Sunday, April 29, 2012

Android Central

Android Central

Android Central Editors' App Picks for April 28, 2012

Posted: 28 Apr 2012 03:38 PM PDT

Angry Birds Space

Jared's off with something called "family" this week, (seriously, who has ever heard of that?), so I'm filling in for him. Anyway, every week the folks at Android Central like to share with y'all, the best darn Android community on the internet, what it is we fancy, app-wise. Jump after the break to see what our selections are, and let us know what you're digging in the comments!

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LG Optimus 2X my way: Richard Devine

Posted: 28 Apr 2012 02:09 PM PDT

 

Lg Optimus 2X

Following on the series, it's time to give you guys an insight into how I use my Android phone. Generally, I have two phones on the go, and up until recently one of those was a Samsung Galaxy Nexus. I've now waved goodbye to the Nexus and welcomed into my life a shiny new (and white, most importantly) HTC One X. It would be a pretty short read featuring the One X, so we'll focus on my other daily driver -- my long serving LG Optimus 2X. The 2X is still the phone that runs my "normal" phone number, it's the one that people actually call and text me on -- yeah, people do still do that apparently. So I never leave the house without it. 

After the break, i'll take you through it. 

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Schemer updates Android app, opens the doors to all

Posted: 28 Apr 2012 12:11 PM PDT

Schemer for Android

Schemer -- you know that invite only Google service -- has had an update to its Android application, and has also thrown open the doors to all. Until now access has been by invite only -- think Google Music, Google+, sounds pretty familiar doesn't it. Invites to the service though are no longer required, and anyone can sign up, including right from within the app itself. 

The concept itself is pretty interesting, fitting it into your life could be somewhat difficult though. We'll let Google do the explaining -- they do it better than us -- so if you're not familiar, hit the source links at the bottom for more information. There's a short video to be found after the break too. It's kind of fun to fool around with, and now it's open to all it would be rude not to take a look. It's pretty well tied into Google+ too, so you'll find it pretty populated when you step inside. 

So, what about the Android application update. Well, besides the ability to sign up now, we also get a refreshed UI. There's a new homepage, with suggestions for schemes for here and now based upon your location, the time and even the weather. Search has been improved with a new search results page showing results from your schemes and other users on one page. You can also search for schemes to do while home vs nearby while you're out and about. 

Additionally, we get a new profile page and a whole heap of bug fixes. Whether or not Schemer will stick around, only time will tell. But, you have to love Google for trying out new things. If you fancy trying it out for yourselves, click on past the break for the Google Play Store download links and QR Code.  

Source: Schemer

Android Central international round-up - April 28, 2012

Posted: 28 Apr 2012 09:34 AM PDT

Android Central

The Samsung Galaxy S3 is coming! And in just a few days we'll be live from London to bring you full coverage of the announcement event. This week saw an insane level of hype and anticipation building for Samsung's new flagship smartphone. We've had trailers, rumors, leaks, leaks and more leaks, and we've also brought you a full run-down of what we're expecting to see from Samsung next Thursday.

We also had out usual share of device announcements leaks and updates elsewhere in the Android world. We got our first look at Sony's new entry-level phone, codenamed "Tapioca", along with launches for the Panasonic Eluga, Samsung Galaxy S Advance and LG Optimus 3D Max. And we also had a thorough review of one of the leading cases for the new HTC One X.

We've got all the highlights from the past week in international Android news below. If you've got an international story, be sure to tip us at the usual address.

Special features:

News: 

Leaked materials give us a sneak peek at the EVO 4G LTE marketing campaign, suggest a May 18 release

Posted: 28 Apr 2012 06:20 AM PDT

EVO 4G LTE packaging

This morning we're getting a first look at what the promotional blitz for the upcoming EVO 4G LTE will look like, courtesy of the fine folks over at Good and EVO. In addition to the packaging for Sprint's next flagship seen above, the website also got its hands on a few marketing images which tout the device's ImageSense-powered camera and built-in Beats Audio. Along with the leak comes some information about a release date, too: the next EVO will launch on May 18 with a $199.99 price tag, with preorders beginning on May 7, the website says. 

Sure, leaks like this aren't set in stone, but based on the quality of material, we're going to go ahead and hope that this source knows what they're talking about. We'll continue to keep our ears to the ground; as we all patiently wait, check out the EVO 4G LTE marketing materials below.

Source: Good and EVO; thanks Francisco!

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T-Mobile And HTC Working On Software Update To Fix Accelerated Battery Drain During WiFi Calls

Posted: 28 Apr 2012 12:49 PM PDT

The T-Mobile HTC One S smartphone had just been released recently and it’s more than lived up to it’s billing of being a solid buy. While it’s no doubt a good device out of the box, there is the noticeable issue of significant battery drain while using the WiFi calling feature. Apparently, the battery seems to drain faster while being on a WiFi-based call— which points out to a software issue somewhere. To that end, HTC and T-Mobile have acted quickly to ensure this isn’t a continuing problem and are currently working on a minor software patch which is aimed to improve the battery life of the device when making WiFi calls. No word on when exactly this patch will hit the devices but hey, we always welcome software updates which offer an improved experience for owners— so we won’t mind the wait.

source: T-Mobile Support

Toshiba Excite 10 LE unboxing and initial hands on review [Video]

Posted: 28 Apr 2012 11:14 AM PDT

Toshiba entered the Android tablet market last year with the Thrive and unfortunately they didn’t impress. For 2012 they plan to add a little excitement (pardon the pun) with the new Excite line. We had a chance to see the Excite X10 (AT200) at CES, which is the world’s thinnest 10.1-inch tablet. Fast forward a few months and it’s been morphed to the Excite 10 LE (still the AT200) for the USA. It’s still the same amazing design, but now with Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box. Toshiba still plans on adding three more tablets over the next couple of months, including the Excite 13.3, a 13.3-inch mammoth. I’ve only spent a short amount of time with the Excite 10 LE, but so far I’m very impressed. The magnesium alloy body feels great in the hands, not to mention the stock Ice Cream Sandwich experience. As I mentioned, it’s the world’s thinnest tablet at 7.7mm and is pretty light at 535 grams.

The Excite 10 LE features a 10.1-inch (1280 x 800) LED backlit display, a 1.2 GHz dual-core OMAP 4430 processor, 1 GB of RAM, 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, your choice of 16GB or 32GB of internal memory, microSD for up to an additional 32GB of storage, 8.5 hours of battery life, stereo speakers with SRS sound, micro HDMI, micro USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, and Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich. It features a 30 pin proprietary port for charging and docks, but the good news is that the micro USB will also charge the device, which lets you carry one less cable when traveling. The one negative is it’s not cheap. The 16GB version goes for $529 and the 32GB goes for $599. Is it worth the extra change?

Our own Stacy Bruce will do a full review, but for now check out our quick hands on.

Click here to view the embedded video.

T-Mobile ICS Update Schedule Leaked for the Galaxy S II, Sensation 4G, and Amaze 4G

Posted: 28 Apr 2012 11:00 AM PDT

According to TmoNews, they got their hands on what is believed to be the official ICS rollout dates for the Samsung Galaxy S II, HTC Sensation 4G, and HTC Amaze 4G. They were able to acquire a leaked 2012 T-Mobile enterprise calendar that also outs the dates these devices should receive the illustrious update. The T-Mo Galaxy S II is scheduled for May 14th, and the Sensation 4G and Amaze 4G are slated for June 16th. As always, this may end up changing and until we hear anything official I wouldn’t bet on anything. We will let you know if we hear anything more.

source: TmoNews

 

 

New ICS Build 6.14.84 Leaks for the Droid Razr and Razr Maxx, Still a Bit Buggy

Posted: 28 Apr 2012 10:29 AM PDT

Looks as though Verizon is getting to the final testing stages of what will eventually be the official ICS build for the Droid Razr and Razr Maxx. A new test build (6.14.84) has been pushed out to testers and has been packaged for download for those willing to give it a run. Some of the new changes include faster speeds, a new kernel, and a new CDMA radio. A few bugs have already been reported so it is very likely that Verizon will compile a new version before anything becomes official.

If you are feeling froggy, be sure that you are running the latest OTA update (6.12.181) before flashing this new build. It is recommended to have Voodoo Rootkeeper installed just in case you happen to loose root during the process. For further instructions and a download link, hit up the source link below.

source: DroidRzr.com
via: DroidLife

 

 

AT&T To Launch 4G LTE In Salt Lake City Before Year’s End

Posted: 27 Apr 2012 10:47 PM PDT

AT&T has just announced that Salt Lake City, Utah will be getting 4G LTE “before year’s end“. No specific date has been mentioned but at least we know it will be sometime within the next 8 months, so I guess that’s something. If you’re on AT&T and live in Salt Lake City, start saving up for a shiny new LTE-enabled phone.

Hit the break to read the full press release.

AT&T 4G LTE Coming to Salt Lake City in 2012

More customers to benefit from ultra-fast mobile Internet on the latest LTE devices

Salt Lake City, Utah, April 27, 2012

AT&T* plans to roll out 4G LTE in Salt Lake City later this year, bringing customers the latest generation of wireless network technology. AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson announced the plans today at the company's annual meeting of stockholders.

AT&T 4G LTE provides several benefits, including:

  • Faster speeds. LTE technology is capable of delivering mobile Internet speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G. Customers can stream, download, upload and game faster than ever before.
  • Cool new devices. AT&T offers several LTE-compatible devices, including new AT&T 4G LTE smartphones and tablets, such as the first LTE Windows Phone Nokia Lumia 900, Samsung Galaxy Note™, and Pantech Element™ tablet.
  • Faster response time. LTE technology offers lower latency, or the processing time it takes to move data through a network, such as how long it takes to start downloading a webpage or file once you've sent the request. Lower latency helps to improve services like mobile gaming, two-way video calling and telemedicine.
  • More efficient use of spectrum. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource, and LTE uses spectrum more efficiently than other technologies, creating more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better network experience.

"AT&T customers in Salt Lake City can look forward to even faster mobile Internet speeds before year's end, on our leading lineup of smartphones and devices," said Jenifer Robertson, vice president and general manager, AT&T Rocky Mountain Region. "We're excited to bring Salt Lake City all that 4G LTE has to offer. Our teams will be working hard across the city toward our upcoming launch."

AT&T's 4G Network

AT&T customers have access to the nation's largest 4G network, covering more than 260 million people. According to recent third-party speed tests by PCWorld, AT&T 4G LTE speeds are faster than the competition. Testing in 13 cities showed that AT&T's combination of 4G LTE and HSPA+ technologies delivered faster download speeds than any other carrier tested.

Even as 4G LTE expands, AT&T customers are able to enjoy widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G speeds on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you're on a much slower 3G network.

Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. Deployment ongoing. 4G LTE device and data plan required. Up to 10x claim compares 4G LTE download speeds to industry average 3G download speeds. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G speeds not available everywhere. Learn more about 4G LTE atatt.com/network.

*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 around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, 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. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

 

Samsung Denies Involvement In “Wake Up” Anti-Apple Flash Mob

Posted: 27 Apr 2012 10:25 PM PDT

Yesterday we reported on the Australian flash mob outside of a Sydney Apple store where dozens of people dressed in black held up signs and chanted “Wake up!” to the people inside the store. This was believed to be staged by Samsung. Today, in a statement to SlashGear, Samsung Australia is claiming they have “nothing to do with the Wake-Up campaign“.

It’s understandable why Samsung would be the obvious culprit since they have been ramping up their anti-Apple advertising campaign. It started with the commercials poking fun at iPhone fans waiting in line for a device with already outdated specs. It was followed by a commercial showing how the iPhone 4S was not much of an upgrade to the iPhone 4, then by a SuperBowl ad that highlighted the power of the Galaxy Note’s S-Pen. And finally, there’s the teaser that essentially calls everyone not waiting for the Galaxy S III an iSheep.

The flash mob could very well have been a Samsung publicity stunt, put together by a 3rd party ad agency. Right now, no one has come forward… and who knows if anyone ever will, especially if Samsung really was behind it in some way. The general consensus is that if it was Samsung, it doesn’t really make them look good.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: slashgear
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