Wednesday 4 January 2012

Android Community

Android Community


Samsung Galaxy M announced, brings AMOLED to the budget crowd

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 10:47 AM PST

Samsung has just announced another Super AMOLED packing Android smartphone, the Galaxy M Style. Following their announcement for the new Galaxy Ace, and with the Galaxy M Style they are promising it will be “reasonably priced” while still packing a 4″ Super AMOLED display and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. More details and pictures after the break.

Wrapped in the usual Samsung plastic the M Style will also have a brushed aluminum rear battery cover, a 4″ Super AMOLED display (but not high-res) and more. It might be considered budget or entry-level but will be powered by a 1 GHz single-core processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, have a 3 megapixel camera around back and VGA front all running with a 1,650 mAh battery.

Bringing the style and quality from the Galaxy S II to the entry-level. Launching today in South Korea it also features a DMB TV tuner onboard, along with 4GB of storage. There is no word on pricing or when the device will launch outside of South Korea but we can expect a wide array of colors including white, black, pink, and blue once available elsewhere. This will surely be an affordable device especially while on contract.

samsung_galaxy_m_1 samsung_galaxy_m_2

[via SlashGear]

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ASUS Transformer Prime teardown details GPS issue

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 09:59 AM PST

ASUS has received their fair share of complaints over the past few weeks. From a lack of product availability, GPS issues, and then the bootloader situation. Today our friends over at Anandtech have torn down the Transformer Prime quad-core tablet and revealed their finding on those GPS issues — but didn’t comment much on the bootloader.

When we saw GPS fix on the changelog for the recent software update we weren’t sure what to think although some reports have said it helped. According to Anandtech the GPS issues are due to a design flaw and can only be tweaked — not fixed by updates. Unlike the original Transformer whose rear was covered in plastic, the Prime has an all aluminum design (and a pretty one) but that is the cause of the GPS issues — even if they are minor.

Other aluminum tablets like the T-Mobile Springboard, HTC Flyer or even the iPad all have plastic “windows” if you will, to let out and enhance the wireless signals. And that goes for more than just Bluetooth. Original reports on weak WiFi can also be attributed to the design although our review unit had an excellent wireless connection. It is worth noting that many WiFi only tablets like the iPad don’t have GPS at all — just a thought for those angry with ASUS or the Prime. So there you have it — I’m still getting one.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Transformer Prime
    Manufactuer : Asus
    Carrier :
    Announced Date : November 09, 2011
    Release Date : TBA
    Also Known As : Transformer 2
Display
  • Screen Size : 10.10 Inch
  • Resolution : 1280x800
  • Screen Type : IPS+
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 10.35 Inch
  • Width : 7.12 Inch
  • Depth : .33 Inch
  • Weight : 586 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Polymer
  • Battery Capacity : 6579 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 3.2.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • MP3
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
Hardware
    CPU : Tegra 3
    CPU Clock Speed : 1400 Mhz
    Core : 4
    Ram : 1024 MB
    Internal Storage : 64 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via Verge]

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Myriad partners with Broadcom for Alien Vue Android apps on TVs

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 09:49 AM PST

We first heard about Alien Vue, the latest project from Myriad, a few weeks ago. Unlike the alien Dalvik software which allows rudimentary virtualized Android apps on various other platforms, Alien Vue takes them to a place that could actually use an expanding app environment: televisions. Now Broadcom has partnered with the software engineering company to bring Android apps to the masses. The chip maker will be distributing hardware that will allow future TVs to run apps designed for Android code.

This is a different system entirely from Google TV, though it’s capable of running the same apps. Alien Vue is essentially a system-on-a-chip designed exclusively for TVs. The system includes all the basics required to run the Alien Dalvik software, recreating the requirements for Android without technically running it. Though it doesn’t have easy access to the Android Market, Alien Vue could make incorporating rich Android and HTML apps much more cost-effective for manufacturers.

With Broadcomm providing hardware resources, Myriad has a real shot at becoming a middleman supplier in the TV market. With the 3D gimmick essentially flat, manufacturers are looking for a way to differentiate their televisions in a useful way. While adding Google TV functionality would add hundreds of dollars to a set’s cost, incorporating the Alien Vue technology would be relatively cheap, and allow for easy tie-ins to popular services like Netflix. We’ll be seeing the first examples of Broadcom and Myriad’s partnership at CES.

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Sony Ericsson teases HD cameraphone for CES

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 09:17 AM PST

CES doesn’t start for almost a week, but you wouldn’t know that from a casual glance at the tech news today. Not content with whetting our appetites with real-life hardware at the show, Sony Ericsson released the teaser image below just to get our nerdy hands twitching. You can bet your bonnet we’ll be seeing whatever this thing is in Las Vegas.

So, what is it? There are a few tantilizing possibilities, though the ultra closeup leaves us with few conclusions. My money’s on the recently leaked Nozomi, also known as the Xperia Arc HD. But then again, the teaser images don’t quite match up with the spy shots we’ve been seeing. Either the design has undergone some changes in the months prior to release, this is an entirely new phone… or Sony”s just combining bits from previous handsets like the Arc S to mess with us. We would not put it past them.

The teaser images follows the frustratingly vague announcement just yesterday, and presumably we’ll be getting more tidbits until the device is actually unveiled at CES. As interesting as all of this is, Sony, we’d really rather just wait for a proper press release – getting sneak peeks at nothing is about as enticing as a supermodel wearing a barrel. We’ll be on the lookout for new Xperia models when we get to Las Vegas next week.

[via SlashGear]

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Pantech Element waterproof tablet leaks for AT&T: $299 on January 8th

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 07:47 AM PST

The latest addition to AT&T’s tablet range comes from an unlikely source. Pantech, previously happy enough to make cheap smartphones, will be releasing a surprisingly novel Honeycomb tablet with AT&T LTE connectivity in just a few days. According to BGR, the Element also includes basic waterproof specification. You get some fairly standard specs including an 8-inch screen running the latest version of Honeycomb for just $299.99, which makes the new tablet the cheapest available on AT&T.

The tablet is rated as IP57 waterproof – basically it means you can set the tablet next to the sink while shaving or doing dishes without having to worry, but you shouldn’t try dunking it in the pool. For the price you get some respectable innards, including a 1.5 Ghz dual-core processor, 16GB of storage and a 5 megapixel 1080p camera.  Based on the image, the screen looks like a 4:3 model, most likely 1024×768 resolution like the iPad and HP TouchPad.

The Element’s $299 price naturally necessitates a 2-year service agreement, but you can get it for a surprisingly affordable $449.99 without commitment. The only other tablet on AT&T that’s anywhere close to that price is the Acer Iconia Tab 501, which lacks real LTE connectivity. The tablet itself seems to be running a slightly tweaked version of Honeycomb, with the standard (unnecessary) additions of custom themed icons and widgets. We’ll be interested to see how the Pantech Element stacks up to the competition next week.

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Android distribution: Gingerbread at 55%, Ice Cream Sandwich appears for the first time

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 07:20 AM PST

It’s that time again, boys and girls, when the folks at the Android Developer portal release the latest statistics on the division of Android versions across the platform. This month we see a continuation of recent trends, with Gingerbread keeping a steady growth and Honeycomb bumping slightly. But the most exciting statistic is that in December Ice Cream Sandwich made its distribution debut, running on .6% of all Android devices.

Sure, it’s not much, but the statistical gathering ended only yesterday; it’s been just six weeks since the Galaxy Nexus became available in Europe, only about three since it went on sale in the US, and only one phone (the Huawei Honor) has received an official Ice Cream Sandwich update. Honeycomb has 3.3%: still very small, but up nearly 50% from this time last month. Perhaps the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet didn’t get all those holiday sales. Gingerbread is still the dominant Android version at 55.5%, up about 10% from last month.

Expect Ice Cream Sandwich to gain much faster in the Android world, for two reasons: one, it’s designed to run on smartphones as well as tablet,s so the number of applicable devices is greater by an order of magnitude. Two, unlike Honeycomb, Google released the source code for Ice Cream Sandwich almost immediately, so cheaper tablets that don’t have Google’s approval are already starting to hit the market. This time next year, don’t be surprised if Ice Cream Sandwich is sitting at 55% distribution – while we’re trying out Jelly Bean.

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2-click Windows root and unlock method developed for the Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 06:54 AM PST

As far as we’re concerned, if you went out and bought a Samsung Galaxy Nexus on launch day, you have a responsibility to unlock that bootloader, root Android and get cracking with some custom mods and ROMs. Even though the process isn’t terribly difficult, there are a good number of steps and checks, and not everyone is up for the challenge. Those of you who have been holding off for an easier method can thank “WugFresh” at GalaxyNexusForum.com, who’s developed an easy Windows application that automates every step of the unlock process on Windows.

To begin, set your Verizon Galaxy Nexus (the GSM version isn’t supported yet) into USB debugging mode, then plug it into your computer. Run the Gnex Root Toolkit EXE file, then click on “Drivers+ SDK”. This will automatically install the Android SDK and the relevant extra files. Click on “Unlock + Root”, and the tool will restart your Galaxy Nexus in bootloader mode, unlock the bootloader (which wipes your device, by the way) and install the Superuser APK. Restart your phone and you’ve got a shiny, clean version of Android with root permissions, no command lines necessary.

There’s also an option for returning your phone to its factory stock condition, erasing all user data and root permissions. This could be handy for those who are selling or returning their phones. Don’t judge too harshly, died-in-the-wool hackers – everybody’s got to start somewhere. I’ll be sending this along to my dad, who bought a Galaxy Nexus on my advice… with the stipulation that all bets are off, naturally.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : GALAXY Nexus
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier : Verizon
    Announced Date : October 18, 2011
    Release Date : December 15, 2011
    Also Known As : Nexus Prime
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.65 Inch
  • Resolution : 1280x720
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.33 Inch
  • Width : 2.67 Inch
  • Depth : 0.35 Inch
  • Weight : 135 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1750 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.0.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : OMAP 4460
    CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 32 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :5 MP
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • GSM
  • CDMA
    GSM Band:
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via Talk Android]

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Velocity Micro shows of Cruz T510 and T507 ICS tablets before CES

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 06:29 AM PST

Velocity Micro has been working on the fringes of the Android tablet space for a while, but it looks looks like they’re preparing a new line for 2012 with a bit more going for it. The company released new information on the Cruz Tablet T510 and Cruz Tablet T507, predictably 10 and 7-inch tablets. Essentially updated versions of its current tablets, the new models will be on display at CES next week.

The smaller T507 has some pretty respectable specs for a low-price tablet: a Cortex 1.2Ghz processor with a 400Mhz ARM Mali GPU, 512 MB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage and (we are assured) Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.  A front-facing camera of indeterminate resolution, HDMI out and built-in access to Amazon’s Appstore round out the package. The capacitive screen’s resolution was not stated, though at this size it and shape I’d guess 800×480. Velocity Micro tells us that the T507 will be available for under $150 when it reaches retail.

Its big brother the T510 does not have any set price yet, but it definitely seems a bit more up-market. The 9.7-inch screen sits in a commendably thin 8.9mm chassis, with the same set of basic specifications. Again, there’s no resolution mentioned, but as an educated guess I’d offer  a 1024×768 4:3 screen. The T510 will also run the Amazon Appstore and Ice Cream Sandwich. The photos supplied are obviously using Gingerbread, but according to both the press release supplied to Android Community and the Velocity Micro CES page, both will be running ICS – the manufacturer is probably spending the time leading up to the conference to put the finishing touches on the open-source code.

We’ll be sure to stop by Velocity Micro’s booth when we get to Las Vegas next week. Keep an eye on Android Community for all your CES 2012 Android news.

T510 T507 )


400,000 active apps in Android Market

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 03:24 AM PST

The Android Market now contains over 400,000 active applications, checks from Distimo have revealed, with the growth of Google’s software store accelerating at a faster pace than Apple’s rival App Store. 68-percent are free or freemium, versus paid, a possible reaction to the increase in in-app purchasing noted recently.

While Google lagged behind Apple when it came to hitting the 200,000 apps point in the Android Market – taking 31 months versus Apple’s 22 – subsequent milestones were racked up more quickly. Android apps reached the 300,000 mark in a further four months, then 400,000 in four after that. In contrast, it took iOS developers eight months to go from 200k to 300k, and seven months beyond that to get to 400k.

Nonetheless, iOS users still have more choice in titles, but if the pace of submissions continues then that may not be the case for much longer. Google also nears the 100,000 active developer milestone, with each submitting 4.1 apps on average.

[via SlashGear]

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Samsung Galaxy Nexus $559.99 unsubsidized on Daily Steals

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 09:59 PM PST

For a limited time, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is available over at Daily Steals for only $559.99 + $4.99 shipping. Considering it retails for about $190 more, this is a good 25% off. If you’ve never ventured over to Daily Steals before, they are a “one sale a day” website – so at max you’ll have 24Hrs to order. The Nexus just went on sale, so you still have time to decide whether or not you’re up for dropping that much cash. It’s definitely a tough decision with the Galaxy S III right around the corner.


This is the “unlocked” GSM version, so don’t expect it to work on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. It will however function fine over AT&T or T-Mobile bands. This model is also only 16GB, so those of you looking for a 32GB model may not find this quite the deal you were looking for.

If you live in the US, absolutely have to have a Galaxy Nexus, and really don’t feel like signing up for a contract over at Verizon Wireless – then this could be your chance. Great deals tend to sell out quickly over at Daily Steals, so it may not be available for too long.

[via Daily Steals]

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All cellphones in Chile must be sold unlocked

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 07:48 PM PST

Though this doesn’t specifically refer to Android, it undoubtedly applies to every cellphone in Chile. Active immediately Monday, January 16th, all phones sold within the country must be unlocked to use on any mobile phone company. The announcement was made by the Department of Telecommunicaitons of Chile, Subtel today.


The essential reason for this change, is supposed to help make a person’s number extremely portable – for free. This is the single reason many of us choose to use Google Voice; because you control a number, and can retain it from one device to another. Subtel also states that any locked cellphone purchased prior to January 16th can be unlocked free of charge.

The unlock method is very quick, and only takes a few steps. Each cellphone provider will post a webpage where one enters their IMEI, device model/name, and other data. Soon after, the website releases the device from the carrier. Why can’t this be a global initiative?

[via Wayerless]

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Samsung reveals high-end speaker docks with Galaxy S compatibility

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 05:44 PM PST

It never rains but it pours. After iLuv revealed its ArtStation Pro dock for the various Galaxy Tabs, I had a feeling we’d be seeing a few more model-specific docks coming out, and just today the Nook Color and Nook Tablet got the treatment via ReaderDock. Samsung itself has announced a new series of audio equipment, all of which will work out of the box with Galaxy S (and presumably Galaxy S II phones).

The different models break down as follows: the Samsung Audio Dock with Vacuum Tube Amplifier makes a big deal about its analog-style vacume tube in the preamp. This is designed to give sound that warm quality that audiophiles crave. The vacuum tube version is designated “DA-E750″ (above). A cheaper model with more conventional sound dynamics christened the DA-E670 will include support for the Galaxy S, without the vacuum tube amp.

There’s no price or availability info to be had, but both items will be on display at Samsung’s CES booth next week. We’ll be sure to drop by and check them out when we get there. Oh, and a certain fruity phone will also work with the docks – in a fit of economically motivated ingenuity, Samsung has devised a docking system that will work with both the iPhones and its own line of phones and PMPs. If the PR and photos are anything to go by, these will probably cost a good bit more than either device.

image002 samsungda-e750-1325635833

[via Engadget]

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ReaderDock readies Docking Station for Nook Color and Nook Tablet

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 04:58 PM PST

before a few months ago, no one seemed interested in model-specific docks for anything more than the iPad, as far as tablets were concerned. But now more than 40% of tablets sold run Android, and a considerable number of those are inexpensive reader/tablet devices like Barnes & Noble’s Nook family. Soon there will be a new option for Nook Color and Nook Tablet owners as far as display and music playback is concerned, thanks to small accessory manufacturer ReaderDock. The NOOK Docking station will work with either device.

From the rather cropped looks we can get in the preview video, the NOOK Docking Station will use a basic sled mounted on a pair of speakers, which are likewise mounded on a small base. A special extended MicroUSB jack (specifically designed to match the tablets’ non-standard cables) extends from the bottom for charging. Since the Nook Color doesn’t have Bluetooth enabled by default and Android can’t send music through a standard charging port, the dock probably requires a standard audio cable to use the speakers. The main holder looks like it will rotate by at least ninety degrees.

You can see the short video presentation below:

We’re seeing a blossoming of Android accessories that go beyond the standard case and screen protector. The Galaxy Tab series will be getting its own speaker dock soon, thanks to iLuv. The as for the NOOK Docking Station, there’s no price just yet, but ReaderDock says it should be available sometime this month. If you’re interested, you can sign up for email alerts on their website.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : NOOK Tablet
    Manufactuer : Barnes and Noble
    Carrier :
    Announced Date : November 07, 2011
    Release Date : TBA
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 7 Inch
  • Resolution : 1024x600
  • Screen Type : VividView IPS
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 8.1 Inch
  • Width : 5 Inch
  • Depth : .48 Inch
  • Weight : 400 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Polymer
  • Battery Capacity : mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • 3GP
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
Hardware
    CPU : OMAP4
    CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 16 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    FM Radio :
    NFC :


Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : NOOK Color
    Manufactuer : Barnes and Noble
    Carrier :
    Announced Date : October 26, 2010
    Release Date : November 19, 2010
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 7.00 Inch
  • Resolution : 1024x600
  • Screen Type : VividView Color Touchscreen
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 8.1 Inch
  • Width : 5.0 Inch
  • Depth : 0.48 Inch
  • Weight : 447.9 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 4000 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.2.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • MP3
    Video Playback:
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
Hardware
    CPU : Cortex A8
    CPU Clock Speed : 800 Mhz
    Core : 1
    Ram : 512 MB
    Internal Storage : 5 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Location Features:
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

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NFL Mobile updated to support Android 4.0 — just in time for Playoffs [Update]

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 04:12 PM PST

For all those that happily ran out and purchased a Samsung Galaxy Nexus from Verizon that quickly learned the popular NFL Mobile app exclusive to Verizon (that is free for 4G LTE phones) didn’t support your device, I have some good news for you today. After reporting the app would be updated 2 weeks ago sadly that never happened but today is finally the day and Verizon has just issued an update bringing Android 4.0 support — but there’s a catch.

I’m seriously hoping that Verizon accidentally just pushed the wrong version to the Android Market because even though I received the update notification on my Galaxy Nexus, and did the update I still don’t have support. The “what’s new” notes clearly states Android 4.0 device support but it appears someone either forgot to include the most important Android 4.0 device or Verizon just made a small mistake.

Obviously the only Android 4.0 device on Verizon currently is the Galaxy Nexus so that would be the only device they’d need to include with this update but sadly they managed to forget about it. I have a feeling they just pushed the wrong version to the Android Market and another update will be available later today or sometime tomorrow to fix the problem and our beloved Galaxy Nexus phones will be supported. In the meantime we’ll have to resort to something else. I know I was extremely excited and immediately gave it a try and almost threw my phone into a wall when I received the above error still.

Thanks for the somewhat quick update Verizon — although this should have been handled before the device launch. You’ll need to give us another update soon or many will be quite angry. I’m just going to cough this up as a laugh out loud moment for Verizon that will get fixed momentarily. I hope so at least.

Update: The update is only working for some users apparently. Try clearing data in setting > applications and then trying again. I uninstalled and reinstalled to get it to work. Fail for Verizon but at least we have the update before the season ended.

NFL Mobile Market Link

Playoffs… Playoffs!

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Canadian carrier Fido may get Galaxy Nexus and Moto RAZR on Jan. 10

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 03:55 PM PST

Canucks already have a few options when it comes to both the Motorola RAZR (the international name for Verizon’s DROID RAZR) and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. In a few days, they’ll have at least one more. MobileSyrup reports that both phones will be hitting regional carrier Fido next Tuesday. Rogers will also be getting the Galaxy Nexus on the same day, though they’ve been promoting it for some time. Just one week until either RAZR-thin phones or Ice Cream sandwich comes to Fido’s customers – what a decision.

The RAZR has been confirmed for a $100 price point on Canada’s standard 3-year contract (yikes). Rogers has the phone for the same price. The Galaxy Nexus price isn’t currently known, but considering the phones’ relative value elsewhere, they’ll probably be pretty close. On Bell and Virgin Mobile, the Nexus is $159.99, with the same 3-year contract. Fido could score a real win by undercutting its competitors. though Rogers’ coverage is wide enough that it can probably match them or even exceed the price without breaking a sweat.

Of pissible interest to US residents is that Fido’s RAZR may come with the possibility of an unlocked bootloader. Motorola stated after the DROID RAZR announcement that it was prepared to unlock the bootloader on the RAZR on a carrier-by-carrier basis, and that Verizon had declined the opportunity. The Fido RAZR will be a GSM variant, compatible with AT&T’s non-LTE wireless frequencies… assuming you can find a way to buy the phone without signing up for a contract and getting the software unlocked. Next week might be a good time to call your friends in the Great White North.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : GALAXY Nexus
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier : Verizon
    Announced Date : October 18, 2011
    Release Date : December 15, 2011
    Also Known As : Nexus Prime
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.65 Inch
  • Resolution : 1280x720
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.33 Inch
  • Width : 2.67 Inch
  • Depth : 0.35 Inch
  • Weight : 135 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1750 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 4.0.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • AMR
  • MID
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : OMAP 4460
    CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 32 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :5 MP
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • GSM
  • CDMA
    GSM Band:
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :


Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : DROID RAZR
    Manufactuer : Motorola
    Carrier : Verizon
    Announced Date : October 18, 2011
    Release Date : November 03, 2011
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 4.3 Inch
  • Resolution :
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED Advanced qHD
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.15 Inch
  • Width : 2.71 Inch
  • Depth : 0.27 Inch
  • Weight : 127 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 1780 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : 8.9 hours
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AAC+
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : OMAP 4430
    CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 16.384 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
    CDMA Band:
  • 800
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1700
  • 1900
  • 2100
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

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Google makes Android 4.0 Holo theme requirement for Market access

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 03:46 PM PST

With Android 3.0 Google first introduced their new look and feel to Android with Honeycomb. Google has put in tons of resources and tons of work to get their UI where they’d like it for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. A new post on the Android Developers Blog has details about the new Holo UI theme and mentions that it will be a requirement for Android 4.0 devices moving forward.

Now for all those HTC Sense UI or Blur fans don’t get too worried just yet. This doesn’t mean that custom user interfaces will be going away (although I wish they would) it just means that key aspects of the user interface will remain in-tact in order for devices to get access to the all important Android Market and Google Apps. This is actually an excellent step and something Android has needed for a long, long time.

This should not only help developers, but also make updates beyond Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich easier and faster for those like HTC with Sense UI. Although many things will still be changed key elements will need to be in-line with the Holo theme from Google. This new system will also help developers easily build applications and worry more about their app and less about different skins, or UI changes that may break or cause problems with their application. Here is Google’s final thoughts:

Android apps running on 4.0 and forward can use the Holo themes and be assured that their look and feel will not change when running on a device with a custom skin. Apps that wish to use the device's default styling can do so using the DeviceDefault themes that are now in the public API. These changes let you spend more time on your design and less time worrying about what will be different from one device to another. Finally, Android's resource system allows you to support features from the latest platform version while offering graceful fallback on older devices.

Custom changes like colors or even menus will now be system wide making things more familiar for users, not to mention make third party apps look and feel like an integrated part of Android as a whole. With backwards compatibility and more this should really help the application and UI side of the fragmentation problems in Android. More details are available from Google themselves at the link below.

[via Android Developer Blog]

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Samsung backtracks on Value Pack for Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab [UPDATE]

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 03:03 PM PST

Bad news, Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab owners: The Next Web reports that Samsung has abandoned even the trifling “Value Pack” you might have gotten in lieu of a real Ice Cream Sandwich update.  The Value Pack had been rumored from the South Korean manufacturer after customer outcry at the news that there was no planned upgrade to Android 4.0. Ladies and gentlemen, ready your torches and pitchforks.

Further consternating owners of the original Galaxy devices was the fact that Samsung seemed to reject the update because the older hardware couldn’t handle both Ice Cream Sandwich and the company’s custom TouchWiz interface. The RAM and storage space on the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab simply isn’t enough to accommodate the large size and power requirements of the new operating system along with Samsung’s customised UI and widgets. Of course, the hardware itself is more than capable of handling ICS alone, as custom ROMs and Google’s official update to the similarly-equiped Nexus S prove. The alternative of upgrading to ICS without TouchWiz does not seem to have occurred to Samsung.

Android devices that are abandoned for major software releases in less than two years are unfortunately common. Perhaps this shouldn’t be so (especially considering that in the United States, manufacturers and carriers make huge profits by saddling customers with 2-year contracts) but it is. No doubt there will be some consumer reaction akin to what we’ve already seen with the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime. Failing a user-centric revalation at Samsung, there’s always custom ROMs, though perhaps users shouldn’t be forced to void there warranties just to run the current version of Android.

Update: Here’s Samsung’s exact words, via Business Insider:

A full update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for the GALAXY Tab(7-inch) and GALAXY S is not practicable due to hardware limitations.

Well, there you have it.

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Google gets patents from IBM, including “computer phone”

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 02:40 PM PST

In the great IP wars of the early 21st century, patents are bought and sold like AK-47s on the black market. And to extend the metaphor, Google just picked up a payload that might prove to be very effective indeed. The company has acquired 188 patents outright with another 29 patents pending being transferred to Google. The most interesting among them is a patent on the “computer phone”, issued way back in 1987.

Since wireless phones were in their infancy at the time and computers of the day were, without exaggeration, less powerful than some watches, the terms of the patent are naturally vague. It basically defines a small, low-powered computer that’s integrated into a short-range wireless handset, allowing for basic tasks to be performed with the dialer. There isn’t even any mention of the Internet in the filing, though a wireless network (presumably a LAN of some kind) is detailed. You can read the full filing for patent 7,499,726 at the US Patent Office.

The transferred IP includes a smattering of dozens of fields that IBM has been part of in the last few decades, including servers, video conferencing, instant messaging and more. This is almost certainly an attempt to fill out Google’s already considerable patent portfolio, which is widely considered to be the same reason that the company bought Motorola Mobility in 2011.

How will this affect Android? It’s tough to say at this juncture. The “computer phone” patent is unlikely to be as far-reaching as its title would imply, since IBM hasn’t been collecting royalties for the last 25 years. Just about any cell phone could fall under that definition. But it could serve as one of many deterrents to the likes of Oracle, Apple and Microsoft, though only Oracle has sued Google directly thus far.

[via SlashGear]

 

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Samsung Galaxy Note gets 4500 mAh extended battery, kickstand included

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 02:37 PM PST

With the Samsung Galaxy Note being in the news as of late, possibly headed to the US and getting ports of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or CM9 already I figure I’d let everyone know about an awesome accessory and extended battery for the smartphone tablet hybrid. From Mugen Power we have the 4500 mAh extended battery — awesome right?

When the Galaxy Note was announced having a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor and a huge 5.3″ screen I know many were worried about battery life — myself included. Samsung assured everyone they had that covered and indeed they do. Offering the Galaxy Note with a huge 2500 mAh battery that should last all day for most users.

For those that want to watch movies, draw portraits with the S-pen stylus technology or just love using that brilliant and bright 5.3″ Super AMOLED HD display all day long we have you covered. Mugen Power is offering a massive 4500 mAh extended battery for the Note — with a replacement battery cover and built-in kickstand. Now you can watch movies on that huge screen hands-free, and it will last for more than a few hours too. It adds to the thickness obviously, but not too much if you ask me.

If you’ve not heard of Mugen Power don’t worry because we have and they are great. This isn’t some cheap knockoff claiming 4500 mAh — this battery should give you a massive boost in battery life. It does come at a pretty penny and definitely isn’t cheap. Being offered in white, black, and red for a price of $109. If you truly need that much battery life head down to the link below and get your own today — shipping in a few weeks.

Mugen 4500 mAh battery for Galaxy Note

Screen Shot 2012-01-03 at 1.41.04 PM Screen Shot 2012-01-03 at 1.42.09 PM
Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Galaxy Note
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier :
    Announced Date : September 01, 2011
    Release Date : TBA
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 5.30 Inch
  • Resolution : 800x1280
  • Screen Type : Super AMOLED
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 5.78 Inch
  • Width : 3.27 Inch
  • Depth : 0.38 Inch
  • Weight : 178 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 2500 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : 390 hours
Software
    Android OS:
  • 2.3.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AMR
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • WMA
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
  • WMV
    Messaging:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU :
    CPU Clock Speed : 1400 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1024 MB
    Internal Storage : 32.768 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution :8 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 1080p Video Recording
    Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Proximity
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • GSM
    GSM Band:
  • 850
  • 900
  • 1800
  • 1900
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 3.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via Smart Droid]

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Google Music $0.49 sale ends today — better hurry

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 01:16 PM PST

This is mainly a public service announcement for all of our loyal readers that Google’s massive holiday music sale will be ending today sadly. They’ve been offering millions of songs for only $0.49 cents and full albums for $4.99 throughout the holiday season. If you haven’t bought up a few I’d suggest you hurry.

Many of those songs of which were Christmas or holiday inspired so I’m sure many got all the holiday jingles they could find. Who bought the Justin Bieber music? I sure didn’t but don’t be afraid to raise your hand guys. I’m one of the few that still wants actual copies of my music on CD or bought and downloaded to my PC but at just $4.99 for entire albums I bought my fair share.

While Google has been pushing their new Music store quite hard with free songs of the day and massive sales like this recent one we don’t know when the next big opportunity for cheap music will come around. If you haven’t already bought a few albums you’ve been eying today would probably be a good time to snap up a few before the sale officially ends tonight. Buy the music right on your phone from the Android Market or hit the link below and get started.

Music Market Link

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