Friday, 11 February 2011

Android Community

Android Community


Android App coming to control your home

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 11:10 AM PST

It’s not news that Crestron home automation users use their iOS based smartphones and tablets to control their system.  It saves them thousands over proprietary hand programmed remotes and offers flexibility as well.  But what IS news today is that Crestron has announced that Android users will now be able to join in the savings as well.

The app, slated for release later this Spring/Early Summer, will be able to control everything from Lights and sprinklers to security and suveillance systems, and even home theater systems.  Anything the custom remotes can do, Crestron says the apps will do.

Traditionally, home automation remotes are custom built and programmed and can cost thousands.  Just for a remote. What’s better for home automation fans who enjoy Android or iOs handsets is that this price plummets to the few dollars of an app and also be able use them for other things congruently like surfing the web and email.

For home automation users, it’s a win-win.  Course, the installers won’t like it.  Pray for them.

[via AndroidMeUp]

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Sports Illustrated comes to Android

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 10:32 AM PST

Time has launched Sports Illuatrated for Android.  The subscription based app will be a completely digital version of it’s iconic sports magazine and is available for all Android tablet and smartphone platforms.  Here are the details …

The “All Access” subscription price is a very reasonable $3.99/$48 annually a month for Samsung Galaxy/Android smartphone users and includes Web access.  Users can also pay month to month for a buck more.  In addition, current print subscribers will be upgraded to free digital access for the remainder of their print subscription.  That’s pretty smart.

But the real question is, will the infamous “cover curse” finally be broken or will it have a digital reach?

[via WebProNews]

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LG Optimus 3D P920 Ad Spot – 3D Yoga Lady Demo [VIDEO]

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 10:12 AM PST

We’re awaiting the true experience when it comes to glasses-free 3D, waiting for it to give us something we never knew we needed but definitely need now, if you know what I’m talking about. Although Yoga isn’t something that we’d guess many of the hardcore early-adopter crowd individuals are into, this commercial featuring a lady learning Yoga poses from what appears to be a miraculous display of third dimension graphics via the LG Optimus 3D has some definite potential for double-looks.

While it seems rather absurd that this Yoga woman would have more success looking at a tiny screen rather than a giant TV screen, even if the tiny screen has impossibly amazing 3D capabilities, the prospect of such a screen brightens the mind. LG tosses out a tagline “3D – it’s Better for Real” to let you know that one of the coolest things you can use the phone for is instructions that require you to move your body in a certain way, or for descriptions of items that’d be much better off seen from multiple directions at once.

But the images are clearly added in post. How could a machine possibly display these images so perfectly? If what this commercial would have us believe were true, lightsabers would also work. No need to have a place for the light to land! We can’t wait to get our hands on the phone however, just to see what it’s REALLY capable of.

This phone will almost certainly be revealed at some point next week during World Mobile Congress 2011 in Barcelona. We’ll be there to bring it to you live and on time, and you can keep up to date by hitting our [MWC 2011] portal all week long.

Screen shot 2011-02-11 at 12.05.58 PM Screen shot 2011-02-11 at 12.13.32 PM Screen shot 2011-02-11 at 12.13.06 PM )


T-Mobile offers Galaxy Tab for lowest price yet

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 10:10 AM PST

T-Mobile is really going for it with the Samsung Galaxy Tab, putting it on sale for as low as $249.00.  The slim, 7″ tablet requires a 2-year contract on a qualifying plan the the sale price is after a $50 mail-in rebate.  Half the price of it’s competitor and it runs flash.  What’s not to like?

This limited time offer requires a $35 activation fee per line for a qualifying data plan.  There’s also has all the usual restrictions including a $200 early cancellation fee should the user cancel their contract early.   In addition, supplies are limited, so only one device per customer.  The $50 rebate will take up to eight weeks to be processed.  But still, $250 is a hell of a deal.

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Samsung 10.1 Inch Honeycomb Tablet Coming Within a Week

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 09:50 AM PST

Oh joyous day! Mobile World Congress 2011 is just around the corner and the rumor barrels have gotten to the breaking point – leaks everywhere! A source speaking with PocketLint has confirmed that not only will Samsung be releasing a new tablet this Sunday (two days away!), they’ll be releasing a 10.1-inch tablet packing no less than Android 3.0 Honeycomb!

This device is said to be coming in any color you want so long as it’s black, will be thinner and lighter than the Samsung Galaxy Tab [pictured below], and will be set to go into direct competition with the Motorola XOOM, iPad, and HP TouchPad.

One bit of speculative information, also coming from the same source as the information above, is that this tablet will have a dual-core Qualcomm chip as well as an 8-megapixel camera on the back. It’s also said to have a much smaller bezel than anyone is used to as it’s said to be smaller than the iPad yet with a larger screen.

To find out exactly what’s going on with this prospective bit of amazing technology, keep an eye on our [MWC 2011] portal, and you’ll be the first to know. We’re heading out this weekend and we’ll be all Barcelona ready when the news pops!

[via Pocket Lint]

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Galaxy S2, Desire 2, and Wildfire 2 specs leaked

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 09:34 AM PST

Details have been leaked over at PocketNow of the specs for a handful of phones including the Samsung Galaxy S2, HTC’s Desire 2, Desire HD2 and Wildfire 2.  The leaks come from UK retailer Expansys and it looks like there’s some solid upgrades to catch the eye.  Here’s how they break down:

  • Samsung Galaxy S 2
    • 1.2 Ghz Dual-Core CPU (Qualcomm 8260 SnapDragon), Adreno 205 GPU
    • 4.3″ 800×480 SAMOLED Plus
    • 8MP Camera around back (with LED flash and 1080p video recording), 2MP in front
    • 512 MB RAM
    • 16 GB internal storage, microSD card support
  • HTC Desire HD2
    • 1.2 Ghz Dual-Core CPU (Qualcomm 8260 SnapDragon), Adreno 205 GPU
    • 960×540 3.3″ (typo? should it be 4.3″?) SLCD
    • 8MP in back with LED flash and 1080p video
    • 512MB RAM
    • 8 GB internal storage, microSD support
    • Sense UI 3.0
  • HTC Desire 2
    • 1 Ghz CPU (Qualcomm 8250 SnapDragon), Adreno 200 GPU
    • 3.7″ 800×480 SLCD
    • 5MP rear camera (LED flash and 720p video), 2MP front
    • 512 MB RAM
    • 4 GB internal storage, microSD support
  • HTC Wildfire 2
    • 600 Mhz CPU (Qualcomm MSM7227), Adreno 200 GPU
    • 3.2″ 480×420 TFT
    • 5 MP rear camera (LED flash, 480p video)
    • 384 MB RAM
    • Unspecified internal memory, microSD card support

Nice upgrade package for the Galaxy S2 and Desire HD2 as one would expect, but the other two seem to just be “dot upgrades.”

UPDATE: Expansys has “backed away” from the claims made here, saying they’re “nothing more than speculatively populated product holding pages, created and designed for internal use.”  However, since our previous story on Galaxy S2 specs seem confirmed, it sounds like it’s hitting pretty close to home.

samsung_galaxy_s_ac_111-540x490 htc-desire-hands-on-1-2-4-540x442 htc_wildfire_review_sg_17-540x415

[via PocketNow]

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Radio Shack offers Samsung Phones w/ $50 Trade-in credit

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 09:08 AM PST

Radio Shack’s “Fresh Phone February” promotion continues with trade-in deals on Samsung Epic 4G, Captivate or Transforms.  Those wanting to move up into a new Sammy Android smartphone will get an instant Trade and Save credit of $50 towards a new phone when they trade in their own one. Here’s how it all breaks down …

Epic 4G (Sprint) fans will get a final trade-in price, after $50 credit, of $149.99.  Also with Sprint, the Transform will run users $49.99 after trade in and the older Samsung Captivate will go for a measly $29.99 after the $50 trade and save credit.  The trade in offer is limited to only one per customer, so unfortunately no family wide upgrades.  Additionally, all trade in phones must be eligible and in acceptable working condition.  That means the phone must be powered on and cann be PIN locked.  And alas, no phones with cracked displays or housings or phones with water damage will be accepted either.

This current Radio Shack Fresh Phone February promotion runs from  February 13, through Saturday, February 19.  More phones will be made available under the “Trade and Save” upgrade credit from week to week with the entireFresh Phone  promotion ending on March 5.

So keep checking back with Android Community during the Fresh Phone February for more phones as they become available.

epic4g-shack samsung-captivate-ac Samsung-Transform )


Advent Vega Android Tablet Gets its Flash Player Back

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 08:57 AM PST

Waaay back in December of 2010, the folks at Advent had a rather disturbing set of words to share, all of them adding up to the fact that they’d be pulling Flash Player 10.1 from their Vega tablets until further notice. Why? Because according to Advent, their tablets did "not exhibit the optimal performance that the NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor is capable of running with certain Flash website content." They went on to mention, back in December, that Flash Player would be restored by early 2011. That time is right the heck now, today!

The above tweet was just made minutes ago by Advent, linking you Vega users to the following location for the update: http://bit.ly/cDd99a. This link leads to a download of Build 1.09 which will give you everything you need to run Flash Player 10.1, that lovely magic maker. Advent also notes that a soft update should be coming early next week.

Users! Do you have an Advent Vega? If so, do you use it every day, and are you satisfied with your purchase thus far?

[via Twitter]

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Twitter 2.0 for Android Review

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 07:51 AM PST

Twitter has released their second big official app version in 2.0 for Android, and it looks fabulous. The first major change you’ll notice is the reduction of elements, the app opening up directly to your friends stream rather than bringing you to a page of options (that used to contain tweets, lists, mentions, retweets, messages, my profile, trends, and search.) Each of the items that used to be contained on the initial opening screen are still available, but have essentially been pushed up to the top of the screen where they should have been in the first place to make room for the lists of tweets and such they’re in place to display. NOTE several of the images in this post contain two screens – the left is the version of Twitter right before this update, the right is the current version 2.0.

One of the other notable changes is the move away from BRIGHT BLUE to black. You’ll still see the blue accent in the twitter bird in the upper left of the screen, but it’s no longer so overbearing. Next to the logo along the topmost bar you’ll see the magnifying glass (for search) and the pencil and paper (for writing a new tweet.) The second bar of buttons contains a speech bubble (containing your main friend’s tweet stream,) @ symbol (containing all of the instances where someone has mentioned your twitter name,) letter with down arrow (your private messages,) and a list icon (which contains several more options that aren’t used as often.) This final list icon contains the following: Favorites, Retweets, Suggested Users, and Create New List. There’s also a “Tap to Refresh” which transforms into “Pull down to refresh”* when you’ve added any items to this list area.

This list area is where you’ll be able to view any of the Twitter users lists you’ve created as well as being a simple list creation panel for your future list making. This area (amongst several others) makes the process of using Twitter so enjoyable that you’ll never want to return to the desktop portal to the system.

*”Pull down to refresh” is probably the greatest addition Twitter has made to this version of the app. All you’ve got to do to see all the newest tweets that’ve happened since you first opened your list is to tug down on the list and let go. Poof! New tweets. This is fabulous because if you were to leave the tweets streaming, not only would your data usage potentially go through the roof from constant checking, you’d never be able to read a tweet because the whole list would be constantly moving. This pull down feature appears in several places in the new app.

Trending topics have disappeared! Or so it would seem. In fact they’ve just been knocked down a few pegs (do to non-use I would assume) to the search area. Since the search panel only requires a single line up near the top, it makes perfect sense to fill the rest of the screen with up to date trending topics. Well placed.

Another well placed button is “My Profile.” Since this page is probably accessed once a month by people who wish to update their information, the button for My Profile has been relocated to the menu accessed on the main screen with your physical Android menu button. My Profile ends up looking essentially the same as the old version, with a gigantic EDIT button being a welcome change.

The only bit of the whole app that sticks around no matter where you’re moving around (save for the new tweet screen) is the very top bar (containing the logo, search, and tweet button), making the whole process smooth, visually connected, and completely simple. The app itself moves extremely quickly, never pausing to load once the entire time we were looking at it (and we’re still looking at it, as it’s extremely difficult to close because of how much fun it’s become to use.)

Wrap Up
This version of the Twitter app makes us want to use Twitter even more than we use it now. If Twitter had a dip in users, this would be the app that shot them back into outer space. This version of the app is going to make people stop using third party Twitter apps, making them work harder to create a better Twitter experience – but they’ll be extremely hard pressed to do so.

Grab the app in the Android Marketplace today, it’s free, it’s amazing.

WILL YOU USE IT?

Or will you stick with your current third party Twitter app?

twitterman tweets singletweet searchtrending retweets refresh newlist myprofile mentions lists firstscreen favorites create_tweet )


Immersion unveils MOTIV Haptics dev platform for Android

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 04:13 AM PST

Haptic feedback technology allows touchscreen devices give users more feedback so it is easier to tell when a button or control is activated. There are some phones on the market that use haptics feedback today but most devices don’t. Immersion has announced a new haptics feedback development platform for Android called MOTIV.

The dev platform should make it easier for designers to integrate haptics feedback into new Android devices that will hit the market in the future. The platform has two elements including the MOTIV Integrator for OEMs and the MOTIV SDK for app developers. The Integrator has three parts including the UI module for integrating haptics into the OS user interface, the theme manager module to allow OEMs to choose haptic themes for the OS, and the reverb module that allows apps not optimized for haptics to use haptic feedback.

The SDK is set to hit in March and will offer an assortment of haptics design resources with tools like API, sample code, effect libraries, and more than 100 effects that are already designed. The SDK also has reference docs, and a conversion layer to integrate effects into apps. It also has an effect design studio for advanced users.

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Microsoft Tags now used in USA Today paper

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 03:50 AM PST

The world of print publications are still not doing as well as it once was with the very stiff competition from the internet and the fact that a lot of the advertising dollars that used to be used in print have gone to online publications. Print newspapers are trying all sorts of interactive technology to lure readers back to the print world.

One of the coolest things I have seen a paper do recently is integrating Microsoft Tags into the print publications. USA Today has announced that the Tags are now integrated into each section of its newspaper.

Tags can be scanned and read with a free app that is available for just about every major phone platform including Android. Once the app is loaded up, the user can scan the Tags and the Tags will lead them to content to go along with the story including video and other stuff. You can get the Tags app on the Android Market right now.

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Nokia passes on Android because there “are too many players”

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 03:24 AM PST

Nokia’s new CEO and former Microsoft man Stephen Elop has been blunt with workers when he says that the company is standing on a burning platform with regards to MeeGo. All the blunt talk about how poorly Nokia is performing had me hoping that the company would turn to an interesting OS like Android for its smartphones.

Apparently, Nokia even considered Android for a while and ultimately chose to pass on Android. Elop said, “There are too many players” in the Android market and worried that Nokia wouldn't be able to differentiate its products.

Since Nokia didn't think it could stand out in the Android market it opted to go with Window Phone 7 as the OS for some of its offerings. That is really no surprise considering Elop’s pedigree. The question is will Nokia be able to differentiate in a market where Microsoft is having a hard time competing with its mobile OS, which is only slightly less aflame than MeeGo.

Via SlashGear

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ViewSonic V350 dual-SIM smartphone and ViewPad 10Pro Win7/Froyo slate revealed

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 11:16 PM PST

Double-vision all round with ViewSonic‘s freshly-outed range for MWC 2011, a dual-SIM smartphone and a dual-booting tablet headed to Barcelona next week. The ViewSonic V350 is a 3.5-inch HVGA Android 2.2 Froyo handset which can keep two SIMs active simultaneously, and packs a 5-megapixel camera, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, A-GPS and a microSD card slot.

Meanwhile the ViewSonic ViewPad 10Pro is a 10-inch capacitive 1024 x 600 tablet which can boot into either Windows 7 or Froyo. It has integrated 3G, WiFi and Bluetooth, and ViewSonic reckon the battery is good for up to 6hrs runtime.

No pricing or availability at this stage; we should find out more when Android Community goes to MWC next week.

Press Release:

ViewSonic Europe targets prosumer market with Dual-SIM Android Smartphone and Windows/Android dual-boot Tablet device

Devices to be previewed for the first time in Europe at Mobile World Congress on stand 2B77 Hall 2.

Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, 11 February 2011 – ViewSonic Europe, a global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today announced the launch of its new Dual-SIM Android Smartphone, the V350 and its new 10 inch professional tablet PC, the ViewPad 10Pro. Both products have been designed to enable users to easily access both their work and personal life via just one device and will be previewed for the first time in Europe at Mobile World Congress (2B77 Hall 2) on 14 February 2011.

The V350 Smartphone with 3.5 inch display is an active Dual-SIM device running the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system, enabling the use of two network services at the same time. Its Dual-SIM capability is ideal for businesses wishing to provide staff with a mobile device that can offer separate numbers and bills for both personal and business use. This feature also enables travellers to carry just the one phone whilst still be able to take advantage of different pricing plans and network offers for voice and data in various countries. The V350 however does not compromise in other areas, with Android 2.2, a HVGA capacitive touch screen, 5-megapixel auto-focus camera, Micro-SD expansion, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® 2.1 and assisted GPS navigation.

The ViewPad 10Pro is a 10" professional tablet PC with dual boot functionality, offering a quick switch capability between Windows® 7 Professional for business use and Google Android 2.2 for personal and social entertainment. Dual-boot enables users to access business software that only runs on Windows and investigate Android without switching completely. Many users enjoy the familiarity of Windows but want to get to know Android and configure their preferences before using it more widely. The ViewPad 10Pro is one of the first tablets to have the Intel Oak Trail processor combined with support for flash 10.1 and the new interface provides an excellent navigation experience. It has a 1024×600 LED backlit capacitive multi-touch panel, is fully connected with 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and has at least six hours of battery life.

"Last month Deloitte predicted, in its annual sector forecast, that UK companies will buy more than 10 million tablet devices in 2011. ViewSonic is well placed to capitalize on this market and offers users the best of both worlds from one device" said Derek Wright, Product Marketing Manager at ViewSonic Europe.

"Our V350 Smartphone is one of the most functional Dual-SIM phones on the market. With Android GMS for access to more than 200,000 Google applications, it has powerful multimedia capabilities and with both SIM cards active, you can place and receive calls on each at any time. The Dual-SIM proposition is compelling and will generate considerable market uptake this year." Wright concluded.

For the first time in Europe, ViewSonic will also show its ViewPad 10s 3G. Launched at CES in January, the ViewPad 10s now benefits from 3G functionality that enhances current features that include GPS, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.

About ViewSonic
ViewSonic® Corporation is a leading global provider of visual display and computing products. ViewSonic develops, markets and supports a broad range of innovative products, including computers, LCD monitors, projectors, LCD TVs, digital signage solutions, digital photo frames and other consumer electronics products. For further information, please contact ViewSonic Corporation at 0871 855 3355 or visit http://www.viewsoniceurope.com/uk/.

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Waves of Impact and No Lines for Verizon’s iPhone

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 05:00 PM PST

If you’ll take a quick look at the video below, you’ll see my local Apple store, the one that’s about 15 miles away from the place where I’m sitting right now, filmed by intrepid Apple phone lover’s friend or relative ojezap. This Apple store is located in the Mall of America, aka one of the largest malls in the entire world, right here in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. What you’ll notice is that there’s two people walking into the store and a relatively giant hoard of Apple workers inside the store cheering for them. What’s going on here?

This is the launch day ceremony for the Verizon iPhone 4.

The next glaring example of how surreal the event is comes up closer to the end of the 33 second clip, that being the queue barriers stopping absolutely noone from getting out of line because there is no line. Then you’ll see a man wearing headphones and what appears to be sweatpants walking briskly by. This man is participating in the excellent opportunity afforded by the mall for those wishing to get some exercise in the winter without freezing their noses off in the zero-degree weather outside.

AKA noone is here, the mall isn’t open yet. Apple opened this location early so they could take care of what they assumed were going to be mobs of Apple fanatics, Minneapolis uptown hipsters, and podlings from all the suburbs in the area. Turns out they didn’t show up. Or, more likely, they were a bit more patient than expected.

So what’s all this got to do with Android? It’s not so much about what it has to do with Android now as it is about what it’ll have to do with Android in the very near and then extended future of the mobile industry. You know as well as I do that people aren’t going to cancel their contract with one phone company just to go to another extremely similar phone company to sign up for brand new 2 year contract on essentially the same device, especially when they know Apple announces SOMETHING new every year – this year looking likely to be the year of iPhone 5, iPad 2, and oh, I dunno, Nano Light Bright Air.

Android is protected from this no-line fate.

We’ll let the next few months decide.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab Maintenance Update EA24

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 03:57 PM PST

If you’ve got a Samsung Galaxy Tab on the Sprint network, you’ll be noticing an update being pushed to your device today or tomorrow, this update being for several bugs and enhancements. Amongst these are new drivers for your LCD supplier, a QIK software update to 0.04.77 that will overlay the version you’ve currently got on your device, and Exchange email fixes you probably wont even notice.

Included in this update, this update that will come to your device automagically, are several notes you should be aware of. First, be aware that the software version for this update is: Baseband S:P100.08 S.EA24, Build SPH-P100.EA24. Next, be aware that the amount of time you should be leaving your device to download and install this update is approximately 5 minutes.

Know furthermore that this update will not come to you all at once, but that after each update you’ll be able to run your device as normal. The updates will come to you periodically throughout your day, with 100% of your download and installation done at the most inside 4 days. Further instructions on how to do this update can be found below if you’re all antsy in your pantsy and just want this update NOW instead of waiting:

Update your software
To update your Galaxy Tab over the air
1. From the Home screen, tap Menu
2. Select Settings > About My Galaxy Tab > System updates
3. Choose either Update Android or Update Firmware
4. Your Samsung Galaxy Tab will automatically download and install any available updates. You may need to power it off and back on to complete the software upgrade.

Check the version on your tablet
To find the software version on your Samsung Galaxy Tab™
1. From the Home screen, tap Menu
2. Select Settings > About My Galaxy Tab
3. The Build Number and Baseband Version show the current version on your device

[via Sprint Community]

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LG Optimus Pad aka G-Slate Destroyed by Transformers

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 03:16 PM PST

The reviews are in, and it appears that LG, T-Mobile, and Optimus Prime have some talking to do. The following commercial is one that’s been released in the past 24 hours by LG then quickly taken back down again, presumably because everyone in the world hates is so much. The ad spot shows the G-Slate, aka the LG Optimus Pad, transforming into the leader of the Go-Bots, Optimus Prime. This robot then gets his punch on with a Megatron of sorts, this evil robot turning out to be an embodiment of the Apple brand, (and we assume, the iPad.)

The commercial itself is a pretty fun concept, and when Citroen did it back in 2006, it was executed really well! Here though, LG seems to have messed up when they chose which animators would be working on their half-rate preview of the more than likely perfectly fine tablet. First, check out the Citroen commercial here, and remember it fondly:

Then behold the brand new advertisement having a go at Apple twice in so many minutes. First the opposing transformer is thrown into a thinly veiled Apple headquarters, then Optimus Prime smashes a perfectly good apple in his hand near the end. I suppose he is a robot, and does not have to eat, but we’ve got a love for honeycrisp, and a dislike of wasting food:

That said, we’re still looking forward to the actual tablet. It’s original video spot is much calmer than this new wild ride. Take a peek at this TRON loving spot from back during CES 2011:

Which one of the above three do you like best? Not that a car ad would make you want to purchase a tablet, but hey, Transformers, man, you’ve gotta do em right or not do them at all.

*NOTE: I know the difference between Transformers and Go-Bots. Go-Bots are way, way better, and Transformers totally copied them.

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HTC ThunderBolt Release Date Confirmed by BGR

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 02:39 PM PST

As you may already know, the release date for the HTC ThunderBolt that’s been spreading around the streets like a fine butter has last been reported as February 24th, 2011. Now, our good pal Jonathan S Geller of Boy Genius Report (BGR) has also confirmed that date, so we can basically etch that in stone. BGR never lies, ever. Their source has locked down the release date for the HTC ThunderBolt to February 24th, and that’s both at Best Buy and Verizon Wireless.

If you’d like to know more about the HTC ThunderBolt, the sweetest phone to crash down from the heavens and fall upon Verizon like a storm, just hit the [HTC THUNDERBOLT] portal and you’ll be brought to a magical rainstorm of information on the phone the likes of which have never before been seen.

[via BGR]

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Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses [FULL SPOILER] [Including FB Levels]

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 12:11 PM PST

The time has come, ladies and gentlepigs, for the newest installment of Angry Birds, that being the Valentine’s day expansion for Angry Birds Seasons. This expansion features 54 new levels and a theft of girlfriend egg theme. Also included in this expansion is a link to an Angry Birds Seasons Facebook app that’ll let you create your own Angry Birds Valentine’s Day cards and post them on your friends walls. Below you’ll see a full spoiler guide, each and every one of the levels you’ll be encountering on your way to full hearts – PLUS see how to grab three bonus Facebook levels.

First, lets get to those secret levels you’ll be able to get via Facebook. All you’ve got to do is push past the first screen on Valentine’s Day levels (aka Hogs and Kisses world 1) and you’ll see a locked screen of 3 levels with a Facebook thumbs-up.

Unlocked Facebook Levels after “Like”

Click the thumb, as it is a link, and you’ll be brought to a Facebook page where you’ll be asked to Like the Angry Birds Seasons page. If you’ve already liked it in the past, un-like it and re-like it. Once you’ve done this, hit back a few times to return to the second Valentine’s world in the ABS app, and you’ll see that the three levels have been unlocked.

Inside the Valentine’s Day world, aka the Hogs and Kisses world, you’ll see a similar world to what you encountered in the Halloween edition of the game (and to the Christmas edition to a smaller degree) as there are floating items all around (falling leaves or snowflakes in the past, ascending hearts here,) and bonus items are white winged hearts that when hit, explode into red floating hearts. So many hearts you wont know what to do with yourself.

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 1

Also included in these levels are stronger bits of wood, longer bits of wood, and constructions of wood that you’ve not seen before. There’s a giant sideways H in one level that’ll be particularly discouraging for you if you don’t realize the key to blasting through this world with no sweat. What is that key?

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 2

That key is the clouds. Essentially everything sits upon them, but they’re so easy to break that even a red bird can do it. If you find yourself stuck in any world on this Valentine’s day edition of the game, just break the ground out from under it!

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 3

You’ll see “flying” pigs in this edition, these pigs are just attached to invisible strings – you’ll see once you tap one of them without destroying. Also watch out for the lady pigs with bows, there are several places where those bows will block your first blow (acting like a helmet) making you possibly loose a whole bird in the process.

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 4

Once you’re done with all of the levels, you’ll of course be challenged to grab three stars on the whole world. We’ll leave that part to you. We’re not quite THAT obsessive.

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 5

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 6

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 7

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 8

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 9

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 10

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 11

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 12

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 13

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 14

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Level 15

In the gallery below you’ll see every screenshot we’ve taken, including shots from the Facebook Valentine’s Day Angry Birds Seasons page, completion screen for beating the whole world, and some other cute bits. Take a peek at all of them if you dare.

But before that, you’ve gotta see the Facebook levels!

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Facebook Bonus Level 1

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Facebook Bonus Level 2

Angry Birds Hogs and Kisses Facebook Bonus Level 3

Now go get that game and play the heck out of it! You’ve only got a few days before the love is gone!

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HTC Wildfire 2 Caught on HTC Innovation Ad

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 11:50 AM PST

The Android-loving three letter name having mobile phone manufacturing group HTC has released a new commercial for the web (and more than likely for television as well) that might very well be showing the next generation of HTC Wildfire. The phone looks mighty similar save for one feature – the trackball. The trackball in that there IS no trackball on this new version. How about that?

It’s our belief that more than likely Android is moving away as a whole from physical buttons as Android 3.0 Honeycomb has no need for them and Android 2.4 or 2.5 Ice Cream will more than likely intercept the same lost need for buttons off its screen. What you’re seeing in the image above is the clip from the advertisement on the left showing what appears to be a brand new HTC Wildfire 2, while on the right is a press image of the original HTC Wildfire.

Now I know a lot of you aren’t pulling your wigs off in anticipation of this phone as it’ll more than likely be a mid-tier phone, not quite what you’re willing to stand in line for. But us here on Android Community are very pumped up about it as it will create yet another portal into the world of Android for those that are unfamiliar with it and aren’t quite willing to pay $200 to check it out. Growth for Android is good for everybody! Now take a look at this extremely well made ad that has more than a couple more easter eggs as well:

[via Swedroid]

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