Android Community |
- GO Launcher HD hits the Google Play Store for ICS and Honeycomb
- T-Mobile myTouch 4G and myTouch 4G Slide updates rolling out
- Samsung Galaxy S WiFi 3.6 confirmed for the US
- Samsung Galaxy S III camera sample appears
- Dude Perfect game is like Angry Birds playing Basketball
- Google sued over Play Store’s 15 minute return policy
- Activision plans Call of Duty: Elite tablet app
- CyanogenMod decides root access should be optional
- HTC Rezound Android 4.0 ICS leaked with Sense 3.6 — get it now
- Sidekick 4G gets retired while T-Mobile hints at another in the future
- T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G unboxing
| GO Launcher HD hits the Google Play Store for ICS and Honeycomb Posted: 16 Mar 2012 05:06 PM PDT There’s no shortage of custom launcher apps for your Android smartphone, but when it comes to tablets, options have been somewhat lacking for the better part of a year. One of the first to release a true tablet launcher comes from a familiar place: the Go Launcher team. Their new app, titled Go Launcher HD for Pad, is designed for Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich tablets, and it’s a free download in the Google Play Store. If you’re looking for something beyond the standard launcher that’s built for tablets from the ground up, you should check it out.
The standard bells and whistles are present, including customizable home screens and animations, a new interface for adding icons and widgets, and more settings than you can shake a capacitive stylus at. It keeps the basic layout and structure of the Honeycomb/ICS launcher, but adds in a special section for GO’s extensive collection of free and paid widgets. In a nod towards the smartphone version of the launcher, there’s an option for a persistent set of docked shortcuts along the bottom row that are customizable, not unlike the tray icons in Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series. Early reaction is mixed. While most are happy to see another launcher option for Android tablets, many have reported stability issues with the early release. Expect this to improve, as the app is only at version 1.01 at the moment (the latest release was today, as a matter of fact). Other small complaints include ICS-style automatic folders and a few widget incompatibilities. Note that GO Launcher HD is only for tablets; even smartphones that run Ice Cream Sandwich won’t be able to install it from the Google Play Store.
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| T-Mobile myTouch 4G and myTouch 4G Slide updates rolling out Posted: 16 Mar 2012 04:30 PM PDT First things first, no this is not Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. We do have some decent news though and that is the T-Mobile HTC myTouch 4G and myTouch 4G Slide smartphones are getting an over the air update this week, and users should be getting it any time now. This doesn’t update to the latest OS but does bring plenty of fixes and improvement so stay tuned for more details.
According to T-Mobile, both devices will be getting updates with the original myTouch 4G up first and available as of yesterday. So it’s possible the update is ready for you now or will be landing any time now. As usual users can manually check for updates to get the latest version themselves. T-Mobile mentions that the myTouch 4G Slide however, will start seeing the OTA update arrive on March 19th, and should arrive for all devices by the end of the month. The what’s new list is quite vague but it appears users can expect to see performance updates and enhancements, Google security fixes, then improvements to WiFi calling, the genius button, and Netflix streaming. A new and improved version of the popular 3rd party keyboard Swype also comes pre-installed too. As usual the updates should arrive shortly or manually give it a go by heading to Menu > Settings > About Phone > HTC software updates > Check now. Let us know when you receive the updates, and if you run into any problems. For rooted users give OTA Rootkeeper a try from the Google Play Store. All the details on both updates can be found from the two via links below direct from T-Mobile. [via T-Mobile ; via T-Mobile (Slide)]
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| Samsung Galaxy S WiFi 3.6 confirmed for the US Posted: 16 Mar 2012 04:26 PM PDT In Samsung’s never-ending quest to fill every screen size niche down to the millimeter, they announced the Galaxy S WIFI 3.6 at IFA back in September. At the time there were no plans to extend it to the United States, but it looks like they’re shipping it over after all. Unfortunately, Samsung wasn’t forthcoming with a price or date for the portable media player, but it shouldn’t be too long before it joins the North American lineup. Previously Samsung has offered its Galaxy Player/Galaxy S WiFi series in only 4 and 5-inch versions in the United States.
The Galaxy S WiFi 3.6 isn’t out to set the world on fire for specifications, but it should be a good mix of utility and size. The 3.6-inch (duh) screen has a respectable 800×480 resolution on its LCD screen, with a 1Ghz Hummingbird processor powering Gingerbread and TouchWiz. (An ICS update is almost certainly not in the works.) The international version has either 8GB or 16GB of internal space plus an open MicroSD card slot, and both versions should make it to the states eventually. The cameras are a little underwhelming at 2MP and VGA for the rear and front, but at least there’s an LED flash. At 3.6 inches, the iteration of the WiFi/Player should compete directly with the iPod Touch. That being the case, we might see a very compelling price indeed: the 4.0-inch version can already be found for less than $200, so the smaller option may be at or around the $150-170 range. One can only hope. The Galaxy S WiFi 3.6 was previously confirmed to have Google Apps and the Android Market, which should be updated to the Google Play Store upon release. [via Geeky Gadgets]
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| Samsung Galaxy S III camera sample appears Posted: 16 Mar 2012 03:51 PM PDT Some new waves are starting to hit this afternoon regarding a sample photo or two that were taken with the new unannounced, and unreleased Samsung Galaxy S III. Obviously this is just a random image so we can’t take much from it, although seeing test pictures appear gives us hope that the smartphone is coming soon.
There are a few different things to take away from this photo. For one EXIF data from an image can easily be tweaked, or changed but according to this particular image it was snapped with the GT-i9300 — the rumored model number of the next Galaxy S III. It appears to be showing 8.1 megapixels for the camera although previous rumors suggest a 12 MP camera. It could be set to 8, or that might be what we get. At first glance this is a disappointing photo since the Galaxy S II takes very impressive photos. Sources are claiming the image was snapped by a shaky person and the EXIF data shows it was an HDR image so that explains some of the fuzzy aspects of the photo. Again like we said, EXIF data can always be tweaked but the account this image was uploaded to Picasa was from Andrea Samsung, so that gives us some hope of its legitimacy. We are still waiting for Samsung to give us some sort of official word on the smartphone, or at least announce the unveiling of the phones since it was not at Mobile World Congress. I can’t wait to get my hands on this phone, and I bet I’m not alone. [via Phandroid]
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| Dude Perfect game is like Angry Birds playing Basketball Posted: 16 Mar 2012 03:28 PM PDT Remember the Youtube group called Dude Perfect that made all those awesome videos shooting some of the worlds most impossible basketball shots? We’ll they’ve scored again only this time for Android. Instead of watching their videos on the go, how about play the game. Just recently released is Dude Perfect, an Android game based on the real-life dudes and you can get in on the Basketball action for only $0.99 today.
This is essentially a fun and challenging game where users are set up against some near impossible basketball shots with hoops in weird spots, covered by boxes, clouds and planes in the way, and anything else you can think of. It reminds me of a mix between Angry Birds and Paper Toss only you are playing Basketball, and it’s loads of fun. Make your own trick shots today and check out the video preview. What better way to get into the March Madness spirit than with a fun, challenging, and addicting basketball game for Android. With a physics based puzzle style, sports action, and awesome graphics this game looks very promising and is only $0.99 in the Google Play Store. Users can also choose an in-app purchase and get the level editor to create their own trick shots once they’ve managed to master all of them from the game. Sadly we already pay for the game, and shouldn’t have to pay for the editor too but why not support these guys — the game is sweet. Good luck making some of the hardest trick shots on a mobile device with Dude Perfect. Hit the download link below and give it a try today. The game is compatible with almost every decently powered device including every tablet I’ve ever owned, so enjoy it and let us know what you think once you give it a try.   
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| Google sued over Play Store’s 15 minute return policy Posted: 16 Mar 2012 03:13 PM PDT When the Android Market changed its return policy from a generous 24 hours to a paltry 15 minutes way back in 2010, there was no shortage of complaints. But it appears that two users went a step beyond and actually sued Google for the policy, in addition to generally misleading claims about the quality and working order of apps. The suit comes from Dodd J. Harris and Stephen Sabatin of California, who were unsatisfied with a Mandarin instruction app and Bit Torrent client, respectively.
The pair aren’t the only ones to be dissatisfied with the 15-minute grace period. Complex games in particular (which are often the most expensive) often require downloads of 100 megabytes or more, which are nearly impossible to download and install in the allotted time when using a 3G connection. Some developers have responded by marking their games WiFi-only in the Google Play Store (formerly the Android Market) but even then a less than optimal connection can create the same problem. Google has a hard time balancing the needs of app developers and users. For example, most Android games can be played and completed in far less than a day, making the full 24-hour period something of an honor system. Google claims that changed the policy because “most users return an app within 15 minutes”. Recent changes to the Play Store have allowed developers to host apps up to 4GB, which should at least ease the burden on servers, bu that doesn’t really solve the time problem. Harris and Sabatin are seeking class-action damages as well as attorney’s fees. Google has yet to comment on the suit. [via PCMag]
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| Activision plans Call of Duty: Elite tablet app Posted: 16 Mar 2012 02:35 PM PDT Call Of Duty’s Elite app for Android has more than half a million downloads, but publisher Activision isn’t going to rest on their haunches. They told T3 today that the augmented game service would be breaking out of its small-screen shackles and landing on tablets soon. Activision Product Director Noah Heller said that this was no mere upscaling; it’ll be a native tablet app on both iOS and Android, presumably bringing the user interface elements from Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich along with it.
For the uninitiated, Call of Duty Elite is an extra paid service that augments the Call of Duty games (most recently Modern Warfare 3) with extra downloadable content, lifetime and cross-platform stats and out-of-game loadout changes. Players of MW3 and Call of Duty Black Opps on any platform can sign up for the $50 a year service, which includes access to the current Android and iOS app. There’s no gameplay in the app, though video (tournaments and replays, presumably) may be a part of the tablet app. The current app isn’t exactly a smash hit with Android users. Reviews for Call of Duty: Elite have earned it a 3.2 rating, with login issues, rapid battery drain and a poorly copied interface. But then, players aren’t paying solely for the app – they want to know their K/D ratio and every last polygonal bullet they’ve ever fired. Here’s hoping that the more robust options available on Android tablets will inspire a more thorough Android version.
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| CyanogenMod decides root access should be optional Posted: 16 Mar 2012 02:28 PM PDT Devices running custom ROM’s have always been rooted. This is just how things are in the world of Android. Root gives you full control and access to well, root of your device. The power is yours after rooting. Yes you read our title right, moving forward the extremely popular CyanogenMod 9 will no longer be rooted. It will instead be a simple option to enable, but for security sake it will be optional.
In a statement earlier today on the CyanogenMod Blog they detail why they’ve chosen to take this route, what it means for their users, and how they’ll be achieving this added level of security. Being rooted opens your phone up to possible malware and attack. Moving forward CM9 ROM’s will not be rooted, and the apps requiring root access will not work out of the gate. Don’t worry though, an easy toggle will enable root access via three different methods. Below is how the new patches that disable root will work, and the configurations the CM team has decided on. -Disabled You can choose from the three different options for root access, and I’ll be doing the latter of the three myself. Root access will still fully be available, simple, and wont change in any way. Our devices as a result will become more secure and safe. With CyanogenMod being on well over 1,000,000 devices counting official releases and kangs, this additional step to provide a secure version of Android to their “customers” is a good move. This compromise gives enthusiasts root like they’ve always had, and keeps the security levels high for the rest of their users — especially now that CM is getting bigger and many new users are turning to their builds. More details and reasoning behind the changes can be found at the official CyanogenMod Blog from the via link below. So what do you guys think? Is this a good move by CM, or will you look for kang’d versions or other releases moving forward? [via CyanogenMod]
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| HTC Rezound Android 4.0 ICS leaked with Sense 3.6 — get it now Posted: 16 Mar 2012 01:33 PM PDT It looks like the latest and greatest version of Android from Google, version 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich is starting to make its way to multiple HTC handsets. HTC was quick to announce their devices that would see the update, but never detailed an actual time frame for most. If you have the HTC Rezound that day is today because Android 4.0 ICS with Sense UI 3.6 has just leaked in an official build. Get it and the details below.
This is an official build of Android 4.0 and Sense UI 3.6 for the Verizon HTC Rezound, and has updated radios that should help with signal, improve battery life, and of course bring you to the latest version of Android. Previous leaks were older builds of ICS with the original Sense 3.5 and weren’t all that stable. Today the folks at Android Police were lucky enough to get the file, so hit the links below and give it a try.
Again this is an official version, but most likely not the final release that will be rolled out to devices once it gets the green light from Verizon. We are hearing this is a release candidate and highly stable so if you don’t want to wait for it, you can have that tasty and frozen Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich right now. There is a completely stock version, and a pre-rooted version below for those that are worried about losing root access. The rooted version does not have the new radios so you’ll have to decide what you want. Users can try OTA Rootkeeper from the Play Store if they’d like to keep root, and try the stock versions with the new radio. Directions and download files: HTC Rezound 4.0.3 ICS stock – Download Link – Download file, rename it to “PH98IMG.zip” (no quotes) That is it! Let the phone do its thing and complete the update. It should reboot and you’ll be enjoying that tasty and buttery smooth Android 4.0.3 ICS and Sense UI in no time flat. The Rezound isn’t the only lucky one. The Sensation in the UK recently received a similar treat and the HTC Vivid update on AT&T was leaked yesterday too, but from AT&T themselves. Do this at your own risk, Android Community or the source of the files are not responsible should you run into issues. Enjoy Android 4.0 on your HTC Rezound and let us know in the comments below how it runs, and if you have any issues. Device Info
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 [via Android Police]
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| Sidekick 4G gets retired while T-Mobile hints at another in the future Posted: 16 Mar 2012 12:54 PM PDT Remember the T-Mobile Sidekick and all those cool people that had one? Well T-Mobile released another one last year called the Sidekick 4G that surely almost no one bought. While I still have a special love for the Sidekick, in this day and age of smartphones it’s a dying breed. Sadly we have now learned the latest model, the Sidekick 4G has been retired by T-Mobile and is no more.
While I’m pretty sure most of the general population isn’t too concerned about this news, I know a few die hard Sidekick or QWERTY keyboard lovers out there are a little depressed over the news. While making the announcement T-Mobile was quick to mention that while they are retiring the current 4G model, they aren’t killing the brand — leaving hope for a possible Sidekick HD in the future.
Now if they could just convince Samsung to manufacture it with a new fold-able and bezel-free Super AMOLED display that would be epic, and I’d be willing to buy one. For now we’ll just have to hope that maybe later down the road T-Mobile releases an HD model running Android 5.0 Jelly Bean and makes us all proud. In the meantime you can still snag one from T-Mobile’s site for $329 contract free, or free with a new 2-year agreement. Who wants this phone? Device Info
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[via The Verge]
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| T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G unboxing Posted: 16 Mar 2012 12:28 PM PDT Samsung’s latest Galaxy S device is about to land on T-Mobile next week. It’s known as the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G and will be available March 21st, and nationwide starting on the 27th for the low price of just $149. Today we’ve been lucky enough to get one early for some hands-on and an unboxing session so check it out below. Don’t forget to notice how speedy those 4G speedtest results are.
The Galaxy S Blaze 4G is what I’d consider an upper mid-range smartphone. It’s almost as high end as they come with a few very minor shortcomings. Does that make it a bad phone? Heck no! The specs are still awesome and will make anyone happy that doesn’t want to pay those $299 prices for LTE phones on Verizon and AT&T.
The Blaze 4G specs include a 4-inch 480 x 800 AMOLED display, a 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm S3 processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8 GB of storage (4GB built-in, 4GB user replaceable micro-SD). The device also comes equipped with a 720p capable 5 megapixel shooter on the rear with a 1.3 front camera for video chatting with Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread. Check out my hands-on and unboxing video below for a better idea of the hardware but my initial impressions are quite favorable, especially with what you get for the price. While the slight curve on top wrapped in aluminum feels a little too much like a Blackberry, the design is still quite excellent and feels nice in your hands. The soft-coated rubber battery cover also gives users an easy and safe grip.
Since this is T-Mobiles latest 4G (HSPA+) device we gave it a run of speedtest just for good measure, and came away pleasantly surprised. Getting around 9-12 MB/s on average here in Vegas for download speeds is comparable to Verizon’s 4G LTE on average, although LTE does have those days and spots where I crank out 25 MB/s constantly. Upload speeds were still a little slow here for T-Mobile but better than what we’ve seen in the past. So far the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G is shaping up to be an excellent choice come these next few months as we head into summer. It will be $149 with a new 2-year contract and you can learn all the details from the timeline links below. Sadly we don’t have Ice Cream Sandwich but hopefully that update will come soon enough, depends on how Samsung feels i suppose. Enjoy the video and stay tuned for our full review next week.          Device Info
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