Android Central |
- Samsung Galaxy Axiom looks to be a Galaxy S3 Mini headed for US Cellular
- Weekly photo contest: Rocking out
- T-Mobile offering Samsung devices for free on contract Nov 16th-17th
- Official Gangnam Style app for Android features live wallpaper, catchy ringtone
- Google: New Nexus devices sold out in some countries, more stock in 'coming weeks'
- Arcane Legends Android MMO now available globally
- The LG Optimus G
- Sprint announces handful of new LTE cities
- HSPA+ Nexus 7 now shipping with AT&T SIM in the U.S.
- This week's sidebar poll: Were you able to order a new Nexus?
- LG Optimus G now available on TELUS
- Sprint officially launches the ZTE Flash for $129.99
- Motorola Droid RAZR M Jelly Bean OTA on its way
- Android-powered Vuzix M100 aims to take on Google Glass
- Google Voice is broken in Android 4.2
- Completely new UI coming to imo instant messenger
- Jelly Bean 4.2 SDK now available for download
- Android 4.2 code hits AOSP; factory images released for Nexus devices
- Hands-on with the Verizon Droid DNA by HTC
- Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 launch on Google Play Store in U.S. + Canada [update: N4 sold out]
- Verizon Droid DNA image gallery
- Verizon and HTC officially announce the Droid DNA
- HTC Droid DNA specs
- Live from the Verizon HTC Droid DNA event!
- Reviewed: Google's Nexus 4 and Nexus 10
Samsung Galaxy Axiom looks to be a Galaxy S3 Mini headed for US Cellular Posted: 13 Nov 2012 04:23 PM PST Looks like nothing stays secret for long, especially not with the fine folks over at @evleaks ever on the prowl. The latest device to appear from the usually reliable tipsters is this, known as the Samsung Galaxy Axiom. Odd name, but essentially appears to be a Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini variant headed for US Cellular. Specs wise, we're looking at 4 inch WVGA LCD display, a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8960 processor, 1GB of RAM with 4GB of internal storage, LTE, a 5MP rear camera and a 1.3MP front facing camera. We're also told that the Galaxy Axiom runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, but looking at the press shot we're also seeing Samsung's latest Nature UX on there. Nothing earth shattering here, but still a good phone for a carrier like US Cellular to get their hands on. No word on pricing or availability at this stage, but if the @evleaks past record is anything to go on, it shouldn't be before too long that we're seeing this announced officially. Source: @evleaks |
Weekly photo contest: Rocking out Posted: 13 Nov 2012 03:48 PM PST This week for the photo contest, Sonos has kicked in and we're offering a heck of a prize package. One winner will get "The Ultimate Gift of Music", consisting of a Sonos Play:3 and a Sonos Bridge. Combined with the Sonos Controller for Android app it's a killer way to play your own music, or stream from services like Pandora, Spotify, Rhapsody and more, as well as over 100,000 free Internet radio station, shows, and podcasts. Using a Sonos system is super-simple, and the Android app makes things a breeze to set up and operate. Getting a system of your own would be an awesome treat. That's where this week's photo contest comes in. Hit the forum thread for the contest, and upload a picture showing how you enjoy your music. Headbanging, some cerebral, break dancing -- however it works for you. We'll look through them next week and pick a winner who can then jam to his or her music with a new Sonos system! Read the rules in the contest thread, and good luck. Before we go, let's all congratulate the winner of last week's photo caption contest, crackmonke. Keep an eye on your inbox for information about getting your prize! Enter this week's photo contest |
T-Mobile offering Samsung devices for free on contract Nov 16th-17th Posted: 13 Nov 2012 03:41 PM PST Well it looks like that earlier leak of a T-Mobile Samsung device sale was spot on. For two days this weekend -- November 16th and 17th -- T-Mobile stores will be selling just about every Samsung device they offer for $0 on contract. In typical T-Mobile fashion, the savings come in the form of a mail-in rebate. So if you're looking to pick up a Samsung Galaxy SIII (S3) on a Classic Plan, you'll have to plop down the full $299 and wait for that rebate in the mail. The biggest omission here is the Galaxy Note 2, which makes sense considering that it has just launched and T-Mobile's on-contract price is very expensive. They may not be willing to subsidize it this much quite yet. Regardless, a Galaxy S3 for $0 on-contract sounds like a great deal if you're in the market for one. Source: T-Mobile Newsroom |
Official Gangnam Style app for Android features live wallpaper, catchy ringtone Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:38 PM PST For those that aren't absolutely sick of the Gangnam Style fad yet (we know at least a few that still aren't), Cellfish has launched an officially-licensed Android app. It includes a live wallpaper that features a now-famous elevator scene, the ability to turn your ringtone into the that of the popular song, and even includes a soundboard for those times that you really want to beat a meme to death. Finally, a cartoon version of Psy can also pop up on your screen and dance whenever a new text or e-mail comes in. I love Gangnam Style and all, but small doses, people. For those that have yet to get enough of it, you can find the Psy Gangnam Style live wallpaper and ringtone app in Google Play for $1.99. |
Google: New Nexus devices sold out in some countries, more stock in 'coming weeks' Posted: 13 Nov 2012 01:46 PM PST As you'll know if you tried to pick up a new Nexus 4 or Nexus 10 today, the first round of stock didn't last long, and server load issues made it particularly tricky to get through the ordering process. In its first statement on the Nexus launch, Google acknowledged that high demand for the new phone and tablet has led to the devices becoming sold out in some territories. At the time of writing, the Nexus 4 is unavailable in the UK, European, Australian, U.S. and Canadian Google Play devices stores. Nexus 10 availability is limited to the 16GB model in many countries. On its posting on the official 'Nexus' Google+ account, the company says it's working to bring more stock to the Play Store, but offers little in the way of specific dates or quantities, simply stating that more stock would be due "in the weeks ahead."
That'll come as little comfort to those who were prevented from placing orders today due to technical issues, but at least more stock will eventually be headed to Google Play. Were you able to place your Nexus 4 or Nexus 10 order today? Head on over to our weekly sidebar poll and let us know. Source: +Nexus |
Arcane Legends Android MMO now available globally Posted: 13 Nov 2012 01:17 PM PST After a soft launch in Canada and Australia, Spacetime Studios' free Arcane Legends online game is now available to download in the U.S. I played around with it a fair bit, and it's got some great real-time hack-and-slash action, classic RPG progression, and all of the online multiplayer stuff you'd expect, like cooperating on quests, building guilds, and so on. If you do end up giving it a shot, we've got a little present for the warriors in the house: Lloyd's Might Arm of Will. It's got a frost particle effect, because we're super-cool. Or something. Look, just go to the STS Nexus button at the top menu bar of the starting home screen after you've made your character and gone through the tutorial, hit the Enter Promo Code button under the Offers tab, and punch in androidcentral111312. Blammo, instead swordage. Just be warned that the servers are getting hammered pretty hard, since it's launch day for these guys. Any fantasy MMO fans out there? Anyone put time into Gameloft's Order & Chaos? How does it compare? |
Posted: 13 Nov 2012 01:12 PM PST Hit play on the video above to get a good look at the LG Optimus G courtesy of Mobile Nations' Ashley Esqueda, and click the link below to learn more. This video brought to you by the fine folks at LG. Learn More About the LG Optimus G |
Sprint announces handful of new LTE cities Posted: 13 Nov 2012 12:44 PM PST Sprint has promised they they will have quite a few new LTE areas that will go live "in coming months." They include:
Sprint's biggest issue right now is expanding coverage, so it's good to see they've got some new markets lined up. I'm curious to see how that U.S. Cellular acquisition will improve their coverage. Any lucky Sprint customers in these areas? How about those of you on other carriers - is Sprint LTE availability an attraction at all? Sprint customers elsewhere, how many of you are still waiting for LTE?
Source: Sprint |
HSPA+ Nexus 7 now shipping with AT&T SIM in the U.S. Posted: 13 Nov 2012 12:42 PM PST Now that your chances of getting a Nexus 4 are down the drain (at least for now), if you poke around the Google Play Store a bit more you may find something interesting. The newest model of the Nexus 7, the one with HSPA+ data, is now listed as "Unlocked + AT&T SIM", rather than just "Unlocked". Reading through the specs you see that Google is directly promoting the use of the Nexus 7 on AT&T's "DataConnect" tablet plans, which let users choose both prepaid and postpaid options, as well as the ability to add the Nexus 7 to a Mobile Share plan. This is certainly interesting considering that the Nexus 4 is being launched together with T-Mobile, and the Nexus 7 supports frequencies for T-Mobile as well. The good thing is that the SIM shipping in the box doesn't cost you anything extra, and you can easily remove it and use a T-Mobile plan instead. We're curious to know why there's no official support for a T-Mobile SIM out of the box at the time of order, though. Source: Google Play Store; AT&T Support |
This week's sidebar poll: Were you able to order a new Nexus? Posted: 13 Nov 2012 12:37 PM PST Unfortunately, "coming soon" is what most people saw when they went to order a new Nexus device. To put it gently, the launch was a bit of a fustercluck. We've been ranting about it, and trying to figure out ways around it since late last night. We're tired, and half of us couldn't get a device ordered. It was not a good day. Something tells me that more than just a handful of sleepy bloggers had a bad morning. So take the poll, and vent away in the comments. We can't do anything about it, but we sure can bitch along with you. You'll find the poll in the sidebar to the right, or after the break. Before we go, last weeks results. Are you going prepaid with your Nexus 4?
So it looks like plenty of folks will be trying some flavor of pre-paid service, once they finally get hold of a Nexus 4. |
LG Optimus G now available on TELUS Posted: 13 Nov 2012 11:47 AM PST A little ahead of schedule, the LG Optimus G has launched on TELUS for $129 on a three-year contract. Here's what you can look forward to:
Take a look at our review for the full run-down. Why would you want to get that with the LG Nexus 4 also on sale? Because it's pretty much impossible to get an order through to Google Play today (though it might be worth giving another go in a day or two once the insanity has died down). What's it going to be, Canadians? Keep pounding that F5 key and skip the contract if you get through, or just bite the bullet and get something a little higher-end right now? Those opting for the latter can pick up the LG Optimus G from the TELUS online store over here. |
Sprint officially launches the ZTE Flash for $129.99 Posted: 13 Nov 2012 11:17 AM PST We've seen the ZTE Flash for Sprint convincingly leak out a couple times before, but now we've got the official specs right from the source. This very Galaxy Nexus-looking handset is a solid mid-ranger for sprint packing a whopping 12.6MP camera. As for the full specs, you're getting a 4.5-inch display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4G LTE (of course) all running on a basically stock version of Android 4.0. There's 8GB of storage on-board, expandable by MicroSD up to another 32GB. The ZTE Flash is available with a 2-year contract from Sprint at $129.99 up-front. Source: Sprint Newsroom; Sprint |
Motorola Droid RAZR M Jelly Bean OTA on its way Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:58 AM PST We've received official word that the Android 4.1 update for the Motorola Droid RAZR M is in early stages of rolling out, and several users are reporting that they have seen the update. This update will bring the RAZR M all the features from 4.1, including the enhanced camera software, improved voice search and Google Now. Jelly Bean does a great job polishing the ICS interface as well, and should be a real treat on the RAZR M. Check for the OTA in the device settings, or if you're rooted hang tight and wait for your favorite developer to chime in. More: Motorola |
Android-powered Vuzix M100 aims to take on Google Glass Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:52 AM PST Vuzix has announced the latest in their line of video-enabled eyewear, and it's going to be competing pretty directly with Google Glass. The M100 will run a tailored version of Android Ice Cream Sandwich, will pair up with devices over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to support augmented reality (among other) apps, and project a WQVGA display to the eye, which works out to (about 432 x 240). The front camera will shoot video at 720p, saved to the 4 GB of internal flash memory. The whole package will be powered by a 1 GHz processor. Battery life leaves a little something to be desired; you'll be able to get 8 hours on it if you're just doing classic hands-free stuff, but with that, the camera, and the display activated, Vuzix is expecting an hour of usage. Launch is expected to be early next year, but how much will it cost? Well, the developer kit which will include a production M100 when it's available is going for $999, so that should give you a rough idea. Is there any room for another augmented eyewear player with Google involved? Vuzix has been doing this sort of thing for longer, but Google has the ecosystem and developer support. Either way, will these kind of accessories actually get people to start using augmented reality apps regularly? How much can we reasonably expect people to pay for digital eyewear? More info on the Vuzix M100 can be found at their product page. Via: SlashGear |
Google Voice is broken in Android 4.2 Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:38 AM PST We're hearing lots of rumblings about Google Voice issues with Android 4.2, starting with the early Nexus 4 review units that went out, but that could've been blamed on pre-release software. Well it seems that the final 4.2 software has the same bits that make the Google Voice app crash as well. Going to the Google Voice app, hitting the button to create a new message and attempting to add a recipient causes a complete force close of the app -- every single time. Now, this is likely an issue in Google Voice itself, which if we had to choose would be the preferred place to find the error simply because it can be updated quickly in the Play Store. Its still unfortunate to see an update completely break one of Google's own first-party apps. Hopefully the fix is coming soon. In the meantime, if you're a heavy Google Voice user you may want to hold off on that 4.2 update for your Galaxy Nexus. |
Completely new UI coming to imo instant messenger Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:25 AM PST Following a general tidying up of its app just a month back, imo instant messenger is getting a complete UI overhaul today. The app is transitioning to a darker UI that is primarily black with red accents, accompanied by white backgrounds in the conversation view. Ease of use is the main goal with this update, with a combined conversation and contacts tab as well as improvements to the "imo network profile". The new UI looks very clean and in some ways mimics the design of stock Android's apps. The update is scheduled to be live this afternoon at the Google Play Store link above. In the meantime, we've got a few more screenshots of the new UI for you after the break. |
Jelly Bean 4.2 SDK now available for download Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:24 AM PST Fire up the old SDK manager, as you've got a new version to download!The Android team has made the Android 4.2 SDK (API level 17) available for download, and it looks like there a few new goodies in there for developers to have a little fun with. The SDK (Software Development Kit) is the files and tools that application developers use to build all the great apps you see in Google Play, and getting it pushed out was certainly a priority. Here's some of the highlights:
To download the latest SDK, open the SDK manager and select the new items from the available sources. For more information about everything that's new, see the source links. Source: Android Developers. More: Platform Highlights; API Overview |
Android 4.2 code hits AOSP; factory images released for Nexus devices Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:43 AM PST As the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 launch kicks off around the world, Google is in the process of releasing its Android 4.2 Jelly Bean source code to AOSP -- the Android Open-Source Project. This is the OS code upon which the new Nexus' software is built, and will be the basis for the Android 4.2 custom ROMs and OEM updates that are sure to start appearing in the weeks and months ahead. More details, including news of factory images, after the break. |
Hands-on with the Verizon Droid DNA by HTC Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:47 AM PST And, finally, Verizon's gotten some top-shelf HTC hardware in 2012. And what a device it's gotten in the Droid DNA. I spent some quality time with the DNA early this morning, and again at Verizon's launch event, and there's no denying that HTC's Android phones are starting to follow in the footsteps of its Windows Phones, in terms of design. The DNA is large, with that gorgeous 5-inch display. But it doesn't feel overly huge. A little bigger than the HTC One X, but thinner. Slimmer, especially as the edges taper off 4 mm at their thinnest. So think One X, but more svelte. The mix of polycarbonate (with its soft-touch coating) and aluminum edging is to die for. It's got just enough grip, but it doesn't look as industrial as other phones in Verizon's Droid line. Do note, however, that the red grilles on either side of the DNA are for design purposes only. The speaker is on the back of the phone. And that screen. Oh, that screen. Have you ever seen so many pixels? Check out our hands-on report and video after the break. |
Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 launch on Google Play Store in U.S. + Canada [update: N4 sold out] Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:46 AM PST Update: Just as in Europe and Australia, it seems both flavors of Nexus 4 are now sold out in America, less than an hour after first going on sale. As of 1:20pm ET the 32GB Nexus 10 is sold out, too. The 16GB Nexus 10 is still available to buy. Original story: Credit cards at the ready, folks. Following the chaotic European launch earlier this morning, which resulted in all Nexus 4s and most Nexus 10s selling out, Google's new tablets are now available from the U.S. and Canadian Google Play Store, along with the 3G Nexus 7. In the U.S., the Nexus 4 comes in 8GB and 16GB flavors, which sell for $299 and $349 respectively. If it's a Nexus 10 you're after, it'll set you back $399 for 16GB and $499 for 32GB. Global pricing can be found in our earlier post. If other territories are any indication, these new Nexus devices are sure to sell out quickly -- particularly the competitively-priced Nexus 4. So what are you doing still reading this? Hit the source link down below and go select your Nexus of choice. Be sure to check in down in the comments, too, and let us know how you're getting on with the order process. Source: Google Play Store |
Verizon Droid DNA image gallery Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:16 AM PST |
Verizon and HTC officially announce the Droid DNA Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:16 AM PST We're here in New York City, where Verizon and HTC have just taken the wraps off the highly anticipated Droid DNA. And this one's a looker. Let's break down the Droid DNA specs:
So, yeah. This thing's a bit of a beast. The Droid DNA builds off the HTC One line (remember that Verizon never picked up any of those phones earlier this year) as well as the new crop of Windows 8 phones, with a soft-touch finish that tapers down to just a mere 4mm at the edges. The sides are done up in a cool-looking speaker-grill sort of motif, though the usual rear speaker with its numerous pinholes remains on the back of the phone. The power button's up top, though it's been moved to the center of the device. The Droid DNA goes up for pre-order today, priced at $199 with a service agreement from Verizon. The device will be released next Wednesday, Nov. 21. Keep watching Android Central for more Droid DNA coverage throughout the day. More: Droid DNA event liveblog, Droid DNA gallery, Droid DNA specs, Droid DNA forum |
Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:16 AM PST Curious as to what's lurking inside HTC and Verizon's new Droid DNA smartphone? Wonder no more. Here's the full HTC Droid DNA spec list --
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Live from the Verizon HTC Droid DNA event! Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:03 AM PST It's a bit of a gloomy morning here in New York City, but Verizon and HTC are about to brighten it with the launch of the Droid DNA, the anticipated oversized Android smartphone. And that means it's time for ye olde liveblog. The event gets going at 11 a.m. EST, 4 p.m. in London, and all points in between. So have some breakfast, get a little work one, and check back in with us, won'tcha? |
Reviewed: Google's Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:00 AM PST Google's Nexus 4 smartphone and Nexus 10 tablet have gone on sale around the world, and we've already put both devices through their paces in exhaustive product reviews. So to learn everything you need to know about the latest flagship Google devices, and the new Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS, hit up the links below. Get started: LG Nexus 4 review, Samsung Nexus 10 reviewMore: Nexus 4 forum, Nexus 10 forum |
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