Friday, October 12, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

360-degree view of LG Nexus phone pops up

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 03:40 PM PDT

Just about a month ago we struggled to get even one piece of information about the next Nexus phone, and now it seems like we can’t go a day without another picture or leaked spec. I’m not complaining or anything, but it’s crazy to know that the saying “when it rains, it pours” tends to be true in most situations.

Earlier we got yet another look at the LG device that’s going to be part of the Nexus line, and now an even better view has popped up. Russian site Onliner has somehow gotten its hands on a 360-degree view of the thing. It’s not unlike those product preview images at several retailer sites which allow you to drag a photo see it from all sorts of angles.

The photo doesn’t show us anything we haven’t already seen, though it’s the absolute most clear photo we’ve had the pleasure of being able to feast our eyes on at this point. The publication makes sure to remind us that the textured backing is still there, but the lighting and composition of the photos taken to make this happen washed a good bit of that out.

You’ll need to get on over to the source link if you want to spin it yourself, but that shouldn’t be a difficult task for many of you. Let us know what you think in the comments section below. [Onliner, thanks Mars!]

Google Play Store update brings update count, ability to remove apps from “all” list

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 03:01 PM PDT

The Google Play Store has just gotten a really nice update. For starters, users can finally remove apps from the “All” list. This annoying list would show you all the apps you’ve downloaded and installed in the past (though for some people it shows the apps you’ve installed since the phone was factory reset).

That pickup lines app you downloaded, thought was lame and no longer wanted to see on your apps list can now be done away with at the effortless tap of a finger. Also available in this update is a new update count.

Before, the Play Store would tell you there were updates ready to be downloaded — nothing more, nothing less. Now, the notification will tell you how many apps need to be updated. It’s no mind-blowing epic change, but it’s just another one of those things you never thought you needed until you actually got it.

The update will roll out to users gradually but if you’re not interested in waiting for it then this handy download should get you on your way. [via Android Police]

AT&T LTE coverage expands to Ascension Parish and Western Nassau County

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 01:20 PM PDT

AT&T has been on a nice, steady pace in terms of 4G LTE rollouts and expansions, and two new markets are finally receiving coverage today. Ascension Parish near Baton Rouge and Western Nassau County near New York City are receiving high speed coverage starting today, and with dozens of smartphones, tablets, and hotspot devices with compatible radios we’d imagine more than a few of you are excited for that. There are still a lot of major markets to take care of but any progress is good progress in our eyes. See if you can get that 4G LTE icon to show up in your device’s status bar and let us know how things are faring for you. [AT&T 1, 2]

SHADOWGUN: DEADZONE beta now available exclusively for Tegra 3 players

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 12:33 PM PDT

Have a Tegra 3 device? Want to get your hands on a great online third-person shooter before everyone else? Madfinger games has informed us that SHADOWGUN: DEADZONE is now in the Google Play Store as a public beta.

There aren’t many catches to participate, though there are device restrictions. You can only get in on the fun if you have a Tegra 3 device. Before the mumbling and grumbling begins we already have a nice explanation from Madfinger’s CEO Mark Rabas:

"With the Beta Test we wanted to achieve results that could best help us.  By working closely with the NVIDIA team and the Tegra 3 technology itself, we are able to Beta test SHADOWGUN: DEADZONE very efficiently which will help us provide an amazing gaming experience at launch."

That’s very understandable, I’d say. And fret not — the full game itself will be out in a few weeks’ time for all to enjoy. In the meantime, those who want to participate in this free beta have to remember one key thing: it’s a beta.

Things may not work the way they should and you may encounter bugs or glitches. This is in no way, shape, or form indicative of how the final game will perform.

Content will be limited so you may not be able to access all the maps and weapons that will be available in the final game. Finally, Madfinger is working on a limited amount of servers so multiplayer queues may take longer than usual.

So if you’ve got the hardware and you understand what to expect here be sure to find the download (113MB, so turn WiFi on) in the Google Play Store. The idea is to submit feedback, too, so be sure to hit this email address up with suggestions and bug reports should you run into any. Proper participation will help the entire community out once the game is ready for consumption.

HTC One X+ hands-on at CTIA MobileCON 2012 [Video]

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 12:26 PM PDT


The HTC One X+ was announced right next to the HTC One VX and is pretty much the slightly improved version of the HTC One X. The most important upgrade is its LTE-compatible quad-core Tegra 3 processor, which is clocked at 1.7 GHz.

Needless to say that this processor makes the device scream, but it is not much faster than the One X. What does make the device a bit smoother is the inclusion of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. With project butter and that blazing fast processor, there is not much this phone can’t do.

One thing you might like about this version is that the design is more elegant. The AT&T HTC One X+ doesn’t come with the bright bright red camera outline and Beats logo the international version features. It also comes without those red lighted buttons and switched them to white. Aesthetics is a subjective topic so it is based on your preferences, but we happen to like a standard, elegant design more.

Check out the video and hit the comments with your opinion!


HTC One VX hands-on at CTIA MobileCON 2012 [Video]

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 12:08 PM PDT


The HTC One VX’s announcement didn’t turn many heads last week. On paper, it looks like many other mid-end devices that strive to be almost high-end. I must say, though, that I have grown very fond of the device after playing around with it here at MobileCON in San Diego.

This affordable smartphone comes to compete straight with the Motorola DROID RAZR M, which is known for being an amazing choice for the mid-tier smartphone market. But I feel like HTC has taken things up a notch by bringing that great build quality they are known for. The device is solid and thin, but has a certain weight that makes it feel strong in your hand.

Much like the Amaze 4G, this device just feels like it will never break. The back is made out of the same rubberized polycarbonate that you find in the HTC One X, and the edges of the phone and the bezel being aluminum.

The 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 Plus processor and 1 GB of RAM make this device very fast. It almost doesn’t feel like a “mid-end” device. Especially considering it is running Android 4.0 and not taking advantage of any of Jelly Bean’s improvements.

But an affordable phone must have its downsides, right? And it does, though they are not the worst ones we could have. While the Super LCD 2 display brings good viewing angles and vibrant colors, this screen only has a qHD resolution (540×960). It is noticeable, especially in a rather large 4.5-inch display. Or if you have been spoiled with a 720p HD screen.

The cameras are also not as great as they could be (5 MP / 0.3 MP), but if you can look through those small discrepancies and want an affordable device without sacrificing much, I would say this is it. Check out the video and let us know what you think in the comments!

Zagat app gets major overhaul under the Google banner

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 11:49 AM PDT

When Google bought Zagat we imagined most of the benefits wouldn’t be evident. At most, perhaps Google Places would benefit from better restaurant reviews and rating. Well, it looks like the Android app has benefited from a major overhaul courtesy of Google’s expert Android developers.

The app has been rebuilt from the ground up and it will cost users absolutely nothing to use it. The Holo UI really shines through and makes this perhaps the best mobile Zagat experience you can have.

Google has even made a tablet-specific UI for those who want to access reviews, reservations, and more on the big screen. Here are some of the features you can look forward to:

- Explore the world's top dining destinations
- Find the perfect restaurant
- Refine your search with 100+ filters, including cuisines, Zagat scores, cost, and dining features (e.g. outdoor seating, open late, child-friendly, etc.)
- Reserve a table
- Be a critic–your quote could be printed in our next restaurant guidebook
- Optimized for Android 10-inch and 7-inch tablets

The app now requires a Google+ subscription to log in, but that’s easy enough to obtain. The old Zagat app exists under a different market listing, but Google has stated that it’s discontinued and that access would be restricted starting October 15th. There really is no reason to keep using it at this point so that should bother no one. For the new app be sure to click this link and get to your download.

Dolphin Jetpack brings much-improved HTML5 rendering engine

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 11:17 AM PDT

Dolphin has just announced a great new companion app for its Android browser. They’re calling it “Dolphin Jetpack” and the app is said to bring 5-10 times faster HTML5 rendering performance than the stock Android browser, and performance that’s two times faster than Google Chrome. This is possible to Dolphin’s own HTML5 rendering engine.

The app must be used in conjunction with Dolphin 9.0, so call it a plugin of sorts. But this plugin is supposed to be make Dolphin Browser so fast that it scores highest on most industry-standard browser tests. Apparently it also got to the “final ring” of the Ringmark benchmark test, something that has never been done before, supposedly.

More than that, Dolphin Jetpack will save next and previous pages in memory so that you won’t have to reload a page when moving forward or backward. They’ve also improved night support.

Since Dolphin doesn’t have a desktop presence it didn’t enjoy the luxury of coming to Android with a reputation, but it’s built a name for itself in mobile through significant support and numerous updates and we couldn’t be any happier that things are getting even better. Find Dolphin Browser and Dolphin Jetpack in the Play Store.

Samsung announces Galaxy S3 Mini with 4-inch Super AMOLED display

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 09:35 AM PDT

It’s official. Samsung has today announced the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini, a downsized variant of the flagship model launched by the Korean mobile maker earlier this year. The Galaxy S3 Mini shrinks things down to a 4-inch, WVGA display and is powered by a dual-core 1GHz processor and 1GB RAM. The GS3 Mini will be available in 8GB and 16GB options (with up to 32GB via microSD).

The Android 4.1, TouchWiz handset isn’t being positioned as a mid-range device, bur rather as an option for those customers (especially in Europe) that prefer a less bulky phone. It still manages to pack a full list of features, including a 5MP camera and NFC capabilities among others. Check out the press release below for all the details.

Samsung Introduces GALAXY S III mini, a compact yet powerful smartphone

GALAXY S III’s nature-inspired design and intuitive ease-of-use in one stylish, compact smartphone

SEOUL, Korea – October 12, 2012 –

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today unveiled the GALAXY S III mini,
a compact version of the flagship smartphone GALAXY S III.
The GALAXY S III mini brings the high performance, intuitive ease-of-use and nature-inspired design of the GALAXY S III to an elegant,
compact smartphone with a 4.0-inch screen. It can be an optimal choice for consumers who are looking for more practical smartphones.

“The GALAXY S III introduced a new concept of smartphone that has proven hugely popular around the world.
We’re now delighted to bring its revolutionary design, intuitive usability and intelligence to the GALAXY S III mini in a more compact form,” said JK Shin, President and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “We continue to make every effort to provide extraordinary mobile experiences to meet a wide variety of user needs.”

The GALAXY S III mini is powered by Android™ 4.1 (Jelly Bean), the latest version of the world’s most popular smartphone operating system.
Jelly Bean has fast, fluid and smooth graphics along with a new Google Search™ experience featuring Google Now™, which brings you just the right information, before you even ask.

Stylish and compact, the GALAXY S III mini shares the GALAXY S III’s breakthrough design and simple elegance.
Its ultra-minimal curved frame delivers a rich natural feel, which is also reflected on its nature-inspired home screen, wallpapers and ringtones.
Its beautiful 4.0-inch Super AMOLED display offers a generous viewing experience that lets you view multimedia and Web content in brilliant color and clarity.
Its compact size gives users a comfortable grip and allows a convenient one-hand operation.

The GALAXY S III mini is packed with intelligent technology designed to make interacting with the phone incredibly natural and intuitive.
S Voice, Samsung’s advanced natural language recognition software, lets you use your voice to unlock the phone with
simple customized commands, or to play your favorite songs, turn the volume up or down, organize your schedule, or automatically launch the camera and start taking photos.

The GALAXY S III mini also understands your gestures to make using your phone easier and more natural: With Smart Stay,
the phone’s camera tracks your eyes and keeps the screen lit as long as you are looking at it. When reading a text message from a friend,
Direct Call enables you to automatically dial a call simply by lifting the phone to your ear; and Smart Alert conveniently alerts you to missed calls or messages as soon as you pick up your phone.

Content sharing is easy and fast on the GALAXY S III mini: Its S Beam feature lets you share a 10MB music file in just two seconds
by simply tapping on another S Beam-enabled device including GALAXY S III or GALAXY Note II, even without a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.
The ‘Buddy photo share’ function also allows photos to be easily and simultaneously shared with all your friends pictured in an image directly from the camera or the photo gallery.

Motorola Droid RAZR HD, Droid RAZR MAXX HD available October 18 from Verizon

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 09:15 AM PDT

Motorola has finally come clean with a date for the launch of the remainder of their new Droid RAZR lineup. Both the Motorola Droid RAZR HD and Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX HD will be available October 18th from Verizon. The phone’s are mostly identical, including such features as a 4.7-inch display, 8MP camera, NFC, and durable construction including KEVLAR backing, with the Razr MAXX HD featuring a slightly thicker frame thanks to its larger battery size.

The two handsets follow the Droid RAZR M, which launched last month as the lowest-priced member of the lineup. The 4G LTE-enabled Droid RAZR HD will retail for $199.99 on a two-year contract, with the RAZR MAXX HD going for $299.99 on the same terms.

[Verizon]

Galaxy Nexus sales ban overturned by US appeal court

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 08:59 AM PDT

The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has overturned the preliminary sales ban placed on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, saying that Judge Lucy Koh’s California district court “abused its discretion in entering an injunction.” The Galaxy Nexus along with several other devices came under fire when Apple filed a patent infringement claim in February of this year, requesting that the the court place a preliminary injunction on the offending devices.

Judge Koh agreed with Samsung on several devices, including the Galaxy Tab 10.1, a ruling that is also currently mired in the appeals process. Apple came out the winner after a jury made a $1 billion decision in the Cupertino company’s favor, but the final outcome will not be decided until later this year. The lifting of the injunction on the Galaxy Nexus is a minor victory in the grand scheme of things, but one that Samsung and Google sorely needed.

[via Reuters]

Samsung Galaxy Premier pictured, not a Nexus device

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 08:48 AM PDT

There had been rumors that a device running around under the name Galaxy Premier would be Samsung’s followup to last year’s Galaxy Nexus, mostly due to the closeness in model numbers of the two devices. The Galaxy Nexus launched as the GT-i9250, and the Premier has been assigned a designation of GT-i9260. It seems like the relation has more to do with hardware than it does branding, as the Premier indeed appears to be based off the initial Galaxy Nexus design.

The Premier will feature the same 4.65-inch Super AMOLED display with a 720p HD resolution, a dual-core 1.5GHz CPU, and 8MP camera. Even the outward appearance of the device appears to be a mashup of the Galaxy Nexus and the Samsung Galaxy S3. But where the Premier differs from the Nexus is the inclusion of the TouchWiz UX over a Jelly Bean base. This definitely will not be a Google Experience phone.

Still, the premier should offer a nice mid-rangey option for those looking for something more affordable than the GS3. We’re still awaiting an official announcement from Samsung.

[via MobileGeeks]

Japan’s SoftBank reportedly in talks to acquire Sprint [Update: Sprint confirms]

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 08:15 AM PDT

T-Mobile’s merger with MetroPCS might have been merely an appetizer for things to come, if new reports surfacing today of SoftBank’s interest in acquiring Sprint pan out. SoftBank, a Japan-based telecom, is said to be in talks to purchase the third-largest carrier in the US, a sale that could go as high as $19 billion when all is said and done.

There are reasons to see the move as beneficial to both parties. SoftBank gets an established base from which they can enter the US market while Sprint gets additional financial support. It wouldn’t be the first time SoftBank rose on the coattails of another. The company launched service in Japan in 2006 after the purchase of Vodafone’s stake in the nation’s wireless market.

If a deal is agreed upon, it will leave AT&T as the last national carrier to be fully headquartered in the US.

Update: Sprint has issued a press release confirming the talks. The statement says that the US carrier “is currently engaged in discussions with Softbank regarding a potential substantial investment by Softbank,” while going on to state, “there can be no assurances that these discussions will result in any transaction or on what terms any transaction may occur, such a transaction could involve a change of control of Sprint.”

[via DroidDog]

Google+ updated to version 3.2, Pages support added

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 07:18 AM PDT

Android’s native Google+ app has received an update to version 3.2, bringing Pages support along for the ride. Now not only can users manage their personal G+ accounts, but any Pages they have control over with the ability to post and comment directly. The update also includes a re-designed homescreen widget and “Find People” functionality for locating people and topics of interest.

The latest version of Google+ for Android can be found at Google Play now. Head on over to grab the update.

Google Play Link: Google+

LG Nexus compared to iPhone 5 in latest round of leaked photos

Posted: 11 Oct 2012 06:42 AM PDT

Listen up, would-be mobile insiders. This is how you take a leaked photo of an unannounced device. Blurry cam is not an issue in our latest look at the LG Nexus, and this time the iPhone 5 has come along for the ride. While there isn’t much new info to be had on the phone, it’s worth mentioning how similar the device looks to the Galaxy Nexus. We have to wonder if that was at Google’s insistence or if LG went with the similar design on their own. Check out the full gallery at the source link below.

[via Onliner]

 
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