Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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Google Android News Android Forums

AT&T Delivers Security Patch For Exynos Kernel Exploit On Galaxy Note II

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 10:43 AM PST

Samsung_Exynos_Quad-Core

An over the air software update is available for the AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II. The update, which became available February 15, serves as a security patch for the Exynos kernel exploit discovered in December.  As with most OTA updates, the carrier recommends downloading via WiFi. Make sure you have plenty of battery power as well. There’s no easier way to brick a phone than by losing power mid software install. It will push the firmware version to I317UCAMA4 but leave Android on 4.1.2.

Source: AT&T


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The Weather Channel app gets updated to bring new look to UI and more functionality

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 10:27 AM PST

Weather_Channel_Update_Play_Store

 

The Weather Channel official app has just gotten an extensive update to give even more functionality and accuracy for those of us needing those precious weather forecasts. Users of the app will be treated to a sleeker and more modern UI, faster and better optimized maps and even the use of custom weather widgets for smartphones and tablets as well. Oh and even more awesome is the fact the app can now give users the exact time of any given weather pattern (i.e. rain starting around 3:15pm). So in other words— the Weather Channel app has moved from being a bland and clunky app to a modern and buttery smooth app that gives users something to look forward to using on a daily basis.

The latest update is available now in the Play Store for all Froyo+ devices, so that means that most of you have no reason to not grab the improved app today.

Weather_Channel_QR_Play_Store

Play Store Download Link


Come comment on this article: The Weather Channel app gets updated to bring new look to UI and more functionality

Vic Gundotra: Nexus phones will have ‘insanely great’ cameras

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 09:58 AM PST

Nexus_4_TA_Back_Top_Crystalized_Pattern-630x354

Senior Vice President of Engineering, Vic Gundotra, is making news after a comment he made regarding the camera quality of Nexus devices. There’s no doubt that with each generation of Nexus device, special attention is paid to the camera and the quality of images and video it is capable of taking. An example of this is the implementation of Photo Sphere, which allows for a 360 degree panoramic image that was introduced with the latest Nexus smartphone, the Nexus 4.

Gundotra has been quoted with saying “we are committed to making Nexus phones insanely great cameras. Just you wait and see.” It’s interesting to note that Gundotra only mentioned phones and did not include other mobile devices, which is most likely due to a phone’s smaller form factor and portability. While many OEM’s use their own skinned versions of the camera application, Google seems to be committed to improving the stock camera with each generation. Only time will tell what these new improvements will hold but you can be sure that if Google continues its trend of improvements, only the best is yet to come.

Here’s the transcript of the conversation via Google+

Vic_Gundotra_Nexus_Camera_Comments

Source: Google+


Come comment on this article: Vic Gundotra: Nexus phones will have ‘insanely great’ cameras

LG Optimus G Pro specs available, headed to North American markets

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 09:12 AM PST

LG_Optimus_G_Pro

In advance of MWC 2013, LG has officially released the specifications for their new LG Optimus G Pro smartphone on their Korean site’s newsroom. LG had previously announced the availability of the device for the South Korean market and the specs are consistent with that model. LG is stepping up to a 5.5-inch display with the device, incorporating a curved glass design capable of displaying 400 ppi full 1080p HD. Running the device will be 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor mated with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory. Besides a 3,140 mAh removable battery, the device will also accept up to a 64GB microSD card. For cameras LG has included a 13MP rear-facing camera and a 2.1MP front-facing camera that can record full HD video.

In addition to the impressive hardware, LG promises improvements to the user interface running on top of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. One of these improvements is a “dual-recording” function that will squeezes the display for both the front and rear-facing cameras on the screen and will then record that dual-display to a single video. LG appears to have built upon Googles panorama photo function from Android 4.2 to create “VR Panorama” that apparently will mimic the photosphere effect. For those trying to capture video of moving objects, like kids or animals, a new Tracking Focus function should help with that. LG has also built-in some multi-tasking functions that take advantage of pop-up windows.

The device will be available in black and white versions. In addition to the South Korean market where the device will be available for 968,000 won ($898 USD), LG says the device will be release in at least Japan and North American during the second quarter of 2013.

source: LG


Come comment on this article: LG Optimus G Pro specs available, headed to North American markets

Featured Android App Review: SayIt Voice Launcher [Productivity & Tools]

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 08:20 AM PST

SayIt_Voice_Launcher_Splash_Banner

If you’re looking for something new and cool to launch apps, I have one for you. It’s called SayIt Voice Launcher, and it was developed by Rn Software. From the name of the app, you can probably tell that this involves your voice. SayIt Voice Launcher allows you to launch any app by just saying the app name, and it works flawlessly. Not only that, you don’t even have to say the exact name of the app. For example, you can say “file” for Astro File Manager. Of course you can say the full name if you want to.

There are four ways you can launch the app: the icon on your home screen, one of the widgets, the notification panel, or via a lockscreen widget that’s only compatible with Android 4.2. One of the widgets resembles the Google Now widget. You can open the voice launcher or their own custom scrollable app drawer. It organizes the apps by how often you use them so if you don’t want to use voice because you’re in a public place, you can quickly find those apps that you regularly use. The second widget is vertical. The top of it gives you access to the voice launcher and it also displays your six most used apps. Need to open a different app? No problem because it’s scrollable so you can quickly find what you’re looking for in the event that you don’t want to use your voice for whatever reason. Of the two widgets, this one is my favorite.

The most convenient method to access the voice launcher has to be from the notification panel, which is accessible from any of your home screens. You will have to turn that option on because it’s not on by default. Just say “SayIt” in the Voice Launcher or open the app via the custom app drawer in the widget. The settings for the app will open and you can check or uncheck to make SayIt accessible (or not accessible) in your notifications panel.

SayIt is a very simple app that just works, and those are two things that I love in apps. The only issue that could happen is if you have two apps with similar words in their names. For example, I have 3D Mini Golf and 3D Space Golf, and when saying the word “golf”, it opened 3D Mini Golf and didn’t give me a choice. In talking with the developers, they will probably add a pop up to allow you to choose which one to open. It’s a minor issue since I can just say “3D Space” or “3D Mini” to open the appropriate app.

Voice assistant apps can be annoying especially when they don’t deliver as promised, but you don’t have to worry about that with this app. The only time SayIt Voice Launcher ever misses is when I speak too soon. It works right out of the gate, and I don’t think anyone is going to complain about that. It costs only 99-cents so give it a try. Check out my hands on video below and hit one of the download links to get started. Let us know what you think.

Features:

  • Quickly voice launch applications.
  • Use SayIt on your lock screen if you have a newer device from Samsung, LG or HTC that supports lock screen shortcuts.
  • Can also be added to popular 3rd party lock screens from the Play Store.
  • Self organizing widgets only available for Android 3.0 and above (Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean) .
  • Supports addition to the Android 4.2 lock screen.

 

SayIt_Voice_Launcher_01 SayIt_Voice_Launcher_02 SayIt_Voice_Launcher_03 SayIt_Voice_Launcher_04 SayIt_Voice_Launcher_05 SayIt_Voice_Launcher_06

Click here to view the embedded video.

QR Code generator

Play Store Download Link


Come comment on this article: Featured Android App Review: SayIt Voice Launcher [Productivity & Tools]

Plume for DashClock officially available in the Play Store now

Posted: 17 Feb 2013 09:35 AM PST

Plume_DashClock

 

Plume is no doubt one hell of a Twitter client for our Android devices, but the developers have just released one hell of a widget for its users as well. Based of the DashClock Widget extension, the new widget allows for users to have yet another means to check out the date, time and of course, what is happening in that oh-so important Twitter feed and all that good stuff. The great thing about this DashClock Widget extension is that it’s completely open-sourced—- meaning there is all sorts of goodies that’s just waiting to be toyed with.

For now, the new widget extension is available for Android 4.2+ devices only, so if you’re on that version of Jelly Bean— head on down to the Play Store and grab it today— you’ll be glad you did.

 

Play Store Download Link

Plume_DashClock_Widget

 

 


Come comment on this article: Plume for DashClock officially available in the Play Store now

More Galaxy S IV details emerge, confirm many rumors

Posted: 17 Feb 2013 09:07 AM PST

Galaxy_S_IV_Render

We’ve seen plenty of Galaxy S IV rumors recently, from launch dates to hardware specs. According to some leaked documents, some of those speculations were spot on, while others missed the mark a bit. If the leak is accurate, though, it confirms much of what we’ve been expecting.

The document states that the Galaxy S IV will feature an Exynos 5440 CPU, a powerful quad-core Cortex A15 chip. It isn’t the octa-core beast we saw at CES, but there’s no doubt it will surpass current generation CPUs in Samsung devices. Although, since we’ve seen some benchmarks with an S IV prototype equipped with a Qualcomm S4 Pro, there’s still some room for speculation. The S IV will also sport a 5 inch, 1080p display, as well as Android 4.2. Samsung likes to keep their flagship phones on the bleeding edge of technology, so no surprise there.

And the most important question, of course, is when will the device be announced? Everyone’s been guessing March 15th, and it looks like that was spot on. Hopefully we’ll get a few more solid leaks like this before March rolls around, though.

source: Icecream Sandwich Android Blog


Come comment on this article: More Galaxy S IV details emerge, confirm many rumors

Google to open official retail stores in the U.S. by the end of 2013

Posted: 17 Feb 2013 05:26 AM PST

chrome-virgin-kiosk

Recently we reported that Google was planning to open its retail headquarters in Dublin, and it seems Google is pulling all the stops to get its products into the hands of consumers. So much so that a report has surfaced claiming Google will have its own retail stores up and running by the end of 2013 just in time for the holiday season. Our sources says that the main products that will be featured in the retail stores are Google Nexus devices, Google Chromebooks and future devices that have yet to be released. As of today, Google has several in-store kiosks, called Chrome-Stores, featured in some Best Buy locations in the U.S. and several PC World stores in the UK.

Currently the most popular way of purchasing a product from Google is by way of online purchasing. A stand alone retail store might prove for greater customer service as well as an ease of mind for those leery about online purchasing. What do you guys think about Google’s possible retail stores? Let us know your feedback in the comments below.

Source: 9to5Google


Come comment on this article: Google to open official retail stores in the U.S. by the end of 2013

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Android Central

Android Central

Samsung expected to hold Galaxy S4 event on Mar 14

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 04:45 PM PST

Samsung Booth

On the eve of HTC's much-teased February 19th event, multiple sources are converging on March 14th as the announcement date for Samsung's next flagship Galaxy S device. Originally eluded to by Eldar Murtazin of mobile-review and later corroborated by unnamed sources of The Verge, the Galaxy S4 will "definitely" be announced at a Samsung event on March 14th. The rumored event is expected to take place in the U.S., but it's unclear at this time what city will be hosting such an announcement.

As for the design and details of the Galaxy S4, we really don't have much to go on. Again reported by sources of The Verge, the new device may follow the design language of what we will see as the Galaxy Note 8.0 at MWC. Although the leaks we've seen thus far of that device are apparently far off from what the final design is.

With all of that being said, we'll only know the announcement date for sure when we hear it directly from Samsung.

Source: The Verge

Announcing our Valentine's Day contest winners

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 02:46 PM PST

Android Central

Back at the beginning of the month we decided to have a monster Valentine's Day contest. Now that it's closed, we're amazed at the response, and loved going through all the pictures. It's great putting a face to the names, ya know? Valentine's Day has come and gone, and Mrs. Nickinson has picked out a mess of winners. Since everyone wants to know if they won, here's your lists.

Winners of the Grand Prizes (one Nexus 4, one Nexus 7, two t-shirts)

Because there were so many great entries, we also picked eight runners-up, who will get a pair of t-shirts:

Congrats to everyone, and a big thanks for entering. If you're a winner, be sure to check the inbox of the email you used to register here at AC. We need a little information about where to send the prizes. Stay tuned for more great contests from the best damn Android site on the Internet.

Be sure to read through the break and check out the Grand Prize winning pictures.

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Hotel Tonight adds proper tablet UI support

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 01:12 PM PST

Hotel Tonight Tablet UI

Hotel Tonight has just updated its Android app with proper tablet support, offering a better UI experience to users with larger screen devices. The service, if you're not familiar, offers steep discounts on hotels because they are only able to be booked at noon (local time) to be used that day. Users can now view and book hotels on their tablets with this properly formed tablet UI, and Hotel Tonight says that you can go from launching the app to booking a room with "just three taps and a swipe".

The designers of the new tablet UI on the app say that they specifically targeted Google's own Nexus tablets as references for the 7-inch and 10-inch design, and are extremely happy with the result. The interface takes advantage of the larger screens with bigger pictures while navigating and a better display when viewing hotel listings. You can grab a download of the new version of Hotel Tonight at the Play Store link above.

Unity Launcher: a little bit of Ubuntu flair on your device

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 12:17 PM PST

Android Central

Canonical has laid out its plans to release Ubuntu phones at some point in 2014 -- but you don't have to wait that long to get a little bit of Ubuntu flair on your current Android device. Unity Launcher brings Ubuntu's interesting swipe-in sliding app selector to your device without changing your current launcher setup. 

Stick around with us after the break to learn a little more about what Unity Launcher has to offer.

read more

Reminder: HTC wants to show us something tomorrow, and we'll be there blogging it live

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 10:10 AM PST

HTC

HTC keeps trying to tease everybody about what may be in store for tomorrow's event, and you can find out just as soon as they tell the world by tuning in to the live blog tomorrow. We'll be on-site in both New York and London, giving you the play-by-play as it happens.

While the details are all still shrouded in rumor, we expect to see HTC latest Android phone in all it's glory. Whether it be called the M7 or the HTC One, we're all sure to find plenty to love or hate about the device before we ever get our hands on it. 

So be there at 10 AM Eastern tomorrow, and let's talk a little bit about phones.

Jelly Bean rolling out to the Samsung Galaxy Note (N7000)

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 09:51 AM PST

Galaxy Note

The international versions of the Samsung Galaxy Note are seeing a Jelly Bean update today. Users in the far East and Germany are reporting that they're seeing an OTA to 4.1.2, namely the same JZO54K build that leaked out last November. As a refresher, meet the new change log (same as the old change log) .

  • Android 4.1.2 – Build JZO54K
  • Project Butter
  • Multi-View (can also be disabled)
  • Page Buddy
  • Notification Panel can now be customized
  • New Additions in Notification Panel
  • Smart Rotation
  • New Samsung Keyboard
  • Samsung’s Cloud services
  • Direct Call, Smart Stay and Pop-up Play Features
  • New Widgets From the Galaxy S III
  • 2 Home screen modes
  • New Notifications bar
  • Google Now

Of course this leaves the question of when or if the AT&T and semi-defunct T-Mobile versions here in the states are going to see such a thing. The answer is a resounding "we don't know". The US versions are essentially a Note in name only, and whether or not AT&T and Samsung want to update them is anyone's guess. 

If you have the N7000 version though, keep an eye on your status bar or fire up Kies and see if you have an update waiting.

Source: SamMobile

 

Mobile Nations fitness month week 3: Sleep and relaxation!

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 09:33 AM PST

Leave a comment below telling us your Fitness Month goals and be entered to win a FitBit!

It's February and you know what that means? Mobile Nations Fitness Month! That's when we all get together to get in shape, share tips and tricks and recipes for success, review amazing apps and accessories, give away great prizes, and have a ton of fun! This year we're doing it a little differently, though. We're doing weekly themes, and that means every week you'll have new and exciting challenges, and new chances to win!

Week 2: Sleep and relaxation!

Relaxation, whether its full on mediation or just some simple breathing exercise, is how we keep our bodies and minds centered and balanced. Sleep is our reboot, when we write our daily cache to disk and run our system repairs so we're ready for the next day. As part of fitness month, we'll be reviewing a bunch of great apps and accessories that can help encourage, track, and train us to sleep and relax better and smarter. We'll also be doing THREE cool contests!

 

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HTC Rezound and Droid Incredible 2 getting a small 'Device Enhancement' update

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 08:53 AM PST

HTC updates

Verizon and HTC have announced a small update for the Rezound and the Droid Incredible 2 today. Listed only as a "Device Enhancement", no one is yet sure exactly what is getting updated, only that said updates should be making their way to handsets soon. Keep an eye on the forums to find out more.

Source: Verizon (Rezound), (Incredible 2)

The Weather Channel app gets a sizeable update with a new look

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 07:49 AM PST

TWC

The Weather Channel's official Android app has been given a complete makeover in today's big update. In addition to an all new user interface and tablet optimization, they have beefed up the content quite a bit with more detailed forecasts, better and faster maps, and a better selection of videos from around the world. The full change log reads like this:

  • “Expect rain to start at 3:15p”—No more guessing! If your weather is changing within 6 hrs, we let you the exact time it will happen.
  • Faster maps with past & future radar, severe weather bulletins
  • More detailed forecasts
  • A better selection of videos
  • Optimized for Android tablets
  • Set up your favorites places to take full advantage of our weather widgets and notifications.
  • What everyone has been asking for, a Refresh button!
  • It is now easy to share your weather with your friends & family

Of course, the biggest thing users are going to see is the all new UI. My first impressions are that it's quite nice. There's plenty of information, it's well laid out, and most importantly, pleasing to the eye. But according to the Play store entry's comments, many long time users aren't very happy with the changes. They note the new ad placement as a sticking point and feel it's less intuitive. Having not used the app before today's update means I have no reference, but I like it enough to keep it around for a while. This sort of thing is subjective, so the best advice I can give is to install it and try for yourself. It's free -- grab it at the Google Play link above. I've tossed a few screenshots after the break.

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Xperia Z now on sale at Sony Mobile France store

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 06:49 AM PST

Android Central

It looks like Germany isn't the only country getting an early chance to pick up the Sony Xperia Z. The phone has just gone up for sale on the Sony Mobile France online store. Purchased SIM-free, the 5-inch, 1080p-toting handset will set French buyers back €649 -- that's not cheap, but nor is it significantly more expensive than the average high-end smartphone.

The phone is available in black and white -- the purple version isn't being offered unlocked, as it's exclusive to the SFR network in France.

The Xperia Z should start appearing in brick-and-mortar stores before long, starting with the Sony Store in Berlin. Other European territories are expected to follow around the end of the month.

Source: Sony Mobile France; via: XperiaBlog

Deal of the Day: Body Glove DropSuit Rugged Case for Samsung Galaxy S3

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 06:36 AM PST

Deal of the Day The Feb. 18 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Body Glove DropSuit Rugged Case for Samsung Galaxy S3. The DropSuit is made of a durable gel material that resists the battles of everyday life. The case has reinforced corners with a unique shock dissipation system to absorb impact and defend against bumps and drops. The strategically placed side bumpers provide a secure grip and added drop protection.

The Body Glove DropSuit Rugged Case is available for just $10.00, 50% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping.

Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts!

Monday Brief: More webOS drama, a BlackBerry Z10 Oreo, the Nokia Lumia 620 review, and more!

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 05:21 AM PST

Mobile Nations

 

 

Start your week with the Greatest Android Podcast in the World!

Posted: 18 Feb 2013 04:19 AM PST

Android Central Podcast

There's a ton of awesome Android news coming up this week. HTC's event on Tuesday. Our trek to Mobile World Congress at the back half of the week. And if you missed Thursday night's live recording, we've got your preview for it all. Plus, we recap what's new with Android 4.2.2, and take a bunch your voicemails. 

The Android Central Podcast is your weekly peek into the world of Android, where we break down the news that really matters, and explain what's just a bunch of hype. Plus, we answer your e-mails and voicemails. You don't want to miss it. Check out the Android Central Podcast.

LG finally reveals Optimus G Pro specs, price, availability

Posted: 17 Feb 2013 06:37 PM PST

LG Optimus G Pro

Android Central at Mobile World Congress

Update: LG expects to begin rolling out the new Optimus G Pro in overseas territories including the U.S. during the second quarter.

LG technically officially announced the Optimus G Pro for the Korean market a few days ago, but now we've got all of the gritty details on the device. As we saw before, the new device will sport a full HD 1080x1920 5.5-inch (that's 400 ppi) display, with seemingly tiny bezels. Under that screen will be a 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage (SDcard expandable) and a removable 3,140mAh battery with wireless charging support. We're looking at 13MP rear and 2MP front cameras, LTE connectivity and shipping software of Android 4.1.2 with LG's latest UX customizations.

The press release indicates availability of "next week" for the Korean market. Pricing is quoted at 968,000 won, which with a quick currency exchange calculation is just shy of $900 (although that's not always indicative of eventual U.S. pricing). The Optimus G Pro will be on display at MWC in just a week, so you can bet we'll have our hands on one soon.

Source: LG

Gundotra: 'Committed to making Nexus phones insanely great cameras'

Posted: 17 Feb 2013 06:12 PM PST

Android Central

'Just you wait and see,' senior VP of engineering replies on Google+

Google's Senior VP of Engineering at Google, Vic Gundotra, took to Google+ this morning in a photography-themed post to reply to comments about the quality of Nexus phone cameras. The Nexus 4 is a pretty notable improvement in camera quality over what we saw on the Galaxy Nexus, but it's no secret that Nexus devices have lacked in the photography department. As you can see below, in response to a comment about just carrying a future Nexus device as his only camera Vic had this to say:

Android Central

It's clear with Google's improvements to the stock Android camera UI since Ice Cream Sandwich -- and the inclusion of Photo Sphere with Jelly Bean -- that a lot of focus is being put on the camera of Nexus devices, but it takes more than just a good UI to take good pictures. It really takes the combination of a quality camera sensor and great image processing software on the back end to have the end result of great pictures. While many Android manufacturers will pay to license image processing software from camera companies -- or in some cases borrow from the camera divisions of their own companies -- Google has historically kept things open-source in the camera department, which conflicts with paying for closed-source camera software.

Now no one likes to just "wait and see," but it's our only option at this point. It's comments like this from high-ranking Googlers that make us hopeful for the future of Nexus camera capabilities though.

Source: Vic Gundotra (Google+); Thanks, Grant!
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