Saturday, February 2, 2013

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Qualcomm tips Key Lime Pie for a springtime release – Right on time for Google I/O

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 02:43 PM PST

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A leaked Qualcomm roadmap sent the blogoshphere in a tissy after it tipped off a potential time frame when we could see the next iteration of Google’s Android: Key Lime Pie. Qualcomm was quick on sending take down notices to anyone posting the images, including Phone Arena and the Android Police where the doc was originally posted. According to the doc, Key Lime Pie was mentioned as “K-release” for spring, placing it somewhere between March and June.

Given Qualcomm was so adamant about removing any images or info pertaining to KLP, this leads us to believe they are, in fact, legit. Also, the fact that Google unveiled Jelly Bean at last year’s Google I/O developer conference fits in perfectly with Qualcomm’s leaked date. Now we just gotta figure out what Google could have planned for Key Lime Pie. Any features currently lacking in Android you’d like to see in KLP? As far as devices go, something tells me we might see a refresh of the ASUS Nexus 7.

[The Verge via CNET | Image]

Epic story involving smartphone thief and the Android user who got his Galaxy Note back

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 12:50 PM PST

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Alleged perpetrator

Android phones don’t exactly come cheap (okay, well at least not all of them), and when you lose one — or worse yet, it gets stolen — it’s right up there with one of the worst feelings in the world. Usually, you don’t have many options. You can only make a few phone calls or SMS messages to your lost or stolen phone and hope you can appeal to their better nature, but other than that — you’re out of luck. Even in the instance that you’ve installed some kind of security software to wipe, snap pictures, and/or send off location data, I’ve heard more than a few stories of police officers that didn’t get involved in the recovery of someone’s stolen property.

This is exactly what one Android user had to deal with after a few of his belongings (including his Android smartphone) were stolen a few days ago. Luckily he installed an Android application called Cerebrus, one of a few in the Play Store that can actually survive a full data wipe/factory reset (provided the user has root). In probably one of the most epic tales you’ll read in a forum, you can follow almost in real time the events that transpired. It goes a little something like this:

  • Victim gets phone stolen from his friend’s house by a burglar.
  • 3 hours later, he posts the story on a Overclockers forum with a pic of the suspected perp using a security app called Cerberus.
  • Further images are taken and posted of the alleged thief while using the phone, sleeping, etc.
  • Speculation arises whether the guy could simply be a buyer and is unaware the phone is stolen.
  • Victim updates thread with developments regarding police involvement. Up until now they’ve been a bit lazy, letting OP do all the detective work for them.
  • Speculation dies after learning of the alleged perp’s details, online dating profile, more pictures, etc.
  • Victim is contacted by the police who are now ready to move in on the perp’s location.
  • Victim gives play-by-play of police who are outside the perp’s door, awaiting door entry equipment.
  • Police bust in door, search apartment, can’t find the phone.
  • Victim sounds off alarm, police find the phone, victim updates and the entire thread goes nuts.
  • Police take phone as evidence.
  • Meme’s are created with the perp’s photos.
  • Cerberus comes through and delivers in spades.
  • Alleged thief released with a warning after telling police the phone was purchased off someone he had “bumped into.”

You can read the entire exciting story over in the original thread on Overclockers which, I have to admit, sounds a bit like the plot line to a movie starring Liam Neisen. I’ve said it before but the last thing you wanna do is steal an Android phone from an experienced user because we will find you, and we will kill you(r online reputation). Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be installing Cerberus onto my Droid DNA.

[via Overclockers | Reddit 1, 2 | Telegraph | Cerberus on Google Play]

Did HTC CEO Peter Chou whip out a white M7 during press event? [PICS]

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 10:44 AM PST

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What do we have here? Seems HTC CEO Peter Chou may have gotten a little too excited at a recent year-end party, and while snapping pictures of his adoring fans from his smartphone, appears to have inadvertently revealed the white HTC M7 for all the world to see. We’ve heard rumors that HTC was planning a white/silver variant of the device and although it’s hard to tell from these blurry images, it seems Mr. Chou may have confirmed this.

Taking a look at the photos, we get a good fairly good look at the back of the device. What’s odd are the lines along the back hinting at either a removable battery cover (super unlikely), or at least a design not as unibody as recently leaked images of the M7. We wont have to wait much longer to find out what’s up. HTC is planning a press event for Feb. 19th in New York in which I’ll personally be on hand, giving you guys the latest on their newest flagship.

[Pocketnow]

Samurai Vengeance 2 and Shadowgun on sale for a limited time in the Google Play Store

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 10:12 AM PST

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It’s never too late for a celebration (in fact, I barely celebrated my birthday last night, almost 3 weeks after the fact). Seems Madfinger Games feels the same way, and to celebrate the announcement of Dead Trigger 2 — unveiled during Nvidia’s press event for Project SHIELD at CES 2013 — the mobile gaming guru’s are offering a few of their hottest titles at a discount on Google Play.

Both Samurai Vengeance 2 and Shadowgun have been discounted to $1 and $2, respectively (as well as their Tegra optimized variants). Oh, and if you’re into the multiplayer frag-fest of Shadowgun: Deadzone, all in-app purchases have been discounted 33% as well. Looks like the deals are only good until February 3rd, so if you need some time to think it over, you have until Sunday to decide.

[Samurai Vengeance 2 - THD | Shadowgun - THD]

CyanogenMod’s Chronus clock widget renamed to “cLock” after getting hit with C&D letter

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 08:50 AM PST

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Well, that was quick. Last night the boys at CyanogenMod turned to the community to help with renaming their lockscreen clock widget — found on their popular custom ROM — after they were hit with a C&D letter (cease and desist) from someone claiming to own the rights to the name. Rather than get involved in any legal drama, the CM team decided to concede defeat and go ahead with renaming their clock widget. They posted the news on their Facebook and Google+ pages looking for new ideas and somewhere in the evening hours (when the team is apparently most active), they decided on “cLock.” You know, because it’s a clock widget for your lock screen (homescreen too). I thought it was clever.

[Google+]

Thanks, Squiddy!

Leak pegs HTC M4 and G2 to launch alongside flagship M7

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 08:06 AM PST

The hype leading up to a February 19th HTC press event has been focused on a device known only as the M7, but like last year’s One series launch a new leak suggests the Taiwanese company could unveil multiple cornerstone devices from their 2013 lineup that day. Said to be joining the M7 are two smartphones known for now as the M4 and G2 (not that G2).

The M4 and G2 would be this year’s equivalents of the One S and One V, mid-range and entry-level devices respectively. The M4 is rumored to carry a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon CPU with a 4.3-inch 720p display, 2GB RAM, and 13MP camera. The phone will launch with Android 4.2. The G2 will sport a 1GHz CPU, 512MB RAM, and a meager 3.5-inch SD display. That phone is pegged with a 5MP camera.

Will the phones be known as the HTC One X 2, One S 2, and One V 2? Or perhaps the HTC Two X, Two S, etc.? We doubt the letter/number code names stick past launch.

Speaking of release dates, a related rumors says the M7 will come to all four major US carriers following a March 8th launch in Europe. Verizon’s version, however, has been delayed and will launch after Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T’s model.

[via TechCrunch, DroidDog]

Verizon launches two new prepaid smartphone plans starting at $60

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 07:13 AM PST

Verizon has announced two new prepaid offerings for subscribers looking to avoid the hassles of a longterm contract. Replacing an older $80 per month plan that afforded customers 1GB of data along with unlimited talk and text are two less expensive options.

The lowest tier of prepaid service is priced at $60 per month and provides 500MB of 3G data. For $10 more per month that data cap can be upped to 2GB. Both plans include unlimited talk and text.

The main drawback is that Verizon is only opening the new service options specific handsets, and none rank among the latest and greatest from the carrier. Users seeking cheap, pay by the month plans will have to settle for older devices like the HTC Droid Incredible 2.

[via Verizon]

Ben’s Outlet offering $249 Toshiba Excite 10.1 as Deal of the Day

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 06:02 AM PST

A couple of years ago you would be hard pressed to find any quality Android-powered slates at a value price. Now there seems to be no shortage of deals on tablets in recent months, whether it’s the wallet-friendly Nexus 7 or this one-day offer for the Toshiba Excite 10.1 from Ben’s Outlet. As their Deal of the Day, the tab can be purchased for only $249.

With a list price of $499, the savings are apparent. Sure, the Excite 10.1 is feeling its age slightly. It features a quad-core Tegra 3 processor and runs Android 4.0, which might leave a hankering for Jelly Bean in the mouth. But for half the normal price, budget savvy tablet buyers can surely justify picking one up.

At the time of writing, plenty of stock remained, but buyers will still want to act quick. This limited time deal expires at the end of the day.

[via Ben's Outlet | Thanks, Denny!]

Sony offering premium headphones with UK Xperia Z pre-orders, a $299 value

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 05:14 AM PST

Sony is kicking off pre-orders for their Xperia Z in the UK and offering a special treat for anyone reserving the flagship handset within the next month. Available for as low a price as free on a two-year contract (depending on carrier), the Android 4.1 smartphone will come with a set of MDR-1R headphones, a $299 value. You do the math.

The Xperia Z features a 5-inch, 1080p display, 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro, and will be available in white, black, and an O2-exclusive purple paint job. Carriers have said the handset will launch on February 28th, though Sony has been a bit more coy. The date, however, lines up with the free headphone offer, which ends February 27th.

The Xperia Z was already shaping up to be a rather tempting phone, but Sony sure knows how to sweeten the pot. We can only hope a similar offer follows the phone to other regions upon release.

[Sony via The Verge]

Android Overload: CyanogenMod needs your help, Sony Xperia T & TX Jelly Bean update gets certified, and more

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 09:03 PM PST

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The Android Overload is where we feature the biggest news stories from throughout the day (see above video), as well as stash all of the stories/articles/news bits that didn't make it onto our front page. But just because they weren't featured doesn't mean they aren't worth taking a look at. In fact, there's almost always a little something here for everyone. So, take a look around and let us know if you find anything of interest.

  • CyanogenMod receives “C&D” (cease and desist) letter over the use of Chronus name in their clock widget. Wants help finding a new name. [Facebook]
  • Acer Iconia B1 — their £99 Android tablet — is now available in supermarkets across the UK. [Eurodroid]
  • Sony Xperia T and TX will soon receive Jelly Bean update. Software version 9.1.A.0.489 gets certified. [XperiaBlog]
  • Pandora for Android updated with Google Play subscription support. Sign up for monthly service via in-app purchase. [Google Play]
  • Bard’s Tale on sale for 50% in the Play Store. Includes all the classics for $3. [Google Play]
  • Minecraft Pocket Edition updated with baby animals, signs, armor, and fancy clouds. [Google Play]
  • LG announces Q4 results. Sells 8.6 million Android smartphones. Plans to sell more with sequels to popular handsets. [LG]

Sony’s “My Xperia” to rival “Find My iPhone”

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 07:42 PM PST

Sony sees the need to challenge Apple in the lost device category as it will look to add its own competitive advantage for those who need extra smartphone protection. Enter “My Xperia,” a service that will allow you to locate your phone in the event that it gets lost or stolen. Alongside getting GPS coordinates to your phone’s position, you can have it play a notification sound, activate your display and even go as far as remotely wiping and locking your device.

None of this is ground-breaking for the Android scene — the folks at Lookout have done a great job of providing us with that with its third-party application — but this would mark the first time an OEM has decided to take the initiative and implement their own. This should make Sony an interesting option for the enterprise sector, an area that seems to have been a bit hesitant in adopting Android due to several perceived drawbacks in he security department.

The service will go into beta to starting sometime this year, and will only go out to select 2012 Xperia handsets in Nordic countries. We imagine the rest of you will get a chance to use it in due time, though, so sit tight and stay tuned for more information.

[via Sony]
Posted by at 8:55 AM

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