Android Phone Fans

Android Overload: Chromebook Pixel rumors, Verizon still #1 in customer care, Eric Schmidt selling 42% of his Google stake and more Posted: 09 Feb 2013 05:44 PM PST It has been a good week for Phandroid and we are ready to close it with a good Android Overload. This is where we bring you all the stories that didn’t make it to our homepage. There is always interesting stuff in there, so make sure to read through them before getting ready for your weekend adventures. Chrome OS document hints at Chromebook Pixel's existence [Chromespot] Verizon rated #1 for customer care 4 years straight [PR Newswire] Eric Schmidt selling over 40% of his stake in Google [Reuters] Lg announcing 4 devices at MWC? [Phandroid] OUYA promises quick game approval process for developers [Engadget] Qualcomm won’t build an NVIDIA Shield competitor [The Verge] Judge rules 3 Motorola patents invalid [Reuters]

T-Mobile MVNO prepaid carriers getting ready to offer 4G LTE data Posted: 09 Feb 2013 04:01 PM PST Trying to find the right prepaid carrier is no easy task, but those that want to be with a T-Mobile MVNO might find it easy to make a decision soon. Two T-Mobile MVNO carriers are getting ready to offer 4G LTE speeds as soon as T-Mobile flips the switch on, further firing up the battle between carriers and MVNOs. Said prepaid carriers are Solavei and Ready SIM. An MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) is a carrier that offers cellphone services without owning the network. In other words, they piggyback on one of the carriers which do own towers across the country. Though very few of these offer 4G LTE, we are starting to see a breakthrough of affordable/prepaid MVNOs offering these latest-generation data speeds. Both Solavei and Ready SIM have confirmed that they expect to offer 4G LTE next to T-Mobile. Another MVNO, Ultra Mobile, didn’t comment but mentioned they are “always aiming to do what’s best for their customers and will definitely consider LTE when it’s possible.” This was a much safer approach, as T-Mobile is raising its eyebrow at the other MVNOs’ comments. “T-Mobile has not made any commitments to MVNO partners regarding timing of when they may have access to T-Mobile’s LTE network, and not all partners may receive access.” – T-Mobile Way to be a party pooper, T-Mobile! Magenta could be launching its 4G LTE network as soon as next month, so let’s hope all our fellow prepaid MVNO subscribers get some LTE love. Are you planning to use T-Mobile’s 4G LTE with one of these MVNOs? [Fierce Wireless]

This Week In Google TV: Vizio Co-Star GTV 3 update, Logitech Revue issues, reviews and more Posted: 09 Feb 2013 01:54 PM PST Google TV is getting much more recognition lately. Manufacturers like Vizio, Hisense and ASUS are bringing more affordable devices to market and Google is finally stepping up and bringing us more constant updates and features. Google TV may still have its faults, but we strongly believe it will continue to improve and rise to the top of the smart TV pyramid. Starting today, we are bringing you a weekly feature of the biggest Google TV stories. No more looking all over the internet just to get bits and pieces of your Google TV news. You will be able to get it all in one place. Let’s jump right in! Vizio Co-Star GTV version 3 update starts rolling out The LG Google TV may have been the first to get a taste of GTV 3, but Vizio Co-Star owners will be happy to know the $99 device has already started getting the update! It is rolling out very slowly so not all users will have the update available yet (I don’t). Just stay put and keep checking from time to time (Settings > System Settings > System Update) – you will get it soon enough. We know it’s hard to wait, but it is worth it. The update includes the new Prime Time Quick Guide, Voice Search and more! For more details: Vizio Co-Star GTV 3 update now rolling out Logitech Revue not playing nice with Play Store Logitech Revue users haven’t had the greatest Google TV experience. The product is not the best around and has been discontinued for a while, but not being able to access the Play Store is still hard to swallow. Reports of such issues have been flooding the net since last week. People are slowly getting their fix updates, but if yours hasn’t shown up we have some good tricks you can use. Click through to read more! For more details: Logitech Revue having issues with Google Play Store App reviews All work and no play? Don’t even worry, we have some great Google TV app reviews for you this week. These are both fun and productive, so check them out and improve your Google TV experience! Able Remote Review – This is our favorite remote replacement for Google TV. Able Remote unlocks the true capabilities of your Android smartphone and turns it into the most powerful and flexible remote you can find for your Google TV. Also, check out this tutorial on how to fix Able Remote’s issues with the Co-Star. Redux for Google TV Review – This is hands down our favorite streaming service for Google TV. It won’t feature all your favorite movies and TV shows, but it offers much more than just that. Made for casual viewers, this app contains a curated selection of the best internet videos from all categories. Whether you want to sink yourself in a documentary or salivate over tech videos, you can get your fix from Redux. Open Launcher for Google TV Review – Don’t like your Google TV user interface? You are not alone. Sometimes we just don’t know what these manufacturers are thinking when they make these UIs. If you are looking for a clean, simple and customizable UI, Open Launcher is your best bet. Red Karaoke Review – The days when you had to purchase expensive karaoke machines are long gone. Now you can enjoy a vast portfolio of karaoke songs straight from your Google TV. We love Red Karaoke, so definitely check this one out. Wrap up What a Google TV overload! It is nice to finally see the platform getting more action, though. If you have a Google TV or are interested in getting one (or you just want to stay up-to-date), you can follow Phandroid’s “This Week In Google TV” weekly articles every Saturday. Or you can visit GTVSource.com (our sister site) every day. Either way, stay tuned because we will continue bringing you more great Google TV content!

Android Overload: T-Mobile offering Nexus 4 for $50, another Galaxy S2 now receiving Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, and more Posted: 08 Feb 2013 10:10 PM PST 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. Samsung Galaxy S2 (GT-I9100G) now receiving Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. [SamMobile] Get on board the Android train. Enthusiast creates Android train out of collectibles, LEGO and trains parts. [Google+] Epiphany onE Puck lets you charge your phones using a hot or cold drink. [Kickstarter] Google working on $82 million airplane facility at San Jose airport. [Gizmodo] After living with BlackBerry 10 for a week, I went back to Android. [ReadWrite] OUYA promising quick approval process for games in its app store. [Engadget] Sheldon from Big Bang Theory prefers Android. [Imgur] T-Mobile wises up. Offers the Nexus 4 for $50 with a 2-year agreement (limited time offer). [T-Mobile] Run Android apps and games on your Windows desktop/laptop with WindowsAndroid. [DroidGamers] Will Android’s rise lead to Apple’s demise? [Forbes] “Band with Professionals” shut down by LinkedIn. [AllThingsD] Cartoon Wars: Blade now available in the Play Store from Gamevil. [Google Play] Top 5 traps of Kingdom Conquest 2. [ThePocketPlayers] Anomaly Warzone Earth and Anomaly Korea only $2 (50% off) for a limited time. [Google Play] Parkour running “Vector” now available for free in the Play Store. [Google Play]