Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Android Community

Android Community


CyanogenMod 10.1 M-Series ‘monthly’ builds ready for select devices

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 11:52 AM PST

The folks at Cyanogen began releasing M-Series (monthly) builds of CM10 last year, however these were later suspended when the priority shifted towards CM10.1. And well, it looks like the first of the CM10.1 M-Series builds have come available. These of course, come by way of the CyanogenMod website and just like the previous monthly builds — are available only for select devices.

cyanogenmod-logo-540x3041

That being said, let us first offer a bit on what the M-Series (monthly) builds offer. These are versions that are described as being “mostly stable and ready for everyday use.” Simply put, these are more stable as compared to the nightly builds, but also not quite ready for a final release. In this case, the M-Series builds are based on Jelly Bean MR1 (Android 4.2).

Moving over to the supported devices, this includes a mix of smartphones and tablets. The device list includes the Samsung Captivate, Nexus S (4G), Galaxy S III (US models), Galaxy S (galaxysmtd/galaxysbmtd), Nexus 7, Galaxy Nexus (all variants), Nexus 4, Nexus 10, ODroid U2, Samsung P3100, P3110 and the Samsung P5100, P5110. And for those with a device not listed, the promise was made that “more devices are being worked on.”

As always, the CM10.1 M-Series builds can be grabbed from the Get.CM website. Otherwise, a bit of good news for those who happen to be waiting for a stable release of CM10.1, in addition to word of the M-Series builds, the folks at Cyanogen also mentioned that is on track. But as we have come to expect, no time estimate was given.

[via CyanogenMod]

Temple Run 2 fakes hit the Google Play Store

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 10:58 AM PST

The extremely popular and addicting game Temple Run has recently launched a sequel as I’m sure you’ve all heard. Simply called Temple Run 2. Sadly in this day and age you’ll always have a select few people looking to bank on others success. Just as expected a few fakes have arrived on Google’s Play Store, but are quickly being removed by the good folks at Mountain View.

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 10.35.35 AM

It’s a shame that this has to happen, but the openness of Google’s Android OS and the Play Store that many love is also the cause for these headaches. The developers of Temple Run 2 recently took to Twitter to mention their frustration. Later confirming and thanking Google for working swiftly to remove these dirty little fakes.

As you can see above from that original tweet from Imangi Studios CEO Keith Shepherd, avoid all these fakes and unofficial apps (even wallpapers) like the plague. At least until the official version hits the Google Play Store on January 24th. Obviously there will be Temple Run 2 help guides or wallpapers, but the “official game” has been appearing and are likely malware infested apps — just like this one.

Either make sure to search for the exact developer name (Imangi Studios) or just don’t download any apps until we post the official and legit download link come early morning Thursday. All those Temple Run HD apps and such are all fakes. This is just a public service announcement from your friendly Android Community team. Oh and in case you missed it, get our brand new Android Community App and stay tuned for plenty of Temple Run 2 news and reviews coming soon.

Nexus 10 rumored to be getting a quad-core processor

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 10:47 AM PST

It would not be all that surprising to learn that Google was working on a next-generation Nexus 10 tablet. In fact, assuming they were planning to release a new Nexus 10 and were planning to show it off during Google I/O, we suspect that they would have already been working on such a device. That being said, it looks like today has brought a Nexus 10 rumor.

Screen-Shot-2012-11-01-at-10.26.15-PM-540x3692

More specifically, a rumor about the processor that will be included in the next Nexus 10. The details are coming by way of the Bright Side Of News who are reporting that Google will be including a quad-core processor along with the new 8-core Mali-T678 GPU. Assuming that proves to be accurate, this should put a smile on the face of those who complained about the original Nexus 10 being underpowered.

It seems this new Nexus 10 was being shown off during CES. But not in a booth setting, in a private meeting. The details state that the quad-core powered Nexus 10 was being shown off in the original Nexus 10 casing, but that it was showing a “significant increase in digital power.” Other bits include how Google may address some of the shortcomings of the original design, but that adding a bit of “wow factor” will “probably wait for the third generation.”

Bottom line here, another Nexus 10 by itself does not sound all that surprising. Nor does it sound all that surprising that Google would want release the second-generation Nexus 10 with a bump in power and performance. The real key here will be seeing those final specs, and while we may see bits and pieces, this is something that Google will probably show off in full force at Google I/O.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Nexus 10
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier : NA
    Announced Date : October 29, 2012
    Release Date : November 13, 2012
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 10.05 Inch
  • Resolution : 2560x1600
  • Screen Type : TFT
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 10.39 Inch
  • Width : 6.99 Inch
  • Depth : 0.35 Inch
  • Weight : 603 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 9000 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.2.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • 3GP
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
  • WMV
    Messaging:
  • IM
Hardware
    CPU : Exynos 5250
    CPU Clock Speed : 1700 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 2000 MB
    Internal Storage : 32 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 5 MP
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • A2DP
  • Bluetooth 4.0
    Location Features:
  • GPS
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via Droid-Life]

ASUS MeMo Pad 10 tablet revealed and detailed in unboxing video

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 10:12 AM PST

The folks from ASUS have a few new awesome Android tablets in the works. While all the attention was on their leaked 7-inch MeMo Pad that many thought would be a $99 Nexus, another tablet was brewing behind the scenes. This weekend the all new ASUS MeMo Pad 10 tablet has surfaced and we have an entire unboxing video to go along with it.

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.52.16 AM

ASUS hasn’t officially announced this tablet yet, but a few lucky folks already have one in their hands to enjoy. What you’ll essentially be seeing below is a redesigned, slightly thicker, yet cheaper Transformer Prime in a sense. The new ASUS MeMo Pad series aims to be more budget friendly while not compromising on performance or portability. I’m liking the stereo speakers too, something that has been a problem for ASUS tablets in the past.

We were pretty surprised ASUS didn’t show this off at CES, but now we can confirm its existence most likely they’ll be showing it off at MWC later next month in Barcelona, Spain. The tablets official model number is ME301T and should hit the streets as the ASUS MeMo Pad 10. For some reason ASUS is going with last-gen specs, but here’s the video:

According to the leaked details the MeMo Pad 10 will sport a 1280 x 800 HD IPS display, but the rest of the specs match previous offerings and aren’t anything new. You’ll get a 1.2 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 (not the 4) quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage. As usual ASUS added a micro-SD slot for expanded storage, and a pair of cameras. The rear however was dropped from 8MP to just 5. We’ll be working with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out of the box too. Hopefully this will be priced fair and to compete with the others, especially considering many tablets are headed to market with higher specs. ASUS is aiming for the budget crowd again here.

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.52.16 AM Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.52.49 AM Asus_MeMO_Pad_10

[via Tablets Magazine] – Translated

Sony Xperia Tablet Z smiles for the camera in leaked video

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 09:38 AM PST

Sony made a pretty big splash at CES this year with their new Xperia Z smartphone, but they decided to wait a few days before revealing its tablet sibling. Earlier this afternoon we reported on the just announced Xperia Tablet Z, and now we have some actual footage of the pad and not just press images. Check out the leaked picture and quick video after the break.

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.33.55 AM

Above is one of the first actual pictures of the hardware, rather than just a few press renders provided by the folks from Sony. Since the device has already been announced this isn’t anything major since we already know all the details, but it’s nice to see it in the flesh. This also means Sony is probably in the final testing stages and will have this tablet ready to rock soon.

While we know this tablet will sport a 10.1-inch display, a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage along with NFC, 4G LTE, and much more we still don’t have a price or release date. Now that we’re seeing actual pictures and the video linked to below, it’s safe to say Sony should have this on the market shortly.

The video above shows the new Xperia Launcher and skin Sony’s tossed over stock Android, and from our first glance it looks rather fresh and quite smooth. Whether you’re a fan of stock Android or custom skins, Sony seems to have a winner here. Bloomberg is reporting this will hit the shelves in March after Mobile World Congress, and we’d have to agree. Stay tuned for some hands-on pictures and videos live from Barcelona next month.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Xperia Tablet Z
    Manufactuer : Sony
    Carrier : NA
    Announced Date : January 21, 2013
    Release Date : TBA
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 10.1 Inch
  • Resolution : 1920x1200
  • Screen Type : TFT
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 10.47 Inch
  • Width : 6.77 Inch
  • Depth : 0.27 Inch
  • Weight : 495 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 6000 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.1.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • 3GP
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
  • WMV
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
  • IM
Hardware
    CPU : APQ8064
    CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz
    Core : 4
    Ram : 2000 MB
    Internal Storage : 32 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
  • 720p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • GSM
    GSM Band:
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • A2DP
  • Bluetooth 4.0
    Location Features:
  • GPS
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via PocketDroid]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 details begin to leak

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 09:31 AM PST

While Samsung has yet to offer any sort of confirmation at this point, it looks like some early details have begun to leak for the next-generation Galaxy Tab tablet. In this case, that would be the Galaxy Tab 3 and it looks like Samsung will continue the trend and offer two models — one with a 7-inch display and one with a 10.1-inch display.

P1090477-540x405

The Galaxy Tab 3 is currently going under the codename of Santos and is expected to arrive in both a Wi-Fi only and also a cellular connected model. But based on previous Galaxy Tab history, that is not all that surprising. Otherwise, the details and specs are fairly light at the moment. It was said that the tablet will have a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and is expected in the first half of 2013.

Aside from the Santos codename, the Galaxy Tab 3 code numbers include GT-P3200, GT-P3210, GT-P5200 and GT-P5210. This gives two for the 7-inch and two for the 10.1-inch models, with those breaking down to the previously mentioned Wi-Fi only and cellular models. Another interesting tidbit here, it was said that the Galaxy Tab 3 is expected to be released first in white.

Otherwise, putting the Galaxy Tab 3 details aside, another higher-end tablet is also expected from Samsung. This one is the GT-P8200 which is sporting the codename of Roma and the specs for this one are tipped to include a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera along with options for 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. The one catch with the Roma tablet, the details have yet to mention anything about operating system, which rather simply means — that one may not be running Android.

[via SamMobile]

Samsung Galaxy S III Mini with NFC coming later this month

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 08:56 AM PST

Samsung originally announced the Galaxy S III Mini back in October. As of today, Samsung has returned with another Galaxy S III Mini announcement — they are releasing another variant of the handset, one with NFC. As of now, Samsung has confirmed the release for the UK market and mentioned that the handset will arrive later this month.

GALAXY-SIII-mini-Product-Image4-540x394

Samsung has yet to offer anything about a price, however it should fall somewhere close to that of the currently available (non-NFC) Galaxy S III Mini which is selling for around £270 contract-free. As to what the addition of NFC will mean — S Beam and Wi-Fi Direct file transfers.

Using S Beam you will be able to share files with another S Beam capable device. The S Beam transfers are direct and do not require any other connectivity. In other words, you can share without having to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Moving over to the Wi-Fi Direct side and we have Samsung touting that “by combining NFC and Wi-Fi Direct, S Beam is capable of sending larger files” including video files. Samsung has said that you will be able to transfer a 10MB audio file in under two seconds.

Otherwise, aside from the addition of NFC, the Galaxy S III Mini remains the same as we saw back in October. That is to say, a handset with a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, dual-core 1GHz processor, 8GB or 16GB of internal storage, VGA quality front-facing camera, a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with the TouchWiz user interface.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Galaxy S III Mini
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier : NA
    Announced Date : October 11, 2012
    Release Date : TBA
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4 Inch
  • Resolution : 480x800
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 4.78 Inch
  • Width : 2.48 Inch
  • Depth : 0.38 Inch
  • Weight : 111.5 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1500 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.1.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • 3GP
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
  • WMV
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
  • IM
Hardware
    CPU : U8420
    CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 8 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 5 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 720p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • GSM
    GSM Band:
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • A2DP
  • Bluetooth 4.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via SlashGear]

CyanogenMod releases first nightly builds for the Google Nexus Q

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 08:09 AM PST

Google may have banished the Nexus Q from the Play Store a while back, however it looks like the device isn’t totally dead yet. Well, it may be in the eyes of Google, however the folks at CyanogenMod have just released the first nightly build for the media streaming device that never really took off.

Nexus-Q

That being said, the CyanogenMod nightly build for the Nexus Q is dubbed steelhead and will bring Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean. Of course, while this may be exactly what some Nexus Q users have been waiting and hoping for, there are some catches that you will likely want to know up front.

The folks at CyanogenMod are describing this release as being “fully functional” but with one caveat. That caveat may be enough for some to stop thinking about running this nightly and sticking with the original software. The original @home functionality will no longer work once you have the nightly build up and running. Taking that a step further, it was said that is is unclear if it will ever work.

The ROM can be downloaded from the CyanogenMod website and the installation process is similar to other Nexus devices. In other words, boot into fast boot mode, unlock it and then flash the recover. Another bit worth mentioning, the navigation during the recovery process is done using the Q. You will need to rotate the ball to navigate the menu and tap when you need to select. And then once in with CyanogenMod up and running, you can navigate with a mouse — either wired or Bluetooth. All said and done, it looks like the folks at CyanogenMod have given the Nexus Q a little bit of extra life.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Nexus Q
    Manufactuer : Google
    Carrier : NA
    Announced Date : June 27, 2012
    Release Date : June 27, 2012
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : Inch
  • Resolution :
  • Screen Type : NA
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 4.6 Inch
  • Width : 4.6 Inch
  • Depth : 4.6 Inch
  • Weight : 923 Grams
Battery & Power
  • Battery Capacity : mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.0.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • 3GP
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
  • WMV
Hardware
    CPU : OMAP4460
    CPU Clock Speed : Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 16 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : NA
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
  • A2DP
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via Google+]

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will be announced during Mobile World Congress

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 07:36 AM PST

Last week brought rumors about the Samsung GT-N5100, which is expected to arrive as the Galaxy Note 8.0. Based on those details, we were expecting Samsung to announce the 8-inch version of the Galaxy Note during Mobile World Congress. And on that note, it looks like a MWC announcement will be coming.

samsung_galaxy_note_review_sg_35-580x490-540x45611

The latest chapter in the Galaxy Note 8.0 story is coming courtesy of the Korean language iNews24 who are reporting that the tablet will indeed be announced at MWC in February. According to the report, JK Shin was the person who confirmed the Galaxy Note 8.0 announcement. Sadly though, Shin didn’t go into any further details.

Based on previous details courtesy of the GLBenchmark filing, the Galaxy Note 8.0 is expected to debut with a 1280 x 800 display resolution, 2GB of RAM, microSD card slot, 4600 mAh battery, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera. Otherwise, the tablet is expected to be running Jelly Bean and have options for either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage.

All that being said, while those hoping for an 8-inch Galaxy Note now have something to look forward to seeing — there are obviously lots of details that still need to be released and confirmed because as of now, the only bit confirmed by Shin was that the Note 8.0 will be unveiled during MWC.

[via Engadget]

HTC M7 image leak shows off the handset and Sense 5.0

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 07:03 AM PST

We have seen plenty of leaks surrounding the HTC M7 up until this point. In fact, we saw a rendered image leak last week with another this weekend. And well, another M7 image has leaked and thankfully, we have moved away from the renders. Simply put, this latest HTC M7 leak is a pic of an actual handset and come courtesy of Android Police. The images of the handset look like the previous render and also comes along with some images of what is said to he HTC Sense 5.0.

nexusae0_wm_IMG_20130121_105044_thumb-copy-580x387

And while we cannot say that the small differences between the render and the actual images are anything other than small differences, we do have to mention a few. For example, the flash is on the opposite side of the camera and the Beats Audio logo is, well, a logo. On the previous render it appears as text. The HTC logo is also black as opposed to shiny as in the render. Of course, this could mean nothing more than the real-work images of the M7 are showing a prototype.

Moving away from the pics and into what we have learned about the specs. The M7 should arrive with features to include a 4.7-inch 1080p display, quad-core 1.7GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 2300 mAh battery and 13 megapixel rear-facing camera. The HTC M7 is also expected to be running Jelly Bean with version 5.0 of the HTC Sense user interface.

htc-sense-5-540

All this being said, while we have yet to hear anything from HTC in terms of when we can expect an announcement, things are shaping up like we may see something at Mobile World Congress, which will take place in Barcelona at the end of February. If nothing else, the M7 appears to be giving the HTC name quite a bit of a boost in the Android world. Stay tuned for more details.

[via SlashGear]

Sony Tablet Z announced with 10-inch display and quad-core processor

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 06:25 AM PST

Sony has put an end to another series of rumors. These latest were tablet related, specifically, for the Xperia Tablet Z which has been announced for just one market as of this time. We should also point out that while Sony has officially announced the Xperia Tablet Z, this feels more like it is a soft launch and that we should expect some additional details moving forward.

xperia-tablet-z-1-580x386

To begin with, as of now the Xperia Tablet Z is heading to just one market — Japan. Of course, that is not to say we will not see any additional details in the future, especially with Mobile World Congress coming up next month. And if nothing else, we expect that Sony will have the Xperia Tablet Z on full display during the show.

xperia-tablet-z-2-580x386

That all being said, lets dive in with some of the specs that have been mentioned. The Xperia Tablet Z will arrive sporting a 10.1-inch (1920 x 1200) display with the Mobile Bravia Engine, quad-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm APQ8064 processor, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage space. Other specs include a microSD card slot, 8.1 megapixel rear-facing camera, NFC and LTE connectivity.

xperia-tablet-z-3-580x386

Otherwise, as we had seen based on the rumors, the Xperia Tablet Z is indeed waterproof and dustproof. Another rumor prove accurate, the tablet is thin — 6.9mm. The other bit we can pass on is the colors, as you can see in the above images, the tablet will be available in black and white. Finally, Sony has yet to announce anything in terms of a specific release date or a price.

Android Community app revealed: hands-on with 1.0!

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 01:26 PM PST

This week we’ve got a real special treat for all you out there in love with Google’s mobile OS: the first official Android Community app! This app is made to connect you to the the vast archive as well as newest in new in Android Community action, top to bottom. This app is absolutely free and is able to work on most any Android device, big or small – let’s have a hands-on look right this minute!

unnamed

We’re having a look at this app on a couple of different devices here to show you how it’s working out, once in the video below showing the newest in new, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean running on a Nexus machine, and another on stock Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich working on a Samsung Galaxy S III. The screenshots above and below come from ICS, the video shows Jelly Bean, the video shows on-screen buttons, the screenshots work without. Needless to say, this app is versatile.

In this app you’ll be able to access all of the latest and greatest news from the Android universe through Android Community’s own official feed. You’re getting the same info you’d normally have to head to the web for, now easily made ready for you with a tap or two. Each post is able to be commented on and full galleries as well as videos are ready for action right out of the box.

firstformost

You can access featured posts as well as Must Read posts to make sure you’re up on the most important and most up-close-and-personal posts the same. We’ve got the Reviews section ready for your perusal as well as integration with our own device archive from DEVICE.AC (you’ll see this integration in every post that’s about one single device, down near the end.)

device_ac

Pay special attention to the grid button in the upper left-hand corner as well as the Android menu button (wherever that may be for your device) for access to options above and beyond the normal read and let be collection of items, too. Each post’s galleries and videos are behind single-tap buttons so you only have to load them if you want them, this saving you precious data each and every time you move.

saved_shared

This is all available in the Google Play app store right this minute – you’ll be wise to head to the [R3 Media LLC collection] to get the real-deal official Android Community app, and while you’re there you might want to take a peek at SlashGear’s app for kicks. All the news you can handle from every tech direction at once!

ALSO don’t hesitate to leave us feedback on the app right here in this post or through more official means on Google Play – we’ll be constantly updating as we go through the future!

about2

Monday, January 21, 2013

Android Authority

Android Authority


Another set of HTC M7 details emerges from Poland, but no new pics

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 02:38 AM PST

HTC-M7

While HTC's next flagship phone, supposedly codenamed M7, has been making the rumor rounds for quite some time, today is by far the most ridiculously filled-up day with "leaks" and speculations. First, we saw a pretty ludicrous render that hinted at HTC basically reusing Windows Phone 8X's chassis for this new top-tier Android.

The info got debunked just hours later, when a couple of leaked photos that looked a little more legit placed the M7 closer to the DNA from a design standpoint. And for the trifecta to be completed, here's another mostly design-focused rumor coming from Poland.

According to Bartosz Dul from Czujnym Okiem (good luck with pronouncing all that), the M7 has an elongated front, a very solid rectangular frame and slightly rounded corners. That sounds vague enough to be bogus, but here's an interesting tidbit that could confirm this story's reliability – Dul says the three hardware buttons placed under the screen are "back", "menu" and "home" in this order.

Where did we see buttons ordered that way? Why, in today's leaked pics, of course, so it seems these two stories are corroborating one another. Now, before getting all heated up and accusing this guy of simply putting the earlier graphic leak into words, you should know that the Polish story was published last week, being only today brought to our attention.

So, do we have your curiosity? Because if we do, there are a number of other things revealed by Czujnym Okiem (damn, it's hard to even write that down). The new Sense 5.0 UI is in fact detailed quite nicely, although it's a little difficult to make sense of the information (pun intended) with Google Translate.

new htc m7 leak

Reading between the lines, we think the Polish writer says the interface is tidier and cleaner than before, although there aren't that many major differences between it and previous versions. The top notification bar is transparent (nice), the lock screen and some default widgets seem to have been tweaked, while the dialer is closer to the one on vanilla Android 4.x.

A number of widgets, icons and screens look almost exactly the same as on HTC's One series, but of course the version of Sense 5.0 supposedly tested by Bartosz Dul was more of a work in progress than a finished product.

As far as specs go, the Polish blog doesn't provide any new insight, only recapping the following:

  • 4.7-inch Full HD screen with 468 ppi
  • Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU clocked at 1.7 GHz
  • 2 GB of RAM
  • 32 GB of internal memory
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • 13 MP rear-facing camera, 2 MP front
  • Beats Audio amplifier, stereo speakers
  • 2,300 mAh battery
  • Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with Sense 5.0

Can anyone say Butterfly+?

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Sony Xperia ZL up for pre-order in Germany for €600, Xperia Z to go for €50 extra

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 01:40 AM PST

xperia zl hands on

While we have been able to gather quite a lot of information on Xperia Z's availability and pricing in the last week or so, the 5-incher's almost twin has been a much more discreet presence in the news. The Sony Xperia ZL has however now popped up in Germany, where it's available for pre-order via Phonehouse.de.

That's the good news here, while the bad news is when the retailer expects to be able to ship the non-waterproof beast – in April. We're not too enthusiastic about the pricing either (€599.99, or $800 off-contract), but the seller did remove it from its website, so it might have been a typo after all.

Xperia-ZL

Then again, Phonehouse does list the Xperia Z at €649.99 (just like Amazon), and we guess there's no reason why the ZL should be a lot cheaper than its "cousin". The phones are almost identical from a design standpoint (though the ZL is five grams heavier, a tad shorter and a little thicker), while the hardware, as far as we know, is completely Xeroxed.

It should now be interesting to see if Sony will apply this German tactic of releasing the Xperia Z first and the ZL a couple of months after in the rest of Europe, although we still think there'll be countries that will only get one device out of the duo.

One last tidbit for people following us from Deutschland, as Phonehouse seems to have revealed the on-contract price of the Xperia Z. The phone is listed at €139.99 ($187), though we can't really tell with what carrier (can somebody help us with that, please?).

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LG officially confirms the existence of the Optimus G Pro to the Korean media

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 01:20 AM PST

Two Korean news agencies, Yonhap and Aju News, are reporting that LG’s next new flagship will be called the Optimus G Pro. Said device will have a 5.5 inch full HD (1920 x 1080) screen and it could hit the market as early as this quarter. Earlier this month we heard some rumors the G Pro, and these reports pretty much confirm them.

Without even knowing anything about this phone, we’re going to say the market will not give it any attention. This is a smartphone that’s being intentionally rushed out so that it can compete against the Galaxy S4 and the iPhone 5S/6. This isn’t the Optimus G2, the true successor to the Optimus G, this is just the old Optimus G we already know about, but with a 1080p screen.

Does anyone remember the Optimus 4X HD? That was “the world’s first quad core” smartphone that LG announced at Mobile World Congress in February 2012. When did it start shipping? During the summer. What device did LG announce in September? The Optimus G. Can you spot the pattern here? LG likes to announce a phone that they think the public will like in the first half of the year, fair to deliver a compelling product, and then finally come out with a tweaked device during the second half.

Think about it for a second. The Optimus G, the device that’s the best LG has to offer, at least according to their public relations team, only now broke the million units sold barrier. It took two months to hit that figure.

Can LG genuinely come out with something that’ll make everyone start taking them seriously again? The Nexus 4 clearly proves that LG can make something people want, but it’s such a shame that they didn’t make enough.

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Amazon offers Motorola’s Droid Razr Maxx HD for $100 on contract

Posted: 21 Jan 2013 01:10 AM PST

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The next few months will see some big name manufacturers launching their flagship smartphones. But if battery life is what's at the top of your wish list, you can skip through the waiting part and get the undisputed champ in that department, the readily available Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD.

We told you last week that the Droid Razr Maxx HD was selling for $150 with a contract. Now, Amazon Wireless is going to tempt you harder by dropping the on-contract price of the phone even further. New Verizon subscribers can get the Kevlar-coated phone for $100, while those who are looking to upgrade will have to shell out $150.

It's worth to note that getting the handset directly from Verizon will cost you up to $200 more upfront.

The Droid Razr Maxx HD may not have the best specs in the market, but it still has a lot going for it. The phone features a 4.7-inch Super AMOLED HD display, a dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB of RAM, 32GB internal storage, 8MP main camera, 1.3MP front cam, LTE, and a 3,300mAh battery.

Hit the link below to check the Jelly Bean phone out on Amazon.

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New HTC M7 leaked photos show the device is pretty much just a DNA/Butterfly

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 10:55 PM PST

new htc m7 leak

Depending on the type of person you are, product leaks are either the best thing in the world or they’re the worst type of journalism. I happen to fall into the latter camp. Every new awesome smartphone is just around the corner. Why buy a smartphone today when X device is two months away, Y smartphone is three months away, and Z smartphone, the one you really want, is four months away? Leaked images, renders, press shots, specs, screenshots, whatever you want to call them, they just confuse people, make the press speculate on things they don’t really know about, and in the end we all lose.

Take HTC’s M7 for example. We know that HTC is going to announce a new phone in a month or two because … everyone is going to announce a new phone in a month or two. How crazy will the M7 be? Take a look at the company’s last phone, the DNA/Butterfly to get an idea of what to expect. That thing has a 1080p screen, quad core processor, and 2 GB of RAM. What more can HTC possibly do to the M7? The screen is maxed out, they’re not going to use one of those new fancy Snapdragons since they’re not going to be released until the summer, so will they bump up the camera?

The two images above were leaked via Android Police, who claim to know a guy who knows a guy who knows something about the M7. Whatever. If I told you I knew exactly what the Note III was going to look like, and that I even had the spec sheet, what could you possibly do with that information? Not buy a phone for the next six to eight months while you wait?

Expect to hear more M7 information sometime between now and the end of the world.

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Video: Samsung uses unicorns to show their phones are for businesses too

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 06:59 PM PST

We’re huge fans of Samsung’s ads here at Android Authority, which is why we’re always thrilled when the company uploads a new video to YouTube. Their latest clip features a fictitious video game development house that needs to launch a game in four weeks called “Unicorn Apocalypse”. Cheesy, but bear with us, it gets better.

The ad starts by showing the head of the company saying that employees can now use whatever smartphone they want at work. You then see one guy using a BlackBerry, mocking his colleague for using a Note II. There’s a sly rebuttal, which is expected. Then there’s a woman trying to show her colleague how having one phone is better than two, but this colleague refuses to dump her iPhone/BlackBerry “system”.

It’s a funny video, just 90 seconds long, and it highlights something that’s currently taking place in companies of all sizes and in all countries. As smartphones become the computing device people spend the most time interacting with, employees are going to want to pick something that they feel helps them get the most work done. The “BYOD”, short for bring your own device, movement is strong, and it’s only going to become more important with time.

But can Samsung attract corporate users? We think so, because Samsung is also in the PC business, meaning they can sign contracts with other companies to provide them with laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, tablets, and just about any other gadget an employee would need to get his or her work done. Samsung is also taking security seriously with their SAFE hardware. SAFE stands for Security and Feature Enhancements.

Will Huawei, HTC, or even Google, copy Samsung’s SAFE initiative? We certainly hope so, because that just makes the market more competitive, which results in more innovation, and that’s something we can’t complain about.

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Sony announces the 10.1 inch Xperia Tablet Z in Japan, it’s just 6.9 mm thick

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 06:23 PM PST

Sony Japan has just announced a brand spanking new tablet, the Xperia Tablet Z. Not exactly the most interesting product name, but let’s ignore that for a second. It has a 10.1 inch screen that pushes 1920 x 1200 pixels, there’s a quad core 1.5 GHz Qualcomm chip in there, which means there’s 4G LTE support, and it even has an 8.1 megapixel camera. What makes this device really special is the thickness, just 6.9 mm. That’s thinner than Apple’s ultra thin iPad mini at 7.2 millimeters. Does that mean the Tablet Z packs a tiny battery? Possibly, but we can’t confirm or deny that since there was no battery specification provided.

Will this piece of kit ever land in the United States or Europe? Hard to say, but the press release is in Japanese, so it makes you wonder. Would we recommend this over our current favorite large screen Android tablet, the Nexus 10?

Not really. There’s something to be said about Samsung’s ultra high resolution 2560 x 1600 display. Not only that, but it also runs stock Android, which means it’s going to get updates faster. Oh and how can we forget about the two ARM Cortex A15 cores inside the Nexus 10! They’re definitely zippier than four Qualcomm Krait cores.

Why did Sony announce this tablet? We honestly have no idea. Android tablets are popular in certain parts of the world, but not big ones. People seem to love the 7 inch form factor because it’s more portable, easier to hold, and more importantly there’s the cost factor.

How much do you think Sony’s Tablet Z is going to cost when it launches? 300 EUR? Nope. 400 EUR? Maybe. 500 EUR? Probably. And who in their right mind would spend that much on an Android tablet?

Exactly.

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Why did Eric Schmidt go to North Korea?

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 06:08 PM PST

Google Eric Schmidt North Korea China

Chairman and former CEO of Google Eric Schmidt recently travelled to North Korea on a fact-finding mission of sorts. Schmidt wanted to ascertain how North Korea utilizes the Internet and see for himself just how restrictive it is. The information he shared was startling, but interesting. A country as large and powerful as North Korea is far behind many of its peers, and that could be troubling.

But why go to a communist country? Travel to North Korea is difficult at best, so why take the chance? We also have to wonder why Google cares about how North Korea uses the Internet. Sure, the company is a tech giant and search magnate, but North Korea represents such a small fraction of potential world online traffic. As much as we can learn from what Schmidt reported back, we can also infer that North Korea is indicative of a larger problem for Google.

Why North Korea?

As much as I'd love to leave politics out of this discussion, it's not possible to do so with a communist nation in reference to openly sharing information. Although called the "Democratic People's Republic of North Korea," or DPRK, it's anything but democratic. Communism is restrictive by nature, and that includes information. With the passing of Kim Jong Il and the rise to power of his son Kim Jong Un, a few problems were exposed. North Korea is a severely depressed nation, and its people face a variety of serious problems daily. While using the Internet for information is probably a distant afterthought for many citizens, it's a concern for a company like Google. In North Korea, you have a very good example of a larger problem for Google.

It's important to mention that Schmidt didn't travel alone. Former Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson was his guide and he travelled in a delegation alongside eight other members.

A former UN ambassador, Richardson was in North Korea on a humanitarian mission in response to North Korea's launching of long range missiles late last year. The White House referred to that trip as " unsuccessful," unfortunately. It's also worth note that Richardson no longer enjoys any official political capacity, so this was a private trip.

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A rock star

Richardson described Schmidt's reception as that of a "rock star", which sheds a little light on just how important this issue of an open Internet really is. Sure it's just the Internet, but it represents so much more than that. Right now in North Korea, the Internet is only available to a select few: the government, the military and universities. That's representative of an intranet, which is basically what its technology is. Schmidt notes that there is a "supervised" Internet, which means "that people were not able to use the Internet without someone else watching them".

Schmidt also found that, despite the walled-off nature of technology in North Korea, it would be very simple for the country to "turn the Internet on", as he puts it. From his Google+ page, Schmidt writes:

There is a 3G network that is a joint venture with an Egyptian company called Orascom. It is a 2100 Megahertz SMS-based technology network, that does not, for example, allow users to have a data connection and use smart phones. It would be very easy for them to turn the Internet on for this 3G network. Estimates are that are about a million and a half phones in the DPRK with some growth planned in the near future.

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Dollars and sense

For Google, North Korea represents a roadblock for something that is very important to the company: the free and open Internet. Whether or not you're familiar with the recent issues surrounding this cause, it's worth understanding that Google is fervently behind the issue. Mostly because it's the right thing to, but also because its business model is based on it. We visit Google.com, then enter what we want to know about in the search bar. The results pop up and so do some unobtrusively placed ads. We click on the ads, and Google makes money.

In entering a new frontier of search and services, Google is committed to being a mobile-conscious company. The desktop will always be there, but the world is increasingly mobile. A system like that of North Korea, which operates in such a limited space, concerns Google. How will it drive revenue from a restricted system? More importantly, will this catch on anywhere else?

With such a large number of North Koreans unable to access the Internet freely, there is little reason to have devices to access it. An open flow of information is the linchpin to just about everything Google does from selling devices to creating services. If I can't access the Internet, what good is a device that has such features?

Was the visit worth it?

Educationally, yes. Schmidt learned quite a bit, it seems, about how North Korea operates in regard to treatment of technology. Obviously driving revenue is a concern for Google, but the issue is deeper that that. This is ultimately about the transfer and open sharing of information. Eric Schmidt may represent the largest search (and arguably the largest tech) company on earth, but I'll not believe his trip was strictly business. To really understand the situation, it was important for him to see first-hand just what was going on. Schmidt himself said the North Koreans "listened and asked questions," so they are at least open to being open. The focus is a free and open Internet, and North Korea simply doesn't have it right now.

Why should we care?

In discussing this issue, we're remiss to place too much emphasis on the sensational facts: North Korea and communism. They are worth consideration, because in essence communism is the heart of the matter. While I don't subscribe to a communist mindset, I respect those that do and their belief in that system. For free transfer of information, however, old-line communism simply doesn't work.

North Korea, like just about any nation on earth, is filled with very bright people doing important work. The open transfer of information can only help the world community. Being able to openly discuss things such as medical research will drive both sides of the equation. Perhaps there is a botanist in North Korea that can analyze cancer research from Scotland, then identify some rare plant to help reduce its spread. While that may be a made-for-TV scenario, it's also worth exploring.

The definition of "www" is World Wide Web. Without a free and open Internet for all, that simply isn't true. North Korea is indicative of a problem, sure, but not the problem. North Korea confounds us because it’s a fairly advanced nation that has left an important factor behind: information, We may openly question why it does this, as it seems obtuse, but there is something we should all keep in mind when considering why North Korea resists the sharing of information.

Communism

I live in a democratic nation, as most people do. In the world outside of North Korea, quite a bit of anti-communist opinion and rhetoric is shared. We must respect that North Korea is a communist country, and for them, reducing the flow of anti-communist talk is impossible. This is why it eliminates the open flow of information altogether. We may or may not agree on its politics, but let's try to appreciate and respect its belief system.

An open Internet could create panic in North Korea, and that's not something it needs right now. North Korea is a country faced with widespread famine, poverty, among other various economical and human rights issues. The last thing it can really afford is dissension amongst citizens. Communism has the capacity to change, especially with a shift in power to Kim Jong Un, so we can hope for the people of North Korea that a renaissance of sorts is on the horizon.

Controlling the chaos

Change is never easy. To achieve the goal of a truly free and open Internet, some type of change must occur. North Korea, for its own reasons we only partly understand, chooses to limit or exclude information to its people. In Eric Schmidt visiting the country, it's fair to say that excluding or otherwise leaving North Korea behind is in nobody's best interest. Such a rich culture with a lot of potential for positive change should be welcome to join the fight for the open exchange of information, and they are.

A free and open Internet should be for everyone who wants it, not everyone who is allowed to access it. In considering an open exchange of information, North Korea will have to ponder a new way of communism as well. If the current political environment doesn't lend itself to freely sharing information, what will? Can North Korea adopt a communist country in which information is available at-will? I believe so. Belief is at the core of every great concept, and North Korea simply has to believe it can forge a new path.

Eric Schmidt

The remains of the day

The Chairman and former CEO of one of the largest companies ever visiting a communist country in this day and age is monumental. He didn't stay long, or necessarily achieve anything, but the lessons were invaluable. A body of information that shows opportunity is there, but not being realized. Google's ever-present mantra is "don't be evil," so we can safely assume this visit had only the purest of aspirations. Google has never hidden its intentions in generating revenue, nor does it make it the driving force of its dealings. Doing the right thing will bring the money eventually, and it understands that.

While the trip was important and poignant, it could have been for naught. Schmidt’s daughter and travelling companion, Sophie, has a Google Sites blog detailing the trip. It sheds a different light on the trip than Eric’s carefully measured feedback, and suggests at a dog-and-pony show orchestrated by North Korea. If what she saw was truly staged rather than carefully measured presentation, it doesn’t bode well for the people of North Korea in having access to information any time soon.

The concept of a free and open Internet is a strict juxtaposition to the core concepts of communism. Like any concept, idea, or belief, communism is adaptable to change. The world has evolved in a way few people thought it could over the past decade or so. We have more knowledge at our fingertips than we ever thought we would, and a truly global community. If North Korea would include itself as we all hope it will, it would be a beacon for change and a signal of hope. Eric Schmidt opened the door, so let's hope North Korea sees fit to come outside. The playground is open.

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Sony Xperia Z dissected by FCC

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 05:42 PM PST

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Sony’s new super phone may be water and dust resistant, but it is certainly not FCC resistant.

The Xperia Z recently took a trip to Washington D.C. to visit the Federal Communications Commision where is was dissected by the scientists to see all of the inner beauty that the phone possesses. Needless to say the phone is as charming on the inside as it is on the outside.

The FCC gave the the collection of hardware a pass to proceed forward. So what became of this poor phone? Don’t fret, the device was put back together; it would be too tough to let this beast lay around in shambles.

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The best news is of course that the kind people at the FCC took plenty of pictures to keep the public satisfied as they eagerly await the Xperia Z’s release. Are you planning on picking up the Sony Xperia Z when it is released?

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New HTC M7 image hit the web, no sign of an official launch yet

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 05:34 PM PST

htc m7 render

HTC's next flagship device is going to be unveiled soon, considering the increasing frequency of new rumors that either reveal details about the upcoming Android smartphone or show purported images of the handset.

But while we can only assume that HTC is going to unveil the M7 – or whatever this device will be called – next month at this year's MWC edition in Barcelona, Spain, there are no official details from the Taiwanese company regarding the faith of the high-end smartphone.

Today we're getting to look at a new HTC M7 render that has hit the web during the weekend. Is it the real thing? Is it just a photoshopped image meant to get some attention? There's no way of telling what's what right now, but we will also notice that the M7 in the image above looks awfully familiar.

In case you have been checking out Windows Phone 8 handsets you may remember the HTC 8X, which is a WP8 smartphone that looks very much like the M7. Is HTC using the same chassis for its 2013 top-of-the-line Android handset? That would make some sense, wouldn't it?

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For what it’s worth, HTC Source says the image comes from an "early firmware build of the device" so anyone looking to buy a new HTC Android handset this year can certainly hope the picture shows the real thing.

Whether real or not, the image also reveals that the M7 will come with Beats Audio on board and a brand new Sense 5.0 UI version – and we've seen leaked Sense 5.0 screenshots just a few days ago. Moreover, you will notice how those menu buttons have a new layout, with the Multitasking button taking a central placement, while the Home button moves over to the right.

And yes, there is a hint this device will be unveiled at MWC in late February. It's right there on the screen, and you must have noticed it already: it's rather cold in Barcelona at -4C.

Anyone buying the HTC M7 in the near future?

Thanks, tipster!

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Android and Me

Android and Me


HTC M7 high-resolution render brings handset’s design into focus

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 06:30 AM PST

We’ve heard all the rumors, seen blurry cam pictures, begrudgingly posted iffy looking renders, but it looks like we finally have an image which accurately depicts the HTC M7. A tip yesterday afternoon kicked off a frantic expedition which eventually led us to the image you see above. While...

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Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Campbell’s running “Hack the Kitchen” development competition for a chance to win up to $50,000

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 09:00 AM PST

Developers looking for a nice supplemental salary to get them through 2013 might want to take up an offer that Campbell’s, the folks behind those delicious soup products, has put on the table. The company is offering a $25,000 first place prize to whoever can create an app that will help families decide what to have for dinner in its “Hack the Kitchen” competition.

Should your idea be awarded the first place prize you’ll not only get a guaranteed $25,000, but you’ll be offered a $25,000 contract to develop the app into a full market-ready app. That’s a grand total of $50,000 for following through with it all, and any small-time developer knows that $50,000 is nothing to sneeze at.

Campbell’s is also offering compensation for whoever is voted as the runner-up, with a $10,000 prize for whoever comes in second. Their idea will also be kept on board for possible future development if Campbell’s ever feels the desire to launch it.

Your entry can be a traditional app or even a game, “or something totally new,” if you so desire. You have until February 1st to submit your initial idea, and you’ll have until March 1st to submit your prototype. The top 10 finalists will be announced on March 11th, and those folks will be invited to Google’s Mountain View headquarters to present their application on March 22nd.

If you’re not preoccupied with other projects and want a chance to make some nice money for 2013 then get over to Campbell’s site to learn more about how you can enter.