Monday, 24 January 2011

Android Community

Android Community


Notion Ink Adam Tablets Arriving Now, Update Errors Happening

Posted: 24 Jan 2011 11:01 AM PST

Take a look in your mailbox, oh you lovers of the Adam Android tablet that are expecting them to arrive soon, as they do seem to be popping up all over the place today. You’ll be so happy when you get yours, and we’d just love to hear your unboxing story when you get it. One individual went so far as to hug the delivery man when he got his in the UK.

A mister Shane Trafford is the owner of the box you see above. This unboxing of course comes after the so-called “official” unboxing as done by Notion Ink itself, seen back over here if you care to take a peek. One thing we have been hearing from fans is that the software update that’s waiting on your tablet when you receive it might not work exactly correctly. Users are reporting that the update doesn’t quite download all the way, and unknown repercussions are taking place.

Have you gotten your Adam yet? Did the update work for you? Take a peek at the “Notion Ink Error?” thread in the forums to trade feedback.

On a related note – have any of you finalists from the Logo Contest received your “deep discount” yet?

[Via Slashgear]

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Florian Mueller claims six more Android files use Oracle code

Posted: 24 Jan 2011 06:10 AM PST

Over the weekend, we wrote that the Florian Muller claims that Android files were stolen from Oracle were bunk. Muller is now claiming to have found even more files that are inside Android that were taken from Oracle code.

Muller claims that he found six more files inside Android that were copied directly from Java. He also claims to have found 37 files that carried the Sun disclaimer “PROPRIETARY/CONFIDENTIAL” and “DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!”

How or if the new claims will have any effect on the legal battle between Google and Oracle is unknown at this point. With the previous claims by Muller being claimed as insignificant, we can only wait and see if this has any bearing on the case.

Via TomsHardware

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Motorola Glam XT 800 dual-sim Android phone works with any CDMA SIM

Posted: 24 Jan 2011 06:02 AM PST

If you travel a lot and need a phone that can support dual SIM cards Motorola’s dual-SIM packing Glam XT 800 might be just what you need. The Android-powered smartphone has a slot that will work with any CDMA SIM card to get you connected for voice and data anywhere you might roam.

The other SIM card slot holds a GSM SIM card. The smartphone has a 3.7-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 854 x 480. The screen has Gorilla Glass over the top and supports multi-touch. It also has GPS, HDMI output, a 5MP camera with dual LED flash, and 5x digital zoom.

The smartphone also has Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G data, GPRS, geo tagging capability, and integrated image stabilization. The phone has Android 2.1 onboard and a 1390 mAh battery inside good for over five hours of talk. The phone has 32GB of storage as well and a 550MHz processor.

Via Amitbhawani

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Nuance Dragon speech SDK for Android apps available

Posted: 24 Jan 2011 05:53 AM PST

The voice recognition technology from Nuance shows up in a lot of places that you might not realize it is used in. We all know the company from its apps for translation and voice search on Android devices and other smartphones. The company is also known for its line of PC voice control software.

Nuance is also the provider of the voice recognition tech behind the Ford Sync platform as well. Nuance has announced that the SDK for its Dragon speech platform has been opened up on the Android and iPhone platforms.

The SDK allows developers to integrate the Dragon speech tech into their apps allowing for voice control and more. The SDK is free to download and use and apparently, there are no royalties if the SDK is used for paid apps.

Via Electronista

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NVIDIA Tegra 3 detailed: quadcore, 3x graphics and sampling Q4 2011

Posted: 24 Jan 2011 05:32 AM PST

Having seen a 3D-related section leak earlier, the remainder of NVIDIA’s 2011 roadmap for mobile processors has emerged, and it’s not just three-dimensions that the company is considering. According to the document – believed by Bright Side of News to have been prepared for MWC 2011 next month – NVIDIA expects to begin sampling the Tegra 3 SoC in Q4 2011, with two versions suiting tablets and smartphones respectively.

The Tegra 3 T30 is headed to tablets, promising up to four 1.5GHz ARM Cortex A9 cores along with support for Blu-ray video and capable of driving a 1920 x 1200 panel, with 3x faster graphics and an ULP (Ultra Low Power) mode. Meanwhile the Tegra 3 AP30 is for phones, with either dual- or quad-cores, and capable of 1366 x 868 resolution displays.

Both mean super-high resolution slates and handsets are possible, and both are expected to sample by the end of the year and then likely show up in new products come CES 2012.

[via SlashGear]

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Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc Previewed in Set of Extensive Videos

Posted: 24 Jan 2011 05:11 AM PST

Just as the Sony Ericsson Vivaz 2 got previewed this weekend, another Sony handset, the Xperia Arc, has gotten its time in front of a camera, and this time with video! The 11 and 16 minute videos provide a comprehensive look at the Android Gingerbread-based device as they walk us through many of the device’s basic features.

HDBlog.it has scored both the black and silver variations of the devices and put both through their paces. They note that Sony Ericsson’s Timescape and Mediascape features have been scaled down to widgets making them far less intrusive resulting in a more refined UI and user experience.

Click here to view the embedded video.


Click here to view the embedded video.



From what is shown it looks like Sony Ericsson has another winner on their hands for the 2011 calendar year. Just as with the Vivaz 2, would this be a device that would interest you? Are you willing to give Sony Ericsson another chance in regards to updates for their devices, or will you simply boast the Atrix, BIONIC, Optiimus 2X, or other Android device?

[Via Engadget] )


Team Preparing Android Phone to Launch in Space

Posted: 24 Jan 2011 04:54 AM PST

Researchers at Surrey Satellite Technology are prepping an Android device to launch with their Strand-1 satellite into orbit around the Earth later this year. In an attempt to see how well the device stands the conditions in space, as well as see if the device could be used as the powerhouse of a satellite, the team will be conducting many tests once it reaches orbit.

Image Via G1Wallz

“Smartphones pack lots of components – such as sensors, video cameras, GPS systems and Wifi radios – that are technologically advanced but a fraction of the size, weight and cost of components used in existing satellite systems. And because many smartphones also run on free operating systems that lend themselves to online software developers, the creators of applications for smartphones could feasibly develop apps for satellites,” lead researcher Dr Chris Bridges stated when questioned about the bold move.

While in space, a computer will test the vital statistics of the phone. Checking operation status and conducting tests such as radioing images and messages to Earth, if the phone passes these initial tests, the computer will shut down allowing the device to fully operate the satellite.

The smartphone “processing hub” cost less than £300 which allowed the entire satellite to come in under the price of a family car, says the team.

Bridges goes on to talk about what smartphone-powered satellites could mean for thus industry. “If a smartphone can be proved to work in space, it opens up lots of new technologies to a multitude of people and companies for space who usually can't afford it. It's a real game-changer for the industry.”

[Via TGDaily] )


HTC Sensation trademark triggers tablet Sense speculation

Posted: 24 Jan 2011 02:03 AM PST

HTC has trademarked “HTC Sensation” in the EU, leading to speculation that the company plans to develop a new version of its HTC Sense interface. One suggestion is that HTC intends to use “Sensation” on its upcoming tablet models; three HTC tablets are expected to debut in the first half of 2011, including the HTC Flyer.

“user interface software; computer hardware and software for user interfacing, telecommunications and telecommunications services; computer hardware and software for transmitting and receiving voice, image, data, audio, video and multimedia content” Partial trademark description

However, the broad description of the “HTC Sensation” trademark – which includes user interface software, computer hardware and software for voice calls, video calls and more, and even accessories – could suggest that this is more a marketing phrase than a specific development for HTC products. HTC could be looking to brand the “HTC Sensation” of using one of the company’s devices.

[via GottaBeMobile]

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Advent Vega gets v1.08 update; still no official Flash

Posted: 24 Jan 2011 01:40 AM PST

Advent has pushed out a new firmware release for the Vega Tegra 2 tablet, v1.08, said to clear up several of the slate’s bugs as well as improve screen responsiveness while on mains power. The release also updates the Vega’s WiFi driver.

However, the new firmware still doesn’t include official Adobe Flash Player 10.1 functionality, which Advent yanked back in December over missing certification. That will be “available soon” the company says.

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Sony Ericsson Vivaz 2 Gets Previewed

Posted: 23 Jan 2011 11:28 PM PST

After just producing a profit for 2010, Sony Ericsson has an impressive lineup for 2011 to keep their hot-streak going. One of these devices, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz 2 (MT15i/Halon) has just got a bit of a preview before its official release.

Mobile-Review has gotten their hands on the unit and find it to be very impressive. The device sports a 1GHz Qualcomm MSM7630 with Adreno 205 graphics and 512MB of RAM. The resolution on the second alteration has been improved to 480×854 pixels, which is the maximum available resolution on any Android phone currently.

The review is quite extensive and Mobile-Review finds it to be a very impressive device, so head over for the full details and comprehensive preview. What do you think? Would this be a device that would interest you? Are you willing to give Sony Ericsson another chance in regards to updates for their devices, or will you simply boast the Atrix, BIONIC, Optiimus 2X, or other Android device?

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LG Optimus V Gets Priced, $149 at Virgin Mobile

Posted: 23 Jan 2011 11:16 PM PST

And just like that we get a price of the upcoming LG Optimus V for Virgin Mobile. The Optimus series, being one of the best entry-level Android series, has sure been a popular array of devices. And with it launching on yet another network, we can expect its market share to keep growing at a steady rate.

According to a Virgin Mobile sign uncovered by Android Central, the device will retail for $149.99 when it’s made available. As far as when this date is, we still are in the dark, but with the influx of rumors of this device hitting the net, and now official pricing, we can’t expect to wait much longer.

Are you a fan of the Optimus series? Will you be picking up a Optimus V? Let us know!

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Tegra 2 3D Chips Coming Spring 2011

Posted: 23 Jan 2011 10:20 PM PST

NVIDIA was huge in the mobile marketplace at this year’s CES with the official unveiling of their Tegra 2 platform to be included in “Super phones.” And now, according to a leaked slide from their upcoming Mobile World Congress presentation, they will have a Tegra 2 3D chip ready for Spring release.

It seemed like the only thing as big as tablets at this years CES was 3D, so it makes sense that NVIDIA will be pushing hard into this market for the 2011 calendar year. The chips will be clocked at 1.2GHz and will be meant for both mobile phones and tablets featuring 3D screens.

With this chip we can expect the year 2011 to not only be the year of tablets, but the year of bringing 3D to mobile devices. What do you think? Do you think 3D belongs in the mobile space? Is it just a “phase,” or will it actually be here to stay with devices in the future?

[Via SlashGear]

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LG Optimus V Coming to Virgin Mobile

Posted: 23 Jan 2011 08:58 PM PST

There has been a lot of talk about the LG Optimus line. From the starter series all the way up to the advanced 2X series, users just can’t seem to get enough of LG’s lineup. Now, confirming many rumors, Virgin Mobile is prepping to launch the LG Optimus V on their network.

The phone is currently available on the Sprint network and features a 600MHz processor and Android 2.2. Don’t let it’s specs fool you, the device is actually quite perfect for the average user or first-time smartphone owner.

It’s expected to launch on the network without the WiFi hotspot service as Virgin is known to promote Broadband2Go instead of mobile phone access. Further details such as included services and pricing will be coming here shortly, so stay tuned!

[Via PhoneNews, Thanks Helter!]

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Android 2.3 Gingerbread hits… the HTC Hero?!

Posted: 23 Jan 2011 07:26 PM PST

The HTC Hero, the first phone ever to sport the ever popular HTC Sense interface, finally has a decent Android 2.3 Gingerbread ROM in its arsenal. Named aospCMod, by XDA Developer aosp, is built from the CyanogenMod 7 nightlies. It has been out for a good while, but after the update released last night we can say that it is very stable. The main feature included in this past update is the functionality of the camera/camcorder. Hero development has decreased tremendously over the past six months, a time we all knew was coming. Fortunately a few developers have been sticking it out until the end – even as superb devices such as the Nexus S hit the shelves.

When using ADWLauncher EX, on the “fast” preset, this ROM really flys. With such limited resources every consideration has to be made to conserve them. The only issue we have had is with the natively included portable hotspot and the power-on/power-off animation. Fortunately, the Wireless Tether application still works perfectly. The animation works, but the screen density must be altered to 140 from 160 – even then it performs sluggishly. If you decide on giving aospCMod a try, it can be found here.

[Via XDA Developers]

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ADW Launcher EX Updated, Several Awesome Additions Added

Posted: 23 Jan 2011 05:29 PM PST

So you’re the sort of person that likes a custom experience on your Android phone, but you don’t necessarily like to hack, yes? You’re in luck, as there’s one fantastic app that does such a thing and it requires absolutely no rooting, ROM using, or tinkering in the least bit (unless you consider searching through all the new options you’ll have to be tinkering.) This home screen replacement app is called ADW Launcher EX, and it’s beem updated this weekend to version 1.2.2, a version that, in addition to all the fantastic features it’s had in the past, now has a large selection of 8 nice looking custom docks, plus a few more minor (but neato) changes as well.

In addition to the new dock options, you can now:

• Disabling of elements and reordering by drag and drop can now be accessed in the reorderable main menu [ADWSettings/General behavior/System settings].
• A slightly choppy (fixed soon, we suppose) transparency support for the 4D drawer.
• When using transparent background in the 4D app drawer there is now a show black fading edges option.
• Support for CUSTOM images for hidden dockbar and dock.
• Ability to change drawer icons text colors.
• Menu/Lock now locks app drawer too.
• Old style previews when statusbar was hidden FIXED
• Fancy background transparency issues FIXED
• Force Closes FIXED
• Various stability and code improvements added.

Go grab this app in the market, it costs a few bucks, and it’s completely worth it all day, all week, all year long.

BONUS: ADW Launcher EX has a plethora of custom themes whipped up by adventurous collaborators, one of them being called “Tron Legacy Pro ADW Theme.” This theme is totally amazing and is the most well put together and nice looking Tron-related setups we’ve seen for Android. It costs $1 and requires ADW Launcher EX to work, and has just been updated to version 1.3 a couple days ago and has just added a bunch more custom icons and a search widget, all of this totally Tron intensive. Light lines everywhere.

[Via Android Marketplace]

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LG Optimus 2X Dual-Core Tegra 2 Phone Coming Soon in White

Posted: 23 Jan 2011 04:49 PM PST

And of course, as always, displayed kindly by two lovely Korean models. Take a peek here at what seems to be the blastoff point for several new phones – case color options, this time on the LG Optimus 2X. This phone is now on sale in Korea, and it’s available in black right this moment and in February also in white.

This phone was amongst the first in the world to be announced with a dual-code Tegra 2 processor, and is currently completely unavailable in the USA. Of course it would be welcome as it looks rather similar to a fruit-flavored phone we all know about but full of Android bits and pieces, but don’t get too pumped up as the torrent of other similar-powered devices will be blowing your way next month via Mobile World Congress 2011.

[Via IT Today]

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Motorola Xoom Launching for $699 at Best Buy February 17th

Posted: 23 Jan 2011 12:24 PM PST

The Xoom was, by far, the best tablet we saw at this year’s CES. Earning Best in Show 2011, the powerful tablet will be one of the first devices to ship with Android 3.0 Honeycomb. The launch date and pricing information has been a bit of a blur for those interested and it looks as if we may finally have some ground as to when we will see the much-hyped tablet.

According to an internal Best Buy document, the Motorola Xoom will go on sale February 17th. Not only has the date been revealed, the price of the tablet has been pegged to $699.

The Xoom will ship with 32GB storage and will it Best Buy stores February 16th with units going on sale the next day.

Will you be getting one? What do you feel about the $800 and $700 price-tags at Verizon and Best Buy respectively? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!

[Via Engadget]

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