Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Android Community

Android Community

Motorola Cliq 2 Now on Sale Via T-Mobile

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 10:35 AM PST

Just as expected, the Motorola Cliq 2 has been realsed on the T-Mobile network. The Cliq 2 was one of the first devices shown off by Motorola at its CES 2011 Press Conference but was quickly overlooked by both the ATRIX and BIONIC.

The device’s main feature was to make it more versatile than the Cliq. Focusing on both social and business use the Cliq 2 has also been updated a bit specs wise to keep it current. Sporting a 3.7-inch screen and will ship with a 1GHz processor it will run MotoBlur for all your social needs.

The device will retail for $99.99 with a $100 gift card rebate. Anyone plan on picking one up?

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Honeycomb Themed Clock Widget Available on the Android Market

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 10:25 AM PST

Honeycomb was not only the hot topic at this year’s CES, it’s still the talk of the net. And although we won’t be seeing anything Honeycomb for at least a month, that hasn’t stopped developers from bringing a bit of the newness to current Android devices.

One such application, 3.0 Honeycomb Clock, brings in a imitated Honeycomb clock widget right into your homescreen. The application will come in both lite and paid versions. The lite version will only feature the blue clock while the paid version ($1.00) will give you access to multiple colors.

QR Code:



[Download Link]

[Via DroidLife]

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Bejeweled 2 Coming This Week, Plants vs. Zombies and Peggle Coming This Summer

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 10:16 AM PST

PopCaps is by far one of the leaders in online games. They have had many incredibly popular hits and last year we heard about their plans to bring several of their most popular to the Android platform. Now we have a bit more information with a timeline from the company.

We now know:

  • Bejeweled 2 will be released into the Android Market this week
  • Chuzzle, Peggle, and Plants vs. Zombies are still on track for release in the second quarter of 2011.
  • They are not going to utilize OpenFeint, but they may use Facebook Connect.

Still not as soon as many would have hoped, it’s good to see them still set to launch in the first half of 2011. The reason for the delay is simple, PopCap does not simply port their games to other platforms. They completely optimize them for the platform they’re developing for. This leaves users with a more satisfying and immersive title which leads to better gameplay.

Are you excited for the upcoming PopCap titles? Personally I can see both Plants Vs. Zombies and Peggle to be huge time wasters in my day-to-day life, I’m ready!

[Via PocketGamer]

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Kongregate 300 Free Game Deal Dashed by Google

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 10:09 AM PST

BUMMER it Appears that the No-Show for Kongregate’s 300 Free Game App yesterday was more than a glitch. Google has decided to take the app down because it infringes on their rulebook. Google says that the app was in violation of the Android Market Developer Distribution Agreement because, as you know, the app was distributing apps. Can’t do that! You can still access the app via their mobile website, but for now, it’s disappeared from the Android Marketplace.

You can access the Kongregate app now by going over to http://kongregate.com/android and downloading the apk. Take a peek here at the statement Kongregate sent Joystiq on the matter:

As reported earlier today, the Kongregate Arcade app was launched on the Android Market and was enthusiastically received by the gaming community, receiving 4.5 out of 5 stars. Tens of thousands of users successfully downloaded the new app but, due to unknown reasons, Google has pulled it from the Market. Gamers wishing to experience Kongregate Arcade will be happy to learn it is now available for download at http://kongregate.com/android.

Kongregate has also updated their Twitter to read “We’re working with Google to restore access in the Market, but in the meantime you can download it from http://www.kongregate.com/android.”

ALSO NOTE: The app requires that you have Android 2.2 (Froyo) or higher to function!

snap20110119_115207 snap20110119_115203

[Via Joystiq]

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ROM Kitchen Allows Customizable ROMs for Galaxy S and Captivate

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 10:03 AM PST

One of the best features of the Android platform is its ability to be rooted and utilize ROMs. However, getting that perfect ROM may be troublesome for many. Worry no more, XDA members DocRambone and Stefunel have put together RomKitchen which will allow you to select your own resources resulting in a custom ROM.

It’s actually a website that will allow you to create a menu, of sorts. You can choose exactly what you want in your ROM and just like that the software will create it and provide both a link for download and a QR code to share with friends.

Be careful though, as this still involves rooting which may not be for the novice user. However, if you’re familar with ROMs, definitely give RomKitchen a try.

You can bake your own custom rom at RomKitchen.org.

[Via XDA]

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LG’s Honeycomb G-Slate to Come with 3D Display and 3D recording?

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 09:50 AM PST

The Honeycomb operating system is going to completely change the world of tablets. Leading the Motorola XOOM to the title CES Best in Show, it’s definitely a game-changer. However, now we’re getting in more information on the upcoming LG G-Slate and it may just be more impressive than the XOOM.

According to GPS&Co who contacted LG France for more information on the device, a spokesperson told the site the G-Slate would feature the following:

  • Display size – 8.9 inch 3D display allowing to view 3D content without glasses
  • 3D recording capability
  • LG Tegra 2 dual-core CPU
  • USB port and HDMI connector

These seem a bit too impressive for a device set to launch the first half of 2011, but LG did say they have something big in terms of 3D for MWC this February.

Mobile World Congress is just 3 weeks away, and we can fully expect to hear more leaks about this upcoming device. And, taking LG’s track record into account, we might even see an official leak before its announcement in Barcelona.

[Via UnwiredView]

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Acer 7-Inch Tablet Gets the Hands-On

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 09:41 AM PST

We all saw it coming, 2011 is going to be the year of the tablet – and not just the iPad. Google’s Honeycomb operating system is going to be a huge deal-breaker in the competitive tablet market and with its release we can expect to see some really impressive devices. One such device, the ACER 7-inch has gotten the hands-on treatment.

The device itself will ship with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but its expected to be upgraded to Honeycomb once it’s made available. Being quite the impressive 7-inch tablet, it will feature the next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core processor which will make it capable of a 1.2GHz asynchronous clock.

The device features a single hardware button across the front, the home button. Even though Honeycomb is shying away from physical buttons, it’s nice to have an option that everyone knows how it functions.

From their hands-on time with the device, they feel that it’s quite the impressive device. Although it’s made of plastic, it feels both sturdy and premium. With its 7-inch 1280×800 display, dual-core CPU, dual-cameras, and Honeycomb, this may just be the 7-inch to beat for the first half of 2011.

[Via IntoMobile]

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MasterCard Launches ‘ATM Hunter’ for Android

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 09:28 AM PST

Smartphones are taking over our daily lives, and in a good way. They not only provide a way of communication, but they provide vast amounts of information in the palm of our hands. To make life even easier MasterCard has released an ATM finding application, ATM Hunter for Android.

The ATM application has been on the iPhone and Blackberry for quite some time, and according to MasterCard its a brilliant move to bring it to the fastest growing platform.

Just as you would expect, the application uses the location-based technologies built into Android and your device to determine where you are. Once it gets your location it will display a map of all the ATMs in your area. Users can even customize their search based on their own unique banking needs. An example would be a search for a specific financial institution if they need to make a deposit or find ATMs that do not charge them fees.

The application is available now in the Android Market.

[Via BusinessWire]

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Skip the Activation Message on the Sprint Galaxy Tab with this Quick Hack

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 09:18 AM PST

If you have a Sprint Galaxy Tab, then you know the activation message every boot up can be quite the annoyance. There are many ways to get rid of it on the other carrier’s devices but, for some reason, these all do not work too well with the Sprint device. Well leave it to the smart developers at XDA to find a way past this message.

XDA member mmathai77 has posted a quick and easy step-by-step process that will allow you to get rid of this annoyance. The process is relatively simple and only requires you to be rooted with access to Root Explorer or other app that lets you modify files in the root of the device, but, as aways you should be careful.

To get rid of the message:

  • Use Root explorer and go to: /system/app/
  • Put the folder in R/W mode (look at top for button)
  • Now look for: sprintadroidextension.apk
  • Long hold press it, copy it and paste it in another folder as backup.
  • Go back to /system/app/ and long hold press sprintadroidextension.apk again and Delete it.
  • Put the folder back in R/O mode.

That’s it, restart once more to see that the device will not display an activation message!

[Via XDA]

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LG Optimus to Bring Back Color Customization in Phones

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 09:09 AM PST

Let’s face it, smartphones are pretty masculine. From the sleek black to the glass front, devices are lacking what they used to boast: customization.

"One of the biggest complaints we have is that smartphones are too similar and too masculine.”

LG, in a recent interview with PocketLint, told the website that they are planning to bring back customization, but this time to the smartphone market. They plan on doing this with customizable and interchangeable back plates.

"In terms of what is included in the box, that hasn't been decided, but it’s most likely to be one back cover. You'll be able to buy more back covers to change the appearance of the phone,” Choi tells PocketLint.

With this approach on smartphones, we will not only see smartphones in different colors, we will see them become more of an option because they will be becoming less intimidating to new users who would like to have their phone be a bit personal.

[Via Pocketlint]

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Verizon’s LG Ally Android 2.2 Froyo update gets early release

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 07:39 AM PST

Verizon has beat its own launch estimate for the Android 2.2 update for the LG Ally, with Froyo now available for the QWERTY smartphone. Originally expected sometime in February, the update is now available as an OTA release; you can either wait for the Ally to prompt you with the new firmware, or trigger it manually via the Settings page.

According to Verizon, the update is 52.3MB. More on the LG Ally in the full Android Community review.

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HTC ThunderBolt to Support Both Voice and Data in LTE Areas Simultaneously

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 07:39 AM PST

Say what? If you’re on T-Mobile or AT&T or Sprint, you’ve never heard of this before – non-simultaneous voice and data? That’s wacky! Up until now this sort of thing was not available to Verizon customers, but it appears as though it’s about to be, and on the HTC ThunderBolt on their 4G LTE network no less. Seems kinda like this should have always been a feature… right?

The image you see above, provided by a source to A.Central, also notes that the ThunderBolt is the first Verizon device to be able to share it’s 3G or 4G connection with “up to eight” wifi devices with its mobile hotspot feature. They note that this is the first Verizon device to feature Skype mobile working with it’s front-facing camera, and that it’s the first smartphone to feature HTC’s Sense 2.0, allowing customer customization – sure, sure it does, suuure.

[Via Engadget]

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PlayStation Phone XPERIA Play Due at MWC, PSP 2 on January 27

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 07:04 AM PST

Heck, they’re both basically the same thing, right? Nah. It’d be interesting to compare the two directly though, especially since we basically now KNOW that both the Sony machine and the Android-based XPERIA Play are going to be released within weeks of eachother. Bloomberg reports with sources confirming the release schedule, and Bloomberg is usually right. Furthermore, both devices will be working on a more networked media and entertainment sort of system that’s yet to be revealed by Sony.

Sony is tipped to be getting ready a more networked media and entertainment program with both the PlayStation Phone (aka XPERIA Play) and the PSP 2 in tow. This new program will include all sorts of media including games, movies, music, and more – and when I say program, I don’t mean it’s an application or a disk-install sort of situation, I mean they’re pushing for a more networked system of doing things, and thusly may release something new to make this happen. All of this has been tipped to be taking on Nintendo and Apple full force – power up!

[Via SlashGear]

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Samsung Vibrant 4G Passing Through FCC

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 06:42 AM PST

It’s getting closer! Take a peek at this FCC application that’s just passed, it’s got all the markings of a possible next wave version of the original, and not much to hold us back from such a conclusion. The original T-Mobile Vibrant had the model number SGH-T959, this new one is dubbed SGH-T959V. It’s a Samsung device, and it has support for AWS – just what a T-Mobile handset would need to access their 3G / 4G network.

This had better be the new Vibrant too, if they’re going to reach that launch date as well as an appearance at this year’s Mobile World Congress. For that matter, we’d better be seeing more than a couple more phones passing through the same door in the next few days or expect some totally unauthorized phones at the show! Take a peek at some Samsung Vibrant 4G contravercy right over here.

[Via FCC]

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Line2 VoIP/SMS app arrives on Android [Video]

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 05:32 AM PST

Line2 has released a version of its mobile comms app for Android, bringing the same SMS and VoIP functionality iOS users have been enjoying to Android-based phones and tablets. The app allows calls to be routed over WiFi, 3G/4G data, or cellular voice using the same number.

Line2 is free for 30 days and then priced at $9.95 per month for unlimited US/Canada calls and texts; calls to international numbers start at $0.02 per minute. It’s a free download in the Android Market.

Press Release:

Award Winning Line2 Mobile Communication App Now on Android

Line2 with Unlimited Calling and SMS Texting
Now Available on Android OS

San Francisco, CA — The groundbreaking Line2 app – the first and only tri-mode VoIP/Cell calling app in the world – is now available for Android phones and tablets. Toktumi, Inc., the company that developed Line2, announced today that its SMS-enabled VoIP app can now be downloaded in the Android marketplace. Line2 becomes the first VoIP app for Android to feature carrier-grade SMS texting combined with feature-rich calling functionality, allowing customers to use one number for both types of communication.

Customers use Line2 to add a second line to their smartphone or turn an iPod or tablet device into a fully-featured telephone. The app allows customers to make phone calls and send texts where they don't have cell reception, reduce their cell bills, add a second line for business use, or get another number so they can keep their personal cell number private. Many customers take advantage of Line2's free port-in offer, which lets them move an existing number to Line2 free of charge.

Line2 for Android includes all of the functionality and features that are currently available to Apple iOS users plus few Android-only features, such as the ability to speak their text messages and have them transcribed so they can text without typing.

No other app offers the features and functionality of Line2. Line2's tri-mode VoIP/cellular calling capabilities allow Android users to place and receive calls over Wi-Fi, 3G/4G data, or cellular voice networks using the same number, ensuring that calls will always get through. If Wi-Fi isn't available, Line2 can use the phone's 3G or 4G data network to place or receive the call. This allows callers to avoid cellular minute charges while still having complete mobility. If a reliable data connection is not available, for example while in a moving vehicle, Line2 can still place and receive calls using the phone's cellular voice line, although with the Line2 number. The application detects the best available network based on customer preferences and places and receives calls over that network automatically. This allows customers to use one app and number for all types of calling, an industry-first.

"We are so excited to bring Line2 to Android devices." said Peter Sisson, Founder and CEO of Toktumi. "We designed Line2 for Android from a clean slate, rather than just porting over the user experience from our Apple version. We kept all the features, but we adopted UI conventions familiar to Android customers, and took advantage of some cool Android capabilities."

Line2 for Android offers full backgrounding support. This means customers can receive calls on their Line2 number even when they are running other apps, browsing the web, or listening to music. Line2 customers can be sure to never miss a call, even if they don't have cell reception.

The app's Wi-Fi capabilities allow international travelers to place and receive calls while overseas without incurring voice or data roaming charges. When using Line2 over Wi-Fi, calls to any number back home will be free as will calls to other Line2 users, wherever they are worldwide. Calls to international numbers start at $0.02 per minute, whether calling from home or abroad. Line2's Wi-Fi call quality is better than traditional cellular quality, and Wi-Fi calls between two Line2 customers use 16-kHz HD audio for crystal clear sound quality that is stunning to experience.

Line2 is a free download that comes with 30 days of free service. After that, service costs just $9.95/month for unlimited US/Canada calling and texting.

Also available for Android is Toktumi Unlimited which comes with all of the features of Line2 plus business PBX features like auto-attendant (“Press 1 for…”), call screening, caller-specific call forwarding, after-hours settings, and Mac/PC-based calling for just $14.95/month.

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T-Pain Booty Symphony app is chocked full of booty shakin’ fun

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 04:57 AM PST

If you like Android, T-Pain, and booty, you have hit the app lottery today. T-Pain and his label Nappy Boy have launched an app that is called Booty Symphony that I would bet you could guess the major feature off simply from the name.

The app has various ladies shaking that booty and comes with three sound boards that are made from beats of three popular tracks from Nappy Boy including “I Support Single Mothers”, “I’m a Freak”, and “Pont ‘Em Out.” You can mix and record you won 30-second music video using the jiggling bums on the screen.

Once you use up all the booty the app comes with and need more you can shoot your own booty video and use it in your videos. The video can be shared on YouTube and on other social media too. You can get free and paid versions of the app right now on GetJar.

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Official Starbucks mobile payment app in the works, third party app offered now

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 04:26 AM PST

Purveyor of pricy coffee and other hot drinks Starbucks announced today that it has officially started accepting mobile phone payments from users nationwide. The mobile payments option has been in testing in a few key cities for a while now and Starbucks claims that mobile payments are the fastest way to pay for drinks at the store.

The catch is that there is no official Android app available from Starbucks right now; the company says it is in the works though. Until the official app lands for Android devices, you can make do with the Starbucks Card Widget. The app allows you to manage the balance on your Starbuck cards and see how much money is on them at any given time. The app will also update those balances automatically so you always know how much loot you have for coffee.

Other cool features of the app include the capability to route you to the closest Starbucks near you and it will work on registered and unregistered Starbuck cards. The app is free and has no ads or anything else to irritate you when you are using it. The app will work for Android 1.6 and up and is on the Android market right now. To use the app you just scan the barcode it produces using the scanner at checkout.

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WebMD launches Android app for clinical reference for healthcare pros

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 03:19 AM PST

WebMD has announced that its Medscape app is now available for Android users. The app is aimed at the medical professional working in the clinical setting needing a good, free reference app. The app offers medical reference information, news, and education on the Android smartphone. The app has previously been offered on the iPhone and Blackberry platforms and 700,000 medical pros have registered and downloaded the app so far.

The Android app has a drug reference database that covers 8,000 different brand name, generic, and over the counter medications. It has a drug interaction checker that will find any interactions between combinations of up to 30 different drugs, herbals, or supplements with details on those interactions from minor to contraindicated.

Other features include an in-depth clinical reference and treatment guide for a vast array of diseases and conditions, and the drug and clinical reference portions are updated constantly. The app also has access to the continuing medical education topics that medical pros need for their licenses across 30 different specialty areas. The app can be downloaded for free.

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Android owners most platform-tenacious claim researchers

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 02:13 AM PST

Android owners are second only to iPhone users for platform loyalty, according to the latest set of figures from researchers Zokem. Their stats suggest that, while iPhone owners report the greatest satisfaction with their devices, Android device owners are more likely to purchase another Android device.

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Notion Ink’s Adam slate ships today, Wednesday 19 2011

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 01:06 AM PST

According to Notion Ink, the company’s Adam tablets will ship out today, now that FCC approval codes can be printed onto the slate itself. As well as those pre-orders that are listed as shipping in January in their online status summary, Notion Ink is aiming to push out those orders estimated for February delivery.

That’s because the company apparently built in some extra time padding into the schedule, based on over-cautious fears about FCC delays. So, who’ll be watching the post box eagerly?

notion_ink_adam_shipping_5 notion_ink_adam_shipping_4 notion_ink_adam_shipping_3 notion_ink_adam_shipping_1 notion_ink_adam_shipping_2 )


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