Android Community |
- HTC Rezound on video again, this time vs the Thunderbolt
- Asus Padfone smartphone-tablet coming in February 2012
- 8-inch Motorola XOOM 2 outed in holiday print ad for 399 Euros
- Duke Nukem 3D available now for 99 cents in the Android Market
- Verizon rolls out Gingerbread OTA update for the LG Revolution
- HTC Sensation XL now available in the UK
- Volume Rocker puts multiple sound profiles at your fingertips
- Android’s native browser beats Opera Mini, still lags behind iOS
- LG Optimus series Android 2.3 updates rolling out now
- Google+ app gets an official update with ICS user interface enhancements
- Samsung Galaxy S gets a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich via SDK port
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 drops by the FCC with AT&T LTE bands
- Sony Ericsson Xperia ray Review
- Republic Wireless tries to change the game with VOIP and Android
- Motorola DROID RAZR confirmed for November 10th retail release
- Department of Defense approves Dell Streak 5 for high-security networks
- SHADOWGUN Multiplayer in the works and coming soon
- Google TV 2.0 update hitting Sony devices now, Logitech Revue coming soon
- Pantech Vega LTE commercial shows off hands-free gesture controls [Video]
| HTC Rezound on video again, this time vs the Thunderbolt Posted: 01 Nov 2011 10:30 AM PDT As we get closer to that November 3rd event by HTC we are starting to see even more of the upcoming HTC Rezound. With a few leaks here and there, a second spotting at the FCC and even some hands-on video just yesterday. Today we are back with a little head to head comparison video next to the HTC Thunderbolt.
Most likely the Rezound will be replacing the Thunderbolt, so this is a great comparison not to mention some will be looking to upgrade to this exact phone — well that or the Galaxy Nexus. While the video doesn’t show us much we didn’t already know, seeing it next to the Thunderbolt gives us an idea of the Rezounds size, length and overall chunk. Not to mention the screen resolution and that all important Beats Audio integration. It’s hard to get a feel for the audio quality through two different devices being recorded in a hand, but it was worth a shot to the cameraman. Obviously the HTC Rezound looks just as good as all recently released HTC devices and we can expect the same great build quality. Hopefully it has enough to contend with the Galaxy Nexus, the specs sure line up quite well and it only lacks that all new and fancy Ice Cream Sandwich. We’ll be reviewing the Rezound as soon as its available so be sure and stay tuned for a more in-depth breakdown once its finally available. Will you be picking up the Rezound? Or is the RAZR and Galaxy Nexus more your style? [via YouTube] )
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| Asus Padfone smartphone-tablet coming in February 2012 Posted: 01 Nov 2011 10:16 AM PDT Asus CEO Jerry Shen just let a big cat out of the bag: the company’s much-rumored Padphone concept, which pairs a standard Android smartphone with a portable tablet dock, will be coming to market in February of next year. The CEO gave the news to DigiTimes, and in conjunction with a leaked internal presentation, the combination device is solidly on its way to a Q1 2012 release. No pricing or availability details were forthcoming, and there’s no telling which markets and/or carriers will have access to the device.
The Padfone device is exciting in a lot of ways. Obviously the allure of having a single device fit both the smartphone and tablet form factors is intriguing, and with Ice Cream Sandwich’s scalable interface, it’s entirely possible. Asus has committed to bringing ICS to its current like of tablets, and the upcoming Transformer Prime should be getting it either at launch or shortly thereafter. By February the Padfone should be more than ready for the new software. Shen mentions not one, but two new tablets for February, so what’s the extra model? DigiTimes speculates that a 7-inch Transformer could be on the way, but that doesn’t make a lot of sense – typing on a 7-inch keyboard wouldn’t be much better than on the tablet itself. On the other hand, there’s plenty of room in Asus’ lineup for a smaller, cheaper tablet to compete with the mass of ICS tablets that will be coming out of China and Taiwan once Ice Cream Sandwich is open-sourced. A more typical $250-300 7-inch tablet, like the Galaxy Tab 7.7 with a more economical design, could sell well. We’ll just have to wait and see. )
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| 8-inch Motorola XOOM 2 outed in holiday print ad for 399 Euros Posted: 01 Nov 2011 09:28 AM PDT It looks like the much-rumored XOOM 2 is spending the holidays in the Emerald Isle. A print ad from the Irish arm of Carphone Warehouse has outed the new Honeycomb tablet, this time in its smaller 8.2-inch form. The Wifi tablet will run you €399.90, or about $545 – US residents, remember that electronics are generally more expensive across the pond, so an American price of $450-$500 is more likely.
According to the ad, the Wifi version features Honeycomb 3.2 (not Ice Cream Sandwich) and “tethering capability”, though on a Wifi-only tablet, I’m not sure what good that’ll do. You can just barely make out a “16GB” in the tiny type, so it appears this smaller “Media Edition” will be the cheapest of the new XOOMs available. A 10-inch version is also in the works, but so far it hasn’t showed up outside of spy photos. Both 8 and 10-inch versions of the next-generation XOOM have been spotted at the FCC and in in some leaked photos. Specifications are hard to come by, but a November release seems likely, and a Verizon LTE version should be available in addition to the standard Wifi. The design seems to have changed a lot since the original XOOM, with what looks like soft-touch plastic ringing a metal back, and tapered edges (like the DROID RAZR and Photon) to fend off Apple’s lawyers. [via SlashGear] )
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| Duke Nukem 3D available now for 99 cents in the Android Market Posted: 01 Nov 2011 08:46 AM PDT Everyone’s favorite wisecracking untra-violent 1990s gaming icon has had Android in his sights for the last few months, and it’s finally time for some alien-slaying action. Duke Nukem 3D, the iconic 1996 PC shooter, is now available in the Android Market. A single greenback will get you all the outdated pop culture references and pixelated gore that you could possibly want.
Developer Machineworks Northwest has been working on a faithful port of Duke Nukem 3D for a while, and if the initial release is any indication, the extra time spent on a touchscreen interface seems to have paid off. You can use the standard dual-stick console style controls or “Drag to look”. The large install defaults to the SD card, and tablets and esoteric custom ROMS seem to be well-supported. Unfortunately, only the first episode is included in the Market download. According to early comments, the game includes ads, despite being paid, and episodes two and three (Again, of this fifteen year old game) cost extra via in-app billing. Some are complaining of controls that are too small, especially on high-resolution devices, but others are excited to see the classic running so well. We’ll let you be the judge – remember that you can uninstall the game within 15 minutes for a full refund. )
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| Verizon rolls out Gingerbread OTA update for the LG Revolution Posted: 01 Nov 2011 08:26 AM PDT The LG Revolution hit Verizon back in May, and contrary to the manufacturer’s suggestion, life was not good for Android fans eager for a taste of Gingerbread. Verizon is now pushing out the Android 2.3 update across its network with the standard upgrades and bug fixes. For the record, the Revolution is getting the update a mere 10 months after the Gingerbread source code was released, and five months after it hit the market with Froyo.
According to Verizon’s update page, additions to the standard featureset include a reworked text selection system, proper HDMI support and an Airplane Mode free of bugs. More under-the-hood fixes like email folder display, better attachment support, SIM card messages, and a SIM card security alert. The software is version VS910ZV7, and you can either wait for the staggered rollout message to appear or initiate a manual update via the Settings menu. You might want to hold off on that, however. Verizon’s software updates have had a nasty habit of backfiring as of late, as in the HTC ThunderBolt and DROID BIONIC. In the case of the former, a critical bugged caused the carrier to pull the Gingerbread update just days after releasing it months late. Those desperate for Gingerbread can take their chances, of course, but caution might be in order for a week or so. Of course, you could always go rogue and root your phone for some nice custom ROM action, via CyanogenMod 7 or others. Device Info
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| HTC Sensation XL now available in the UK Posted: 01 Nov 2011 07:51 AM PDT As the old saying goes, everything’s bigger in… Great Britain. UK residents can now get their hands on the Beats-enabled Sensation XL, assuming they can wrap them around that massive case. The 4.7-inch Gingerbread handset launches today, just a little late, at multiple carriers and retailers.
The Sensation XL is available from UK online retailer Clove for £486 after taxes (about $770 USD). Three UK customers can buy it for £449 free and clear, or pick it up for a song if they sign a two year agreement. So far HTC has not announced any plans to bring the Sensation XL to the United States, though the HTC Rezound (with a paltry 4.5-inch screen) will soon be coming to Verizon, and may include those nifty Beats earbuds. HTC will probably announce the Rezound at the NYC event on November 3rd. HTC subsidiary Beats has branding all over the Sensation XL, with the prominent circular logo on the back, Beats audio software on the inside and a “free” pair of uBeats headphones in the retail package. Certain bundles (currently unspecified) will include the full-sized white Beats headphones seen above. Inside the phone you’ll find a 1.5GHz single-core processor, 768MB of RAM and 16GB of on-board storage crammed into a 9.9mm frame. On the downside, there’s no MicroSD slot to be found, and the huge screen has a relatively pedestrian 800 x 480 resolution. Check out our hands-on of the Sensation XL, live from London. )
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| Volume Rocker puts multiple sound profiles at your fingertips Posted: 01 Nov 2011 07:23 AM PDT Ring, vibrate, silent. Surely that covers every conceivable situation you’re ever likely to need as far as sound goes, right? If you’d like a little more customization in your Android alerts, Volume Rocker is here to help. The free app includes five customizable sound profiles that can be activated at any time, just by tapping your Volume Up or Volume Down.
Like some other customization apps (such as the excellent Brightness Rocker) tapping a Volume button while Volume Rocker is running will activate a small pop-up window, no matter what app you’re currently using. From there you can manually change the volume via further pressing the buttons, or manually sliding the volume on the on-screen display. You can quickly tap one of the five included profiles: Silent, Vibrate, Quiet Normal, or Load. Tap Presets to tweak each of the five profiles in for any volume you like (Ringer, Alarm, Media, etc.) or Settings to change more esoteric options. A nice assortment of themes are included to match any manufacturer UI, and you can choose to have Volume Rocker live in the notification bar as well. At the moment only an ad-supported version of Volume Rocker is available, but developer Netshop is new, and should have a cheap ad-free app up in a few weeks at least. You can download Volume Rocker in the Android Market now. [via Lifehacker] )
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| Android’s native browser beats Opera Mini, still lags behind iOS Posted: 01 Nov 2011 06:50 AM PDT Ready for a whole new set of browser wars? Not content to keep the web browser battle to the desktop space, Google’s native Android browser, uh, “Browser”, is now beating the long-standing Opera Mini for worldwide mobile browser market share. However, both are still far, far behind Safari, which commands over half of the market as of October 2011.
And iOS Safari is still rising: it gained another six and a half percent to take 62.2 percent of all mobile device browsing in October. That includes all browsing from iPhones, iPods and iPads. Android’s browser now stands at 18.7 percent, while Opera Mini dropped almost a third of its total user share down to just 13.1 percent. And in case you’re wondering, no, that doesn’t include the more powerful Opera Mobile, though Opera Mini runs on Android, iOS, Blackberry, Symbian and Java-powered phones. The numbers aren’t all that surprising, considering that Opera isn’t installed by default on any smartphones. But of the leading mobile web browsers, it’s been around the longest: the initial Java version came out in 2005, a full two years before the iPhone and its mobile browser hit the market, and three years before Android. It’s also got a lot more features than either of the big players, though like its desktop cousin, rendering issues still put some sites off-limits. It’ll be interesting to see how the mobile browser market shifts once Google Chrome comes to Android, in fact if not in name – many of the additions to the stock browser in Ice Cream Sandwich are already shared with Chrome, and the desktop version now commands an impressive 17.6 percent of the market. [via Cnet] )
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| LG Optimus series Android 2.3 updates rolling out now Posted: 01 Nov 2011 03:49 AM PDT If you are a user of the LG Optimus series of smartphones the Android Gingerbread 2.3 update is ready to head your way right now in Europe. There are several models in the Optimus range and the models will get the update in a staggered launch. According to the LG Facebook page, the first to get the update will be the Optimus 2X.
The 2X should be getting the update as of November 1, which is today. The Optimus 3D will get the update starting on November 21. After that update, the Optimus Black will get the nod starting on November 28. After the rollouts are made in Europe, Android 2.3 will come to the device globally according to LG. LG notes that the exact timing of the launch globally will vary with each market. There are some commenting on the Facebook post saying that the update for the 2X isn't available OTA or via the updater right now. I can only image the riot that Optimus owners will start if the 2.3 update turns out to be flawed and slow after waiting this long to get Gingerbread. LG recently announced that the 2X would not get an upgrade to Android 4.0 so this Gingerbread update may be the last some LG owners see. )
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| Google+ app gets an official update with ICS user interface enhancements Posted: 31 Oct 2011 06:26 PM PDT It looks like the leaked Google+ app has finally become official, Ice Cream sandwich interface and all. The app is available on the Android Market now. According to the change log, it features battery improvements, navigation changes, improved notifications, support for Google Apps users (we know you’re out there) and general bug fixes.
Take a look at those screenshots: notice anything different? It looks like someone in Mountain View has got their hands on a Galaxy Nexus, not that it’s any sort of surprise – you can see the software navigation buttons at the bottom. If you visit the Android Market listing on your computer, you’ll see that the app previews are now 1280 x 720, the screen resolution of Google’s latest developer phone. According to the latest user reviews, even persistent bugs have been ironed out after the major release. Other official Google apps should start updating soon. The Android Market has already got its major overhaul, and we’d guess that Google Music 4 will drop just as soon as the company is ready to add MP3 music to the Market as it’s already done with movies and books. You can download the leaked Google Music APK here. Expect apps like Gmail and Google Reader to be updated in the near future for all Android versions and devices. Sadly, poor Google Listen seems to have been completely abandoned. How’s about a little love, big G? )
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| Samsung Galaxy S gets a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich via SDK port Posted: 31 Oct 2011 06:06 PM PDT I always love seeing what dedicated Android modders can do with new software and old hardware. the latest phone to get the Ice Cream Sandwich SDK port treatment is none other than the original Samsung Galaxy S – no II, no HD, no LTE, no X, just the S. It shouldn’t be that much of a surprise, since the Nexus S shares a lot of the same hardware, and it saw Ice Cream Sandwich almost immediately after the SDK was released.
This time the legwork comes from a pair of XDA-Developers, uh, developers, galnet and lttldvl, both members of the MIUI team. The hardware in their photo looks like the original international version, but it shouldn’t be too difficult for community members to begin pumping out variations for the Captivate, Vibrant, Fascinate, et cetera. The ROM is in the extreme alpha stage – not even the touchscreen works, and proper resolution scaling has yet to be implemented. Brave souls can download and flash the ROM now, but for goodness sake, keep a Nandroid backup handy. Naturally the Nexus S and Nexus One were two of the first devices to get an SDK port for Ice Cream Sandwich, with more esoteric hardware like the ThunderBolt following. More stable and useful ports should begin appearing once Google releases the open source code, currently expected a week or two after the November launch of the Galaxy Nexus. HTC, Motorola, Samsung, Sony and others have already committed to bringing Ice Cream Sandwich to such devices as can handle it. Check out our hands-on looks at the Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich below: Galaxy Nexus Hands-on Ice Cream Sandwich Hands-on [devide id=517] [via UberGizmo] )
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| Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 drops by the FCC with AT&T LTE bands Posted: 31 Oct 2011 05:37 PM PDT It looks like the uber-expensive HTC Jetstream won’t have long to sit on its throne as AT&T’s only LTE tablet device. Either the Galaxy Tab 10.1 or 8.9 was recently spotted roaming the digital halls of the FCC, with AT&T’s unmistakable 4G LTE branding adorning its backside. The spec drawing looks pretty interchangeable with the Galaxy Tab 10.1, but after overlaying the press shots of the 8.9 on the PDF, I’m leaning towards the 8.9.
Those who would rather have some Honeycomb goodness in a Wifi-only package can already purchase the Galaxy Tab 8.9, starting at $449.99 for the 16GB version. A wireless variant isn’t exactly a surprise, since its big brother the 10.1 can already be found on other carriers, and Verizon already has a 4G LTE model for sale. AT&T still hasn’t got a 3G version of the latest Galaxy Tab hardware, though they are still offering the 7-inch original – maybe they want to offer some differentiation from the 10-inch Jetstream. The Galaxy Tab 8.9 shares almost all the components and specifications of the 10.1: the same 1GHz processor, the same full gigabyte of RAM, and even the same 1280 x 800 screen resolution – though obviously, it uses a smaller panel. The 10.1 Verizon LTE model received a positive review a few months ago, and there’s no reason to believe that the 8.9 on AT&T’s LTE network will do any less, assuming that you’re in one of AT&T’s sparse LTE coverage areas. Considering that the carrier’s LTE push is now in full swing with the Galaxy S II Skyrocket and HTC Vivid, expect the Galaxy Tab 8.9 before the end of the year. Device Info
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[via Wireless Goodness] )
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| Sony Ericsson Xperia ray Review Posted: 31 Oct 2011 05:29 PM PDT One of the tiniest Android smartphones I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with has been in my pocket for the past few days, and that is the Sony Ericsson Xperia ray. This device is extremely small, sleek, and lightweight but that isn’t all it offers. We also have an amazing screen, albeit a bit small, and the camera on the rear takes some pretty solid photos for such a small package. We have plenty of thoughts regarding this new Android 2.3 Gingerbread powered smartphone as well as plenty of photos so enjoy it all after the break.
The Xperia ray is one unique phone. Sony has gone ahead and put some very decent higher mid-range specs into an extremely small phone, slipped an awesome screen on it and wrapped it in a slim piece of aluminum and hard plastic. This may not be the biggest, fastest, or the best but it has plenty to offer although it might be best for those with smaller hands and fingers — or for kids. Hardware
Before I get into software or the amazing camera feel free to glance at our hands-on post, then enjoy the unboxing video below. Sony Ericsson Xperia ray hands-on Now that we’ve got a bit more acquainted lets look over the rest of the device with some up close and personal pictures. Sony was nice enough to send me this goldish white wine colored device. They also offer red, black, and white for some variety. Like I said, it’s like really small guys, I’m still having a hard time wrapping my brain around it — I love it but hate it. Around top we have the usual 3.5mm headphone jack and smack dab in the middle is our power and wake button. The top and bottom are a black hard plastic but everything else is surrounded in gold.    Then around to the right side we have the tiny little teeny volume up/down rockers, and the micro-USB port around to the left side and that is all. Very simple, very plain but in a good way. Nothing too crazy and the design is actually really nice. The build quality is quite exceptional too.
Regarding the hardware we have a 3.3″ display but it features a 480 x 854 resolution like mentioned above. Most devices under 3.5″ have a lower resolution and this is both a good thing and a bad thing. The slightly higher res on this small screen gives us one of the best screen viewing experiences on an Android phone, but everything is tiny. Icons and even the on-screen keyboard are almost too small. For this reason alone the high resolution is one of my favorite, and least favorite aspects of the Xperia ray. I’m not sure I could use it daily with my medium to larger sized hands as typing on the small screen is difficult with this small and thin screen. Software    We have almost zero bloatware so that is nice. Other than a few awesome things like Sony’s Music and Video Unlimited we have Facebook, Track ID for caller ID, McAfee Security, Office Suite Pro and that is all. Everything else is Sony bundled apps and games. This being the first Sony Ericsson device I’ve used in a while I’m extremely pleased with performance of the software and overall user experience. The UI changes slow nothing down and really enhance Android in a good way. This is one of a few UI’s I’d actually consider keeping and not replacing with a custom ROM. Performance
Camera
     The camera records in 720p and while decent it was nothing to really write home about, the shutter speed and picture capabilities are the true performer here. The front facing camera is also 1.3 megapixels and was as to be expected, average at best. Until we get better 2MP or 3MP cameras on the front I still can’t see myself using that often. Battery Life
Wrap-Up
Overall I must say this is a stellar phone. It performs great in every single area for what you pay for, except for the smaller screen. I just can’t recommend it unless you have extremely small fingers, a younger person, or are a female wanting a small and compact smartphone. Sony has a great phone here that anyone will love it the size sits ok with them. If the size will not concern you then by all means, buy this phone as it truly is quite nice. Feel free to enjoy the rest of the photos in the full size gallery below, as well as the full spec sheet near the bottom. If you like what you’ve seen the Xperia ray is available now from $379 from Newegg and other online retailers. Feel free to ask any questions below and I’ll do my best to answer them.                   Device Info
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| Republic Wireless tries to change the game with VOIP and Android Posted: 31 Oct 2011 04:08 PM PDT Raise your hand if you love your wireless carrier. Anyone? Consumers fed up with spotty service and limited terms have been complaining for years about lack of transparency and competition, and on November 8th, they might just have a next-generation alternative to the likes of Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Republic Wireless is a new Mobile Virtual Network Operator that uses a combination of conventional cellular lines and Voice Over IP via Wifi.
So what’s the difference between Republic and simply using Skype on your current phone? The magic comes via “Hybrid Calling,” which keeps a constant connection to a Wifi hotspot and the cellular network. Calls will default to Wifi, then switch over to cellular only when necessary. This will require some new hardware and software so unfortunately, you’ll have to get a new Android phone along with the service. On the plus side, it’ll use a single mobile number no matter what system the phone is currently using. This isn’t the be-all, end-all future of wireless, for a few reasons. One, only The Now Network will be supported at launch, and as its current customers know, that’s a lot of roaming territory. Republic Wireless will try to get agreements with other carriers as well. The current carriers don’t really have a reason to help Republic succeed, so you almost certainly won’t see the MVNO get agreements for LTE and unlimited data. But for a very specific subset of people – those who are nearly always in a range of Wifi and don’t require consistent mobile data – it will significantly lower the barrier to entry in the form of monthly payments about half as expensive as current carriers. Details are still sparse. The company is getting its Beta launch on November the 8th – we’ll be watching with interest. [via TechCrunch] )
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| Motorola DROID RAZR confirmed for November 10th retail release Posted: 31 Oct 2011 03:34 PM PDT
Nothing has changed since pre-orders began rolling out. The RAZR will still cost a full $299 (no mail-in-rebates to be found) on a two-year contract, or a whopping $649 free and clear. We haven’t heard anything to suggest that the initial stock is running low, so if you declined a pre-order and want to get your instant gratification on, feel free to mozy on into your Local Verizon Wireless store next week. But keep in mind, both the Galaxy Nexus and the HTC Rezound are coming soon at the same price, and the former at least won’t have the DROID RAZR’s locked bootloader and non-removable battery. Strangely, our neighbors to the north will get the Motorola RAZR (the DROID RAZR’s de-branded cousin) almost a week earlier, on November the 4th. If you live in Canada and are at the end of your Rogers contract, you can sign up for a new 3-year deal and get the RAZR for a mere $150. If you opt for non-contract pricing, it’ll be the same $649 price tag. Check out our hands-on of the Motorola DROID RAZR: Motorola DROID RAZR hands-on: Device Info
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| Department of Defense approves Dell Streak 5 for high-security networks Posted: 31 Oct 2011 03:12 PM PDT Better late than never, I suppose. The United States Department of Defense had added its first Android device to its list of officially supported handsets and tablets: the 5-inch Dell Streak. The phone/tablet made it through an extensive gauntlet of testing for security and comparability, performed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). This means that DOD employee and contractors will be able to use the Dell Streak, now almost 18 months out from its initial release, to conduct their business around the world.
To be fair, the Streak 5′s outdated hardware wasn’t what was being tested. Dell’s corporate software suite, Mobile Security for Android, is what was getting the real shake-down. I suppose that since the testing procedures take so long, older hardware is the only thing that’s available. Dell mentioned that the security suite will be available on “the next wave of Dell Android devices” set for a 2012 release. The company is eager to serve the government and military market, especially since it’s currently the only Android manufacturer to do so. So what does this mean for government workers? More choice, for one – if you work for the Department of Defense or one of the branches of the U.S. Military, you no longer have to use a Blackberry to access sensitive networks and data. Dell’s security suite, developed with help from Good Technologies, allows for remote access to desktop PCs and servers, as well as command and control programs. Maybe you might even be able to use it on some current hardware, sometime next year. [via InformationWeek] )
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| SHADOWGUN Multiplayer in the works and coming soon Posted: 31 Oct 2011 01:23 PM PDT Whoa this came out of no where although is nothing new. SHADOWGUN, a game I recently reviewed and loved, is apparently set to receive some multiplayer action from the awesome developer MadFinger Games. Being able to play this graphic intensive and awesome game on my NVIDIA Tegra 2 tablet as a multiplayer game would truly be awesome and I can’t wait to see what they have in store.
While SHADOWGUN was just released for Android last week, its been under heavy development for a long time and available for iOS users for some time. They’ve used the extra power from the NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor to make the game truly immersive, and tons of fun. According to the official forums at MadFinger, a multiplayer version has been in the works for a while now.
Currently MadFinger is seeking idea’s and suggestions from us, the user, and have received tons of awesome feedback. I hope they integrate some of the suggestions such as co-op campaign, vehicles or turrents we can mount to (like Gears of War) and hopefully some tactical movement like tap to dodge left or right. Once we all start getting 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and its native game controller support, games like SHADOWGUN will be awesome — especially multiplayer. SHADOWGUN is already one of the best shooter games I’ve played for Android to date, and will only get better with improvements, updates and the possibility of multiplayer options. All of this for the low price of just $4.99 makes it a steal. Again, check out my hands-on experience and stay tuned for more updates as this game and its updates progress. [via MadFinger Games] )
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| Google TV 2.0 update hitting Sony devices now, Logitech Revue coming soon Posted: 31 Oct 2011 12:54 PM PDT We have seen plenty of the new and improved Google TV (Android 3.1 Honeycomb) in the news lately and users have been patiently awaiting this update. Today it appears Sony Google TV hardware has finally started to receive the over the air update to Google TV 2.0 just like we expected. Get ready for some Honeycomb GTV users.
Last week Google announced devices would start to see the updates at some point this week, but bright and early this Monday morning Sony device are already enjoying the update. Sadly those with a Logitech Revue will have to wait a few more weeks. You should be able to manually check for updates just like usual and hopefully pull down the new GTV 2.0 and give it a try, otherwise it should hit your Sony devices shortly. We’ve already seen plenty of Google TV apps in the Android Market and the list just keeps growing. We recently spotted Logitech Revue boxes claiming Android 3.1 and the Android Market, but they were later confirmed to just be stickers placed on boxes that will start rolling out once the Revue has received the latest OTA update. Once the Sony updates are completed (and if all goes well) Logitech users can expect to see the same update here very shortly, hopefully by the end of next week. [via Android Central] )
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| Pantech Vega LTE commercial shows off hands-free gesture controls [Video] Posted: 31 Oct 2011 12:35 PM PDT Who needs touchscreens and slide to unlock features says Pantech. This latest commercial shows just how 2010 touchscreens and slide to answer features really are because they have introduced hands-free gesture based controls for swiping through pictures and even answering phone calls. Apple may have recently received their patents for slide to unlock, but lets see how they take this newest video from Pantech. They are showing off their new 4.5″ 4G LTE Android smartphone, enjoy the video after the break.
Earlier this month Pantech officially announced the Vega LTE. It sports a 4.5″ 1280 x 720p HD display, a dual-core 1.5 GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 4G LTE speeds and a sizable 1860 mAh battery too. Currently only available in South Korea I’d love to get my hands on this phone, but doubt that will be happening any time soon. Pantech Vega LTE gesture controls commercial Currently the Vega LTE isn’t slated for a release anywhere outside of South Korea but hopefully they smarten up and give it a go here in the US as I’m sure plenty would love to enjoy this phone. With the great specs above and 16GB of internal storage all packed into a svelte 9.35mm thin body this phone puts up a good fight with current Android 2.3 Gingerbread offerings at the moment. Pantech recently launched the Breakout with 4G LTE on Verizon, so hopefully we’ll start seeing more devices from Pantech in the near future. What do you guys think. Love the idea of gesture controls for answering calls or would you accidentally answer it too often? I myself want to at least give it a try. [via Phandroid] )
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