Android Phone Fans

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• ARM Announces New Quad-Core A15 Hard Macro Chips
• Google Play Store Now Offering 24/7 Phone Technical Support
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 production halted for switch to quad-core processor?
• Samsung and Apple CEOs arranging meeting to put patent disputes to bed
• Time Warner Cable app updated with live TV streaming for Ice Cream Sandwich devices
• Update leaks for Verizon’s HTC Thunderbolt, brings bug fixes but no Android 4.0
• Chrome for Android updated with desktop view, bookmarks as shortcuts
• Sprint’s Affordable, Eco-Friendly LG Optimus Elite Announced for the Earth Lovers; Available May 18th for $30
• Verizon to Bring LTE to 7 New Markets April 19th, Expand and Enhance in Two More
• Rumor: Samsung Galaxy S III to be a “minor upgrade” over Galaxy S II
• Google Hosts Music Sale for Tax-Day; 33 Albums for $2.99 [Today Only]
• Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S II in the UK Receives Android 4.0
• Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus on Sale for $50 at WireFly
• Buying a Sprint Galaxy Nexus? [Poll]
• Nokia Lumia devices not generating sales in Europe, say carriers; Would be doing better with Android

ARM Announces New Quad-Core A15 Hard Macro Chips Posted: 17 Apr 2012 07:36 PM PDT Your phone/tablet is about to be outdated. But so goes the Android life, I suppose. It moves fast. A speed pushed forward by not only smartphone manufacturers, but chipset OEM’s as well. Today, ARM has announced the next generation of their Cortext series chips with the first implementation of the A15 in a quad-core hard macro layout. You may remember a few benchmarks a while back where Qualcomm’s dual-core S4 chipset (comparable to the A15 architecture) went up against the quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor (based on the older A9 architecture) and in many cases, that little dual-core, based on a 28-nanometer process, bested the quad. Now, just imagine those benchmarks when you throw in a quad-core A15 into the mix and (shudder), I just got goosebumps. Apparently, ARM has designed the new quad-core A15 for manufacturers to easily add to their chips with little fuss. No word on who will jump on this new tech (or even if we really need something so powerful in our tablets/phones) but here’s to hoping we see something soon. Full press release below. ARM Announces Cortex-A15 Quad-Core Hard Macro 17 April 2012 Power-optimized implementation of quad-core hard macro on leading 28nm process CAMBRIDGE, UK - April 17, 2012- ARM today announced the availability of a high performance, power-optimized quad-core hard macro implementation of its flagship ARM® Cortex™-A15 MPCore™ processor. The ARM Cortex-A15 MP4 hard macro is designed to run at 2GHz and delivers performance in excess of 20,000DMIPS, while maintaining the power efficiency of the Cortex-A9 hard macro. The Cortex-A15 hard macro development is the result of the unique synergy arising from the combination of ARM Cortex processor IP, Artisan® physical IP, CoreLink™ systems IP and ARM integration capabilities, and utilizes the TSMC 28HPM process. The low leakage implementation, featuring integrated NEON™ SIMD technology and floating point (VFP), delivers an extremely competitive balance of performance and power and is ideal for wide array of high-performance computing applications for such as notebooks through to power-efficient, extreme performance-orientated network and enterprise devices. The hard macro was developed using ARM Artisan 12-track libraries and the recently announced Processor Optimization Pack™ (POP) solution for the Cortex-A15 on TSMC 28nm HPM process. This follows the recent announcement of a broad suite of POPs for all Cortex-A series processors (see ARM Expands Processor Optimization Pack Solutions for TSMC 40nm and 28nm Process Variants, 16th April 2012) Full configuration and implementation details will be presented at the Cool Chips conference (18-20 April) in Yokohama, Japan. Further information is contained in an accompanying blog. "For SoC designers looking to make a trade-off between the flexibility offered by the traditional RTL-based SoC development strategy and a rapid time to market, with ensured, benchmarked power, performance and area, an ARM hard macro implementation is an ideal, cost-effective solution," said Jim Nicholas, vice president of Marketing, processor division, ARM. "This new Cortex-A15 hard macro is an important addition to our portfolio and will enable a wider array of partners to leverage the outstanding capabilities of the Cortex-A15 processor." [TechnoBuffalo]

Google Play Store Now Offering 24/7 Phone Technical Support Posted: 17 Apr 2012 07:02 PM PDT Ask anyone how they feel about Google and their services, and they’ll likely tell you their single biggest issue with the internet search giant is that you can never expect any kind of technical support. None. Well, Google may be trying to change that image by now offering 24×7 phone support in the Google Play Store. Oddly enough, you still can’t call Google — Google calls you. Simply fill out the form on their website, and if your problem is a big enough deal, you can hope someone at Mountain View will eventually give you a call to help trouble shoot your issue. What’s interesting is at first glance, you would think this new service would be largely used for developer issues but you’d be wrong. Seems this is more for consumers to trouble shoot issues with Play Store, as clearly stated in the contact page. Not exactly sure why someone other than a dev would want to contact Google for Play support, but it’s nice to know it’s there should you ever need it. [Google Play Support | Via Reddit]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 production halted for switch to quad-core processor? Posted: 17 Apr 2012 02:38 PM PDT The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 might not be the only tablet in the company’s lineup to see processor change in the coming months. According to new information obtained by NetbookNews, production of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 has been halted as manufacturing switches gears to include a quad-core CPU. The chip is being referenced with the codename “Espresso.” It’s unclear if the chip has anything to do with the upcoming Exynos 4412 platform developed by the Korean mobile maker. Rumors also place the Exynos chip in the revamped Galaxy Note 10.1, which has reportedly been delayed until June to accommodate the switch. The production stoppage could cause a delay in the release of the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 in the US, though at this point there is no confirmation of this being the case. We suspect Samsung plans to show off the faster speeds of the Galaxy Tab 2 and Galaxy Note 10.1 alongside the unveiling of the Galaxy S III during a press event to be held in London on May 3rd. [via NetbookNews]

Samsung and Apple CEOs arranging meeting to put patent disputes to bed Posted: 17 Apr 2012 12:59 PM PDT Could an end to the grueling patent slugfest between Samsung and Apple be drawing near? According to FOSS Patents, the two sides have agreed to arrange a sit-down meeting between company CEOs that should occur at some point during the next 90 days. We’re not completely out of the legal woods, though, as both sides would have their attorneys present and the little chat would be overseen by a magistrate judge. The goal of the meeting will be to reach some sort of settlement that could result in the end of several ongoing lawsuits around the globe. It has been suggested that this isn’t the first time an out of court settlement has been attempted to be reached, but the inclusion of Samsung and Apple CEOs suggests the matter may be getting more serious consideration this time around. [via Engadget]

Time Warner Cable app updated with live TV streaming for Ice Cream Sandwich devices Posted: 17 Apr 2012 12:37 PM PDT Time Warner Cable has finally added live TV streaming to their Android app, an absent feature that users of the company’s iOS app have been able to enjoy for some time now. The hold up centered around DRM, but it seems the kinks have been worked out. The catch is  users will need to be running an Android 4.0 device to watch their favorite shows on the go. They will also need to be a subscriber to TWC. TWC TV 2.0 can be found in the Google Play Store now. The new version isn’t playing nice as a direct upgrade on every device so an uninstall may be required before downloading. Google Play Link: TWC TV 2.0 [TWC via Engadget]

Update leaks for Verizon’s HTC Thunderbolt, brings bug fixes but no Android 4.0 Posted: 17 Apr 2012 12:05 PM PDT A new update appears to be in the works for Verizon’s HTC Thunderbolt, if a recent leak is any indication. AndroidPolice scooped the new software build that will bring the Thunderbolt’s software build number to 2.11.605.19. While the software stays on on Gingerbread (Android 2.3.4) and Sense 2.1, it offers several bug fixes including Mobile Hotspot stability enhancements, improvements to Yahoo email in the default mail app, and more. We also get an update VZW Navigator. The Thunderbolt is still slated to receive Ice Cream Sandwich in the coming months, but we have no specific details on its release. Head over to the source link for more info. If you’re feeling frisky you can download and install the latest build for yourself. [via AndroidPolice]

Chrome for Android updated with desktop view, bookmarks as shortcuts Posted: 17 Apr 2012 11:05 AM PDT The Chrome and Android teams continue to plug away at the still relatively new mobile version of their browser. Taking user feedback into consideration a few long-requested features are making their way to Chrome. When opening a webpage with a mobile version, users can now request a desktop view to display the full version of the site. The feature had been notably missing from previous builds. Other additions include the ability to add bookmarks as shortcuts to Chrome’s homescreen, to assign apps to open links such as Google Maps, and to utilize a proxy setup for WiFi access. The new version can be found in the Google Play Store now and is available in all countries supporting the app marketplace. Google Play Line: Chrome for Android [via Google]

Sprint’s Affordable, Eco-Friendly LG Optimus Elite Announced for the Earth Lovers; Available May 18th for $30 Posted: 17 Apr 2012 09:59 AM PDT LG and Sprint have come together to announce the LG Optimus Elite, an eco-friendly Android smartphone for those on a budget. This device doesn’t exactly set the world on fire in more ways than one. (Yes, that was cheesy.) It has an 800MHz processor, a 5 megapixel camera, NFC capabilities, a 3.5 inch display and more. Not great, but not bad for $30 with a new two-year agreement. The device is set to launch May 18th. Head to the source link for press details and more information regarding its environment-friendly qualities. [Sprint]

Verizon to Bring LTE to 7 New Markets April 19th, Expand and Enhance in Two More Posted: 17 Apr 2012 09:41 AM PDT Verizon’s bringing 4G LTE to 7 new markets to their customer base April 19th, several press releases note. Cities like Macon, GA and Dodge City, KS are newly added, while Wichita, KS and St Louis, MO will get expansions. Buffalo, NY is the lone city that will see enhancements. Find the full list below and jump for joy if you’re invited to the party. Additions: Ocala, Florida Brunswick, Georgia LaGrange, Georgia Macon, Georgia Pierre, South Dakota Cattaraugus-Allegany Counties, New York Dodge City, Kansas Expansions: Wichita, Kansas St. Louis, Missouri Southwest Missouri Southern Illinois East and Southeast Des Moines, Iowa Enhancements: Buffalo, New York [via Droid Dog]

Rumor: Samsung Galaxy S III to be a “minor upgrade” over Galaxy S II Posted: 17 Apr 2012 08:58 AM PDT The jump from the Samsung Galaxy S to the Samsung Galaxy S II was very significant, so we imagined there would be a lot of sweet surprises for the Samsung Galaxy S III. All of the event delays led us to believe they’d be working on some innovative things. A source of CNET UK’s says that isn’t the case, though. We’re to expect just a slight upgrade over the Galaxy S II, according to the source. They likened the move to what Apple did going from the iPhone 4 to the 4S, or the iPhone 3G to the 3Gs. They say Samsung may even borrow the naming convention of the aforementioned transitions. Samsung Galaxy S II S?Well, not necessarily, but they say  not to expect it to be marketed as the Samsung Galaxy S III. All of this is a bit hard to swallow, but if we even get just a quad-core processor and an HD display, as well as an improved camera (if possible — Samsung’s cameras are already pretty nice) that would be pretty good incentive to upgrade.

Google Hosts Music Sale for Tax-Day; 33 Albums for $2.99 [Today Only] Posted: 17 Apr 2012 07:44 AM PDT With the tax deadline finally here (yay?) Google knows some of you could probably use some music to help calm your nerves about having to shell out to Uncle Sam, and they realize that you could probably use a break on that music. They’re hosting a Tax Day sale where 33 albums are offered for just $2.99. Weezer’s “Weezer (Blue Album),” Kanye West’s “My Dark Beautiful Twisted Fantasy,” and Jay Z’s Unreasonable Doubt are all among the featured releases available for these prices. You only have until the end of the day to take advantage of the offer so get started in the Google Play Store.

Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S II in the UK Receives Android 4.0 Posted: 17 Apr 2012 06:54 AM PDT Users with unlocked, unbranded Samsung Galaxy S II units in the UK can now apply an official upgrade to Android 4.0. You can grab it via Kies, as usual. Sure, it’s a bit strange to see the unlocked version of the handset receiving the update after carrier versions see it, but the gap wasn’t too wide and it still beat a lot of other handsets to the punch. You can grab the Samsung Kies software for UK here. Both Mac and Windows are supported. [Twitter via GigaOM]

Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus on Sale for $50 at WireFly Posted: 17 Apr 2012 06:37 AM PDT Wirefly’s giving a nice break to new customers seeking Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus on Verizon. They’re offering the device to new customers for $50. Not a bad deal if you’re looking to switch to Verizon and had your eye on this one. As usual, existing customers don’t get nearly the same treatment but $150 is still a pretty nice upgrade price for a phone whose MSRP is $300. Jump to the source link to take advantage. [Wirefly]

Buying a Sprint Galaxy Nexus? [Poll] Posted: 17 Apr 2012 06:18 AM PDT Sprint has finally announced availability details for the Galaxy Nexus, and we’re curious: are you buying? Much of the world, including those of us in America on Verizon, have had the device since late 2011, some as early as November. It’s no secret that the device is already a bit outdated but we know there are some of you who will sacrifice the latest and greatest for stock Android 4.0. Of course, we understand those of you who were waiting on the device might have already set eyes on the HTC EVO 4G LTE, and although it won’t be out until late May at the earliest, it’ll still be streets ahead (bonus points for getting the reference) of the device. So let’s hear it in the poll and comments section below. Take Our Poll

Nokia Lumia devices not generating sales in Europe, say carriers; Would be doing better with Android Posted: 17 Apr 2012 04:56 AM PDT The Finnish company Nokia seems to be getting rounds of disapproval from major European carriers. According to Reuters, carriers are not satisfied with the Windows Phone 7-based Lumia line’s presence due to low sales. They cite lack of adequate marketing by Nokia, glitchy devices, and more as reasons why “no one comes into the store and asks for a Windows Phone,” as told by an executive at one of these carriers. That same executive says Nokia could sell a lot more Lumia devices if they’d gone with Android instead of Windows Phone. It’s a bad problem for Nokia to have. They’re already losing ground in the market share battle in their main market of Europe at a rapid pace, and they’re next to irrelevant in North America. With Symbian being phased out they’re going to have to do something to make sure that their deal with Microsoft will eventually prove fruitful. Otherwise, they’ll look like a bunch of Finnish boys peeing their pants in the winter before too long. You guys think Nokia would be in this position at this point if they had originally gone with Android?

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Android and Me

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• The Big 4 shootout: Who has the fastest network speeds?
• Android Rumors Report: RAZR HD to AT&T, Galaxy S III minor update, Tab 2 delay, Tegra 4
• Chrome Beta for Android now available in more countries and 32 languages
• T-Mobile’s network is fast, their web team is not
• ASUS Transformer Pad 300 appears on Amazon with April 22nd ship date
• Read It Later is now Pocket, available on Google Play for free
• Hard times ahead for HTC amidst increased competition, CFO-ousting?

The Big 4 shootout: Who has the fastest network speeds? Posted: 17 Apr 2012 02:50 PM PDT If you pay attention to the different ad campaigns that AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon keep in their everyday arsenal, chances are you’ve heard every single one claim they have the fastest network on the block. Whatever they use to calculate those claims, it doesn’t always translate into real world use for every individual on that network. So how could you possibly pinpoint who really does have the fastest network? PC World has put eight different Android phones to the test, including a 3G device and a 4G device from each major carrier in the US. They selected 13 cities for their, “varying population densities, physical topography, and cellular environments.” Each network was tested at ten locations in each city, five times indoors, and five times outdoors. When it comes to which carrier in the US posted the best 3G download speeds, T-Mobile took the crown. Thanks to HSPA+ 21, T-Mobile’s average 3G download speed was 3.84 Mbps. T-Mobile’s HSPA+ 42 managed to keep a slim distance when it came to 4G, but AT&T and Verizon’s LTE networks couldn’t be held back. AT&T had the best download speeds, coming in at 9.12 Mbps. Verizon was a close second at 7.35. The absolute worst carrier if you care about download speeds is Sprint. Their WiMax 4G test numbers were lower than T-Mobile’s 3G numbers. And their 3G numbers were enough to drive any sane man mad, at a pathetic 0.59 Mbps. Of course these tests still don’t paint an entirely accurate picture of whose networks provides the fastest network speeds, but it does give you a good idea. What kind of speeds do you get with your service? Let us know in the comments. Gallery

Android Rumors Report: RAZR HD to AT&T, Galaxy S III minor update, Tab 2 delay, Tegra 4 Posted: 17 Apr 2012 02:44 PM PDT Welcome back to our weekly column where we round up all the Android-related rumors and discuss the validity of each one. Everyone seems to love our original rumor reports, but we thought it would be fun to examine the rumors from around the web and share our thoughts on the possibility of them coming true. Read on for this week's latest Android rumors. Motorola RAZR HD coming to Verizon and AT&T? Rumor: The Motorola RAZR HD (Vanquish/Fighter/MB886/qinara/Atrix3?) is coming to Verizon and AT&T. Our thoughts: Last week a trusted source was telling me they played with the Motorola Vanquish (aka Droid Fighter) and said it featured Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 processor. We already knew from previous rumor reports that the Vanquish/Fighter was an upgraded version of the RAZR MAXX, with a 720p display. This week a new benchmark result appeared for a Motorola device with the model number MB886 and product name Qinara. This device also features a Snapdragon S4 processor and 720p display. AT&T released the Motorola Atrix (MB860) and Atrix 2 (MB865), so this leads us to believe that the MB886 is also headed to AT&T, possibly as the RAZR HD or Atrix 3. You could say I’m stretching the facts, but it looks pretty likely that the “RAZR HD” will make an appearance on both AT&T and Verizon this summer. Specs for the devices should include a 4.6 inch 720p HD display, 13 megapixel camera, dual-core 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, and massive 3,300 mAh battery. Probability: 75% Galaxy S III is a minor update? Rumor: Andrew Royal of CNET UK reports the Galaxy S III will be a minor update compared to the Galaxy S II and says an unnamed source told him, “It’ll be like the iPhone 4S was to the 4.” Our thoughts: This is just dumb. The next Galaxy is going to be Samsung’s flagship device, and they will do everything in their power to make sure it tops the upcoming iPhone 5. It’s looking more likely that the next Galaxy will feature the first processor with ARM Cortex-A15 CPU cores, which would easily make it the most powerful phone to date. Samsung execs have also been talking up all day battery life, so we think the next Galaxy will have a few surprises. CNET UK also mentions that the device will feature eye tracking technology that can detect when a user looks away from the display. This could be used to turn off the display when not used, which would help extend the battery life. Finally, to compare the next Galaxy to the iPhone 4S upgrade is just silly. The iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S featured identical design on the outside, and all signs point to Samsung doing something different. Rumors suggest the next Galaxy will have a ceramic case and wireless charging, two unique features not found in the Galaxy S II. Probability: 0% Samsung stopped production of the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1? Rumor: Sascha Pallenberg of Netbooknews reports  that Samsung stopped the production of the GT-P 5100 aka Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 so they could upgrade the tablet to a quad-core CPU. Our thoughts: Multiple rumors have been suggesting that the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 had been delayed, and Samsung has a history of changing product specs after they announce them. Last year Samsung revealed the original Galaxy Tab 10.1 at Mobile World Congress, then redesigned it one month later to make it thinner than the iPad 2. When the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 was first announced at this year’s Mobile World Congress, many questioned if this product even earned the “2″. It featured the same old dual-core 1.0 GHz processor, and the rest of the specs were underwhelming. Samsung said they would release the Tab 2 10.1 for $399 in early May, but other products like the quad-core Transformer Pad 300 have already outclassed it at the same price point. We know Samsung has their quad-core Exynos 4412 ready to use, since Meizu is shipping it in a phone in June. Samsung could use that same processor in the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, or they could also use the even newer Exynos 5250. Sascha has been in this business a lot longer than me and I trust his sources, so look for the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 to be delayed. Probability: 85% Tegra 4 has 4 CPU cores Rumor: Technology news site VR-Zone reports that Tegra 4 will feature a quad-core Cortex-A15 design. Our thoughts: When NVIDIA first showed us their Tegra roadmap, they said Wayne (aka Tegra 4) would be coming at the tail end of 2012. Given the history of delays with the Tegra 2 and Tegra 3 launches, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Tegra 4 launch was moved to early 2013. NVIDIA has yet to share any official details about Wayne, which puts them behind their schedule this time last year. We first learned of Tegra 3 in February of 2011, and the first devices began shipping last December. We are now in April, and I don’t think NVIDIA is in any rush to talk about Tegra 4. The leaked roadmap posted by VR-Zone shows that NVIDIA will go with a 4-PLUS-1 configuration, using ARM Cortex-A15 CPU cores. NVIDIA already hinted they would use A15 in the next Tegra and they seem pretty committed to the 4-PLUS-1 architecture, so this doesn’t come as a surprise. We also see a new part SP3X, which might be the chip called Grey spotted in previous roadmaps. This should be NVIDIA’s first chip to integrate their Icera modem, which will bring LTE connectivity to mainstream phones. An earlier leaked roadmap placed this part at Q1 2013, but it now appears to have slipped to Q3 2013. Overall we don’t see a lot of new information to report with this latest leaked roadmap. Tegra 4 will likely feature quad-core A15s, an improved GPU, and arrive in devices by early 2013. Probability: 95%

Chrome Beta for Android now available in more countries and 32 languages Posted: 17 Apr 2012 11:32 AM PDT If your device was recently updated to Android 4.0 and you haven’t installed the Chrome Beta browser, now is a good time to check it out. Today Google updated Chrome Beta for Android with a bunch of requested features and made it available in 31 additional languages. Now Android 4.0 users in all countries where Google Play is available can install the app. New features include: You can now request the desktop version of a website, in case you would rather not view the mobile version. You can now add bookmarks as shortcuts on your home screen, so you can get to your favorite sites faster. Choose your favorite apps to handle links opened in Chrome. Have a proxy setup for Wi-Fi access? You can now use Chrome with the system proxy configured in Android settings. I started using Chrome as my alternative Android browser, but I recently gave up on it because I couldn’t request desktop sites. It’s nice to see that has been fixed, so I’ll give Chrome another chance as my default browser and see how it goes. If you use Chrome on your desktop, you might also want to check out the latest Chrome Beta that now lets you access tabs on “other devices” including your phone and tablet. The mobile version of Chrome could already access tabs open on the desktop version, so it’s nice to see this feature finally included. For the 97% of users with devices not on Android 4.0, you will have to keep waiting. Google sometimes updates their apps to support older versions of Android, but there are no signs that will happen with Chrome. Chrome Beta Google Inc. PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

T-Mobile’s network is fast, their web team is not Posted: 17 Apr 2012 10:54 AM PDT Yesterday we learned that T-Mobile was ready to makeover their image with a new $200 million campaign that would “set the record straight” on who has the fastest 4G phones. We saw a teaser video of Carly putting on a leather suit, and today the full TV spot was posted online. Peter DeLuca, T-Mobile SVP, brand, advertising and communications, authored a blog post to explain the new “Alter Ego” series of ads. Peter said, “The ad is a metaphor for what T-Mobile is all about – challenging the status quo and taking bold steps in the marketplace as a challenger brand. The makeover from the girl-next-door to an edgier, more tech-savvy and spirited Carly is synonymous with the evolution of the T-Mobile brand as we continue to push the envelope with device and service innovation to deliver amazing 4G experiences at an affordable price.” Both the new video and blog post invite the audience to visit t-mobile.com/testdrive to check out their competitive 4G experience first-hand. Unfortunately, the site is not live yet and just loads a blank page. We reached out to find when the page would be up and a T-Mobile representative responded, “The test drive site will go live later today in line with the ad, which airs tonight on national television.” Check out the full ad below and be on the lookout for the Test Drive site to go live soon.

ASUS Transformer Pad 300 appears on Amazon with April 22nd ship date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 10:09 AM PDT If you want to own the best 10-inch Android tablet available, but don’t want to spend $499 on the Transformer Prime, then you might want to check out its younger brother the Transformer Pad 300. ASUS’s new Transformer Pad TF300 is almost identical to the Transformer Prime TF201, but is loses the IPS+ display for a regular IPS display, and it’s slightly thicker. We knew the cheaper device was coming soon and today the blue 32 GB model appeared on Amazon for $399. Another 16 GB model is said to be coming at $379, but it is not currently listed for pre-order yet. Those who pre-order the Transformer Pad 300 now should see it early next week, around April 22nd. I have owned the original Transformer Prime since last year, and I still use it daily as my preferred Android tablet. The IPS+ display is incredibly bright and suitable for outdoor reading, but I don’t use my tablet much outdoors so I wouldn’t mind getting the regular IPS display and saving $100. Looking out over the next couple months, the Transformer Pad 300 looks to be the best deal on a premium 10-inch Android tablet. The only device out there that might eclipse the Transformer Pad in performance is the rumored Samsung Galaxy Tab 11.6, but we don’t know when it will arrive (and there is no way it will be priced as low as $399.) Also coming soon from ASUS is the upgraded Transformer Prime Infinity TF700T, which features a higher resolution 1920 × 1200 display. That will be the highest resolution display of any ASUS tablet, but it will likely debut at a higher price around $499.

Read It Later is now Pocket, available on Google Play for free Posted: 17 Apr 2012 08:50 AM PDT Read It Later for Android was not enjoying the same success as the iOS version, but things might change after the service decided to rebrand their app as Pocket, redesign the user experience, and make the app free. Pocket is one of a growing number of apps that allows users to save web pages and other content for reading later. Videos quickly became one of the most popular items that users were viewing later and the Pocket team wrote, “We soon realized that Read It Later was outgrowing its own name.” I never used Read It Later, but I constantly save URLs to view later in Google Docs, so maybe I need to check it out. The new Pocket app is one of the best designed I have seen and it integrates with 300+ apps. For original users of Read It Later, here is what’s new in this version: New name: Read It Later is now Pocket! Use your existing RIL username New Content Filter: Automatically filters content so that you can quickly switch between articles, videos and images. Clean and simplified viewing experience with fewer toolbars and a redesigned full-screen mode. Easier to Organize: Favorite, Tag, Archive, Delete and Bulk Edit Available on all major platforms, including Android, Kindle Fire, iOS and a powerful web app. Improved syncing, faster downloading, and more If you want to give the service a try, grab it from the link below. After you try out the Pocket app, be sure to come back and let us know what you think in the comments below. Read It Later Pro Read It Later PLAY QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

Hard times ahead for HTC amidst increased competition, CFO-ousting? Posted: 17 Apr 2012 07:40 AM PDT The HTC One series has me excited for an HTC smartphone again. The One X (or, Evo 4G LTE) matches HTC’s notorious styling with top-notch innards, and a toned-down version of the popular HTC Sense custom UI. Similarly, the One S and One V phones are stellar phones for the mid-range market, and should easily steal customers away from the competition. In a way, the One series is a make-or-break product for the Taiwanese manufacturer. Over the past year or so, HTC has continued to lose market share to Apple and Samsung, the latter of which is not resting on it’s previous successes. A huge deal between HTC and Beats Audio has left the company with a financial bottleneck that has just seen the ousting of HTC’s CFO Winston Yung after just a year on the job. Yung is being replaced by former Goldman Sachs partner Chia-lin Chang. What’s worse, Samsung is about to take the spotlight off of the One series, just as the HTC One line begins to go on sale in the United States. Samsung will soon take the wraps off their next flagship device, the Galaxy S III, and if sales of the Galaxy S and Galaxy S II lines are any indication, the Galaxy S III will sell phenomenally well when it launches later this quarter. These two situations spell potentially bad news for HTC, and HTC’s shares have taken a tumble this morning as a result, shedding over 5% in early trading. We’re sure this will even out over time, and we hope that sales of the HTC One X and S smartphones in the U.S. will give HTC the boost it needs to remain successful in the Android handset market.

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