Android Central

---

• CyanogenMod 10.1 general release is on its way
• Google now accepting 'Google Play for Education' app submissions
• Microsoft reportedly plans to bring Xbox game titles to Android
• Sony Xperia Z Android 4.2.2 update rolling out now
• Win 1 of 2 Snapdragon™ 800 Mobile Development Platform devices from Qualcomm and Android Central!
• HP announces Slate 21 desktop-style Android all-in-one
• AT&T offering 50% off phones on-contract online this week
• Money to burn? Buy this gold-plated HTC One for $2,900
• Hisense Sero 7 Pro Review
• How to transfer your Google Reader RSS feeds to Feedly
• Start spamming your friends today for an early shot at Jay-Z's new album
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 series hits the U.S. on July 7
• Deal of the Day: LLOYD Flex Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 2
• AOL Reader beta now live on the web
• Garmin Monterra a 4-inch handheld Android GPS
• New Sony smartwatch, 5-inch mid-ranger tipped ahead of Mobile Asia Expo
• Mid-range Acer Liquid E2 headed to Three UK

CyanogenMod 10.1 general release is on its way Posted: 24 Jun 2013 03:06 PM PDT Any device that received an RC build will get the stable release; builds hitting servers as soon as possible The CyanogenMod team announced on its official blog today that it will be ending the release candidate (RC) phase for builds of CM10.1 and moving to a general release. Following a few quick releases of the latest RC builds, the general release is currently being built for any device that has received an RC of CM10.1 and will hit servers for download as soon as possible. Absent from this CM10.1 general release are Tegra 2 devices, as are many Samsung Exynos devices -- the team says it will give an update as to the status of CM for those devices soon. The launch of a general release also marks the time when we get back into the M-release cycle for experimental features to be added to CM10.1 for willing flashers among us. CyanogenMod says it has already incorporated its new Privacy Guard feature into the latest nightly build and surely has many more up its sleeve to come. Source: CyanogenMod

Google now accepting 'Google Play for Education' app submissions Posted: 24 Jun 2013 02:46 PM PDT Third-party group of educators to review each educational app submitted Google announced on its Android Developers Blog that it is now accepting submissions for its Google Play for Education platform, which will bring education- and age-appropriate apps to schools. The system, which was announced last month, is a subset of the main Play Store that allows bulk purchasing and content curation of apps, books and movies for K-12 schools. Developers who have an age-appropriate app can now mark it for inclusion, where it will then be reviewed by a third-party group of educators. This third-party will go through each app and determine its subject, grade level and whether or not it meets a set of development guidelines that have been set for the education system. The guidelines (found at the second source link below) indicate that apps, among other things, must not collect personally identifiable information or use student data for any noneducational purposes. Google also has strict guidelines for in-app purchases and advertisements, and encourages developers to submit apps that are either paid or free without ads. The approval process is expected to take 3-4 weeks for any given app, and Google says that it is currently piloting the Google Play for Education program in schools across the country. Source: Android Developers Blog; Developer Guidelines

Microsoft reportedly plans to bring Xbox game titles to Android Posted: 24 Jun 2013 02:21 PM PDT Licensing deal could open up the flood gates to Microsoft titles on other mobile platforms We could start seeing some of Microsoft's own Xbox and Windows gaming titles come over to Android as soon as this fiscal year if rumors are to be believed. According to sources of Reuters, Microsoft is currently working on a licensing deal with Japanese developer Klab to bring its first-party games to Android (and iOS). The only details known right now are that Microsoft's "Age of the Empires" will be a free-to-play game available as part of the cross-platform expansion and that other titles will come as well. Details are a bit sparse, but the intent seems pretty clear as Microsoft works on its multi-platform strategy. Microsoft has an opportunity for some serious sales on its hands if it decides to open up more recent and popular games, regardless of what it will do to its own Windows Phone market share. Source: Reuters

Sony Xperia Z Android 4.2.2 update rolling out now Posted: 24 Jun 2013 02:03 PM PDT Latest update hitting multiple models in different markets around the world. Coming in just fashionably late behind its sibling the Xperia ZL, the Sony Xperia Z is receiving an update to Android 4.2.2 starting today. According to reports from users to XperiaBlog, the update is rolling out to several different regions already for the C6603 LTE model, and in Taiwan for the C6602 HSPA+ model. While the official support page hasn't been updated to reflect the newest build, the build number is reportedly the same 10.3.A.0.423 as the Xperia ZL. If you have your hands on an Xperia Z, you may want to download Sony's PC Companion (or Bridge For Mac) for the earliest shot at the update. This also leads to a few questions about what version of Android will land on the Xperia Z when it hits T-Mobile in short order. Let's hope it's the same updated version as is rolling out worldwide today. Source: XperiaBlog More: Sony Xperia Z Forums; Sony Support

Win 1 of 2 Snapdragon™ 800 Mobile Development Platform devices from Qualcomm and Android Central! Posted: 24 Jun 2013 01:58 PM PDT OK, folks. This is gonna be fun. We're teaming up with Qualcomm to give away a pair of Mobile Development Platform devices with Snapdragon 800. That's the latest and greatest Snapdragon that you're going to start seeing in retail devices in the coming months, in Android smartphones as well as tablets.  And that's what you'll be entering to win here. We've got one smartphone and one tablet to give away. Keep on reading for the full rules and details on how to enter. read more

HP announces Slate 21 desktop-style Android all-in-one Posted: 24 Jun 2013 01:21 PM PDT   HP is adding another device to its expanding Android lineup today by announcing the Slate 21, a large "all-in-one" tablet-desktop hybrid device. As the name would suggest, this device has a 21.5-inch display putting it squarely in the market of HP's current line of all-in-one Windows desktop devices. The Slate 21 is running just Android 4.2 though -- there's no operating system switching or virtualization going on here. HP is pitching this as a media consumption device for current Android users that have built up a library of Android apps to have around the house, taking place of having additional tablets or mobile devices. The Slate 21 stands on an adjustable kickstand in the back, which can pivot the screen to any angle between 15 and 70 degrees, giving a wide range of viewing options. As for specs, we're looking at a 21.5-inch full-HD IPS display, a Tegra 4 processor, Bluetooth 3.0, a front-facing camera and 8GB of internal storage (expandable by SDcard). The absolute specifics of every internal isn't yet known, but we'll surely have a better idea once we get closer to the September launch window where the Slate 21 will be available for $399. read more

AT&T offering 50% off phones on-contract online this week Posted: 24 Jun 2013 12:58 PM PDT Trade-in program for $100 off a new device in-store also available AT&T has stealthily slipped a pretty great promotion into the fine print of its current trade-in offer which gives 50-percent off all devices when purchased on a 2-year contract from its website. The main offer, which requires trading in a qualifying device no more than 3 years old for a $100 discount, is only necessary for in-store purchases. The much more enticing deal is in the fine print, which shows that every on-contract device AT&T current sells between $0.99 and $199.99, including brand new devices like the Galaxy S4 Active, is 50-percent off until June 30th. There's no special code or hoops to jump through to grab this promotion. Just add any device up to $199.99 to your cart, select any voice and data plan and the promotion will show up in your final shopping cart when you check out. Saving $100 in the scheme of things probably isn't enough to make anyone switch over to AT&T, but if you were planning on picking up a new on-contract device at the carrier this week is a good time to do it. More: AT&T

Money to burn? Buy this gold-plated HTC One for $2,900 Posted: 24 Jun 2013 11:48 AM PDT A brand new HTC One with a seriously limited edition casing Luxury goods maker Goldgenie has made a name for itself by gold-plating all kinds of items, including a few phones along the way, and its latest item up for sale is a 24ct. gold HTC One. Coming in at the completely unnecessary price of £1895 ($2919), this is the same HTC One you know and love that has been gold-plated from head to toe in a rather stunning fashion. If you want to show off to your friends even more, Goldgenie also offers a Rose Gold-plated version and Platinum-plated version for £1995 ($3073) and £2095 ($3227), respectively. Beyond the pretentiousness of the device, you'll also get a very nice cherry oak box with what looks to be a full array of the OEM accessories for your $3000 purchase. What a nice touch. We don't expect anyone reading this to be buying one (the order page hilariously has a "quantity" box you can fill in), but it's fun to take a look -- you can see a few more details at the source link below. Source: Goldgenie; (2)

Hisense Sero 7 Pro Review Posted: 24 Jun 2013 10:10 AM PDT An unbelievably low-priced tablet that manages to top Google's own Nexus 7 in the specs department — but is it good enough to justify a purchase this late in the game? One of the most important factors for any device — especially 7-inch tablets — is price. It's not uncommon to hear that if something is twice the price, it should be twice as good to justify that price. When looking at the $149 Sero 7 Pro, it begs the question: are other tablets that cost an additional $50, $100, or more, that much better than Hisense's new offering? Many potential buyers no doubt passed up this tablet completely, not recognizing the manufacturer and immediately labeling it a "no name" Chinese Android tablet. Those who frequent Android forums, on the other hand, have likely heard the buzz created by the popularity of this new budget tablet. The question becomes — even at this price — is it worth it? With specs that match or beat the immensely popular Nexus 7 in almost even area, and at $50 cheaper, it would seem like a no-brainer. Are the improvements over the 11 month old Nexus 7 enough to bring the Sero 7 Pro up to today's spec standards? If not, does the price merit a purchase anyway? How does Hisense's hardware stack up in the quality department? Keep on keepin' on for our full review. read more

How to transfer your Google Reader RSS feeds to Feedly Posted: 24 Jun 2013 08:45 AM PDT Fear not, there is a comparable replacement to Google Reader out there It's time to face the facts here, folks: Google Reader is shutting down on July 1. Many of us (myself included) have been in the "denial" phase assuming that Google would come up with a replacement for the service, but it's time to start thinking about alternatives. Of the handful of potential replacements, Feedly seems to be in the lead right now and offers a nearly painless transition over from Google Reader. Let's break down the process of moving your beloved RSS feeds over from Google Reader to Feedly, and give a few tips and tricks along the way to make the process as smooth as possible. read more

Start spamming your friends today for an early shot at Jay-Z's new album Posted: 24 Jun 2013 07:30 AM PDT Samsung is teaming up with rapper Jay-Z to bring 1 million copies of his upcoming album "Magna Carta Holy Grail" a few days before it goes on sale, and the Android app that'll do it for you is now available for download. You'll need to have the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 or Galaxy Note 2 to participate. And then you'll need to log in using either Facebook or Twitter. And then you'll have to spam share content from the app with your friends. At 12:00:01 a.m. July 4, 1 million lucky fans will get the record that might or might not leak early anyway, a full three days before the official July 7 release. read more

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 series hits the U.S. on July 7 Posted: 24 Jun 2013 06:31 AM PDT 7, 8 and 10.1-inch Tab 3 variants heading stateside, pre-orders begin tomorrow Already announced internationally, Samsung's Galaxy Tab 3 series will be heading to the United States in a couple of weeks. The 10.1, 8 and 7-inch tablets go up for pre-order tomorrow, and begin shipping on July 7. In its latest line-up of Android-powered tablets, the Korean manufacturer has scaled things back a bit, focusing on affordable, thin, light devices for the mass market. read more

Deal of the Day: LLOYD Flex Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Posted: 24 Jun 2013 06:27 AM PDT The June 24 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the LLOYD Flex Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Made from shock absorbent and scratch resistant TPU, this case provides great protection from day to day use and accidental drops. The Flex Case features a slim, lightweight design, sports our very own LLOYD mascot on the back and comes in black, clear, smoke and green. The LLOYD Flex Case is available for just $8.00, 60% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping! Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

AOL Reader beta now live on the web Posted: 24 Jun 2013 05:43 AM PDT New RSS reader hopes to scoop up Google Reader refugees — no mobile apps yet though As promised last week, starting today you can request an invite to the new AOL Reader, the internet giant's entry into the world of RSS. A week ahead of the planned Google Reader shutdown date, AOL's hoping to scoop up new user accounts by targeting Reader refugees. Using an existing AOL account, or single sign-in through Google, Twitter or Facebook, the AOL Reader beta is open to anyone and everyone — a simple email address verification is the only barrier to entry. read more

Garmin Monterra a 4-inch handheld Android GPS Posted: 24 Jun 2013 05:32 AM PDT Garmin today announced the Monterra, a handheld GPS device with a 4-inch display running Android. It's got a proper WIfi connection, and full access to Google Play.  The device itself is rugged and waterproof, Garmin says. It's loaded with sensors you'd expect in such a device, including a three-axis compass, accelerometer and gyroscope, barometric altimeter and built-in UV sensor. It's running a dual-band GPS and GLONASS as well. It's got an 8-megapixel camera as well that records video in 1080p. Bluetooth 3.0 is on board, as is NFC (useful for ... NFCing in the wilderness) and is ANT+ capable for those fitness trackers. One of Garmin's standout features on the Montera, however, is 3D MapMerge, which combines multiple kinds of maps, like TOPO, basemap or BirdsEye imagery. read more

New Sony smartwatch, 5-inch mid-ranger tipped ahead of Mobile Asia Expo Posted: 24 Jun 2013 04:40 AM PDT Sony 'Xperia C' and updated Android-powered wearable reportedly on the way It seems Sony Mobile may about to reveal several high-profile devices at its press conference at Shanghai's Mobile Asia Expo tomorrow. We've already heard rumors about the "Togari" or Xperia ZU -- supposedly a Snapdragon 800-powered device with a 6.4-inch display -- and the latest round of leaks brings news of a possible smartwatch and mid-range handset to go with it. The first report comes from CNET, which claims to have details of a new Android-powered smartwatch from the Japanese manufacturer. Supposedly a successor to the earlier NM2SW smartwatch, the new device will feature a larger display and feature a three-button layout similar to Xperia smartphones, according to the site's source. Like other Sony accessories, the watch is said to support pairing with smartphones via NFC, with further connectivity being handled over Bluetooth. For its part, Sony has been teasing a smartwatch-related announcement on its official Xperia Twitter account in recent days. read more

Mid-range Acer Liquid E2 headed to Three UK Posted: 24 Jun 2013 03:22 AM PDT Three UK has announced that it'll be carrying Acer's latest mid-range Android offering, the Liquid E2. The 4.5-incher, which comes with a qHD (960x540) display resolution and a quad-core MediaTek 1.2GHz processor, will be arriving "soon," the network said in a media release today. Three says the Liquid E2 will run on Three's 42Mbps DC-HSDPA network, though it looks like support for the carrier's upcoming LTE network is out of the question. Other notable specs include an 8-megapixel camera, stereo speakers, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of storage, expandable via microSD. No release date has been given for the Acer Liquid E2 on Three, though with the device appearing on Three's "Coming Soon" page today, a retail launch probably isn't too far off. More: Three UK

You are subscribed to email updates from Android Central - Android Forums - News - Reviews - Help and Android Wallpapers To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610