Thursday 16 February 2012

Android Community

Android Community


HTC One V to be announced at MWC focusing on Beats Audio

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 11:41 AM PST

As the week continues it appears that HTC’s new naming scheme is all but confirmed. Yesterday we reported that the new names for a few of their upcoming devices were the HTC One X and the One S. Today new details have also leaked mentioning a third device to be announced at Mobile World Congress. Previously known as the HTC Primo this Beats Audio focused phone will be the HTC One V.

As we already know and have link to below, the One X will be the official name for the quad-core HTC Edge, while the HTC Ville will be known as the HTC One S. Sources from Pocket-Lint have now confirmed the One V and possibly even a HTC One XL too. The new naming scheme is a bit odd but they look to be taking the same approach as the others — like Samsung’s Galaxy, and LG’s Optimus to keep things simple. As long as we don’t get names like Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch, (way too long) I’ll be happy.

If sources are accurate the new HTC One V will be their newest and most audio-focused device yet. Clearly using the Beats Audio integration and bundled with new headphones from Beats Audio. Being the smallest of the three we are expecting to see at MWC 2012 with a 3.7″ display the One V will be powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Sense UI 4.0 and have a single-core 1.0 GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. It will be a mid-tier budget friendly device with a 5 megapixel camera. As we mentioned above it was previously rumored as the HTC Primo but we can expect it to be announced at the end of the month as the HTC One V. Stay tuned for more details as we will be live at Mobile World Congress.


Acer Iconia Tab A500 and A100 Android 4.0 ICS updates coming in April

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 11:04 AM PST

Acer has just issued an update to ease the minds of all the owners of the Iconia Tab A500 Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet. Over on the Acer New Zealand Facebook page they have announced the A500 tablet should see an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in April. With other Acer tablets already starting to get the latest from Google I’m sure many A500 owners aren’t too happy with the news.

I wouldn’t really call this good news. The recently released Acer Iconia Tab A200 started getting the Android 4.0 update this week, and we all expected the A500 to get the same treatment very soon — not in two months. The April update status comes from Acer New Zealand and here is what they officially had to say:

Great news, everyone! We've just got confirmation from HQ that the Iconia Tab A500 will be getting Ice Cream Sandwich in April. No exact date yet, but we'll let you know when we have it. What are you looking forward to most in ICS?

At first we were hoping New Zealand was just behind on the times but yesterday @AcerAmerica also tweeted the same news. Confirming the update wont arrive for US owners until April either. To make it worse they even say mid-April. Most likely developers will get their hands on the A200 update and port it over to the A500 but for now it looks like you guys will have to wait. Previous rumors suggested the A500 would not receive Android 4.0 but those were simply false. Expect an update in a few months guys.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : ICONIA Tab A500
    Manufactuer : Acer
    Carrier : Verizon
    Announced Date : February 16, 2011
    Release Date : April 26, 2011
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 10.10 Inch
  • Resolution : 1280x800
  • Screen Type : LCD
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 10.24 Inch
  • Width : 6.97 Inch
  • Depth : 0.52 Inch
  • Weight : 730 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 3260 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 3.1.x
    Audio Playback:
  • AAC
  • AMR
  • MP3
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
Hardware
    CPU : Tegra 2
    CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1024 MB
    Internal Storage : 16.384 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 5 MP
    External Storage:
  • MicroSD
  • MicroSDHC
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
  • 720p Video Recording
    QWERTY :
Cellular Network
    Network Technology:
  • CDMA
Device Connectivity
    Wi-Fi:
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
    Bluetooth:
  • Bluetooth 2.0
    Location Features:
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :


Fujitsu roadmap shows two new Android tablets in the works

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 10:58 AM PST

Fujitsu isn’t what we’d call a household name here in the US when it comes to Android devices, although they do make plenty of other laptops and ultrabooks. While we’ve seen Android devices from them before, and even received some hands-on time with their new ARROWS ES waterproof tablet at CES, this latest roadmap reveals two entirely new tablets coming soon — one looks to rival the Transformer Prime too.

In the image above we’ll ignore the all-in-one PC’s and Windows 8 stuff and focus on the two we are interested in. And that is those Android tablets. First up we see they are announcing a new budget friendly “Mainstream Android media tablet” coming as soon as June 2012 — hopefully with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. That isn’t all either.

Then near the bottom right you’ll see that other tablet, the one that we are most excited to see. That is the “detachable performance slate” listed as coming September 2012. Obviously these types of roadmaps giving dates are always subject to change, but we’ll take all the information we can get. While it doesn’t specifically mention Android, Windows 8 wont be available in September and I can’t imagine them releasing it for Windows 7 with 8 merely a few months away. So we are going to assume that will be a ASUS Transformer and Lenovo S2 type hybrid tablet. Calling it a performance slate also gives us reason to believe it will be quad-core. Most likely the NVIDIA Tegra 3. It could also possibly run both Android and Windows 7 so they’ve not listed a specific OS, that is another possibility.

Fujitsu has been slowly making better and better hardware for Android and I look forward to seeing something new from them soon.

[via NotebookItalia]


Google updates Androidify Avatar App, still struggles on Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 10:26 AM PST

Following updates to Google Maps, Google Voice and a few other apps by Google this week, today they’ve released a quick bug fix update for the popular Androidify application for Android. If you haven’t used this to create a custom Android robot avatar yet — now would be a good time. The update is available now but for some reason still struggles on the flagship Galaxy Nexus.

The last update for Androidify came back in December for the holiday cheer and today’s update is a rather minor one. While we were hoping for additional support for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and the Galaxy Nexus which makes sense being they are both from Google in a way — that didn’t quite happen. Many users in the Android Market are still reporting the app will not work on the Galaxy Nexus, or needs some tweaking first.

The new update fixed those pesky rendering issues, improved memory management and usage, and also added carnival assets and decorations for certain countries. A few users are also reporting the update erased all their previous creations and avatars so upgrade with caution or save them first. For some reason on the Galaxy Nexus we are getting a force close and it doesn’t seem to always work. It’s crashed one out of four times for me, but others are having more issues. I’m hearing you can force GPU rendering in developer options in Ice Cream Sandwich but that isn’t confirmed.

For this application to be right from Google you’d think they’d have multiple people working on the project that either tested on the Galaxy Nexus, or at least own one themselves and ran into this issue. We should see another update soon with full support but for now this will have to work. Enjoy those avatars and check out the BobbleDroids project below.

Market Link — Thanks J


Double Fine Adventure headed to Android

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 09:47 AM PST

If you’ve been following the gaming world for the last few weeks, no doubt you’ve heard about Double Fine Adventure, the new point-and-click project from beloved indie developers Double Fine. What’s notable about the project is that they’re skipping the publisher model all together and getting funding directly from fans, with the help of KickStarter. There was so much money donated that they blew past their $400,000 goal almost immediately, and are currently sitting on almost two million dollars for the project. That being the case, they’ve decided to expand the game to both Android and iOS platforms.

Double Fine is famous for their quirky and lively games, like Psychonauts. Members of the company’s development team include Tim Schaefer, David Dixon and Jonathan Menzies, whose notable projects include the original Monkey Island series and Grim Fandango. While traditional point and click adventure games have fallen out of fashion with modern publishers, the team’s talent and fan interest led them to begin development on the new game themselves.

They received so much funding via Kickstarter that they had to find ways to add value to justify their now massive budget. First on the docket is mobile versions: Schaefer said in a YouTube update that they’d be supporting select Android models in the final game. Voice acting will also be added, though whether or not it will make it into the final Android version is a mystery. Backers will get free access to a closed beta. As an additional treat, you can follow along with the developers as they create the new game via a constantly updated video blog. Considering the fact that other classics are already making their way to Android (including point-and-click sleazefest Leisure Suit Larry) we can’t wait to see what Double Fine comes up with.

[via Reddit]


Samsung’s official ICS ROM for the Galaxy Note leaked, not all models supported

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 08:43 AM PST

We’ve known for some time that Samsung intended to upgrade its gigantic flagship to Ice Cream Sandwich, and it looks like work is well under way to do so. A new alpha ICS ROM for the Galaxy Note has been posted to XDA Developers, and it looks like it’s an official Samsung release (complete with TouchWiz). The ROM was spotted on a Chinese forum. Don’t boot up your recoveries just yet, Note users: this software only works with the I9220 model number, and it’s localized for the Chinese market. The standard international GSM version, and presumably AT&T’s version set to go on sale on Sunday, are not supported. Flashing to these devices may brick them.

The ICS build itself is in the very early stages. Early users are reporting decent but not fantastic performance, and certainly not up to par with the Galaxy Note’s Gingerbread software. The file is huge, about three to four times the size of a standard ROM, presumably to include Samsung’s TouchWiz additions and custom apps that take advantage of the Galaxy Note’s S-Pen stylus. Testers are reporting issues with various kernels, and flashing this ROM without the correct kernel files seems to be a recipe for everyone’s favorite modder-themed breakfast cereal: Boot Loops.

Samsung previously stated that the Galaxy Note would see an update to Ice Cream Sandwich in the first quarter. That gives them about six weeks to get it out on time, though that timeframe is almost certainly only intended for the international version (i7000). Who knows when Samsung and AT&T might get together and update the US Note, which will launch with Gingerbread. In the meantime, modders can turn to the aftermarket, where modified versions of CyanogenMod 9 are already available.

[via PocketNow]


Shooter classic Max Payne coming to Android

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 07:56 AM PST

There’s a million stories in the naked city, but former NYPD cop Max Payne has one that could be thrown in the lockup for public indecency. After his wife and daughter are murdered by drug dealers, Max is making a take-out order for revenge, and a side of justice if he’s got the time. With two slugs in his stomach and twelve in his heater, the DEA agent searches the dingy streets of New York City, eventually infiltrating and disposing of most of the mob family that’s responsible for his family’s death. And in a couple of months, he’ll be waling his beat again on Android.

Max Payne developer Rockstar stated in a company blog post that they’re bring the classic PC shooter to Android and iOS platforms in a couple of months, to follow up on the successful launch of Grand Theft Auto III. No solid release date has been set, but since the two games have relatively similar engines and requirements (by today’s standards, anyway) it shouldn’t take the company too long to complete the port. A bigger concern will be incorporating Max Payne’s tight shooter controls into a touchscreen environment. GTAIII was hard enough – pulling off precision shooting on a mobile device just screams for a controller attachment.

The original Max Payne was released on the PC way back in 2001, with impressive graphics, a pleasantly noir (if not overly original) story and the first use of the “Bullet Time” shooting mechanic, which has since become a staple of the genre. The game was subsequently published for all major consoles, though the 2012 release will be the first time that the full game has been made available for a mobile platform. Max Payne should hit the Android Market at the same sub-$10 price that Grand Theft Auto III started at.

[via Androinica]


Rumor: Android 5.0 Jelly Bean due in 2nd quarter

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 07:23 AM PST

Put this one squarely in the long shot column. Supplier tipsters at DigiTimes claim that Google is encouraging its hardware partners to consider new tablets and netbooks that run Android 5.0, unconfirmed code name “Jelly Bean“, in the second quarter of this year. The anonymous Taiwanese source states that Google hopes dual-booting solutions for standard form factors can be created, specifically incorporating both Android 5.0 and Windows 8 ARM on the same hardware. Such a combination would be technically feasible, thougfh early looks at Windows 8 indicates that its ARM-flavored variant will be highly locked down.

The real surprise is the implication that Google would release yet another major Android revision in the first half of this year. To be blunt, this seems highly unlikely: Google’s aware of the version upgrade headaches that nearly every manufacturer seems to produce, most egregiously their upcoming acquisition Motorola. Three months after its debut, ICS still only runs on 1% of active Android devices. With the smartphone and tablet software of Android finally integrated in Android 4.0, Google had previously stated that they intended to shift to a once-yearly update schedule for major updates. While Android 5.0 is certainly in development, it seems highly unlikely that  Google would show it off before fall, even to its close partners.

The more interesting (and unverified) news is that Google’s positioning Android as a viable alternative to Windows. That would seem to imply that they’ve given up on Chrome OS, and are instead going after the same low-power laptop market with a reinvigorated Android, now grown up with more standard desktop features. It’s even got Chrome now, albeit in a limited form. As we’ve seen from the Asus Transformer, Motorola’s Lapdocks and various external viewing solutions, the idea of using Android as a traditional desktop OS isn’t as alien as you might think.

[via SlashGear]


Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 clears the FCC

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 06:52 AM PST

Samsung’s latest tablet will be making its American debut sooner rather than later, if the Federal Communications Commission can be believed. The FCC got their hands on the new 7-inch Galaxy Tab 2 just days after its official announcement, declaring the WiFi-only version fit for surfing American wireless waves. While an FCC filing isn’t always an automatic precursor to US sales, Samsung’s been pretty universal with their myriad Galaxy Tab models, so finding a Galaxy Tab 2 at a retailer near you in the two or three months is a safe bet.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is the second major revision to the original 7-inch Galaxy Tab, which launched almost 18 months ago. The Tab 2 has a lot in common with the newer Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, with the notable addition of Android 4.0. The Galaxy Tab 2 will be the first Samsung product to launch with Ice Cream Sandwich (aside from the Galaxy Nexus) and will bring along the tablet version of Samsung’s TouchWiz interface on top of ICS. The hardware retains the 7-inch 1024×600 LCD, and pairs it with a 1Ghz dual-core processor, 3 megapixel rear camera and 8, 16 or 32GB of internal storage.

Given the pricing announced in Europe, you can expect the Galaxy Tab 2 to fall into the $350-400 range for the WiFi model in the US. As some of you have pointed out, that’s a long way from budget-friendly (especially considering upcoming models like the $250 Asus MeMO 370T) but in Samsung’s current lineup it’d be at the bottom of the barrel. Samsung tends to put a premium on its tablet hardware even while its competitors strive for lower and lower prices. If mobile broadband versions are debuted as well, expect them to carry an even higher price tag.

[via Engadget]


Aura Slate is a mod-friendly Android tablet on the cheap

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 06:30 AM PST

Between the hubbub over the Eee Pad Transformer Prime’s locked bootloader and the continuing fervor surrounding Motorola’s locked down models, the ability for end users to access the hardware and software that they’ve purchased is becoming a major theme in the Android world. The level of access is, for some users at least, one of the most important factors in their buying decision for a new smartphone or tablet. A tiny startup called Aura Design aims to shake up the market with a new series of Aura Slate tablets, which not only open up the software, but the hardware as well: in addition to an open bootlader and easily modded Android build, the source code for Android and the hardware dirvers is ade easily available.

Currently Aura Design intends to offer two models of the Aura Slate, the 7-inch Model 726m and the 10-inch 926. Both are labelled as “coming soon” on the company’s small website. The company hasn’t announced pricing or availability for either model, but considering the pricing for some of their other low-end Android tablets, expect the smaller version to be about $130. It won’t be breaking any benchmark records; both models cure a Cortex A9 processor of currently undetermined speed. But the value-add for developers and modders is hard to overstate: Aura Design is already offering Ice Cream Sandwich updates for cheaper tablets, so both should be running Android 4.0 when they ship. Source code for Android and the ARM-based hardware will be distributed at launch.

Aura may be the most brazenly developer-friendly OEM we’ve ever seen. “Mischief encouraged. Hackers welcomed.” declares the banner on top of their site. The hardware they produce isn’t going to be anywhere near the quality of triple-AAA manufacturers – it looks like a collection of Chinese OEM designs with some developer-focused branding. Even so, the company is targeting a growing markets whose needs aren’t really being met at the moment. We’ll be keeping a close eye on Aura Design.

[via Tech Crunch]


AT&T expands 4G LTE in both Florida and North Carolina

Posted: 15 Feb 2012 10:23 PM PST

AT&T is finally starting to expand its 4G LTE market to improve coverage for the many capable devices it plans on releasing throughout 2012. Of these, the Samsung Galaxy Note and Nokia Lumia 900 are soon on their way; the Note’s release date is only 3 days away.


AT&T had already rolled out LTE in Charlotte, NC, and now they’ve flipped the switch for the entire Durham area. Orlando, Florida already had 4G LTE, but they’ve managed to expand there as well with new markets in the Tampa, St. Petersberg, Sarasota, and Bradenton areas. This puts AT&T at 28 4G LTE cities/areas.

Having adopted 4G LTE much later than Verizon Wireless, AT&T has a much thinner blanket over the nation. Verizon passed their 178 market target for 2011, and hasn’t slowed down a bit. We can’t put AT&T down just yet though, as they’re already ahead of other carriers for putting this new-gen tech to good use. As for T-Mobile and the Now network – it’s going to be a long road when trying to catch up to the big boys.

[via SlashGear]


Docomo offering special edition cover and free extended battery for the Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 15 Feb 2012 09:48 PM PST

Those of you in Japan rocking a Docomo Galaxy Nexus are eligible for a free special edition Google battery cover and a pocket charger. This offer is limited to the first 20,000 applicants, and a couple restrictions do apply. First off, you’re required to have a Japanese Docomo SC-04D of the Galaxy Nexus – and second, you must live in Japan. No exceptions.


From the flier, a miharu takizakura tree seems to be printed over the battery cover. No one needs these two freebies, but the fact that a carrier is giving 20K of them out for free shows how much they want to push Nexus sales. Docomo Japan likely hasn’t hit 20K sales for the Galaxy Nexus, so any of you looking to purchase one be sure to claim your free accessories incase they don’t mention them.

To take advantage of the offer, you don’t actually have to trek to a Docomo retailer. If you’re clicking this link from Japan, an application will be available online. Being based in the US, I couldn’t actually see what it entailed. This promotion stands from the 1st of February until the end of March.

[via SBS]


Facebook for Android updated to include faster browsing, games, and more

Posted: 15 Feb 2012 08:53 PM PST

Facebook was recently updated on Android, and brings many much-welcomed improvements to the table. First up, you can navigate to any tab quicker than before. The ability to view friends tags on pictures and play Facebook apps and games were also added. All this and more, but many early adopters have already started to report some problems.


Mainly, battery drain seems to be a culprit of the new version – but then again, it does state that faster notifications were a big part of the update. You’re now alerted in realtime through push notifications, which likely takes up more battery life than before. You’ll be able to edit push settings within the application, so those of you with problems could should give it a try.

Right above the timeline, you’ll notice easy access to a user’s friends list and subscriptions have migrated over too. I was skeptical about the whole timeline layout at first, but I have a feeling this mobile version will grow on me, that is – as soon as battery drain issues are tended to. Those of you that take the plunge, was it worth it?

Market Link


Android Community Evening Wrap-Up: February 15, 2012

Posted: 15 Feb 2012 08:19 PM PST

Earlier on today, we had found out CyanogenMod 9 may make use of Onskreen’s Cornerstone multitasking engine. It was just recently announced, and proved to be quite an amazing concept. Actually, we had wondered why the concept wasn’t already natively part of Android. Next, word got out that Verizon may release a white Galaxy Nexus with reduced price and storage. Reduced price is key here, and if a white model will be available at a reduced price, it’s almost certain another cheaper black variant could see stores too.


More manufacturers are finally starting to leak plans of quad-core devices to the public. First up, HTC will be releasing the HTC One X. This will undoubtedly constitute as one of their “hero devices”, so we’ll be on an extra-sharp lookout for any new information on it. Next up, the LG X3 quad-core was also detailed. Screenshots of benchmarks are available, and they do not disappoint. Both of these will likely be at MWC 2012, so expect a detailed hands-on with each.

Samsung may not be releasing the Galaxy S III at MWC this year, but they will likely unveil their Galaxy Note 10.1. That’s no typo – the device will actually be 10.1 inches, but don’t get too excited. We don’t expect it to have phone capabilities. Hopefully it does, but holding that tablet up to your face would look a bit silly.

And lastly, ASUS has delayed their ICS update for their original Transformer tablet to as late as March. It’s better later than sooner with bugs, and as you all know – their Transformer Prime software upgrades didn’t go that smoothly.


Asus delays ICS update for original Transformer to as late as March

Posted: 15 Feb 2012 04:07 PM PST

While owners of Asus’ swanky new Eee Pad Transformer Prime are already enjoying an official Ice Cream Sandwich update, owners of the OG Transformer have been left out in the cold. The company originally committed to a February release for the Android 4.0 update, not long after the January update for the Prime. Now Asus Singapore’s Facebook page has stated that the upgrade will be delayed, possibly until March, disappointing Android enthusiasts all over the world.

Asus has been comparatively fast with their updates so far, keeping the Eee Pad Transformer on recent releases of Honeycomb and upgrading the Transformer Prime just a month after its public release. Compare that to just about ever Android tablet manufacturer (with the exception of Motorola and the XOOM, a developer device) who almost never distribute timely updates. Considering the good will that Asus earned wit the Prime’s update and its bootloader unlock program, this is a disappointing turn of events.

Asus didn’t offer a reason for the delay; the Transformer’s hardware is more than capable of running ICS, and its software has a minimal deviation from AOSP code. The delay shouldn’t be set in stone – the various international arms of Asus have contradicted each other before, especially on social networks. In the meantime there’s a few options for the modder crowd, which have already begun delivering Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs based on Android’s open source code.

Device Specifications and Information
Device Info
    Device Name : Eee Pad Transformer
    Manufactuer : Asus
    Carrier : AT&T T-Mobile
    Announced Date : January 20, 2011
    Release Date : April 13, 2011
    Also Known As :
Display
  • Screen Size : 10.10 Inch
  • Resolution : 1280x800
  • Screen Type : LCD
Dimension & Weight
  • Height : 10.67 Inch
  • Width : 6.73 Inch
  • Depth : 0.51 Inch
  • Weight : 680 Grams
Battery & Power
    Battery Type:
  • Lithium Ion
  • Battery Capacity : 6547 mAh
  • Talk Time : NA
  • Stand By Time : NA
Software
    Android OS:
  • 3.0.x
    Audio Playback:
  • MP3
    Video Playback:
  • h.263
  • h.264 / AVC
  • MPEG-4 (MP4)
    Messaging:
  • SMS
Hardware
    CPU : Tegra 2
    CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1024 MB
    Internal Storage : 32.768 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 5 MP
    Camera Features:
  • Auto focus
  • Flash
    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
  • GPS
  • Cellular location
  • Wi-Fi location
    FM Radio :
    NFC :

[via Android Police]


ICS mod gives Galaxy Nexus true full screen, disables virtual nav buttons

Posted: 15 Feb 2012 03:38 PM PST

Android’s virtual navigation buttons, introduced in Honeycomb and expanded in Ice Cream Sandwich, have been something of a polarizing subject. While plenty of users appreciate the flexibility and aesthetic options they provide, others miss the physical feedback of real buttons, or would rather use the full size of the massive displays on current high-end phones. If you’re a Galaxy Nexus owner who falls into the latter camp, you’re in luck: XDA member “mrx8836350” (catchy!) has developed a method for banishing the navigation buttons altogether.

The tweak requires modifying your phone’s Framework.res file, and replacing the original with the modified version. This isn’t for the faint of heart, which is why the poster has supplied flashable ZIP files for the stock GSM Galaxy Nexus, Android Open Kang Project and Apex ROMs. Check out the source link for full instructions. For those who are wondering, the Nexus in its standard form uses true fullscreen only for properly-coded video apps like YouTube; most games and image viewers are stuck with grayed-out versions of the standard navigation buttons.

Check it out:

Of course, once you’ve disabled your navigation buttons, Android can get a little hard to… navigate. It’s a good thing that there’s already solutions for modded tablets without full Android buttons, like the Nook Color and HP TouchPad. Download Button Savior or Virtual Button Bar from the Android Market to compensate. As always, mod at your own risk, and make a Nandroid backup before trying anything fancy.

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 :


NVIDIA reports $4 Billion in sales, Tegra 3 phones coming this quarter

Posted: 15 Feb 2012 03:34 PM PST

Just like many other companies as of late NVIDIA is holding their earnings call. Sharing all the details regarding total sales, profit, and revenue for their products and offerings. Obviously with Tegra 2 dual-core tablets being hugely popular last year, and Tegra 3 about to take off we figured we’d share some of the details.

While they are reporting all their financial information CEO Jen-Hsun Huang shared some details regarding the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor that quickly got our attention. Previous reports from NVIDIA have claimed we could be seeing Tegra 3 quad-core phones soon and even at MWC, but today’s comments seal the deal.

This quarter we are expecting to ship Tegra 3 based superphones. At Mobile World Congress is when we expect to announce these devices, and we expect to announce and ship them this quarter. — NVIDIA CEO, Jen-Hsun Huang.

Announcing that not only will we see their phones debut at Mobile World Congress, but that they will launch this quarter — not next. We have a feeling that means some of the recently leaked and suspected phones like the HTC One X (HTC Edge) and the LG X3 quad-core phones could be released very soon — possibly as early March after MWC ends.

While $4 billion of sales and $581 million in profit sounds great most of that actually wasn’t from mobile. Jen-Hsun Huang reported that with over 4$ billion in sales only around $360 million came from the Tegra 2 and 3 processors and mobile division. While that is a large number, it’s only a small part of NVIDIA as a whole although they expact “vast growth this year” with the Tegra 3.

Another interesting note from the call is the talks of their acquisition of Icera. We’ve mentioned this before (linked below) but Icera is the smallest integrated 3G/4G modem for mobile devices and NVIDIA will be integrating their LTE chipset into their quad-core processors for what we’ve been hearing is codenamed project Grey. With Qualcomm offering a full SoC (system on chip) for manufacturers NVIDIA is aiming to offer the same thing later this year with Project Grey and the Icera Acquisition.

As soon as we hear more regarding their integrated chipsets we will be sure to update with all the important details.

[via The Verge : via NVIDIA]


Brick Force combines Android and PC platforms for Minecraft-inspired FPS

Posted: 15 Feb 2012 02:57 PM PST

Indie smash hit Minecraft taps into that part of your brain that loves playing with Lego: simple tools, endless possibilities. Of course, one of the most fun parts of building blocks is completing your edifice, waiting about three seconds… then blowing it to smithereens. For that essential experience, look to Brick Force, a new game combining the building elements of Minecraft with the fast-paced shooter action of games like Team Fortress and Counter-Strike.

The model for Brick Force is a little tricky: first, player build their FPS arena, then split up into teams to duke it out. Imagine it as a high-speed version of the custom maps that are available on most PC shooters. And speaking of PCs: Brick Force will combine both computer and mobile platforms for gameplay. You log into the company’s servers on your Android or iOS device, help your team build the arena, then switch to a computer browser for the actual battle.

This may seem a little odd, but for old-school PC gamers who prefer mouse and keyboard to dual thumbs (like yours truly) it sounds like an interesting take on the problem. Brick Force is still in early development, but you can sign up for the closed beta on the developer’s website. The beta program opens up on February 28th.

[via Droid Gamers]


Adobe Flash updated with more ICS device support, bug fixes

Posted: 15 Feb 2012 02:42 PM PST

The popular but slowly dying Adobe Flash Player for Android has just received another update today in the Android Market. With Adobe not officially supporting Android with or after 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in general this update is a bit confusing as it mentions “compatibility with Android 4 supported devices”. Adobe has also addressed some vulnerabilities in the security of the app.

The full information of bug and security fixes can be found here. Adobe specifically mentions added support for Android 4.0 ICS devices, as well as improvements with video while pausing on Ice Cream Sandwich. Apparently there were some vulnerabilities to Adobe Flash that could cause a potential attacker to take over, so that has also been addressed.

Basically we have a few small bug fixes, performance enhancements, and they’ve solved some security issues they found in-house, that weren’t yet a problem. With Flash not supported in Chrome for Android, and them slowly stopping support for Android 4.0 devices we have a feeling Adobe Flash wont be around our parts much longer. Either way the update has some security patches so I’d be updating right about now. Get it from the link below.

Market Link

[via Adobe]


Motorola details ICS updates, most devices will be waiting until Q3

Posted: 15 Feb 2012 02:04 PM PST

Motorola has just updated their Android software update plan to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and it isn’t good news. It looks like the update to 4.0 ICS wont hit phones and tablets in the US until Q3 of 2012. Along with the news they’ve also released a list of devices up first for the updates. So far things aren’t looking good for Bionic, RAZR, and DROID owners.

Currently only the WiFi Motorola XOOM has been updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest from Google. According to even more details from Motorola today it will be alone here in the US for quite a few months. As we’ve seen before, Motorola has outlined their update process and the “phases” these updates must pass before hitting our devices. It’s the screenshot below that has us worried.

From the release dates outlined it appears the Motorola RAZR (international version, not Verizon) will be one of the first to be upgraded to Android 4.0 ICS and then most of their recent Android phones are all listed for either Q3 2012 or mention “In evaluation & planning, further details to follow”. This could mean the RAZR and Bionic could actually be seeing update before Q3 but why they’d list dates for some and not the others is what concerns us. They could also be hiding the dates of their biggest phones to keep the competition at bay.

We’ve seen a leak or two of Android 4.0 ICS with Moto Blur for the RAZR leak so they are at least working on things, but we have no solid date to share with anyone other than Q3 or later. Hopefully Motorola just isn’t sharing the details for their top-tier phones because I’m sure no one wants to wait until Q3 to be updated. Full timescales for all devices and regions are in the via below. Take a look at the screenshot and decide for yourself.

Motorola-Ice-Cream-Sandwich Screen Shot 2012-02-15 at 1.50.01 PM

[via Motorola]


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