Intel. If and when a smartphone running the OS comes to market, it will have an uphill climb to the top in light of Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, but the Galaxy name could provide a big boost. And perhaps this is why Samsung is considering the option. If any company has a chance to build up a userbase from scratch, Samsung has the influence. Even Verizon’s CEO agrees. So what would a non-Android Galaxy phone spell for the rest of the line? Could we someday see a flagship Galaxy S device running a different operating system then Android? It is hard to imagine, but definitely not out of the question. Samsung’s loyalty is to producing great hardware that interfaces with a great OS to provide a great user experience. Samsung might one day decide that this means moving on from Android. But it’s all rumor for now. While there is little doubt Samsung will someday launch a Tizen-based phone, whether or not it earns a Galaxy logo is something we’ll leave to rumor for now.
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| Survey Says: Developer interest in Android on the decline Posted: 25 Sep 2012 12:18 PM PDT According to a survey conducted by Appceletator, interest in developing for Android smartphones has been declining steadily since April of 2011. In their latest poll of over 5,500 mobile developers, the firm found that 76 percent of those surveyed were “very interested” in the Android platform. Compare that number to the 85 percent interested in developing for Apple’s iPhone. While the number seems to predict doom and gloom, it’s important to note a trend common among nearly all platforms in Appcelerators Q3 survey. All platforms, including iOS, saw a drop off from the previous quarter except for Windows 8 Tablets. While developer interest still remains higher for Apple’s iPhone and iPad, it too has declined since the middle of 2011, though to a lesser degree than Google’s Android platform. The figure could be easily attributed to the introduction of new platforms such as Windows Phone or to a general shift towards HTML5 over native mobile apps. Oddly enough, when queried as to what elements influenced their decisions on which platforms to develop for, those polled named a large install base as the number one factor. While its iconic stature in pop culture may give the iPhone the edge here, the latest figures suggest that Android currently has more activated devices on the market, last reported at 500 million to Apple’s 400 million. So does the decline give reason to push the panic button? Does it mean we will see fewer high quality apps on the Google Play store in coming months? Unlikely. But it is interesting to ponder the implications of the data presented by Appceletator. What’s your take? [via TechCrunch]
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| ASUS announces Transformer Prime update to Jelly Bean for Sweden Posted: 25 Sep 2012 11:28 AM PDT ASUS Transformer Prime owners could be seeing an update to Jelly Bean as early as today…if they happen to live in Sweden. The computer and tablet maker’s Swedish branch took to Facebook earlier this morning to announce that the upgrade to Android 4.1 should soon commence for the tablet with a keyboard dock. There is no word on when the update might spread to other regions, but the initial rollout is good news nonetheless. Given that no barriers such as wireless carriers exist between the manufacturer and consumer, ASUS should be just about set to deliver the update to all users, including those in the US. [via DroidLife]
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| Barnes & Noble introduces NOOK Video streaming service Posted: 25 Sep 2012 10:27 AM PDT Barnes & Noble today has revealed plans to launch their own streaming video service for their NOOK line of tablet computers. Dubbed NOOK Video, the service will feature content licensed from HBO, Sony Pictures, STARZ, Walkt Disney Studios, Viacom, and Warner Bros. in an effort to compete directly with similar offerings from the likes of Amazon, Netflix, and even Google Play. As a bonus, NOOK Video will feature Ultraviolet integration to sync users’ existing Blu-Ray and DVD libraries with their digital media library. NOOK Video will launch this fall in the US and over holiday season in the UK. [via B&N]
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| Eric Schmidt says Apple should have stayed with Google Maps Posted: 25 Sep 2012 09:20 AM PDT The commentary from the media and fans regarding the hilarious face plant that is Apple Maps in iOS6 is funny enough, but what we’ve really been jonesing for is word from someone out of Google camp regarding the situation. Eric Schmidt, one of the highest figures associated with Google, has come out and flat-out stated it: Apple should have stayed with Google Maps. Here’s the quote from former-CEO and now-executive chairman of the board and advisor to co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page:
That one is short and sweet, no doubt. But is he right? Well, Apple does have the right to make their own decisions, and Google can’t really do much but convince Apple to sign a new license for Google Maps. As a fan of technology, though, I’d say Apple absolutely is in the wrong. Apple’s willingness to deprive its users of a rock solid Maps experience in place of an unproven, buggy mess because of their spats with Google simply wasn’t wise. They’ll say it was simply a move for “innovation” or a business decision from here until whenever, but we all know these decisions to phase Google out of the iOS picture has more to do with the company’s emotions and feelings toward Google and Android than just cold, hard numbers. Schmidt wouldn’t comment on whether or not Google would attempt to make a Maps application for the App Store, but should it come down to that Apple will obviously have final say in the interpretation of its duplication policy. One thing’s for sure, though — us Android folk don’t have anything to worry about for a long time coming. [via Bloomberg]
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| Truffle Trails is a Trials-inspired obstacle course racing game… with pigs Posted: 25 Sep 2012 08:46 AM PDT Just like zombies hitting the film and games industry, it seems like pigs are trying to make a case for the new hottest thing on the block. Finnish developer Salami Entertainment (awesome name) has come to the Google Play Store with its first game — Truffle Trails. The game puts a fat pig into a makeshift wooden cart, and it’s your job to get that pig across the course without tumbling over. You’ll come across things like a rolling ball that you need to balance on, a rickety string bridge, and more. It reminds me of Trials, except less awesome. But Truffle Trials free, and you can’t get Trials on your Android device — go ahead and grab it from the Google Play Store here.
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| Sony Xperia Acro S now available unlocked in the US Posted: 25 Sep 2012 07:43 AM PDT Sony has just announced US availability of the Sony Xperia Acro S. While this device won’t be coming to any specific carrier, Sony is offering it unlocked through a number of retailers for those on GSM networks. The device will be offered from Sony’s own site and Newegg for $600 starting today, but what are you getting for that non-subsidized price tag? It comes with a 4.3 inch HD Reality display, Qualcomm’s 1.5GHz dual-core S4 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 12MP camera, 16GB of internal storage, Ice Cream Sandwich and more. For $600 you won’t find a better Sony phone that’s as easily accessible (in terms of retail availability) in the United States as this one is. Read on for full press details.
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| Matrix One is an affordable 7 inch Ice Cream Sandwich device for just $59 Posted: 25 Sep 2012 06:50 AM PDT If you’re looking for a very cheap Android tablet, why not consider this option that one of our readers tipped us off to? It’s a 7 inch WVGA tablet called the Matrix One, and the price tag will have a few people considering it despite the antiquated specs — $59.99, is all. For that, you’re getting a 1.5GHz Cortex-A8 processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, Android 4.0.3, a 2 megapixel front-facing camera for video calls, and more. It’s easy to snicker at this tale of the tape, but those looking for an affordable multimedia device for Christmas or just for kicks should strongly consider the Matrix One. Get started here.
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| Posted: 25 Sep 2012 05:57 AM PDT Well this is quite the troubling development. It appears the security of some of Samsung’s Galaxy/Galaxy S phones have been brought into question as a recently-discovered hack could have users frantic. The exploit allows a website to run a USSD code via the browser that will send instructions to the phone to wipe it completely clean. According to researchers, even the SIM card could be destroyed by using this method. The factory reset process is irreversible, so should a user find themselves in this unfortunate situation they’d have no choice but to let it commence. The vulnerability is said to only work on certain Samsung TouchWiz devices, with the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy S2, Galaxy Beam, Galaxy Ace, and Galaxy S Advance confirmed to have the exploit. Furthermore, the exploit can be triggered by NFC or via the scanning of a QR code — this means an unsuspecting soul could be led to believe they’ll be taken to one site, and before you know it their phone’s data is being flushed down the toilet. Thankfully the exploit is being showcased at the Ekoparty security conference. This is a favorable development because it likely means Samsung was warned ahead of time, and that they could possibly already be working on a fix. And even if they haven’t been notified by the researchers who have discovered the exploit we’re sure they’re about to be a lot more aware. Imagine the disastrous impact this would have on a business user on the go, or just anyone who hasn’t backed their data up because they never thought their phone’s data would be wiped out by nonsense. It’s a scary situation to think of and we’re certain Samsung would agree. Note that only Samsung handsets with TouchWiz are said to be affected — this does not appear to be an exploit found at the root of Android. Watch a quick video demo of the exploit being performed above. [via SmartDroid]
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