Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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Google Android News Android Forums

Dyzplastic to release special edition Android Mini in celebration of Chinese New Year

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 01:59 PM PST

Dyzplastic has today announced plans to release a special edition Android Mini this week in celebration of the Chinese New Year. The scroll-wielding red figurine is slated to hit the official Dead Zebra online shop Thursday January 24th at 11AM, though it has been noted that supplies are severely limited. If you’re hoping to get in on the action, you’ll need to have your mouse ready bright and early.

Source: Dyzplastic

Android sales rule through the holiday period with a couple notable exceptions

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 01:59 PM PST

New sales figures for smartphones during the holiday period, defined as the twelve weeks ending December 23, 2012, show Android continued to perform well in most markets. Research firm Kantar Worldpanel Comtech numbers reveal Android continued to maintain a stronghold in markets like Britain, Germany, France, Australia, much of Europe, and the urban Chinese market. Market share ranged from 50 percent up to as high as 86 percent in Spain. The exceptions to Android’s dominance were in the U.S. and Japanese markets.

In the U.S. market, Android’s share decreased slightly to 44.2 percent and in Japan Android claimed just 31.9 percent. The other big player, iOS from Apple, claimed more than 50 percent in each of those markets. Dominic Sunnebo with Kantar Worldpanel ComTech says Android’s rate of growth slowed down during 2012, perhaps as a function of the law of diminishing returns among first time smartphone buyers.

The new sales figures show RIM and Microsoft are still pulling up the bottom of the charts, though Windows phones seem to be making some inroads in European markets. For instance, Windows Phone claimed 13.9 percent of the Italian market up from 2.8 percent the prior year. In another interesting bit of data found in the sales figures, the BlackBerry 9320 was the most popular handset given as a gift during December. The Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 grabbed the number two spot in that category and the iPhone 4S claimed third spot.

source: PC World

Featured Android App Review: DigiCal+ Calendar & Widgets [Productivity]

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 10:34 AM PST

Replacement calendar apps are getting quite popular so I thought I would let you know about DigiCal Calendar & Widgets. It was created by Digibites and is one of the most attractive looking calendar apps available on Android. I personally never had a problem with the stock Android app because it’s simple and it features the Holo design, but DigiCal takes it to the next level with some really nice enhancements.

For starters, you get similar calendar views like day, week (2 views), month, and agenda, but with DigiCal you get more information. For example, in day view, the top will show the layout for the month so you can quickly see what dates fall on which days. Also, when you tap on an event, you get a popup giving you the details instead of going to a new page right away. If you do want to further edit, you can tap the arrow icon and it will open in a new screen just like the stock app. It also has the same pinch to zoom capability that the stock Android app has, and you can still swipe right or left to change days.

The basic week view is very similar to the stock Android app, but there is a second week view (grid view) which is less busy. It shows each day in it’s own box and lists the appointments for each day. It’s completely different then the usual week view that shows a bunch of colored boxes that are barely readable.

The month view is also way better. The traditional month view is a bunch of squares with little dots in them that are pretty much useless. All you can really gather is that you might be busy on a particular day. With DigiCal, you still get the squares with the dots, but when you tap on a particular day, the information for that day is displayed on the bottom 1/3 of the display in a scrollable list form. Tapping on any of the appointments will allow you to quickly copy the information to the clipboard and to further edit if you so wish.

Last but not least, the agenda view is very similar, but when you tap on an event, you are given the opportunity to copy to the clipboard on top of the ability to further edit.

Now I mentioned the ability to copy to the clipboard, which is the other major thing I like. All appointments can easily be copied, and I don’t just mean the title. It will copy all the information like the location and notes. When you want to paste that information on another date, you can easily do so when creating a new appointment. You can select either paste or new to type in the information. This is useful for the appointments that aren’t necessarily recurring, but yes DigiCal does support recurring as well. Speaking of appointments, creating one is about the same experience as the stock Android app, which is very easy.

Now it’s time to talk widgets, which are plentiful. There are four main widget types: list agenda, day grid, day, and day list. My favorite by far is day list, which gives you a more attractive look. The typical agenda list shows your appointments in order with dates as headers, but day list shows the dates on the left side with the information to the right. It actually shows you more information, but it’s also readable. The other plus for the widget is that if you want to change the type or change any settings, you don’t have to remove the widget and start all over again. There is an edit option from the widget, which is a really nice touch. There are also plenty of sizes to choose from. You can go as small as 1 x 1 all the way to full screen,

DigiCal also offers a lot of settings for you to customize. You can set what the default view should be, what opens when you tap widgets, default reminder times, and so much more. You can even set the font sizes for the widgets as well as the transparency.

All in all DigiCal is one of the best looking and functional calendar apps available in the Google Play Store. They do offer a free and a paid version. The free version has all the features of the paid version sans the ability to change font sizes and transparency in the widgets. It also has ads. The paid version (DigiCal+) removes the ads and lets you customize font sizes and transparency. It costs $4.99, and in my opinion, well worth every penny if you’re looking for a more functional and good looking calendar app. I encourage you to download the free version and see for yourself. If you dig it, you can upgrade in less than a minute. Check out my hands on video below as well as their trailer video, and hit one of the download links to get started. As always, let me know what you think.

Feautres:

  • Five unique calendar views (day, week, agenda, month and list) including landscape mode
  • Stylish and intuitive user interface consistent with the Android Holo theme
  • Fully compatible with any device running Android 2.2 or higher
  • Smart action bar for quick editing, moving, copying, pasting and deleting events
  • Built-in location search to quickly add locations to your events
  • Support for Google Now (Android 4.1+), enabling it to notify you when it’s time to leave for your appointment by planning your route, checking traffic and calculating your travel time
  • Event pop-up makes it easy to go through your individual events
  • Gestures like pinch to zoom and swipe to navigate are supported
  • Beautifully designed widget with neat shortcuts to common tasks
  • Fully customizable grid widget in which you can choose the amount of columns and rows to display your upcoming events.

 

DigiCal+_Calendar_&_Widgets_01 DigiCal+_Calendar_&_Widgets_02 DigiCal+_Calendar_&_Widgets_03 DigiCal+_Calendar_&_Widgets_04 DigiCal+_Calendar_&_Widgets_05 DigiCal+_Calendar_&_Widgets_06 DigiCal+_Calendar_&_Widgets_07 DigiCal+_Calendar_&_Widgets_08 DigiCal+_Calendar_&_Widgets_Splash_Banner

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Play Store Download Link - Paid

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Play Store Download Link – Free

AT&T agrees to buy Alltel for $780 million in cash

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 09:18 AM PST

AT&T announced this morning that they have entered into a deal to acquire the Alltel wireless network currently owned by Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. AT&T will pay cash to acquire the wireless properties, licenses, network assets, retail stores, and roughly 585,000 Alltel subscribers. Alltel currently operates in Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, and South Caroline, primarily in rural areas that cover about 4.6 million people. The purchase will help AT&T secure additional spectrum in the 700 MHz, 850 MHz and 1900 MHz bands. Alltel operates a CDMA network that should prove complementary to AT&T’s network. Once upgraded, AT&T expects customers in the covered “areas will enjoy an enhanced mobile Internet experience.”

The deal is subject to FCC and Department of Justice review and approval. AT&T anticipates the deal will close in the second half of 2013. Hit the break for the full press release.

AT&T To Acquire Wireless Spectrum and Assets from Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc., Enhance Wireless Coverage in Rural Areas

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AT&T* today announced that it has signed an agreement with Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. (ATNI) to acquire the company's U.S. retail wireless operations, operated under the Alltel brand, for $780 million in cash. Under terms of the agreement, AT&T will acquire wireless properties, including licenses, network assets, retail stores and approximately 585,000 subscribers.

ATNI operates under the Alltel name in the U.S., and its network covers approximately 4.6 million people in primarily rural areas across six states — Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio and South Carolina. The acquisition includes spectrum in the 700 MHz, 850 MHz and 1900 MHz bands and is largely complementary to AT&T's existing network. ATNI currently operates a retail CDMA network for its subscribers in these areas. AT&T expects that as it upgrades the network, ATNI customers and existing AT&T customers who roam in these areas will enjoy an enhanced mobile Internet experience.

AT&T expects integration costs for network conversion from CDMA will not result in significant dilution to EPS or impact to cash flow. The transaction is subject to review by the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice and to other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second half of 2013.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/aboutus or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att.

© 2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 4G not available everywhere. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

NTT DoCoMo includes folding, dual-screen NEC Medias W in spring lineup

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 08:54 AM PST

If you were paying attention to CES 2013, you may have noticed that one of the more popular items on display was the flexible screens under development by Samsung. As their short video showed, the flexible screen will open the door to some new form factors. Until then, if you want something unique you may have to look for something like the NEC Medias W N-05E. NEC has basically taken two 4.3-inch devices and merged them together with a hinge in the middle. When opened, the device doubles screen real estate while maintaining a small, pocket-able size when folded up.

The screens are supposed to be able to function independently of each other, with separate apps running in each screen, or the two screens can act like one big screen. The device is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core cpu, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of built-in storage and the ever popular microSD slot for expansion purposes. However, NEC did not include NFC capability in the device. which will run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

NTT DoCoMo indicates the device should be available in mid-April. No information on other markets, pricing or a release schedule if it ends up in markets outside of Japan.

source: NTT DoCoMo

via: Engadget

Leaked Samsung Roadmap Indicates Galaxy Note 8 And Other Goodies Are On The Way Soon… Very Soon

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 07:41 AM PST

 

 

Looks like Sammy is preparing to make a major splash in the coming months by introducing a wide range of devices. Thanks to our a friends at TechnoBuffalo, Samsung’s roadmap for the 1st half of 2013 is now in plain view for the world to see. The biggest item on the agenda is that Galaxy Note 8 tablet that we have been hearing more about lately. The device will feature a quad-core processor, Android 4.2, an 8-inch 1,280 x 800 display and of course all the Galaxy Note goodies like S Note, S Memo and S Planner. Reports are indicating the tablet will arrive by March 2013 and should be available in both WiFi and carrier-branded versions.

Another device that’s noteworthy on the water and dust-proof Galaxy Cover X 2 smartphone. This rugged device will feature a 4-inch WVGA display, a dual-core 1GHz processor, Android 4.1, and a 5-megapixel camera. The smartphone features and profile seem to match up with what we expect from AT&T’s Rugby Smart line of smartphones, so it may be possible that we will see this device on Ma Bell’s network in February (when it is expected to be released). The device may not be the most interesting device in the world, but it certainly is appealing for those who want a device that can withstand most harsh conditions.

There are some other devices that are also worth mentioning, so head on past the break to see the additional items and give yourselves a better idea of what’s to come from Sammy.

Galaxy Young (GT-S6310/2)

  • 3.0-inch display
  • 1-GHz processor
  • Android 4.1
  • 4GB of internal storage + microSD slot

 

Galaxy Pocket Plus

  • 2.8-inch display
  • Android 4.1
  • 850MHz processor
  • 1,200mAh battery

 

 

source: TechnoBuffalo

Beta Build Of Tasker For Android Brings A New Design, But Still Makes Automation Just A Little Easier For Our Android Devices

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 07:16 AM PST

 

It’s no secret that we like things to be simplified and automated if possible— and Tasker for Android allows for us Android folks to make things simplified and automated. The great thing is for those of you who have used the app before (and those of you who haven’t) is that the development team went ahead and came up with a new beta— which includes a brand-new design of the app to bring a more modern touch. In case you’re not familiar with the app— it allows for users to perform a task (set of actions) based on a context— like a time, date, location, application or even gesture— in profiles or widgets. Think of this as an example: For example, if you want your Bluetooth to turn on when you get into your car, users can set Tasker to activate Bluetooth when your phone realizes you left your home's GPS coordinates. The overall goal of the app is to simply give users more control over their Android device without the need for root. Of course users will actually need to take some time and actually set up each task— but believe us, once the various tasks are set up— you’ll see how much better your overall Android experience can be.

The revised beta app is now available for all Ice Cream Sandwich+ devices, so head on down to the source link to grab it today.

source: Tasker

When It Rains… It Pours: More Sense 5 Images Surface For HTC DROID DNA Smartphone

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 06:56 AM PST

 

We know you DROID DNA owners just can’t get enough of that Sense 5 love on your superphone, so we are happy to share with you all more images of Sense 5 on the device. Thanks to some very happy (and lucky) testers, we can now see a fully functional and operational build of Sense on the DROID DNA smartphone. The build brings the Android software to version 4.1.2 and includes some additional goodies like some new icons among other things. What’s even more fascinating is that while Sense 5 is operational on the DROID DNA… it was actually ported from the Sprint variant of the M7 smartphone. Impressive indeed, right?

So now that we know that Sense 5 is out there in the wild and works like a charm on the DROID DNA, all we need to know now is when HTC will break down and give up the deets of when owners can expect the update to reach the masses. We’re waiting HTC…

source: XDA Forums

Sony Xperia Tablet Z announced for NTT DoCoMo

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 06:49 AM PST

The rumors that the Sony Xperia Tablet Z would get announced by NTT DoCoMo came true today. The tab was already announced by Sony so no major surprises on the specs: a 10.1-inch 1080p (1920 x 1200) display, a Qualcomm 1.5GHz quad-core APQ8064 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, microSD, an 8.1MP Exmor R camera, 6,000mAh battery, NFC, LTE, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Just like the Xperia Z and Xperia ZL, it will be waterproof and dustproof. It’s only 6.9mm thick and weighs in at 495 grams, which makes it the world’s thinnest and lightest 10-inch tablet. It will be available in Japan in mid March, but no word on pricing. The big question is if Sony will actually sell any of them?

sources: NTT DoCoMo, Sony Mobile

LG Optimus G Pro officially announced for Japan

Posted: 22 Jan 2013 06:32 AM PST

NTT DoCoMo announced a bunch of phones and tablets for their spring lineup and the LG Optimus G Pro was one of them. We already knew most of the goods on it, but the specs are now official: 5-inch 1080p display, a 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, 13MP rear camera, 3,000mAh battery, and LTE. It will be available in April. No official word from LG so we have no idea when or if it will be available in other parts of the world.

source: NTT DoCoMo
via: engadget

 
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