Thursday, 22 September 2011

Android Community

Android Community


Verizon Wireless blocking apps and their updates in the Market

Posted: 22 Sep 2011 11:19 AM PDT

We all know that carriers allow or block certain applications to and from the market — some for the better, and others for the worst like we have here. Obviously carrier specific apps like Verizon’s NFL Mobile are only accessed by Verizon devices and are blocked to the rest. It now seems Verizon is taking this a step further and are blocking apps in the market, even ones you’ve already purchased.

Part of this is nothing new. In an attempt to block users from rooting and illegally tethering their connections and sucking up Verizon’s bandwidth they’ve blocked or tried to stop users from downloading popular “root required” tethering apps such as Easy Tether, Wireless Tether and more. Today this entire story seems to be taking a turn for the worst. Before Verizon was just blocking apps they deem to violate their terms, but what if you’ve paid for the app and used it for months and now it suddenly wont work, or they block the updates. Not cool right?

The image above tells the story quite well. The big yellow banner appeared on a Reddit users Verizon Wireless phone while trying to update his paid version ($9.99) of EasyTether. Verizon is now blocking not only the apps, but it appears they are able to block users from updating said applications too. So, when new phones come out that need to be added to the supported list and the apps require updates or fixes users are out of luck. What if you flash a new custom ROM, will this app you’ve paid for be missing from the market? Are we just out the $9.99, tough luck?

Obviously this is a fine line here as illegally tethering your connection — especially those with unlimited accounts that are basically getting internet for free are doing something illegal, and not very nice. Some users tether to their home computers and consume huge amounts of data. While we don’t condone stealing or pirating, what Verizon might be doing here is pretty bad too. We don’t know if this is an isolated event or not but will be sure to dig deep and get to the bottom of the situation.

Note: Users can enter airplane mode (killing data connection) and then update these applications over Wi-Fi networks, but that is just a temporary solution that may not last either.

[via Droid Matters]

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AT&T Galaxy S II kernel source code released already by Samsung

Posted: 22 Sep 2011 10:56 AM PDT

Let the hacking, modding and overclocking begin once this device is finally able to be purchased. Samsung has already released the kernel source code for the AT&T version of the Galaxy S II, even though the phone isn’t even out yet. We sure wish other companies would do the same (hint HTC). While Samsung released the code for the Epic 4G Touch on launch day, they’ve gone a step further here and it’s already available before the phone itself.

Now developers and users can download the source code and tweak, modify and change whatever their hearts desire. The Galaxy S II already is a stellar performing device but crank it up to 1.8 GHz and it will truly fly. Everything is available over at the Samsung open source center.

To make things even easier we’ll take it one step further and for access to the AT&T SGSII source code we’ve found it for you so just head over and download it by clicking here. This should make things readily available so when the phone launches next week developers will already have a head start. For those that may have missed it the AT&T Galaxy S II will be available October 2nd, and for just $199.

If you’ve been debating the purchase of the AT&T variant here is our hands-on coverage as well as another video showing the Galaxy S II’s featured apps and more.

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HTC EVO 4G and Kyocera Echo hitting end of life

Posted: 22 Sep 2011 10:29 AM PDT

Well folks, we knew this day was coming eventually for the highly highly popular HTC EVO 4G, and I’m sure plenty expected it for the Kyocera Echo but today both of these Android smartphones have hit EOL (End of Life). Obviously the EVO 4G lasted much longer than the other and its reign has lasted a long time. Being the first 4.3″ Android phone powered by 4G it was a sure hit and I still see the EVO 4G more than most to this day.

Recently the Now Network powered by WiMAX have announced that both of these smartphones as well as a few Blackberries will reach end of life and be no more. This is sort of a bittersweet feeling because the EVO 4G was such a powerful and revolutionary phone for Android. This also means we have plenty of exciting things in the future they feel will overshadow the once top tier phone. Don’t worry my EVO 4G lovers because better things are en route, or you could snag the EVO 3D.

According to sources the EVO 4G and Kyocera Echo will both reach the EOL list within the next few weeks. The EVO in white has already been axed and the rest are coming starting next month. So what does this mean? Can you still buy the EVO 4G should you choose? Yes, but not for long. Obviously warranty replacement units will be readily available for quite a while and most new users will probably opt for something like the EVO 3D or the new Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch.

A sad day for the EVO 4G indeed, but I don’t have much to say about the Echo and I don’t think anyone else does either. Its short-lived life on the market shows us just how well that odd little device sold. If you still want the original EVO 4G you’d better hurry and snag one while they are still around.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : EVO 4G
    Manufactuer : HTC
    Carrier : Unknown
    Announced Date : March 23, 2010
    Release Date : June 04, 2010
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.30 Inch
  • Resolution : 480x800
  • Screen Type : TFT
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 4.80 Inch
  • Width : 2.60 Inch
  • Depth : 0.50 Inch
  • Weight : 170 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1500 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : 144 hours
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : Snapdragon
    CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz
    Core : 1
    Ram : 512 MB
    Internal Storage : 1 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 720p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
    CDMA Band:
  • 800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 2.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :

[via Android Police]

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Sprint to cap mobile hot spot data plans starting October 2

Posted: 22 Sep 2011 08:42 AM PDT

Sprint has gone and killed off one of the few things that many of us liked about the carrier. It has stuck to the unlimited offerings while other carriers have been killing them off. Sprint is having second thoughts now as it has confirmed to BGR that it will in fact place a cap on mobile hotspot data used from Android smartphones and other smartphones starting early in October.

The data cap is set at 5GB and will go into effect on October 2. The cap will apply to WiFi tethering on 3G or 4G networks and will not count on the actual phone data plan says Sprint. If this goes smoothly for Sprint though I would not be surprised in the least to see, caps come to normal data plans too. Sprint is mum on what any overages will cost the user.

It has been rumored that the overage charges will be in the area of $0.05 per megabyte, which will get expensive very Quickly. The new hotspot plan will apparently still cost $29.99 monthly to use. I guess it’s still good that the normal data plans are unlimited, but a cap on one part certainly puts a damper on things.

[via BGR]

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HTC gives Sense 3.5 users 5GB of Dropbox storage for free

Posted: 22 Sep 2011 07:30 AM PDT

HTC has announced a tie up with a popular cloud storage service called Dropbox to bring users more storage space. The partnership between the two will see new HTC users get 5GB of free Dropbox storage space to use for storing whatever files or media they want. That 5GB of storage is over twice the normal amount of storage that Dropbox offers for free.

The free storage service will be offered on the newest Android handsets from HTC. One of the handsets that will get the 5GB of Dropbox space is the new HTC Rhyme that launched this week. The Rhyme runs Sense 3.5 and as more devices are launched using Sense 3.5 they will all get 5GB of space from Dropbox. The cool part is that the user will be able to shoot a photo on the smartphone and then the phone will be synced to any other devices the user has running Dropbox software like their computer.

Pocket-lint points out that the Dropbox deal may not make it to the Windows phones smartphones that will be coming. The HTC source apparently noted that WP7 has a similar offer backed in with Skydrive. Skydrive is offering 25GB of free storage space. At this time, we still have no idea if HTC will be upgrading older handsets to Sense 3.5 allowing them access to the cloud storage.

[via Pocket-lint]

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ZTE Score hits Cricket Mobile

Posted: 22 Sep 2011 06:39 AM PDT

Contracts suck, we can all agree to that. If you are looking for a new Android device on a no-contract carrier on the cheap Cricket Wireless has a new offering for you that might be perfect. The smartphone is called the ZTE Cricket and it is the first ZTE branded smartphone to hit the Cricket network. Cricket is also the first carrier to launch the Score from ZTE as well. It will be in Cricket retail locations starting September 25.

It will be offered in Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile locations as well. The ZTE Score is an Android phone that runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It has a 600MHz processor and a 3.5-inch HVGA capacitive touch screen. The phone also has an accelerometer and a virtual keyboard. The rear camera is 3.2MP and is supports video recording as well as still photos.

The phone also has WiFi, 3G connectivity and XT9 trace for easy text entry. It will also work with the new unlimited Muve Music service and can access all the apps on the Android Market. The Cricket Samsung Vitality I mentioned a while back also supported the new unlimited music service. The phone will sell for $129.99 making it a low priced Android offering.

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Motorola Droid X keyboard fixer updated

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 11:06 PM PDT

Owners of the Motorola Droid X, have been experiencing some issues with the keyboard causing the device to freeze and reboot. Motorola seems to be rolling out the .605 update which some users have reported fixes the current issues with the keyboard. However the release of the update has not gone as smoothly as some had hoped with other issues coming up from the update.

Overall, the entire update is a sizeable 113MB, all to fix one seemingly minor issue. The only thing Motorola lists on the changelog for the update is that it “resolved keyboard stability and usability issues in order to optimize performance during text entry.” Furthermore, RootzWiki, who had been offering the .605 update for download, has pulled the update, citing that the update made the device more buggy overall.

Whether or not the file that RootzWiki had been hosting is the same file as the update that is being pushed out to the Droid X is yet to be confirmed. But, if you want to pull the update to your phone you can do so directly on your Droid X by tapping the menu key, settings, about phone, system updates, and download. Do so at your own risk however as downgrading your firmware after installing the update may not be as simple if you ever decide that you want to go back.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Droid X
    Manufactuer : Motorola
    Carrier : Verizon
    Announced Date : June 24, 2010
    Release Date : July 15, 2010
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.30 Inch
  • Resolution : 480x854
  • Screen Type : TFT
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.02 Inch
  • Width : 2.58 Inch
  • Depth : 0.39 Inch
  • Weight : 155 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1540 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : 220 hours
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : OMAP3630
    CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz
    Core : 1
    Ram : 512 MB
    Internal Storage : 6.6 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 720p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
    CDMA Band:
  • 800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 2.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :

[via DroidLife]

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Sony Tablet S teardown: wedge shape reveals unique hardware

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 10:15 PM PDT

The Sony Tablet S was built in the shape of a wedge to fit the hands of users and to provide them with a form factor that they would be comfortable with using for extended periods of time. The center of gravity of the hardware is focused more heavily towards the thicker edge, where the user’s palm would be when holding the device. The teardown of the device reveals some structural differences from the typical Android tablet to accommodate the design.

As announced the teardown brought the NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor and its 1GB of RAM. Despite its unique hardware, the Sony Tablet S weighs similarly with other Android tablets coming in at 1.3 pounds. The wedge-shaped design of the slate also provides users with an inclined surface for more accessible typing.

The most unique portion of the tablet’s design is in the stiff internal plastic frame which adds to the overall rigidity of the device. Techrepublic claims that the internal frame in the device helps the Sony Tablet S overcome the cheap feeling that other plastic tablets are often plagued by. Sony definitely took a risk in manufacturing a device with such a different design, and it definitely paid off, as found Cory Gunther in his review of the device here.

The teardown also revealed that Sony has left some space on the motherboard for the inclusion of 3G/4G connectivity. This could suggest that Sony plans to release an integrated version soon, or that they pulled plans to sell a 3G/4G version at the time of production. They also included many other integrated chips not commonly found in other Android tablets such as the Wolfson WM8903 Audio CODEC, Cypress Semiconductor CY8CTMA395 touchscreen controller, an Audience earSmart A1026 Voice Processor, and an UEI U122 remote control chip for using the tablet as an IR remote.

P1070261-540x405 6301083-620-414 6301087-620-413 6301120-620-414
Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Tablet S
    Manufactuer : Sony
    Carrier :
    Announced Date : April 26, 2011
    Release Date : January 01, 1970
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 9.40 Inch
  • Resolution : 1280x800
  • Screen Type : TFT
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : Inch
  • Width : Inch
  • Depth : Inch
  • Weight : Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Polymer
  • Battery Capacity : 3080 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 3.1.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • MP3
    Video Playback:
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
Hardware
    CPU : Tegra 2
    CPU Clock Speed : Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 512 MB
    Internal Storage : 32 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :0.3 MP
    Camera Features:
  • 720p Video Recording
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • GSM
    GSM Band:
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    FM Radio :

[via SlashGear]

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AT&T, T-Mobile court date set for merger hearing

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 08:59 PM PDT

For those of you that had high hopes for the AT&T and T-Mobile merger, U.S. District Judge Ellen Huvelle set the non-jury trial for February 13th, 2012. A compromise between AT&T’s requested date for January 16th, and the government’s requested date of March 19th. Though Judge Huvelle had set aside 6 months for the trial, lawyers from both AT&T and the Department of Justice believe that the trial will be settled short of the allotted time.

Earlier, Sprint’s attempt to have their case merged with the Department of Justice was blocked by the very same judge. A loss on the part of AT&T would prove to be truly devastating as the company could potentially lose up to $6 billion dollars should the merger not go through. However, even if the merger does happen to fail, AT&T seems confident that they could still avoid the breakage fee under “a number of options”.

That said, the only potential loser should this merger fail is AT&T. T-Mobile users face little to lose as AT&T has already stated that should the merger go through, T-Mobile customers would still be able to maintain their current plans as previously announced. Though the merger would reduce competition in the U.S., a consolidated network would allow provide an ailing AT&T with a greater number of accessible towers, and would add to their available bandwidth for use with their 4G network.

[via TmoNews]

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textPlus Updated – adds social integration and more

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 07:57 PM PDT

Text messaging service for Android, textPlus has just been upgraded to support Facebook integration to allow users to connect Facebook friends with textPlus accounts. The integration of Facebook accounts and textPlus accounts will notify users when their existing Facebook friends join the service. Additionally, voice note support has also been added to the application, allowing users to send voice notes to anyone in the US, even if they don’t currently use textPlus. textPlus also integrates your phone’s text message inbox with its own interface for seamless use.

While many applications on the Market offer free text-messaging from an email address, textPlus is unique in that it provides users with real phone numbers that they can share with their friends to contact them on. Upon the first launch, textPlus scans the user’s contact list to determine whether or not existing phone numbers are associated with textPlus accounts.

Cross-platform support means that for those of you wi-fi tablet users, textPlus would provide your device with a phone number for others to contact you with. And because textPlus stores messages in the cloud, the application will remain synced between multiple devices. Unlike Google Voice, another popular text messaging alternative, textPlus bring support for picture and group texting.

Best of all, textPlus is free.

You can find textPlus on the Android Market here.

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ViewSonic V430 Android smartphone appears in Russia

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 03:27 PM PDT

ViewSonic is back today with another Android handset spotted in Russia. You might not remember many Android phones from ViewSonic but they had the V350 and then the scary ViewPad 4. Today we have the V430 Android 2.2 FroYo smartphone — Yes sadly we said Froyo but we have hopes it might get a boost to some Gingerbread.

This time around it appears ViewSonic learned their lesson after the atrocious ViewPad 4 because the V430 is thin, sleek, and looks quite nice from first impressions. It has a slick design that is similar to most, all while differing enough to be its own device. The name says it all (V430) and this will be rocking a 4.3″ display but resolution and type remains unknown.

Unfortunately like we mentioned above it seems ViewSonic for some unknown reason is going with the old and outdated Android 2.2 FroYo with the V430 rather than the latest 2.3 Gingerbread we’ve all been enjoying for a while now. We hope to hear more details and possibly see an updated version. Along with the 4.3″ screen we have a 1.0 Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 5 MP camera around the rear and VGA front, then the usual Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and sensors like most smartphones these days.

We are also told the V430 will make use of the same ViewScene 3D interface used on their tablets that can be seen here. So, Android 2.2 should have a neat user interface over the top to keep things simple and fresh. The V430 is set to debut in Russia although our Russian spies have no further details on other markets planned, or a price at the moment but we will keep digging.

[via Unwired View]

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Motorola ELECTRIFY lands tonight at midnight on U.S. Cellular

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 02:29 PM PDT

So you’re working with the carrier by the name of U.S. Cellular here in the United States, are you? You’ve been waiting for what seems like forever for a device that’s any better than the HTC Merge? Today (or tonight, rather) is your lucky day (and night) because your smartphone companion for your Motorola XOOM is here, and it comes in a dual-core flavoring! It’s time for the Motorola Electrify, a device that’s basically the newest version of the Motorola Photon 4G and the Motorola ATRIX 4G, aka the first dual-core smartphone to be released in the USA officially. Now we’ve got the ELECTRIFY coming to U.S. Cellular and it’s coming tonight!

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, you can pick up this Android 2.3.x Gingerbread toting 4.3-inch qHD Touch Display having dual-core 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 AP20H processor that you’ll be able to use to access the NVIDIA Tegra Zone where you’ll be able to grab a whole handful of HD games that work ONLY on Tegra 2-toting devices. You’ve got an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, a VGA camera on the front, and 16GB of storage built in. There’s also a microSD card slot so you can add up to 32GB more storage.

You’ll also get Motorola’s Webtop software and the ability to purchase all kinds of accessories. All of this is covered essentially in the Motorola Photon 4G review we’ve got, just imagine that it’s got U.S. Cellular markings on it instead. There’s certain to be more than a few application change-ups as well, so of COURSE we’re going to do a full review of this device for you barring some sort of major natural accident.

All this said, midnight is the time. Over on U.S. Cellular’s website at http://www.uscellular.com/ you’ll be able to purchase the Motorola ELECTRIFY for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate tied to the purchase of a data plan. Data plans for new customers are two-year agreements and activation fees may apply for new customers as well. Those who are already on U.S. Cellular and have Belief Plans who are eligible for an upgrade will be able to get the promotional price without signing any sort of new contract. Fun!

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Photon 4G
    Manufactuer : Motorola
    Carrier : Unknown
    Announced Date : June 09, 2011
    Release Date : July 31, 2011
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.30 Inch
  • Resolution : 540x960
  • Screen Type : TFT
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.00 Inch
  • Width : 2.63 Inch
  • Depth : 0.48 Inch
  • Weight : 158 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1700 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : 199 hours
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : Tegra 2
    CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1024 MB
    Internal Storage : 16.384 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 720p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
    CDMA Band:
  • 800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
    FM Radio :

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HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio hands-on

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 02:22 PM PDT

Look what we have here for everyone, the HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio. HTC might be known by their tagline “Quietly Brilliant” but things sure are about to get a whole lot louder with the introduction of Beats Audio into their wide array of smartphones. We were able to meet with HTC and get some hands-on time with the Sensation XE earlier today and it sure looks and sounds impressive. Check out all the photos and details after the break.

A quick recap here — the Sensation XE is everything we know and love about the original Sensation 4G except its been nicely improved upon. With a juiced up 1.5 GHz dual-core processor vs the 1.2 GHz in the original, it has a bigger battery for longer usage, and then that last important is the Beats Audio. From our initial hands-on time today it was seamless and fluid in performance so it’s safe to say that 1.5 GHz processor is doing a fine job. We’ll be sure to run some benchmarks once we get more time with the device.

There are three main points to take away from this regarding Beats Audio and that is the bundled headphones, the DSP and the audio profiles. Instead of some cheapy headphones than many smartphones don’t even come bundled with these days we have some awesome sounding and impressive In-Ear headphones by Beats Audio. Pair that with the custom audio profiles we have musical bliss.

htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_6 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_11 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_17

Once plugged in the Beats Audio profiles neatly kick in for you, as well as being present in the notification drop-down bar for easy enable/disable toggling for those that do or don’t want more bass. Although bass isn’t the only thing here — the entire sound seems much more lively and involved with an enhanced mid-range.

The new Sensation XE with Beats Audio will hit shelves in the UK starting October 1st, and should be available in other regions coming soon. HTC did however mention that they wont be pushing the XE too hard even though it has one speedy processor faster than any other smartphone to date. Instead this will be an option for those music lovers and audiophiles to enjoy should they choose.

First impressions are good so far and I’m really diggin the red accents they’ve added here. The capacitive buttons lighting to red is a bit different than anything we’ve seen thus far, but I actually enjoy it and they look quite neat in dark lit areas. Stay tuned for more details on the Sensation XE with Beats Audio.

htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_16 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_0 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_1 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_2 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_3 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_4 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_5 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_6 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_7 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_8 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_9 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_10 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_11 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_12 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_13 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_14 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_15 htc_sensation_xe_hands-on_ac_17 )


Is your Epic 4G Touch getting hot?

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 01:53 PM PDT

The Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch has just been released to the United States market and everyone and their mother appears to have purchase one. With this comes the possibility for every single tiny flaw in the hardware and/or the software to be uncovered – and of course that’s what we want to do, and we want to find flaws as soon as possible so that the manufacturers and/or the carriers can alleviate concerns before they become explosive. Today’s report comes from the wild streets of XDA where they say they’re getting hot, hot, hot. Temperature-wise on their Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch units, that is, and with both temperatures listed and screenshots shot, we’ve gotta treat this one as a real concern with need for fix for certain!

Now I’ve got to stop you there and note that I’ve personally reviewed this device right before it was released and yes, I do have it right here beside me on the desk. I can report here and now that the device has indeed gotten at least a little bit hotter than I’d like it to get, but from what I’ve seen, it’s gotten no hotter than any other smartphone with basic high-load-bearing lifestyles. That means that because I run one whole heck of a lot of videos through here, for example, I’d expect it to get at least a little bit warm. For more information on my review, head on down to… well… my review.

Also feel free to ask any additional questions I don’t answer in the review so that you might get the best vision of this device before you purchase.

That said, several folks over in the XDA Developer forums have reported their unhappiness with the heat inside their devices, their own scans revealing temperatures between 112 and 121 degrees farenheight. One fellow even appears to have picked up a grand total of 134 degrees, goodness gracious! Then there’s an odd screenshot provided by a fellow named “whatsitsnamenow” that shows the charging of his Epic 4G Touch’s battery being stopped because of heat.

Of course you’ve got to note that people at XDA being hackers and developers we can expect that they’d very possibly been doing some overclocking of their processors, taking their devices on trips to the moon, dipping their devices in hot vats of water, but the problem does still very possibly remain.

Have you experienced any of these problems? Found any solutions?

[via XDA]

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Samsung SCH-I815 Hits Bluetooth SIG, possible 7″ Verizon Tablet

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 01:42 PM PDT

This mystery device just hit and cleared its Bluetooth certification but we know nothing about it. Some are thinking it may in fact be a 7″ tablet headed to Verizon although the picture below says “phone” a few times. The model number SCH-I800 was used for the original Galaxy Tab 7″ on Verizon so this new device with a SCH-I815 model number could very well be the replacement for the original tab.

Have any guesses as to what this might be? We do. First off a replacement for the original 7″ Tab is to be expected although we’ve heard nothing of such device. Yesterday a Galaxy Tab “Plus” was spotted with a T-Mobile branding so this could very well be a similar device for Big Red.

Could the Galaxy Tab 7.7 that was announced at IFA and then quickly went missing be headed to the U.S. market soon? I sure hope so although carrier branded and priced tablets still are a bit expensive if you ask me. Our hands-on with the Tab 7.7 was a pleasant one and the ports seem to line up with what we saw leaked for T-Mobile yesterday that was linked to above.

The other thing to take into account is the Bluetooth SIG mentions Samsung “Phone” so that might throw a few people off, although that could also just be because the tablet will have 3G/4G inside since it seems to be headed for Verizon. A full-sized look at the picture can be found below. We should be hearing more about the possibility of the Galaxy Tab 7.7 soon.

samsung-sch-i815-bluetooth

[via Droid-Life]

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HTC Ruby press shot revealed, this is the Amaze 4G

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 01:13 PM PDT

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the 1.5 Ghz dual-core powered HTC Ruby (aka Amaze 4G) before, but today sources have revealed an actual press release image rather than just a blurrycam leaked photo like back in August. While we don’t learn anything new here seeing it out and around again is a good sign of things to come.

We recently learned the Ruby will be called the HTC Amaze 4G and is headed for T-Mobile. Earlier this month it was spotted in the wild and gave us a clearer idea of what to expect as well as full hardware details. The Amaze 4G looks like a sibling to the myTouch 4G and the HTC Sensation and has some nice specs to go with it.

We have a boosted up 1.5 Ghz dual-core Qualcomm processor with 1GB of RAM, 16GB internal storage, micro-SD card, 8MP HD camera on the rear with dual LED flash and a front VGA shooter. Also powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread and the latest Sense UI 3.5 although we speculate it wont come with stock Sense UI. T-Mobile has been known for having their own spin off of Sense with what they call Espresso, most likely that is what will be included on the Amaze 4G. Packing a 4.3″ 960×540 qHD display as well as NFC capabilities this basically has it all. We still aren’t seeing anything regarding HTC’s Beats Audio here so this might be coming soon minus those goodies.

Rumors have the Amaze 4G slated for a late October release but I have a feeling we’ll be seeing this phone sooner than that so be sure and stay tuned for more details.

[via SlashGear]

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Android MegaPad 23″ life-sized tablet shown off on video

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 12:53 PM PDT

Who wants to play some life-sized Fruit Ninja right in the living room? I know I do. What we have here is a home-brewed, man-made Android 2.3 Gingerbread tablet-like device running on a 23″ display. This thing is truly awesome and he outlines how it was made for just $600 dollars. The man behind the device and video is Martin Drashkov, he’s made a pretty unique device and we’ll show you the video and explain more below.

Detailed on his blog Martin mentions how he’s used Android here and that its openness and flexibility make it the only modern touch-based OS that is able to be adapted for uses beyond what’s currently available in the market. He goes on to mention how smartphones and tablets brought a new world to mobile and personal computing and that larger displays for true interaction is the next logical step — and I completely agree. Without getting into it too much here is the video below showing this thing in action.

Android MegaPad Hands-on

Instead of using a tablet or smartphone to stream games or applications over HDMI to a larger screen — this is real, live interaction right on the large display. The smooth graphics and animations as well as touch sensitivity while playing Fruit Ninja looks amazing. Scrolling through home screens was a bit laggy but then this is just a work in progress. A demo unit that he’s made using household parts all costing under $600.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen something like this, and showed you a 32″ version a few months back, but this was all made in-house by a single person rather than a team of developers like we just linked to in the 32″ tablet idea. With multi-touch and great graphics this MegaPad looks mighty impressive and I could very well see myself buying one of these in the near future. I want to mount this bad boy in my coffee table, and in my bedroom.

What would you do with this if brought to the mainstream?

[via Martin Drashkov]

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