Android Community |
- Galaxy Nexus Ninja Unboxing turns into 8-bit video game
- Motorola DROID RAZR update brings fixes for camera, data connection and more
- Verizon preparing a fix for poor data signal on the Galaxy Nexus
- Sony challenges street photographers to make art with the Xperia ray
- HTC Elite flagship phone rumored for AT&T in April
- Nexus Tablet? Eric Schmidt teases official Google-branded slate
- Google workers get custom Galaxy Nexus for Christmas
- British Telecom sues Google directly over Android patents
- Boost Grand Theft Auto 3′s graphics with a few simple tweaks
- Clove cuts 32GB Transformer Prime price and delays ship date on 64GB version
- Android beats iPhone in Facebook users
- Google Wallet port for Galaxy Nexus needs no rooting
- Android Community Weekly: December 18, 2011
| Galaxy Nexus Ninja Unboxing turns into 8-bit video game Posted: 19 Dec 2011 11:08 AM PST I have one word for this and that is: Awesome! If you remember, Google released similar videos for both the Google Nexus One and the Samsung Nexus S (both linked to below) and my personal favorite was the Nexus S. This new Ninja Unboxing part 3 might just take the cake — until part 4 of course. In the past they used stop motion animation for these awesome videos but this brings things to an entirely new level. Play the Galaxy Nexus video game today!
Yesterday Google teased everyone that something was coming for Android fans today and while many were starting to speculate on an update for the Nexus One to Ice Cream Sandwich (dreaming) or maybe some sort of Nexus Tablet instead we have this video/game. While it’s nothing major I’m still quite excited and after I finish sharing the news with all my fellow followers and readers I’ll be sure to get back into my ninja suit and beat the game myself.
Yes, the unboxing turns into an 8bit Atari-style video game that is completely awesome. Basically you need to head down to YouTube immediately and play it by clicking here. Make sure to come back to Android Community though and see all of our coverage of the Galaxy Nexus and past unboxing videos from the timeline neatly laid out below. Enjoy Ninjas! Device Info
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 [via +Android] )
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| Motorola DROID RAZR update brings fixes for camera, data connection and more Posted: 19 Dec 2011 10:45 AM PST Motorola and Verizon started testing a new update for the DROID RAZR early last week that was said to bring a slew of fixes and improvements to the razor sleek phone, and today it appears to be ready to slice and dice. Verizon has just outlined all the information and has let us know the update is on the way and users should be seeing the over the air update very soon.
Some of the changes appear to be quite significant and should really help out this already awesome phone become even more stellar. We thoroughly enjoyed the RAZR and you can see all our coverage and full review from the detailed timeline below. According to the documents provided by Verizon the update should bring plenty of changes and a few of the important ones are: — SIM error notification The full list of changes can be seen from the change log image below in the gallery. I must say I’m pretty pleased to see Moto and Verizon pushing an update out so quickly since the phone was just released — but I’m not complaining. It appears this 3G/4G connection problem is a reoccurring issue with Verizon and hopefully they get things squared away here eventually. The recently released Verizon Galaxy Nexus seems to be struggling from even worse signal problems, so hopefully they get an update as fast — or faster. As usual for those with a RAZR feel free to wait for the update or give it a go manually be going to menu > settings > about phone > check for updates and then hit GO! Feel free to drop us a comment below regarding the update and if all goes well.   Device Info
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| Verizon preparing a fix for poor data signal on the Galaxy Nexus Posted: 19 Dec 2011 10:10 AM PST Android Community got a huge response when it articulated the issues that early adopters are having with the Verizon Galaxy Nexus’ data signal, and it looks like we weren’t the only ones receiving complaints. Verizon has acknowledged the data connection problems via Twitter, and says that a software fix is currently in the works. While the company gave no time frame for implementing the update, Nexus phones are updated directly from Google’s servers, and usually very quickly – perhaps the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 release will ease some early users’ woes.
A common problem among all responders seems to be low signal data, about half what similar Verizon phones are experiencing in the same places. THe problem exists for 4G LTE, 3G, and sometimes even wifi, leading many to suspect there’s something wrong with the device’s wireless radio system. Handoffs between 4G and 3G seem particularly problematic, with long periods of no data. I have personally experienced 5-20 minute gaps waiting for the phone to make a 3G connection after booting up. The problems don’t seem to affect the voice reception – calls are at least as clear and solid as any Verizon phone. And after a little personal testing, I’m finding that actual data speeds are as good or better than my other review units. But finding and keeping a connection continues to cause headaches. Let’s hope that Verizon and Google can get a fix together soon, and hopefully adress the poor battery life issues that many users are experiencing as well. Device Info
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[via Droid Life] )
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| Sony challenges street photographers to make art with the Xperia ray Posted: 19 Dec 2011 09:41 AM PST Smartphone cameras are getting better all the time, and in situations with plenty of light and space, they can catch some genuinely stunning images. Sony is out to prove the worth of the tiny optics found in the Xperia ray with the help of five prominent street photographers. The company set them loose on an unsuspecting London with smartphones and no direction.
Street photography might be a distinction without a difference, but shutterbugs James Dodd and and Peter Dench found the Arc’s 28MM-equivalent lens (relatively short by full-sized camera standards) to be perfect for candid shots. Even on a typically overcast London day, the Arc managed bright, clear photos, and with talented users behind them the results are pretty good. The 8.1 megapixel camera shoved into the Xperia ray’s tiny frame certainly had something to do with it. Check out the photographers’ day on the town below: For cuter shots (including flowers and a puppy!) and a full run-down of the Xperia ray, check out our thorough review of the phone here. Sony isn’t the only one extolling the virtues of its phone’s camera: T-Mobile created a literal iPhone-bashing commercial to show off the camera prowess of the HTC Amaze 4G. Tablets are getting in on the action as well, as the stunning pre-release photo samples from Asus’ Eee Pad Transformer Prime show. Device Info
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| HTC Elite flagship phone rumored for AT&T in April Posted: 19 Dec 2011 08:12 AM PST If you’re still drooling over early leaks for the HTC Edge and HTC Ville, prepare to shift your desire to another device entirely. BGR quotes anonymous insiders saying that the HTC Elite, an EVO/Titan-style flagship device for the company, will launch in April of 2012 on AT&T. “Elite” may be a codename for the device, with “HTC Congressional” serving as the final release name. The senator from Taiwan has the floor.
The source didn’t have any specification information for the Elite, though they did mention a 4.7-inch LTE Window Phone for AT&T set to debut in February. If the Elite is indeed a flagship, it would have a large 720p screen, possibly Super AMOLED, and either a dual-core or quad-core processor of at least 1.2Ghz. Beats Audio is almost a given for a high-end HTC Android phone, and the Elite would probably be the first phone in the US to receive HTC Sense UI 4, the comapny’s Ice Cream Sandwich version of its Android customized build. If it’s coming to AT&T at a high price point, LTE seems probable. All this is speculation at the moment, but HTC’s business trends indicate a Sensation-style headline platform is due for 2012, and this could be it. The Elite may find its way to other markets under similar branding – indeed, the HTC Edge could be the very same device, since AT&T has a habit of renaming phones for their network to give the illusion of exclusivity (see the LG Nitro HD, AKA the Optimus LTE). BGR also reports that HTC will be releasing fewer total phones in 2012, focusing on better individual products in the wake of some depressing earnings reports and bleak Q1 2012 forecasts. Expect appearances by the Elite, Edge, Ville and other rumored HTC phones at CES in January. Android Community will be there in force. )
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| Nexus Tablet? Eric Schmidt teases official Google-branded slate Posted: 19 Dec 2011 07:44 AM PST The Nexus line of smartphones has been coveted by Android fans for its “pure Google” experience, eschewing carrier and manufacturer customization in favor of the latest clean build on Android. But if you want a pure version of Android in the tablet form factor, you’re largely limited to the original Motorola XOOM. Speaking with an Italian newspaper, Google chairman Eric Schmidt said that the company is planning to release a tablet within the next six months to directly compete against the iPad.
Schmidt’s precise words were, “In the next six months we plan to market a tablet of the highest quality.” Note, dear reader, that this is not a confirmation on a Nexus Tablet, but Google has specifically promoted devices which stayed within the pure Google experience before. The Nexus One, Nexus S and the Galaxy Nexus have all been given web advertising campaigns spearheaded by Google, and the Motorola XOOM (the developer device for Android Honeycomb) continues to receive timely updates, Nexus-style. Whether a new Ice Cream Sandwich tablet would join the Nexus ranks as a developer device, or simply enjoy more informal Google support like the original DROID, is up in the air. Android Community reccomended an expanded Nexus program last week, but this doesn’t appear to be it. Since Ice Cream Sandwich works for both smartphones and tablets (as demonstrated by the tablet interface hiding just under the surface of the Galaxy Nexus’ software) it follows that Google might want a reference device for both form factors. With the iPad 3 expected early next year, a Nexus-style Ice Cream Sandwich tablet might be just the thing to propel Android past its current quarter share of the tablet market. [via SlashGear] )
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| Google workers get custom Galaxy Nexus for Christmas Posted: 19 Dec 2011 07:17 AM PST Google is rather infamous for the perks that it offers its workers. It also hands out some pretty cool Christmas gifts as well. According to TheNextWeb, Google is handing out new Galaxy Nexus smartphones to its workers in at least two locations that have customization on the back of the device. The smartphones are being given to workers in the London and Zurich locations for sure.
We would assume that the smartphones are being given out to Google workers in all locations, but that is unconfirmed. The back of the smartphone has G+ and Android icons all over it in rows that look pretty cool. Other than those icons the device seems normal. The workers at the locations lined up to get their own free smartphone. I would like to know if they came with free service too. That would be a very nice Christmas gift either way. I bet some of these turn up on eBay before long. [via SlashGear] )
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| British Telecom sues Google directly over Android patents Posted: 19 Dec 2011 07:16 AM PST Did you think that the patently insane suits surrounding Android had been curtailed now that Apple’s litigious pursuits in The US and Australia have been set back? Think again. This morning British Telecom, one of the largest telecommunications conglomerates in the world, filed suit against Android creator Google in Deleware, United States. The company asserts that Android infringes upon six key patents, mainly involving navigation and location-based operations.
Android has been a battlefield of patent litigation for the last year, but this case is fairly unique: BT is targeting Google directly, instead of an individual manufacturer as Apple and Microsoft have done so far. Many speculate that OEMs had been targeted instead of Google because their smaller size would make them easier to fight with in court, and indeed, many suits have already ended in various settlements. BT is one of the only major corporations to sue Google directly, which may allow Google to bring the considerable strength of its own legal team to bear in the current weorldwide patent debacle. The myriad of patent infringement cases being played out all over the world are simply too numerous to mention, but Apple’s cases against Samsung and HTC have taken the spotlight in the United States. A federal judge overturned a requested sales ban of Samsung’s Galaxy line of products, and the case against HTC has yet to be decided. Microsoft is suing Barnes and Noble for its Nook line of tablets, after securing licensing [via Telegraph.co.uk] )
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| Boost Grand Theft Auto 3′s graphics with a few simple tweaks Posted: 19 Dec 2011 06:50 AM PST A few of you have probably been reliving your most outrageous Liberty City exploits since Rockstar released a pint-sized port of sandbox classic Grand Theft Auto 3 for Android last week. While the game makes the transition mostly intact, some of the graphical flair of the original is missing, probably to make it run better on a wider variety of Android phones and tablets. If you’re running a high end phone with a fast dual-core processor and a competent GPU, it might not be using them to the best of their abilities. Luckily, German site AndroidNext has found a hidden settings file within the game’s data folder, which will allow you to modify some basic graphics settings.
First, connect your phone or tablet to your PC, in either USB mass storage or MTP mode. Open the SD card or the /sdcard/ folder. Navigate to /Android/data/com.rockstar.gta3eng/files/GTA3. (I’m guessing on the “com.rockstar.gta3eng” file – it may be named slightly different in the US/UK.) Copy the file “gta3.set” to your computer for backup, then open the original in a text editor. Inside you’ll find all the fiddly little settings that you’re probably used to if you play PC games on a regular basis. With the right settings adjusted, effects like light bloom, dynamic shadows, headlights, weather and more high-resolution effects become enabled. Obviously the game is going to take a hit on performance, but if your device is powerful enough, you may not even notice it. If you’re planning on picking up an Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime, be sure and keep these settings handy. You can go directly to AndroidNext’s site for a pre-configured settings file, but be warned: it might have your menus and subtitles sprechan sie Deustch. )
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| Clove cuts 32GB Transformer Prime price and delays ship date on 64GB version Posted: 19 Dec 2011 06:17 AM PST Clove has issued an update for the folks in the UK that were thinking about pre-ordering or have pre-ordered the Asus Transformer Prime tablet. The pre-orders kicked off last week at Clove and the 32GB version was up for pre-order with the keyboard accessory for £550.80 including the VAT. The good news in the update from Clove is that the 32GB tablet has a lower price and still includes the keyboard accessory.
The new price is £499 with VAT included. The ship date on it is still some time in January. The bad news is that if you wanted the 64GB version of the Prime and pre-ordered, your order will be delayed. Clove is now reporting that the 64GB Prime won’t be in until Q2 2012. You can just cancel that order if you want or move to the 32GB version. None of the pre-orders have been charged at this point according to Clove. The new lower price of the 32GB version will be automatically made on all pre-orders of the tablet made last week at the higher price. The exact launch date in January is still unknown. [via SlashGear] )
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| Android beats iPhone in Facebook users Posted: 19 Dec 2011 04:51 AM PST Earlier this month Facebook for Android was updated with a new look and apparently the update has worked out well. TechCrunch reports that Facebook on Android has more active users than Facebook on the iPhone daily. This is the first time the number of daily users on Android has been higher than the number of iPhone users.
The Android app for Facebook has 58.3 million active daily users compared to the iPhone app having 57.4 million active users. This data comes from the AppData tracking service. Apparently, Android is growing very quickly with Facebook users too. The app is said to be getting 550,000 activations per day. Timeline was also available on the Android app before iPhone app showing that Facebook may be favoring Android with updates coming to it first. It’s worth noting that when you look at an entire month, the iPhone app is still ahead with 99.1 million monthly active users compared to Android getting 85.4 million users monthly. [via TechCrunch] )
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| Google Wallet port for Galaxy Nexus needs no rooting Posted: 19 Dec 2011 04:30 AM PST We heard not long ago that one of the reasons the Galaxy Nexus was delayed for a while was some sort of conflict between Google and Verizon over Google Wallet. The Google Wallet NFC payment app will work on the Nexus, but Verizon blocked the app from the smartphone. This is thought to be due to Verizon ready to roll out its own NFC payment app in conjunction with ISIS.
If you want Google Wallet on your Nexus, you can now get it with a very simple port that does not require you to jailbreak your smartphone according to Gottabemobile. The port allows the installation the Google Wallet app by installing the code as an APK. The only thing the end user needs to do is turn on the ability to download and install apps from places other than Android Market. The big limitation to this method of installation is that it is region locked so it may not work outside the US. Installing the app on the Nexus using this method will allow the user to get the free $10 on their virtual card when they sign up with Google. If you have a Nexus, let us know if this works for you for making a purchase. [via SlashGear] )
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| Android Community Weekly: December 18, 2011 Posted: 18 Dec 2011 08:30 PM PST This week in tech news we finally nab ourselves a Verizon branded Galaxy Nexus 4G LTE, review some excellent devices, and see Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) progress through some much needed updates. Monday, by no surprise – Facebook topped Nielsen's list of most popular Android apps. To be honest, carriers should start including it with devices from now on, as it is probably the first application downloaded from the market by many.
Well, Verizon's Samsung Galaxy Nexus finally hit the US Thursday, December 15. Officially announced only one day prior, this highly anticipated device is now in the pockets of many. Wednesday, (as a tease almost) the Galaxy Nexus simulator webpage went live – so we knew it was coming. Also, we saw the Nexus receive the Android 4.0.2 (Ice Cream Sandwich) update – which consisted of basic stability enhancements; Google also released the factory image to the public Thursday. For a hands-on and unboxing with the device, navigate here. Cory Gunther has prepared a couple of tips for those of you interested in unlocking your bootloader, gaining root access, and more. We also had a chance to review a couple of the Nexus accessories including the extended battery and charger. The extended battery is extremely unnoticeable, and at a great price on Verizon's website. You can pick one up for 50% off now! Battery life on the device hasn't been satisfying, and may have to do with some significant signal issues many owners are now facing. Hopefully, the Android 4.0.3 update includes a fix. Both the DROID XYBOARD 8.2 and XYBOARD 10.1 were given hands-on treatment early on in the week – and right before the weekend we saw their extended reviews. The devices proved to be well manufactured and great 4G LTE tablets. But what will help us set a benchmark for future devices looking to hit store shelves? Michael Crider proposes we start a Nexus Certification Program. )
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