Sunday, July 22, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Rumor: Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.1 update could be coming as soon as next month (Galaxy S2, as well)

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 06:47 PM PDT


Sadly, we have grown used to waiting around for several months before manufacturers release the latest updates to Android devices. If the latest rumors are true, though, it looks like Samsung may be improving in this department. Sammobile’s sources claim that the Android 4.1 update for the Galaxy S3 is almost ready, and could be released during August or September.

This means that Sammy is probably doing its final tests on the update and making sure all those Jelly Beans go well with the flagship smartphone. This is better news for owners of the international/unlocked version of the device. Those of us locked to American carriers will have to wait until the update is approved.

There is also a bit of good news for those rocking an older iteration of the Galaxy series. The same sources mention the Korean manufacturer is also testing this update on the Galaxy S2. As usual, the manufacturer will only release the update if it works well with the device. The Galaxy S2 is a very capable smartphone, and continues to be one of the most popular devices out there. So we are hoping Samsung will want to keep all those millions of users happy.

Hell, my bets go to the Samsung Galaxy S3 getting the update before my Verizon Galaxy Nexus… what a sad world. Prove me wrong, Verizon!

[Via: Sammobile]

Weekend Poll: Are you using Spotify after a year of its launch?

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 05:30 PM PDT


Spotify quickly filled the internet after its availability brought unlimited music to the US. Suddenly, all our friends and their moms (literally) were sharing their playlists away and signing up for the company’s premium services. Spotify continues to grow, but I can’t help but feel like the hype has gone down.

E-mails about my friends joining spotify used to flood my inbox. Now, I probably get an e-mail per month or so. This could mean one of two things: either I am losing my social skills and have no new friends (all current friends already have it), or Spotify is simply no longer as popular as it used to be.

Personally, the service treated me very nice when I joined. $10 a month would give me unlimited music for all my mobile devices and computers. And it must be said that is a huge advantage, as one switches devices very frequently in working as a tech blogger.

Google Music’s November launch made me reconsider my options, though. I had been noticing I constantly listened to pretty much the same songs every day. Many of which I already had in my computer. After a few calculations, I noticed it would be more convenient for me to purchase the few new songs or album I listen to per month. This marked the beginning of a beautiful and long-term relationship with lovely Google Music (now Google Play Music).

A year has passed by and the service continues to thrive, but I am wondering just how many of you stuck around, or joined Spotify. My experience might have been completely personal and isolated. Music junkies surely listen to new songs and artists often, making Spotify a rather convenient subscription service.

This leads us to the next question: do you prefer other streaming services or is Spotify about the best for you? Join our discussion in the comment section below and participate in the poll!

Take Our Poll

Samsung’s (almost) flexible displays to start being manufactured this quarter

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 04:30 PM PDT


It is no secret Samsung has quite an astounding view of what the future of technology will be like. The company has been working on the next step towards that direction with its flexible screens, more recently known as Youm displays. It all seems like science fiction still, and we may have been under the wrong idea that it would be a while before these displays reached your devices. The latest reports state these flexible AMOLED displays will be entering production lines this very quarter.

There is one small downside, though. According to the source, the displays being manufactured this year will not exactly be the foldable ones we have seen before; these will come with protective glass layers that will make them unable to take other forms or shapes.

So just why is this good news, if we won’t be able to have our weirdly shaped devices yet? Well, this technology does bring forth some major improvements. First, these are known to be almost indestructible (though this may change with the adition of a glass layer). And if you are a fan of super-thin device (Samsung is known for making thin smartphones), manufacturers will also be able to take advantage of the displays’ extra thinness.

Youm panels are about 0.6 mm thick, and the glass layer will make it about 1 mm. Current AMOLED displays almost double the thickness measuring about 1.8 mm in thickness.

Not that we care much about thinness anymore, device are more than slim already. Some of us would go as far as saying current smartphones are getting too thin. The extra space would give manufacturers more room to improve other features, though. How about a slightly larger battery, for starters?

[Source: DDaily Via: The Verge]

Kyocera Rise making headlines again, headed straight to Sprint and Virgin Mobile

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 03:34 PM PDT


The Kyocera Rise has been hiding under the blankets since its announcement at CTIA 2012. But if you have been waiting for a device with a good physical keyboard, its triumphant return to the internet may make you happier than ever. Especially if you are a Sprint or Virgin Mobile customer, which is where this device seems to be headed.

EVLeaks has been making some good rounds this week, bringing us juicy details about the Samsung Jasper, LG Cayenne and LG Motion 4G. The source is now blessing us with a bit of rumors related to the Kyocera Rise. They have gotten a hold of a device image. This would be no huge news, as we have already seen official pictures, but this one comes with a bit of a giveaway.

The leaked image displays the SprintZone app right in the home screen. EVLeaks states that it will be coming to Virgin Mobile as well, so Sprint customers won’t be feeling lonely.

This should be a great option for physical keyboard lovers, as well as an affordable one. Check out our hands-on video to see if this device is the one for you.

[Source: evleaks (Twitter)]

TELUS was not at fault, HTC canceled the Desire HD Android 4.0 update

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 02:48 PM PDT


Canadian users were about to pick up their torches and pitchforks after hearing TELUS had canceled the Android 4.0 update to the HTC Desire HD. Of course, we would be upset too. Especially after the carrier announced the device would be one of the few to get Ice Cream Sandwich. Well guys, it turns out we might have to go riot somewhere else – HTC’s headquarters.

HTC is now claiming the device is best sticking with Android 2.3. This is, of course, after “extensive testing.”

“After extensive testing, HTC has determined that the current version of HTC Sense with Android provides customers with the best experience on the HTC Desire HD. When we consider new versions of software, we weigh a number of factors, but ultimately the customer experience on the product is the deciding factor. We apologize for any confusion this change may have caused our customers.”

As Raveesh mentioned before, there is an abundance of devices with lower specs that will be getting the creamy update. Not to mention the fact that the same device has a growing list of custom ROMs running Android 4.0 and above. HTC Desire HD users will have to depend on those to get the latest updates from now on, so it is rooting time!


Beats and HTC start going in separate directions, smartphone exclusivity to continue

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 02:25 PM PDT


Last year’s HTC investment in Beats Audio was one of the biggest moves we have seen the Taiwanese manufacturer make. Bundling Beats Audio software along with some of the best headphones in the market had music junkies jamming. This was until HTC decided to stop bundling Beats headphones with new devices, signaling the first step back in this joint effort. These companies now find themselves taking steps into separate directions, as Beats purchases chunk of shares back from HTC.

What the companies are calling a “realignment” seems more like a slow transition to independence. This purchase is meant to “provide Beats with more flexibility for global expansion,” something it could not do when HTC owned about 50% of its shares.

Beats has purchased 25% of its total shares for $150 million. This leaves HTC with about 25% of ownership and Beats founders with about 75%.

Both companies have agreed to keep the Beats/HTC exclusivity alive in the mobile market. Without high-quality headphones being bundled, though, neither company will have a huge advantage in this department. We must remember that Beats Audio in smartphones is pretty much a very good equalizer and sound-improvement software. We could find similar offerings in the Google Play Store and simply purchase some high-end headphones.

[Source: HTC]

[Discussion] Is the new Jelly Bean keyboard every bit as good as SwiftKey?

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 12:37 PM PDT

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One of the features of Jelly Bean that really stood out for me, at the time of the announcement, was the new keyboard. From the sound of it, Google seems to have packed every major feature of Swiftkey which several people consider as the pinnacle of touchscreen mobile keyboards. Unfortunately, I’m not on Jelly Bean yet and will have to wait to try it out, but I’d love to hear the opinions of those who have had the opportunity, particularly those who have had the opportunity to compare it against Swiftkey.

Google writes to Senate Judiciary Committee requesting certain Apple patents be made standard

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 12:05 PM PDT

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Google has for long stated that the current software patents scene needs a serious revamp, and in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, they have singled out Apple, stating that some of the Cupertino-based company’s patents be made standards.

While collaborative [Standards Setting Organizations (SSOs)] play an important part in the overall standard setting system, and are particularly prominent in industries such as telecommunications, they are not the only source of standards. Indeed, many of the same interoperability benefits that the FTC and others have touted in the SSO context also occur when one firm publishes information about an otherwise proprietary standard and other firms then independently decide (whether by choice or of necessity) to make complementary investments to support that standard in their products. ... Because proprietary or de facto standards can have just as important effects on consumer welfare, the Committee’s concern regarding the abuse of SEPs should encompass them as well.

Apple, as you’d expect, don’t want anything of the sort and have countered with a letter of their own. They believe they have put in a lot of effort to innovate in their field, and are hence justified to patent certain features and designs, and oppose the infringement of those patents via litigation. If you want to read both the letters, head over to AllThingsD.

Google takes down 16 GB Nexus 7 from Play

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 10:37 AM PDT

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Looks like the troubles for the 16 GB Nexus 7 continues for Google, who have decided to stop offering it from their own Play store after the shambolic pre-order situation. The 8 GB is still available, and shipping is in 3-5 days. The tablet clearly has a huge demand, with the majority preferring the 16 GB version primarily because of the lack of expandable storage.

Some have stated that the 16 GB variant is still available at some brick-and-mortar stores, like Best Buy, so if you should probably look to head over to check it up. Additionally, an interesting theory I read these stores still have stock is that Google’s sending them pretty large shipments on their demands. The stores apparently have a very tight margin on the 8 GB version, and would much rather simply offer the 16 GB.

Honestly, though, I don’t think this is the end of the 16 GB from Google Play. How much ever they would want to maintain relationships with the stores, the entire purpose of the Nexus 7 was to promote Google Play. My guess is that the stores just overstocked expecting the rush, and/or Google sent them larger shipments to make sure the device is available while they solve chinks in their own deliveries.

[The Verge]

3M offers a ‘fingerprint fading’ screen protector for 7″ Galaxy Tab 2

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 08:39 AM PDT

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If you hate the finger smudges on your touchscreen as much as I do, then you’ll be really grateful for this latest bit of innovation from 3M: the Natural View Fingerprint Fading Screen Protector. The only version offered so far is for the 7″ Galaxy Tab 2, but hopefully it comes to more devices soon. A lot of details are lacking at the moment, most importantly where to buy it and how gradually does it take for fingerprints to disappear, but it’s good to see them working on it.

  • 3M™ Natural View Fingerprint Fading Screen Protector for Samsung™ Galaxy Tab™ 2 7.0″
  • Fingerprints gradually disappear
  • Unique 3M technology combines crystal clear high resolution image quality plus fingerprint reduction
  • Surface stays cleaner and display requires less frequent cleaning
  • Durable scratch-resistant protection
  • Stay clean edges for longer lasting performance
  • Dry application with online application tips available
  • Front-facing camera protection without affecting picture quality
  • Made in USA
  • Limited on-year warranty

[3M via Reddit]

Red Samsung Galaxy S III coming to AT&T

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 06:42 AM PDT

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Want to get the Samsung Galaxy S III, but want more color options? If yes, then you might be interested in this red offering that’s up for pre-order at AT&T. Or you could just pick up a case, which I’d suggest because honestly, this looks pretty ugly to me. And I’m someone who loves red.

Thanks, Junior Luna

View The Latest IKEA Catalog Using the Power of Augmented Reality [Video]

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 10:30 PM PDT

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If constructing an entire entertainment center from a single allen wrench is how you like to spend your weekends, you may want to listen up. Come July 31st, the IKEA catalog for Android will feature a fully augmented reality feature where users can peer into cabinets, interact with 3D objects, view videos and even receive digital how-to guides on specific content. This is essentially, the next best thing to walking into you local IKEA. Now, if only they can find a way to deliver those Swedish meatballs through my screen, I’d never again have to step foot into a brick-and-mortar store.

[Play Store | Via Wired]
Posted by at 7:54 AM 0 comments

Android Central

Android Central

Kyocera Rise render spotted with Sprint software

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 01:31 PM PDT

Kyocera Rise

As we predicted during CTIA when Kyocera first announced the Rise, it looks like it will be headed to Sprint at some point in the future. A leaked press render showing the SprintZone app and Sprint ID button pretty much nail this one for the Now Network, and the source says to expect it on Virgin Mobile as well. If you have a look at our hands-on with the Rise, you'll see that it's a solid phone for the budget conscious. With a 1GHz Snapdragon and 512MB of RAM under the glass, the Rise fares well against other entry-level phones like the HTC One V, and if the "Tissue Conduction" audio technology ends up working as advertised, the Rise could be one of the best phones on the market for folks who need a phone. 

While it's not packing quite the punch that the EVO 4G LTE or Galaxy S III is, it's nice to see options of all shapes and sizes. We'll be on the lookout for any official word from Kyocera or Sprint.

Source: @evleaks

The Dark Knight Rises now works with the Nexus 7

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 09:08 AM PDT

Android Central

A quick heads up for everyone, The Dark Knight Rises has had an update pushed that brings it to the Nexus 7. Many of us were disappointed yesterday, when the game launched but anyone with a Nexus 7 couldn't download it. All that's changed now though, and the game is right there in the Play Store waiting.

There was an apparent issue in some cases too where the games assets were downloading twice. Thankfully, this has also been fixed with this update.

The download link is below, so what are you waiting for? Have at it folks, i'll be cashing in some of that Google Play credit now. If you're still unsure, be sure to check out our review of the game first. 

Download: The Dark Knight Rises

CloudOn office app launches in 60 additional countries worldwide

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 07:10 AM PDT

Android Central

CloudOn, the app that brings a Microsoft Office experience right to your Android tablet, has just gone a whole lot more Global. The app has now been released in 60 new countries around the world. 

The app has also received a bit of an update bringing a couple of new features to the Android version. Voice dictation and password support is now included, as is the ability to open documents from within an email. 

Those lucky new countries are listed below, where you'll also find a handy download link to the application. It's free, although it does require an account. The good news, getting an account is also free. 

The list of new countries reads like this: 

Albania, Algeria, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bermuda, Bulgaria, Cayman Islands. Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus/Malta, Czech Republic, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Jamaica, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks & Caicos, UAE, Ukraine, and the Virgin Islands.

Download: CloudOn

Android Central international round-up - July 21, 2012

Posted: 21 Jul 2012 02:23 AM PDT

Android Central

With this week being Nexus 7 launch week around the world, there's been plenty of news to keep us occupied. The Jelly Bean tablet is slowly but surely starting to work its way out to pre-order customers, and the word on the street is that the Nexus 7 is now sold out in some countries. It's still early days, but it seems the N7's on track to be a major commercial success for ASUS and Google -- a first for any Android tablet.

Elsewhere, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean reared its head on the Nexus S, with the official launch of that phone's over-the-air update. Google announced in the past few hours that five major carriers are now pushing out the Jelly Bean OTA, following the OS's official debut on the Galaxy Nexus last week.

We also reviewed the Desire C, HTC's new entry-level phone for Europe, and got to play with the ZTE Grand X down in London. Both devices represent different approaches to making a value-oriented smartphone. HTC has focused on hardware and software design on its tiny 3.2-inch phone, while ZTE's offering cuts an unassuming figure with a plastic chassis and near-stock Android, choosing instead to differentiate itself with a gaming-focused Tegra 2 CPU. Though at the £180-190, it's hard to find fault with the Grand X's specs.

Finally, ShopAndroid.com announced new, cheaper shipping options for international buyers -- fantastic news for anyone outside of the U.S. looking for great Android accessories!

We also had a fair selection of minor stories at the international desk this week, so dig into the list below. If you've got international news, you can tip us at the usual address.

Special features:

News:

Late-night poll: Did your Nexus 7 ship yet?

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 10:48 PM PDT

Nexus 7

July 19, the day that all the early orders of the Nexus 7 were to ship, has come and gone. According to Google, everyone who ordered on or before July 11 should either have their tablet in their hot little hands (they're even showing up in Canada), or it should be in transit. We're hoping this is the case, because the shipping of these things has turned our hair a bit grey. Everyone wants one, and because we're Android nerds, we want them now, and Google can't get them out the door fast enough. Yeah, it's Google's first time shipping out a device at launch, and selling your wares as fast as you can make them is always a good problem to have, but it's easy to feel that way when you're not the one waiting for the delivery truck.

So did you get yours? Is it on the way? Or are you still waiting to hear anything about it? Tell us in tonight's poll, and discuss away in the comments.

 

The Dark Knight Rises review - Batman is ready for Android

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 08:38 PM PDT

The Dark Knight Rises review - Batman is ready for Android

Batman is on a mission to beat the snot out of crime. If the bad guys happen to be in your Android phone, so be it. 

The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters today, and along with it is an Android game from Gameloft. Much like The Amazing Spider Man, The Dark Knight Rises for Android is inspired by the movie, and though the mechanics are similar, the brooding atmosphere is what really sets the Batman game apart. 

Players get to zoom across a bleak cityscape by gliding, swinging, or motoring through Gotham. Missions follow closely in the footsteps of the movie, but as you go, you can kit out Bruce Wayne with the latest tech and upgrade particular parts of his suit and vehicles to suit your playstyle. There's plenty of open world exploration too, and a whole bundle of hidden items to find. 

read more

Color adjustment settings, Ouya console [From the Forums]

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 06:19 PM PDT

From the Forums

Just in case you missed out on some of the Android news today, now is the time to go ahead and get yourself fully caught up. Here on the blogs and in the Android Central Forums there is plenty to talk about. Have some questions? Need some help or just looking to chat Android? You know where to go, check out some of the threads below to get started.

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.
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