Android Community |
- FXI Cotton Candy Android 4.0 USB stick shipping soon
- Virgin Mobile to offer unlimited talk and text $40 PayLo plan
- Samsung Galaxy S III up for sale early in Dubai
- Samsung: Apple lawsuits didn’t change the Galaxy S III
- Google’s Motorola acquisition is final
- Carphone Warehouse says “thousands” of Galaxy S III smartphones pre-ordered
- Netflix for Android updated with improved video streaming
- Apex Launcher adds themes in version 1.2
- Verizon confirms global roaming for Rezound and three DROIDs
- The birds are back in town: Angry Birds Heikki landing in June
- HTC EVO 4G LTE cleared from customs, shipping on Thursday
- PowerSkin extended battery case lands for the HTC One S
- Spotify music streaming heads to Australia and New Zealand
- Facebook purchases Karma – social gift service
- ASUS Transformer Pad TF300 update rolling out
| FXI Cotton Candy Android 4.0 USB stick shipping soon Posted: 22 May 2012 11:12 AM PDT If you’ve been wanting Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on a stick this little device is worth the wait. We first reported on the FXI Cotton Candy USB stick back in January, and received some hands-on during Mobile World Congress in February. The Computer-on-a-stick was supposed to ship in March but pre-orders will now be shipping at the end of the month with a slight design change and improved hardware.
FXI Tech calls this the “world’s smallest PC” running on Ubuntu and now Android 4.0, along with embedded virtualization clients for Windows, Linux and Mac if you’d like. The March release date was delayed until the end of May as they improved Android 4.0 support, tweaked and improved the design with black end covers and more, and even beefed up the internals so all those wanna-be computers-on-a-stick don’t stand a chance. The Cotton Candy is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 processor, a quad-core Mali 400 GPU for graphics (Galaxy S II power), 1GB of RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth and even a micro-SD slot for up to 64GB of storage.
Yup, all of that in a 3-inch device the size of a pack of gum. Who wants one? On the ends we have HDMI out with 1080p performance to connect to your HDTV, USB 2.0 on the other end, with microUSB in the middle for additional options for peripherals or a mouse. If you didn’t want one before, you’ll surely want one now with the new design shown above. FXI is shipping late this month in Norway (their home country) and they will be available for the US and other parts of the world later this summer, hopefully late June because I want (need) one. Pre-orders were for $199 but they appear to be sold out for now and will be available again shortly. Get your own via the link below.    [via FXI Tech]
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| Virgin Mobile to offer unlimited talk and text $40 PayLo plan Posted: 22 May 2012 10:31 AM PDT Virgin Mobile has just outed a new no contract pre-paid plan options for those folks who don’t need a top-tier smartphone but still love to talk and text. Announcing the new Virgin Mobile pre-paid PayLo plan offers unlimited talk and text, with 50 MB of data (web access) for $40 monthly. While the deal sounds decent this is more for feature phones that have web access, not a smartphone running Android.
For the average feature phone user that requires the very seldom use of web access this is potentially a good deal. While 50 MB isn’t a lot of data, Virgin Mobile’s feature phones don’t have big screens and shouldn’t use up too much of that data. Virgin offers some impressive Android devices like the Motorola Triumph but that doesn’t fit the bill for this new plan.
The new unlimited PayLo plan is their third option for feature phone users and the unlimited usage applies to calls, texts, picture messages, emails, and even instant messaging apps. If you are one to talk for hours and hours or have some text crazy kids this is a pretty good no contract option for those in need. Head to Virginmobile.com for more details. [via SlashGear]
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| Samsung Galaxy S III up for sale early in Dubai Posted: 22 May 2012 09:55 AM PDT Most of us are still patiently waiting for the brand new flagship Samsung Galaxy S III to finally arrive and be available to buy. Although the phone isn’t supposed to be on the market until the very end of the month, we can now confirm from multiple reports the Galaxy S III is on sale in parts of Dubai.
Thanks to a lucky member of Reddit advertisements for the phone were spotted stating “available now” at a small retail shop inside a Dubai mall and he was lucky enough to walk away with the brand new phone. According to the reports others have also purchased the phone in parts of Dubai, and that particular shop has a good amount of inventory of the highly anticipated superphone from Samsung. We are hearing the phone was purchased for around $667, a price that is much cheaper than any of the current pre-orders we’ve been seeing appear online these past few weeks. Even though the phone has seen huge numbers of pre-orders, this shop is selling early. The Samsung Galaxy S III isn’t slated to officially be released until May 29th, then the 30th in the UK, so about a week from now. For those of us here in the US the wait will be a little longer. If you must have this phone asap, you should probably start checking eBay right about now. Most likely this is a mistake by a few retail shops in Dubai but until we hear further details it should still be available for purchase if you’re located in those parts. Let us know if you’re able to buy one in the comments below.   Device Info
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 [via PhoneArena]
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| Samsung: Apple lawsuits didn’t change the Galaxy S III Posted: 22 May 2012 07:45 AM PDT After the Galaxy S III launch at the beginning of this month, some of our fellow Android bloggers (whom I have nothing but respect for, by the way) put forth the idea that the flagship phone’s somewhat uninspiring design was created specifically to dissuade Apple’s legal bulldogs from attacking. While there have been some excellent points made to that effect, Samsung Vice President Chang Dong-hoon categorically denied them, stating that “our change in smartphone design is part of a five-year plan, not a sudden turn-around.”
The question was posed from a local news outlet, who apparently browses some of the same blogs we do. There’s certainly a compelling case to be made: the Galaxy S III does away with perpendicular sides, persistent corners and other functions of bi-lateral symmetry, all of which have been cited by Apple in its various patent and design complaints around the world. The new version of TouchWiz on the phone does away with some distinctly iPhone-like elements like a persistent homescreen dock. Who’s telling the truth? I’d encourage you to be your own judge, but for my two cents’ worth, Samsung would be stupid not to consider Apple’s patent bullying in its new designs. If the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, which is the spitting image of the Galaxy Tab 10.1N (designed to evade Apple’s patent-based ban in Germany) is any indication, they already have. Device Info
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[via The Verge]
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| Google’s Motorola acquisition is final Posted: 22 May 2012 06:46 AM PDT The long courtship is over. Just days after securing conditional approval from China, Google’s 12.5 billion dollar acquisition of US-based Motorola Mobility is complete. Google announced the news on its official blog, taking special care to note the replacement of former Moto CEO Sanjay Jha. Unfortunately, the post was noticeably lacking in concrete details on how Google plans to leverage its new (if not overly shiny) multi-billion dollar toy.
From Google CEO Larry Page:
Page also confirmed that current Google SVP Dennis Woodside will take over as CEO of Motorola Mobility. Woodside’s experience with Google is primarily in advertising, increasing Google’s revenue in the American ad market by 75%, and he’s apparently been instrumental in the months-long acquisition process. Woodside’s experience in the mobile field, and in hardware in particular, is unproven. Google has insisted for some time that Motorola will operate as an independent company after the acquisition, though the appointment of a Google inside man to the company’s highest post casts doubt upon that. After all, Jha led the company through the “DROID” era, literally saving it from disaster. Those hoping for a true first-party manufacturer for Android have been disappointed in the last few months as Motorola has kept its dogged dedication to Blur and other “skins”, and refused to unlock bootloaders against carriers’ wishes. Will Motorola be Google brand in paperwork only? Plenty of pundits have speculated that the purchase was for Motorola’s impressive patent portfolio, something that Page alluded to with his references to the StarTAC. It’s unlikely that we’ll see a portfolio of Nexus-style devices, though one or two many be incoming as Google changes its strategy. We’ll be keeping a close eye on these corporate bedfellows in the coming months – it’ll be interesting to see if anything comes out of Google I/O in July.
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| Carphone Warehouse says “thousands” of Galaxy S III smartphones pre-ordered Posted: 22 May 2012 04:47 AM PDT One of the most anticipated smartphones in 2012 is the Samsung Galaxy S III. Carriers all around the world have been taking pre-orders on the smart phone for a while now and so far, about 9 million units have been pre-ordered. What we haven’t known is how that massive number of pre-orders breaks out by country and carrier.
Carphone Warehouse in the UK is given an indication of how well it’s doing with pre-orders for the smartphone. According to the company “thousands” of units have been pre-ordered already. Carphone Warehouse is the largest distributor in the UK and the only retailer to offer devices for all major UK mobile networks. Since the company offers devices on all major networks, it would be a good indicator of how well the phone is doing overall within the UK. The S III is set to launch officially on May 29 at 7 PM for pre-order customers with general sales starting on the 30th at all Carphone Warehouse stores. The device is free on monthly tariffs at £28 per month or higher. [via SlashGear]
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| Netflix for Android updated with improved video streaming Posted: 21 May 2012 08:07 PM PDT The official Netflix for Android has received a rather minor update this evening. While the update is pretty small it does promise an “enhanced playback experience” for phones and tablets, and even an additional installation method for those that might be having issues. Check out all the details after the break.
Netflix for Android has seen various updates and improvement over the past few months, including Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich support, improved UI and volume controls, and now this update today. While the video playback and streaming still leaves something to be desired I can honestly say this update does improve the experience as they claim. Even WiFi could be better, but we’ll take it for now. Here’s the official changelog: – Enhanced playback experience on phones and tablets Neflix has also added a secondary installation method for some reason. While it’s nice that they are offing this for anyone having “problems” I don’t know of anything worth mentioning in regards to updating an app from the Play Store directly.
I guess that is better than downloading and installing some random and possibly unsafe version of Netflix. After all that was an issue last year for Netflix when fake versions were causing some problems. If you’re going to install it manually at least use the correct one from Netflix themselves. Get the update from the Play Store link and enjoy all of our Netflix coverage below.
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| Apex Launcher adds themes in version 1.2 Posted: 21 May 2012 07:03 PM PDT For Ice Cream Sandwich users, launcher options are still pretty thin on the ground. Nova Launcher was one of the first, and our current favorite, and of course standard launchers from Gingerbread and further back still work. But the real competition is Apex Launcher, likewise based on the source code from the stock Android 4.0 launcher. It gets a major update today, so try the free version in the Google Play Store.
The biggest addition is theme support, which can incorporate themes designed for a variety of launchers, including ADW, LauncherPro (rest in peace) and Go Launcher. The grid now extends up to 10×10 icons (handy if you’re rocking a modded Galaxy Note) and gesture support has been improved. The developers know their audience, and have added integration with the CyanogenMod 9 settings menu for custom ROM users. Some of the more advanced features (like themes) require the $3.99 paid version, and we’re perfectly fine with that. Good on you, Android Does, for offering a free version as well. All the standard bells and whistles are also present, for those who love to modify each and every aspect of their launcher compulsively. Give it a try, why don’t ya?
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| Verizon confirms global roaming for Rezound and three DROIDs Posted: 21 May 2012 05:45 PM PDT We’ve seen hacks and hints, but Verizon has finally confirmed that select devices in its 4G LTE stable will be getting access to global roaming soon. The HTC Rezound and the Motorola DROID RAZR, DROID RAZR MAXX and DROID 4 will all have their latent GSM capabilities switched on this summer, with voice roaming possible in “more than 220 countries” and data in “more than 205″. Exact dates were not given.
Just like current CDMA world phones, customers will need to pay extra for a global roaming feature from the carrier. Luckily, this can be enabled independently from your contract when you begin travelling and turned off when you return. Likewise Verizon didn’t detail the prices it would charge for international roaming, but the current prices at the Verizon Global website range from about 40 cents per minute to as much as nine dollars. In related news, a Verizon retail associate told us that all Verizon 4G LTE devices were capable of international roaming, and that the feature would be activated for these devices soon. Take this with a grain of salt, of course: retail employees are known for being rather creative when it comes to information. In any case, this is good news for Verizon customers planning on travelling abroad – hopefully the LTE roaming capabilities will be added before the Summer Olympics begin.
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| The birds are back in town: Angry Birds Heikki landing in June Posted: 21 May 2012 05:00 PM PDT The Angry Birds are back (from outer Space) or at least they will be come June 18th. That’s the day Rovio has pegged for “Angry Birds Heikki“, another themed version of the ever-popular mobile game. The birds are once again dipping into the sponsorship pool, as the title references Formula 1 race car driver Heikki Kovalainen from Finland. Rovio is based in Finland, so naturally they’re expressing some national pride.
Currently the teaser site simply has a race-themed image of the familiar red bird, and no clues as to actual gameplay. Logic dictates that this will be yet another slingshot-style puzzle game, just like every Angry Birds title thus far. But some rumor suggests that the game takes a different track altogether, going in the traditional cartoony racing genre typified by Nintendo’s Mario Kart. I’m a little skeptical on this myself, since the developer has been quite single-minded thus far, but I’d love to see them try something different. In other Angry Birds news, Rovio announced today that it would be building retail stores and “activity parks” in major cities in China later this year. Just imagine it, an entire store filled with nothing but sqwuaking, aggravated stuffed avians! … yeah, we’re kind of glad this one is on the other side of the planet. [via Droid Gamers, via China Daily]
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| HTC EVO 4G LTE cleared from customs, shipping on Thursday Posted: 21 May 2012 04:27 PM PDT Good news, HTC fans: the belated EVO 4G LTE has been given the stamp of approval by the International Trade Commission, and is now cleared from US Customs. The high-end phone will be resuming its planned activities later this week, and is scheduled to begin its journey of freedom on Thursday, May 24th. The EVO 4G LTE said it was happy to clear its name, but will still fight to get its brother the AT&T One X out of the slammer.
Speaking of the One X, there’s no news on whether or not it has also been cleared by the ITC. In all likelihood a win for the EVO is a win for the One X, since it seems unlikely that HTC would modify the software on one and not the other. This mess almost certainly stems from Apple’s successful patent suit in the ITC, barring HTC from using certain kinds of contextual links for its dialer and email apps. While HTC’s phone seem pretty safe for the preset, there is unfortunately nothing stopping the ITC from investigating every new HTC Android device that enters the country for the same level of compliance. We may see more last-minute delays like this one (the EVO 4G LTE was scheduled to launch last Friday), or carriers may simply build the delay into their launch schedules. Those who pre-ordered the EVO 4G LTE will see shipments starting on Thursday, so hopefully the phone will be in retail stores by next Monday at the latest. Device Info
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[via SlashGear]
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| PowerSkin extended battery case lands for the HTC One S Posted: 21 May 2012 03:34 PM PDT For those looking to get better battery life for your shiny new HTC One S while also protecting it at the same exact time we have just the case for you. The popular extended battery company PowerSkin has just launched their newest case for the HTC One S. Providing tons of additional power while protecting your phone with a top of the line silicon case all in one.
You can learn more at Power-Skin.com or see our HTC Sensation or Thunderbolt PowerSkin Review. Their cases don’t replace your battery like many other companies. Instead it mounts via the USB port and provides additional power when you need it — all while protecting the phone at the same time. The new One S case provides almost double the power coming with a 1500 mAh extended battery for just $69.99. PowerSkin cases are rechargeable, lightweight, durable, and have status LED’s and a dedicated on/off button. If your battery gets low just turn on your case and you’ll have an entirely new battery to get you through the rest of your work day. Most extended battery options make your device fatter and heavier, and the same rules apply here. The only difference is the case is included so you get the best of both worlds. From today until June 5th get $10 off the HTC One S Powerskin case by entering promo code PSHTC123 at checkout and enjoy your new battery and protective case.    Device Info
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[via PowerSkin]
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| Spotify music streaming heads to Australia and New Zealand Posted: 21 May 2012 02:12 PM PDT The popular digital music streaming service Spotify that we love here at Android Community is headed to a few more countries. Starting today Spotify will be available in Australia and New Zealand for users to enjoy their wide array of over 16 million songs instantly on their Android phones, tablets, PC’s and more.
Spotify recently launched their new Android 4.0 ICS beta app that makes listening to all the music your heart desires even easier, available soon while their current app is available now in the Google Play Store. Spotify has a similar pricing structure for those in Australia and have three options available. Free is computer only and includes the occasional ad or two while still delivering quality music streaming 24/7. Spotify unlimited will be $6.99 and offers unlimited, ad-free streaming to any computer or laptop, then Spotify Premium (my favorite) for $11.99 a month offers complete audio bliss. Listen to any music you want, whenever. With unlimited streaming to computers, laptops, phones, tablets, as well as multiple other devices — Premium even has a listen offline caching system. Here’s what Spotify’s Co-founder had to say about today’s new:
To celebrate the launch each country has their own unique playlist including Australia’s hot 100 list called the G’Day Australia Playlist and a New Zealand playlist Kia Ora. The same pricing listed above applies to New Zealand as well, only each option is $1.00 more for some reason. Head to Spotify.com to get started today, enjoy those playlists, and give the Android app a try via the Play Store link above. For more Spotify news hit the links below. Enjoy the music folks!
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| Facebook purchases Karma – social gift service Posted: 21 May 2012 12:45 PM PDT It looks like Facebook has been getting some good Karma as of late because they’ve been rocking out. first with the purchase of Instagram, then they snatched up rival service Lightbox to get into the photography aspects even more. Now they’ve also acquired the social gifting service Karma — and you can’t forget about the Facebook IPO and stocks going crazy.
While Facebook’s stock is starting to dive hopefully good things will be headed their way. This weekend the founders of Karma announced the acquisition on their company blog, stating that Karma will continue as it always has and from here forward they’ll be joining the team at Facebook and will be bringing their passion to the social site. So what does all this mean? Clearly Facebook is doing plenty with all that money they’ve recently received — Not to mention Mark secretly got married this weekend. With Instagram, Lightbox, and now Karma all joining forces at Facebook hopefully they’ll really get cracking on the Facebook for Android application. It still needs some serious help. I wouldn’t be surprised if Facebook snatches up even more companies in the coming months so stay tuned.
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| ASUS Transformer Pad TF300 update rolling out Posted: 21 May 2012 12:11 PM PDT ASUS has just hit the start button on another update for their latest slate. The Transformer Pad TF300 quad-core tablet is getting a quick improvement or two starting today. Earlier this month ASUS updated the tablet and released the source code for those interested, and now are pushing another quickie out for the new budget-friendly tablet.
In early May the update was available for the US, and many other regions but today this appears to be rolling out for the US model. Bumping the build version from 9.4.3.23 to 9.4.3.29 and bringing along a few small changes. Just like the Transformer Prime, the TF300 OTA is helping out the WiFi and camera as both of those versions have been changed. The TF300 doesn’t suffer the same WiFi issues as the Prime, but any improvements are more than welcome. According to Droid-Life the update is rather small and no noticeable changes were made other than the very few mentioned above. If you’ve got one give it a try and let us know what has changed. If you’d like your own Transformer Pad TF300 quad-core tablet make sure you head over and enter our TF300 Tegra Zone Giveaway. Let us know how the update goes in the comment section below. Device Info
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